Restaurants in Big Island.

Bamboo Restaurant
Old Takata Store, Hwy. 270, Hawi, HI, USA
Phone: 808/889-5555
$20 to $40
Hawi
Contemporary

It's out of the way, the food is wonderful, and the service has a delightful country flair. The decor is inviting and artistic, combining such elements as bamboo finishes, bold art, and an old unfinished wooden floor. The restaurant's signature dish is chicken pot sticker with peanuts, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass and a sweet chili-mint sauce. Creative entrées feature fresh island fish prepared several ways. The coconut-and-saffron bouillabaisse is exquisite. The restaurant has a large koa gallery, and Friday and Saturday nights local musicians entertain. DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.

Batik at Mauna Kea Beach Resort
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Kamuela, HI, USA
Phone: 808/882-7222
Over $40
Kamuela
Contemporary

For the hotel's signature restaurant - with a dining lanai and an ambience hinting of exotic India - executive chef Goran Streng has combined classical European flavors with neo-Asian dishes. The menu features tandoor-oven-baked nan bread, Thai and Indonesian curries, and Hawaii regional creations using specialty produce such as Keahole lobster. Irresistible desserts include Grand Marnier soufflé and warm Valhrona chocolate cake. Romantic dinner music complements the evening. Dress up a little for this place. Men must wear button-down shirts, and shorts are a no-no. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Tues. and Sat.

Big Island Steak House
King's Shops, Waikoloa Resort, Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, HI, USA
Phone: 808/886-8805
$20 to $60
Waikoloa
Steak

The walls here are adorned with Hawaiian kitsch dating from the '30s, '40s, and '50s - ukuleles, steamer trunks, a zany grass-skirted gorilla, and the like. As the name implies, the place serves steak - large portions in four different styles, straight from the grill and without much fanfare. Also on the menu are seafood dishes such as coconut shrimp and vegetarian pastas. AE, D, MC, V. No lunch.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
75-5776 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/331-8442
Under $60
Kailua-Kona
Seafood

For all you shrimp lovers, or Forrest Gump fans, the Big Island now sports its own spin-off restaurant, right at the ocean's edge. In downtown Kailua-Kona, this was once an old-timers' restaurant but now attracts a rambunctious, young crowd. It's chaotic, it's fun, there's a lot of shrimp - for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day - and you get the attention of your waiter with a sign that says: "Run Forrest Run." AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Café Pesto
Kawaihae Shopping Center, Kawaihae, HI, USA
Phone: 808/882-1071
$20 to $60
Kawaihae
Contemporary

Popular, and crowded at lunchtime, this harborside restaurant with a bold decor has earned a reputation for innovative pizzas and other Mediterranean dishes prepared with Pacific Rim flair and island ingredients. Sample a pizza with chili-grilled shrimp, shiitake mushrooms and cilantro crème fraîche, or the popular seafood risotto made with sweet Thai chilies, jumbo scallops, and tiger prawns. A second location is in Hilo right across from the bay. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

CanoeHouse at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Kohala Coast, HI, USA
Phone: 808/885-6622
Over $20
Kohala Coast
Contemporary

This open-air beachfront restaurant, surrounded by fishponds and with its signature shining koa canoe, is widely hailed as one of Hawaii's best. Its cuisine is Pacific Rim the way it used to be: a matching of pure Eastern and Western flavors with imaginative entrées such as grilled New York steak with a sauce of merlot and panini (local wild cactus fruit), and miso-sake-marinated mahimahi. Also consider the famous CanoeHouse pupu (appetizer) platter, and finish your meal with the crème brûlée sampler. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Cassandra's Greek Taverna
75-5719 W. Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/334-1066
Under $40
Kailua-Kona
Greek

