Amazing EVERYTHING! It started with meeting the owner Claudia and her husband Gino. Great authentic people, so welcoming. Hard to decide what to what to eat. My wife and I shared the Cesar Salad and fluffy Focaccia, hit the spot! Great Lilikoi Pisco Sour cocktail too. My wife had the Shrimp Bucatini pasta, I had the Squid ink Pasta with Lobster, shrimp and Calamari. Probably the best pasta dish I have ever had. Pasta was amazing and the sauce was to die for! We finished with the Tiramisu. Hands down best meal so far. Do yourself a favor and go! Anyone who gives this place a bad review is just a horrible person. read more

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

Had an absolutely outstanding lunch at Cipriano's. My wife and I shared a kale salad that was the best we've ever had. I had fresh scallops in a lemon butter caper sauce. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. My wife raved about her Kauai shrimp in a San Marzano tomato sauce. The service was excellent, the conversation with one of the owners (Claudia?) enjoyable. Can't recommend this place highly enough. read more

First and foremost, the OWNER treated us horribly. She had a terrible attitude the minute we sat down. Passive-aggressive, eye rolling, we couldn't believe it. The food was good, but her terrible customer service and treatment of us ruined it for us. When the bill arrived, we were shocked to see just a total. Nothing was itemized, and it was wayyyyy more than it should have been for 4 shared entrees and 2 appetizers. We would have said something but our friends picked the restaurant and they were already embarrassed. Won't be back here again. read more

Gino is an amazing chef who magically combines flavors for an amazing dining experience. A foodie destination. We are never disappointed every time we go. We even ordered their house made focaccia to go to bring to a friend. Today's lunch was two dishes shared among 3 of us: house made bucatini tutto mare and ube gnocchi. Starters were kampachi & lobster ceviche prepared just before serving along with a fresh tomato and burrata salad. (We always get the ceviche). Amazing! It was a highlight meal for our trip. Gino has a way of preparing octopus so it is lightly crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender inside. Claudia and Gino are a delight and make everyone feel welcome. We always follow their recommendations on what to order that day. Don't let the location fool you, this is a world class restaurant. Prices are higher but the value and experience is worth it. It is an island gem. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Focaccia with Gorgonzola and figs. - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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This was atrocious. I dont know where to begin. First, the service is terrible. We got there at 710, she told us she had to take care of the other tables first since we were walk ins. Not a big deal. But then we waited, by 730 we were seated. The restaurant is not particularly busy. Only the outside tables are used, none of the indoor seating is utilized. We sit at 730, tell her we already know what we want so we can order. Ignored for another 30 mins. Then at 8pm we finally got to put an order in and food all came out in 30 min. Meanwhile we got to observe the entire operation here. We wanted longer than actually eating. There's only 2 workers I assume husband and wife. The lady spends **a lot of time** chatting with people eating, talking about all kinds of things. At the same time, tables are getting testy. They want their check. Another guy starts pacing for 30 min before he gets her attention. While we wait the 40 min to put an order in, another table shows up. She's like I have to take care of them first. We tell her we know what we want, But she just smiles and walks away. During this time she keeps showing us these insanely expensive pasta dishes she is serving. $90 for seafood and pasta, in an out of the way area, ambience includes eating on a porch. No. Brings me to the prices, outrageous. It seems like the tip AND gratitude is baked into these prices. Almost $50 for THREE short rib ravioli. The ceviche was $56. You spend $100 on just two things. She is also quite the seller. Not only showing these elaborate expensive dishes but pushy about other items too. I found the panzanella missing some key ingredients like bread. Presentation is very pretty for all the dishes. Now for the finale. We asked to split the check and she sneered and said I guess so!!!! You gotta be kidding me. The older man is lovely but he just clears the tables, he needs to be more involved. He atleast seems kind, not dismissive. Would not recommend. Price to food ratio to service to ambience, fail. read more

My wife and I went to dinner here. It was very expensive. I think the seafood was worth it. My wife ordered the squid ink with mixed seafood. That was $98. I had short rib ravioli. It came with 3 pieces at a price of $46. For those prices, they could have at least given free bread. That was another $7. Tiramisu came in a cup for $19. Corkage fee $80. More than NY and SF. The pasta was nothing special. Would not waste the money on this restaurant unless everyone is eating seafood. The seafood is fresh and well prepared. Pastas need to come down in price. They are charging Michelin rated prices when the service and ambiance is not up to par. Bottom line, only worth it if you are eating seafood. read more

