This eatery is in Kona proper just outside another resort area. I'm usually wary of celebrity chef named restaurants but we really didn't have a choice since our run to Da Poke Shack down the road was cut short due to them selling out at 1 p.m. The menu is fairly focused and offers Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine. The shoyu poke was pretty good and the fried poke (which is actually grilled) was even better. I had the beef stew plate which was so so. The wife's fish stir fry with brown rice was also decent. Dessert was better with the bread pudding taking the prize as the best on the table. The view is pretty nice but I can understand why some Yelpers gave subpar reviews. Price is affordable so that's a plus. I don't have great expectations for celebrity chef restaurants so this restaurant was OK in my book.
(3)
Rick L.
Outstanding meal, we both loved it. Great view, great service, great food, you get the point. I had the fish trio. The presentation was so nice, I didn't want to mess it up, but artwork or not, it's MY meal. Great food. Don't miss this place!
(5)
Lynn S.
This place is great. We came here for lunch, twice, after snorkeling at kahaluu beach park nearby. The restaurant is casual and the view is beautiful, they were friendly to us even though it was obvious we just stepped off the beach. The kids ordered sliders, keiki fish plate (beautiful), we had the fish salad, burger, poke wrap. All of it was really good, salad was very fresh. I would tell everyone to go to kahaluu for snorkeling, then come here. The prices are not horrible, unlike so many places on the island, and the beers are good! Try it, service is friendly and the menu has something for everyone, at very decent prices.
(4)
Ellen L.
My arms don't stick to the table or my feet to the floor so great start! Bathrooms are very nice and clean.you should be able to drink wine anywhere but really in Hawaii they don't keep it in a cooler so I think it goes bad fast. However the waitress was extremely quick to give me a fresh bottle of wine.delish! Took 22 minutes for our one order of fish. Foods good but Luke warm. So the waitress amazingly took off our shared lunch efficient chips and my wine. So now they're going from a three-star to a five-star because of their awesome customer service! See Kristin and Julian for awesome customer service!!!
(5)
Susanna S.
We wanted to celebrate our 17th anniversary while on vacation and chose this place for its view... we were not disappointed. It is lovely to watch the sunset starting at 6:30. The childrens' meals were pretty standard, but super cheap at $5. This made up for the pricey adult meals, which range from $20-30. For apps, we enjoyed the brie in wonton wrapper. For entree, we had the fish trio, which sounded better than it tasted. Dessert was a complimentary gluten free brownie and ice cream. We sure did appreciate it! All in all, a nice and memorable evening.
(3)
Reg R.
Friendly: from the guy in the parking lot who steered me into an open spot, to the waitress who seated us. Great room--the open air and elevation make for great sunset views over the ocean. Really nice! Good food. I had the chicken caesar salad; tasted fresh and good. The value was average (for Kona) and service felt slow. Service was slow. It was 55 minutes after orders before any food began arriving on our table. Then it trickled in over the course of about 15 minutes. I guess quality food (it was) takes time at Sam Choy's? If you find that off-putting, check out Splasher's Grill (someplace else with an awesome view of the sea and a $$ rating); their quality was similar and service much faster by comparison. Final thoughts. I was with a family party of 14. The waitress said they wouldn't split the bill for groups larger than 10 people. Later she did do just that for us. Kinda weird, but we did appreciate it! Considering they did put up with us popping up and down for group photos by the railing, and all the theatrics associated with that, this was still a memorable and pleasant dining experience. I'd recommend Sam Choy's--for when you're not especially time-conscious, or are with people who can shift focus to making the most of their time together! Rating: 3.5 stars. Good food. Great room. Good intentions (friendly). Slow service.
(3)
Colleen H.
The first time I went to this place was a few years ago for lunch and it was excellent. Since then, I have been excited to come back. I should have just stayed away because this visit left a bitter taste in my mouth, literally. The laminated menus felt sticky in my hands had also shrunk significantly in number of items with really high prices, and not one of them sounded appealing. Even the table top felt sticky, gross! At that point we should have just left because it because one disappointment after another. The food was ok, the salad wet (dripping with water), pork had weird sauce and at some point a cat walked through the dining room. Perhaps this was a bad night but I'm definitely not going back.
(2)
Janis S.
Love Sam Choys! We live close by and have lunch here at least 3 times a month. I love the noodle shell bowls. All the servers are awesome at Sam Choys. It's such a friendly fun place to eat. Yummy and well prepared. Also love the Seared Poke salad. Awesome. My husband is hooked on the beef stew bowl with brown rice and purple potatoes. Melts in your mouth. Beef stew is tender and the sauce is delicious. Occasionally we go for breakfast. The best buffet in KONA. Or order off the menu. I love the veggie loco moco. Awesome. View is breathtaking. Several times we do lunch, then go down to the shopping center and catch s matinee at the Regal cinemas. Favorite of ours is to have this afternoon excursion starting with Sam Choys. Highly favored
(5)
R Y.
Check the new hours. Unfortunately, the good food the kitchen puts out is now available only at certain times through the day. And......5:00 - 6:00 Happy Hour? C'mon. Probably the only place in town where the Happy Hour is literally one hour! Too bad for such a great restaurant with the best view in town. Was better before......
(2)
Tina P.
The scenery is beautiful - an open air restaurant on a hill looking out over the water. However, the food is overrated. The flavors are good but the fish was overcooked and a bit overpriced even for Hawaii.
(3)
Rachel S.
We went to Sam Choy's during their happy hour and the staff was really nice and attentive. I ordered a Pina Colada which I thought was ok and Brandon I believe had the lilikoi Mai Thai which was really sweet but better than my drink. The real stars for us were our happy hour plates. We had the Fried poke seared which was very flavorful and the only way I could get Brandon to try poke (he has an aversion to raw fish) and the Brie Wonton which was really great with the Papaya marmalade. We ended our visit with the flour-less chocolate cake and coconut ice cream. I don't think it was meant for the ice cream to outshine the cake but it was so delicious! I could have just had an extra scoop instead of the cake (although the cake was great!!) Definitely check out Sam Choy's and you can even grab a table around 4:00 to enjoy the end of happy hour and stay for dinner and the sunset that they have front row seats for.
(4)
Erica Q.
Place came recommended by one of the locals. Ambience is pleasant with a view of the ocean. Friendly service. Food was great, dessert too. Tip. Go before 5pm for happy hour, drinks and popo.
(4)
Danielle L.
Their food is sometimes good and others just okay. I don't think I have ever had good customer service. Even when not busy the staff doesn't check on you very often. Also I think they are a little over priced for the service and quality.
(3)
Margareg G.
Restaurant, food and view was absolutely amazing! We got the 3 fish plate and we enjoy every single bite.
(4)
Carey N.
Came here on a very rainy day for a late lunch. Not crowded at all and, despite the rain, the view was amazing! Ah-Maze-Ing. Service was spot on and with lots of Aloha spirit. The bartender poured our specialty cocktails on the strong side, which was much appreciated. The menu is weirdly diverse (beef stew for dad, poke for mom, vegetarian chow mein in a tostada shell for me) but everything was tasty. If you're in the area, come up at least for drinks and an amazing view. Did I mention the view was amazing??
(5)
Elle P.
View is awesome but the food was mediocre at best. Honestly it's the worst food we've had so far. The calamari was a travesty! Ribs were cold. Pasta was overpriced and so not worth it. In fact everything was overpriced. Except... Kids meals were affordable but not very healthy. We had no choice as we lost track of time on a Sunday and the place we wanted to go to was already closed so we didn't think to make reservations. Our fault for not planning. Maybe a drink at the bar is more appropriate since the aerial views were gorgeous especially during sunset. This place was tourist trap central!
(2)
Yvette K.
Sunday is only buffet. Food was excellent, service was awesome all staff were smiling and friendly! Will be back!! Fried rice, loco moco, omelet station, bacon, sausage , fruit salad, oatmeal, deserts, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, french toast pancakes
(5)
Ramon B.
This the first time, after several visits, that I writing a review of this restaurant . I must first say the staff is always friendly and professional-even when things go.south. I must commend Craig and the new Manager Greg for there compassion with my event. First, the date was New Year's Eve and the place was decorated nicely. The host staff was polite and friendly. We were late in reservations but there was eating room at the bar and we opted for that. We ordered drinks and appetizers (pupus) and enjoyed wings, calamari and fried poke. This was served timely and very tasty. They get a one for staff, appetizers, and view. We ordered our dinners and my two hot dates ordered traditional poke, calamari, house salad and another fried poke. I ordered the rib eye with garlic mashed as a medium rare. As the evening neared 1830 our order was 55 minutes past the submission and Greg left the bar to inquire about the food. I observed him entering the kitchen and notice "gesturing" with the kitchen staff. I have no idea what was said but it did not look good. He returned after 5 minutes. The food was absolutely cooooold at first bite. The rib eye with shitake and garnish was as tasteless as cardboard. The garlic mashed potatoes arrived DOA and needed CPR. For the first time in my life I refused a meal. As a retired veteran, I have eaten a lot foods from around the world and I exercised my option to pass on this meal. We (Craig and I) had a discussion about the meal and I learned the place is a wreck. They have had 14 cooks and large transitions in staff in the last year. Unfortunately, many would enjoy a meal at McDonald's rather than here. Another hint there are financial woes is indicated by the out of service urinals. Save your money and go to Jackie Reys, Huggos or Fish Hopper for an experience in cuisine that leaves you satisfied and happy.
(1)
Daniel M.
I think the bad reviews are either the competition or just wrong. I'm a foodie and the Pebble Beach Food and Wine festival every year. I've worked in high end restaurants. The food was very good. One of the best views in any restaurant I've ever seen. Service was very good and professional. Price was very reasonable. Not cheap, but a very good value.
(4)
Bethani E.
Food was okay, service good, view was amazing! I've been dining at the Oahu Sam Choy's for years and was expecting the same food at the Big Island location. For the price we paid, we probably could have eaten somewhere else for better food and paid less. I'm used to Sam Choy having awesome food with a local twist or Asian fusion. I was disappointed that this location "Americanized" their food or catered to the tourist demographic. For instance, I love the Okinawan sweet potato mash offered at the Oahu location, but my choices were white rice or garlic mashed potatoes. Or at the Oahu location, they have a sampler pupu platter. Prices and food are better at the Oahu location. View is amazing on Big Island! Great cocktails!
(3)
Vic M.
Jan 2015 5:30pm dinner. Best to make reservations or wait 45 minutes. Service was good. The pina colada had no flavor and was like a slush with some rum floating on top. Terrible. Fish salad ($14) had a lot of nice fish. Wish they could chop the salad up a bit more. House dressing delicious. Ribs pupu tasted very good however they had more fat than I ever experienced. Kona chicken wings pupus were luke warm and obviously had been prepared a long time ago. Not recommended! Seafood chowder soup was excellent. Great view.
(3)
J W.
Enjoyed early bird happy hour on the lanai tonight!!! Service was awesome thanx Cory! We would definitely go back! Ribs awesome. Poke amazing. Calamari was great. Had the early bird fish of the day. Oh did I mention haupia ice cream was heaven! Mahalo!
(4)
Dave C.
My wife and I are on our honeymoon, and wanted to get the most value for our money. So we chose to come here for happy hour. The view was spectacular, the service timely and friendly, the drinks were well made,and the food was delicious. I'm vegetarian, and they happily accommodated by adding a house salad to the menu with a delicious creamy sesame dressing. I secretly told the server we were on our honeymoon and to surprise my wife with a chocolate desert. The best molten chocolate cake came complements of the house. We had an incredible experience, and got great value for our money.
(5)
nancy c.
Food was very good but there is no air condition therefore I couldn't wait to leave . We went with our whole family for our daughter"s Birthday, Took my dinner back to Kona Coast resort and had for lunch next day. From Calif and all good rest have air . Service was good,and as I mentioned food was good! Spent $400 plus, expect comfort for it being high end prices
(2)
Jessica A.
Wow, what an unexpected great food experience on the Big Island. We were way on the South end of Kona and needed to eat, on a whim we tried here after declining the pizza place and the L & L bbq in the shopping center. I wasn't sure if it was a family friendly place from the outside, so I asked the hostess who said it was a family restaurant and my kids were welcome. She started setting up a table as I went back to the car to collect the rest of the family. The place is situated on the side of a very tall hill, overlooking Kona Town and the Ocean. It had a great view and an amazing breeze. The food was great, like really great. I had a teriyaki steak burger, my parents had teriyaki plates and the kids had chicken. The food was really well flavored, nicely prepared, well portioned. The service was awesome, prompt, and friendly. I'm really disappointed I only made it here once during our trip. Good places to eat this far South on the Island are kind of a rarity.
I was working in Kealakekua, and Kailua-Kona today........upon finishing my jobs, I decided to stop by at Sam Choy's. I only found out about this place by fluke, as a few months back I was actually trying to go to Wendy's, but low and behold........Wendy's is gone, and Sam Choy's has taken it's place. Funny, how things change over a period of time..........I use to go to the big island on a regular basis, in fact I ran the big island for over 15 years before I turned over all of my accounts to a co-worker. A lot has changed through the years.........big box stores have invaded the big island, and the small mom & pop places are slowly going away. A little sad, but I guess that's the way it goes........... What can I say about Sam Choy's? Well, I've been a long time fan of his food......I remember a time when Sam Choy's had a small restaurant in the industrial area near the Costco area in Kailua-Kona. My, how times have changed with this restaurant in the Keauhou area. The restaurant is perched in the hills just above the Keauhou shopping center.......the view from the restaurant is just BREATHTAKING!!!! The restaurant was PACKED today for lunch...........but lucky for me, I was able to just walk in and get a table. I was looking for something of the lighter fare today............so I ended up getting the Seared Poke Salad, and I washed it down with an ice tea. What can I say about the food? The food was OUTSTANDING!!! The seared poke was made to perfection, and it was marinaded perfectly as it sat on a bed of local greens, on some kind of deep fried breaded shell. I totally enjoyed my salad.........I think it was the poke that really complimented the salad well! I would totally come back here just to eat this dish again! Service was friendly.....but I have to admit, it was rather slow. Granted my waiter was covering several large parties, maybe they don't have enough help? Parking is very limited..........since the restaurant was packed today, guess what? I couldn't find any parking in the parking lot fronting the restaurant, so I ended up parking at the Keauhou shopping center, then walking up the hill to get to the restaurant. After I was leaving the restaurant, I noticed a sign where there is an "overflow parking area" for the restaurant............but you still have to go down the hill to another parking lot. Overall,still a great dining experience........wouldn't mind coming back here for dinner one day.......chance 'em gang!
(4)
Sarah M.
Excellent views from the lanai surrounded by good vibes and tikis. We enjoyed the slow sun setting over the ocean while we sipped our drinks. Poke stack was delicious! Great stop on your way back from the park.
(5)
Kim A.
Food is fantastic. Service is horrible. Sat 45 minutes without any service. Second time this has happened. Too bad. UPDATE Third time! First two were great food and not so great service. This time great food and also great service from Cory. Others were equally friendly and helpful. Five Stars!!!!
(5)
Triana R.
We enjoyed our dinner at Sam CHoys. The food was good, but the drinks weren't the best ones. The food was amazing, but the trio fish we ordered was on the dryer side. The restaurant needs to focus on customer service and unselling a suggestions some drinks.
(3)
Patti H.
Prices for dinner were on the high side so we decided to have drinks and pupus. We arrived for happy hour and ordered drinks and every appetizer on the menu accept for the calamari. The setting was beautiful its an open patio, great bar. Servers were well trained, our drinks were great. The ribs were to die for , the brie in wonton skins were very tasty. The fried poke was great, it was a large portion. There were 3 of us we had 5 appetizers we were stuffed and left with a to go box! We had a great time!
(4)
Randall S.
Meh. We've had breakfast and lunch here and enjoyed. But the dinner menu is uninspired and there wasn't even a burger option to save it. Mediocre service too. But what a view!! While my macadamia crusted chicken was ok (nothing special, but hey, it's chicken), it came with a strange combination of sauces that just didn't make sense. The base sauce was like cream of mushroom soup, but dappled along the edge with a gel-like mango sauce. Neither was special. The veggies were limp and lukewarm. But the mashed potatoes were good... My husband ordered a Caesar salad with shrimp. Strangely, After a bite he noticed that the salad wasn't dressed at all. So we flagged our server (she was pretty busy), and she went to check with the kitchen...didn't offer to take the salad back. Instead she just reappeared with a plastic cup of Caesar dressing, announced that the kitchen had run out of romaine so they substituted regular lettuce and didn't toss it. And that was that. No offer to change it to something else, or to have the kitchen at least remake and properly toss it. And no offer of anything to "make it right," which is pretty common these days. If not taking it off the bill, at least offering an alternate item, a dessert, or a discount--or at the very least a coupon for a future visit. But they probably assume everyone is a one-time tourist (we are locals). The server was friendly but too busy, didn't offer to explain the specials, and it seemed like when we didn't order drinks or appies, and she realized we were ordering two of the least-expensive items on the menu, she lost interest in us. I can't say for sure, but I would guess that was the case. Anyway, Sam's does have a stunner of a view, and we'll return for the earlier meals of the day--like lunch when they have a good burger (why isn't that on the dinner menu?).
(2)
Sami B.
We came to this place one night during our vacation, and had Arthur as our server. His knowledge of the menu is so extensive and he talks so vividly about the food that it was hard to not order everything on the menu. We started with the calamari, which was fantastic, and not rubbery at all. The clam chowder was to die for. and the ahi tuna poke was amazing. We even decided to come back for dinner the next night, and requested to sit in Arthur's section again. He was absolutely amazing, again! and we got to try all of the things we missed the night before. I would recommend Sam Choy's to anybody staying in Kona, HI.
(5)
Sarah N.
Restaurant with the best ocean view in town! Full ocean view! Watch the sunset while eating a delicious meal and having a cocktail. Get the short ribs!! Of all the food on our table that one was the hit!!
(5)
Mark G.
Had the lamb and fish trio... Both were very good... Service was excellent and the sunset was amazing
(4)
Ty N.
Two stars for the server. She was very accommodating, helpful and friendly I wish I catch her name. 1 star for the food 1 star for the price. I used to live in Hawaii so I know this is a tourist trap and the only good thing about this restaurant is the view (during the day) at night nothing you can see. And the bar is good. Will not return. I would rather go to Da Poke Shop in Kailua or try the new location at Captain Cook.
(2)
Peter D.
Food was four stars, but the view was five stars for sure. My dinner was a fish trio, but two out of three were dry. Nothing special. Seared ahi appetizer was great, and so were the brie wontons. Kids meals were just five bucks, and good quality food, but if your kids eat a lot, be aware the portions are small.
(4)
Sarah S.
I wanted to lick all the plates clean. Everything was cooked to perfection and then topped with the most amazing sauces! Ridic.
(5)
CJ C.
Had a special weekend planned, perfect table, perfect setting, then our waitress came up, rushed, asked if we wanted anything to drink, yes, we each ordered two glasses of wine...and we had an appetizer in mind, BUT, she heard the two wines, and ran off, not even giving us time to ask for it...oh well, she's busy... Then she comes back 15 minutes later, still no wine, says sorry, still waiting, she explains the specials on the menu, fish and fish...then we order our appetizer...while we look at the menu, very small menu at that. another 10 minutes goes by, still no wine, she comes back and says, oops sorry, still waiting on the wine...Then we said we'd like to order, (25 minutes after sitting down), one of us orders the special, the other orders the filet mignon...OH! yeah we are out of Filet and New York Strip...WOW, really? you couldn't explain that 25 minutes ago when you were telling us the specials? We order something else, but then realize we wait another 10 minutes, and nothing..so we got up and told her to cancel our order...she gasps...WOW... Very rude, very rushed, and their wait staff has no care about customers. Then we call to talk to the manager and on hold for 20 minutes, for the hostess to ask who's calling, and we said we'd like to make a complaint about tonight...but then we couldn't wait on hold forever... Unfortunately, we were both excited to try this place, but we will never give it another try, Customer service goes a long way, we went to another restaurant and was waited on spectacular, and felt special...Thanks Sam Choy for pushing us away to our new Favorite place....
(1)
Lilly P.
The view at this restaurant is amazing!! We went during sunset and it was gorgeous. Besides that, everything was ok. Service was great but the food was subpar. We had the lamb chops and it was ok. However, the owner was very understanding and he took it out from our bill. I wouldnt come back again for the food but for happy hour, yes!
(4)
Tina M.
Yummy dinner with amazing view of sunset. The Maitai was especially good. Poke and lamb were delish. Our waitress was super attentive. All in all, good value for solid food and drinks!
(5)
Mason D.
The bartender is unpleasant. Craig. Using the F word twice in a sentence. Talking bad things about people. Always scowling. Refused to make my wasabi Bloody Mary with the excuse that they didn't have any wasabi... Our waiter however. Masi... Friendly. Accomodating. Quick and efficient.
(3)
Michael H.
JunA must visit. Food, service an view... All excellent. The fresh catch of the day was outstanding... The fish trio plate was very special. Make reservations, it is popular. Rita treated us like royalty. David, the bartender went out of his way to give personalized service. Wayne is a master with omelets but the photo failed to upload. Sorry.
(5)
Sara S.
Delicious. Must go. The macadamia nut crusted chicken melted in my mouth. The desserts are out of this world.
(5)
Natalia B.
Mediocre food, nice view... Should have paid more attention to the reviews that mentioned the bland food. The seared poke was pretty good, although drenched in sweet sauce, the edamame hummus was tasteless and the chips were soggy, the pineapple salsa flavorless, and even the cocktails were weak. Fish in the fish salad didn't taste fresh. Ribs were okay, nothing to write home about. Should have realized it was a bad sign when we were ignored when we first arrived - stood there for quite some time without an acknowledgement from staff - however our server was a nice guy, and we tipped him well, since it's not his fault that the food isn't what it should be. I'd say if you're in the area, maybe drop by during happy hour for pupus and sunset viewing (the view from many tables includes the rooftops of the shopping center...but look past that...) But don't bother with dinner. Tourist food.
(2)
Sarah C.
I happened into Sam Choy's one morning when I couldn't decide where to go to breakfast. They were serving a buffet, with the usual lineup at a reasonable $14. The food was good, but not great. Some of the selection was lukewarm when it needed to be hot. It was distressing that the floor was greasy/slippery in front of the buffet. Maybe they had just had a huge rush before I got there? There wasn't a crowd, so I felt comfortable sitting out on the lanai overlooking an astounding view as I ate and did some writing. I will return for that alone if I get the chance.
(3)
Greg G.
Friendly place with delicious food and adult beverages. Vegetarian options were great and didn't taste like the consolation prize.
(4)
Andie S.
I really enjoyed our dinner tonight. The fish was well prepared, and really delicious! Our server Shawn was very attentive, and gave us great service! Thanks for a wonderful Mother's Day Sam Choys!
(4)
Maddie R.
I absolutely love it!! I wish I had 6 stars to give!! The view is breathtaking. The service is great and the people are nice. Then I don't even know where to start on the food! The teriyaki is fantastic!!! A perfect char, a sweet sauce, tender, juicy!! It's amazing I love this place & I highly recommend it!
Drove all the way from Fairmont orchid to get crappy service! If our server spent more time doing her job than bullshitting at table of someone she obviously knew. I wouldn't be writing this review!
(1)
L S.
Great food, great staff, great view! Wonderful place to enjoy a sunset and a delicious meal. The duck was the biggest hit of the night, but the edamame and calamari were delicious too!
(5)
Tony K.
While it might seem like a tourist trap, this place is completely worth it. If I were a local i would take someone special here. So if you are a tourist you are already on a special trip. First the appetizers are amazing and comes out very fast. I would say within 5 minutes. The menu is simple and elegant. Elegant meaning the dishes are well thought out and prepared. It makes you feel like it was a gourmet food from a world class chef. The price is within expectations of Hawaii. The view of the ocean and sunset were amazing too. Highly recommend.
(5)
Valerie M.
From San Diego, used to great seafood! This place was up there! Great sunset views, seated right away. Paul was our kind server. Food was the best we've Had the island...we had the trio and the shrimp pasta. Shrimp was Huge! Highly recommend it if your staying at the Sheraton and are looking to get off the property!
(5)
Peter L.
Over priced for food at decent quality. Good for dating since it has a good view but ain't any good for regular luxury dining. Reasonable service and wait time for food. Drinks by the bar tender is... meh, drinkable I suppose. I had the seafood Laulau and it wasn't worth 35 dollars with a small salad. (I would gladly give it 4 stars if it's around 25-28 dollars with salad.) My friend had a NY steak. Asked for medium rare- medium and served as rare. Asked the waitress to bring it back to the kitchen and the same plate is served after recooking it for a while. It is medium this time, though. Overall the food is slightly above average but isn't worth the price. 3 stars.
(3)
Cynthia S.
Good food and drinks, fantastic views, and friendly staff. We like to eat here at least once when we're on the big Island. It's an open air restaurant with a musician in the evenings. Last night, I had their grilled chicken with brown rice and grilled vegetables. The chicken was very tasty, but the vegetables were a little bland. My husband got the glazed boneless ribs with mashed potatoes and vegetables. He enjoyed his dish quite a bit, although the meat portion was a bit small. We didn't save room for dessert. All in all, I would recommend this is a good place to have a nice meal and watch a beautiful sunset in this area of Hawaii.
(4)
Debra B.
The four stars is for the food!! Amazing!! We had happy hour appetizers as our meal. Fried Poke, chicken wings, ribs, calamari, pork cream cheese wontons, chips and salsa!! Food fantastic, but felt that because we only ordered happy hour items our server didn't care for our business. We were never checked on, nor asked if we needed additional drinks or food. He promptly got our check when asked. Other tables super happy with service. We were not.
(4)
Charla B.
