One of the most famous island hole-in-the-wall joints, the Hawaiian Style Café is known throughout the islands as the spot to go for local dishes. Loco moco, Hawaiian plates and much more are offered at this counter-style diner. Be sure to have the country-style breakfast that will feature local grass-fed beef and huge portions. Cash only!
Great burgers with a local flavor - that's Village Burger for you! Choose from a range of delightful burgers which uses only locally sourced beef. Some of the popular items in the menu are Hawai'ian Ranch Burger, Hawai'ian Red Veal and Kahua Ranch. There are milkshakes to complement the meal, topped up with scoops of local ice creams. Overall this is a must-visit location for burger lovers.
Oenophiles will rejoice at this fantastic offering within the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel that gives as much attention to the food served as to the wine itself. The daily changing food menu centers around the restaurant's superb wine list, with the chef concocting excellent Hawaiian-inspired specialties with a creative bend. The restaurant boasts of an Enomatic wine storage system which allows patrons to sample pretty much every wine on the list by the glass; a sheer delight for wine lovers. The wine list itself is pretty diverse and throws up some great choices from the best wine producing regions. The restaurant changes character in the mornings to become a lively breakfast destination. The restaurant benefits from the hotel's stunning location and offers breathtaking water views from pretty much every seat. The light-filled outdoor area is an excellent choice for a romantic sunset meal.
This is a hidden gem along the Kohala Coast. Located in the Mauna Lani resort, this open-air restaurant is located along the beach behind security gates. Once past the sentry, the shaded parking lot gives way to the clubhouse that offers a private and secluded setting. The menu is a collection of island and Asian flavors combined with fresh local seafood, beef and produce. The restaurant offers an abundance of coastal views to enjoy while dining. Sunset dinner reservations are recommended. Dress is casual and the restaurant is cooled by tropical sea breezes.
One has just got to love a small town where the pizza franchises are absent and you can find a classy upscale pizza that will awaken the senses instead of just a hunger-numbing pie. This small spot offers the best pizza in town, along with flavorful gourmet sandwiches everyday but Sunday. The soba salad and the pan seared-fish sandwiches are beyond good.
Pueo's Osteria is one of those restaurants where you walk in expecting an enjoyable experience and it never fails to deliver. Cozy and dimly lit, yet lively, the atmosphere in here is perfect for a leisurely meal with family and friends. An array of authentic Italian dishes, line the menu, each crafted to perfection using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. Be sure to try their signature Riga Toni Ala Bolognese, Cannelloni al Forno and Veal Parmesan, while the wood fried pizzas are also well-worth a shot. To complement your meal you could opt for one of the heavenly desserts like the Lemon Ricotta Cake or the Housemade Cannoli.
One of the most famous island hole-in-the-wall joints, the Hawaiian Style Café is known throughout the islands as the spot to go for local dishes. Loco moco, Hawaiian plates and much more are offered at this counter-style diner. Be sure to have the country-style breakfast that will feature local grass-fed beef and huge portions. Cash only!
This is a hidden gem along the Kohala Coast. Located in the Mauna Lani resort, this open-air restaurant is located along the beach behind security gates. Once past the sentry, the shaded parking lot gives way to the clubhouse that offers a private and secluded setting. The menu is a collection of island and Asian flavors combined with fresh local seafood, beef and produce. The restaurant offers an abundance of coastal views to enjoy while dining. Sunset dinner reservations are recommended. Dress is casual and the restaurant is cooled by tropical sea breezes.
Located in a local shopping center in laid-back Waimea, this no-frills restaurant serves up plates of hearty Korean barbecue, along with kim-chee, sweet potatoes, katsu and other favorites. Carnivores and vegetarians alike can enjoy the flavorful entrees and side dishes. The food is inexpensive, filling and quite tasty. It is definitely something to sample at least once; most locals, Korean or not, eat here at least a few times a month.
One has just got to love a small town where the pizza franchises are absent and you can find a classy upscale pizza that will awaken the senses instead of just a hunger-numbing pie. This small spot offers the best pizza in town, along with flavorful gourmet sandwiches everyday but Sunday. The soba salad and the pan seared-fish sandwiches are beyond good.
Simple and not fancy, this tiny café is tucked along a back entrance to the Parker Ranch Shopping Center and offers a long list of yummy sandwiches that come with salad and other nice homemade touches. The café is a popular spot with locals from the nearby hospital and businesses, and during lunchtime, the café can get busy. For those on a tight schedule, the best approach is to call ahead and have your sandwich waiting when you arrive. That will allow more time to sit and savor some of the best sandwiches in the area. The café also has a great selection of baked goods. Brownies are especially yummy.
Enjoy Thai food prepared from delicious organic and gluten-free ingredients at Racha Thai. The restaurant is basically a kiosk with shaded tables where patrons can eat. Crab Fried Rice, Tom Kha Soup and Pad See Ew are some of the delicacies served here. The savory flavors of the Thai food can be balanced with one of the creamy smoothies Although tables can be a bit hard to come by, don’t let that deter you from trying out the amazing food served here. Note that Racha Thai doesn’t accept credit cards.