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

Over $500.00 for 6 people and 2 couples shared. Holy Moly are you kidding me!! Only 1 beer ordered, 2 mock tails, 1 cola. 2 shared appetizers. 2 Cioppinos, a pasta dish and a meatball sandwich. Plus NO itemized bill to double check prices, etc. Food is good, service terrible/awful/rude/unbelievable to be honest. Claudia, who is the owner needs to learn to be kinder to her customers and they might come back. We won't. read more

So if you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this place, it's kind of a must do on the big island. You literally have the most delicious parts of Italy and Peru right at your doorstep and with a dedicated team that puts every ounce of love and passion into their work. You can see it in every plate that you order and taste it deep in your soul. This is the real deal. Definitely for a special occasion or to treat yourself every once in a while as you deserve it in this world if you have the privilege and honor to do so. Mahalo! read more

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Outstanding fresh made to order food. Local ingredients and such great flavors. Family owned and hardworking delightful people. My favorite restaurant on island. read more

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My husband and I were in Kona for a short 5 day vacation last week and went to Cipriano's twice during that time - once for brunch and once for dinner. Both meals were delicious!! My only problem was that I ate too much! First, let me say that both chef Gino and Claudia were a pleasure to chat with. For brunch, we had the avo toast and the pork belly burrito. Claudia easily convinced us to have a croissant as well, which was also worth it. For dinner we had the ceviche, cioppino, and osso bucco. Every option was delicious. 10/10, would recommend. Hoping our travels bring us back to the big island soon. read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Osso bucco & cioppino - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Very bad experience. Rude service, terrible view and smell gross. Stay away from this place guys!!

Everything was excellent! Fresh and delicious. Service was very attentive and helpful. Best night out in ages!

Best place to enjoy an authentic seafood Italian meal. Favorite place on the island. Claudia is always fantastic with her recommendations!!!

As usual, the food is superb!!! So amazingly delicious! Tried for the first time abalone and Cipriano's didn't disappoint. It was nirvana! Thank you Claudia and Gino, see you again next year! Aloha and Mahalo read more

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We just returned from having an amazing experience at Cipriano's Kitchen. It was one of those time you say, "I can hardly wait to go back!". The food was perfect, the service was gracious, and the ambiance was terrific (considering it is on a very busy corner of the road). Not much of a drinker, the limoncello cocktail was a treat. Claudia was an extremely knowledgeable hostess with information about each dish. read more

We feel completely RIPPED OFF!! This was our third visit, and each time, the experience has grown more disappointing--prices continue to climb more expensive than the resorts..which speaks volumes in itself, while service and hospitality have declined dramatically. The setting was sweltering, hot, humid, and uncomfortable and made worse by the long stretch of being ignored without even a glass of water. We were told, "I'll be right with you," half a dozen times before anyone took our drink order. From the moment we sat down, it took 30 minutes just to receive our beverages. There's a shady element to the billing as well. Beware of surprise charges, like the focaccia, which is never clearly disclosed as an additional cost when she says, do you like focaccia?? Of course I like focaccia. We couldn't help but feel like these little "extras" were casually tacked on to inflate the bill. The cioppino, while decent, certainly wasn't worth the $110 (plus an upcharge for octopus that likely brought it closer to $150 for a single dish), especially considering it was hyped as "the best you'll ever have." It wasn't. And as for the "shrimp cocktail"--we're not sure where they get the audacity to call it that. It arrived hot, sitting in a remoulade-style sauce, topped with corn nuts and pickled onions--definitely not what anyone would expect from a traditional shrimp cocktail. The lady owner, who also acted as our server, Claudia was by far the most off-putting aspect of the entire experience acting as if she was doing us a favor by waiting on us, she gave us the WORST SERVICE we have had on island. She would pass by our table repeatedly, tossing out empty "how's everything?" comments without the slightest interest in our answers. This happened at least 15 times and began to feel more like mockery than hospitality. Meanwhile, her husband, who we believe is the chef, was left to run food, bus tables, and carry the entire service on his back--an awkward and uncomfortable imbalance to witness since the chef should be in the kitchen instead of dealing with service. We spent three hours there, during which our empty glasses and plates accumulated to the point that we were stacking them ourselves just to make space. With no refills on water, no ambient music, and the sound of traffic whizzing by just feet from the outdoor table, the atmosphere was as uninviting as the service. The wine list was sparse, and though the salads were one of the better parts of the meal, they still came in at $25 a piece. After everything, we walked away having spent $400 on brunch, tip included, and were left wondering not just how it had come to that--but why we ever gave this place a third chance. The food may have moments of quality, but the experience is marred by arrogance, indifference, and a clear lack of hospitality. We will not be returning. read more

