This is a fabulous lunch place with amazing views, as well as a great place to catch live music a few times a week at happy hour! They validate parking (you get three free hours) in the hotel parking lot, and the food here is good (although they have just gotten a new menu, so the jury is still out)! Service can be slow, depending on how many people are working, but the views and the food make up for it. The lighting for dinner leaves something to be desired, thus we prefer lunch. They can accommodate larger groups.
LUNCH & DINNER
Great for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. It's casual, right on the water at the South end of Alii Dr., and half of the tables are in the sand, under an awning. As I mentioned, they have live music nearly every evening, but note that they don't take reservations. Beachy feel. Great for drinks and appetizers. NOTE: Their new menu is not as varied as it used to be, and it's gotten more pricey. It's still a fun place to gather for drinks and small plates, however, but expect to pay the price for the location.
Lunch and Dinner (Breakfast on Sundays). Quinn's is a local favorite and an institution here in Kona. It's the country's southern-most Packer bar in the U.S., but more than that, it's also a place for really good food and a casual, friendly atmosphere. Aside from the bar area, there is an open-air (no view) back patio, and a front, air-conditioned side room. The fish and chips and fish tacos (go with the Ono for both) are DELICIOUS, and the portions for everything they have are generous. Service is always friendly, and (under normal circumstances) they also do large groups (even over 20!), as long as you call at least 2 days ahead and it's not a Friday or a Saturday. Casual. Great for food, drinks and can accommodate large groups. This is next to where the Splasher's (which is now closed) used to be, as you go up the hill (rather than down to Alii Drive).
OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER 11am - 10pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sun. Closed Wednesdays & Saturdays.
A new and really fun Tiki bar and restaurant in downtown Kona. They have good food, fun drinks and a great Tiki Atmosphere with a great view of the water!
Can accommodate larger groups. http://www.CheekyTikiKona.com
This is our number one favorite Thai restaurant. Service is SLOW, since it's only Charlie (the owner) running things usually, so don't go there if you are in a rush, but everything is spectacular. It's surprisingly nice and very Zen once inside. A local favorite. Great lunch specials, too.
Lunch and Dinner (and Take Out)
Super delicious and inexpensive AUTHENTIC Mexican food. Very Casual. Lunch only. It's a food stall in the International Market. The food is fresh and delicious. The ceviche tostada (we love a combo of fish and shrimp) is to die for - fresh every day - if you like ceviche that is. But everything is superb. Great for a super casual, Mexican-style low-cost lunch! NOTE: It's definitely a food court atmosphere, so don't expect a beautiful dining experience, but the food is worth it! Delicious!
Closed Mondays and Fridays.
Lunch ONLY
Also in the International Market, across from Mercadito Rincon. This is a famous Japanese chain, specializing in Japanese popcorn chicken and other Japanese-style fried (but not greasy) foods. They also have a variety of other items, including a grilled chicken bowl, Japanese Curry Rice, and lots of other items. The owner of the chain moved his family here to Kona to open this branch, and he and his family are the ones there serving and cooking. It's amazing! Reasonably priced for Kona, and like above, not a great atmosphere for eating, but worth it!
Lunch and Dinner
Closed Tuesdays.
This is by far our new favorite lunch spot! Located behind Costco this open air retaurant has an amazing view and lots of fresh breezes! They barbecue their own meat, and have a huge list of amazing sandwiches and bowls (with vegetarian and vegan options as well). Portions are very generous, friendly staff, and a fun atmosphere. Once their liquor license is approved, they will be open for dinner as well.
LUNCH ALL DAY
Closed Sundays.
Willie’s Hot Chicken opened just before the pandemic, and there is a reason it's been THE place to go, despite it all! This place is the place to go for…you guessed it…hot chicken. The quality of the chicken and the way it's prepared is spectacular (think crispy outside, juicy inside!), and the owners really care about your experience. WIllie’s offers seven spice levels to choose from; from no heat all the way up to something they call “Like Lava.” The menu at Willie’s is basic, but everything is perfectly executed. The chicken and fries are always crispy and hot, the mac and cheese is melty and delicious, and all of their house-made dipping sauces are fantastic. Wille’s offers both indoor and outdoor dining. We usually choose to eat outside, but if you choose to dine indoors you can expect a fun, casual sports bar atmosphere with good music and cold beer on tap.
