Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.9

4.9 (210)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Welcome to Engawa, a small restaurant limited to 20 guests per night, where we offer an exquisite experience of Japanese cuisine. We invite you to indulge in a memorable dinner experience. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh sushi and sashimi to hearty tempura and other savory dishes are crafted to bring out the authentic flavors of Japan. Enjoy a unique culinary journey with chef & brew master Chiaki Takahashi, where each dish complemented by our award-winning hand-crafted sake, designed to enhance your dining experience.
At Engawa, we pride ourselves on providing not only exceptional foods but also an inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. To ensure you have a wonderful evening with us, we recommend making a reservation. Our attentive team is here to accommodate your needs and preferences, making your visit truly special.

Top review

SarahVIP

Dined on 13 Dec 2024

We’ve traveled all over the world to eat. This place could compete with any of the best places. The sake was extraordinary. Even the rice - the rice was the most delicate and silky rice I’ve ever had. If you miss this place, it’s on you. You’re not really living and you’re missing out on something very special. You owe it to your palette. The service was impeccable as well. Just go.

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (9688)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community is Peter Merriman's original restaurant; Merriman's Waimea. Chef/Owner Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and uses 90% or more of local produce, fish and beef. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item. Our award winning wine list has selections for all to enjoy. Merriman's knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through a culinary experience you will not forget. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Christina

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic food and service! Everything we got was amazing.

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Experience

Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu

Experience

Christmas & Christmas Eve 2024

Experience

New Years Eve 2024

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island

4.8

4.8 (5501)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and good food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life. For more information: www.tommybahama.com

Top review

Erick

Dined 4 days ago

As usual Tommy Bahama’s did not disappoint. The Mac crusted Mahi Mahi was delicious. The waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about the offerings. Will definitely return.

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

4.8

4.8 (879)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Beach Tree Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a casual dining option set along the sand and overlooking the ocean, perfect for sundowner cocktails. Toast the sunset with unforgettable views, local flavours, creative cocktails and more.

Top review

JillVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Not a better spot on the Big Island to enjoy good food and great service!

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Popular dish

Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe"

Experience

Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars

Halani

4.6

4.6 (1096)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Reflecting a journey through the Mediterranean, set against a spectacular Pacific Ocean backdrop, choose between colorful mezze platters, a selection of tender kebabs from Hamakua raised lamb to Kahua ranch beef sirloin, signature grilled seafood dishes including Whole Kampachi and Mibrasa Style Branzino with ladolemono & Waimea cherry tomatoes, as well as wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. This beloved al fresco eatery embraces the rich culinary traditions of Coastal Mediterranean cuisine with the tropical beauty of Hawai’i to offer a rich tapestry of dishes highlighted by locally-sourced produce and seafood.

Top review

CesarVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great location with savory fresh ingredients. Kitchen was slow but the fantastic location help the wait. Great GF options and they have cauliflower pita bread.

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Popular dish

Margherita Pizza

Experience

Rhythm and Brunch at Halani

CanoeHouse

4.7

4.7 (3224)

$50 and over

Creative Japanese

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Long regarded as the premier dining destination among the Hawaiian islands, this beloved institution is a gathering place for generations of friends, families and neighbors. Helmed by Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, CanoeHouse features thoughtful, seasonal dishes that celebrate Hawaii’s landscape through Japanese-Paniolo inspired cuisine, accompanied by craft-cocktails and diverse wine selections.
Please kindly note that CanoeHouse accepts reservations 60 days in advance for outside guests of Mauna Lani.

Top review

wonbin

Dined 4 days ago

good!! everything is perpect!! 완벽합니다~ 꼭 한번 드셔보세요!!

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Miller & Lux Hualalai at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

4.6

4.6 (150)

$50 and over

American

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

The highest-quality steaks with impeccable flavor from the best ranches in America; a robust raw bar; fresh sustainable seafood; and farm direct vegetables – all perfectly complemented by a globally curated wine list – combine to inspire the next chapter in Chef Tyler Florence’s mark on innovative American cuisine. The Miller & Lux cocktail program is curated using seasonal Hawaiian ingredients and artisanal spirits from around the world.

