Where to go for the best local food in Kona

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" 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...."

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What is local food you say? There are a lot of different types but I'll go over the most popular.

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.

Ok, let's get back to where you can find the best local food.

I'm going to go out on limb and say its 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.

As you can see here, a line to get in U Top It.

U-Top it serves breakfast and lunch.

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.

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.

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?

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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