Sporting the blue and white colors of the Greek flag, Cassandra's offers plenty of authentic selections. Greek salads, a gyro plate of sliced beef with roast potatoes, dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice), moussaka, and a variety of souvlaki (lamb, beef, chicken) keep dinners interesting, but the restaurant's main attraction is the belly dancer on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Chart House at Waterfront Row
75-5770 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-2451
$20 to $60
Kailua-Kona
American

This casual chain restaurant in the shopping and dining complex on Alii Drive overlooks the ocean. A cool gray, teal, and peach interior, and prints of old Hawaiian maps on the tables, complement the artwork displayed. Many come here for drinks and appetizers. The extensive menu is reliable and seldom changes. Dinners include thickly sliced prime rib, fresh local fish, and Alaskan king crab and are served with signature squaw and sourdough breads. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Coast Grille at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
62-100 Kaunaoa Dr., Kamuela, HI, USA
Phone: 808/880-1111
Over $20
Kamuela
Contemporary

This spacious, high-ceiling seafood restaurant has lanai overlooking the ocean - a great place to sit when the nights are balmy, but take a sweater when the trade winds are up. Oyster lovers should head to the oyster bar, which also offers clams, Dungeness crab, and lobster claws. The must-try fish here is the delicate farm-raised moi, a fish that in ancient times was savored only by chiefs. For dessert, sample the warm chocolate pudding while the stars rise over the ocean. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Donatoni's at the Hilton Waikoloa Village
425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Kamuela, HI, USA
Phone: 808/886-1234
$20 to $60
Kamuela
Italian

Light cuisine, shellfish, and the subtle sauces of Italy, as well as orecchiette (little ear-shape) pasta and gnocchi, are served in this romantic restaurant. Reminiscent of an Italian villa and overlooking a lagoon, Donatoni's has tables on various levels and a wide lanai, so no view is obstructed. Be sure to look over the extensive Italian wine and champagne list, and treat yourself to an authentic tiramisu for dessert. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Edelweiss
Hwy. 19, entering Waimea, Waimea, HI, USA
Phone: 808/885-6800
$20 to $40
Waimea
Continental

Faithful local diners and visitors alike flock to this relaxed, family-oriented restaurant with rustic redwood furnishings. The chef's rack of lamb is always excellent. A varied menu includes more than 20 daily specials (such as a sausage platter and fresh seafood), many with a German flavor. Make reservations to avoid a long wait. There's a nice bar area for predinner drinks. MC, V. Closed Sun.-Mon. and Sept.

Edward's at Kanaloa
Kanaloa at Kona, 78-261 Manukai St., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/322-1434 or 808/322-9625
$20 to $60
Kailua-Kona
Eclectic

This intimate, hard-to-find oceanfront restaurant is a local favorite. Chef Frady's Mediterranean food with North African and Middle Eastern overtones is delicious, and dinner prices are within reason. The tagine chicken is Moroccan-spiced and comes atop a saffron couscous. The Aegean salmon and shrimp are served with a roasted red pepper sauce. Luscious desserts vary daily but always include a superb flourless chocolate cake. AE, DC, MC, V.

Fiasco's
200 Kanoelehua Ave., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/935-7666
Under $20
Hilo
American/Casual

Booths with floor-to-ceiling dividers provide privacy in this restaurant with a something-for-for-everyone menu: fajitas, chicken wings, and an all-you-can-eat soup-and-salad bar. The place is famous for its margarita specials and 35 varieties of domestic and imported beer. There is live entertainment Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. AE, D, MC, V.

Gallery Restaurant at Mauna Lani Resort
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Kohala Coast, HI, USA
Phone: 808/885-7777
Over $20
Kohala Coast
Contemporary

Bordering the Francis H. Ii Brown Golf Course, the open-air Gallery has a comfortable clubhouse atmosphere with mahogany paneling and an impressive koa bar. Fresh island ingredients find their way into American-inspired dishes. An appealing menu includes five different preparations for island fish. Try it crusted with macadamia nuts or broiled with tomatoes and shrimp. There is also filet with shiitake mushroom sauce. Desserts include superb apple cobblers. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.-Mon.

