I can definitely see why this place is rated one of the best restaurants on the Big Island. The food and service were exceptional. I love the artsy vibe in this place, then again Hawi is like a little art community. This is worth the drive. You will not be disappointed. Special diets, no problem! Our server communicated not only to the chef but also the other servers about my allergies to ensure I had a fantastic dining experience. Check them out!! Today's special looks intriguing. read more

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A nice place to stop for lunch but you will not be overwhelmed by the food. Ambiance is fun and interesting, the people are too.

So we stopped in for lunch today and we were underwhelmed. Got the catch of the day with extra vegi. The ahi was cut very very thin. While seared rare who could tell with that cut? The extra vegi was a small portion and totally bland. Kind of wished we had gone to the vegan restaurant across the street. read more

Bamboo was the best meal we had during our stay on the Big Island- and we had a lot of good food that week. We drove into Hawi on the way to check out Polulu valley. We were pretty hungry first stopped to try and get a late lunch around 3 o'clock, but unfortunately they were closed for a short period between normal lunch hours and happy hour. A host/server recommended a place we could go for a quick bite, or suggested we come back after 4 for happy hour. We decided we'd check out Polulu valley and then come back for happy hour. We worked up a pretty big appetite hiking down to the valley and back and by the time we got back to Hawi we were hungry! We got to Bamboo and were seated and ordered several pupus: Korean chicken wings, pork quesadillas, artichoke risotto, and thai coconut prawns. At $4 a plate they were pretty good serving sizes (except the prawns were $9). And they all were DELICIOUS. The chicken wings were the perfect blend of flavor and texture, the quesadillas were fantastic and the risotto was just amazing- it had artichokes, tomatoes, and capers in it. I could have just eaten the risotto non-stop. "Well, let's just take a look at the dinner menu. Just a look... Okay that looks good, that looks good, that looks good. Looks like we're staying!" Our service was wonderful. Joan, the owner, frequently checked in with us to make sure everything was going great. She was very friendly and she told us some very funny stories. The busser was extremely FUNNY- she had moved from Waimea to Hawi because Waimea was getting to crowded. Our servers, both for dinner and happy hour were great. Basically, almost everyone in the restaurant at one point was talking to us (it wasn't terribly busy). For dinner I had the Aloha Asia style fish (fish of the day was Ono). It was really tasty. I don't think I've ever had Ono before so this may just be how it normally is cooked, but it was just a little tough. It didn't detract from the awesome flavors though. It was served in a shittake broth with rice noodles. It kind of made a spicy (mild) fish soup toward the end which was quite good. Needless to say I cleaned my plate. I also had a Pina Kohala which was tasty and made with a secret ingredient. While I'm not 100% sure, my guess would be Kahlua. It was tasty! Overall, 5/5 stars for pupus, 5/5 for service, 4/5 for the dinner, 3.5/5 for price (although 4.5/5 for happy hour). read more

In the most wonderful town of Hawi is the best & friendliest restaurant on the Big Island. My husband and I took 4 of my school-mates from the mainland (from the 50s and 60s!) to Bamboo Restaurant. We had raved about it & hoped it was still there. We were seated near the bar which was a great focal point for the day's entertainment which were excellent kapuna hula dancers. The owner Joan came to greet us at our table. We all had the same order - The Big Bamboozler, a Pupu big enough for 2 people to share & oh so ono = 2 of each pot stickers, Thai coconut prawns, and Kalua pork quesadillas. Yum! Yum! The wait staff are so congenial and attentive to all your needs. The restaurant and gift shop are so welcoming and colorful. It is a must see & to experience with great, inexpensive mementos. Don't miss this Hawi treasure! read more

This dining experience was great from beginning to end. All the staff was friendly & helpful, passion fruit margarita was delicious & our local catch of the day was delectable! We also had macadamia nut ice cream for dessert with the cheesecake trio sampling. It was wonderful . We will be sure to go back & eat again before we leave the island. read more

Bamboo Restaurant - Passion fruit margaritas - Hawaiian Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

Came here for lunch with 4 others because the BBQ place was closed. It was a good 2nd choice. I had a salad with ribs. The ribs were good - the sauce was excellent. Good drinks. Friendly service. I'm pretty sure I was at this place in the past. I'll come back if I'm in the area. read more

Sweet service. Strong dinks :) food- meh. Ono tough. Coconut curry bland. Cute space though.

