Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [161]
U-Top-It (329-0092; Ali’i Sunset Plaza; meals $5-10; 7:30am-2:30pm, 5-9pm Tue-Sat, 7:30am-2:30pm Sun) For hearty breakfasts with a local twist, order up taro pancakes, crepes, eggs and loco moco (rice topped with hamburger, fried egg and brown gravy) at this unpretentious restaurant. The diverse menu pleases a range of palates. It’S behind Island Lava Java.
Island Lava Java (327-2161; Ali’i Sunset Plaza, 75-5799 Ali′i Dr; meals $8-20; 6am-10pm; ) This café is a favorite gathering spot for sunny breakfasts with a killer bay view. The food aims for upscale diner; if it sometimes hits closer to greasy spoon, no one minds. Use the internet, linger over a copy of West Hawaii Today and enjoy waking up to another day in paradise.
Ba-Le Kona (327-1212; Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5588 Palani Rd; sandwiches $5-7.50, soups & plates $9-13; 10am-9pm Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm Sun) Don’t let the fluorescent-lit, cafeterialike dining room and polystyrene plates fool you: Ba-Le serves up rave-worthy Vietnamese fare. Flavors are simple, refreshing and bright, from the green-papaya salad to traditional pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and saimin (local-style noodle soup), and rice plates of spicy lemongrass chicken, tofu, beef or roast pork. Nestle those same proteins in freshly baked French bread or croissants, and that’S a sandwich to take to the beach.
Orchid Thai (327-9437; Kuakini Center, 74-5555 Kaiwi St; lunch specials $10, dinner $10-16; 11am-3pm, 5-9pm Mon-Sat) Orchid Thai is the neighborhood stalwart locals seek when they need a curry fix. The classic preparations are handled well and without fuss. Strip mall location, but fake brick and eggplant-colored curtains warm up the interior. Bring your own alcohol.
Big Island Grill (326-1153; 75-5702 Kuakini Hwy; plate lunches $10, mains $10-19; 6am-9pm Mon-Sat) Everyone loves this spot, which serves Hawaii’S comfort foods – aka, plate lunches and loco moco – as fresh and flavorful as home cooking. Whaaa? What’S a plate lunch? Choose from fried chicken katsu (deep-fried fillets), fried mahimahi, shrimp tempura, beef teriyaki, kalua (traditional method of cooking) pork, and more; all come with two scoops of rice, potato-mac salad, and rich gravy. It’S always packed, but swift service is warm with aloha.
Kanaka Kava (327-1660; www.kanakakava.com; Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5803 Ali′i Dr; à la carte $4-5, mains $13-16; 10am-10pm, to 11pm Thu-Sat) Follow the strains of Jawaiian music to this tiny counter serving kava (the mashed root of the ′awa plant and water) in coconut cups. Granted, kava tastes like dirt, but give it a chance and its legendary relaxing qualities become evident. Hang out, talk story, and sample the top-notch Hawaiian food: the Waipi′o Valley poi (fermented taro) is delightful, as is the homemade poke (cubed raw fish mixed with shōyu and other ingredients), taro, ′opihi (edible limpet) and more. Cash only.
Midrange & Top End
Rapanui Island Café (329-0511; Banyan Court mall, 75-5695 Ali′i Dr; lunch $6-8, dinner mains $12-16; 11am-2pm, 5-9pm Mon-Fri, 5-9pm Sat) The New Zealand owners know curry, which they prepare with a delicious tongue-tingly warmth. Choose from various satays, spiced pork, chicken, and seafood. Order the house coconut rice; and wash it down with lemongrass ginger tea or a New Zealand wine.
Sushi en Fuego (331-2200; www.sushienfuegokona.com; 75-5770 Ali′i Dr, Waterfront Row; sushi & tapas $6-16; 11:30am-9pm) ‘Sushi on fire’ is a newfangled Spanish/sushi fusion restaurant where nearly every dish has a kick. Creative, delicious rolls and tapas have amusing names like Squid Vicious and Hot Piece of Bass. Plus, for romantic sunsets, the 2nd-floor tiki-torch deck overhangs the ocean. Lengthy happy hour (11:30am to 6pm daily, till 9pm Monday) with watery $2 mai tais.
Kona Brewing Company (334-2739; www.konabrewingco.com; 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy; sandwiches & salads $11-16, pizzas $15-26; 11am-9pm