Grand Palace Chinese Restaurant
King's Shops, Waikoloa Resort, Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, HI, USA
Phone: 808/886-6668
Under $60
Waikoloa
Chinese

A reasonable alternative in a land of high-priced hotel dining, this successful and friendly Chinese restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. It is nicely decorated with a floral carpet and etched-glass panels. An extensive menu offers Chinese items from most regions, including such standards as egg foo young, wonton soup, chicken with snow peas, and beef with broccoli. More adventurous are local sautéed seafood, lobster, and sizzling scallops with a pepper-and-black-bean sauce. AE, DC, MC, V.

The Grill at the Orchid at Mauna Lani
Orchid at Mauna Lani, 1 N. Kaniku Dr., Kohala Coast, HI, USA
Phone: 808/885-2000
Over $40
Kohala Coast
Hawaiian

Featuring an award-winning wine list and a superb menu, this stellar restaurant has earned a top-notch reputation. Rich koa-wood paneling, a large koa bar, and a piano with a small dance floor give it an old-world ambience. Both appetizers and entrées expand on the fresh, local flavors of Hawaii regional cuisine, adding robust dishes such as pan-seared Hudson Valley foie gras and grilled beef tenderloin with Kona lobster and creamed-corn potato. Seating out in the open air is available, and the service is impeccable. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Hakone at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
62-100 Kaunaoa Dr., Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Kohala Coast, HI, USA
Phone: 808/880-1111
$20 to $60
Kohala Coast
Japanese

It's hard not to start whispering in this tranquil and graceful restaurant, open only at night, where exquisite specialty dishes such as shirasu oroshi (grated daikon radish) and mozaku su (marinated seaweed) compete with an elaborate sushi bar and the finest sashimi platters. You can choose a Japanese buffet or opt for an à la carte meal such as sukiyaki. Each menu item is a piece of art, and a beautiful selection of sake guarantees to enliven your meal. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Thurs.-Fri. No lunch.

Hale Samoa at Kona Village Resort
Queen Kaahumanu Hwy., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/325-5555
Over $60
Kailua-Kona
Contemporary

Slightly formal, superbly romantic, this Kona Village restaurant has a magical atmosphere, especially in the glow of sunset. In a Samoan setting with tapa screens and candles you can feast on prix-fixe dinners that change daily. Specialties may include papaya and coconut bisque, duck stuffed with andouille sausage on a mango-and-orange coulis, or wok-charred prime strip loin. Reservations can be made only on the day you want to dine, and they are essential. The entry road to Kona Village is 6 mi out Highway 19 from Kailua. Resort wear is the norm here at dinner. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Wed., Fri., and 1 wk in Dec.

Harrington's
135 Kalanianaole Ave., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/961-4966
$20 to $40
Hilo
American

A popular and reliable steak and seafood restaurant right on Reeds Bay, Harrington's has a dining lanai that extends over the water. The fresh mahimahi meunière, served with browned butter, lemon, and parsley, and the Slavic steak, thinly sliced and slathered with garlic butter, are two popular dishes. Daily specials might include lobster-stuffed ahi (tuna) and chicken Florentine. MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Honu's Nest
270 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/935-9321
Under $20
Hilo
Japanese

Overlooking Hilo Bay, this tiny restaurant (just four tables and a window bar) is a local favorite. A Japanese menu with a contemporary local twist includes luscious and spicy curries, tempura chicken or vegetables, and homemade ginger and teriyaki sauces. Each donburi (bowl of rice topped with your menu choice) or teishaku (plate with rice on the side) comes with fragrant miso soup. The staff is friendly, the ceramic bowls are exquisite, and the prices are hard to beat. Reservations not accepted. No credit cards. Closed Sun.

Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai Rd., off Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-1493
$20 to $60
Kailua-Kona
Contemporary

Open windows extend out over the rocks at the ocean's edge, and you can almost touch the manta rays drawn to the spotlights at night. Relax with a sensational flaming volcanic cocktail or feast on fresh local seafood, prepared to your taste or offered as a daily-changing special preparation. For lighter fare, try an exquisite dinner-size salad with fresh bread. This popular spot also offers nightly live entertainment and can get crowded. D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Imari at the Hilton Waikoloa Village
425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Kamuela, HI, USA
Phone: 808/886-1234
$40 to $60
Kamuela
Japanese

This elegant Japanese restaurant, complete with waterfalls and a teahouse, serves sukiyaki and tempura aimed to please mainland tastes. Beyond the display of Imari porcelain at the entrance, you'll find beef and chicken cooked at your table, complete teppan (grilled) dinners, and an outstanding sushi bar. Impeccable service by kimono-clad waitresses adds to the quiet, refined ambience. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Jameson's by the Sea
77-6452 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-3195
$20 to $60
Kailua-Kona
Seafood

Sit outside next to the ocean or just inside the picture windows for glorious sunset views over Magic Sands Beach. When the ocean is calm this is a most romantic place. You can choose between three or four island fish specials daily, including Cajun-style preparations. Stir-fried scallops and Jameson's special creamy clam chowder are popular as well. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Ka Ohelo Dining Room
Volcano House, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, HI, USA
Phone: 808/967-7321
Under $60
Volcano
Continental

Perched right at the edge of Kilauea Crater in a mountain-lodge setting, this restaurant serves breakfast and luncheon buffets primarily for tour groups during the day. But at night it's quiet and has white tablecloths if water restrictions don't limit the laundry load. The setting, at the rim of a volcano, is the thing, but you can't go wrong with the fresh catch of the day or the prime rib. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Kamuela Provision Company at the Hilton Waikoloa Village
425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Kamuela, HI, USA
Phone: 808/886-1234
Over $20
Kamuela
American

You'll have a spectacular view of the Kohala-Kona coastline as you sample light and flavorful salad selections, broiled and grilled steak, or seafood. Tables along the lanai open to sea breezes, and ceiling fans cool the rest of the dining room. It's a great place to sip cocktails. The fresh-fish menu includes all the Hawaiian favorites: Order your ono (wahoo) or ahi sautéed, grilled, poached, or blackened. An 18-ounce porterhouse leads the steak menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Ken's House of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/935-8711
Under $20
Hilo
American/Casual

For years this 24-hour coffee shop between the airport and the Banyan Drive hotels has been a gathering place for Hilo residents for breakfast. Ken's serves good pancakes and omelets. They're cheap, too. With close to 180 items on the menu, a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) night, and a "Golden Oldies" Sunday, lunch and dinner can be fun as well. Reservations not accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Kilauea Lodge
Old Volcano Rd., Volcano Village, HI, USA
Phone: 808/967-7366
$20 to $60
Volcano
Contemporary

Albert Jeyte has incorporated trends of the new millennium with traditional cooking styles from his native Germany and from France and America. Built in 1938 as a scouting retreat, the restaurant still has the original stone "Friendship Fireplace" embedded with coins from around the world. The roaring fire, koa tables, and warm lighting create a cozy, intimate lodge ambience - just the thing after a day of hiking around the crater. Entrées are pricey, but they come with a delicious soup du jour, salad, and freshly baked three-grain bread. The signature dessert, a Grand Marnier custard, is sensational. AE, MC, V. No lunch.

Kirin
425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Kamuela, HI, USA
Phone: 808/886-1234
$20 to $60
Kamuela
Chinese

This new addition to the Hilton Waikoloa Village restaurants serves authentic Cantonese fare in a classic Chinese restaurant setting. Over 100 exotic dishes are featured on the menu, many with ingredient combinations you might not be used to, but which prove to be delicious. How about prawns with honey-glazed walnuts and a citrus dressing or sizzling beef tenderloin with peppercorns? More conventional noodle and rice dishes are also available. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Koa House Grill
Waimea Shopping Center, 65-1144 Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea, HI, USA
Phone: 808/885-2088
Under $40
Waimea
American

In the heart of cowboy country, this family restaurant has developed into a busy lunch stop for Waimea's business crowd. Its down-to-earth dinners vary between bold, all-American flavors like garlic mashed potatoes and Asian accents such as passion fruit and ginger. Shrimp scampi is a favorite, and there are also large steaks and pastas on the menu. A full salad bar features fresh Waimea greens. Large windows open out onto the Keck Observatory headquarters and offer a glimpse of the mountains. AE, MC, V.

Kona Beach Restaurant at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-2911
Under $40
Kailua-Kona
American

The buffet-style meals offered at this Kailua-Kona hotel are themed and great for families: Monday and Tuesday it's Hawaiian; Wednesday and Thursday pasta; and Friday and Saturday prime rib and seafood. Tables look out on a torchlit lawn. Beyond is the beach, with outrigger canoes and a thatched house built on a restored heiau. A Sunday champagne brunch is served from 9 to 1. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-4455
$20 to $60
Kailua-Kona
American

This open-air restaurant, which faces a wide lawn with the ocean beyond, has been a longtime favorite for cocktails at sunset. Fresh fish - ahi and mahimahi - and chicken entrées are consistently delectable. Burgers at lunch are generously sized and reasonably priced. The steak fries are just right. AE, MC, V.

Kuhio Grille
Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza, Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/959-2336
Under $20
Hilo
Hawaiian

There is no ambience and your water is served in unbreakable plastic, but if you are searching for local fare - that eclectic fusion of ethnic cuisines - Kuhio Grille is a must. Sam Araki serves a one-pound laulau (ti-leaf steamed dishes) made with Waipio Valley-grown taro leaves and pork alongside "loco" plate lunches and grilled meats. A cafeteria-like place at the edge of Hilo's largest shopping mall, and the grill is open 24 hours on weekends. MC, V.

La Bourgogne
Kuakini Plaza S. on Hwy. 11, 77-6400 Nalani, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-6711
$20 to $60
Kailua-Kona
French

A genial husband-and-wife team owns this relaxing, country-style restaurant with dark-wood walls and romantic blue-velvet booths. It's just 4 mi out of town. The traditional French menu features classics such as beef filet with a cabernet sauvignon sauce, escargots, rack of lamb with mustard sauce, and - less traditional - Lanai venison with a pomegranate glaze. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Reservations essential. Closed Sun. No lunch. No smoking.

Merriman's
Opelo Plaza, Hwy. 19 and Opelo Rd., Waimea, HI, USA
Phone: 808/885-6822
$20 to $60
Waimea
Contemporary

This is the signature restaurant of Peter Merriman, one of the pioneers of Hawaii regional cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to sample his imaginative and impeccable dishes featuring local and often organic produce. Merriman's is the home of the original wok-charred ahi, usually served with exquisite buttery Pahoa corn and black-and-white Thai rice. Try the Kahua Ranch lamb, raised to the restaurant's specifications. Selections - such as herb-roasted leg of lamb with a cabernet and plum sauce - vary daily. The extensive wine list includes 22 selections poured by the glass, and the staff is refreshingly knowledgeable. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V.

Michaelangelo's
Waterfront Row, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-4436
$20 to $40
Kailua-Kona
Italian

This Italian and seafood restaurant on the second level of Waterfront Row offers a superb oceanside dining view. Pastas, with various toppings such as steak Capri, lobster and garlic, and scallops in creamy macadamia-nut sauce, come with homemade focaccia. There are nice pizzas, too. The place rocks after 10 with a live DJ. D, DC, MC, V.