Top review

Darlene

Dined 2 days ago

My husband and I have been to Four Seasons Hualalai several times and but just recently decided to give Miller & Lux a try. Wow, were we surprised. As vegetarians, you might think there would be nothing to eat at a steakhouse, but Miller & Lux not only takes the steps to accommodate different dietary preferences, they don't make you feel bad about it in the least bit. Our server, Rachel, was the perfect career server. As a former business manager of a Chicago steakhouse, there is a certain level of fine dining service that is expected - and she exceeded all expectations. She was attentive, kind, and even with our later reservation (8PM) did not make us feel rushed in the least bit. We had a long conversation with her about living in the islands, her training at the Miller & Lux to prepare for the opening at Hualalai, and gave us thorough descriptions of the menu items to ensure that we were ordering the right amount of food. We ended up ordering off of the regular menu and the vegan menu to create our perfect vegetarian meal. The truffle deviled eggs (on a vintage egg plate!) was a dream and my risotto was just perfect. We will absolutely be back. 10/10!

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Experience

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

Experience

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

Meridia

4.7

4.7 (2045)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Inspired by the Mediterranean, dedicated to the islands. Featuring a charcuterie and crudo bar, brilliant cocktails, and an award winning global wine list framed by the forever views of Hapuna Beach, Meridia presents innovative cuisine in an unrivaled setting. Named by Hawaii Magazine as 2019's Best New Big Island Restaurant, and 2018 Restaurant of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.
Located at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Top review

ellenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Both food and service were amazing. I was stuffed but the scallops were so delicious I a finished them anyway. Mahi mahi skewers were equally delicious. Indiana was our server and terrific. Would return in an instant. The bread they included at no charge which is rare these days was a treat, served warm and yummy

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Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.6

4.6 (193)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Hilo

About the restaurant

A local favorite, Miyo’s Restaurant has served the Hilo area since 1987. Under the direction of it's owner, Louis Pauole, Miyo's Restaurant serves up homestyle Japanese food using quality ingredients and it's beloved recipes created by Miyo herself!

Come and enjoy entrees such as Hot Pots, Curry, Teriyaki, Tempura, Seafood and much more! While you're awaiting your delicious meal, you can also sip on a handcrafted cocktail made by our talented bartenders from our Izakaya Bar - Hilo's newest hot spot! With a full bar, 15 beers on tap, an exclusive evening tapas menu and a cozy, rustic atmosphere, there's something for everyone!

Top review

Margaret

Dined 7 days ago

I dine at Miyos often and I’ve never had a bad experience yet

Pueo's Osteria

4.6

4.6 (1866)

$50 and over

Italian

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

Welcome to Pueo’s Osteria, an Italian-inspired, inviting restaurant that provides great food, prepared from scratch daily, complimented with a stocked wine list and set in a delightful osteria environment. Co-Proprietor & Chef James Babian focuses on original creative dishes, pairing the finest, authentic Italian products with select seafood, produce and meats from boutique farms (sourced locally whenever possible), including “farm-fresh” products from local farmers’ markets.
Pueo's is located at the new Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village with ample free parking and designated pick-up stalls right outside the restaurant.
The "Pueo" is a nocturnal owl indigenous to Hawaii, which symbolizes Chef's focus on serving dinner and into the evening hours. Pueo's Osteria caters to locals and visitors via sit-down, bar and take-out. Engaging service, approachable pricing, great flavors and a lively atmosphere await at Pueo’s Osteria – food, wine & fun … "where the night owls meet."

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great food. Sitting outside was preferred - especially after sunset. Staff was nice but expect super sow service - over 30 minutes to order a drink or food, 30 more minutes for even the bread to arrive, and no one checking in on you after you get your meal.

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