Food was extremely salty especially the poke and the Mac/potato salad. The burger was overlooked and they forgot to bring my husband's fries that go with the burger. It's hard to believe that this food comes from a James Beard award winner. My mother in law liked her fish and chips. Beef stew was ok but not enough meat in it.
(1)
Cathy C.
Visiting from California and happened onto this lovely place. We ordered the Fish Trio and Braised Short Ribs. The view was spectacular our waiter was excellent and the meal was superb. Definately will come back.
(5)
Sungeun P.
I will summarize for the busy folks before the actual review. Pro: open air, has ocean view. It has a decent parking lot. This is the only reason for a Star. Con: SO. MANY. DIRTY. DISHES. Utensils are same, food was nothing to rave about, worth the money if you eat 2 servings of FULL plates, idk about other servers but mine did absolute bare minimum at best. Having worked in hospitality myself, it is unacceptable to come to a well known restaurant and move 7 plates from the "clean stack" of dishes with unwashed food stuck on it while the HOST stood right NEXT to me, watching the whole thing happening. Details: Just finished my breakfast "buffet" here. Not sure what time breakfast ends but my family and I sat down at 9:45. Our server sat us where we requested but for some reason the table is pushed up to a POLE. Huge pole so that half the table looks directly at the POLE instead of the ocean (3 inches from the table). Neither the server or the host thought to help move the table. The omelet station was unoccupied and so messy, I thought they were done. (Turns out it wasn't done because after I sat down, the cook came out from the back and started cooking..I guess he went to get more ingredients. ) anyway I walk over to grab whatever else was available. I have never seen so many dirty "clean" plates it blew my mind. Same for the utensils. Unbelievably dirty, there was no napkins to clean, nothing. I only ate because my family really wanted to try the restaurant and I was very hungry. But Dont waste $15 for breakfast buffet here and go to other hole in the wall places.
(1)
Brenda P.
We were visiting in January and had dinner here. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the view pretty dang good. I don't know about these other reviews that are describing experiences so unlike what we had. Out of the 10 days and many meals at various restaurants around the island, this was my favorite. We sat outside, but the whole restaurant is open air. I would definitely go back next time we are in Kona!
(5)
Collin W.
I actually really liked this place. It has an amazing view and the food is very good. The marinated ahi is really tasty under the pupu category. I had the pork katsu which was good but a little overlooked. The lamb chops are also very tasty
(4)
Gina S.
If I could give this a zero I would. The food was awful. The "garlic" mashed potatoes were tasteless. All the food was expensive but very low quality. Just a real disappointment.
(1)
Julie Z.
We live down the street from Sam Choy's and were elated when it opened. The fire pits overlooking the ocean were a draw from the get go. You can get a tasty glass of chard for less than $10 and in some cases, $5. Sure, the food prices after lunch are pricey. The breakfast was good and I have enjoyed lunch there a few times. Service is good and the place hops with buzz from the guests. Have not picked a signature dish to rave about yet..stay tuned...
(4)
SacBelle S.
Awesome views and the whole restaurant is open air. Definitely a great spot for sunset. We had live music when we were there. The food prices were reasonable $6-10 glass of wine. $16 and up on entrees. I had the fish trio and salad. Both were really good and what was expected for the price. I would definitely go again.
(4)
Maurice S.
Sooo good. I had the Bente which had chicken, teriyaki beef, spam, fresh fish, and egg over rice. Forgot to take a picture cuz I jumped right in and started eating. Sorry. Trust me...it was Yum!!!
(5)
Daniel L.
My wife and I stayed at the Sheraton Kona and ended up coming here twice during our four day stay. The food is very good, and the view is spectacular. The decor is all very modern. The portions were quite generous, and the presentation was excellent. Would definitely recommend Sam Choy's if you're staying in Kona. The prices are reasonable and a much better value than resort food.
(4)
Daniel A.
Food was really good prices were expected to be what they were. You pay for that awesome view. Service was good. She could have stopped smoking about 30 years ago to help that raspy voice. But me or anyone in my party had any complaints.
(4)
Keoni D.
Excellent brie won ton and great food.....mahalo sam choy the trip from hilo was well worth the experience!!!!
(5)
Chris B.
I think it would be easy to throw stones at Sam Choy's but I can't. Yes, it is basically a Wendy's perched on a hill with a scenic overlook of both the ocean and a strip mall. On the other hand, our experience was quite lovely. We walked in late with two tired boys and a desire for a quick bite. Our waiter scooted us right through with some nice bites. Our food was good. At first, our 6 year-old didn't like the Mac and cheese and our waiter swapped it out with a smile for something he loved. So, pretty good Sam Choy's.
(3)
Ruth G.
We drive by here many times and thought this would be a nice restaurant to see the sunset from. We started with a calamari appetizer with a nice horseradish sauce. My husband had the macadamia nut chicken, which they had on a bed of rice and flavorful vegetables. It came with soup and a nice green salad. I had the macadamia nut mahi mahi, which came with white rice and flavorful vegetables. While we were there, we were treated to a wonderful sunset that only being Kona offers us. We also enjoyed the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. The servers were very helpful in helping us choose what to order and we were pleasantly surprised with the food choices. I would highly recommend this place for a fine dining experience!
(5)
Phil A.
Whenever your in the Big Island over at Kona, this is a must eat place. I think Sam Choy placed hawaiian cuisine in the map. I was not disappointed at all.
(4)
Kate L.
This place is so over rated. They could charge whatever they want because of the view they have. Fish was overcooked and service was OK. Maybe breakfast would be better. It's a small restaurant - we went to Fish Hopper the next night and the food blew Sam Choys out of the water and our bill was less with better service. We won't be going back to this place.
(2)
Dan C.
Second Best resturant on the BI....food is excellent and the staff from the parking lot guys to the servers are awesome. Thanks Chris an Eddie! Aloha My friends!
(5)
Ken A.
Sam Choy's is a rock solid dining choice for Kona and especially for the South end of Alii Drive in the Keauhou vicinity... where choices are honestly slim. The food is good and the service is attentive. The view is better for breakfast since the Kona haze/vog often sets in by mid to late afternoon. It isn't cheap to eat there but for Hawaii dining and the quality of food, I still call it a good value. We'll keep going when the occasion warrants!
(4)
Karen K.
Nice location. Bad service. Both my husband and I had ordered drinks, both were empty. Waitress offered my husband another drink and then ran off. When she came back my husband said "did you want another drink?" and she just left again. Food is not worth the price.
(3)
Ang F.
Good view and decent food, but overpriced for what you get. Also, the menu is very limited.
(3)
Cory B.
The worst meal I had on the Big Island, I took my wife for her birthday dinner, we ordered Macadamia Nut crusted Chicken, and Braised Short Rib, sounds good right? Wrong! 2 minutes after ordering Entrees that should have taken 15-20 to make (trust me I'm a red seal chef) our food arrived looking like it was slopped into a bowl like sludge, to me this means one thing; this food came from a steam table, it was bordering on inedible. I ate my short rib, but nothing else, my wife barely touched her plate, and our server was completely absent. The only saving grace is I waved down the Manager and explained who I was, and the situation, at which point she apologized and took care of the whole bill. Guess we should have had drinks. In conclusion, the chicken was so bad I wouldn't feed it to my dogs! And we turned down a free dessert offer fearing it too would only bring on more feelings of disappointment and sickness!
(1)
Eric V.
When we were in Hawaii, we would pass by this restaurant and make fun of it. "What restaurant owner is so ego centric that they have to name the restaurant after themselves," we would ask. Further, the place was next door to Long's Drugs -- how great could the place be? Despite our initial reaction, we noticed that the place was always packed. It wasn't until we left Hawaii that we had breakfast here and we finally understood why the place was always packed. Great view, prices were incredibly reasonable, portions were decent, staff was friendly, and the food tasted fine. If I spent enough time here, I'm sure I would be a Sam Choy convert.
(5)
Ken B.
Came in because there always seems to be lots of cars. Had a very nice meal (orange duck for my wife, and mahi mahi special for me). It was good and tasty. The portions are very generous for everything. We'd definitely come back. Waiter Paul was quite good to boot. Thanks.
(5)
Y C.
We had the (slightly) fried Poke lunch plate and another grilled fish lunch plate. Both are Ok, but portion was small. The fried chicken wing appetizer dish was surprisingly and extremely good at the first bite --- that might just have been the best bite of fried chicken wing that I had ever had; unfortunately, it became a little too sweet for when I was finishing my third piece.
(4)
Shawn P.
I like this place. Great drinks, nice staff, decent food... AWESOME view! The specials are def worth listening for, as a fisherman i know that the albacore tuna are running around Kona right now, and their specials were featuring it, always a good thing!and the deserts are rad.... Not a bad place for an after dinner drink and desert....
(4)
Steven G.
Fish was over done, pupus were horrendous, duck was oily. View was good, but the vog killed it. Would I come back? No
(2)
C. L. T.
The food was good. We had the delicious pot stickers to start and the Duck and the fish special. Portions are generous. Halfway through dinner, two ukulele musicians sat a table away and played and sang for about an hour as the sun went down and it was dark. Very good service and Sam Choy trains local Kona boys to eventually become chefs. Overall a very nice experience.
(4)
Deborah G.
Best teriyaki chicken I've ever had; the oriental dressing on the salad was clearly made on site and YUM.....Wait staff was so friendly. I'll be back! This is NOT Haute Cuisine, it's more like Paula Deen Hawaiian.
(4)
Daniel K.
Food wasn't as great as the view from the resturaunt was the best thing.
(3)
Brandi K.
We LOVE SAM CHOY'S!!! The food is great the view amazing and we love the staff. We always looking forward to our favorite fish and Macademia Nut Chicken. Yummy great for whale watching.
(4)
Nor C.
I gave this place many tries for breakfast, lunch and several dinners. I was continually disappointed with the food and the service. Flavors are more geared for tourists with bland palates. The rib eyes were extra fatty and not in a good way. Deserts did nothing for me... I'd rather have gotten an ice cream down the road for 1/3 of the price. The blueberry pancakes were soaked in a blueberry "syrup" that wasn't syrup but a blueberry sauce make with cornstarch. Lunch was the best of all (but not GREAT) with a salad topped with the fish of the day. The service was totally slow even with the restaurant not even 1/3 full. The view is amazing but I guess if you are on vacation that would be a selling point.
(2)
Bruce P.
First night in Hawaii. We got to Sam's right before they closed so didn't have to wait. Drinks were good, salad was good. View was beautiful. I was disappointed with the menu. It was really limited. At the waitress's suggestion, I ate the boneless ribs. Much to my surprise, at Sam's, boneless ribs look and taste just like over salted pot roast. I thought it was spendy for what we got. Ever hear of 'blackened tofu?' My girlfriend tried it and found the seasonings way too overpowering for tofu. No more Sam's for us.
(2)
Emily A.
I've lived in Hawaii my entire life and the B52 bomber that landed in my hair at dinner, should have been my sign. It was the biggest one I have seen in years! What a joke of a restaurant. There seems to be plenty of staff members, but they all seem to congregate and spend their time socializing with one another. Very tacky. Then they load their foods with salt, salt and more salt. If that isn't enough they add tons of sugar too, its no wonder people think its good. Meanwhile their filling it with all sorts of extra calories. Its a shame that with such a beautiful location they are blowing it! Instead, head down the road to Kona Country Club (open to public), they serve a wonderful breakfast and great Bloody-Mary. And the view is impossible to beat.
(1)
JD L.
The view is worth the drive from downtown Kona. Great place for Sunday brunch. No wait and we requested a table on the patio. Server was quick with drink orders as well as the food order. They have an early bird dinner special from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm as well as a happy hour. Make sure to add this place to your list not only for the food but the amazing 180* view. Server: Masi was great! There was a problem with our order but the manager took great care if us.
(5)
Kyle Y.
Great food, ocean VIEWS. Likely a good spot to catch the sunset Get the poke salad. Seems I was the only guy the restaurant who ate that. Saw about 3 other women eating some variation of it. Poke was seasoned well and a nice "flavor profile" (channeling my Food Network judge vocabulary) combined with the dressings and 2 wanton squares, this is a winner (not wiener). Sampled some teriyaki beef of my pop's plate. Had a real bbq flavor and it was enough to make me consider ordering that next time.
(4)
Hanna C.
Our meal was pretty good. The fish was all cooked well, and the portions were so large!! We left full and satisfied. My fresh fish island salad was definitely a good choice. There were so many fresh greens, and the some noodles/shredded carrots and beets were a great addition. The fish was cooked well. My brother and mother got the fish trio plates. The sauce worked very well for all the fish. The grilled fish had a little too much char taste, but it was still good. The asparagus was grilled and tasted great. My father got the Lau Lau fish. It was excellent-firm, moist, and with a nice flavor. It also had shrimp!!! This was a big plus and my dad was so full. Good service, and overall good dining experience. Thanks Sam Choy's!
(4)
Mark C.
Keauhou-itude (noun) : What you get when you go to Sam Choy's or another Thai restaurant here that shall go unnamed - when it is otherwise empty - without a reservation. True story- The two of us walk in and ask for a table. No problem. We get literally the worst 4 top in the place. I ask for any of the nine available 4 tops on the lower level. "We've got a lot of reservations coming in." Translation : "you'll take what we give you." We respond "ok. I guess we'll just pass." They let us walk, happy in the knowledge that they are more exclusive than the Auberge d'lil. We decided to walk through the separate entrance into the bar. Anyway... The food is Hawaiian touristy and passable, sometimes very good. The prices exist solely as a testament to an undeserved reputation and a remodel of what used to be a Wendy's fast food The service is exactly what you'd expect by servers who genuinely believe that they're better than their jobs. ( I've eaten here several times before) The view is spectacular. A great bartender!!!
(3)
T L.
Beautiful view on top of a hill Great food for a party of 5 Seafood Sampler Ribeye Steak Pasta dish Swordfish Special
(5)
Cynthia T.
Suggested by our hotel, this was the first restaurant we tried when we arrived to the Big Island. We came in perfect timing, happy hour! However, we went back during regular dinner hours and found out that the happy hour menu was only be a couple $$ cheaper. Great place for their appetizers, and I wish we went back to try their dinner entrees! Their ribs and wings were too good and we ordered these the second visit. Banging baby back ribs, cooked just right. The chicken wings are very crispy and perfectly cooked, with a soy-based marinade. I am not a fan of calamari, but my family said that the calamari appe was real good as well. This was the first place that I tried ahi poke, and I found it to be good and a very interesting salad. But it was a little too much sashimi (raw) fish for me. Drinks are good, especially their pina colada. They put a good amount of liquor inside their cocktails. Best thing about this restaurant is their amazing view! I will definitely go back, even if its just for drinks and appetizers, to look at their amazing view and ambiance.
(4)
Denni P.
Seated at a great table for two, 5 star moment! Then only given one menu, we thought they were out so we don't mind sharing. Then I noticed everyone else had a menu per person, strange but oh well. We weren't told the specials, I overheard another server say the special tonight was pork chops. I ordered Caesar salad with shrimp, came out with spring mix salad and no dressing. Service was mediocre we had to ask why there was no dressing on my salad and she noticed it was spring salad and went to the kitchen to ask. When she came back she said they ran out of romaine lettuce and substituted spring and brought me a side of Caesar dressing to put on my salad. My husband ordered the Mac crusted chicken, as we exited the restaurant we overheard another table ordering Caesar salad and the server didn't tell them of the modifications, I guess they will have the same experience. I'm disappointed as I wanted this to be our special neighbourhod eatery as our home is not too far from here. We've come here for brunch and lunch on a few occasions. The service seems to be inconsistent. We are disappointed with dinner and although this restaurant is has a spectacular view we won't be back for dinner again. Always Five star views, this experience one star for food and service, I leave them with a two star overall rating. I'll be back.
(2)
Mae S.
Our Big Island app warned us that Sam Choy's has gone downhill. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. The service was appalling ... after 45 minutes without a bite to eat we asked about our order. It came out immediately, but quite a bit of the food was cold when it should have been hot. Truly disappointing. The waiter didn't seem to think this was important. Next problem: the online dinner menu wasn't the one we were offered at the restaurant. We guess they've recently changed the menu: probably for the worse. Third problem: a very loud amplified slide presentation was taking place at the bar. Obviously, it's fine if they have private events, but do they have to interfere with other diners? In sum: if this is a place you've been waiting to try out, you've evidently waited too long. Better go somewhere else.
(2)
Brandon R.
Fantastic ocean views in daylight hours.... Sunsets are best! The staff was warm and very friendly, they immediately sat us down and got our drink orders. The menu was rather small for my taste but it made it easy to navigate! We started with appetizers, baby back ribs, calamari, and seared ahi poke. The portions were in the larger size compared to most fancy restaurants and were a delectable start! We proceeded with dinner, the wife had the pork Katsu, I aimed for the shrimp pasta and my son chose the braised short ribs! Each of the dishes were beautifully presented and adequate in portion, our flavor pallet went crazy! The food was well worth the price that included a view and wonderful service! The kitchen even surprised us with a sampler making our visit that much more special! Mahalo nui Sam choy Kona!!!! We'll be back! Aloha no
(5)
Sam D.
Our server Chris was a great lady and charming person. She recommended the ribs, for pupu's the stir fry dinner for my wife and she said they had good burgers! The ribs we tasty but dry no moisture! The stir fry fish had great flavor and very ample portion. "the burger" I ordered med rare checking with Chris that I would have pink in the middle. What arrived was a very dead well done cow! I showed Chris and she immediately agreed and returned said cow with a request that the burger be cooked RARE this time! After 15 min new burger arrived more well done than the first one! Chris removed from bill and we will never return! It is a step up from the Wendy's that was at the same location but not much! My recommend is have a drink enjoy the view don't eat the food!!!!
(1)
Chuck A.
Sam Choy's is a fun spot with polite, efficient and friendly staff. We loved the view and open air seating. The fish and chips were excellent (highlighted by an aioli dipping sauce). The waffle fried ice cream....oh my, oh my!!
(4)
Beth J.
The only thing good was the view! The food was horrible!! Pigs feet are not pork loin. I almost vomitted when I ordered pork tender loin and got pigs feet! Where is chef Ramsey! He needs to visit this place.
(2)
Vish N.
Service was good and the food was ok. Maybe a little on the pricy side but the view (sunset) was outstanding and worth it!
(4)
Nancy O.
Great experience at Sam Choy's for dinner. We were seated out along the edge of the terrace (a beautiful spot) and our waiter was solicitous and helpful. Dinner was the best on the island so far: I had the fish salad with a light sesame dressing and my husband had the short ribs. We split (meaning I ate) the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was divine and I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Eric D.
I will not be recommending this place. The food was good, but the service was horrible. At 5 star prices, I expect 5 star service. Sorry Sam, your staff does not do your food justice. Getting seated with reservations was troublesome... we had no waitress assigned to our table, the manager who took our order failed to put it in, the waitress who finally came to our table never checked up on us, and while the manager was apologetic throughout the night, he did nothing to fix the shoddy service as dinner progressed. The views are nice, but then its Hawaii and every place has a nice view. There are plenty of choices for dining in the area. Check out Kaliua for a great experience, because this place fell way short.
(2)
Eitaro A.
I've always wanted to try Sam Choy's restaurant in Honolulu, but never had a chance until this week in Kona. I went there two days in a row for lunch one day and dinner the other. You just can't go wrong with Sam Choy and It met my expectations. I absolutely recommend it. Awesome location as well.
(5)
Doug W.
Reasonable food. It was higher end than the downtown kona places and would likely have a nice view at about 1700 to 1900. We were there after dark so there was no view. Table outside is the way to go. Seemed like a special occasion type of place for a lot of people. Shoyu poke was good. Ahi salad was also good. Service was very good but they weren't busy. Make a reservation if you want an outside table at 1800.
(4)
Michelle S.
One star for the view and one star because Auntie comped our meal. Beef patty in the loco moco was chewy, tough, and inedible. Hollandaise was so lemony it made me sick after a few bites. Rating is for breakfast only; this was our first time eating here.
(2)
Cherry G.
Best ahi salad I have ever had. The waitress suggested I try all three dressing- I did and liked them all. The sunset, service and food made for a perfect evening.
(4)
Paul L.
Three couples had dinner together at Sam Choy's on 5mar13 and again on 5mar13. The service was excellent and the food was outstanding. The LauLau was a particular hit, and several of us agree this was the best restaurant we tried in Hawaii. It helps to have such a beautiful view, but the service and food quality set this restaurant above the rest.
(5)
J B.
This is a tourist spot, make no mistake. It is in the same parking lot as a grocery store and a Long's Drugs in an area very populated with tourists. There was so much hype that we felt like we needed to give it a shot. We did not have a bad experience, the atmosphere is nice and the view is nice, but we definitely did not love it. I did like the open air dining feel. The entire restaurant opens up with big roll up doors. The decor is nice, the restaurant is clean and attractive and the service was friendly. The menu had some interesting options, but the food was pretty mediocre. We ordered a chicken noodle bowl (Noodlemania) and a beef stew omelet. Both were edible, but not fantastic. I wish there was a rating between two and three stars, which I think would be more fair. This place is not great and I wouldn't refer anyone to come here and we will probably not return.
(2)
Imi B.
Nice views. I would go for their Eggs Benedict, Panipopo Pancakes, Mojito, and Mehana Kihoi! They no longer serve those options for breakfast, and menu was replaced with a simple breakfast menu and buffet :( Haven't been back in a long time. Drinks & Appetizers are what I would suggest, because the quality of the food and preparation is just ok.
(2)
frances c.
Beautiful view of the sunset with outdoor seating. Food was delicious.
(4)
Mary L.
This is one of the best places i have been to in a long time. the service was EXCELLENT..... we eat dinner here 3 nights and breakfast here 2 mornings in a row. we also had our reception wedding dinner here for 30 ppl. and they were on top of everything. and what can I say about the view..... overall a great spot to be at.....
(5)
Robinson O.
The Sam's special is awesome! All the food was great! Service was excellent!
(5)
Roger R.
Good food, not a lot of choices but what they have is well prepared. Get up early and have breakfast there. The pani popo pancakes with haupia topping is very good.
(4)
C B.
Have been to Sam Choy's in Honolulu and this site is even better -- if possible. The poki was marginal (not up to Sam Choy standards), but the ono sandwich and the ono plate were phenomenal. Service very good, view great.
(4)
Christine B.
Excellent...What a view !!
(4)
Kathy Z.
Great meal at a very reasonable price. We came here for lunch while driving from Kona to Volcano. I had the Fried Poke, which was delicious. It comes with rice and salad for a complete meal. The marinade was delicious, sweet yet savory. My only complaint is that I asked for seared ahi, but it came back almost completely cooked through. My husband had the fish and chips, which he loved. The fish was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It was a great comfortable meal after days of eating out at stuffy "fine dining". The panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean is an added bonus.
(4)
Lin M.
Yum! The food was fantastic as was the service. Sam Choy himself came over and introduced himself and to check on things. You can tell he takes a lot of pride in his restaurant and it shows! He also seems to hire local people for his waitstaff which I think is wonderful. We went there for lunch between our group of 6 tried a lot on the menu. It was all yummy. I was especially happy with the fried rice. Just thinking about it makes me miss Hawai'i more!!!
(4)
Kealohi H.
Terrible experience with both food and drinks. Had a fly in my beer and plastic in my poke. Totally turned off till they told us our appetizers, drinks, and dessert were free. On a gd not the waiter Trevor was awesome!!!
(2)
N A.
- 1st visit thru 8th visit never received the food I ordered, which was simple nothing difficult and management never acknowledged the issues but once and when she took the food back to get the right order it still came back wrong - another time I sat for
(1)
Jennifer C.
I regret that we were recently very disappointed at sam choy's. I am not sure whether the problem was our waiter, or the kitchen, or both. The server brought our entrees before our appetizers had even been cleared. We were not ready for them, and were told they would be redone, which we did not want to have happen, but we did not want to be rushed through our meal. A few minutes later our entrees arrived, and they were luke warm at best - it was clear that they had been sitting under a warmer. We asked to have them warmed up, and after another wait, our entrees came and were again not hot. I would never go back to this restaurant, and I suggest you do not waste your time and money on it either.
(2)
Kathy D.
This used to be the old Wendy's....what a great view Wendy's must've had from the top of the hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I had the fresh fish of the day,ahi, cooked perfect. I don't like it Rare so it was kind of medium. I also had a salad with it with the wasabi dressing. I could've just drank the dressing it was wonderful everything was good service was good the views awesome. Parking very limited but the plan to get a golf cart to shuttle those needing a lift from the lower parking lot. Try it, it was Ono! Sam even came by our table and outside he had to joke about the lack of parking.
(4)
Toni S.
This used to be a Wendy's, but the owner completely re-did it. The food is wonderfully presented and it's almost all Big Island sourced. The service is attentive and friendly. The fresh fish is a mainstay of the menu. The winelist is varied and imaginative. And to top it off, the view is spectacular. Built on a hill overlooking the ocean, you can't ask for a more beautiful spot. The restaurant fills up quickly, so come early or make a reservation. You can easily split a meal and be satisfied. Dinner comes with a complimentary salad and soup. The servings for the entree are generous and the desserts are delicious.
(5)
Michael O.
My wife and I just happened by on our way to a movie and saw that Sam Choy's Kai Lanai was open. On the way back from the move to stopped for a mid afternoon lunch. It was there first day and this was a soft opening. What a TOTAL disappointment. The view is a killer, but you shound sit inside and not have to look down on the tops of the Keauhou Shopping Center. I ordered marinated chicken stir fry in a deep fried tortilla. For the first day the oil tasted old and the pieces of chicken were NOT good cuts. My wife ordered a fish sandwich and wanted the fish well done. The fish came almost raw. And it was served with really bad French fries. The wait staff was very, but not too, friendly. The kitchen was not slow. The problem was the food!! Sam needs to shake up the kitchen.
(1)
Darrell T.
