Unbelievably fabulous food! Family owned and operated with care. One of the very best restaurants in Hawaii. read more

Delicious variety of fresh seafood and friendly service! The Ambiance works too even though it next to the highway. Highly recommend this restaurant read more

Came out for lunch to celebrate a friends birthday. Started with the Lilikoi Pisco Sour and it was delicious! For appetizers we had the Caesar salad, the Kona lobster and kanpachi ceviche and a burrata dish. Their ceviche is practically made to order and I love the way they prepare it. Our server, Claudia, was very attentive and knew what to recommend on the table and explained everything to us. The Lobster Tagliatelle was delicious. It had a buttery, lemon caper sauce on homemade noodles and the lobster was cooked to perfection. My partner had the squid ink special, which he added octopus. It had Kona Lobster, Calamari, Prawns, all the works. You can definitely tell they make everything fresh and use the freshest ingredients. Although we were stuffed, we did make room for affogato. Espresso was nice and strong and was paired with vanilla ice cream. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place and would come back again! read more

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It's all about the FOOD and BEVERAGE. If you need the Resort environment, overwhelming table service and niceties, just stay at the Resorts. Owner Gino Cipriano made me his signature Pork Belly Sandwich, and well, it exceeded all expectations. Anything and everything on their Menu is top-end, and as some other reviewers have complained, yes there is occasional noise from nearby road traffic. But come here for the FOOD and BEVERAGE. After you eat and drink here, go back to the solidarity of the Resort, then come back again tomorrow. Cipriano's will welcome you again with true ALOHA. read more

Fresh drinks, amazing food, sweet family. Started off with the pisco sour, which paired well with the ceviche. The seafood putanesca was served with the best octopus I have had. Short rib ravioli did not disappoint. Check it out! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Incredible food and amazing service. This will be your best meal in Hawaii. Wonderful owners of this place who make everything fresh from scratch and local. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Squid Ink Pasta - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Wonderful staff. Food was beautiful. Best on the island. Had lobster ravioli with octopus & salad. Will be back for more.

My mother and father decided to dine here and thoroughly enjoyed their experience. The food was very good and the price was as expected. The owner was very kind and took time to explain things when they had questions. Yes, the owner did ask for a nice review but this is her livelihood and we will gladly write one. There was a man who entered the restaurant without a shirt on and proceeded to terrorize the owner who then refused service to him. Please be respectful as you would any other restaurant, just because it is located on Hawaii does not mean your vacation takes priority over being mindful of someone's business. read more

What an amazing meal and experience! Owner Claudia is totally charming, and provides an intimate dining experience. Every table is made to feel like a special guest. And the food and drinks were amazing. Everything fresh and locally sourced. The dishes are creative and delicious. We'll be back! read more

We had two lunchtime meals here and both of them were outstanding. They don't have a lot of room because I believe the chef makes everything fresh for your table., so I recommend making reservations. The meal was exquisite, both delicious and stunningly beautiful. They serve a mixture of Italian and Peruvian food. Everything is locally sourced, and the seafood in particular is extremely fresh. We had ceviche the first day and cioppino the second one. they also make their own bread and the focaccia was wonderful. And did I mention the fresh pasta, fresh buratta and fresh ricotta? Delicious. For dessert we had the Lilikoi mousse, tiramisu and chocolate cake. We split on whether or not we liked the moose or the tiramisu best but the chocolate cake was also delicious. This is not a place you go for fast food. It is a place to have a leisurely meal where you savor every bite. Mahalo! read more

What a sweet fusion of Italian and Peruvian cultures and cuisine on the big island of Hawaii! The food was amazing, the drinks were refreshing and authentic while bringing in the best tastes of the islands-- Lilikoi pisco sour, anyone!? All of their food-- from the pasta to the focaccia to the seafood-- is freshly prepared, so please enjoy the beverages and the tin-art from Italy and Peru, while you wait for amazing-ness to be prepared. Claudia, the co-owner served us for brunch on Monday and was so attentive and friendly; offering suggestions and asking us our preferences for flavors as well. We were there on a quiet morning, so we enjoyed the fully covered boardwalk porch for our brunch-- and Gino, the chef and co-owner came out at the end of our meal and told us they host dinners once a month-- the inside of the restaurant is cool and calm, white walls with dark trim and dark wood floors; an elevated but complimentary ambiance to the Mediterranean-fun out of on the porch. Our family has been to both Peru and Italy and it was a trip to enjoy some of those flavors in Hawaii, thanks to the passionate staff at Cipriano's Kitchen. Mahalo! Buon Appetito! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - bruschetta with Lobster... and an empty Lilikoi Pisco Sour - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Wowowowowow. As a fellow Italian, I am BLOWN AWAY that this place exists and is in Hawaii. It's by far the best food I have ever had and we LOVED the team!! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Food and love and beautiful women! - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Loved the Food. They have their own style of service and way of doing things. Ambiance is nice, a restaurant tucked in the corner next to a burger place, a gem hidden by plants. Very delectable and delicious food and they even have their mystery drink I was able to try. I enjoyed their food and restaurant very much. Would definitely return again read more