Outstanding!!! Haven't had Italian this good since travels to the Italian coast. We had the cioppino, squid ink pasta with octopus and fresh oysters. All fantastic, fresh and delicious. Never thought I would be recommending an Italian spot in Hawaii. Claudia and her daughter are lovely, personable hosts. The location is simple, no frills , you come for the food and conversation. The heart of Italian cooking. Those complaining about price and location, I wave them off. This isn't your typical tourist trap, it's legit great quality food. You don't need all the bells and whistles when the food speaks for itself. I can't wait to return. read more

Claudia and Gino always create a great culinary experience for us. This visit was a brunch with a burrito and coffee for my spouse, birrata appetizer and a panzenella salad, plus ube Affogato for me. The flavors are so good...I dream about the combinations. Can't beat the quality of the food and superb service. Pricing is in line with other island restaurants, but the food is more than step above. read more

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Amazing! You wouldn't expect to find one of the very best of the Big Island's restaurants in Kawaihae, just across the street from the harbor. Cipriano's Kitchen may just be my favorite restaurant on the island! This restaurant is family-owned, and has Italian and Peruvian influences. They make the focaccia bread fresh daily (it takes 96 hours). Everything, from the drinks with fresh juices, to the focaccia, to the entrees and desserts, are amazing! We had the Ceviche, which was amazing. The flatbread margherita pizza was great! The Kona Lobster ravioli were to die for! To say the food here is amazing is an understatement! I loved the meatball panini on my previous visit, as well as the pork belly panini! The only dining areas are outdoors, and the traffic can be loud at times as motorcycles and trucks pass by. But you likely won't notice, as you'll be too engrossed in your meal! I've been here twice, and will likely venture here monthly from Kona, just for the experience! read more

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Best food on the island. We ate at multiple fancy places like Ulu at 4 seasons and also at Manta at Mauna Kea but this place has the best food hands down. Everything was super fresh. It was super delicious!! The owners are super nice and friendly. read more

This is our second time at Cipriano's and it remains the best service, and freshest fish and food on the island. We love the outdoor seating. And I highly recommend the ceviche, soo good. Claudia and Gino are so friendly and this restaurant is a hidden gem! Call ahead to get a reservation; it is worth it! read more

we happened upon this res for an early lunch, and what a treasure it was!!! The food was incredibl, and the owners mad you feel like an old friend stopping by for a meal. if you are anywhere near Kona, make a reservation and don't miss this dining experienc!!! read more

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

It must be the lack of good Italian restaurants that most of the reviews are 5 stars. The food was good but not worth the price. $95.00 dollars for pasta with octopus and lobster that was overcooked is a bit pricey. The owners wife is friendly but a little too much salesperson. After spending $1,000. For dinner for seven they add a 3% credit card fee, and a 20% service fee ( tip). I feel it was excessive. read more

Outstanding food and gorgeous ambience. Service was impeccable. Cipriano's is an absolute must experience authentic Italian brunch spot, I can't wait to come back. read more

We were out looking for a local place to eat breakfast and came across this gem. Absolutely fantastic home made food made to order. The staff/owners were so friendly and attentive. If I could give it 20 starts I would. A must visit place. read more

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

The food across the board is uniformly excellent. I had the best cioppino of my life here and my son said the same about the cacio de pepe. The service was great and the desserts were sensational. We will definitely be back! read more

The food is fresh and indescribably delicious. I've eaten here many times and always elated!

This is my 3rd time coming here and the food was amazing. The owners are amazing. Everything comes out pretty fast and looks amazing and tastes even better. I'm picky when it comes to seafood but will definitely eat here again. read more

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

We went to Cipriano's not quite realizing how good it was going to be and we were blown away. I have had a lot of good food in my life and this meal was perhaps the best I've ever had. We started with the panzanella salad which was anything but simple. Dressed in lemon and the best olive oil. We actually started drinking the dressing by the spoonful once the tomatoes and cucumbers were gone! Delicious. The focaccia and cheese plate was wonderful -- I think it was a special and isn't in the main menu. We ordered the lobster tagliatelle and the squid ink pasta. Both were phenomenal. I am picky about seafood and the squid ink pasta had a lot of it. Everything though had perfect texture, buttery, soft, cooked perfectly. So freaking delicious!! You have to get the lilikoi mousse at the end. Don't care how full you are. It is simply amazing! The chocolate cake was great too but the lilikoi mousse is so special. Restaurant is family owned by this amazing couple. They'll walk you through what is best to order. We trusted them and were definitely not led astray! Make sure to make a reservation beforehand! Honestly I would travel back to the big island if only to go to Cipriano's again. read more

