We both had the ahi tuna blossom - excellent! The ahi is local, cooked nicely and flaked. The tuna salad has lots of surprises - apple, capers, celery, onion and a light mayo to hold it all together. Served in a nice tomato "Blossom" with a couple of grilled baguette slices and a fresh green salad with Kalamata olives, strawberries, red onion and feta cheese! Perfect lunch! Service is friendly and the space is super quaint with only three two-tops. We were here years ago and it didn't disappoint! Paul is a gem! read more

We come to Hilo to see family 4 or 5 times a year. I have written about this amazing place before. All are welcome, visitor and local alike, but, because it is small, reservations are highly recommended, whether you are local or out of town. What I wanted to add to my earlier comments is the spirit, the humanity, the caring, the generosity that is Paul. Given the times, I appreciated this part of Paul's emotionally during this recent visit. In this place, you are cared for by Paul and his assistant. It is an experience we treasure deeply every time. read more

What a great find! Paul is an amazing chef and each meal is prepared with love and kindness. He gets my best review ever. I'm taking a friend there for her birthday. You have to have a reservation since he only has room for 3 small tables. It's an awesome experience! read more

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What a perfect find! This place is special. Be sure to call or stop in for a reservation ahead of time because everything here is done to perfection. Being here during a rainstorm was a blessing and I only wish the loft was a cozy dining spot where I could stay a while! Come hungry because not only is the menu super-tasty, it's all super fresh and perfect for all your IG pics. read more

Paul's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Hidden gem in Hilo! Must make reservations. Paul was so lovely to work with in securing our reservation, which I made a few weeks in advance. Our flight was cancelled and moved to a later time, and thankfully, Paul was able to move us to his last seating at 1pm. Parking is located across the street on a gravel lot. You can see your car from the restaurant. Entering the restaurant you feel taken back to an Aunt's house who you haven't visited for a long time and missed. Clean and homey feel throughout. Now let's get to the food! Pasta de Marco (angel hair pasta) and Fish Bowl Pasta (spaghetti pasta) dishes were exactly what we needed after a long morning of cancelled flights and not eating since the night before. The fish was cooked PERFECTLY. The pasta was cooked PERFECTLY. Belgian waffles (there was more than one waffle) dessert tasted like a waffle, funnel cake, and beignet had a baby. So DELICIOUS! He also topped it off with some vanilla ice cream, which we did not mind at all. His menu options also include salads, sandwiches, and various Benedict options. A nice mix of food and flavors. We learned a few things about Paul throughout our meal, which he may share with you when you go in and dine. His assistant was also very sweet and worked hard keeping everyone's water filled and tables cleared. This place is a definite must eat when you are in Hilo town. Please consider supporting this small business. read more

Paul's Place - Beautiful entrance, feels like home. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

There is a reason why Paul's Place really only has stellar reviews--because it is exactly THAT good. I try to come at least once a month because I cannot go too long without devouring his delicious waffles! Paul's Place never fails to deliver fresh, quality, and unique dishes without overwhelming customers as his menu isn't too extensive. The place really only has three tables so making a reservation is a MUST here but TRUST me when I say to do the pre-planning as you will regret not coming here at least once. It is a cozy, intimate setting with Chef Paul creating his amazing dishes to order. I recommend eating as soon as you get your food as I believe he only has two burners. Do not miss trying the waffles, fish bowl, and his unique take on the salmon Benedict! His aioli makes my mouth water every time. It has never been a bad time at Paul's Place. Thank you Paul for your food and the heart you put into all your dishes :) read more

Paul's Place - Amazing Belgian waffles!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Absolutely the best experience! But beware, reservations only and can be a two week wait. But so worth it. Paul the owner is so personable, kind and respectful to all. Many people walked in without a reservation and he graciously shared the need to have a reservation and suggested an alternate place to eat. He treated us like we were a best friend, even though we had never been there before. Decor was well done. Food was very good and unique. Cooked one plate at a time by Paul on a single burner. Coffee awesome! read more

By chance, I ended up with my daughter-in-law's reservation since she couldn't make it--lucky me! I haven't been able to book my own because of my constant traveling. But, oh my goodness, Paul's cooking never disappoints. The waffle is always a winner, but let me tell you, the Pasta de Marco was absolutely delicious! read more

Paul's Place - Pasta de Marco - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Food is great but expensive. Because there are only three tables, Paul hovers and discourages conversation.

