Probably the best place to eat on the whole island is the lana'i (the deck) at the house! Particularly at sunset. If you don't feel like cooking, we have found some excellent chefs who can come to the house and cook for you or deliver home made, delicious, healthy meals to your doorstep.
Chefs
Tarananda: Tarananda specializes in local ingredients and healthy, wholesome cooking. She makes her own kefir, fish stock, and kombucha – all amazing. She can also do grocery shopping for you and deliver everything to the house once you arrive. Here is her email address: taranandaji@gmail.com
Amy Ferguson: Amy was the caterer for our wedding in Hawaii and she makes the most amazing curries. She has staff that can come to the house to cook and serve dinner or she can drop off amazing simple items at the house for you to enjoy. We highly recommend her fish and seafood curries. She can also arrange for grocery shopping before you arrive at the house. Here is her email address: amy@aeferguson.com
Here are our favorite restaurants. Restaurants fill up quickly, so be sure to call ahead with a reservation. And they change ownership, go downhill and go out of business pretty regularly, so do let us know if you have new information.
Very Best Restaurants
Kenichi Pacific: Amazing Japanese food. They have a happy hour starting at 5pm with great cocktails and half price sushi rolls. Very close to the house :(808) 322-6400
Keei Cafe: Very popular with the locals and everyone's favorite. You must make a reservation. It's in Captain Cook, 20mins south from the house. Local food, good wine list. Open for lunch. Cash Only. Open Tue-Sat. Tel: (808) 322 9992.
La Bourgogne: French restaurant in Hawaii? It is very good food - a blend of French and local cuisine. Very friendly couple own and run the place. Reservations essential. It's 5 minutes drive from the house. I don't think they allow kids. Tel: (808) 329 6711
Merriman's in Waimea: Reserve a table for lunch - it's a much better deal than dinner. The tropical fruit juice is very yummy. Located on the corner of Hawaii 19 and Opelo Road. Tel: (808) 885 6822.
Other Good Restaurants
Merriman's Cafe: (King's Shops in Waikoloa) Nice food and lovely setting. Come here for lunch after a day at the beach. Tel: (808) 886-1700.
Aloha Angel Theater Cafe: Nice and casual. Half price movie/play tickets with dinner. Located in the restored theater building on the highway in Kainaliu, just south of Kailua-Kona, about 20 minutes from the house. Tel: (808) 322-3383.
Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill: (King's Shops in Waikoloa) Nice food and lovely setting. Dinner only. Tel: (808) 886-4321.
Cafe Pesto: Kawaihae Shopping Center - Kohala, about 45 minutes north. Best pizza on the island. Stop by during your northward trip. Tel: (808) 882-1071.
Great Ice-cream and Coffee
Kopelani: Great ice-cream (try Kona Road flavor), and the Mocha Freeze drink is to die for. They also sell the best local Kona coffee beans we have found on the island. Tel: (808) 329-6152.
Lava Java: Excellent espresso drinks and smoothies. On Ali'i Drive on the right-hand side just past the volleyball court as you enter town. Tel: (808) 327-2161