This was such a fantastic find. You would easily miss this if you did not know to look for it. The pasta was amazing and we are going back again tomorrow. This is incredibly authentic. It is as good or better than what we have had in Italy. You can taste the love and care that went into each dish. Also for those of you that are gluten free, they are very accommodating. Kim read more

Food is excellent, great flavor and fresh; service is friendly and attentive, while you feel you are visiting your aunt. Recommend to call in before to make sure they can sit you. read more

Claudia and her team were incredible. one of our group of 8 said it was the best meal they had ever had. all agreed it was incredible. if you come to kona this is a dont miss spot. read more

I loved my experience at Cipriano's Kitchen. Claudia and her staff treated us like family, and the food was absolutely delicious! The ceviche was one of the best I've ever eaten, and I will definitely be going back soon! read more

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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

Cipriano's Kitchen blew us away. From the moment we sat down, Claudia provided absolutely stellar service--warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu. The vibe is effortlessly chill, yet the experience feels like fine dining in the best way. Cocktails--next level. Every sip was balanced, creative, and just plain delicious. And the food? I had the squid ink tagliatelle, and I'm not exaggerating when I say it was the best I've ever had--yes, even compared to spots in Italy. Rich, briny, perfectly cooked--it was a standout dish. What made it even more fun was hearing other diners rave about it while we were waiting. The hype was real, and it totally delivered. Pro tip: don't skip dessert. It's not an afterthought here--each one is crafted with just as much care and creativity as the rest of the menu. Worth saving room for, we had the chocolate cake and passionfruit mousse with cannolis. If you're anywhere near Kawaihae, make this a priority (our family of 6 visiting from LA stopped for lunch after going to Hapuna Beach). Absolute standout on the Big Island. read more

This place is so good it brings tears to your eyes. Nowhere outside of Italy will you taste food like this. 10/10

This was hands down the most amazing and delicious food ever! All the food was from scratch and the presentation was awesome! read more

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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

Imagine an exquisite Sicilian eatery in Taormina with pastas rich with the flavors of the sea: local lobster, prawns, squid and octopus. Incomparable gnocchi and ravioli. Yes they even have Cioppino Add some Peruvian flair with fresh sliced ceviches with lime. Yet here you are on the Big Island of Hawaii. Chef Piero and his wife Claudio have brought this dining experience to the Kawaihae Harbor. A Panzanella salad that defines what this salad should be. And aren't we lucky to have this place! read more

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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One of the best meals we have every had - pasta and focaccia made from scratch, fresh local ingredient, and amazing flavors and aromas. Absolutely a culinary treat! This week's focus were scallops - we had them with puttanesca AND Pesto. sauces were amazing - we will be back next week. read more

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

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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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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

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

Food is best on the island!!! Claudia and family are so welcoming and make for such a warm environment. Bright flavors, outstanding dishes, and great seafood. Squid ink pasta with octopus is amazing and a can't miss! read more

The food was so authentic and full of flavor, without being overpowering or imbalanced. The pasta, handmade with love you can taste. The tiramisu brought a tear of joy to my eye. Everything tasted fresh. And we haven't even begun to discuss the outstanding service provided by the staff. Claudia sat with us and told us in detail of every special and appetizing appetizer. Treated all of us like family, and this was my first time interacting with her. The male server was just as kind and considerate! The decor was intricate and intriguing. The more you looked the more you found! Signs and posters and, license plates? From all different countries! Great conversation starters without being distracting. Also, having tapestries with famous celebrities and one of their daughter on her graduation day on the same wall, chef's kiss. No notes. Tells us exactly what this business is about. Family, taste, quality, and community. Thank you all for the fabulous service and meals. Unforgettable. read more

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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

One of the best meals I've ever had. We ordered the burrata, panzanella salad, ceviche, scallop pasta puntanesca, squid ink tagliatelle, and a simple pesto bucatini with burrata... and the tiramisu. Every dish was fresh and delicious, it's hard to pick a favorite. Don't miss the ceviche or the tagliatelle. The service was super friendly and personalized. The owners wouldn't let us over-order either. All pastas are homemade and all other ingredients are local. Text them to make a reservation as they don't take walk ins. 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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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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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

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

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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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

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

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

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

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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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

we had a pretty big party but the atmosphere was very accommodating and welcome! the owner was extremely helpful and patient when it came to the menu, and the food was great! beyond the aesthetics, you could really sense how everything was made from scratch and with love. just be sure to make a reservation first before coming! read more

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

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

Cipriano's is incredible! Kicked off with the strawberry calamari spritz made with fresh fruit juices and shared the kale salad with my friend - seriously, best kale salad I've ever had. Like ever. Snacked on their incredible focaccia, then dug into the special short rib ravioli while my friend had the four cheese ravioli. Also best ravioli I've had in Hawai'i (and maybe ever) plus the sauce with these ravioli sopped up in the focaccia was a dream! Ended the feast with a shot of espresso and shared the epic lilikoi mousse. The attention to detail, friendliness of the team, and exquisite flavors at Cipriano's make it a five-star experience. Can't wait to come back!!!! read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Short rib ravioli - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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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

Brilliant. The chefs are divine. The flavors to die ( or live;-) for. I never thought a breakfast burrito would leave me thinking of my favorite 5 star and Michelin rated European restaurants. And the breakfast lobster is a must! A delighfully memorable experience read more

Cipriano's Kitchen - Breakfast Lobster with lobster sauce and truffles and the most amazing breakfast burrito - Italian Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

I planned to come here for lunch after beach bumming at Hapuna Beach one day on my first trip to Big Island. I had no idea this place is primarily reservations only, nor how upscale it would be. So I walk in wearing a tank top and sand on my sandals and on my shoulders. The vibe was rustic beach house so I was still ignorant. There were maybe 2 tables sitting when I arrived, the restaurant was almost empty so I figured I would get sat right away for my party of 2 +1 baby. Wrong. The owner, Claudia, came by and said she would seat me after she took one of the parties' order. 20 minutes later she gives me a large table on the empty patio. I wasn't stressing, I was in Hawaii so island time was cool with me, but I did find it strange at first. When Claudia finally came to our table she explained that they usually only take reservations, and that she only serves one table at a time. Meaning she won't seat a new table until the table before them has been helped and has their order placed. We just got lucky, a couple that came in just after us, looked like they were turned away. She also explained that the menu is very intricate, and everything is fresh, nothing frozen. Although there is a printed menu, she said that a better way to order is to look at the pictures and reviews on Google and yelp, as the menu does tend to change. I ended up ordering the Cioppino and adding octopus, my wife had the lobster, stuffed ravioli, and we got the Burrata as an appetizer. The Burrata portion was modest but delicious. The presentation was amazing and I was savoring every bite. The fresh focaccia goes through a 95 hour process and you could taste it. We even ordered a second side of the focaccia with our main course. Our seven month old daughter got to try the focaccia, and she looked like she liked it a lot! While we were waiting for the main course, the other owner, Gino, came out and asked if I liked black pasta. I told him I had never tried it, so he told me he would add it, and went back to the kitchen. The cioppino was a dish I will remember forever. It was plated masterfully and each of the meats was cooked to perfection. Until this day I had only tried octopus once, and I didn't like it the first time. This time was a new experience. The black ink pasta was amazing and although they told me, it would likely not be as good if I order it elsewhere, I have to try it again if I see it. My wife really enjoyed the stuffed ravioli, and although the portion was also modest, she said she was full afterwards. She commented that the lobster was cooked perfectly, and tasted very fresh. The sauce was divine and had everything you would want from a home-cooked meal away from home. We had the tiramisu for dessert, I didn't get a picture of it, but it was delightful. The drink that's pictured is the Lilikoi & Hibiscus tea, refreshing. I can't recommend this place enough, especially for a special occasion. Make the reservation, bring your wallet and your patience, and know it's worth it. 5 stars. read more

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Cipriano's Kitchen had the perfect island atmosphere, gorgeous meal presentation, and the service will be an embedded memory of ours (Authentic interactions). Treated our young children as if they were related to them. The owner allowed our 20 month old son to kiss her on the cheek when he asked for a kissy. Truly an incredible cuisine experience, and each dish was euphoric, worth every penny! I believe Cipriano's to be noted as a mandatory destination if you are visiting the Big Island! read more