LUNCH AND DINNER
This is a really delicious take on fast food with fresh ingredients and a friendly staff. They have Chicago style hot dogs, lots of interesting burgers - beef, chicken, and fresh fish, pork loin sandwiches, local grinds, and their french fries (freshly made each day) are to die for. It's a fast-food joint, but it's s pretty good atmosphere considering. It's tucked in off of Alii Drive, so go to their website for best how to get there, and to see their complete menu: http://www.islandonoloagrill.com/. Closed Wednesdays.
INDOOR DINING ONLY.
In Kealakua (South Kona). Worth the drive. Interesting burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps, tons of local beers on tap, wine, too. All of their rolls are fresh daily. They have a curry-catsup that is to die for, and a special spicy sauce as well. NOTE: You might get a bit of attitude from the folks taking your order. It's not personal to you. They are like this with pretty much everyone.
Fresh poke and unique Hawaiian food. There is now just one location, with indoor and outdoor seating. It can be loud, but an interesting experience.
Delicious and authentic Japanese food! A wide-ranging izakaya menu from Japanese Curry to Gyoza, with a huge sushi menu as well. I used to live in Japan, and the food here brought me right back. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations (by phone) recommended. Family friendly.
Closed Sundays
Highly recommended by locals and tourists alike. On the more expensive side, but worth it. https://www.sushisamhawaii.com/LUNCH AND DINNER
In the plaza across the street from Target, close to downtown. Organic, grass fed beef, all local fresh toppings. A step up from a typical fast-food joint, but still quite casual. Nontheless, the BEST when you are just craving a REALLY good burger. Original atmosphere, that can be loud at times. No view. Surf competitions are usually on the two TVs inside. Good fries as well. LUNCH AND DINNER
This is a cute little place with a killer view, located in Captain Cook (on the main road as you head south from Kona). They have great coffee, although reports are that with the new owner, the food has gone downhill and the prices have gone up. This is where you want to go if you value the view over the food. It's on the way to "Two Step" (near Honaunau - the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii), or on any day trip South. OPEN 7am - SUNSET. www.CoffeeShack.comBREAKFAST AND LUNCH
(Ulu Website). This is at the Four Seasons. Very romantic and beautiful. The view (right on the water, and in a GORGEOUS setting) is to die for; the food is AMAZING, and totally worth every penny. Please email me, and I am happy to make you a reservation via the manager.BREAKFAST AND DINNER
This is at the Kona Village. Outstanding food with a beautiful view and atmosphere. You will definitely be made to feel special here! They will seat up to 10 for regular menu dining. Please email me and I will be happy to make you a reservation here. (www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/kona-village/dining/moana-restaurant)DINNER ONLY
This is in Waimea; farm to table experience. No view; spectacular, fresh food with imagination. Excellent service. Great for a special, white table cloth kind of dinner.
At the Fairmont Orchid. This is further north than most of the restaurants on this list, but if you are staying up in that area, it is a wonderful choice, with beautiful views and great food. It comes highly recommended by many of my couples. http://www.fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii/dining/brownsbeachhouse/DINNER ONLY
This is also up north, at the Mauna Lani Resort. The food, atmosphere and dining experience are just wonderful, and worthy of a wedding dinner or any special occasion. https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/dine/canoe-house/
DINNER ONLY
www.huggos.com - Waterfront, right on Alii Drive, next door to the Royal Kona. They have an open-air bar, and waterfront dining with very friendly staff and excellent food.
This is a relatively new restaurant right in downtown Kona. It has a really nice vibe to gather for drinks, and for a meal - although note that this is a tapas place, so it's all small plates. The ocean/sunset view is AMAZING.DINNER ONLY
The atmosphere is on the more casual side of a table cloth restaurant. It's a great local restaurant with really solid food on the nicer (and more pricey) end. Locals and tourists alike frequent this spot for a treat night out. No view, and it can be warm inside at times. You will definitely need reservations. Lunch or Dinner. www.jackiereys.com
Beautiful view, fine dining. Farm to table. www.napuarestaurant.com DINNER ONLY
This is a Kona staple with the old-school Hawaii vibe right on Alii Drive in Kona. It's a bit tired feeling and their entrees can be lacking, but it's great for appetizers and drinks. Their calamari is some of the best you will have - even if you've never liked it before!
Breakfast here is good, but lunch and dinner are often mediocre, and the service is usually lacking, especially for the prices. Some people here love this place, but if you are a foodie, you will not be impressed.