Well that was insanely delicious! Beyond elegant balance of flavors. Fresh local seafood over quinoa with marinated onions, olives, tomato, and shaved sweet potato moons. I could eat here every day. #lunchdate Family run. Spotless. Friendly. And efficient kitchen. Really fresh and wonderful. Plus? My husband truly enjoyed his meatball focaccia sandwich and iced tea. This place is such a star!! Excited for our return. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Craving some Cipriano's and will be returning soon. Claudia and Geno are soo fun and kind. Everything taste fresh, bright, and flavorable. Each dish brings a smile from from ear to ear. Always leave there with a satisfied palate and full belly! read more

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Based on recommendations that I've seen on yelp and because I had a Christmas gift card burning a hole in my pocket, I ventured off to Cipriano's Kitchen in Kawaihae to see what all the fuss is about. I had read that reservations are highly recommended. I was lucky enough to place a reservation and get it was confirmed by the owner with basically a 19 hour notice. Once upon a time, seems like a lifetime ago, I was a server. So, I trust the staff and always go with their top 3 recommendations and don't even bother reading the menu. Doesn't matter where I eat, this has been my method for years and I never get steered wrong. The knowledgeable and friendly server made his 3 recommendations and I said "sounds good". His big smile told me he was excited about my choices and happy that I trusted his suggestions. I noticed as each table was seated, their orders were taken and placed and spaced out appropriately because each meal is made to order. Please don't be in a hurry. You'll want to savor every bite. The beginning star of the show was a Kona Kompachi "ceviche". It was beautiful to look at and a delight to devour. The Kompachi melted in my mouth like butter. The combination with the citric acidic juice, octopus, avocado, taro chips, pine nuts, microgreens, and pickled onions was a phenomenal combination. I knew immediately that the owners truly cared about their food. Soon after, I met the passion behind this restaurant when Claudia, one of the owners, stopped by the table to chat. My gosh! What a lovely woman. Her dedication to food and freshness and detail is like nothing I've ever experienced at any restaurant in my life. She made me laugh and felt like an old friend in matter of moments. When I told her how amazing the ceviche is and how it melted in my mouth she loudly proclaimed that any fresh fish that sat out for 15 minutes might as well be considered kim chee. Lol. I knew in that moment that I'd definitely be coming back to Cipriano's time and time again. One of the main courses and special of the day was the shortrib ravioli. Every bite was so full of flavor. This dish is very rich and the cream sauce was unbelievable. I had a difficult time controlling myself from licking the plate. Luckily, I had also ordered their foccacia bread. The foccacia bread is definitely a labor of love as it takes 96 hours to complete. Beyond worth every penny. It was the perfect bread to soak up every drop of sauce from the ravioli...and I did just that. Another special of the day I ordered (per suggestion) was the Black Ink pasta - complete with Kona Lobster, shrimp, calamari, and added octopus as the server suggested. Everything not only looked spectacular but tasted exquisitely fresh and I find myself struggling to find the right words to describe the experience. Delicious doesn't even begin to tell you how happy my taste buds were and still are. The other owner, Gino, stopped by the table and introduced himself. After I loudly sang his praises and showered him with compliments, he smiled, nodded, and modestly/shyly headed back to the kitchen. Gino and Claudia. What an adorable couple. Gino is from Italy. Claudia is from Peru. Seems like a match made in heaven as their food and their restaurant just cannot be compared (and shouldn't be) to any other restaurant on island. Claudia wouldn't let me leave without trying the tiramisu. I have actually proclaimed myself as a tiramisu connoisseur so I happily and quickly agreed that I definitely had to try it. My tiramisu days began when I was in college and was a waitress at Olive Garden. I often volunteered to take on the role of restocking the dessert fridge at night. At that time, if the desserts weren't presentable to serve, well, the staff got to eat them. (We also got free breadsticks at Olive Garden btw.) It's unfortunate for Olive Garden that so many pieces of tiramisu accidently had my fingerprint in them and I had to eat them myself. Alas, that's when my tiramisu addiction began. No, I do not want treatment but thank you for your concern. Lol. As you can imagine, I've come a long way from my Olive Garden tiramisu days. Honestly, it's embarrassing to even talk about Olive Garden in the same sentence as Cipriano's. I digress. This tiramisu at Cipriano's: *insert chef's kiss here*. The coffee-based liqueur soaked lady fingers and the mascarpone and the cocoa on top. Just W O W. I'm salivating just describing it. I can't say enough amazing things about this hidden diamond in Kawaihae. I just know that I cannot wait to go back. I will also add a few details about price. I forgot to take a picture of the bill. My total was $229 not including tip. I only had water to drink as I stopped drinking alcohol about a year ago. Boring. I know. I just save the calories for dessert instead. Life's too short to not eat good food. Be sure to treat yourself. You deserve it. read more