Lovely surprise out in Hawi! Nothing fancy, but great food, and couldn't have hoped for better hosts. Special hula dancers surprised everyone mid lunch... just perfect. Hats off to all who contribute to such a cool spot! read more

A Haiku Review of Bamboo Restaurant: Starved after hiking. Best meal I had all week long. Great service to boot. read more

This was a great Restaurant. The ' naked chef' listed on the specials board was our tour guide at the Eco tours across the street. My friend had the local fish curry- which was caught on the dock behind the restaurant. Seriously... so fresh. I had curry too and it was deli sh. The drinks are house specialties and everyone was friendly and the service was fast. It is a great local place for tourists with some crazy inside decor. If I am back in Hawaii, I am coming back! read more

We could not wait to return for lunch again this year! The likiloi margarita is so yummy. The chicken dumpling appetizer is so delicious. And the local fish sandwich with the WAFFLE fries is the way to go. Truthfully the roll sucked on the sandwich but everything else was great. I could eat those waffle fries all day every day. Take the time to check out their little gift shop. We always find a great gift or two in there. read more

Bamboo Restaurant - Pina colada and liloki margarita. Yum! - Hawaiian Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

Hands down my best meal on the big island, you have to go here! Great place for authentic food with great service. We each had the mahi mahi sandwich and it was to die for. We had fries on the side which were also great! The service was also great and they were super friendly which is always a bonus. Can't wait to go back! read more

The Eggs Bamboo (Benedict) is Purrfection! If I was on death row, this could be my requested last meal.

We went for a sunday brunch and were pleased overall with the food quality but not large on the portions. The second time not so much. Had the Hawaiian stir fry. Vegetables were steamed well and firm but almost no chicken on top and noodles were mediocre. Again small portions for the prices Atmosphere is not much, with a view of the main road out the front and just a old run down building with some eclectic sparse decorating. Both times there we had a lot of flies and mosquitoes bothering us and other patrons....saw one woman waving her menu at some. Second time wait staff was good but first time indifferent. For the prices I would probably try somewhere else. read more

We are so glad Bamboo is still open. We visited here a few years ago and loved how quaint the location is and the food is delicious. Our party of four ordered the coconut Thai shrimp with noodles, the coconut Thai with fish, fish salad, and Hawaiian pork sandwich. Everything tasted great. The restaurant closes earlier than you think so be sure to make it there in plenty of time before closing. read more

Recommended by our guide on our Flumin' Da Ditch tour! And it did not disappoint! Service was great and food was delicious!! Love this little bohemian town! read more

On our drive to the northern part of the Big Island today, we stopped at Bamboo for lunch. Very interesting restaurant located in an old hotel. We shared the Big Bamboozer and a salad. Very good. Service was excellent. read more

Located in the small town of Hawi, far from the touristy bustle of Kona, the Bamboo Restaurant has been a favorite dining location for my family for many years. The locale is quirky, the staff is friendly, and the food is divine. One meal at the Bamboo easily tells visitors why patrons keep returning to this fantastic spot. read more

We found Bamboo in the Hawaii guidebook. We were waiting when they opened the doors for lunch. The fruit punch they serve is amazing and if I recall the food and service were pretty good, too. Worth a stop even if you're just driving from Kona to Hilo, as we were. If I recall they pride themselves on fresh local ingredients, always a winning formula! Also there is some interesting local history on the walls documenting Hawi's former life as a sugar plantation. read more

I'd give Bamboo a strong 4 stars...I've only eaten lunch here but it was darned good. B had the likikoi iced tea which was REALLY good and followed it up with a mah mahi sandwich. I had the grilled "ono" lunch special with 2 scoops of rice. Both dishes were fresh, interesting and satisfying. I had every intention of going back for dinner and sampling their famous lilkoi margarita....but I kept finding great places to eat in Kamuela. I'd go back to Bamboo in an instant. Very cool building and Hawi is a fascinating town. read more

We stopped at Bamboo for lunch after our Polulu hike. We chose Bamboo based on our hotel concierge's recommendation. The service was friendly and prompt. The restaurant is located in a older building in Hawi and it has a comfortable old school feel to it. The food was excellent. We ordered Kalua pork and cabbage as well as the Bamboo sliders. Both were delicious and there was plenty to eat. After (or before) you stop here, spend time walking around the quaint downtown area of Hawi. read more

Not too many vegetarian options and a bit pricey for what you get, but fabulous ambience and the food has pretty good flavor

Great food, great service. We had the coconut curry soba noodles and the kalua pork with cabbage. Loved the iced tea! Friendly capable service. I'd go back again! read more

We had a lovely lunch yesterday at Bamboo except the calamari was a little old. We should have complained sooner because they offered to make new order. The service was good,. We had a table in front of the window. Then we had a Mac nut ice cream cone from the ice cream shop. We drove to the end of the road and back to Keahou. Beautiful drive and wonderful weather. We always have lunch at Bamboo when we visit the Big Island. read more

Made a Yelp due to the owners terrible attitude and overall visit. Asked to split a tab politely and was told it was too much trouble with an attitude. Would never come back somewhere with such a bad owner. Servers are great. read more

My favorite restaurant on the Big Island! Worth the 45 min drive on windy, dark road from our hotel. (If you're not into that, go for Sunday brunch or lunch.) Extremely friendly service and terrific food. We had chicken potstickers, bamboo salad, the caesar macnut, and the crispy polenta fish. Everything was flavorful and fresh. Also, the passion fruit margarita was also good. There is a lovely art gallery in the same building with beautiful, local artwork and crafts. Also, live music on Friday and Saturdays. read more

I was hitting every tourist trap on the island, so I was elated when I stumbled upon Bamboo. Of course, this restaurant caters to tourists; it's located on this one block where every store is a souvenir or jewelery store. But the quaint decor, good service, and delicious food made me feel like a local! The pot stickers were yummy and my green papaya and cucumber salad was verrrrry good. Husband stuck with the traditional Kalua pork and cabbage and he loved it. Besides the food, I love the history of the place. There's a great story on their website (http://www.bamboorestaurant.info/story.htm) about the building and restaurant. Bamboo and the town of Hawi are great places to go when you are tired of the Hard Rock Cafe and tourist traps of downtown Kona. :) read more

6+ star service! Quick too. Tasty fish and dessert. I highly recommend. Cocktails were really creative and tasty to. Excellent taste of local BI Hawaii. read more

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First time here, in the town to which we hope to move in the next couple of years. The husband had the Aloha Cuban, which he loved. I had the Thai salad with chicken also great. Loved the gallery upstairs I love the Hawaiian quilts. We'll definitely be back! read more

Five stars is all for the food. My experience here sucked, but didn't have anything to do with the restaurant. We had had a long day of touring the northern part of the island and settled in for a relaxing dinner. Relaxing with a 14-month old is sadly an oxymoron. My husband, mother in law and I traded off calming and appeasing the little one, unbeknown to us he was at the beginning stages of an allergic reaction, likely to the peanuts in the pot stickers he (barely) ate. So, by the end of the evening we were rushing to the ER and pumping him with steroids. But don't get me wrong, my Thai fish entree was excellent. So was the passion fruit margarita. I just needed a few more by the end of the night. read more

Had lunch at Bamboo on 5/6/2007... Ordered the Ono Fish and Chips, it was beer battered and deep fried (Kona Brewery Beer for the batter) with waffle cut fries. It was kinda expensive for fish and chips ($15.95) but I've never had Ono before. It was only one piece of fish (4oz) and it was put on a bed of greens. The fish tasted very light in flavor and the batter was crispy and light as well. I also ordered the Passion Fruit Margarita which came in a coconut shell. It was very strong and sweet. Lastly, we ordered the Caramel Creme Brulee ($6.95) and that was good too. Overall it was a good eating experience but a bit pricey...If we go back to Hawi...we'll stop by again at Bamboo and try the other dishes...Give it a try if you're driving up the Northwest coast towards Hawi... read more