Ocean Sushi Deli
239 Keawe St., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/961-6625
Under $40
Hilo
Japanese

Fresh seafood dishes and superb sushi rolls will make you forget the mediocre ambience of Formica tables and neon lights. Authentic and affordable, sushi rolls start at just $2 each, and there are dozens to choose from. Ahi poke (seasoned raw tuna), fried limpets, and chewy taco (octopus) salad are favorites of the local crowd, but there are also more familiar, equally delectable dishes such as sake-steamed scallops. The place is popular and almost always crowded. MC, V.

Ocean View Inn
75-5683 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-9998
Under $20
Kailua-Kona
American

To those on a tight budget, this local hangout facing the pier at Kailua Bay has been a lifesaver for breakfast, lunch, and dinner since the 1920s. Chinese and American food are on the plate-lunch menu, and you can get Hawaiian specialties à la carte. Although there is no atmosphere, the servings are ample. No credit cards. Closed Mon.

Oodles of Noodles and Paradise Spice Co. & Catering
Crossroads Shopping Center, 75-1129 Henry St., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-9222
Under $40
Kailua-Kona
Eclectic

Renowned chef Amy Ferguson-Ota combines southwestern flavors with Hawaii regional cuisine and a touch of French. In her small restaurant, Hawaiian native woods like mango, ohia, and koa complement vivid blue, green, and yellow walls. Many locals have a quick lunch or dinner at the bar. Sidewalk seating is at wrought-iron tables. True to the restaurant's name, the menu features noodles of all types, in all shapes, from all ethnic backgrounds - be it as delicate spring rolls or as a crisp garnish to an exquisite salad. D, DC, MC, V.

Orchid Court at the Orchid at Mauna Lani
The Orchid at Mauna Lani, 1 N. Kaniku Dr., Kohala Coast, HI, USA
Phone: 808/885-2000
$20 to $60
Kailua-Kona
American

Bordering the resort's native gardens, this is a casual, family-oriented restaurant. Choose to feel the ocean breeze outside on the terrace or dine under chandeliers in the dining room. Seafood fettuccine, salads and sandwiches, grilled vegetable wraps, and fresh fish that might be sesame wok-seared or served with ginger butter suit the light, fresh ambience. This is also a great place to start the day with a fine breakfast. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Pahu ia at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 100 Kaupulehu Dr., Kaupulehu/Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/325-8000
Over $40
Kaupulehu/Kona
Contemporary

The English translation for the word pahu ia is "aquarium." For sure, the 9-by-4-ft centerpiece in the entrance casts a dreamy light on the wooden interior of this exquisite restaurant. The restaurant is closer to the ocean than any other, and outdoor deck seating is romantic even at breakfast. Meals are imaginative and beautifully presented. The daily tasting menu offers three courses and a dessert, or you may choose sophisticated à la carte entrées such as kiawe-wood smoked veal chop in Madeira jus or Keahole lobster with a sauce made of macadamia nuts and ginger butter sauce. No lunch. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Palm Terrace at the Hilton Waikoloa Village
425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Kamuela, HI, USA
Phone: 808/886-1234
Under $40
Kamuela
Thai

This open-air restaurant sits next to a cascading waterfall and a pond with swans floating by. It is open for American-style breakfasts and offers affordable buffet dinners. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.

Parker Ranch Grill
Parker Ranch Shopping Center, 67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea, HI, USA
Phone: 808/887-2624
$20 to $40
Waimea
Contemporary

With cowhides serving as wallpaper and riding boots as doorknobs, this popular restaurant makes no mistake about its paniolo identity and unique Parker Ranch heritage. In front of a blazing hearth fire, the koa tables, set with hand towels instead of napkins, are a perfect setting for "kamuela pride" beef entrées such as citrus-and-herb ribsteak with pistachio-roasted chili butter or meat loaf with a sweet corn-cheddar casserole. The wine list is extensive, and a separate bar area offers a variety of pupu. AE, D, MC, V.

