Best Casual Restaurants in Kailua-Kona

After reading several good reviews we decided to try Fish Hopper for our first dinner in Kona. We made a reservation and were seated immediately, the waiter was very prompt and polite. The service was great and the food was fresh and delicious. Would definitely recommend as a place to try. Also, the restaurant has a great location overlooking the bay, great spot to see the sunset, however the road going in front of the restaurant was a bit loud with drivers honking horns and reving engines as they went by at times. Other than that it is a great spot.

My friends and I decided to skip cooking on Thanksgiving and made a reservation at Papa Kona instead. We are SO GLAD that we did! We had an oceanside table so the views were outstanding. The Light and Dark Turkey dinner was delicious and exactly the right amount of food: three slices of turkey, truffle butter green beans with mushrooms, stuffing, mashed potatoes with chives, cranberry sauce (almost like cranberry jam), a roll, and a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream. There were not many leftovers at our table. Our server Erin was absolutely lovely, and provided excellent service with style. Mahalo for welcoming our ohana with yours, Papa Kona!

Satisfactory food for a holiday meal. Although “regular” local white rice would be preferred. Another seafood options example Mahi, ahi , ono and crab legs options. Desserts could have more variety, whip cream or ice cream choices available. Simple inexpensive absorbent coasters for “sweating” water goblets would be practical to have rather then having water all over the tables. Buffet food warmers (some) felt awkward to open up (meaning lifting it up and back felt like it would topple, then reaching back to close lid - was awkward to ( I am short ,reaching it was a stretch). I am sure there are better easier food warmers that are easy to maneuver.

They have a new chef and a new menu. It’s still good but there are a few items off the menu that we wanted to eat and not available.

This was a great experience. It was my hubby's 68th birthday. Since he is 50% Italian, I thought it would be fun and informative to attend with the special chef from Italy. We were not disappointed. It was our first time and we will definitely do it again! Wonderful atmosphere, great people to dine with, the food was beautifully prepared and delicious! Thanks for bringing such an amazing dining experience to the Big Island!