Reservation required and no takeout available! Okay, now that's out of the way, the owner is super friendly and personable. The food tastes so fresh and the ingredients are definitely high quality! It is right next to the Hilo farmer's market, so it is easy for them to run across and get fresh ingredients. I went with my mom and fiancé and we all loved it. My mom really cleaned off her plate (which she usually never does) and said it was the best food she had on the Big Island during our trip! read more

Amazing food, great service, and a relaxing atmosphere--highly recommend! It is a short drive outside of Hilo. It is worth the drive

Amazing and truly unique twists on popular entrees! Paul and his lovely staff are very funny and friendly. Reservation required! read more

I can't understand the 4 star ratings for Paul's place. What does it take for you people to honor a 5th star??? This is an amazing little secret that is run with care. Paul is awesome. It's our first time here, and I feel like family. Amazing food, incredible service, great (little) cafe. Plan ahead, make reservations and you won't regret it! read more

RESERVATION REQUIRED!! It was sad to see all the people being turned away :( I ordered the Belgian waffles and they were the best waffles I can remember ever eating. They were incredibly light which I enjoyed because it meant I could finish the whole plate and not feel sick or over full later. The waffles had a nice hint of lemon flavor and the exact right texture I wanted as a person who does not enjoy heavy breakfasts. The restaurant only has 2 tables and is cozy and inviting. The decor is really cute and there is a lot without it feeling overwhelming. Paul was so so nice and friendly throughout the meal. He said he doesn't have plans to expand because he likes having conversations with his guests and I enjoyed his presence. read more

Where do I begin...such a sweet spot. Paul is da bestest! So charming and funny...good fun vibes for sure. Oh and the food is excellent. We had his favorite pasta dish, Smoked salmon benedict and waffles. Even the coffee was outstanding. SO ONO. Make reservations and go! read more

Such a nice, cozy little place Paul has. He is an amazing host and chef. I got Tuna Bloom the first time I dined there, and Salmon Eggs Benedict for the second time. They were both excellent!! They only have 3 tables so must make a reservation. It's worth it! read more

Paul's Place - Smoke salmon eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Pauls Place takes you into a different dimension. His small and quaint space is comforting and welcoming. Almost feels like you're home. His food is exquisite EVERY TIME. His staff is kind, friendly and the perfect match for the ambiance. read more

Paul's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Second time going there today and everything was perfect! The food was amazing and unique 10/10, full of flavor and fills you up. Highly recommend their Belgian waffles and breakfast pasta Uncle Paul and the girl running the place were super sweet and welcoming. You can tell Paul is very passionate about his restaurant and the vibes are always so good! Ambiance is very bright and open. There are only three 2-seater tables so get there quick or call for reservations. Overall such a good experience and would definitely go there again. read more

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The best breakfast burritos in OC. Quick service and reasonable pricing inside this brightly sunlit and spacious restaurant. Do breakfast here 3 days a week with friends and never disappoints! read more

Best fish in Hilo was absolutely delicious please please make a reservation for this place you won't regret it! Not to mention the owner has so much character and heart. His small restaurant is quaint and homey with big flavor! read more

Paul's Place - Fish pasta bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Very friendly owner, but the place is very small, and you need reservations which the owner arranges by text message.

So friendly and inviting. Sadly we weren't able to eat here because it's only by reservation only due to the only 2-3 tables. But Paul pulled us in with warmth and Aloha. Best rejection I've ever had lol. Next time I come to hilo I will make it a point to eat here. read more

Great , cozy , personable place. Perfect name for it too. It's an intimate 3 table place. Food presentation is beautiful and unique, I love the touch of creativity and outside the box serving. Thank you for taking us in as walk ins! We loved it! read more

Paul's Place - BLT - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Paul is a wonderful human being. He made me feel like I was in my favorite uncle's kitchen. He took care of me like family. The breakfast was spectacular, unlike anything I ever had. I had a pasta and egg breakfast called pasta di Marco. Also shared the caprese breakfast. Everything was amazing. I'm highly recommend the tiny restaurant with the kind soul who owns it. Gracias Paul. read more

Always a special dining experience at Paul's. I think his food taste good because of Paul's smile. My favorite is still his Belgian waffles. Wow, brok da mouth! Limited seating, so make sure you call in or text for reservations. read more

My husband and I throughly enjoyed Paul's Restaurant, he was a gracious host with incredible food that was presented beautifully...it was a work of art. We will definitely be coming back~ read more