The Pavilion at Mauna Kea Beach Resort
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Kamuela, HI, USA
Phone: 808/882-7222
Over $20
Kamuela
Contemporary

Relax on the lanai overlooking the white sands of Kaunaoa Beach to savor a meal that makes you appreciate Hawaii. This family-oriented restaurant serves traditional fare such as pastas and grilled items as well as sophisticated Hawaii regional-style seafood. It also offers an elaborate, totally global breakfast buffet that includes everything from carrot juice and bagels with smoked salmon to miso soup. At night, below in the lapping waves, you'll see manta rays swim underneath torch lights. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Pescatore
235 Keawe St., at Haili St., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/969-9090
$20 to $40
Hilo
Italian

An intimate old-world atmosphere of dark wood and plush red chairs is the setting for traditional dishes such as eggplant parmigiana and lasagna. Pescatore's menu also includes veal with sage, prosciutto, and provolone, and a classic cioppino. It's right in downtown Hilo and is recommended for families. In addition to lunch and dinner daily, the restaurant serves breakfast on weekends. D, MC, V.

Roussel's
68-1792 Melia St., Waikoloa Village Golf Club, Waikoloa, HI, USA
Phone: 808/883-9644
$20 to $40
Waikoloa Village
American/Casual

This was Hilo's best restaurant before it moved to west to Waikoloa. Roussel's still serves Creole entrées that have made it popular, but bows to golfers' demands for burgers, club sandwiches, and chicken wings during much of the day. Peaceful golf course views through big white-frame windows that open to the trade winds go well with dishes such as shrimp Creole or blackened prime rib. AE, DC, MC, V. No dinner Sun.-Mon.

Roy's Restaurant at Waikoloa
King's Shops, Waikoloa Resort, Waikoloa, HI, USA
Phone: 808/886-4321
$20 to $60
Waikoloa
Contemporary

Roy Yamaguchi, one of the inventors of Hawaii regional cuisine, designs his restaurants as places to have fun. At Waikoloa's King's Shops, window tables overlook a golf course lake. There's an enormous selection of appetizers that you can order as starters or make a complete meal of: If you decide not to select an individual wood-oven pizza (hard choice!), try pupu like blackened ahi with a hot soy-mustard butter sauce, Asian hibachi salmon, sweet onion tart, or three-cheese spinach polenta. There's an extensive wine list to go with Roy's innovative fare. Be forewarned that the place tends to get noisy, especially on weekends. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Royal Siam
70 Mamo St., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/961-6100
Under $20
Hilo
Thai

More than 50 Thai dishes are featured on the menu of this well-established restaurant in the heart of the old downtown district. Service is excellent. Many vegetarian choices are available. Try the Buddha Rama - chicken or tofu sautéed in peanut sauce and served on a bed of spinach - or one of the five fresh curries. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

Sam Choy's Restaurant
73-5576 Kauhola St., Bay 1, Koloko Industrial Park, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/326-1545
$20 to $40
Kailua-Kona
Hawaiian

In the Kaloko Industrial Park near Kona International Airport, Sam's attracts workers in the surrounding area for hearty, local-style breakfasts and lunches - saimin, stew omelets, and Hawaiian burritos. Tuesday through Saturday nights, the chef-owner puts out white tablecloths, and customers bring their own wine and settle in for some of the finest Hawaii regional cuisine. The dinner menu changes weekly but almost always includes fresh fish, seafood laulau, Chinese honey duck, or macadamia-nut chicken. D, MC, V. BYOB.

Seaside
1790 Kalanianaole Ave., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/935-8825
Under $40
Hilo
Seafood

This family-home eatery is casual and can get noisy at times. It's also one of the best fish restaurants around. Most of the fish served are raised in the 10-acre pond or are caught in Hawaiian-style fish traps when they swim in from the ocean via a connecting waterway. Fried aholehole (young Hawaiian flagtail) is a signature dish, as is mullet steamed in ti leaves. Trout, perch, and catfish are also on the menu. The restaurant offers steak, pasta, and chicken dishes as well. Bare wooden tables offer great water views on the patio or from a window-enclosed room. Beer, wine, and sake are available. MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch.