A friend recommended Sam Choys to us. We went for dinner on Sunday night and I have to tell this place is great! We had the calamari appetizor and is was light and crunchy with a great sauce. I had the lamb chops done to perfection, my wife had the short rib and it was great. To add to the great dinner the views are amazing especially at sunset! We are going back again this week.
(5)
E S.
Delicious fresh fish.
(5)
Dale F.
4 of us ate lunch at Sam's yesterday. The service was terrific, the food was great, the view was fantastic and our server was just super (Teresa). All four of us will go back if we have time. Note to Sam: Come to Dallas and open a Sam Choy's of Texas. You could add TexMex and Texas BBQ to the menu. (BTW: Sam was there with some of his friends). The staff was friendly and not intimidated by Sam.
(5)
Greg P.
Food was ok, I was hoping for the flavor of the old Sam Choy's when it was in the industrial park years ago. The view is great, parking is a hassle. I would rather have the flavor and the no pretty scenery. Staff was very professional and service was ok
(3)
Karen G.
We ate here for lunch one day toward the end of our week on the island- LOVED it! My husband and I both had the mahi mahi and our daughter had the mahi salad. I wish that we would have had time to go back for dinner another day, but will have to wait for our next trip. The food, the service, the drinks, the view- all spectacular and the prices were very reasonable.
(5)
Annabel T.
The view is fantastic but the breakfast buffet was extremely disappointing - I had much much better at Denny's.
(1)
Joyce C.
Good atmosphere, good quality food, nice location and pleasant service
(4)
John H.
The views are, indeed, amazing for a non-oceanfront location. The fried poke was good, but not as good as the poke at Da Poke Shack. My entree (laulau) gave me food poisoning. It tasted off, but I thought it was the ti leaf the fish was wrapped in (having never eaten a ti leaf). I can't give any place more than 2 stars if it made me sick. Due to that experience, I won't go back.
(2)
Edward M.
Was there twice about 3 weeks ago while on holidays. Both times, excellent ambience, service, food and a great eating experience
(5)
Linda S.
Very disappointed and the final straw - Breakfast has been my meal of choice at Sam Choy's - local variety, view and great service by Malia (sp?). But now, supposedly due to the kitchen unable to keepup with breakfast - they have butchered their menu to a few selections you can get anywhere - and the first weekend of the buffet some two weeks ago - I ate dry toast because SOMEONE did not get the fresh fruit to make the 'house' special usually sold bottled in the restaurant! You would think to consider folks who do not like or cannot eat tropical fruits, they would have a backup - 'strawberry' or 'grape' - NOTHING really - from a restaurant by a World Class Chef? AND, I get better breakfast buffets for free at hotels on business travel. I've watched the issues since it opened over a year ago - the problem is the kitchen - sorry Sam - if Denny's can feed a full-house with their breakfast menu PLUS the Hobbit Breakfast with 3 cooks - why can't your kitchen of world class cooks (You see a crowd in the kitchen) crank out basic breakfast? YES, I now go to Denny's instead of Sam's for breakfast! Maybe Sam should hire the Denny's crew and restore the original breakfast menu and give us locals a reason to come back! If a kitchen can't crank out eggs, toast, hashbrowns and the like - yeah, don't even open the restaurant. Get rid of the kitchen staff and start over OR better yet - Hire the morning cooks at Denny's!
(1)
Aimee J.
We just left Sam Choy's new restaurant and all I can say is...AWESOME! Our waitress Malia was awesome. She was attentive, sweet and you could tell she was happy to be working there and really cared about all her guest. It is located on top of a hill at the end of All'i road and you can see the most amazing view. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary dinner here. It was delicious food, wonderful view and great staff that really made our night special. I agree with the other review, they should slow things down slightly (not too much) because I would have liked to just relax there another half hour or so. We were pleasantly surprised when the waitress brought us a bread basket with butter (standard right?) and then a bowl of the soup of the day and salad. We then ordered a great appetizer. I ordered the duck with brown rice which was phenomenal! and my Husband had the rib eye and garlic mashed potatoes, also awesome. We both had iced tea and I had a cocktail which was tasty. Then we rounded out the meal with a shared bread pudding, it was a huge portion so I am glad we shared. It was moist and delicious. And all of that food with the well deserved 10.00 tip came out to $86.00. In you can't beat that! Keep up the great work! *also cool you can see into the kitchen, and the Chef de Cuisine was there in the dining room periodically.
(5)
sarah W.
I was excited to eat at this famous chefs restaurant and was a little disappointed. Our server was great and the ambiance was lovely but our dinner was so so. The garlic mashed potatoes were not garlicky at all and had a weird texture. The lamb that was ordered medium rare was too rare to chew. I don't mind rare but this was raw! However, the duck and the ribeye were cooked perfectly and Flavorful.The drinks were delicious, I recommend the margarita martini, rimmed with black sea salt. The fresh whipped butter was amazing as well!
(3)
Maylene D.
I read up on Sam Choy after seeing the restaurant from the street and we decided to try the restaurant. We were there at 4:30, didn't have reservations and were seated on the outer part of the restaurant with an unbelievable, beautiful view of the ocean. The waiter was very professional and friendly. I had the macadamia nut chicken and my husband had the trio fish entree. We had pupus (appetizers) of fried calamari and mac & cheese. Everything was delicious and made with fresh ingredients. The mango sauce and shitake mushroom sauce were awesome! The pineapple cheesecake with macadamia crust was fantastic! We had to roll down the hill after eating all of that food, but we'll be back again to try Sam Choy's breakfast and lunch!!
(5)
Corey A.
Nice environment and presentation of the food. I had the seafood trio and it just seemed very bland. For the price of $30 I didn't feel very flattered.
(2)
Rebecca H.
Kai Lanai's has a fantastic view but the service was barely OK both times that I dined there. They do bring samples of the "Soup of the Day" and their house salad to try prior to the entree. Prices seem a little high but the portions are large. The Ribeye steak was cooked perfectly and the Seared Poke is delicious. Sam did stop by our table to say "hi" to the hubby and meet our family. If it wasn't for the slow service I would give them 4 stars.
(3)
Mark C.
I'm amazed at all the people that gave this place more than one or even two stars. The food is disgusting, greasy and and downright nasty. The service was even worse. If I lived on the island I would run them out of town just to save the Big Islands reputation of being a vacation destination. After chasing the waitress down to pay for something that should only have been feed to animals they came running out to the car to apologize and offer us a free appetizer on our next visit. Are you kidding me! This place is even worse than a midwestern Waffle House..
(1)
David H.
Stumbled across this restaurant while driving around and I am glad I found it. Good food, friendly service and great cocktails. Much better than Roy's for Regional Hawaiian.
(4)
BrokeDaMou F.
The first time I went to a Sam Choy's was on the Big Island I was not disappointed. Then I had a great meal at one that is now closed on Maui. The one on Oahu was the last one I went to, and it was not on par with what I had before. They had really mushy rice. Who messes up rice in Hawaii? Still, I was happy to see that Sam Choy's was back in Kailua-Kona/Keauhou. But, since it was getting mixed reviews for dinner, I only had breakfast here. I'm hoping that reviews will get more consistent, once they get more established. The breakfasts I had were great. I tried the pancakes and the sweet bread french toast. No regrets! The sweet bread was a triple, guava, taro and regular sweet bread. I had the combo, and had the homemade corned beef. I should have tried the Pani Popo pancakes, but only had the regular ones. Still good. Service was great, and so was the view. So you have to look at the roof of the shopping center, what do you want them to do, move the shopping center? Prices for breakfast were very reasonable. No complaints here.
(5)
Larry K.
Wonderful view, pretty mediocre food for the prices. Had the special of the day coconut chicken which was only ok. Pork with bean sauce was tender but without taste. Waitress was good and helpful. Music was too loud to speak over. Will not be back...
(3)
David S.
Great setting and ambiance. Food extremely mediocre.
(2)
David D.
We were warned that this place was going to be jammed packed and impossible to get in as it recently opened. We tried anyways and got really lucky! Seats were outside overlooking the ocean...you can't beat that. I had the seared ahi salad and Z had the hamburger steak. The food was so delicious and the salad came in this huge edible shell. Also, they served this very interesting purple taro salad with the hamburger steak. This is the perfect date spot for couples :)
(5)
Cecile D.
Luv Sam Choy's in Kona. The sunset is always beautiful. The amount and quality of food for the price is a good value and the service is friendly. We had an appetizer, wine, two entrees, and a dessert and coffee for under $100.00 with a stellar sunset. Lovely.
(4)
Jeremy L.
This Sam Choy's use to be a Wendy's (look for what use to be the drive through window on the side of the building) but that didn't stop me from visiting it twice during the week (since it was so near the Keauhou area). The first night I had a reservation and ordered the 8 oz New York Steak Pulehu style w/ garlic mash --the steak was slightly overcooked but was still good. My brother had the Seafood Lau Lau (and Pineapple Cheesecake) which he said he enjoyed. For dessert I had Poha Berry ice cream which was unique & refreshing since I've never tasted the Poha berry before. Service was decent but since Choy's is a newer restaurant they don't have all the kinks worked. Our server gave us a pitcher of water as requested but he had a huge table of 12 come in so he didn't get our check to us in a timely manner. Perhaps one of the other wait staff could have stopped preparing the cutlery for the next nights service and stepped in to intervene? For the second night I had no reservation. After a 5 minute wait for a patio table I ordered one of the specials and it was a treat! It was tempura sea bass; it was flaky & cooked to perfection (highly recommended!). My brother had the sauteed pork loin which he regretted after he tasted my sea bass. It was the end of the night when we came in so there was a little confusion with who was our waitress but the manager immediately came over delivering to us a a free, tasty calamari appetizer. Everything was smooth sailing after that. Sam Choy's is enjoyable food in a nice atmosphere (for a view, ask for a outside table and don't look down at the strip mall) at moderate prices.
(4)
Kama K.
FABULOUS! We went for brunch today. We were greeted by lovely local hostess with plenty aloha. A VERY BIG plus these days. We had a choice of inside or outside seating. I chose inside because I try to stay out of the sun. Outside seating offers a gorgeous ocean view. The restaurant is open air and very nice. We ordered Mimosas to start. Ordered the edamame hummus with pita bread. It could have used a bit more punch but maybe it's just me. The fried poke plate with fried rice and sweet potato salad was YUMMIE!!! I was talking to the Manager and out walks Sam out of the kitchen. What a treat! Beautiful atmospher... I recommend Sam Choy's Kai Lanai very much. Cant wait to go back for dinner or pupus and beverages. Support Hawaiian owned and operated business. Best Wishes Sam Choy's Kai Lanai!
(5)
Michael M.
While on the Big Island we went to the new Sam Choy's for dinner. We were so lucky to get the last available parking space. The sun was just beginning to set on the Pacific Ocean. The view from this place is amazing! Set on top of a hillside, you can see all the way up the Kona Coast! We were escorted to our table by a lovely hostess! We couldn't help but snap pictures left and right! They had run out of edemame the night before, so we just ordered dinner. To our surprise each dinner came with soup and salad. The menu was just right. Just enough to make the perfect selection! The service was fantastic! Our Server was energetic and personable. I had a glass of wine that was so Ono!!!! This wine tickled my nose with graces of Lillikoi! It was a New Zealand Niablo Savignion Blanc from Marlborough 2010. I had the Lamb, Pops had the Beef and Rose had the chicken. Every plate a work of art! And delicious too! Pops asked if they had coffee ice cream for desert? They did not. But they should. Can you imagine? Kona coffee ice cream?!!!! That would be the topper! We had a great time! Oh and the Bar is nothing to sneeze at! Big and Beautiful! Just like you Sam! (before you lost weight) Your still stay yet beautiful!
(3)
Aaron S.
I ordered the Fish Trio and the fish was so overcooked and dry. Others with us ordered the duck and it was great and the Rib-eye was ok- but they served very plain mashed potatoes on the side like a cafateria. Poke was not so good either. I expected much more from this kind of restaurant and unfortanatly I live 2 min away and will not be going back.
(2)
Claire J.
Very nice location with good views. I like how there is the outdoors aspect to the restaurant. Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is a very laid back place with good food. I ordered the fish trio which was very tasty. The sauces were delicious! You can also just hang out at the bar and have a few drinks and pupus. Servers were very nice.
(4)
Marty G.
View was great, drinks were very good...we had two apps - poke was very good, but the brie won tons had very little brie in them. Disappointing. Service was slow. Our waiter - Arthur - was very nice.
(3)
Kim H.
Very bad experience. It was early in the evening and both of us stopped in for dinner. The restaurant was about 1/4 full. They wouldn't give us a seat outdoors by the rail because we hadn't made a prior reservation. We sat within view of it, but technically inside. The water guy was so busy high-fiving his bro that he nearly elbowed me in the face, as he was going through the motions to fill our water glasses. The waiter finally showed up and tried for a good five minutes to up-sale our decisions for dinner. He came by and plopped a salad, soup of some kind (bland) and some stale rolls on the table. He was pretentiously trying to convince us that he actually cared about where we were from after noticing that we found him quite annoying. One of the girls there ran around to all the tables with battery operated candles that she literally tossed into the glass in the middle of our table. I was pretty disgusted at that point. The food arrived...overpriced chicken. We had better chicken last night at L&L BBQ for 1/4 the price. Sam Choys...they think they're a pretty big deal around here but I think not. Employees are not engaged and everything is run quite sloppily. Not worth the $$ or the waste of your time.
(1)
Jen R.
I really wanted to like Sams new restaurant more than I did. I admire him and like his recipes. So, I will list the stuff I liked about the place first: the service; nice, helpful people who were there for my every need. The view- I have been waiting for a restaurant to open at the old Wendys site FOREVER. The fish dishes- Sams chefs did mostly good things with the fish dishes we tried, including the ono, which can get very dry if it's not cooked right. Ok, sorry Sam, the bad: the mac nut crusted chicken was mostly panko-crusted chicken. Still tasty, but not really as advertised. I tried the marinated short ribs; the beef flavor was marinated right out of them (very tender, though. Maybe just less time in the marinade?). The complimentary soup- I really really hate to complain about free stuff, but honestly, Sam, pretty much cream of mushroom soup from a can with bacon added??? And, I am crying now; the poke. Sam, I use YOUR recipe for poke; these guys should know better than sending fish out that should have been tossed. It wasn't as fresh as it should have been. And us locals know the difference. I still have hopes for this place, it's new and kinks may still be getting worked out. Maybe Sam will come over and kick a little kitchen booty, get these guys back on their game.
(3)
Marina N.
Everything was fabulous! Food, Service, View, even the prices weren't bad for the quality and location. Dinner the first night and Breakfast the last day with the most spectacular view! Don't miss out if your on the Big Island. I can't believe there used to be a Wendy's on that property. Sam Choy, you couldn't have picked a better spot and very close to our vacation condo! :-) - Thank you!
(5)
Megan W.
First time on yelp. . I keep thinking about this situation and how It was not handled properly, at all. . . I went to Sam Choy's to enjoy lunch and the view on Wednesday 6/12. Gotta be honest Korean chic was grinds. . . Hummus plate meh, must be to healthy for me. . After the apps . . Got two of Korean fried chicken sandwiches, when I first got the plate I noticed a Small GREEN BUGS on my plate looked at my GF plate saw one on hers too. I figured were outside , that's what it Must be right?!?. . Then a few bites in I noticed a FRIED small GREEN BUG on my fries, so I immediatly thought OK it came from the kitchen. . Maybe I should look at my sandwich closer. . There was about 3-4 dead small green bugs in each of our Korean chicken sandwiches. . Maybe more we had eaten about half of the sandwiches.Atleast I knew they were fresh bugs because there was 2 alive bugs in the sandwich too. . I saved their lives, made friends and let them crawl around on my arm until our waitress came over and I told her the situation and asked to see a manager. . By the way our server Sandy was great. . .i watched the manager fumble around, not looking to concerned about the whole situation. . . The female manager had some sort of foreign accent and never bothered to come talk/ check on me and my pregnant GF.. . SO!!!! The stage is set. . .what should happen next?!? . . . Comp our whole check I hope?!! I mean.... I never ordered bugs!! This isn't Thailand!!! The manager never talked to us as I requested and ONLY comped the 2 sandwiches. . I wanted to stand up and ANNOUNCE to the restaurant . . " how many BUGS need to be in our food before is free!!!" I am too nice of a guy. . I left the Sandy a 30 % tip on the original bill and left. . . . It's has been bothering me for a few days so I wrote this. . . What would you do?!? . . Both my GF and I are in the food service industry on the BI on expect better. . . I hope you do too.
(2)
Emanuelle O.
We came for dinner and was able to get a table on the lanai right around sunset. The view is spectacular. Wish we had been able to eat a daytime meal here. Tables on the lanai are first-come, first-serve and worth the wait if something is opening up. Otherwise the rest of the tables have great views too since it's an open-wall concept where there are no exterior walls to block the awesome vista. Service was very good and efficient. Food was better than expected. I thought they would charge high prices coz they provide the view and it's located in an upscale area of Kona. I ordered the trio of fish which included butterfish (always delish), swordfish (nicely done since I've never had this before) and mahi mahi (which I was wary about since it's rumored to be dolphin but turned out to be yummy). My husband had the new york steak which was very average. The pineapple cheesecake was super yum at first but eventually grew too sweet on my palate.
(4)
Milton L.
This was our second visit to Kai Lanai for lunch. We had reservations and were seated promptly. Service contrary to other reviews was excellent with constant attention to refills for water and ice tea. We were celebrating a wedding anniversary for one of the couples. They both ordered the fish of the day, ahi, seared. When they received their order, they discovered that it had been cooked through, they brought it to the attention of their server. Their plates were whisked away immediately and returned after a brief respite. The ahi was seared to perfection rare in the middle and tasty. The other meals, beef stew, stirred fried tofu, Korean chicken salad and another ahi meal were done well and served promptly. Though the restaurant had a lunch crowd, service was prompt and always with a smile. The ambiance is great, airy with great views of the ocean. We found our dining experience to be pleasant, service excellent, and prices reasonable.
(5)
R.J. R.
Excellent food and service. Parking can be dreadful. If the lot is full, the overflow lot is down the hill. Watch out for traffic. Always make a reservation, or you may have to wait. We made a reservation around noon and got a seat on the patio. Very nice. Absolutely recommend this restaurant.. Away from the maelstrom of Alii stretet
(4)
Kim S.
Excellent!!! The entire staff was beyond our expectations. Very attentive, and truly happy to have you as a guest. The view was amazing!! The entire time we were there we were told not to rush, and the manager even told us what time sunset was. We got the bread, soup/salad which was delicious. I ordered the pork loin, and it was amazing. The flavors were deliciously unique, just amazing. My husband ordered the Braised Rib over chow mein noodles and stir fry veggies. It was also delicious, but he thought they could have portioned the noodles to a little more than what he got. He asked for another portion, which they gladly brought him. I can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes!!!!
(5)
Jae C.
AWESOME BREAKFAST PANCAKES with his special coconut milk based sauce/syrup! You can't go wrong with that. I can't weigh in on the dinner comments, but we stayed in Kona for 6 nts. and ate breakfast there twice and was very satisfied both times. Ordered the pancakes both times and really everything else was just a bonus. We found service to be really attentive and the view is sweet. I am usually one to tell it like it is and will only post if it's good or bad...nothing in between. Trust me on the breakfast and go somewhere else for dinner.
(4)
Bob T.
Excellent food and and breathtaking views. We had both breakfast and dinner here while on vacation. The breakfast was amazing. Sam Choy gets it perfect with the good ol' home cooked meals for breakfast and upscales it more for dinner. Food was very reasonably priced. What a treat - we will definitely be back.
(5)
karen s.
We found Sam Choy's while grocery shopping. Best discovery this trip. We are always trying to find restaurants with fresh fish, not deep fried, not over cooked and not overpriced. This more than delivered! We had the fish trio which changes every night and was exceptional. The taster of soup and salad free was a nice touch to start. Lots of wines by the glass including taster flights of 3 white or three red. Also, sunset spot open air throughout makes for a nice evening. We are going back in a couple of nights.
(5)
L J.
When it comes to a sunset view, this place cannot be beat as it is up a slope with a spectacular view. And, they have a great bar with decent appetizers for happy hour. The whole place is really indoor/outdoor and it's very pleasant, albeit noisy (believe it or not, it used to be a Burger King!) But this year the food wasn't what we had hoped. Entrees automatically come with a tiny salad and a little soup. The salad was local greens with a sweet dressing and it was a nice touch. The soup, a miso-like preparation, tasted off. There was something funky about it and neither of us finished ours. We ordered the tuna belly appetizer, which is deep fried, and it was done well but not very flavorful. They were offering a lehi fish special (snapper) and since we had bought some fresh lehi on Maui last week and grilled it with a light marinade and loved it, we both ordered it. The waiter told us it was gently sauteed, but it felt more like it was overly fried. It was overdone and not very tasty. We've had the Sam Choy's fish combo in the past, which was good. But, we'd like to see Sam offer some more lighter preparations of a wider variety of fish.
(2)
Cat H.
I was very excited to see a Sam Choy's when we visited this time had been added right up the street from our favorite hotel. We stopped in to get a menu since my niece is vegetarian and I was hoping to eat there. What we saw on the menu made two of us very happy but there was very little on the menu for my niece so we went somewhere else that night. However the next night we ended up at loose ends and decided to see what they could do for us. It was later in the evening and they were packed...however the hostess was wonderful and was able to seat us at a very nice table on the lanai. Our server arrived with soup and salad, which is complimentary, and when my niece inquired about something for a vegetarian the server not only gave her the perfect option but also told her not to eat the soup since it's made with chicken stock! When our food arrived we were all very very pleased! It looked gorgeous and tasted wonderful, even the tofu chow mien my niece had for her dinner! We decided to order the pineapple cheese cake and while the cake itself was amazing the papaya sauce around it was way too sweet. Thus why there is only 4 stars, not 5. We will happily go again whenever we are in the area!
(4)
Art T.
Went there for our 23rd. Anniversary primarily because of other reviews on YELP. WOW! WOW! WOW! And 4 + STARS. Believe me, there is no better place on Kona to experience the wonderful sunsets this island provides because I' ve been to them all. On top of that the food and service was excellent. Angela was our server and I say with no reservation, she is one of the top 5 servers I've ever experienced in 60 years of dining out. I ordered the Short Ribs at her suggestion. They were the best I've ever had anywhere. The other 3 in our party had the Salmon with seaweed and sesame seeds and were blown away. We will go again before we leave the Islands, but will check to make sure Angels is there.
(4)
Helena R.
Simply awful. We came for lunch and ordered the mess called a noodle stir-fry and the fresh fish of the day in a sandwich. It was more like "La Choy" than Sam Choy! The stir fry came in a fried flour tortilla...why? The taste was bland and it arrived with some weak vinaigrette on the side which should have been tossed in. The beef were shrapnel sized pieces with gristle, and I had to search through frozen Costco vegetables to find the meat. The fish of the day was plunked on a hamburger bun with a leaf of lettuce, unripe, grainy sliced tomatoes and a slice of onion. There were no condiments, not even a sauce. The beer keg blew so we couldn't get the beer we wanted. The margarita was warm too. It's not what we expected from Sam Choy food. It appears that the food has been dumbed down for the cruise ship crowd. No flavors, no taste, just bland. Not worth the hour drive from Waikoloa, go visit Panda Express instead. We heard that Golden Corral is operating the restaurant which might explain this review.
(1)
g k.
Dropped in on a Friday night without a reservation but the place seats quite a few people so it was not a problem. The restaurant is open on two sides and has an ocean view but since it was after dark, i did not experience the view but the ambiance was very Hawaiian, modern and cozy. the menu was simple but varied enough which made it easy to decide. Had a Lava flow cocktail which was delicious. Had the shoyu poke which everyone liked. I am kinda picky about poke since I make it myself so I'll say I've had better but it wasn't bad. Whenever I see duck on the menu, i usually order it since I love duck. It was their version of duck l'orange and I enjoyed it. It was served on a bed of julienne veggies with brown rice on the side. More than enough to eat. A cute salad and soup is served with each entree. The soup was ginger and carrot which was under seasoned to my table partners but subtle and tasty to me. The salad was served with a creamy oriental house dressing which everyone liked. My brahl-in-law had the NY steak which was tender and cooked to order. My wife had the shortrib and it was braised nicely and very tasty. More than enough food for everyone which is Sam's m.o. Looked at the breakfast menu and it was reasonably priced so we will visit again in the a.m. The food is good, the atmosphere is really, really nice. I was a bit wary because I had eaten at Sam Choy's on the Nimitz in Honolulu and was not impressed. So I was pleasantly surprised at Sam Choys in Keahou.
(4)
Vivian J.
With fear in our hearts from recent Yelp reviews, we ventured to Sam Choy's on foot with low expectations. We were seated immediately a few minutes before sunset with a beautiful view and very friendly waitstaff. We were immediately given ice water (much appreciated after a hot hike uphill) and told to expect a waiter in a few minutes. As promised, a very friendly waiter named Von appeared within a few minutes and got us going with tropical drinks (better than recently had at the Four Seasons!) and the seared poke, which was delicious. We both ordered the laulau platters for dinner and they were moist, tender, and tasty. We had another leisurely round of drinks after dinner in place of desert, and those were very tasty. The service was a bit disorganized around us - we were signing our check as the table next to us was just getting dinner and our second round of drinks sat made on the bar for a while. Nothing life-threatening, just some mixup with the wait staff involving a big party that arrived during our dinner. Overall, this is not the place to go if you are starving and need food immediately, but if you are looking for a leisurely happy hour and dinner and don't mind a little waiting for great food/drinks while taking in a gorgeous view, than I highly recommend giving them a shot. We will be back before our trip ends!
(4)
Adam S.
Expensive, and the menu is just so boring. 2 stars because the Poke was both tasty and firm. The green salad had a nice dressing, but the bread was lame. Bartender was nice, although the wine flights were uninspiring. Most expensive meal of our trip, and I am embarassed my parents were so excited to eat there (twice).