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Location is deceiving being right across the street from the shipping yard and not thinking a 5 star restaurant would be here but it is! An incredible place for authentic food and wonderful service. We forgot to post pictures the first time we went because we were too busy eating every last bite of our meals. There is an option to add truffles to just about anything. Do it. Get a side of the fresh focaccia bread. It takes 96 hours to make each batch and quite possibly the best bread I've ever tasted. We almost didn't get a table because we forgot to make a reservation. Make a reservation so you don't miss out! It is absolutely worth it. read more

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

The best lobster pasta I have ever had. Everything was perfection. So happy that I was able to have this amazing food experience.

This has been one of the best meals that we have had on the big island. A 100/10. Everything was super fresh and made with love and devotion. The lobster was DIVINE. Absolutely EVERYTHING is a win. You wont go wrong. Dont leave this island without trying this fresh spot. read more

Food was amazing, atmosphere was nice,service was really nice and helpful staff. Can't wait to go back read more

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We had a fantastic meal - all five of us loved the food. I think that it's the best food on the island. read more

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The food is excellent! We had the kale salad, scallops with amitriciana pasta and the flourless chocolate cake, and everything was wonderful! Great flavors and very fresh. It's a small, family-run business and they are friendly, welcoming, and very passionate about their food. We followed their recommendations and we were glad we did. It is on par with some of the best Italian restaurants I've been to! I highly recommend and cannot wait to go back! read more

My wife and I took my son and daughter in law and their friend to Cipriano's Kitchen. This restaurant is the absolute best restaurant on the island. Everything is fresh, the fish from the harbor; pasta, bread and sauces made that day. The sauces are fantastic; order extra focaccia to sop them up. Gino and Claudia are world class chefs and their skills, training and knowledge are in every bite. We talked story with Gino well after closing and he talked about dishes he makes and the importance of dining as a time for family, a time to talk and enjoy each other. There is no music or WIFI you are left to marvel at the wonderful flavors and converse with each other. Just a wonderful evening, ( my globe trotting foodie son and daughter in law agreed). read more

One of the best meals I've ever had. The owners are true artist and the food was incredible.

Best breakfast we have ever had!!!! Try this place, the owners are wonderful and it's all constructed with love and skill. Amazing quality.

I work in food, my life revolves around food, and Cipriano's Kitchen is one of my favorite restaurants in the world! We make it a point to come here for lunch whenever we're visiting the island. I think this is our fourth visit here and the food is always exquisite and surprising. This time, I had the squid ink tagliatelle with house made tagliatelle that was thick and delightful tossed with a spicy, flavorful tomato sauce and three perfectly cooked types of seafood - calamari, lobster, and Kauai shrimp. My mother in law's cacio e Pepe tagliatelle with truffle was the best version of cacio e Pepe any of us have ever had. My husband's ceviche was the perfect combination of texture and flavor, and for anyone telling you corn nuts don't belong on ceviche, they've obviously never had Peruvian ceviche before - it's essential! We didn't have a reservation (don't recommend walking in), but Claudia accommodated us the best she could. A reminder that this is a husband and wife run spot and it's hard to run a restaurant, don't complain about the service and don't come if you have a specific time constraint. Live life on Hawai'i time! The food is well worth the wait and not just the best food on the island, but this would be a top restaurant anywhere! Also, we wouldn't have had a wait if we had a reservation. The food came out quite quickly once we sat. Don't miss the lilikoi pisco sour! read more

6-Star if it was possible!! Gino and Claudia are so inviting and passionate about their food. Everything was fresh and delicious. Each dish we had was perfection. They also helped us with the wine. Their Italian selections are excellent and not seen everywhere else. The outdoor seating i quaint and nothing fancy, but the plaques are very interesting and entertaining. Be sure and make a reservation. Some of the seating has more sun. We wanted to try as many restaurants on the island and Cipriano's is the only one we visited twice. Such a memorable experience. Thank you so much Gino and Claudia!!! read more

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