Sibu
75-5695 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-1112
Under $40
Kailua-Kona
Indonesian

In the heart of Kailua-Kona and hidden by large potted plants inside a tiny shopping mall, this small Indonesian restaurant has been a favorite with locals for years. Try shrimp flavored with delicate lemongrass, coconut milk, and fragrant Indonesian spices or a hearty vegetable satay with lush cherry tomatoes grilled over an open flame. No credit cards.

Teshima's
Mamalahoa Hwy., Honalo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/322-9140
Under $40
Honalo
Japanese

Local businesspeople show up at Teshima's whenever they're in the mood for reliable Big Island Japanese-American cooking. Teshima's is on the dark side, with well-worn decor and clattering dishes. Service is so-so, but residents come for the sashimi, beef-tofu stir-fry, and puffy shrimp tempura. You might also want to try a teishoku (tray) of assorted Japanese delicacies. The restaurant is 15 minutes south of Kailua-Kona. No credit cards.

Thai Rin Restaurant
75-5799 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-2929
$20 to $60
Kailua-Kona
Thai

The friendly owner, the quiet atmosphere, and the affordable prices make this an attractive spot for lunch or dinner. The restaurant, a few minutes walking from downtown Kailua-Kona, is modest, but the food is authentic and adequate. Thai spring rolls, green papaya salad, crab stir-fry, and Thai garlic shrimp or squid are favorites. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Ting Hao
Hawaii Naniloa Resort, 93 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/935-8888
Under $60
Hilo
Chinese

This Mandarin restaurant emphasizes fresh island fish, with offerings that change daily. Other entrées include spicy Szechuan and Hunan dishes and specialties from Taiwan and Peking, including lobster with black-bean sauce and chicken with cashew nuts. All are cooked to your taste, from mild to searingly hot. Vegetarian dishes, such as eggplant with garlic sauce, round out the menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Tues.

Tres Hombres Beach Grill
Kawaihae Shopping Center, Kawaihae, HI, USA
Phone: 808/882-1031
Under $40
Kawaihae
Tex-Mex

Here's a less-expensive lunch and dinner alternative if you're staying at the Kohala Coast resorts. A small lanai overlooks the fishing fleet at Kawaihae Harbor. The casual Californian-Mexican restaurant offers burgers, sandwiches, and chilies rellenos (mildly roasted and stuffed with cheese) at lunch. Dinner items include bean-and-rice combinations, fresh fish, salads, steaks, and gazpacho. A "fit for life" menu features low-fat entrées. The separate bar has a '50s Surf City look and is known for its Mexican beer and tequila selection. MC, V.

Tropics at Royal Kona Resort
75-5852 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Phone: 808/329-3111
Under $40
Kailua-Kona
Continental

At dusk, when the sun outlines the boats bobbing offshore, you'll have a lovely, peaceful view at this open-air dining room overlooking Kailua Bay and within walking distance of central Kailua-Kona. The restaurant, which serves daily breakfast buffets, is open three nights a week for à la carte dinner, is known for its ample seafood and prime rib buffets on Tuesday and Friday-Sunday nights. The hotel hosts luaus three times a week. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Uncle Billy's Restaurant
Hilo Bay Hotel, 87 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/935-0861
Under $40
Hilo
Hawaiian

The decor is pure Hawaiian kitsch - right out of 1930s Hollywood - but the thatched roofs, tinkling capiz-shell wind chimes, Tahitian print curtains, and plastic flowers in lauhala-covered planters add to the fun. There is a free nightly hula show as well. Choose fish presented in meunière sauce, macadamia-nut sauce, or admiral sauce (with shallots), or shrimp-and-wine sauce; or teriyaki beef or shrimp Orientale. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.