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If you are in the area of Waimea, Waikoloa or Kawaihae, this is a MUST!!! Great food, home style service and great location. The Caesar salad is wonderful and they have truffle add-ins (my favorite). They also have a dessert and coffee selection that is wonderful! Perfect portions and rich flavor to make you want to try everything! Such a great add-in to our limited restaurant selections in South Kohala. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Truffle Meatball Panini - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Where to begin! Claudia was a dream, and took great care of our party of six. Order generously and you won't regret it! We ordered the Cippoino with octopus. Empty plate. Vegan off menu dishes also! Something for everyone. Try the croissants and focaccia. The coffee drinks were creative and delicious. Will be coming here again! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - (Vegan Option) - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

We LOVE this place! Claudia and Gino are the best! Friendly service, they made us feel like part of their family and right at home. Everything we have tried from pasty's, the apple turnovers are the best we have ever had, to breakfast bruschetta, homemade focaccia, and lunch, the Caesar salad was delightful and the ube gnocchi with truffle sauce is to die for! I added the fresh Kauai prawns to top it off! Fabulous!!! Illy Italian coffee drinks and amazing mock tails. I love the coconut lemonade! Located a short distance from the resorts and Waimea. Easy parking. Surround by green palms that softens the comfortable out door covered seating with fans to create a light breeze. We can't wait to go back!!! If you haven't been, you are missing out! read more

Highly thank Claudia for her amazing food. Her recommendation were perfect. I would highly suggest the drive up north. It is a 5* menu. All freshly made. LOVE IT read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Amazing little place. Definitely a must eat here. It is def 5* menu. We will highly recommend. Take the drive. - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Run don't walk! Food was ahhmazing! Worth every penny. We had the Ricotta, the Kale Salad, and the Lobster Ravioli. All highly recommended. Also the Alfajores - so delish. We will be back. read more

food was phenomenal but service was even more incredible! so friendly and always making sure everything is right! outside seating is gorgeous! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - pork belly panini - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Wow Just wow. We are foodies and just ate here and can't remember the last time we couldn't even talk when we were eating. Sorry we can give them 10 stars. The octopus was perfect, crunching on the outside tender on the inside. The lobster ravioli and creamy mushroom sauce should be outlawed. THE SWEETEST COUPLE ever. Run don't walk. read more

Oh my, what a delightful experience! I just finished the lilikoi mousse and cannoli, and they were absolutely heavenly. The pasta was equally impressive--I don't usually go for seafood pasta, but the short rib ravioli and lobster tagliatelle here were top quality. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Highly recommend! read more

Excellent service. Super friendly and attentive staff with wonderful knowledge and recommendations for pairings. If you enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a casual laid back Aloha ambiance, this is your place. I ordered the Osso Bucco and my hubby ordered the octopus carbonara and both were excellent. A little expensive but worth it in terms of quality, service and ambiance. read more

What a treasure! Eating here is an extraordinary experience, from the first bite to the last. Each dish is absolutely beautiful and bursts with fresh, complex flavor. The ceviche is the best I've ever tasted! The pasta is fresh and delicious... even the gluten-free noodles are soft and flavorful. The desserts will make you melt. Mahalo for serving us the finest food and making us feel like family! read more

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You pay for the food, you pay for the service, you pay for the ambiance. And it's a freaking worth it. Claudia treated us like rockstars, and definitely sold us on getting the fried octopus on top of the shrimp bucatini. WORTH IT. Piscina Sour is on another level as well. If you can find a time to get to the Saturday night dinner, do it for me, I didn't have the chance to go, but would have loved to experience it. read more

Honestly everything is so good here and the staff are super friendly!! Make sure you stop by!! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Ceviche - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

My husband and I came here the other day after his coworkers recommended it and we are so glad we did! We're planning on making this one of our new go-to lunch date spots. Claudia went out of her way to make us feel welcomed and offered recommendations for add-ons to really elevated our meals. I got the pomodoro with added truffle and burrata (absolutely amazing!) and my husband got the kauai shrimp bucatini with added truffle. Everything we ate from those two dishes to the croissant and the focaccia bread were delicious. You can tell they care a lot about the quality and freshness of their ingredients and it definitely shows in every bite! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Kauai Shrimp Bucatini (my husband added truffles to his dish) - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Claudia and Chef Gino are not only beautiful humans but incredible chefs! We bring many of our friends here because it's so laid back AND the food is SO GOOD! Specials are always amazing - the cream sauce for raviolis and gnocchi is *chef's kiss*! If you can get the short rib, lobster, or artichoke ravioli specials - DO IT! Claudia will kill me for saying this but my favorite is still their classic bucatini with Kauai Shrimp. Highly recommend! read more

