The best local food in Kona

" When it comes to eating out, it's hard to say who has the best local food in Kona because there are so many good places to eat here, but I'm going to point you in the right direction...."

What is referred to as a "plate lunch" consists of 2 scoops of white rice, 1 or 2 scoops of macaroni or potato salad and then Kalabi barbeque beef or Teriyaki Beef or Teriyaki Chicken just to name a few.

You can order just one or all of the different meats to go with your rice and salad.

One of my favorite places to eat is U-Top It located in the strip mall behind Lava Java on Alii Dr. next to Coconut Grove.

U Top It has a teriyaki beef plate that is to die for. That's what I eat when I go there. You will not find better food in ANY restaurant on this side of the island. When they opened there was a line to get in every weekend.

U-Top it serves breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner. The schedule has changed a few times and I can't keep track of when. My guess would be the more popular nights like Thursday Friday and Saturday.

What's interesting about this place is it's the typical "hole in the wall" out of the way place, but the food rivals any restaurant in Hawaii. U Top It is a small mom and pop operation run by Curtis and Leslie Masuda. Curtis has been a chef at some of the most famous resorts here on the big island, before setting out on his own he was at Kona Village Resort for 10 years. If you're not familiar with Kona Village, you have to be at the top of your game to work there. Besides serving the best local food in Kona, Curtis and Leslie are real nice folks.

Another place here in Kona that has good local food is The Big Island Grill located on Kuakini Hwy at Hanama Place. This restaurant is a lot easier to find than U-Top It. So if you can't find U-Top It, try The Big Island Grill. Hanama Place is the 2nd traffic light south of Palani Rd. on Kuakini Hwy. Don't be in a hurry when you go here to eat, their always very busy and there is almost always a line.

If you're into Thai food, across the street is Krua and the place is always busy in the evening. Though I've never ate there, I've heard a lot of positive reviews from friends.

I used to tout Kona Mix Plate restaurant as the number 2 spot in town. No more. The place has changed hands and the food is just not the same. (Update 12-31-10)- They're pau, that mean they're out of business. Never should have messed with the menu.

Most of the other places in town that serve local food are decent. But these are my favorite places to eat the best local food in Kona. Whats your pick?

Links below are to other places to eat here on the island. Some posted by visitors and some posted by me.

Tell Us About Your Favorite Place To Eat In Kona Or Not So Favorite

Share your review, tip or best place to eat on the big island. There are a lot of great places to eat in Kona besides my picks, what's yours?
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What Other Visitors Have Said

You have to goto Ultimate Burger in Kona
My family and I eat here at least once a week. I am a burger freak and only goto the best burger joints and Ultimate burger is one of the best I have ...

Quinn's- Almost by the Sea
THE best Ono fish & chips. Great spaghetti also. Actually everything is great. Very fresh, great service.

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You Make the Roll
Great inexpensive sushi. Small joint, always packed with the locals. I just wish I would have found this place earlier in the vacation.

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Boston Basil's
What an amazing place - the food was spectacular, the family that runs it was so friendly and the service was great - I felt like I was in their home, not ...

A visitor's picks...
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My top three favorite restaurants in Kona town...
I would like to share my top three favorite restaurants in Kona that won't break your wallet and "hands-down" some of the best food in town.

#1- Teshima'...

Hawaiian Style Cafe
Two words say it all. Pan Cakes.........big fluffy and delicious. Huge portions of great food, local flavors and some of your typical breakfast and lunch ...

Keauhou Beach Hotel Pasta Buffet
The Keauhou Beach Hotel has been promoting a Saturday night "Pasta Buffet" in the newspaper so I thought I'd give it a try this past Saturday evening.

The ...

New King Kam Friday Saturday Night Prime Rib Seafood Buffet Not rated yet
I have to say the tsunami of March 2010 did the King Kamehameha Hotel a favor by wiping out it's dilapidated restaurant and forcing them to rebuild it....

Tommy Bahama Not rated yet
Worst restaurant we went to over the 15 days we were there.
Food just so so but the service was terrible. The drinks did not come for over 40 minutes ...

Buns In The Sun 75-5595 Palani Road Kailua Kona Not rated yet
Myself and my wife visit the Big Island frequently and were fortunate enough to discover Buns In The Sun. They are a Deli/Bakery and they produce some ...

Breakfast in Kona Not rated yet
I visit Kona at least once a year and tops on my list is breakfast every morning at U Top It. The absolute, ONO Loco Moco's on the island!

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Where the locals go... Not rated yet
Kamuela Deli Kona Coast Shopping Center. Don't let the name full you, it's not about sandwiches here. Yummy local dishes at very reasonable prices. When ...

Fish Hopper Not rated yet
The meal was great! Our friends, that live in Captain Cook, recommended it and took us there. Coconut encrusted Talapia was a treat! My husband had their ...

You want great food, try these two spots. Not rated yet
Best Korean Chicken Lunch Plate: This place is not much to look at but if you want THE BEST Korean Chicken plate lunch (or dinner) try Kay's Kitchen up ...

Tommy Bahama's Restaurant at The Shops at Mauna Lani-Video Not rated yet
Yesterday we had lunch at Tommy Bahama's restaurant at The Shops at Mauna Lani.

Here is video showing a little of the restaurant. You'll notice in ...

Where to go for the best local food in Kona

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