(2)
Olivia L.
I don't think the prices here were outrageous as other have noted. We just weren't that impressed with the food. For dinner, I had the orange duck (~$22) & the sauce was quite sweet (and I can usually stand sweet). Came with a side of rice/mash which I didn't even touch due to the amount of food I already had. My husband had the lamb chops (~$22) and that also was prepared in a sweet sauce overtop unnecessary linguine. Reminded us of the sauce used for BBQ Pork. Pros - provided complimentary bread, mushroom soup & salad - great, attentive service - large portions - walked right in for a table for 2 at 7pm in late January - ahà poke appetizer was pretty good
(3)
Tamlyn W.
Sam Choys just ok Had a late dinner here last night!! Food was good but not stellar. It was lacking dimension. The macadamia crusted chicken was recommended by two staff members and was bland and flavorless, the short ribs tough And dry. The duck was just a bit better! We got there when it was dark so can't comment on view or location. Staff and service was good! Not in a hurry to return!
(3)
Tom M.
Service was good the view was to die for the food was fair. Yes I would go back again and hope this time the food was better
(3)
Ryan S.
So my co worker and I went there for dinner on 9/15/11. We got seated right away but we had to wait almost an half hour before our waitress greeted us. Not to mention she visited the two tables by us four times before even acknowledging us. Not only that the bus boy filled my water twice and we had to ask him two times for our waitress. To make things worst she wasn't even that busy. I left a comment with the manager hopefully they fix that problem. The location is great. It is located in to old Wendy's off of Kam III road just above Keahou Shopping Center. Don't listen to the other people that say all you see is the strip mall. Those people are only looking at the negatives... The restaurant does have magnificent ocean views just remember it is an ocean view restaurant not an ocean front restaurant. My suggestion is if you go there in the early evening that way you can see the awesome sunset. I had the Pork Loin and my co worker had the orange duck. Both were really good. We also had the poke for the appetizer it was horrible. The waitress didn't tell us it was marlin and it lacked flavor. You are better off going down the road to KTA for some poke. All in all I would have give this restaurant 4 stars for the food and at this point 0 stars for the service. Maybe in a couple of years hopefully by then they will weed out their horrible waitresses.
(2)
Linda L.
I had the most amazing seared poke. Definitely would go back just for it. The portion was very generous as an appetizer, large enough to share with 2 friends. I also had the steamed seafood lau lau. The fish tasted a bit greasy for my taste, but the fresh vegetable was great. If you are looking to try island local food, this place won't disappoint.
(4)
Eric L.
We had a magnificent dinner delicious perfectly broiled Lamb and roasted duck with a delightful orange sauce. The view of the sunset was awesome along with a flight of South American wine. The service was attentive. We will be back soon!
(5)
Elaine F.
Great location, excellent service and good food.
(5)
Squirrel S.
Great food. Great service. Great ocean view. And very reasonable price. Went their for dinner and breakfast. Definitely be back when I go to Big Island again.
(5)
alan t.
Brah, what a view! Don't listen to da buggahs who get all huhu about the mall. Million dollar view baby! I went there for lunch and dinner the next day. Had the furikake ahi salad. The dressings were good, but the fish was overcooked and even though it had a ton of furikake, not so ono (delish). Wifey had the "amazingly awesome" beef stu. Was just ok . . . BUT, the Molokai sweet potato salad was brok da mout soooo good delicious and it gets a 5 star for itself. For dinner, we went crazy and had the calamari and fried poke. Calamari was just ok. Best part was the sauce. Don't get the fried poke. What a waste of some perfectly good poke! We got it seared and it was cooked, not seared. Shoulda just had regular poke. Man, what a waste. But, I ate um haha. Dinner, I had the spare rib with garlic mashed and wifey had the seafood lau lau. Sorry but both were just ok to ok minus. Like someone else said, the noodles were kinda like Panda Express. The garlic mashed was like regular mashed. Ho hum. Waitresses were both SUPER awesome for lunch and dinner. Mahalos to Sandy and Nalani. Drinks were great. I'd go for drinks and dessert. Had the mango wachumacalit and Berry Mojito and Blue Hawaii. Def go for the Berry mojito and mango drink. Desserts were bread pudding and coconut ice cream. Bread pudding for lunch was brown and more red for dinner. Might have added a berry ingredient for dinner dessert. Oh well, both tasted super awesome. Go for the view and the drinks (reasonable at $8 and $7, beers $5). DO NOT waste any more poke by trying it fried!!!
(3)
David G.
We had a Sunday brunch here for six people. We made a reservation on yelp, but at 10:30 am it didn't appear we needed one as thje restaurant is quite large. Everyone was more than satisfied with their food. I had the ahi eggs benedict, and found it both good to eat and a good value. We enjoyed the open air ambience and trade wind breezes. We would definitely eat there again.
(4)
Ryan A.
Too much butter ... Had the craps for days. Great view tho!!!!!
(2)
P. P.
I brought guests to Sam Choy's Kai Lanai for brunch, and was disappointed by the food, which was really not worthy of Sam Choy's name. What I expected was vibrant, flavorful fusion cuisine with fresh ingredients. Instead, the dishes (including omelet, eggs Benedict, and loco moco) were lifeless and greasy, such as would be expected from a lesser greasy spoon joint in Hawai'i. The hot chocolate was luke warm and lumpy, while the coffee was just so-so. Service and atmosphere were okay.
(2)
Bernie C.
I miss the famous fried rice!! Can't wait to try the other dishes on the menu! Love the fact that we can set our reservations on-line! I was sad that we were not offered an opportunity to order dessert...we had to have our waitress re-ring the ticket to include it. I was expecting something more of the Fried Waffle icecream...just a picky eater, I guess.
(3)
Darrin J.
One star for a beautiful lunch setting. Zero stars for service and food quality. Restaurant was pretty much empty but server was mostly absent with others doing his job delivering the food (I hate when food runners are used) which was wrong in several instances (wrong sides and missing side). Even had to ask for water refills. Now the food was equally horrible. Poke that was so salty we might has well be licking a salt lick. Even the manager agreed bringing us a new one which was nearly equally bad and one of the runners had the gall to argue with our tastes making some excuse that it was a deep sea fish and was inherently more salty (epic wrong). Their signature beef stew was a minimal portion with not enough meat and grainy potatoes. The hamburger (grilled medium) was dry to say the least and the missing fries once I got them could have been improved if they had went to McDonalds to get them. The Frankenstein macaroni/potato salad lacked flavor (except salt) and was a mushy mess. Tuna melt was tolerable. The fish and chips had good fish but batter was oily. James Beard is turning over in his grave.
(1)
Amy P.
The food and service here was great! The appetizers were amazing. We ordered Shoyu Poke and baby back ribs. For our entree we ordered Sam's Trio of Fish and Chef Sam's Seafood Laulau. I thought it was a bit bland but my husband said it was pretty good. I guess I wasn't in the mood for fish that night. I would love to go back there to try out other items on the menu.
(4)
gwynnie p.
Had two meals at Sam Choy's, a lunch and a dinner. Lunch was probably better, I had the noodle mania with fish and the husband had fish and chips which he declared was the best he'd ever had. Mai tais were tasty. We also had the BEST poke of the entire trip at Sam Choy's, and we ate a lot of it at various venues. Dessert of a mud pie seemed to have a bit of freezer burn and was nothing remarkable. For dinner we had pork katsu (delish) and a rib eye which was definitely on the medium well side (asked for medium rare and was told the kitchen usually did that on the rare side, which is what I wanted...) and the mushroom sauce was REALLY salty - as salty as canned mushroom soup. Cheesecake for dessert was just ok, so I guess desserts aren't really their thing. The view is just spectacular and the dining room is open air and very relaxing. We had really good service on both visits, and would definitely go back. Others have noted inconsistency, and I hope they will be keeping an eye on that because every experience/dish could be divine, but right now that doesn't seem to be happening.
(4)
Mike W.
Inconsistent has to be the best word to describe Sam Choy's. We ate here three times over the course of the week and every time we went it was worse than the previous. The Poke tasted different, the drinks tasted different, and depending on who was working it was borderline uncomfortable to be there. When we came in for dinner, the hostess was the single rudest person that we met on the island for the entire week that we were there. We asked her what that wait would be for an outside table and were told "I don't know, I can't make them leave" and then she walked away and left us standing there. Okay... uhm.. well that was weird, maybe one of the servers can seat us then? Poke - First time that we had the poke it was pretty darn good, a little dry but had a nice sesame flavor to it. The second time we had the poke, the fish wasn't cleaned properly and still had skin on it. First experience was good, second experience was the worst poke I had all week. Lau Lau - Very very rich lau lau but also very tasty sans the scallops. It's not that the scallops were cooked poorly, they were sour. It was 100% obvious that they had gone bad and needed to be thrown away. Three of the four of us ordered this and all three of us spit out our scallops upon eating the first bite. Noodle Mania - This was awesome. Only served during lunch. Kona Style Chicken Wings - These were good wings. Fried wings with a light, sweet and spicy sauce over the top. Finally, the drinks. It was really apparent that they have no set way of making anything so depending on who the bartender was your Mai Thai will taste completely different. Again, just goes with the whole them of lacking any sense of consistency.
(3)
Ryan S.
Nice and relaxing vibe. Excellent food, drinks and service! Not to mention the view was top notch as well!
(5)
Maureen O.
Ate lunch here today, after the food was delivered, we noted to the waitress the "crab" melt sandwich had imitation crab in it! Yuck! When we asked waitress about it, she said she told us it was imitation crab when describing the specials. None of us heard it. Then, sandwich was mostly mayonnaise with very small bits of the fake crab. Gross! Do not recommend eating here. On a positive note, the drinks & views were good.
(1)
Joe F.
I feel terrible for Chef Choy knowing how talented and hard he worked when HRC was beginning. Obviously Sam has counted on others to step in on the culinary side and follow his example and those employees have failed him tremendously. The table beside us complained about the tasteless pasta, we were told to order our lamb medium rare it was delivered extra well done. My wife re-ordered a salad with fresh fish and it was mediocre at best, my fish trio was ok however the veggies were also over cooked. Our server told us a "corporate chef" was helping out, but wasn't currently in the kitchen. In our opinion nobody in the kitchen was on the ball, obviously an expeditor was non existent. We also had to ask to have the extra well done lamb taken off the bill, front of the house issue. The Manager said she was "privy" to the over cooked lamb, I guess follow up and follow through wasn't important. Sorry Sam, you deserve better and more caring employees.
(1)
Jean Y.
Good food with the view. The view actually, other places in big Island could be far better, though food was excellent. It's almost like never had that level of Asian mixed food in mainland. Hostess girl was friendly, service person was good. My poke raw was the best. Big tuna pieces, lots of them were really well marinated. Moi moi saimin my friend had was soo good. Overall definitely we would come here again for food.
(4)
Brad Y.
Very dissapointing service. The food was actually good. We had the pork katsu and orange duck. That is where everything went downhill. First we were not told about bread service that was supposedly upon request only. Then it was hard just filling our glasses with water. Our waiter was just "strange" .... Just seemed like he wasn't all there[mentally]. I'm being absolutely serious. When I confronted the waiter about not mentioning the bread service, he offers me after my meal was finished, a basket of bread. He knew that we were first time diners as he asked us as he seated us. So I asked, as first time diners here, how were we supposed to know about the bread service if no one told us and it wasn't written anywhere on the menu. His reply was that management indtructed wait staff to not mention bread service to patrons [which is a bold face lie]. When I confronted manager about this, she offered to give us a discount, but downplayed keepig the bread service "secret". In summary, the food was pretty good. The manager and wait staff need to fired. I might be a carpenter, but even I can't fix "stupid".
(1)
Lori C.
The hype for this restaurant may have contributed to my disappointment. As a Sam Choy restaurant I was expecting more. The menu doesn't have a huge selection and I found it underwhelming, no creative "wows" on the menu and prices were really high. Drinks are expensive too. Location is great for Keauhou visitors but I'd stick with happy hour and maybe stay for the sunset view.
(2)
Kamran H.
Very very bad restaurant. Gave the menu which was not updated. Rude server. Left without eating after waiting for appetizer for 30 mins. No one came to tell us why is the delay.
(1)
Amna H.
Blonde surfer type waiter behaved like he just got dumped. He must have had personal issues he was bringing to work. Remarkably negative experience. Sad.
(1)
Mike G.
If you are in Kailua Kona and looking for a good place to eat come here! This is an expensive fancy restaurant but it is worth it. Located on the top of the hill looking out over the ocean the view is amazing. Try to get a seat on the patio to watch the sun set. We had a fire pit table and loved it. Like I mentioned the food is pricey but the portions are huge and even I had trouble finishing my plate and I was the only one of the four of us that actually managed to finish my plate. Plates range from fresh seafood to chicken, pork and beef. Everything we had was amazing. The beer selection for a beer nerd (snob) like me was lacking but they did stock one beer by local brewery Kona Brewing so that was a plus. I could actually drink! Bring the yelp app to BlackBerry 10!
(5)
Foster B.
The back of the menu advertises that Sam Choy has created meals for airlines. This restaurant will appeal to anyone who thinks airline food is the height (ha ha) of fine dining. Not seeing much else on the menu that appealed to me, I asked for the salad with grilled fish. The server listing the four house dressings and asked my preference. "Which ones are sweet?" I asked. "All of them" was the reply. Oil and vinegar it was... The rest of the family's entrees were equally blah. Desserts were OK. House christmas music was painful.
(1)
Ed M.
What a great place, with a great view and to top it off, wonderful food at great prices. Chef Choy is usually in house each day.
(5)
Heather W.
I've always had a soft heart for Sam Choy in years of watching him on TV shows and such. We asked the concierge at our hotel which local restaurants uses local beef, and a phone call confirmed that Sam Choy's claims to, so we made a reservation for 7:30 p.m. The sunset view was spectacular, easily seen even from inside seating. Service was slow from the start, but eventually we got our cocktails, which were very light in alcohol and quite sweet. Eventually our server brought us a bread bowl, which is sweet Hawaiian-style soft rolls. I ordered the New York steak, medium rare, and my husband ordered their rack of BBQ ribs. Then we waited for a while, and tried to not fill up on bread. The server came back to tell us that they had under anticipated the number of diners and they were out of ribs, so we ordered the braised short ribs instead. When out food came out some time later, my steak was raw, but the server noticed this on passing by just as I cut it and whisked it away to be properly cooked. Nice save on her part. When it came back, it was perfectly cooked, but honestly, this wasn't the local beef I've come to know and love. It had clearly been cryo-vac sealed and wet aged, and while tasty enough, it really didn't have the wow factor that island beef usually does. Now I won't say they were out right lying, but it didn't taste like grass fed local, and nowhere on the menu is there any claim that they use local beef and this would be a huge selling point, so I'm incredulous as to the veracity of their claim. On the other hand, the concierge was told it was local, and when I asked the server, she said it was local as well. So I'll just let that dead dog lie. The short ribs were falling apart tender and tasty, but a bit too sweet for our taste. There was also just two thick short ribs, which was a grave disappointment when my husband had expected an entire slab of BBQ pork ribs. However, the ribs were significantly meaty and nicely cooked. We both had the garlic mashed potatoes, and they were fresh and tasty. My asparagus was cooked perfectly. Service was slow; but we asked what was going on and were told that because business had been slow, some of the staff were sent home and they got were unexpectedly busy and thus service was slow. Our server was super sweet, as attentive as she could be, and had a great attitude, in spite of being overworked. I'm just glad she got to work -- and be paid -- for the day. We tipped well. In the end, this is really a tourist destination and the food is well-made, but a cookie cutter menu makes this easy. Sam Choy's is well priced for the food and ambiance. It's not stellar, but it's good. The drinks are weak, but you're really paying for Sam Choy's signature, the location and the idea of Hawaiian fine-dining. I wouldn't steer anyone away from the place, but it's really just a theme restaurant and not necessarily a bad one.
(3)
Nadine F.
I had a nice time at Sam Choy's. We went for pupus and drinks one night. Sam Choy's was the closest option outside our hotel, and their prices were very reasonable compared to our other options. We got the Hawaiian-style wings and the brie wontons. To me, the food just wasn't anything special, but the drinks, views, and service were all great. To drink, I had the sunset sangria (mango), and it was really good and really strong. It also probably saved me $5-10 over a similar but less good drink at my hotel. Service was also good. Our waiter, who I think was named Arthur (had an Irish accent) was really nice and attentive. As others have mentioned, the view overlooking the beach is gorgeous, and overall this would be an awesome spot for happy hour, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to spend the big bucks on dinner.
(3)
Harry L.
Drove past the place and remember hearing about Sam Choy on the Food Network so we decided to check it out. So glad we stopped in. Everything they brought out was amazing. Had the fried poke and edemame for starters and they were both really good. The poke was actually phenomenal. I had the fresh fish club sandwich with pineapple and bacon and for me, it's probably one of, if not THE best fish sandwich I've ever had. Everyone in my group had different things and we were all raving about our meals. Once the entrees came out, practically all conversation ceased and we all focused on the plates of food in front of us. The lady serving us was really nice and the service was really good. I'd definitely come back and strongly recommend it.
(4)
Pat W.
Had high hopes for this place after eating plate lunches and fast foods all week. Was pleasantly surprised to get seating on Friday around 5:30 without reservations. Service started out great. Menus and drinks arrived quickly. We ordered the edamame appetizer, orange duck and the rack of lamb. Edamame was fried and greasy. I'm not sure why this is better than boiling. Orange duck was good. I'm puzzled by the rack of lamb. Tough with a texture of char Sui on a stick on a bed of linguine in a cream sauce. This Asian fusion didn't work for me. The Mac and cheese for our 8 year old was a disaster. One spoonful and it was rejected immediately. The cheese flavor was way to sharp for a kids palate. Overall a disaster for our one nice meal of our vacation. Two stars for ok service.
(2)
Vivien B.
Over rated, over priced. Sam choy doesn't even own the place but outsources his name. Huge tourist trap.
(2)
Shawn W.
This place has degraded a bit in the past few years. Dinner for 5, drinks, apps, the works. Service was spotty at best. The food itself wasn't bad - very good for the most part, in fact. The fish trio could've been better - two of the three were fried. Waters were not refilled until we had to ask, which in my opinion, having worked in the service industry, is a cardinal sin. There were other service issues as well with our waiter, too, but no need to get into too many details Let's face it: when you come to Sam Choy's, the view is a good part of what you're paying for. But for the prices they charge, you should be getting some pretty stellar service. Our guy, who was the only one wearing a santa hat to cover his greasy head, was either very new, not too bright, very, very stoned, or a combination of all of those things.
(3)
Amanda C.
I will never go to this restaurant again. Food was barely mediocre and SO SO overpriced. The waiter was nice enough but the waitstaff was overall horrible. Empty glasses sat on the table for long periods of time and my plate which I was done with sat for at least 20 mins before it got picked up. I went with a large party and every guest was complaining about the food and it's prices. Patrons in the restaurant were overall entitled and rude. I will be telling everyone I know not to step foot in this awful establishment.
(1)
Rhonda G.
We got this recommendation from our tire guru at Lex Brodie's. ( Thank you Justin! ) A full view of the ocean and a great ambiance! Several people cheered and claimed to see the famous "Green Flash" as the sun set. ( not me ) The drinks were excellent, and the food was superb. We had the Pork Katsu, 2 Lau Lau plates and the lamb. Hard to say which was better. We practically licked our plates. Yum! Service was great and friendly too! Definitely coming back here!
(4)
Jeremy M.
Maybe it's because we had so many resort meals, but we loved this place! It was one of the most reasonably priced meals we had, and came with a gorgeous sunset and good service. I could see this being a regular haunt if I lived in the area. Good for a date or a family dinner!
(5)
Harry A.
Summation: extraordinary happy hour food of local seafood at good prices. Local draft beers and plenty of speciality drinks. Easy whale sightings high above Kona and Keauhou Bay. Glorious Sunsets. Engagable and courteous wait people. Definitely will go again. Sunday buffet was a winner at circa $15! Loaded bloody Mary's -- unique, memorable, but not for all
(4)
Candice B.
We decided to try Sam Choy's because it was close and there were about 10 of us. The menu looked good and the pictures looked decent. We were staying at the Sheraton. The people were nice. That is no view at night. Super dark. The restaurant was nice and casual. The food was not good. We tried multiple appetizers. Fried poke was ok. The duck was tough. The kids fish was under cooked, the kids burger was way over cooked. The kids chicken nuggets were Mickey mouse shaped and right out of a box. The rib eye was so tough my sharp knife didn't cut it. The fish trio was all fried. It was expensive and not good. I would not go back and hope this review helps others make plans at a different location. The food rivals that of sizzler not anything close to fun and fancy island faire.
(1)
Suzanne N.
We've dined here once before on a previous trip and the experience was probably a 3 star. This time was really good! We went in for Saturday morning brunch buffet and that was very good! We will be back in March and will need to make sure to come here for breakfast buffet. Amazing as well! We also came back the next afternoon for the Seahawks game. We were told that they usually get quite a few Seahawks fans in there, so we were in friendly territory :). Enjoyed our time!
(4)
Jennifer F.
First off, the views this restaurant provides are absolutely breathtaking. I came a few days ago for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the fresh fish of the day (swordfish) which came with a side salad and a purple sweet potato salad - absolutely filling and delicious! I would have to say that something on the plate could have used a little bit of salt; the food leaned on the sweeter side, but was tasty and very enjoyable nonetheless. I returned this evening for Sam Choy's happy hour, with $5 cocktails and well-priced pupus (appetizers). My family and I ordered almost every single appetizer on the HH menu, and felt that the food was even better than the lunch entrees a few days ago! The calamari was probably the best I've ever had - so fresh and tender, and not a bit chewy. The chicken wings were also some of the best wings I've eaten. Drinks, $5?! On the mainland during HH, I'm still used to $8-11/drink, so this was awesome! The staff was friendly both times, and the restaurant (and bathrooms) are very clean. When I return to the Big Island, I will definitely be sure to return (and might even return once more before we leave). Definitely a must-go :)
(5)
laura b.
Service was slow. Brie "wontons" are not wontons at all and overpriced, but very tasty. I had the fish trio and my date had the leaf-wrapped fish, both were MINDBLOWING. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Would go back for the fish!
(3)
Vishakha K.
Best place to eat hands down on the Big Island. My husband and I came to Sam Choy twice during our trip. Food was totally amazing, adequately priced.. The drinks were great. N the view just completes you experience. Definitely recommend to all.
(5)
Bill D.
Crappy service and lame food, asked for a view seat and was given a cheep seat, when a view seat was still available, server gave us a BS line about needing to fill other servers tables, meanwhile the only view seat was given to the couple in line behind us, lame way to do business.
(1)
Denise L.
One of the best meals I've ever had at a Big Island restaurant, and that includes eating at Ulu at the Four Seasons. Loved loved loved the mac nut crusted chicken I had for dinner. Loved it! Desserts were absolutely ono too. The ONLY reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the service was a little iffy. we were there for dinner (reservations are a must!) Our waiter was nice enough, but seemed really really overworked taking care of too many tables. My mother asked for lemon for her water and the waiter brought her a large glass of lemonade??? She also ordered a alcoholic drink which took forever to arrive. We felt we fared better than the table next to us where the waitress was distracted while serving dishes and broke a diner's glass, spewing broken shards of glass all over their meal. Would go back in a heartbeat. The views are incredible for sunset. It can be windy there so definitely recommend eating outside unless it is super calm out. And yeah, parking can be a bitch because the lot is small.
(4)
M D.
Was in Kona for 3+ weeks. Had 3 excellent meals. This was the best! Had the fried (pan seared) poke salad. Was absolutely excellent! I am so sad that this was the best meal I had while I was here....because it was the last one..I left soon after enjoying this. Sam Choy's has a breath-taking view as well. But what I loved most about eating there (besides the food), the safe were exceedingly friendly and helpful. The chef came to the table to check on us, the waitstaff was very attentive and the manager was also very kind. I have a special needs daughter and often dining out is both an experience for her and other diners dining with her. She had a lovely time, as well. Excellent food, great staff, good pricing...I will absolutely go again, when we travel there again in 2015!!
(5)
Telia O.
Took my family out to lunch here and from the moment we entered the front door the aloha customer service never ended. The hostess greeted and showed our table and a friendly waitress saw us trying to situate ourselves (we probably looked like we needed the help! Lol) with our 2 yr old toddler and our 2 month baby in a car seat and she generously offered her help and pulled a chair out for my oldest child and turned a high chair upside down (brilliant idea! ) to keep my car seat off of the floor. She said " I understand, I have 2 of my own and probably the same age as your kids:) " we thanked her for her kindness (she wasn't even assigned to our table but helped us anyway!) then our real waitress came and she was ever so friendly as well! She was an older woman and although she looked like she was having difficulty walking she did not let that interfere with her customer service. We were hungry so we ordered pupus which you would think the portions would be small but we were so wrong! The shoyu ahi and calamari was so ono (delicious) and they did not skimp on the portion size either! For our entree I had the hamburger steak which was ono as well and accompanied by a beautiful purple sweet potato salad. My husband had the chicken noodle mania which is really what it says MANIA! it came in a huge tortilla bowl even the portion inside the bowl was huge!! That's a big plus in my husbands book haha! And my toddler got the chicken fingers off of the kids menu for $5 which could've seriously feed an adult it was so much:) lunch turned into lunch and an afternoon snack for her :) OVERALL from arrival to when we left 5 stars!! Will return again:) friendly staff, decent prices and big portions is the way to a locals heart in hawaii:) will return again. Mahalo Sam Choy, job well done with your restaurant and staffs aloha spirit.
(5)
Mahikoluia L.
This place is way over-rated. The fish and chips are terrible. Mushy fish and freezer-style fries. They were out of stock on some common items....laughable. Never again.
(2)
Bob G.