An amazing find. One of the best food I have ever tasted in the entire world. Having traveled all over the world from Italy to Mykonos and living in Los Angeles there are so many great dining places I have been exposed to and this little gem is a great place. The food is exquisitely fresh and the flavor and texture of freshness comes with each bites. The clams were sweet and cooked to perfections. The octopus was soft and again cooked to perfections. The langoustine (shrimp) was sweet and the meat simply melts in your mouth. Oh the lobster was divine too. My girlfriend was not in the mood for such a robust meal in the morning but once she had a bite, she couldn't stop. Claudia and Gino were so kind to give our 5 yo an apple and tangerines since his palate has not developed. It is a gem of a place. Don't miss out. I can't wait to return for their off the menu's cioppinos. The meatballs were so yummy as they just were moist and juicy but not crumpy like other meatballs. If u read this review and happens to be in Kona. You just need to get there. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Meatballs and Seafood specials - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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So pleased to have Cipriano's on the Big Island! Beautiful food, great hospitality and a very familial feel! Claudia and Gino, along with their family, create an authentic Sicilian and Peruvian experience. We've been here over the years for breakfast/brunch and the consistency has been spot-on. We were lucky to snag a (new) Saturday dinner, (reservation only) spot tonight and were pleased with the Veal Oso Buco and Squid Ink pasta with fresh seafood! Third visit here in our 3-week stay in the area! Excellent. read more

Delicious food. Delightful service. What a gem! We have found our favorite restaurant on our favorite island!

We stumbled upon this restaurant while looking for an off resort breakfast. Cipriano's popped up on the map about 1 mile away. I didn't have time to read reviews before we arrived so we just walked in. WOW!! It's a casual, cozy atmosphere with an amazing menu. The owner came to our table and shared the daily specials (everything is homemade from scratch). Service was great, drinks were delicious and the food was the best on the island! I'm so glad we stopped!! I highly recommend. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Breakfast burrito, scrambled eggs with bacon & foccacia, bloody mary - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

If you care about food quality and authenticity; and you've made your way to the Big Island; then you are required to try this restaurant, full stop. My personal recommendation is the Cioppino, with lobster and grilled squid. It is one of the best Italian dish I have ever had, and it's the best Cioppino for me. We stayed on the Big Island for a week and this was the best food we had with no distant second. I hope the chef would consider moving the restaurant to the mainland, particularly the LA area ; ) read more

Fantastic Ceviche kale salad ravioli drinks Better anything along Kona coast Great service read more

Best Italian food on the big island! Perfection!!! Hurry & make a reservation. Ravioli bar none. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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First, the food is terrific!!!! I just love their food although my first time here, I'm a huge fan. They did not disappoint. Eating there short pasta with meatballs, lilikoi canolli and to die for pork belly sandwich was like heaven!! I've will never open a jar of Ragu or store bought noodles again. Pork chops and bacon has nothing on their pork belly sandwich and that canolli with lilikoi mousse, needless to say exceeded expectations, perfect ending to a perfect meal! To wash it all down, that hibiscus lilikoi ice tea was refreshing. Second, the service, the owners and their daughter gave us personal service. Chef came out to deliver meal and thank us. The hostess, and owner took time to let us know about all the meals on their lunch menu. She is definitely a people person! We felt welcomed. Their daughter, one of the servers constantly checked on all guests to make sure everyone enjoyed their meals. Third, I truly felt like I was in a 5 star restaurant but in a casual atmosphere. This place is a must if you're visiting, it truly is the BEST place I've eaten in the 6 years since I moved here. So glad my friend wanted to try on a whim. Thank you Ciprianos, I just loved it all!!! read more

The food is amazing and the service was wonderful! We came to visit Hawaii and stayed at the Hilton, which unfortunately just offers over priced mediocre food, so my daughter and I decided to drive away from the resort and try to find local spots. Best decision ever! We came across this gem and even tho my kiddo is a picky eater, she loved it too! They had the best Peruvian Pork sandwich and pizza I've ever tried. We truly enjoyed our meal and spent a fraction of what we would have spent eating on the resort. I love supporting local business, specially when they have such great customer service. I highly recommend you give them a shot. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Second time back this week and it was delicious both times! Amazing made from scratch pastas and crab soup. The entire family is extremely hospital! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii