Good to great food, terrible service. We ate here for the second time the other night, and while the specials were very good (lobster bisque appetizer, ono w scallop), the veg tempura for my wife and a side of mashed potatoes (she's a vegetarian), were very pedestrian. Overall, the bisque was the best I have had in a long time, but the service unfortunately was pretty bad. After a 15 minute wait for our waitress to present herself, the only constant for the rest of the meal was her inattention to our table, along with the water person. We had to ask for water refills twice (I know, I know, first world problems), but for the money, it's really not great. They definitely need to re-train their servers. read more

Mauna Kea knows how to do a buffet! The clambake buffet was great and today's Sunday brunch at Manta hasnt let me down!!! Stations w servers/cooks/carvers: Omelette bar, Belgian waffle and crepe station, sushi nigiri station (tamago, kanpachi, ahi, unagi, salmon), awesome fresh and soft ahi sashimi, prime rib station w carver, Caesar salad station (they toss it for you). Had a dessert bar too, ice cream bar, and of course the salad and hot entree bars. Damnstraight everything was good. I esp loved the Belgian waffles (we halved it to save room in our stomachs lol), omelette station, smoked salmon w capers n cream cheese, and crab claws w butter. And I know you can't really do it wrong but the bacon was awesome too lol. Service was very good. Water cups were always filled and they did a good job clearing our buffet plates away as we went back for more lol. We got seated outside at around 12 noon and it wasn't hot at all w a cool breeze too (we stayed for about 1.5 hrs). The outside seating overlooks the shoreline down below and it was beaaaaaauuuutiful!!!! This area must be a sight to see at sunset, too. Come casual or in a simple sundress because the inside also is only lightly air-conditioned and not very cold. Would definitely come here again for Sunday brunch. read more

Good thing they have the view. Expected much more for the high end stay. Dinner for two $200 ... not worth the convenience of walking downstairs. At least tell your servers to place the order they just took -- not go to another table and ask if they are ready to order. Worth a drive off resort for better food. read more

Perfect. From the gorgeous setting to the beautiful and delicious buffet, the meal was pricey and worth every penny.

We have eaten at Manta multiple times over the past three years. The food has always been excellent, and the service first rate. Tonight things were different. As our appetizers were served, the hostess sat a couple down directly next to us with two toddlers wearing their pajamas...we knew trouble was brewing...between yelling "we want a hamburger", and running between the tables, our dinner experience was going downhill fast. While waiting for our chocolate souffle dessert to arrive, I decided to have a chat with the manager. He apologized, but said.."Well this is a family resort.." As if that's an excuse for irresponsible parents and screaming kids. As expensive as Manta (160 including tip tonight) is, having a "Chuck E. Cheese" experience is not my idea of value. He said I hope I can convince you to continue to patronize us.. I told him I would think about it...But on the drive back to our condo we have decided to place Manta on the no fly list. read more

My wife and I dined here to celebrate our wedding anniversary recently. We were full of anticipation based on the reviews. My wife has had the brunch at the Mauna Kea hotel (and loved it), so we thought we were in for a nice meal. Unfortunately, our expectations were not met. Location: Five Stars. The location speaks for itself. The restaurant is perched up on the hill above Mauna Kea Beach. The patio is large and has several tables; all with views of Mauna Kea Beach and the Kohala coast. We dined near sunset, which made for a romantic setting. Service: Three Stars. Our service was inconsistent. Our server was not particularly attentive and looked like she did not want to be there. She was not well versed in the specials in any way. The supporting staff performed at a level that is expected from this type of restaurant. The restaurant manager did come around to check in on all the guests, which was nice. Food: Two Stars. This is the main reason we go out! Since this was our anniversary, we tend to splurge a little more. My wife started with the Lobster Raviolo. I had some bites. It was fairly tasty, and lighter than expected. However, the portion size did not justify the $21 price. I had the Big Island Goat Cheese Ravioli (my appetizer was part of a three course May Special). It was a small portion, and the taste was good. The pasta was slightly undercooked. For the main course, my wife had "Day Boat Scallops, Fisherman's Choice" for $45. When it arrived, there were just two scallops and a sliver of some white fish. The menu describes the meal being accompanied by "truffle nage, Hamakua cherry tomatoes, baby leek and potato melange." There was ONE cherry tomato; not "tomatoes" as described. There was one baby leek. I don't expect large portions, but the meal was microscopic. We still cannot get over the fact that there was one cherry tomato on the plate. On the up side, my wife described the TWO scallops as very tasty. I had boar tenderloin, with brussel sprouts as my main course. The tenderloin strip was cooked well, and seasoned nicely (though slightly over salted). We also ordered a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes to share. There was not one hint of garlic in the mashed potatoes. They tasted like plain potatoes. Idahoan microwaveable garlic mashed potatoes taste better. Extremely disappointing for a "high-end" restaurant. My May special came with a mango gelatin like dessert. It was not my cup of tea, but my wife liked the flavor. The restaurant did provide a complimentary piece of mud pie for our anniversary, which was a nice touch. Overall, the food quality and portions do not justify the price point of this restaurant. The location is not enough to save itself. I would not recommend this restaurant. read more

Dinner here was really nice. We were late to our reservations due to the babysitter being late. We got a seat not so good but were moved to a better seat when another couple got cold. Service was good and the waitress was friendly. I was a little disappointed with my fish, then I decided to put salt on it and it was a game changer. The flavor came out and it was excellent. We shared a couple of desserts and the waitress came out with a birthday ice cream. I think it belonged to the couple that moved, but of course I said nothing, smiled and ate up! You only live once!!! Thanks for the great dining experience. read more

We tried to make a reservation for 7:30 but were told no tables were available before 8:30. No problem, except when we showed up at 8:15 only a fourth of the tables were occupied. Minor thing. The setting is gorgeous; we didn't catch the sunset but the view of the stars from the lanai was absolutely lovely. Service: Our main waitress, Heidi, was really great, knowledgeable, and helpful. But the busboys not so much. One refilled my half-empty glass of Pellegrino with ice water from the water jug before realizing what he had done, then brought me an empty wine glass (instead of a water glass) to continue my Pellegrino. No comp on that episode. The other one brought the breadbasket AFTER we'd finished our appetizers/salads. This kind of service is NOT ok for a restaurant that claims to have exceptional food in an exceptional setting etc etc. and is charging you more than a high end restaurant in the Bay Area. Food: My husband went for the mango tasting menu and had no complaints. I ordered the salty beets salad (asked them to hold the ricotta on it), and got the salad from a busboy WITH ricotta before they took it back and brought one without. Again, service level on that not ok. The salad tasted fine but wasn't anything close to wow. My main course was the mahi mahi, which was served in two small fillets with a broth on the side and a side of (bland) rice. One fillet was overcooked, the other one was cooked properly. The organic carrots were slightly undercooked (you had to bite down hard), and the spiciness of the red paste overpowered the whole dish even with the broth. It all tasted just OK. During the main course Heidi offered to order the chocolate souffle for out dessert with enough lead time and we went for it. The portion is too big for one person (so we're glad we were going to share it anyway), and the supposed vanilla sauce to pour inside was no longer available so we got chocolate sauce for the chocolate mousse and it was ok, but would have liked to know ahead of time. So, cut one star for the poor service, and another for the quality/price ratio being off (even knowing that all restaurants in the area are expensive). Leaves 3 stars. Creative but just OK food in a gorgeous setting. read more

We had an absolutely wonderful experience at this restaurant. They catered to our party of 14 and we received fantastic service. The manager and our waitresses took great care of us. All of the food was amazing, and of course the view was unbeatable. We were even lucky enough to see some Manta Rays swimming! The majority of the menu is Island raised or caught, and the wine list was extensive as well. Would definitely recommend the Manta to anyone staying on the Big Island! read more

Had a great meal for both dinner and breakfast. We had a wonderful server who took great care of us. I recommend the breakfast buffet. The wine list is also wonderful. read more

A fantastic experience. The location is the best spot on the island, the view can't be beat. The food was cooked to perfection and the service was wonderful. I can't say enough good things about this place. read more

The view is amazing! The food is very good. The service was good. Don't miss going down the path to view the Mantas after dark! Definitely will return again! read more

The entire restaurant is running on about four waiters, so it took about half an hour for us to even get a waiter. The drinks came about ten minutes later. The food on the other hand was very delicious, I personally got the New York strip and loved it. read more

Service was excellent, wine list was fairly extensive. Food was awesome, wonderful flavors. Portions we a bit small for the price.

I researched a long time to decide on one sunset dining evening at a nice restaurant while staying on Hawaii. We had the swordfish and the mahi dinners with a side of mushrooms. Both meals were very good and the mushrooms were very flavorful. The view is absolutely gorgeous. The whole experience of a lovely meal served by a very professional staff and the absolutely beautiful area made a wonderful evening for us. I would probably not choose to do dessert again. They are small and very expensive. They were good, but I've had many $6 desserts that were just as good or better. read more

After telling our name to the surly matre de, she walks away, not one moment please sir, or excuse me, but just leaves. My date and I looked at each other not knowing what to do. She came back a few minutes later, surely as ever and says, this way, so we get seated at a table, which has a wobbly chair and wait, and wait, and wait finally the waitress approaches our table, but no, the bread guy gets there first, and she shrugs and leaves as we're frantically trying to get her attention, so we didn't hear annoying about the bread. Fail. Is this their first day? We finally get someone to take our drink order which had all of 3 ingredients, didn't get that right, fail. Dinner was pretty good after a very long wait for service, but the live music was close to intolerably bad. There were a few other missteps, but not worth bickering over because I recommend you stay away. Front of house 2, back of house 8. Also, why do you have koi statues in front of a restaurant called manta? I suspect because you had to rebrand. I also suspect you kept the same management. Poor choice. Completely unacceptable service for this price point. read more

Have been here many times. A very expensive brunch but the best on the Island. Great food and service. They have an archaic way of getting people seated but after they get you seated, service tends to be good. Food is excellent and ambiance with Ocean View is awesome. Desserts are not as good as in years past when there was much more variety. Shrimp and Crab claws were especially fresh today. read more

Manta has been a family favorite for years now. Many thanks to Manta again for a delicious birthday dinner. Manta hasn't missed a step. The food was fantastic, the service was first rate and the atmosphere is second to none. read more

Amazing ambiance. View of sunset and enjoying the sound of the ocean while you dine. I had the scallops (amazing) and my dad the mahimahi and also loved his dish. My mom had the foie gras and quite content. Waitress had great dry sense of humor. Excellent service all around. Browns used to be the family favorite but this place has it beat. Highly recommend. read more

The tiny wine tasting machine is a stroke of pure genius! WAY too much fun - all this and a big Island sunset, too? It seems impossibly luxurious! read more

The food was excellent. The ambiance that of beauty and Hawai'i with the sun setting over the ocean. Service is outstanding. A fabulous experience and the best food I have had on the island. read more

The food at manta is top notch. Excellent flavor, perfectly cooked prime rib and wonderful seared pink salmon. Accompaniments were equally savory. Strong Mai tais and beautiful view. We were able to see one manta ray in a continuous figure eight swimming pattern but you don't have to dine at the restaurant to see the rays. Our service was great and the waiter knew how to accommodate my gluten free requirements. Friends who dined here the night before us complained of slow service. Definitely come expecting resort pricing as most entrees are $40 or more. read more

Gorgeous setting overlooking beach. Fresh fish seared excellently. Crab and corn chowder was delicious and full of flavor. Highly recommend for their food and ambiance. read more

This review is for the Sunday Brunch. We made a special effort to make it for the Sunday Brunch this year. Last year on our annual Hawaii trip we heard from a couple how great it was so we thought we should try it this year. We were not dissappointed. On an overall basis this has to be one of the top brunches in the country. The only one my wife and I can think of that comes close, that we have been to, is at the Sun Valley Lodge. To summarize what has been said by many reviewers already. First, the view is as good as it gets -- outside overlooking the amazing Manua Kea beach, with a staff that makes sure you are in the shade of a patio umbrella. Second, the food is superb with a selection that makes it impossible to try it all in one setting. As my wife and I talked about the brunch we both lamented more on what we didn't try. Everything we did try was superb. Some reviewers have questioned the selection and the price. All I can say is they probably have not been to many luxury brunches. At $48 per person I would say it is one of the best bargains around if you take advantage of their great selection of food. Sure, if all you get is a waffle, bacon, and fruit it is expensive, but you didn't really take advantage of the whole setting. Fabulous fish, sushi, dim sim, shellfish, prime rib, and deserts really make this a first class buffet. Besides the typical omlet bar they have a sushi chef who will assemble whatever you like. Third, the service was what you would hope for -- attentive but not hovering. If you establish a relationship with your server it will work great. At one point my wife knocked over her drink on the table. Immediately two staff jumped out, cleaned up the table, replaced the placemats and napkins and in seconds it was like it never happened. So, if you get a chance, block off a afternoon,, make a reservation, and go to this brunch. If you have to save up and splurge a bit -- do so. It is worth it. read more

I don't often find five star places but this is one! At first I was put off by "wine bar" because I'm not a huge wine drinker but that's just a name, and describes a wide selection of wines. Dinner of Bibb salad and local chicken, braised was superb. Chocolate souffle was fresh warm and outstanding. . Gorgeous setting and fine service. Will return! read more

We dine at Manta about twice a year. Our experiences are not absolutely consistent, but overall we feel it is the best dining experience on the Kohala Coast. The setting is spectacular and a trip to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is always special. I recommend sitting down to dinner around 6:00PM so you can enjoy the beautiful sunset. Disappointing experiences usually involve poor service rather than poor food. The Ahi Tuna and Foie Gras pairing is a pretty incredible meal. I'm not crazy about the Macadamia-crusted Mahi Mahi as it's a bit reminiscent of a fish stick. I recommend avoiding the Chicken Curry as the chicken can be dry and flavor not that special. Beef dishes are generally well prepared. Salads and vegetables are all fresh and well prepared. I do wish there was more of a selection of southeast Asian inspired seafood curries. Desserts are fantastic. I favor the Lilikoi Souffle as the chocolate one isn't quite "chocolatey" enough (though the molten lava cake is very good). If service was more consistent my rating would easily be a 5. read more

Wonderful setting and staff but dinner doesn't measure up if our one visit is any indication. I didn't know fresh fish could be at dry and overcooked with vegetables undercooked. Butter leaf salad was overdressed with unappealing oily coating. Even the amuse bouche was in amusing. For really good fish and other well prepared food go to merrimans. Brunch at mantas is a different story. Best on island. read more

Formerly Pavilion at Manta Ray Point, now just Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar to focus on their incredible wine list. Other than a new Wine Manager, all new employees (since the former employees were all let go after the hotel shut down for two years), and new paint and furniture, it is the same restaurant as before, which is not a bad thing. They have the single most beautiful location to eat dinner at sunset that I have ever experienced, certainly the best in all of Hawaii. The Mauna Kea has the most stunning property, partly due to being the first resort on the Big Island. Dinner is served on a point with 180 degree view of the ocean and Mauna Kea beach, overlooking gardens and palm trees. Away from the other busy resort areas, it is just peaceful and serene. Now, honestly I would give them 5 stars just for this one of a kind location, but their food and service are great as well. A little pricey, I long the pre-reopening days when they had sunset specials, however prices are the same as any other Kohala resort. Kids menu is a fixed $16 (ouch). We've always had great service in the past. This time around we had one issue with ordering dessert - a chocolate cake that you order with your meal since it takes 25 minutes to cook. However, it took more than 20 minutes after finishing our meal to arrive. They even came by at least 15 minutes after our meal to say it would be another 10 minutes. Other than that, no explanation or apology, despite the fact we ended up spending 2 hours at dinner. It would have been nice to comp us the dessert. I think they just forgot to put in the order, or the kitchen just messed up the timing. Either way, sort of defeats the purpose of ordering it with your meal. We will skip dessert next time. Free parking at Mauna Kea parking lot. After dinner, walk down to Manta Ray Point to see the Manta Ray running in circles to eat the bugs attracted to the light (conditions need to be perfect for him to be there - we have been here at least 4 different years and only saw the Manta Ray this last time). read more

After yet another awesome vacation on the Big Island, we rated which restaurants were top notch and worth a frequent visit. Manta's at the Mauna Kea was definitely at the top of our list (next to Merriman's in Waimea). My family of 4 had dinner here and from the moment we arrived the service was exemplary. We didn't expect this restaurant to cater to young children at such a late dining hour but from the moment we were seated one of the servers brought some bread crisps and mini pizza slices with fruit for my kids. We appreciated this very much because it gave my husband and I time to look over the menu and wine list while the kids 'snacked' (I'm sure some parents understand). The food was excellent as expected and we thought this was the best veal chop we ever had on the island. Our server's name was Evelyn and she was very friendly and attentive--very much what you expect from an upscale restaurant. Mahalo Manta's for an excellent family dining experience! We are DEFINITELY coming back! read more