Great setting looking over the Pacific. Food was very good and service was far above expectation. They really cared about the experience. The menu was perhaps a bit limited but all of us were happy.
(4)
Barb M.
This place is disappointing. Service so-so. Food mediocre. I don't get the good reviews here.
(1)
Mary Anne B.
Best panoramic views of kona coast. Menu is limited but good. Whole restaurant opens up to the Lanai. I have a hunch this is a locals favorite.
(4)
Aimee F.
Good food, a little pricey but the quality was great. Nice scenery. My server was nice (forgot her name, she was from queens, New York). Definitely didn't think service was bad or slow. I got the lamb chops, they were soooo good! My bf got the ny steak and it was good too. Poke was also delicious.
(5)
Sandhya K.
We went here for lunch and really enjoyed the ocean views. Food was good, nothing special but enjoyable. Service on the other hand was a little below par I must say. I worked as a server for a long time and have nothing but respect for service industry folks and what they have to go through, I know it all but at the same time there really is no excuse for a server not knowing what veggies are served in the veggie stir fry LOL ! (gotta do your homework) well at least she was nice. It seemed like some of the staff could use a little training on basics and this restaurant could win another star. I am not bitter about my experience, I would go back here again.
(3)
Jackie Q.
Nothing short of an excellent experience. You will never find better service than that provided by our wonderful waitress Malia. Try the duck, lamb, and filet milon. Perfect dinner. We will definitely be back very soon. Thank you Malia!
(5)
Liza M.
Dined in last night with my husband and 11 years old son. Check-in at 7:30pm.. Customer service was fabulous I ordered their specials Korean porkchop, my husband had a pork katsu and my son had a New York steak. Everything was delicious and tender. Their dessert was fabulous and it's free. Will come back for sure. This place also close to sheraton kona in Keahou.
(4)
Steve K.
We were looking forward to lunch on Sunday, drove in from town. Parked and found at 12:30 they were only serving champagne brunch as it was the last Sunday of the month. They seemed embarrassed to announce that this was the case, as well they should. Look, we read West Hawaii Today every morning, and they advertise there. It would be a common sense matter to advertise the fact that you were doomed to spend $35 on a brunch if you showed up on the last Sunday of the month. One can only shake your head and well, in our case, drive back in to town for lunch. I doubt we will attempt this again, there are too many other options available.
(1)
Andy C.
Stayed at Hilton Waikaloa and found out Sam Choy's opened a restaurant and was so happy, I ended up eating there the next 5 days. This tells you something, when restaurant is about 45 minutes away from where I was staying. Needless to say, I have been a Sam Choy's fan my whole adult life and was heart broken when he closed his restaurants. Actually, met him for first time one evening and he greeted us in real Aloha spirit. He even sang happy birthday to me. The last day I was there, we had the Sunday brunch and it was of great value. Choices galore, with popular items -beef stew, fried rice and local moco. Fresh fruits and salad, omelettes and desserts. Yum yum!
(5)
Timothy A.
There were high expectations for a Sam Choys branded restaurant. Sadly, those expectations were crushed. We had reservations for 1815 and the process went smoothly. The presented menu was simply a laminated double sided piece of paper. The menu was an indication that soul of the restaurant had left as too the lack of detail. No drink menu was offered. Also, no salt and pepper shakers at our wobbly table. My pupu choice was the shoyu ahi tower and my main course was the "special" surf and turf consisting of filet mignon, three scallops and garlic mash potatoes. At $12 the poke was a good value at about 3 quarters of a pound seemed fresh and lightly seasoned. Later, the entrees came out. Warm and hot food temperatures seem to be a lost art here. The serving of the mash potatoes were barely warm. My steak was cold and the top dry. I rarely send food back but, the steak was the the last straw and I asked for it to be warmed and sent it back. A manager(?) Came by and apologized and said a new one would be made. Which did come out a few minutes later. The crust was charred indicating a very hot part of the grill was used to rush it out. The scallops that came back also seemed to be warmed up a bit more. No other offer to replace my beer that I had emptied mid meal. (I thought drinks were a money maker) I don't know if this bad experience was due to a one time occasion of multiple small problems ganging up on each other or indicative of a truly bad establishment that has gone off course. Undoubtedly, this is a popular restaurant due to the location, drinking and food quantity. But, if you care about things like attention to detail, hot food and a place with a touch of class - avoid this location.
(2)
Richard C.
The view is a 5 - The service was a 4. The food was a 1 or 2 at best. While we were a group of 10 they brought the food out cold. They had made substitutions on the plate of white rice (We ordered mashed potatoes and they ran out.) without even asking when they had other options available - (white rice, vegetables). We have been twice now both times with the same results.
(2)
Jp P.
Service was great, my friends meal was great. I ordered brazed short ribs and it was not good. The meat was dry, my rice wasnt cooked; it actually hurt to eat it. I was surprised with a hard bite. Being from the midwest, and being asian, the shoet ribs were really just pot roast....dry pot roast, with asian sauce. For 26$ this meal was terrible...dry and undercooked rice.
(1)
KaPua L.
food is okay but never consistent... we eat here often... and order the same things like the edamame hummus is a hit or miss.. sometimes its tasty and sometimes its bland... but i love their fried poke salad in a wonton bowl.. its a good place
(2)
Norma J.
Service was non existent for first 20 minutes as we waited for our water. I finally went and asked for someone to come and see about serving us. Spectacular views, wonderful sunset, but service was never there until requested. Mahi mahi for my husband was a little on the dry side and he felt over rated for a Sam Choy quality. I had the trio fish and was unfortunately disappointed. The manager was very accommodating and even gave us complimentary drinks for the delay in service and was very understanding about my concerns of the entrees. I asked about bread and was informed that bread was given only upon request. What a new concept for a so called " up scaled " restaurant. Bread was rolls which one can buy at any store called "heat n serve". Another big disappointment. Final analysis for us as I told the manager.....last visit.
(2)
R G.
Nice & professional staff. We went during "happy hour" ready to chow down, unfortunately they don't serve regular entrees during this time, only pupu's. What a dissapointment. We ended up going somewhere else for lunch....to bad. :(
(2)
Shauna And Steve D.
Good drinks. Great view for sunset. Food is definitely below average - tried almost all of the appetizers and none are memorable or noteworthy.
(3)
Sofie D.
I'm not sure why Sam Choy's is rated so low, because we had a great dining experience here. It really felt like "Hawaii" with live music, awesome view, and super friendly service. We ordered both the regular poke and the fried poke for appetizers, and the regular poke was way too salty. When we told our waitress, she took them back and had them fried up! Perfect! Everyone in our group loved their entrees - my fish trio was super tasty and cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the Big Island.
(4)
Rick S.
Awww! So close. In some ways I want to rate this 2 stars, although the service and beautiful setting upgraded my rating. The food is beautifully presented looking picture-perfect. The disappointment is with the taste - everything I tried was just bland! The beef, fish, salads - it all looked great but not much flavor. Even the mixed drinks I found to be lacking. On the other hand, the view and sunsets at this location are amazing! You'd have a great time here hanging out with friends. Maybe we went on a bad night. I don't know. I'm willing to try Sam Choy's again before I give up on it.
(3)
Mitch L.
Went there at 130pm for lunch. Restaurant was mostly empty, so expected fast service. Staff was nice and attentive, but a bit stretched. Food was quite good. Ordered Poke app, which was very good, and an unusual hummus which was made with edamame instead of chick peas, but it worked although a bit bland. A for effort B for execution. Food delivery was slow, and one meal went missing. View is pretty good, overlooking the ocean, but behind a strip mall, so also nice view of the roofs and associated machinery as well. Might be more fun for dinner? Overall, food 3.5, view 3.5, Staff 4.0. If you are in the area, good to go once, but not worth a longer drive.
(3)
Raymond L.
We had a big group with us and we celebrated a birthday. The margaritas and appetizers were excellent, especially the calamari. The service was phenomenal and was attentive throughout the meal. Three people in our party ordered the Fish trio and was unfortunately caught off guard of how the fish tasted. It was over cooked, dry and up seasoned. The Mahi Mahi was over covered with sesame seeds and actually made the fish taste worse. The rice was severely under cooked, dry and was too difficult for me to eat. The waiter was attentive and came over, we advised him that the rice was not done properly and he immediately offered us mash potatoes as a substitute. When they brought the mash potatoes out, the porcelain was far too hot to touch, the potatoes tasted like old and dry potatoes and was a good give away that we were served re-heated microwaved potatoes. Towards the end of the meal, the manager came over and asked us how our meal was. We offered our feedback and the manager was apologetic, he asked us whether or not we informed the waiter, which we did. He explained that he will comp the 3 entrees because the waiter failed to fix the problem and waiter should have discovered the issues earlier before the end of the meal. Although I really appreciate the complimentary dishes, that wasn't my intent as I fully intended to pay. The waiter wasn't at fault because he clearly didn't have control over how terrible the food turned out to be. I hope that the waiter didn't get in trouble over the quality of the food. After reading some of the other reviews here, it is clear that the restaurant doesn't get it nor do they pay attention to some of the reviews on here. It should be clear that the rice cooking method should be revisited, the fish trio recipe should be reviewed. I'm no chef but I can easily cook fish that taste better than how any of our trio dishes turned out. The lamb chops and the duck was not bad. But the rest is uneatable. I really wanted to leave a one star review but the service was good and the management did try to do something about the situation. I would be willing to go again, but I would probably avoid the trio for a while until the reviews tell me otherwise.
(3)
Robert H.
Three of us had "happy hour" drinks and pu pu's here on June 5. The food and service was very good but we each ordered a Mai tai and we all had the same impression: little or no alcohol. We did not expect much for $5.00 a drink but we did expect that a Mai Tai would have some noticeable alcohol. I give them four stars for the view, service, and quality and variety of "happy hour" food.
(4)
Terri B.
Gorgeous view of the town of Kailua-Kona. When I first saw the name I was not so interested (no offense, just not a fan of Chinese food, which is what I assumed it was). We sat at the bar and all the appetizers recommend by the bartender were delicious! The dinner menu is limited, but a nice spot for drinks and appetizers.
(4)
Marc E.
Just had dinner there. mahi mahi. Everything was great, food, service and friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Thomas H.
We have eaten several times at this location and have often found the food excellent. Unfortunately, our recent experience was poor. The fish trio was not well prepared and one fish tasted like mud. We do not recommend. Also the short ribs that are usually very tasty, lacked flavor and the meat was dry and tough. The over all quality has fallen off.
(3)
Jeff A.
Food was just not good. Pork Katsu was dry and flavorless. Service was just ok. Overall bummed at this poor experience.
(1)
Sandra L.
What a view to enjoy your meal with. Great food and wonderful atmosphere.
(5)
Kristen C.
Watching the sun set on the horizon at lightening speed while enjoying a lilikoi mojito....ummmmm ok! Uncle Jerry took excellent care of us and made the keiki very happy with a Shirley Temple. Our meals were SO tasty; keiki fish plate, fish trio, duck and lamb chops. Lots of Aloha exchanged and all went home with full bellies and big smiles.
(5)
karelle a.
Very meh food...... Three stars for the view and the open terrace. Service was good and the drinks were fine. It was also easy to find parking. An ok place for a happy hour nosh, but don't expect much from the menu.
The food was great. The waiter was very nice, but really screwed up the bill. Brought a over cooked lamb chops when my cousin asked for rare. Forgot a drink and the mashed potatoes he ordered taste like box potatoes. Not sure if it's because it was getting late or the cook was lazy. We were told they were out of potatoes and when the messed up my cousin order there was potatoes? ?
(3)
Teri G.
Delicious fillet mignon, we had another wonderful dinner with awesome view... best part was waitress Malia, very friendly, great service, made the night extra special :)
(5)
Yvette K.
I don't get it. Why does this place have such a glowing reputation? It has a great location, but the food is really just OK. I have had breakfast at Sam Choy's twice and drinks and appetizers another time. Breakfast is certainly decent and actually a good value, but nothing great. Unfortunately, the fish that came with my eggs was overcooked. Despite that I would eat breakfast here again. Frankly, the dinner prices are too high and I just don't have faith that the food will be worth it, so I have not eaten dinner here. The night we shared 3 appetizers and drinks was a lot of fun being on the lanai with the fire pit to keep us warm, but the food was average at best. For these reasons I do not advise spending the big bucks for dinner, there are better places to eat in the area, although they can be hard to find in Kona. Please go to Keei Cafe in Kalakekua, it's soooo much better than Sam Choy's for high end great food.
(3)
Do Y.
We had high hopes for this place given it's beautiful location overlooking the ocean. We stopped by on 4/16 for lunch. The wife had the 6oz NY strip steak and fish and I had the fish and chips for me, with the baby back rib appetizer for us both. The appetizer came, then shortly after the main entrees came out. Bad timing all around. The food was "meh." I suspect this place is known for one or two really great signature dishes, but everything else just seems ok. I'd come here for the beautiful view if I happen to be staying near by, but not for the food nor would I go out of my way to come here again.
(2)
Ernie S.
I have been eating at Sam's for years! It has always been fantastic!!! Can't go wrong!!
(5)
Ej F.
Automatic 3 stars for the view. Well, not necessarily automatic but the view is quite spectacular. Sunset was beautiful and it's just an added bonus to be able to watch it from the dinner table. I didn't measure it but the website claims they have a 230 degree view of the Pacific Ocean. The open walled design makes the restaurant feel spacious and airy like you're out on your own ocean view patio. Appetizers: Brie won ton, spicy edamame, hummus (it's green) Libations: great pina coladas and mango berry mojitos, but they ran out of the pineapple white wine sangria :( Spoiler alert: free small bowl of soup and salad was served. It may not be a regular offering but it was a pleasant surprise to start our meal. Entree: Sam's Trio of Fish consisting of ono, ahi, and ebi(sp?) was really good. I had been eating a lot of rice with my meals in Hawai'i so I ordered it with garlic mashed potatoes. Great combination with the local sauteed vegetables. On top of the sauce was a tangerine-like jam that added a fruity sweetness to the dish (see pic). To sum it up, everyone at my table really enjoyed the view, the food, and the atmosphere mixed with tourists and locals. Service can be a little slow when it's busy but they got our orders right and I would definitely go back to try out the breakfast.
(4)
Linda T.
Dare we try again? Awesome view and good service. After a previous disappointment two years ago, we decided to give Sam Choy's another try. Our first time we had two bad experiences with the fish. Our poke had a lot of sinewy chewy bits so we mentioned this to our server who said this was a sign of quality fish- what? Our fish entrees were overcooked and dry. Fast forward to Monday night (7/21) We arrived at 7 - no waiting. Ordered the shoyu poke - fish was great quality but was nothing special ... Just tasted like shoyu and green onions. Brie wontons were ono! They ran out of bread - we barely got ours. Our trio of fish, which is what we were all looking forward to - they only had ahi, which was good but we were looking forward to trying other fish like maybe some Ono or Opakapaka? One member of our party wanted to try the pasta dish but they were out of fettuccini so would have had to penni..
(2)
Jacqueline F.
Went to them because they were near the resort we were staying in and after a long flight from the mainland, I was famished and wanted food (all I had to eat was some fruit and cheese on the flight). I was skeptical because the restaurants of celebrity chefs don't always live up to the hype. But boy was it worth it! We were seated right away and had a wonderful waiter, Arthur. We even had a beautiful view of the water. First they are up on all things gluten free and that's a relief. I chose the edamame/spinach hummus with chips and was glad that the chips were made of taro. Score one. I saved the hummus that was left for my fish dish. The fish dish was fine. The first fish that I looked at was the best. The other two were run of the mill. I imagine that it's because they may have soy based sauces that were left off. I can't imagine that one piece would be flavored perfectly and the other's were bland. My husband had the lamb chops which he loved! I couldn't taste it because of the soy sauce. Arthur recommended a great wine to go with the meal and it was great! The desert, which Arthur recommended - the chocolate (gluten free) cake with coconut ice cream was too die for. We went back two days later and had lunch because we got up late and wanted to grab a bite to eat on our way to the beach. We got the hummus with taro and yucca chips. The Yucca chips that were left in the hummus got soggy, but they were good, just don't leave them in the hummus. I got a bunless hamburger which was run of the mill and a green salad. The dressing was too sweet, but it did improve the flavor of the burger. My husband didn't like his dish, he thought it was bland. I forgot what he ordered. For dessert, we ordered the coconut panna cotta. It was way too sweet. To add insult to injury, it had a super sweet whipped cream - a ton of it (almost as much as panna cotta which was quite big and a super sweet caramel. Now, to be honest, the caramel was also on the chocolate dish but it wasn't super sugary sweet, so we didn't each much of it (the caramel). I asked Arthur about gluten free eats and he recommended Kaya's and another place for my husband to have the loko moko. We didn't make it to that place, but I'm sure it was good. The place actually gets three stars, the extra one is because of Arthur. We wanted to go back, but my husband got sick and we spent the last few days eating very little. Also, three stars because leaving the gluten containing sauce off of something, doesn't make it good. I could have bought and cocked a bland piece of meat myself. To truly embrace gluten free culture, we need to have the same eating experiences as those who eat gluten containing dishes. I just hope that next time we return, the fish trio has three pieces of tasty fish instead of just one. But when all is said and done, it was worth it and was a great welcome to the island!
Will start off by saying I will never come back here. We had a reservation for 7 at 1pm. It wasn't packed. The hostess took 10 minutes to notice we were waiting, and only because my Grandma had sat down at a table because she was tired of standing. She comes up to us and says all sassy, "So are you guys ready??" ...then proceeds to sit us all the way outside, even though there were open tables inside. It was SO windy outside and this was half of what ruined our experience because stuff was flying everywhere. There's no reason the hostess couldn't have sat us inside, esp. seeing my grandma had a cane and has a hard time walking far. Our waitress was nice enough, we all got drinks and our order taken fast enough. And here's where the trouble started. We waited 45 minutes to get our food. No one came to check on us. When we finally got our food, they forgot my dad's order. He had to wait OVER AN HOUR to get his hamburger steak. The waitress apologized and explained it was her fault and that there were so many other tickets that needed to be fired I guess it got lost. So we spoke to the manager and were comp'd the hamburger steak. After that, it took another 15min wait just to get takeout boxes. Overall the waitress and manager were nice, but they need to do a MUCH better job of checking on their customers, because this kind of experience is just NOT acceptable... Food-wise, I had a chicken salad and it was just okay. No one else said their food was memorable. Unfortunate because this was my first time here. They really need some work!!!
(1)
Chelsea M.
Positives: BEST view in all of Kona that is not on the water front. My family and I used to go up to the Wendy's that used to be in that location just because of the view. I have been to Sam Choy's three times now and I am content to defend my three star rating. It is definitely not a two but it is definitely not a four star. Food: General: Not a lot of selection and I probably would not suggest it for kids at dinner, their lunch menu may be more kid friendly. You have to be willing to try a new sauce or preparation that you may have never heard before. I think maybe this problem stems from more of an issue with how the menu is written and presented. It is just not very accessible. Not saying that they should dumb it down, but at least give me a little bit more besides "Sam Choy's special preparation of a classic sauce." Well, what is in that sauce? Shrimp Pasta: The last time I went here I had the shrimp pasta. It had five shrimp, probably three halved cherry tomatoes and a little spinach. It was pathetic for the $25 I think I paid for it. It DID taste wonderful but I was thoroughly disappointed. I really wish this place would have more entree items in the $16 range and/or let you opt out of the soup/salad beforehand for a $5 reduction in price. It really discourages purchasing an appetizer which some of them look really good. Drinks: Lavaflow, so good. We usually order it for dessert :) Wine selection okay, I am just more used to Oregon selections so maybe I was just out of my element. Service: Really hit and miss. The last waitress we had never really connected with us and two times ago I distinctly remember having to literally flag some other waiter down to get water or check on our drinks or something. I think there are good ones there based on my observations while I was waiting for my water. Note to future guests: I am always surprised when I go here and see people in workout shorts and hats. This is not a fancy schmancy place but it is a nicer place. Put on a polo and some khaki shorts and you will be fine or ladies a nice skirt or capris. They will not turn you away but, at least at dinner, they do try and create a more formal atmosphere (Kona-style of course).
(3)
Tertiary D.
The brunch was mediocre. Stick to the dinners. Brunch service is lack luster. Hit or miss.
(3)
Bernard S.
You gotta sit on the lanai you can get that million dollar view and the brunch was perfect.
(3)
Dianna B.
Over looking Kailua Kona, Sam Choy's is a delightful find. The open air seating formar lends to its charming atmosphere. The service is amazing, the embodiment of the Hawiian aloha spirit, while the food is simply amazing. The husbeast had their three fish special; which included mahi, sword and butter fish, in a ginger burr blanc sauce, served over white rice. I had the oriental inspired lamb chops that came served with fresh local vegis and pasta alfredo, these dishes were expertly crafted and delicious. The onlything I was slightly disappointed with was the haupia porfiteroles (coconut creampuffs) they tasted refrigerated and otherwise no coconut at all. I will suggest that you try the island sangria, its pineapple and citrus...to die for!
(5)
Eric C.
On our last day after staying at the Sheraton, we decided to try Sam Choy's. Everywhere we went people talk about it and online here I saw repeated references to this place. Plus our trusty guidebook also gave it some kudos so I just had to give in and make that trip here to see what the fuss is all about. By the time we got there around 10AM, they decided that they were done with breakfast and were now serving lunch. This was fine and really was fine, but for others, I can imagine this could have been quite irritating if you were wanting to go for the breakfast buffet. Like other people said, you're not going to find a better view than here at Sam Choy's. Perched on top of the hill with nothing obstructing it in front, you get a beautiful picturesque view of the beach down below. What a perfect way to end a perfect trip. Let's get to the food. I had the bento box which was actually not in a box. They gave me 4 slices of meat (spam, fish, chicken and of course now I can't remember the last... I think it was beef). Either way, it was one of the best meals I had. Not sure I would call it traditional Hawaiian but it was cooked very well and I was very excited to have ordered it. The fish was excellently prepared and the glaze they had on top just made it perfect. I would come back here the next time I find myself on the Big Island. I hope all of you are able to give this place a chance!
(4)
Michael S.
Great location off the "strip" with some amazing food and an unreal view that's tough to beat at sunset. Take your girl (or guy) to this place on a special occasion and score some major points! Staff is friendly (where aren't they on this island?) and everything that came to our table was some of the best food we ate during our entire two-week trip. It's all created by a man who made his mark by obtaining head chef-dom at some major Hawaii'n hotels and then decided to open up his own restaurants. Let your wallet take a plunge and just enjoy a great night out.
(5)
Mick B.
Very good, fresh food. Excellent service. Good selection of drinks. A very solid place to eat. I agree there could be a little more spice on the food, but overall very good.
(4)
Julie S.
Absolutely stunning! The almost 360 degree views are the best. Call in advance and reserve a table on the outer lanai to view the sunset. Our server, Arthur was one of the best we have ever had. He was a wealth of knowledge on everything, extremely attentive and happy. I had the fish salad with seared ahi....fantastic! My husband had the trio of fish which was perfection with the wonderful sauces. Our appetizer was the calamari and it was fresh, tender and delicious. Our favorite on the island! Go!
(5)
Amy W.
It was the last night of my honeymoon and I am so glad I had my meal here because it was a great way to cap off the trip. We were seated right away as walk ins. Were seated outside with a good view over the water. It was a great place for a sunset dinner. I had this chicken with mango sauce, and it was delicious. I dont recall what my husband had but all I remember was it was tender and very very very yummy. For the food we were served, and the view, I was surprised at how much it was... half of was I was expecting! Based on my experience, it was the best restaurant of our entire trip.
(5)
Bobby D.
This is going to be a bit of a mixed review, but I'll just get to it. My fiance and I came here for lunch. We had heard and read many great things about this place. I dropped my fiance off at the door and she went into get a table while I parked the car. She was able to get a table outdoors. I was forced to park in the mall parking lit down the hill since the parking lot is so small. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a bummer. When I got to the table we sat for about 15-20 mins waiting for someone to come over and greet us and at the least take our drink order. Finally, the manager (Jason) passed by and stopped to asked how things were going. We were obviously a little upset at the time and so he quickly took our drink and food order. Normally when there has been a mix up with servers and the manager comes over, the server will come over after introduce themselves and apologize. Nothing like this happened. One person dropped off our drinks and then someone else dropped off the food. We had: Poke plate with wasabi dressing. Sangria Fish of the day on salad Chips and salsa The food tasted very good. I will say that we were a little distraught with the service so it was difficult to enjoy the food. After the table was cleared we waited for a server to come back with the check, but no such luck. We sat there for another 20 mins or so with no one checking on us. I was finally able to flag down a server and request the check. She noted she would try and locate my server to which I informed her that we hadn't had one. She mentioned that they were training some new people which was probably the reason for the delay. I'm fine with training, but usually it occurs in some mirroring form. Anywho, our experience was unfortunately spoiled by horrible service.
(2)
Peter S.
The food and drinks here were fantastic, not to mention the amazing view of the sunset. It's pricey, but for a special occasion this is a great place to go.
(4)
Louis R.
Holy...there's a ton of old ha'oles up in here...eating and draankin...and peepin the sunset...since the resto sits high above the marketplace. Perfect. As for me, I kill't the huge portion of deeeelish poke and wings. Fuggin Ay...and the kama'aina bartender was hella cool. Mahalo.
(5)
Adrian F.
Ok. Flavor on the wings were good but they weren't hot. It took so long to get them I didn't send them back. Ribs were good but kinda fatty. Service mediocre. I wouldn't go back. Best thing about this place is the open air atmosphere but at night it looks over a strip mall...bummer. The lychee cocktail also does not taste like lychee according to my wife. But it does come with a speared lychee. Yay. (No exclamation point).
(3)
Mikka A.