Paul's Place - Waffles with bacon~ - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Heard so much about Paul's Place that I needed to try it out and see for myself. Since we were planning a trip to Hilo to participate in the return of the Merrie Monarch Festivities, I decided to book a reservation several months ahead at Paul's Place. As soon as we walked into this quaint little restaurant my husband and I were immediately greeted by Paul and Megan. Their hospitality comes so naturally we immediately felt at home and comfortable. It was quite a coincidence that my husband and Paul are the same age and they had the same friends. They seemed to have had a great time reminiscing about their childhood memories of growing up in Kona! Now let me say that the food is absolutely wonderful and delicious! Paul does wonders with his magnificent creations. I chose the Belgian Waffle which literally melted in my mouth! I've never tasted anything like it before which I can honestly say is totally amazing! His presentation of the dishes are such a delight to your senses that we could not wait to taste them! My husband ordered the Smoked Salmon Benedict. He raved about the hollandaise! Paul put his own spin on the sauce which came out amazing! If you're ever in Hilo, visiting and eating at Paul's Place is a must-do! It's best to make reservations ahead of time in order to secure a table at the time and on the date you select. As the saying goes, " you snooze, you lose" if you don't try out Paul's Place. It's an amazing epicurean adventure! We will definitely be back!!! read more

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Absolutely the best waffle I have ever eaten! Small & quaint, Paul's Place is not to be missed. Reservations highly suggested.

The food is amazing and very different the chef engages the entire time and it creates and amazing ambiance in a tiny little restaurant the chef is amazing and his wait staff take great care. read more

Second time here in 2 days and WOW yet again!! We felt at home, comfortable, not rushed and the breeze was nice. Paul is family now, he exudes the aloha life and draws you in not only by feeding you but getting to know you!! We had the fish bowl and the tuna bloom and..wait for it..the most amazing Belgian waffles we've ever tasted! Wish we were staying on island as originally planned but heading to mainland again. We will take this place with us in our hearts and Paul will forever be family! read more

Paul's Place - Belgian Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Truly Hilo's best! Everything is delicious! A little spendie but, a nice treat every now and again!

The food was absolutely incredible. The customer service is amazing with a very friendly environment. I would highly recommend this local restaurant for anyone visiting read more

Paul's Place - This is the pasta de marco and is was delicious - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Love this place. Such a quaint and personal atmosphere. Not only is Paul a chef, he's also an artist and lovely personality. Highly recommend the eggs Benedict and Caprese - will definitely try his lunch next time read more

Paul's Place - Eggs Caprese- so yummy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

The most delicious food and ambience in Downtown Hilo. We Enjoy Paul's love for food and people, he is an amazing chef

This is my 5th time at Paul's since 2018-19 and it's a unique and wonderful experience. There are only 3 tables w/Paul seating you, taking orders and cooking. There's one assistant who helps w/beverages/ bills/questions. His menu is phenomenally unique and wonderful. BUT, because he's the only cook, each plate is served in succession and your meal will get cold if you wait to eat them at the same time. Also, be patient! And enjoy the experience (he's as nice as he is a great cook)! If you can avoid being "time urgent", you'll be so happy you went. & Make your reservation well in advance! (Only breakfast/lunch, , open 7:30-2, closed Sun/Mon/Tuesday) read more

Deserves 10 stars on a 5 star scale. Worlds best hollandaise sauce - try the salmon Benedict. Super tasty smoked salmon on the salmon blt. Paul is a true gem and a pleasure to talk to. Small place. Only takes 6 people at a time. Reservations are mandatory. Just go! read more

Paul's Place - Limited seating - Make Reservations - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Thanks Paul. Great meeting you and your niece. Our breakfast was wonderful. The waffle was light and fluffy and the breakfast Caprese was creative and memorable. Both were delicious and we'll definitely be back to try some of your other offerings. If anyone is interested in experiencing his delicious food and gracious hospitality, make sure to call in for reservations. 5 out of 5 shakas for you brah. read more

Paul's Place is incredible. You can feel it. Genuine, intimate, the people, the presentation. Quality all the way around. The food was everything I hoped for. The options are plenty, each carefully crafted with purpose. I cannot wait to come back. I was extremely lucky with timing, you will need to call for reservations or stop by to do so in advance. The experience was more than good food, they made me feel like we were old friends, and when I come back I'll know we are. Good stuff, I'll see you next time Paul. Ward read more

Paul's Place - Salmon Benedict. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Small and cozy spot with a fresh and tasty menu. Service is super personalized because there's a limited number of tables. Best coffee and brunch I've ever had while dining out read more

I enjoyed the food here. Good place to check out. Trying to get enough characters to finish the review is ridiculous