Wow - what a fun place - very quaint and down-home, kind of like the rest of Hawi. It is gratifying to see a once-dead little town come back to life with a bunch of little artsy eclectic shops and Bamboo Restaurant is right in the center of it all. You can tell that the owners really love what they do (or they fooled me anyway). I had the passion fruit slushie which was sorbet in a glass. Yummy! Then came the Bamboozer Special which was an array of their most popular pu-pus (sp?). There is a nice art gallery upstairs and a shop with fun stuff on the main floor beside the restaurant. Definitely worth a stop on your trip through Hawi, Hawaii. read more

Great little restaurant! Just stopped by for a late lunch. Since our group ate a late large breakfast we split a few plates with no hassle. They even brought us extra plates without us asking. To drink we had the Lilo Martini, which was excellent, and a few Kona brews on tap. To eat we enjoyed Kalhua pulled pork sandwiches and a coconut prawn appetizer. All were delicious! Prices were reasonable (for Hawaii) and service was friendly, attentive, and quick. Would definitely recommend and visit again! read more

Yummy food, friendly staff. Husband had the pork and cabbage with rice and a couple beers and I had the curry fish with extra tofu added, plus a lilikoi slushie. Will totally go back. read more

Excellent local find. Friendly service. Superb food. Mai Tais were outstanding. Our group tried the coconut crusted ono (fish) served wtih sauteed vegetables and brown rice. It was one of the best meals of the week. The kids loved the atmosphere, which was colorful, cozy and hospitable. We tried a few desserts as well, and they were equally amazing. Raspberry sorbet, cheesecake (YES!) and I forget the third one because all I can do now is think about the dreamy, ethereal cheesecake with a buttery macadamia nut crust and perfect filling. Enjoy! read more

Great food; reasonably priced (for Hawaii); and probably the most attentive service I've ever had in a restaurant. Well worth the 30 min. drive from the Kohala resorts. My kaulua pork was one of the best I've ever eaten. My wife and son had the fish special (Ono) and couldn't stop raving about it. Also try the lilikoi margarita. The atmosphere of the place makes you feel like you are in the Hawaii of the past. read more

We were looking forward to eating here, as it had been recommended by several people. We really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, it was one of our most disappointing meals while in Hawaii. The food was lackluster (we ordered appetizers and entrees--2 of them kids meals), portion size was quite small for the prices, even by HI standards, and the service, while friendly, seemed a bit "off." We were kept waiting, both to get our order taken, and then for our food to arrive. There was zero attention paid to us until we happened to be almost finished with a plate or glass, and then staff was constantly swooping in to clear dishes, even when my husband had not yet finished his beer. It was strange. I have never posted a review on yelp before but felt compelled to do so after our odd experience at Bamboo. read more

Beware! There are limited choices in Hawi, but I say "No" to Bamboo. Based on the photos and overall rating I thought it was a safe bet...not so much. Very slow service and food was unsatisfactory & way Overpriced. Our experience: *20 -25 minute wait to be seated ( empty tables but we presumed short on servers or maybe kitchen backlogged) *once seated took awhile to order at least 10 minutes & we waited well over 30 minutes for food to arrive *Pulled pork was said to be tasty, but only 4 waffle fries. Pretty skimpy * burger was cooked medium but not seasoned, bun was falling apart upon arrival and again only 4 waffle fries * potsticker entree (5 doughy soggy lumps smothered in a bottled(?)sweet chili sauce) it was supposed to be over a papaya salad. There were about 2 tablespoons of salad. When I inquired , the server was nonchalant about the salad. $15 hmmmm I ate it but It was because I was starving - it was not satisfying at all. We do give Bamboo the award for worst meal(s) on the island. read more

This is always a good stop on the Big Island. Often there are hoola dancers so that's a treat. We like the big round table at the back.. The food is as good as anywhere on the Island. Best bet is to not expect things to be the same way as at your home in your area. The owner is really fun and to the point which we love. If we have a food issue she fixes it. Some people think that just because they're on holiday people in restaurants should kiss their butt. I especially like the woman who complained about the martini she ordered when we were there saying it was too strong. : þ give me a break and the bratty kids. Geesh. Go try this restaurant! It's awesome.. read more