We stopped in between lunch and dinner. The food was great and the service was attentive and friendly. The view was beautiful, even spotted some whales! So I'm not sure where another reviewer was seated to view the shopping center. There is seating indoors and out on the lanai, but the whole place felt open so it was more a question of what degree of sun or shade would you like to sit in. We started with poke that was delicious and ordered one of the specials, a roast beef sandwich. With sides of sweet potato salad and a cocktail, we left full and happy. I would definitely come again. I also appreciated their "eat local" efforts!
(5)
Lina P.
Been here enough times and I can say they are consistently average. The most recent time I went in for the Buffet. The main reason I went in was for the eggs benedict but once I had already started putting food on my plate and walked to the end, I realized there were no eggs benedict to be found! So sad. The loco moco which I thought was cute and clever turned out so bland and under seasoned. As for the waitress, she never acknowledged us until the end. We wanted to get mimosa's and coffee but she never came around to us. She was however, hovering around the wealthy older white table next to us like a fruit fly. Well the server, who was a local lady with short hair, finally came around when my friend asked for a coffee after we had finished eating. Then she began to talk to my friend and apologized to her. I was there too, but she never even made eye contact with me, she would just talk in my direction.
(3)
Alan K.
I was pleasantly surprised by Sam Choy's. I was worried it was going to be a kitschy tourist trap, but it ended up being a pretty good spot for drinks and pupus. We tried the wings, which were just ok, and the brie wontons, which were darn good. I also had a dinner salad with the house Asian dressing, which was fine. Maybe my view of what's "affordable" is skewed by my complacency with DC prices, but the drinks here seemed pretty cheap for the island. $5 beer bottles, $7 "traditional" tropical cocktails (your mai tais and pina coladas), and some $8 cocktails unique to this restaurant. The entrees still seemed pretty overpriced but I would come definitely come back here if in the mood to eat light and have a few drinks. I enjoyed the open air layout and we had great service from our waiter, Arthur.
(3)
Margaret H.
My bad! Got there at 8:00 and had to pay my tab BEFORE dessert arrived! Fish salad was gross. Must have been made by a team of dudes who don't eat salad. Undercooked snapper (it aint tuna, dudes) which was rubbery with a long vein line and skin still on, eww, over full, large lettuce leaves (local? probably not) with giant slabs of cucumber which required some man-handling to eat. I would have looked more lady-like eating a cow's leg. Anyway, I told the bartender it was gross and he just continued on his way to close the bar and fire up my tab. The cheesecake was great except it literally was 2 bites. Giant gross salad + tiny great cheesecake + lame 21 year old bartender = these ladies are NEVER coming back.
(1)
Cindy B.
Great choice for lunch after morning of snorkeling with sea turtles at Keauhou Bay. Friendly staff, picturesque views, and excellent food! In our group, we had variety of menu choices. I special ordered the salad with rare seared fresh Ahi. Great wasabi sauce and dressing topped it off. Delicious!
(5)
Dolores W.
Had eaten at Sam Choy's on Oahu and loved it. The Kona Sam Choy's exceeded even my experience at the Oahu restaurant. Arthur's service was outstanding. I eat gluten free and he made suggestions from the menu and arranged for modifications of some menu items to make them gluten free. The appetizers, entrees and desserts served to my husband and I were amazing. We eat seafood when in Hawaii and Sam Choy's served some of the best. Bravo!
(5)
George M.
We got there after sunset. I believe it must be really crowded around sunset time, as it has a great overview to the ocean from their lanai. We were seated right by the rock wall of the lanai. As always in Hawaii, we started with Mai Tai. They were really good and strong, but on the smaller side, hence the low price. So, we had two each. We had the Hummus and the Brie Won Tons for appetizers. The hummus wasn't your regular hummus that you know. It was a mixture of edamame, spinach, garlic, and olive oil, pureed and served with carrot, celery and tortilla chips. It was yummy, we loved it. The Brie Won Tons were a great idea, something unique that we have not seen before. It came with a pineapple and papaya marmalade/sauce. Great combination of flavors. Our server, Paul informed us that since it was Monday, they had a Half Off special on bottles of wines. Usually we order a glass of white for my fish entree and a glass of red for my friend's meat dish, but since he decided to eat chicken tonight, it was a given that we would order a bottle of white. I chose something that was sweet enough for him and went well with a macadamia nut crusted chicken dish as well as a fish dish, so I ordered a bottle of Conundrum. It's a beautiful, very floral, a bit sweet, but excellent wine. We loved it. They had a really nice wine list. If Jackie Rey's wine list got an award from Wine Spectators, I think Sam Choy's should, too. My friend loved his macadamia nut chicken breast with mashed potato and veggies. It had a nice sweetishly tangy sauce with it that went really well with the flavor of the macadamia nut crusted chicken. I opted for the fish trio. It had a piece of macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi, a blackened Monchong and a pineapple salsa topped Ahi. I understand that the types of fish and the preparation of them changes daily and that's really cool. I ordered it with rice and it came with veggies. The plate had great sauces on its side to dip the fish in. They were delicious. I loved the whole plate. The Conundrum actually went perfectly well with this dish's sweet accented flavors. "Unfortunately", we got so full that we did not have a chance to try any dessert. :-) Paul was very professional and over the course of dinner, we was able to detect that he can be a bit more relaxed and can loosen up with us. At the end he was even joking. I appreciate it if a server is professional enough to determine which customer he/she can joke with and which to stay very professional and reserved with. As I started writing this review, I gave it a 4 star, but I realized that I could not find anything to criticize, so I'm hesitating. I usually only give 5 stars to a restaurant if they "WOW" me with something. Here, nothing was amazingly fantastic; it was just very good, but nothing "WOW"-ed me, so I think it will stay 4 stars, since I can't give it 4,5 stars. You should definitely try the place if you're in the area.
(4)
James S.
Went there for a Saturday morning buffet. Server was great ,very personable, pleasant,(KATHY). Many choices , great omlets, surprise was the clam chowder,really good coming from the Seattle area gives us something to judge by. My reason for 4 stars is some of the buffet items were barely warm( loco moco, bacon,roasted red potatoes) but the view is fantastic and it was a good experience, we willl do it again soon;
(4)
Sally R.
The food is good, the scenery is great, but the menu could be better.
(3)
Cali F.
Best Happy Hour bargain and view in Kona! 3-5pm. Huge Lava Flows or Blue Hawaiins for only $6. So creamy they are more like adult ice cream floats. The Poke-tini, siracha mayo ahi tuna poke on a bed of furikake rice served in a martini glass, for only $6 was very generous portion and quite filling, but a bit heavy on the mayo for me (but I think locals like it that way). Fried Poke is tender and delicious and a good choice for those who are squeamish about eating raw fish. The Fried Calamari consisted of thick pieces and was not mostly fried batter like other places. Open air seating, perched over looking the pacific, we watched whales cavorting and then the sunset. Our plan was to stay for dinner, but were actually too full. Granted, we went straight for their flour less chocolate cake which was yummy. Bring sun glasses as the angle from the setting sun can be strong. We arrived around 4ish and were able to score a table near the edge of the patio. I think those tables are reservable for dinner, and the sun sets around 5:30ish, so plan accordingly for a spectacular experience.
(5)
Jeff C.
Food was mostly terrible, or blah/meh at best (as 2 out of 3 reviewers will confirm.) It's all about the view here and the name. 4 star view (5 star would be on the water). 1 star for the food. 2-star average. You are better off eating at Denny's with the same view for about the same quality of food (terrible). I felt like a sucker after going here.
(2)
Jo C.
one phrase says it all - tourist trap. There are no locals eating here. We can see everyone is dining are tourists. We were there for dinner. It was hot and there are loads of mosquitoes. I know it's the island but the restaurant was unbelievably warmer. We had to take turns to go for a walk outside the restaurant for a cool down. The food is mediocre. For the price you pay, you probably can get better food elsewhere. Portions are small too - we came and left hungry. We did get an appetizer to share and all of us had our own entrees. The one star is for the wonderful service. The server is friendly and nice. After the meal, everyone in our group left unhappy. Overall experience is bad. AVOID COMPLETELY!
(1)
Wayne K.
I'd like to give them a better rating but that will have to wait. We were there a week ago and they had opened just a couple weeks prior. We went for breakfast and the food was very good and at a reasonable price but service was slow. It looked like mass confusion in the kitchen. Sam Choy, son of Sam Choy, came out and greeted us and chatted. He's all about his food, restaurant and island life style. BTW, he looks just like his dad. I recommend going there for breakfast or lunch. In a bit, when they are better organized, they should be mo betta!
(3)
Greg P.
We had the trifecta and fried poke appetizer. It was an exceptionally good meal. Service was outstanding.
(5)
Daniel W.
The service was really good, could have quality checked a bit more, but it was a little busy, not packed. The food was very quick to the table and came warm and delicious. The calamari was fantastic and the entrees were delicious. Not THE best meal we've ever had but in the top of the tier. A bit pricey for what you get but if you're on vacation and wanting to splurge a little then this place is a must.
(4)
Amy C.
The view is AMAZING!!!! We went just before sunset and had a prime spot to watch the sunset, and enjoy some cocktails. The food, on the other hand, is pretty OK. Nothing spectacular, but not bad either. If I were to give it a letter grade it would be a solid B+. We had ribs as an appetizer and they were just too "tough", not fall-off-the-bone delicious. We had to gnaw on them pretty good to eat them all. I ordered the macadamia chicken and again, it was tasty, but not "Good LORD this is delicious". I can't remember what my husband ate, but he agreed that the food was not great, yet not terrible If I had it to do over again, I would have saved my money, and just enjoyed some cocktails and maybe a dessert and simply watched the sunset, and bypassed the dinner menu entirely.
(3)
Amelia R.
Unimpressive. Just your standard tourist trap, with average food, typical American chain restaurant-like feel. Don't waste your time here unless you're craving your neighborhood Red Lobster transplanted onto the Big Island and with a good view.
(2)
Michele M.
The ocean view here alone will make the meal worthwhile! It looks like no matter where you are seated the glistening blue is staring right back at you. A light lunch is what I was looking for. I ordered a chicken salad which was not your ordinary plate of greens! Hello sweet teriyaki honey glazed chicken nestled on a bed of somen noodles, lettuce, beet/carrot/daikon shavings, onion slivers, cucumbers and tomatoes. The dressing was a creamy oriental. Imagine all of this hefty goodness in a crispy tortilla bowl! Yumm!!
(4)
Grace Ann T.
Called and spoke to Hostess to make Sunday breakfast/brunch reservations for husband's birthday at 9 am 2 weeks prior. Specifically asked if they were serving breakfast because was unable to make res via Open Table. Was told yes and reservation taken. Showed up only to be told that they were closed and not open until 11 am. No call, no text, no email. VERY disappointed!!!
(1)
Karen L.
Oh Sam.... We ate at your place way back when it was in the industrial part up by Costco. We were excited to try this new place. It was just ok.. Food was average, nothing special. Lamb chops were teeny tiny. Waiter didn't know what kind of fish was on the salad. Said it was Ahi, so I ordered it seared, then when it came out it was obviously NOT Ahi. Turned out to be spearfish. Interesting to have that seared... The view was amazing, but having eaten at your restaurant many times before on Big and Oahu, I was very disappointed. Not the taste and quality I was expecting..
(2)
Sonny K.
Since i was a teen i have always been a fan of Sam Choy and his skills as a chef. I root for sam choy, dwayne johnson and bj penn by default as they are hometown heros. I grew up with sam choy cooking as my mom bought his cook books and chefed us up some decent seafood dishes. I have a love hate relationship with his restaurants though. Back circa 1998-2001 it was common for me and the guys, less frequent for me and the chicks to be Kona bound. Hapuna, Alii drive and Magic sands were our weekend getaway locations at that age. Highschool memories included getting stranded on the old saddle road. Picking up chicks at the beach and eating belly busting grinds at Sam Choys Industrial. Those days are past much like that restaurant. The food. Its good. Local style quizine that follows most of the rules for higher end dining. This being said. The Chef-ery if you will, is more laid back. Ive laughed at how ive seen Sam Choy on tv Chef-ing it up wearing jams. Food personifies its chef and Sam Choys is definitly laid back. The atmosphere. As far as Keaohou is concerned, Sam Choys has prime placement. From a visitors stand point it must be gorgeous. Nearly 200 degrees of open unhindered veiw of both mauka and makai (mountainside and ocean front). Its awesome even coming from a local like me who sees it regularly. The one odd thing i noticed is that the floor is bare concrete. This doesnt bother me personally but it does put a strain on the more upscale surroundings. The service. Its good. Id did find it strange that there were like 30 empty tables and the host staff seemed to stress having a reservation was prefered. I sat at the bar anyway. I got my food quite quickly. The price. Reasonable. Id definitly treat a hot date here under the guise of it being fancy. I spent 18 for a beer and fried poke. I remember the fried poke coming heaped into a clam shell take out box with rice. Rather it was spread ever so lovingly over cabbage and the serving was average for one. If we ever do pupus there you will need to get your own. Ones not enogh to share
(3)
Josh N.
The views are extraordinary. the service was excellent. Sam Choy himself came by to check on us. The price was amazing, $14.99, for a buffet. They had an omelet station but my favorite entry was the hashbrowns and the loco moco.
(4)
Misha K.
Born and raised in kona, currently living on Oahu, just back visiting the fam. We decided to eat here and it's our first and last time here. Food was junk (rib eye steak, fish trio, calamari, brie wontons). Very disappointed in this place. Miss the old school Sam choy food (the on that used to be by costco).
(1)
Shauna W.
Beautiful setting and our server, Jerry was charming and fun. Food was good and we would definitely go back.
(4)
Fran F.
The location is beautiful, service was very good. Ordered the trio fish dish seasoned well but was a bit overcooked.
(3)
Jenna C.
Calamari was good. The rest of the food took FOREVER. Fish in fish sandwich was almost completely raw and slimy. Yuck. And the busser (I'm guessing was new) had an attitude when we asked for regular tartar sauce. Overall, thumbs down. Won't be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)
Yasmin V.
Reliable. Anytime I have guests in town and don't want to cook, its a short hop to Sam Choy's. Enough variety on the menu to keep everyone happy. Good quality food. Fish has been overcooked on a variety of occasions though, so make sure you make it clear to your server how rare or seared you want your fish. Great Happy Hour menu and prices... do they still do a 9p Happy Hour? now that was great!!!
(4)
Jeff B.
Let me begin by saying that the view when you walk through the door is breath-taking. This place gets five stars off the bat! Now, the drinks are tasty--I had a Mai tai that was nice. Their beer selection is decent, most consisting of local Hawaiian brews. The food is decent to good. I had the Katsura chicken plate and it was enjoyable, though there was too much sauce on it. The service was OK, but little slow. Overall, this is a nice place for a meal with a spectacular view. It'd be great to go for cocktails & apps.
(3)
Tammy F.
Nice view I admit, but the food is marginal. I went for a special meal and was disappointed. I got the fish trio ($29) and they all tasted the same; dry, bland and overcooked. Seems like they should be able to cook fish. The service staff was friendly but I felt rushed. With a four course meal we were in and out in an hour.
(2)
Chris S.
We came across this place by accident, we took a wrong turn into a strip mall and we saw the building on top of the hill and it looked interesting so we stopped by for dinner. First the views are amazing, we were not lucky enough to sit outside, but it is very nice inside as well as they open up the doors to this place so its almost like being outside. I ordered the duck they had, and that was very good, the sauces and cooked perfectly. The price is a little high, but we were on vacation and splurging a little every once in awhile is not bad.
(4)
Mars P.
I'm shocked by the positive reviews. We went on a Friday night. The place was packed. I see can going to this restaurant for the sunset views, but beyond that, I wouldn't recommend Sam Choy's. The service was awful. We waited 45 minutes after sitting to get our order taken...and that was AFTER we went to talk to both the server and the manager. Food finally arrived 30 minutes later and the fish was tasteless. Seriously, the fish sampler, with all those sauces (also tasteless) was totally blah. The Lau Lau was the only decent thing out of the 4 entrees we ordered. Drenched in butter to give it taste, but at least it was edible.
(2)
Thomas L.
Too expensive and bad quality food. Dinner roll bread, probably from Wal-Mart and the like Ketchup sauce for the katsu Saimin broth and meat tasteless, probably worse than storebought ramen (kids meal) Steak also tasteless Gravy is disgusting (kids meal) ONLY PRO IS THE VIEW PS If you want the same type of food, better quality and cheaper, go to L & L
(2)
Jason L.
Definitely worth a trip or two if you are vacationing in Kona. My wife and I didn't want to pay the Sheraton Hotel restaurant premiums to eat and Sam Choys was actually a really great deal and really great food. We never went to the one here on Oahu...I think the location was against it. In Kona the location offers a spectacular view of the ocean, nice and open, appetizers were amazing...especially the Poke. Staff was very friendly and most of the menu was available. The one issue I would bring up is the lack of Kona Brewery offerings. They only had Longboard. Kona has so many good brews and is right down the street so I was a bit surprised I there wasn't a selection.
(4)
Adam C.
Had dinner here 3 times in the last week. All and all very good. I had a different dish each night all very good. I had a different drink each evening as well, my only suggestion were the hurricanes and mai tai were too sweet for my taste. I think there are better options for these classics on the island. I would definitely recommend Sam Choy's, great food, and I don't think there is a better view from a restaurant in all of Kona.
(4)
Nikki O.
meh, really I expected more or the word better. I loved the view that was really the only good thing. For someone this famous to have this bad of food breaks my heart especially when my hawaiian family has always talked about this man and his recipes I wanted Hawaiian food and that is not what I got. If I really wanted side of the pot rice I would've had my kids make rice for me. The teriyaki was too sweet and my chicken tasted like dish soap. Salad was very limp. Oh this hurts to write this.
(2)
Laura T.
A local friend recommended Sam Choy's for breakfast on the weekend and I am SO GLAD we went. The buffet was amazing and super reasonable at $14.95. The had a guy making eggs and omelets to order, which were delicious! They also had lots of other options at the buffet, including fresh fruit, lots of traditional breakfast meats and hashbrowns, pancakes with coconut syrup, but the best part were the desserts! I wish we had more time on the island to go again, but will definitely come again for brunch on our next trip.
(5)
colleen a.
Love this new Sam Choy's in Kona overlooking Keauhou! Great ambiance and a wonderful view as its perched up on the hill. He has some unique dishes like his own version of seafood lau lau that is worth trying. I had a super yummy stacked trio of three different types of fresh fish that was very very good. Service from the kitchen does seem a bit slow but the wait staff was very nice - just don't show up famished! It was worth the wait for us to get the great food and enjoy the ambiance.
(4)
Vanessa B.
Ate outside and there were flies everywhere food was average the view was nice except for the dingy mall at the bottom so eat inside so you just see the ocean. Our waiter was short when asked questions and she completely forgot about us at the end we waited 30 minutes for our check and they weren't even busy and when asked for it she just walked away pretty rude and to top it all off she had cigarette breath not something I want to smell with my poke
(3)
Praju S.
A LOUD shout out to Barbara, Joey, Loushen and Amber for making our dinner experience so amazing. This was a special dinner night for our group and everything was incredible. Barbara - thank you making the planning process so easy and painless. We asked for a table on the lanai facing the gorgeous view and you did, thanks for your dessert suggestion..all and all it was easy breezy! Loushen - THANK YOU SO MUCH for making such an amazing dessert just for us. We were so full from the delicious food, but one bite of your cake and we had to eat it all. Amber - despite all the craziness; you never lost your sweet smile and calmness. With almost 22 drinks, 11 entrees orders and not to forget your other guests. everything came on time and no mess up You made it look and feel seamless although we all see it wasn't Joey - You have an amazing staff and know its not possible without a great manager and leader. Thanks for checking up on us from time to time. And last but not the least THE FOOD WAS AWESOME. The hawaiian style bbq wings are the bomb everyone. crispy, juicy and perfectly dressed with sweet sauce. steak is tender and juicy and the right portion with mashed potatoes. again..THANK YOU! .
(5)
Debi F.
Second time we have been at this restaurant. Food is great but paid $20 for two Margarita's that had no tequila in them. When we told the waiter he shrugged his shoulders and returned with the bill. No apology and no offer to either comp the drinks or make a new one. Sorry as we really liked the food.
(2)
Nabil A.
I am trying to be nice and express the Aloha spirit. So I will be as kind as possible and start off with all the "good" I can dredge up, and then end with the murk. The food is fundamentally good, but a loser relative to the unwarranted prices. Appetizers, like the Brie wontons, sesame chicken wings and poke (slightly un-fresh) were just ok. The maddening thing is that with a little inspiration all would have been excellent. The trio of fish was tasty. Lamb chops were very so so. Wine selection good for the type of restaurant. Service is a horror--if there were no view this place would be nothing. You would think they would take advantage of what they have, one of the best locations in the world, but no way. With 50 empty tables at hand, the maître d' (a name she deserves in no way), wanted to sit a family of 5 (including an 82 year old grandmother) on a thin table with high bar chairs. Seriously? It seems they are dead set on killing themselves. The quicker the better. Someone new with a higher perceptions and aspirations could make this the best money-maker in town. Let's boycott it until the revolution occurs.
(1)
Tiffany C.
Our last night in Kona, and a true local suggested this place. We started with the fried poke, which means lightly seared to perfection, and served with the perfect amount of crunchy veggies for texture. I got the fish trio, caught that day, and the hubbie got the lamb chops, with a unique twist. Everything was so good we had to share! Service is friendly and fast, but provide a relaxing time in an open air environment with the best view of the sunset we've seen.
(5)
Katherine K.
Seared ahi poke salad was huge! Couldn't finish the whole thing. I forgot how good their dressing is; get it on the side so you don't use too much. The fried calamari during happy hour is a good deal also.
(4)
Emmett B.
Yes, the views are INCREDIBLE! And even more amazing getting a table during sunset...breathtaking. The poke was good, but everything else sucked. I ordered the surf and turf ($38) and what a joke! The cut was a ribeye, but I'm telling i'm pretty sure it was frozen. yes frozen!!! It was the same exact steak I've had at Denny's. The lobster tail was the smallest lobster tail I've seen. Even the side vegetables were bad! Do you know the Teriyaki stands at every food court in the mall? They use the same pre-cut vegetable at this place... the shredded cabbage and carrots.. yes, its true. My friend had the catch of the day, and the fish has ZERO seasoning. Also I'm pretty sure the salad dressing and soup is also coming from packages. Shame on you Sam Choy for allowing horrible overpriced food out of your kitchen!!!
(2)
Tamlyn L.
The food and service were amazing!!! The poke is one of the best on the island! We got to meet Sam Choy which was a nice surprise. I would definitely recommend it and I will definitely return the next time I'm in the area.
(4)
B B.
I ate here three times in the five days I was on the BI. The food is good...love the ahi belly, but my review is based more on the experience: My mother turned 85 and went with my sister to visit the BI. I wanted to surprise them, so I called from the mainland and told them I had made dinner reservations at Sam Choys and was treating them, so please make sure they are there at 6pm for dinner. I then flew over and was waiting for them. What was so awesome was the STAFF!! From the gal who seated us, to Shannon the bartender who video taped it, to Jennifer the manager who sent us an appetizer...the staff was so genuinely excited and happy to be a part of this celebration. My mom said it was the best birthday of her 85 years. Thank you Sam Choy's for making my ohana your ohana.
(4)
Nari H.
Have come here for lunch twice and really enjoyed it. Pros: Has a really nice high view looking out into the ocean (but there is a road in between the view and the ocean, so it's not RIGHT up on the ocean). - Lunch food selection is great. I recommend their teriyaki chicken or meat lunch entrees. I also liked their asian sesame dressing for their salad. - Service is very good and I have never left disappointed. I can't say I have too many cons. It's overall a very nice and classy place to eat.
(4)
Stephanie M.
The service was very slow as it took almost 20 minutes for our waitress to take even our drink order. Sam came by our table at this time but didn't ask how the service was. The food was pretty good but service was definitely negligent of our table. The waitress seemed very nice I believe the issue is most likely due to significant understaffing.
(3)
Anthony G.
Bang for the buck not a bad deal. However, they shut down half the kitchen during their dinner service and it slowed down everyone's order. The food and wine were good. The view is nice. My only negative comments are the server left us waiting forever for the ticket and she had seen us several times while waiting. Not sure what happened there, but I was overall pretty happy with the place.
(4)
Kel C.
Well, showed up here with the family after a day of snorkeling. It got some good reviews and is close to our resort, so we figured we'd go for it. It was early evening when we arrived, so there was plenty of seating, and we were seated right away. Friendly hostess and wait staff. Opened the menu and almost keeled over. Prices for entrees were insanely high. Like haute cuisine high (30+ for some entrees). We said "no way", but had already been seated, and our waiter was friendly and had explained that the kids could get any of the blender drinks served "virgin" style... So we ordered a round of drinks, and a couple of appetizers. I maybe could give it three stars based on the service and the appetizers-- ribs and edamame. They were fairly generous portions and very tasty. The ribs were "dry style", which I enjoy (not messy!). So we finished up, and got our check, and were ready to pay, and the manager (?) calls all the wait staff out to a table behind the kitchen, which was only about 15 feet from our table. She has a couple plates of food, which I assume were the evening specials. She had all the staff sit down at the table, apparently so that they could try it so they could describe it to the customers (good idea, bad timing). She says "ok, nobody gets to eat until everybody is here". I'm thinking "um, who's taking our money?" A waiter walked by on his way to the "tasting", and we handed him the check, which he handed to our waiter, who immediately got up so that we could pay-- the correct thing to do. This appeared to displease the manager, who was snappy and barky with the staff, which is not ok in front of customers. There were other people who had been seated and were waiting at their tables for waiters. Huh? Anyway, the prices and the strange "meeting" during dinner hours were extremely off-putting. And the view isn't so great-- you have to look over a bunch of rooftops and Ali'i drive-- so you can see the ocean, but it's not exactly spectactular. Go to LavaLava Beach Club if you want a great view, right on the beach.
(2)
David O.
Try the black lava margarita!
(5)
Leda S.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Great food Great service. This is our new hangout while we are here. Thank you to the staff. Malia you rock. What a great welcome to the island. You can tell they have good management,because the staff is happy and they show it. Again we loved our server Malia.A special thanks for starting a much needed vacation off to a wonderful start. They made us feel like they had known us for years. Did I mention the view!!!!! I
(5)
Stone W.
I ordered the fresh fish trio. I LOVE fresh local fish. The monjong had no flavor. The sea bass had an unpleasant flavor. The mahimahi was good. My dog will enjoy the sea bass and monjong in the morning. Our waiter took our order and we didn't see him again until our plates were cleared. Even the coffee was mediocre. In Kona! What was good? My hubby's filet mignon and the view.
(1)
Sam G.
Football on Saturday? Awesome view and sunset over the Pacific Ocean? Happy hour with a classmate reunion hundreds of miles away from home? Sam Choy made it all possible. And to top it off the 49ers spanked the Packers to advance to the NFC division championship. We sat at the bar and had the best view of the TVs, although no sound. The pupus were real good; we split Brie fried wontons, Kona style chicken wings, and fried calamari. Drinks were good too, except for the fact that I ordered a longboard and was charged an extra $1.50 because the computer locks out the happy hour prices once 5pm hits. It was surely before 5pm, but there was no arguing. Come early to get a good parking spot well before sunset! Believe me, everyone is thinking the same thing: dinner and a sunset. :)
(4)
Randy P.
We're repeat customers but were very disappointed in our meal this trip. Lamb chops were mostly raw instead of medium rare, and the accompanying pasta was covered in a heavy cream sauce...too heavy and thick. My wife's fish dish got mixed up, and despite being replaced with another fish dish, she still didn't end up with what the waiter had described. And even then it was on the dry side and not very tasty. The green salad on the front end and the ice cream at the end were both good, but the meal in between was not. The bar service is excellent and the view superb.
(2)
Joe C.
What a view! I'm not a stickler for restaurant interiors, but holy crap, I don't know if I've ever eaten at a more beautiful restaurant. Granted, it's basically a giant patio with stunning views of the Pacific, but still, hard to top that. As for the food, yeah, it's a little on the pricey side, but my family and I ate here twice and both times were good. We came for dinner one night and lunch on another day and neither was a disappointment. The cocktails were also tasty, so be sure to sip on a Blue Hawaiian or Mai Tai while enjoying the view. This was one of the more "touristy" places we ate, but not annoyingly so. If you've got the money to spend, I'd recommend it for the view alone. If you're on a budget, there are more affordable options.
(4)
Keira M.
I'm surprised that Sam Choy's has only accrued three and a half stars. While it's not the best dining I've ever experienced, it was really, really delicious with ambiance that's hard to beat! Our vacation rental owners suggested we try Sam Choy's for a nice meal on our last night in the area and it didn't disappoint. This open-air restaurant overlooks the entire bay and I imagine it would be stellar at sunset. Some of the outdoor tables even include a fire pit! Tiki torches are everywhere and aloha hospitality isn't hard to find. My fiance and I both had Mai tais with coconut-crusted shrimp to start. Awesome! He had the fish trio (ahi tuna, mahi mahi and some kind of swordfish - two out of three he loved). I opted for the macadamia nut-crusted chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes and I couldn't shovel it into my mouth fast enough! It might not be the crème de la crème of dining in Kailua-Kona, but I am quite certain that if we lived in the area, it would be our regular spot for a delicious, casual meal with a touch of romance. The ocean breezes certainly don't hurt either.
(4)
michael m.
We loved this place so much we ate there twice in one day. We started with the Sunday buffet brunch, which was great. Then, decided to come back for dinner. The pork loin was INCREDIBLE.
(4)
Roy Y.
Come here just for the views. My wife got the fish trio and it was terribly overcooked... All three of the fish! The calamari was overlooked as well.
(2)
Lindsey B.
Great view! Good food!
(4)
Tom M.
Ate at Sam Choy's this evening. Started off with a Hostess that is in sorry need of training. With at least 10 empty tables visible, we were told it would be at least 15-20 minutes wait since we didn't have a reservation. We were seated up front and witnessed some incredibly unbelievable acts by this Hostess. These included her fascination with her hair, kicking menus (which were the given to guests) with her foot, ignoring guests as they left, without even a "thanks for comin". We also saw her give the same line about no reservations to at least 2 other groups the 15-20 minute wait line. By the way, the empty tables at our arrival were never occupied. Our margaritas were actually awful. How do you screw up a margarita? Appetizers were fair -Brie won tons. The dinner was much better (lamb and Duck) and our waiter, Arthur, was very good. Not sure we'll ever go back though when there are so many great places, many with more reasonable pricing and better trained staff.
(1)
T W.
Unacceptably slow service. While servers are friendly the occasional time they stop by the table, service is almost nonexistent. Food was mixed: Fish Trio was overcooked and dry, the Duck was excellent. Without the view, it would only be two stars.
(3)
James G.
I wish a could give a good rating but some times the food is good and service is good other times the serves is really bad and the food is just so so :{ I hope the came find consistent in there good food but for now save your money go some where else .
(2)
Kate B.
Super fresh and delicious fish specials! My hubby and I stopped here on our first and last nights in Kona. You get a very generous amount of food. Definitely try their lava flow cocktail. The service was very friendly and attentive. Our server was the same both nights (forget his name), and he was very knowledgable about their cuisine. We got to watch the sunset from their outdoor lanai. I highly recommend making a reservation for 30 minutes before sunset. I also didn't have any parking issues as some reviewers previously posted.
(5)
Courtney L.
I have been to Sam Choy's a few times and the first couple were great experiences but the last one just left me not really wanting to go back. The service was poor , we waited to get a simple glass of water until our dinner came out. We asked a few times just anyone passing by, it was a joke. Our apps also came out with our dinner and that never leaves a good taste in my mouth, Food arrived luke warm but by that time I was done and just wanted to get out of there. The setting is fabulous and something I really look forward too when visiting the big island but im sad to say I won't be making it a priority to come back.
(4)
Roy O.
First of all had reservations at 7 on a thursday evening. Got there parking lot was full the 6 pm sunset dinner crowd was still drinking and there were at least 2 large table parties... the same group I think. Got handed a round buzzer like Houstons gives you and told 10 to 15 min wait... Wait we had reservations? There were open tables we were a party of 4 and by7pm you couldnt see the view... so we waited... t\ Through the glass window watched a bunch of young looking kids running around the kitchen... not a good sign... I used to visit Sams when he was at Coscto and buy spam before I went fishing 10-15 years ago... when I visited Hawaii. Im from South bay Los Angeles Calif... Years ago I was on a plane and saw Sammy... also was having dinner at Pollys Pies an saw him over 10 years ago... he was consulting. Anyways back to story Ordered Poke appetizer because my friend likes raw meat and raw fish... what we got Should never have left the kitchen. My non cooking roomate could have picked better fish and sliced it better herself...there is nothing worse that a piece of fish that you can see skin fragments on and that looked like a marbled grade nothing raw piece of New York Steak. and when you bit into it ,,, it gets stuck between your teeth no matter where you put in in your mouth... I swallowed mine... my friend spit it up and hide it under his chopsticks... we called the waitress and had her take it back. Course number two New York steak... My friend is chinese... very heavy accented chinese and he likes rare meat... He ordered meduim rare and had the waitress repeat medium rare... red in middle. Got medium well. Another Gentleman came over and said He would be our new waiter and went and came back with another steak. After cutting almost a third of FAT off the steak and trying to eat a few bites we asked for the check... remember the remark above about grissled new york that sticks to your teeth. This was not a Sammy Choy meal... it was more on par with Dennys. They offered free dessert and during the conversation I asked if Sammy ever stopped by. The guy that took over said the name on the building is Sammy Choy but he gets his check from Wendys. Sammy if you read this...get back here and kick some butt... get some serious chefs and some experience... at least get someone who cares about the food an looks at decent cuts of meat and fish (we are in Hawaii fish capitol of the world) This place looks nice my opinion the old white table cloths at costco beat this new place hands down. Closer service better quality control of food and a standard that needs to be a new goal for the new place. Until my next visit to Big Island
(1)
Kyla B. H.
The atmosphere is very beautiful, I suggest coming during sunset. The service is nice. The silver wear wasn't that clean. For our appetizer we ordered their edamame hummus... it was nothing special and it needed salt. I had the New York Steak with mash potatoes and asparagus. My great grandmother and my mom both had the fish salad. The displays of the food are beautiful. There wasn't much flavor to the steak I could've cooked it at home and the onion crisps on top didn't do much either. I would've put the steak on top of the potatoes. The asparagus was cold and the mash potatoes were average. The fish was a bit overcooked. My mom loved the wasabi dressing and added that the vegetables were fresh. My great grandmother loved the salad and didn't have a problem with it. Overall I would come for the good view the food seems inconsistent so if you're lucky you could dine on some flavourful fish.
(3)
Miranda W.
Great view, good food, but terrible service!! It's sad that this ruins the whole experience. At first we had no waiter so I had to get up and find somebody. We were then told there was a miscommunication on who had our table. But it only got worse.... Once we finally had a waitress, we quickly realized she had no idea what she was doing. It took about 20 min just for her to come back and take our order, our drinks stayed empty because she never checked on us, then I had to get up yet again to find somebody to bring us our bill. This is not what we expected from this so called hospitality state. And no it was not crowded at all! Actually, there were very few people there for a Friday night.
(1)
kavin m.
Inconsistent is true as others have indicated. So why does the "corporate manager" not know they use Open Table for their reservation system and should accept their checks? Why do 10 plus employees congegrate around the manager but ignore the recent guests who have just been seated? After 10 min of waiting the recent guests walk out after telling the "corporate manager" why but of course they just LET customers walk out as if they dont care Of course they dont care Ugh
(1)
William L.
Great view ... Lousy Food. The End.
(2)
N H.
We had a great dinner last night that included a beautiful sunset! The location, over looking Kona, has an amazing view and is easy to find at the south end of Ali'i Drive. Our server, Jaye, was there when we needed her and most accommodating to our requests. Our meal was excellent with the steak cooked perfectly to order and the veggies not over cooked. The chocolate flour less cake was a great ending to an enjoyable evening. We've done their Happy Hour several times, and now dinner, and have found their prices reasonable when compared to other Kona restaurants /bars.
(4)
Call Me Z.
1-star for the view, 1-star for the decent service. But the food was disgusting and I eat just about everything. I got their version of chicken chow mein that came in a big tortilla bowl and I had one bite and lost my appetite. The noodles were cold and the chicken was gross. I thought I was going to get food poisoning. I tasted my parents and brother's food and it was average at best. Avoid this place. I warned you...
(2)
Jean M. G.
We were served a cold, dry pasta entree, and one of the filets - most expensive entree on the menu - was raw in the center. It was supposed to be medium. The service was slow, all dirty dishes were left on the table throughout the meal, and all in all it was a rather mediocre, unpleasant experience. Unfortunately this has been the norm for our many experiences there. Too bad, because it is a great location... But I probably won't go back or recommend it to visitors and my clients.
(1)
Stu W.
I don't know what's been going on with Yelp lately, especially in Hawaii, but Yelp has been leading me down some very dark alleys as of late. And yet I keep coming back for more. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me three or four times, shame on the global conspiracy afoot. I really wanted to like Sam Choy's. I've wanted to try it ever since I first saw Chef Choy on the early cooking series, Great Chefs. How could this man prepare bad food? This location in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island is apparently quite new, so the chef himself is usually present. Most days, the restaurant is completely open to the outside, with sweeping views of the ocean. Of course, that also means birds and bugs might find their way in, and often do, so be prepared for that. Also, note that it can get breezy, which might feel good, but tends to blow napkins around. The menu is somewhat small, but includes a smattering of Hawaiian Asian fusion fare, as well as some classic Hawaiian dishes. We tried the Shoyu Poke, Papa Sam's Beef Stew and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich. The Shoyu Poke is made with cubes of very fresh tuna, shoyu, green onion, and ogo, which is a type of seaweed. The poke was delicious, although the tuna cubes were a bit large for my taste. The beef stew was actually described in the menu as "absolutely incredible." It can be best described as a tomato-y American style beef stew, with celery, potatoes, and carrots. The flavor of the stew was good, and the beef was super tender, but it came out lukewarm and a bit too salty. The chicken filet in the sandwich was nicely crispy and well seasoned, but also came out just warm. As a side, we had the sweet potato salad, which was made from taro and ube, a purple sweet potato. I found the potato salad unidimensional. It was sweet, but not cloyingly so, and was a beautiful color, but had this pasty texture that just made everything run together. Save for a few pieces of diced celery, no other real flavors were apparent. For dessert, we had the poha berry ice cream, which was basically vanilla with poha berry mixed into it. Poha is related to the gooseberry, and looks like a small orange cherry tomato. It's a bit tart with a flavor somewhere between a raspberry and blackberry. A huge scoop was served over a chocolate chip cookie and drizzled with caramel. The ice cream was just ok. I think I would have preferred the berry in a sauce swirled through the ice cream, rather than as distinct berries. The cookie was delicious! Overall, I just expected more, and the experience left me a bit disappointed.
(2)
Iris C.
Probably one of the better (best maybe) on the Big Island. Great fresh quality of food, great service, inviting atmosphere (open air overlooking Kailua bay). We, be dined at the 4 seasons, the Orchid, Mauna Lani, Roys (way overrated). Sam's beats them all on quality and price.
(5)
David S.
Went for lunch this week. The transformation from what used to occupy this space is amazing. The menu matches the spectacular views. Sam is serving up local favorites. I had a great loco moco. Sam your gravy is superb. The fresh tombo was brilliantly prepared. The fried poke salad was served in a giant tortilla bowl with fresh island greens. Mahalo Sam!
(5)
Andy G.
This was our first dining experience in Hawaii. I wish I could say it was better, but alas, alack. The location is actually decent. If you are staying in the Keauhou area, it is much easier to drive up to the shopping center where Sam Choy's is located than to drive all the way into Kailua. There are a few other options in the shopping center, so look around. Despite some complaints about seeing the shopping center in the view from the restaurant, the ocean view is actually quite nice if you look straight out. Sam Choy's is up on a hill, so you kind of have to look down to see the shopping center. The service is chaotic at best and just about what you'd expect from a place that hasn't been open long. We happened to walk in right when they were transitioning from lunch to dinner service, adding to the confusion. However, everyone was very nice to us and most things happened quickly. The food was nothing to write home about. My wife had the fried poke, which was decent, but inferior to other poke I ate later in my trip. The fish and chips were a disaster... the fish sank like a rock to the bottom of my stomach... very oily and not a good texture/consistency for frying. The chips were just gross. Probably worth visiting once they iron out the kinks in the menu and integrate some customer feedback. It definitely seems that they are interested in listening.
(3)
Sarah J.
Let me start by saying I am not a chain restaurant person. Don't get me wrong, some chains are good, but most I leave thinking, 'meh...' and don't visit again. Sam Choy's falls into the former category, with an extra star for taste! For those who may not know, Sam Choy is a Hawaiian chef famous for his take on Hawaiian ingredients, and he is consistently good. Take his delicious cooking and plop a restaurant on a hill with a ridiculous ocean few and you have success. The teriyaki chicken and fresh fish plate were our favorites. You can't go wrong with any of the drinks there--sadly the infused drinks weren't available due to their popularity, but the standby mai tais and coladas were refreshing and delicious. Service was surprisingly great for such a new restaurant (we visited on their official first day of business). The kitchen was on the ball as were our servers. The only real con to this place is the parking situation...the restaurant fits over 100 people and the parking lot fits maybe 30 cars. Hopefully in the coming weeks they will get that sorted out so that customers don't have to illegally park :)
(4)
Cathy A.
It was ok. The view is great. Our server was very good and service was prompt. The food was very bland. My husband had the noodle bowl and the temperature of the dish was way too hot...thought it had been microwaved. I had chicken salad that had non-ripe tomatoes. Won't return, there are lots of good restos with a view in Hawaii.
(2)
M H.
Amazing views. Great breakfast buffet on weekends. We had come for breakfast last year, but they changed it to a buffet now. Best fried rice and malasadas! Omelet bar, salad, fruits, bacon, hash browns, loco moco and miso soup. Sam Choy was there also. Would definitely return for breakfast!
(5)
Tracy M.
Meh. Fried poke was okay. Brie wonton didn't have very much Brie. We are skipping the entree here cause we're disappointed in the pupus. Won't be coming back.
(2)
GA H.
Once upon a time, Sam Choy's name was associated with great, original takes on local cuisines in generous portions. I dined there last night for the first time with friend's who were visiting from the mainland (my friend really wanted to try this place because of the view). While crowded, we only waited about 15 minutes at the bar, which was nice and the restaurant itself is really just an extension of the bar. The entire place has an open feel similar to the atmosphere of a small Gordon Biersch. Yielding only 6-7 entrees, I ordered the NY Steak (medium rare-$26) thinking that it would be a safe choice. Boy was I wrong. The steak was covered with deep fried breaded onion strings that masked a very bland, very badly cooked steak. Since I don't like fried onions, I ate the steak alone and noticed that it was not seasoned at all (no salt, pepper, or anything). The steak was also cooked unevenly on one side so that the top 50% was cooked to medium-well and the bottom 50% was cooked to barely rare (which I guess to them equals "medium-rare"). When I brought up the lack of seasoning to the manager, she looked slightly offended and tried to make a joke of it. After muttering under her breath "I'll let the kitchen know", that was the last I ever saw of her and the service from our server became noticeably absent as well. Speaking of our server, while taking our order, it was plainly obvious that she was chewing gum as it almost came out of her mouth while she was speaking. While she did give pretty good service, the gum came across as fairly unprofessional to me. It is very clear that Sam is not interested in maintaining that quality at this restaurant but more about just making some money off a great location with below average food along with average service. Think of this restaurant in this priority: 1) Bar 2) Scenic Point 3) Restaurant If this is what you want, then go for it. If you want a good meal, keep moving and look for better choices back down in Kailua-Kona or keep going another 15 minutes up the highway until you reach Manago Inn. Great food at 1/3 the cost.
(2)
Susanne D.
I don't know how the food is since we sat there for 15 minutes and got no service.
(1)
Drew S.
I come to the island every other year. This is a highlight every single time. Love the food and the view is unparalleled. The owner is a neighbor of my grandparents and a prince of a guy. This is totally worth it and an experience you'll not soon forget.
(5)
Carolyn T.
Great view of the ocean! But that was really the only great part of our visit. The service was very sub par. We had to ask for a spoon and cream to go with our coffee if we wanted it. We all had different versions of the Loco Moco and one had the omelet. In all cases the burger part of the loco moco was extremely dry and most plates did not have enough gravy to counter act that dryness. The burger wasn't even seasoned. I would say the prices were OK or even fair had the food been more edible. The omelet wasn't bad, but it was a pretty standard mushroom and cheese omelet. I was really disappointed in the food.
(2)
Todd C.
I give it a 4 for lunch/brunch and the spectacular views with completely open air seating. Great spot to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets. Dinner was only a 3 star experience. Overall recommendation is to go at least once for lunch/brunch. Be sure to try the fried rice or stir fry.
(4)
Harold P.
The stunning ocean view is worth dining here alone. The place fills up after 6pm so it's best to make a reservation. I'm not sure if everyone is served free starters on the house or if I had this pleasure because I dined during the senior hours. The starters of the night consisted of a butter lettuce salad with Oriental dressing and a Portuguese bean soup. The bean soup was excellent and chock-full of smoked ham, the broth was rich and meaty tasting with beans, carrots, onion and celery. The Oriental Lamb Chops are served over a generous bed of linguini in cream sauce with vegetables - the chops are well marinated with five spice, garlic, ginger and soy sauce (sugar too since the chops were a bit sweet). in fact I think the chops may be over marinated because cooked at medium rare the texture was akin to a soft cured meat or jerky. The Ka'u Orange Duck was outstanding. Though I'm used to duck seared to medium rare this duck was cooked through but still very moist and flavorful. I would have liked more fat rendered from the skin and the orange honey glaze was a bit sweeter than I expected. Overall the portion of duck was generous and served over broccoli and Chinese cabbage. I chose the garlic mash potatoes as the side and they were creamy and smooth. Prices are extremely reasonable and I will definitely come back for the views and the duck.
(4)
Areena M.
Oh, Sam. I think you're so adorable. I so wanted to love your place instead of lumping it in with other celebrity chef restaurants that disappoint. Alas, you let me down. Sigh. At least it wasn't a total loss. I will say this: reasonable prices, good service, fabulous view, & food's not bad. It's probably a welcome change to anyone who has been dining at the resorts or tourist traps. So what's the problem you ask? The food is just "not bad". Nothing prompted involuntary yummy noises or made a lasting impression. The area has better to offer.
(3)
Annie L.
Hostess seated us on tall table which was cool. The view and open lanai atmosphere is nice! Glad that we walked from Kona Coast Resort to the restaurant because parking was tight. At 6:30 pm, they already ran out of one of the specials (leg of lamb). So I had the rib eye medium. Waitress was kind enough to comp me the dessert! Rib eye was alright but it tastes more like New York steak in texture. Food temperature was warm. My husband liked the prime rib and my son said the pasta with shiitake mushroom and veggies is one of the best he has had. Food portion is right sized for a reasonable person. Price is fair but when I presented the online 10% off coupon, they gave me 10% off the entrees only. We let it go even though the coupon is for the entire check. Why do they penny and dime customers? The difference would have been another $1.70.
(3)
Joy I.
Decided to dine here to celebrate my mom's birthday. We had reservations for 12 noon and was seated right away. We had to wait about 20 minutes before someone came to take our order and another 30 minutes for our food. I wouldn't have minded the wait if the food was worth waiting for. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Service was mediocre, at best. No one checked on us the entire time that we were there and the restaurant wasn't busy at all. Two stars are for the open air atmosphere and amazing view. Food was average..... really nothing to write home about. Won't be back soon.
(2)
L L.
This place is a little odd and if it weren't for the views, I'm guessing the overall ratings could be a lot lower. Atmosphere: As other reviews have mentioned, the views here are great, but if you're staying at any of the oceanfront hotels (e.g., Sheraton nearby), this view isn't any better. In fact, the only bonus is that you get to see the roof of the Long's drugstore and the parking lot. Food: Hard to review the food. First, I'm not sure why it's classified as Korean in Yelp as neither the food nor Sam Choy are Korean (more Japanese, Chinese influence than Korean). Second, it seems like every dish is served exactly the same except for the protein which is kinda lazy. Having said that, the fish trio was cooked perfectly. Service: This is where things fell apart a little. When I thank a busboy for pouring me water, I would rather him ignore me than grunt. The waiter wasn't anywhere near us when the food was served. So much more went wrong and if you don't believe me, stand in front of the open kitchen and you'll see what I mean. Service was way sub-par for the prices of this place but I guess the views will keep it going for a long time.
(3)
Seri T.
This review is for breakfast only. Between the six of us, we tried the veggie loco moco, belgian waffles with tropical sauce, sweet bread french toast, pani popo pancakes, and the Sam's breakfast. The french toast (my order) was good, but I wanted more of the guava and taro flavors. The tropical sauce on the waffles had a sour flavor, which I was not expecting and did not enjoy. The pancakes were drenched in the haupia sauce - waay too sweet - it would have been a lot better with half the sauce or the sauce on the side. The veggie loco moco was quite delicious, though. Their juice serving size was small for $3 - maybe 8oz? Staff was very nice and the view is gorgeous if you can get one of the outside or near the outside tables. During our breakfast, some loud trucks were driving by, though. Overall, decent breakfast with a nice view. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if you are staying close by, I think it's worth a try.
(3)
Brian A.
This is a fantastic open air place to view the Kona Coast and have a bite to eat. Unfortunately, I have the say that the breakfasts are a bit pedestrian. I would equate it with any Big City Diner ( yelp.com/biz/big-city-di… ) on Oahu. Essentially a Denny's kind of fare. I'm sure dinner is a bit better, since you would be able to order signature Sam Choi poke that he's known for. On the bright side, they have french pressed Kona coffee! Got to have that while in the Kona area! The service was quite good, but I can't stress how relaxing and awesome the view is. If I could post the panoramic I took I would.
(3)
Lisa M.
A new place for us this trip. The setting here is wonderful with a great view of the ocean. We're not really cocktail people and the wine list was not particularly interesting, so we brought a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner. Loved the giant portion of poke (shoyu version, which is raw). We also had the pork Katsu and a pork belly special. The pork belly was excellent, but the accompanying risotto was a bit gloppy (risotto is tough in a restaurant setting). The pork Katsu was a teeny bit overdone for my taste, but the flavors were good. Portions here are HUGE and prices are very reasonable. Perhaps a good place for a family with children? Service here was very attentive and friendly.
(3)
Kathy H.
Great view, casual festive atmosphere, fun tropical hawaiian cocktails. I was looking forward to their lau lau, but they were out, so I tried the trio of fish which was tasty. Each cut had a different texture and was fun to try different types of whitefish - who knew there were so many! My daughter has several food allergies, so our waiter (also from San Jose, CA) was excellent in finding out which dishes she could have or which she should stay clear from. He also made it a point to have the kitchen cook hers separately from any other food that had her allergens, which was a bonus! The kids saimen was nice but the chicken tenders w/ fries were overcooked and bland. I hear Sam Choy will be opening up a beer bottling plant in San Jose, so I'm super excited to try the Aloha Beer on the mainland!
(4)
Ashley R.
Sam Choys breakfast buffet is great! Pancakes were delicious! Lots of bacon, cooked perfectly and not chewy! Lots options for everyone, even cereal and yogurt. We had mimosas as well, they weren't anything spectacular but for $3 there is no complaining. The service was friendly and happy. Overall a wonderful experience and we will be returning again I'm sure.
(5)
Eric And Jennifer R.
I have them 5 star for their fried poke, service and the patio with the magnificent view of the Kona coastline / sunset. I'm still craving their fried poke!
(5)
Brian K.
Went here on a recommendation and was extremely pleased. It was lightly raining but we still got a seat closest to the outer patio so it felt like we were outside but stayed dry. Beautiful sunset. Started with the brie wontons with papaya/pineapple marmalade. These were awesome and probably the highlight of the meal. I typically am snobby with brie and try to cut off all of the outer flour shell to only eat the delicious inside but these came cut with shell and all included. But I can't complain, it was amazingly delcious. They brought us a simple salad with what tasted like french dressing and an egg drop soup. I had never tried egg drop soup and liked it quite a bit. Main course she got the trio of fish (ahi, ono, spearfish). I tried a bite of each. The ahi was the best. The others were not as tender. Not saying thats on the chef, probably just the natural texture of the fish. I got the braised beef shortrib over chow mein. Really glad I chose chow mein instead of potatoes, it was a great idea and delicious. The meat was tasty and tender. Nothing mind blowing but certainly solid. Overall a very solid meal. Highly recommended.
(4)
krystal p.
Have had good service and good food, bad service and so-so food, and everything in between. No way to know from day to day. It depends on who is at the front desk, who is serving, and, of course, what you order. The happy hour (3-5pm) is, IMHO, one of the best in Kona. Breakfast (weekends only) and lunch are reasonably priced and have some good choices. Dinner is (again, IMHO) overpriced for the quality, except the lamb chops, which are my favorite at any price. So if you go there and have lackluster service or mediocre food, don't write it off completely because you could have a fine experience next time. Unfortunately, there is no way to know in advance.
(4)
Micheal P.
We made a reservation for Tuesday. We were there 5 minutes early. We sat around for at least 10 minutes before someone came to help us. When I went to the bar to grab a drink the bartender snapped in my face like i should leave him alone. I felt like i was bothering him with me presence. After 30 minutes of waiting for our reservation we were finally seated. Then water was a scarce resource for at least 20 minutes as the server only filled half of the cups at the table. I felt almost like we were being singled out and not served on purpose. We had to finally stop the server from running away from our table as if we had the plague in order to get everyone's meals placed. The restaurant really wasn't that busy and we felt like think entire time we were competing for help from any server. The food was served before all the drinks were served and we had to ask two times before we got them. Finally we could catch the girl to give us our check and left frustrated and ignored.
(1)
Gayle V.
A lot of hype for this place but it was just okay.... And I would NOT come back here. One, the prices are high. We don't mind spending the money if the atmosphere and food are good...but the food was okay. Dining is open air with a beautiful view of the bay. (Star #1) Started out with ordering drinks. I ordered a vodka martini and got a Margarita the first time..sent it back...second time got a GIN martini..SENT IT BACK! and threatened to go over and teach the bartender how to make a proper VODKA MARTINI!!!! Our poor waitress did good by us and did not charge for the calamity of errors (Star #2) For dinner I ordered BLACKENED Ono...there was nothing blackened about the fish. It was over seasoned with thick, red dry rub. I was not able to eat it. Hubby got fish with seaweed and sesame which he did not care for either. Better fish to be had elsewhere at better prices!
(2)
Su-Lynn T.
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is located on the top of a strip mall, but it provides one of the most beautiful views in Kailua Kona. My family and I went here after a long day of coffee tasting at the farms on the coffee belt. I made reservations though opentable.com and we got a lovely outoor table for 5 people. I ordered the Mahi Mahi, hubs got the ribeye and my family got what sounded like the fish trio, and a grilled ono. All of it was pretty good. It had the nice presentation, with the fish layered between side dishes to create the "tall stack" look complete with an island flower. The flavors could have been slightly better - though some of the sauces were a bit too sweet, but I think Sam Choy tends to do that in his cuisine. Otherwise had a great family meal here. i really enjoyed my mahimahi dish though my parents weren't too keen on their fish dishes as much as me. Hub's ribeye was very large, with the nice grill marks, and served with a creamy sauce. In case you don't like cream sauces on your steak you should prob ask for it on the side. The service was very good. The free soup and salad they give as an app is nice, and the coconut bread is yummy! The prices are very reasonable for an establishment like this. We went to Roy's Waikoloa and it costs us about double what we paid here. (understandably since Roy's is more fine dining, and Sam Choy melds comfort food to local pacific rim tastes. I like them both!)
(4)
Ryan D.
We went to Sam Choys for our anniversary dinner and of course the only time to go is at sunset! We snagged a high table by the bar to watch the great view. Service got off to a rough start because the hostess triple sat our waiter. We ordered the brie appetizer which was tasty but just average, fruity island cocktails which were quite yummy, the lau lau (the house speciality) and the swordfish special of the night. The entrees were fantastic, perfectly cooked fish and great presentation. i highly recommend the lau lau off the menu, if none of the specials stick out to you. Our waiter recognized we didnt get the best service for round 1, and took extra time to recommend the bread pudding...which he comped. However I highly recommend this dessert which goes perfectly with a glass of B&B! I will go back next time on the island, and recommend to others!
(4)
S J.
Good food, nice presentation. Some may think its too expensive, but it was so far the best meal I've had on Kona. For once the chef didn't over cook our fish. I had the Lau Lau. Only disappointment was they didn't have poi! Come on guys it's Hawaii! My Hawaiian husband wasn't too pleased with that point, so he had the seafood trio & it was great. Good Mia Tia's too, although the pack a punch. Beware! :)
(5)
Eric D.
We had breakfast here one year ago and really enjoyed it. This year tried it again and it was not good. The pancakes with white sauce that were so good last year (rich and sweet) were not the same. The sauce was bland and tasteless and the pancakes were not that good. Must have hired the breakfast chef from a mainland I-Hop. The egg dish came out luke warm. The place did not look overly well cared for and my wife mentioned the restroom was a bit dirty...not really what you would expect from a class restaurant. The view is good, but there is a scenic turnout a half mile from the restaurant which has a better view...buy a donut from Walmart and sit on the hood of you car and enjoy the view.
(2)
Kenneth S.
Sorry.... Waiting almost 30 minutes for an appetizer just to be told they had to defrost it and it will be out soon....... Not good.
(1)
Joan P.
Hesitantly got a decent table for 2 after trying to give us a not so nice table letting us now they reserve the others for those who made reservation !!! Had to walk over a spill on the floor, 10 mins at table no water or drink order ,not impressed with the menu items and high prices, saw another older couple getting the table they tried to give us, we got up gave them our table, walked over the spill ( not a team player company someone should have dried the spill the liability in hand ) walked out and on our way out we got a thank you goodnight !!!! No clue..... Nice view but the ambience is very snotty!!! Went right down to the Chicago Italian restaurant, service was great food was delicious and they where on top if they're game !!! Bring these cooks and service to SAMs and it would be a win win .....
(1)
Joey C.
Can't beat the view. Menu is small I mean very small. Food is tasty and Ahi cuts were good without stringy muscle. Calamari was excellent, dry not greasy. Wings were so so and the salad was as well. No S Choy signature kimchee fried rice on the dinner menu. Big disappointment.
(3)
Ann S.
This is gonna be long because we did a LOT of research here. We stayed 2 minutes from this place and Kona is not known for it's culinary offerings, so having frequented all of Sam's restaurants in the past, we weren't going to pass up the chance to sample the newest restaurant...multiple times. Between the hubby and I splitting some entrees for both breakfast and dinner, we got the following: Island French Toast Trio, Pineapple Papaya Mac Nut Pancakes, Char Sui Loco Moco, Smoked Pork Loco Moco, Chicken and Waffles, "Sam"wich, Edamame Hummus, Short Ribs (pupu), Filet Mignon, Fish Trio (Mahi, Ono and Swordfish when I got it), Mac Nut Chicken, Waffle Fried Ice Cream and Flourless Chocolate Cake. We do it all for you, ya know? My favorites were the Char Sui Loco Moco, Pineapple Pancakes, Edamame Hummus, Fish Trio and both desserts. The hubby would add the filet mignon to that though all of it was good! The bacon is flippin' amazing. So smoky and perfect, I ordered it every time we were there for breakfast. I think it says a lot that there are a good mix of locals and visitors there. We visited at all hours of the day and this was true any time we were there. Breakfast and lunch is reasonably priced and dinner is comparable to any nicer sit down restaurant you'll find. It's a nice touch that they bring you a sample of their salad and soup for the day at dinner and we're talking about a half 'typical' serving size and along with the sweet rolls, its a good way to start off the dinner. As mentioned, the view is incredible especially at sunset but for the few who complained that it overlooks a shopping center, yes, if you are at the wall tables at the very edge of the restaurant, you're looking down over the shopping center. Request a seat just under the roof if it bothers you that much. There's not a bad seat in the house. The fire pit tables out back are nice too. Sunset there is an event that usually ends in rousing applause. There is truly no lovelier atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Chef Choy was visiting one night when we were there and was nice enough to go to every table and say goodbye to people as they left. They said when he is in town he is down at the restaurant which is nice to know especially as a place is getting off the ground. He was very gracious but let me assure you that doesn't influence my review. Service has yet to get their groove. Servers are all nice enough (one in particular, Ui, was above and beyond) but we did hear a few griping about job related stuff and you don't do that in front of customers. Do it in the bathroom or after work like the rest of us. That's the only reason I knocked off a star. Otherwise, we had nothing but 5 star food and views every time. Once service improves a bit, I'll gladly add the extra star. I do have to note that as a person who has lost a significant amount of weight like Sam, I appreciate that he has healthy options at this restaurant. From the seasonal fruit plate, egg white veggie omelets, brown rice as a side, oatmeal with fruit, edamame hummus with baked pita chips and various fish and tofu dishes, it's nice to know that you can take a break from the high salt/high cal local dishes and choose something healthy if you're trying to watch it.
(4)
Jimmy H.
I'm not sure if there's a conspiracy amongst islanders to not share good local joints with tourists but after eating at Sam Choy's courtesy of a "tip" by our local Hertz driver, I'm starting to thing there is. We asked him for his favorite non-touristy local restaurants and he suggested this place. Let me be clear: Sam Choy's is TOTALLY TOURISTY. The restaurant is located high on top of a hill with panoramic views of what I'm assuming is the ocean (it was night time and couldn't see past the lights of the strip mall at the base of the hill). When we drove up to the restaurant we noticed a drive through window. Not sure whether it was an architectural remnant from a previous establishment or a functioning part of the current restaurant but it certainly did give us pause. We asked the waitress for her recommendations and she told us that the lamb was her favorite and that her son thinks the duck is the best he's ever had. Perhaps we should have asked how old her son is before ordering the duck cause it certainly was nowhere near the best we've ever had. It was way too sweet and I thought the honey flavor was too overbearing. The girlfriend didn't like the lamb but I thought it was pretty good and the pasta that it was served with was not too shabby. All in all, not a bad place for a decent meal at decent prices.
(3)
J C.
Excellent view. Food good. Service was solid. Yes, it's pricy for what it is but you're in Hawaii... in Des Moines it would be a raving rip off... but here? Go. Worthwhile stop on your already expensive trip.
(4)
Ken M.
This is the first meal we had when we arrived in Hawaii. We'd been awake for about 20 hours at this point too, so keep that in mind. Sam Choi's is perched high up above the shore and has pretty good views. I had the Pork Katsu and it was cooked well and well seasoned with a variety of dipping sauces. Andy's meal was also good, three cuts of fish. The prices are a little high for what you get,and the service was just alright.
(3)
Bella P.
I took my chances with the mixed reviews and totally lucked out with my experience. Glad I did though, because it would have been a totally sucky birthday dinner if it didn't. We had reservations and even though we were a little late, we were seated promptly with a sunset view as requested, by the very friendly hostess. We were greeted shortly by our server who definitely embodied the aloha spirit. She was courteous, friendly, and made sure we were ok, without being a pest. Down to the goodies now: --I had the ribeye, sauce on the side cooked medium rare. It was exactly that-medium rare. It's amazing how many places can eff up on steak. If you do get this dish, GET THE SAUCE ON THE SIDE. Trust me-you'll want to taste how amazing that local Kohala beef is without it being drowned in any sauce. --Hubby had the seafood laulau and that was amazing as well. I would probably suggest you stick with wine for drinks though, if you aren't into surgary sweet cocktails. Their raspberry mojito tasted like straight up corn syrup it was so sweet. YUCK! They do offer a white & red wine flight tasting which paired much better with the meals. The service was great and the fried ice cream we received on the house was the crowning glory of the dinner. A birthday sunset dinner with an amazing view? That's how you show the Mrs. she's a special lady ;).
(4)
Nancy Z.
We used to love coming to this location when it was a Wendy's fast food restaurant, largely because of the view. It seemed appropriate that Sam Choy's would be moving into the space. They did a lovely remodel, opening the interior space so as to incorporate the view. I've been here three times for lunch. The wait staff, on all three visits, were super friendly and efficient. I fully expected much higher prices given the high-end look and location, but the prices were reasonable for lunch....most in the $10-20 range. The food is good and fresh. The portions, substantial. Without the view, I'd probably give Sam Choy's 3 - 3.5 stars. It's the location and view that take the cake.
(4)
Dan Y.
I stayed on the Big Island for six days. A weekday lunch at Sam Choy's was easily the best meal I had on the island. Food: Had the Bento, which came with teri beef, spam & egg, fried chicken, and a piece of shit (obviously the fish made less of a mark because I can't even remember what kind of fish it was...) Either way, the food was fantastic. It wasn't anything unique or special compared to other similar restaurants but it was consistent, Price: I have no idea how much it is for dinner but lunch was extremely, extremely reasonable. Considering the fact that I was staying in Waikoloa where the cheapest lunch would easily set you back $15, this place was a breath of fresh air. My bento was about $12 and extremely filling! Even for a jolly-sized male, it would certainly be a satisfying meal. In fact, for our party of four, we ordered three lunch entrees (the waitress said that is easily enough for four people) and she was correct!
(5)
Crystal B.
Having avoided the Sam Choy's on Oahu for nearly three years, I finally went to this one just outside of Kona. I think it's current average star rating of 3.5 is accurate, bt since I can't do half stars I'm rounding up to 4 based on the great service we received and the beautiful view. We started with the calamari, which was mediocre. It was very dry. We enjoyed the complimentary soup, and then our entrees arrived. I had a special of fish and shrimp with a curry sauce and vegetables. The fish was cooked very nicely, crisped on the outside and tender inside. My in-laws' fish trios were good too, from what I heard. The food is not particularly inventive, but the entrees were very well prepared. I'm not in a huge rush to come back but eventually I will. Our service was really good -- every detail was perfectly attended to. Plates were cleared immediately, silverware replaced and waters refilled promptly. The view of the sun setting over the ocean, was gorgeous.
(4)
Shelly E.
View good but there is so much better in town, staff so so, food over priced but good/reliable. Would i return next time? Probably not
(3)
Beau H.
Outstanding.
(5)
Dave H.
YEAH MAN! this place ROCKS. great views and breeze and dinner was a good deal for the $$$. girlfriend was impressed and my 3 nieces and 4 nephews had a blast too. good place for kids, there were a lot of em runnin around this place. kids all had loco moco, always a fave w the kiddies. service is fast and food is solid
I came here yesterday for the Sunday brunch Buffett. WOW!! For $14.95 it's a real bargain. And the sweeping views of the Pacific are AMAZING!! I was staying down the road at the Sheraton and let me tell you at $25 for a lousy breakfast Buffett Sam Choy's is my new go to brunch place when I'm visiting Kona. Plus the staff is very friendly and they kept my water and coffee cup full. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Janice O.
Friendly service. Nice atmosphere. Had the fried ahi appetizer...delish! Side salad dressing perfectly sweet Miso type. Pork katsu dinner good sized, even brought done home. Highly recommend! The food carried the chain.
(4)
Ann V.
Great view, good but not great food, decent but not great service, didn't measure up to the big price tag. We had the special Mahi Mahi, which was quite good, and the fish trio, which was over cooked and served with blase rice and sauteed veg. The server was annoyingly attentive until he discovered we weren't having drinks or dessert, then it was all we could do to get the check (he never even refilled our water.) Perhaps on another visit we might feel differently, but in my book 4 or 5 stars means more than adequate food and service every time. No second chance here, not for these prices.
(3)
Shar C.
We look forward to a fantastic meal and unique atmosphere when dinning out. Sam Choy's was all that and more! Friendly, appreciative service, perfectly prepared food all with a gorgeous ocean view! A must for Big Island visitors!
My wife and I ate here after she had some dental work done so we came to sip on a drink while we enjoyed their amazing view of the ocean. Everything was good overall but our waiter, Rick, was simply not paying attention. First, we told him that we just wanted to take our time after ordering a couple of Lava Flows but he showed up five minutes later and asked if we wanted to order yet. I reminded him that my wife had just had dental work done and was waiting for her numbness to go away which was what I told him the first time. Any way the drinks were good and their menu is really impressive and creative. As we sat sipping on our drinks we could see the plates coming out to the tables and they all looked good especially the salads. But once again, Rick just wasn't paying attention. We ordered the Moi Moi Saimin and the Fried Poke plate. However the waiter brought us the Fried Poke appetizer and not the plate and when we told him he got all defensive instead of just making it right. That stinks! The food was good but waiters that don't pay attention can ruin a dining experience. I would have given a 5 star but the waiter's indifference were a real negative.
My parents and I split a few different plates and left happy and not too stuffed, but VERY satisfied. A few glasses of $5 dollar wine and a cucumber martini, along with complimentary salad, rolls, and egg drop miso soup whetted our appetite for the next courses. We got two appetizers: the calamari, which had some nice tentacley pieces and a really good sauce, and the special of the day, fried poke balls. The sauce for the poke balls was AMAZING, really different. Then a trio of fresh FRESH fish-butterfish, swordfish, and I hate to admit that I forgot what the third was. But OMG. Another amazing sauce (how does Sam do it?). Anyway, finished with a bread pudding dessert, which I politely declined- not into sweets- but it looked decadent. An amazing dinner for 3, total cost $80. plus tip. AND they have the most beautiful bathrooms I've ever seen, if you're into that sort of thing. And a great view. And great service. We'll be back tomorrow.
(5)
John A.
The best time to come here is right before sunset, Sam Choy's has a nice view overlooking the ocean. For food, I had the Macadamia nut chicken with Stella on tap : )
(4)
Keely P.
The view is one of the best for sure. We had 3 different apps and all were yummy. My husband had the short ribs and he said it was some of the best he's had, even my sons mac & cheese was good..and the desserts, the coconut cream puffs were HUGE and sooooo good, we had to take them home, and they were even good the next 2 days! Big portions all around, you definetly get your moneys worth!
(4)
John T.
Excellent food. Great Atmosphere. And good service. All set overlooking the ocean in Hawaii. What else is there?
(5)
Harry P.
A very nice location with indoor/outdoor seating and a 360 view overlooking the Ocean. Service was stellar. The food was hit and miss however. The fish dishes were excellent. Unfortunately, there were some basic technique issues with some other dishes (soggy rubbery fried squid, over-dressed salad, just plain tasteless chicken katsu). We had much better Hawaian food for half the price at Big Island Grill.
(3)
Ash P.
Ok don't misjudge the place with my 3 stars reviews. I am giving 3 stars only because of the limited very limited vegetarian dishes. The hostess was very sweet and the server was also very nice. The lanai was a wonderful place to sit to eat breakfast,lunch or dinner. My husband and I went there for breakfast and there was loco moco with tofu and hash browns and toast as our only option. So we ordered it, but rice in loco moco at 9 in the morning made me kinda sick. It tasted good, a bit heavy on the creamy sauce. Oh yes! The 1/2 papaya with lime was delicious. So if you are a vegetarian like I am, no eggs or meat or seafood or chicken etc..etc..don't go there. I am sure the non- vegetarians would love this place but a tree hugger like myself not so much.
(3)
J H.
Food is not bad, pretty good, interesting service... some really nice and some not so friendly. I would give it four stars but the service wasn't as great as it should be. View and ambience is nice though.
(3)
Kelton J.
Apparently Sam Choys hired an out of state firm to construct the restaurant, which cut corners, skimped on safety regulations and basically left the job unfinished while making off with the money. Now there are pending law suits. Way to appreciate the local workers, Sammy. Way to keep the wealth with local families. We won't be patronizing your establishment on those grounds, alone.
(1)
Whitney B.
Great ambiance, looking out over the ocean in a large, covered patio. Food is solid, with. Good array of choice.
(3)
Roy H.
People go here for the view which is awesome, especially at sunset. We got a table outside where they have comfy seats and a fire pit in the middle of the table. Perfect for watching the sun go down. The place is upscale, so expect to pay for that. But the food is delicious. I had the special ono rolls tempura style and they were amazing. My daughters had the macadamia nut chicken and the lamb chops which were tasty. My husband had Pork Katsu and he enjoyed that as well. Service was top notch. Everything was excellent and the sunset was amazing.
(4)
Jeff R.
When my family visited from the mainland, we all traveled from Oahu to the Big Island for some much needed rest and relaxation. Since my stepfather is a foodie (and I consider myself to be one as well), we headed over to Sam Choy's based on name recognition; I knew very little about this location otherwise. The first thing that you notice when you arrive is the spectacular view. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset. You have a panoramic view of the ocean and it is a great place for visitors to get a good sunset photo; just wait your turn as everyone else is snapping shots too. :) My main complaint with the restaurant is that I felt that the service was rushed. Even though we had a later reservation and there were open tables, we felt like the waitress was trying to turn the table over as fast as possible. If we had kept up with her, we could have been out the door less than 30 minutes from arrival. The entrees were served while we were only half finished with the pupus; we were asked for our orders 2 minutes after being provided a menu, and even the coffee was pressed before it had a chance to actually turn into coffee. The food was good overall, but left something to be desired compared to my preconceived expectations based on chef Sam Choy's notoriety across the country. I was also a little "confused" by the entrees; while I was expecting Asian flavors to be more present in the food, other influences to be more prominent. I ordered the lamb chops which were served on top of a pasta with a Alfredo-like sauce. I felt that the entree 'missed' the target on this and it would have made a lot more sense to have paired the lamb with a fried saimin or rice. This isn't to say that the pasta wasn't good, i just don't think it was a good pairing with the lamb considering how the lamb was prepared. Overall, the food was good but not spectacular. However, it was the service that will keep me from visiting again on my next trip to Kona.
(2)
Martha M.
Food was ok, but not our cup of tea. Lovely view though.
(4)
Bob E.
Come for the view not for the food or service.
(1)
Sean C.
Go for one thing: The view. Ok, the service was great too, but unfortunately going to an up-scale, spendy restaurant, the menu's creativity needs to shine; especially from the likes of such well known talent as Scotty and Sam (who seems to spend less time in the kitchen and more time on the floor). A beautiful ocean view, with a pronounced shopping center view below the restaurant (if on a lanai edge seat). North side has a couple open fire pit tables with best view seats. Drinks were on par for what you'd expect at the price range, decent but nothing to blog about, 3 stars. Wine prices were not too obtuse. Food was less than exciting, limited options and not at all imaginative. Perhaps expected from a place that is open Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; but not for the entree prices and competition in the areas. Sadly because of both these reasons, you won't find any locals here beyond the staff.
(2)
Ken A.
My wife and I stopped in for a couple of drinks but left before finishing our first. The good: The view is beautiful and the atmosphere is vibrant. The service was good. The bad: Unfortunately the two drinks we ordered are not accurately reflected on the menu. Might I suggest that the Pineapple Island Sangria be described as pineapple flavored water. And the Lava Rock Margarita either has the smoothest tequila I've ever had... or none. My guess is nada.
(3)
Laura W.
The restaurant of this noted local chef offered little that seemed original. We did have a fantastic healthy starter - the edam hummus with a fresh taste and delicious texture. Since I cannot eat dairy, I asked for their 3 fish entree, but instead of having any sauce at all offered that was non-dairy it was presented plain and grilled on white rice. The waiter suggested this and I asked about anything with olive oil or aoili or some seasoning, but it still came pretty dry and plain. It was just fine and very healthy. If you are looking for healthy as a priority they do a good job. the waiter was great and they had good music.
(3)
Warburg L.
Ambiance is nice. Big portions on the food but the taste is average. The food was a bit too sweet for me. Ordered the butter fish and the beef short ribs. Dishes were well presented just didn't taste as good as it looked.
(3)
Denise L.
This was our first stop off the plane to get lunch! Beautiful location - lanai gives you the most relaxing view. Good service they took care of us. The food was really good-tasty. We had the chicken salad, lamb curry & teriyaki chicken. All good. No complaints. Great place to sit and enjoy a first meal in Kona.
(4)
Shohreh E.
Very noisy if you are there in the evening...this must be the place where everyone tries to be, the location is high above Keauhou beach area, lovely view, torches in the evening make it look very exotic. We went mid afternoon to eat and were not disappointed the fish was very fresh and well prepared.
(5)
Brandy B.
BEAUTIFUL restaurant! FABULOUS VIEW! Glad I stopped in! We were staying at the Sheraton Keauhou and drove past Sam Choy's Kai Lanai on our way back toward Kailua town for dinner. After driving around indecisively, we decided to head back and just dine in the hotel. Just before we passed the restaurant again, we decided to give it a try. I recommend calling in a reservation. We waited about 30 minutes for a table on a busy Saturday night. That wait ended up being well worth it. We got a table outside on the lanai. The ocean view was just heavenly, and it our meal took it beyond. Our server, Arthur, was friendly, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable of all the dishes on the menu and on special. I tried the Berry Mango Mojito, and wasn't too pleased. It tasted to me like I was chewing raspberry- and mint-flavored gum, and I couldn't taste a bit of rum. However, this small yuck was not enough to break my 5-star rating. We started off with the Fried Ahi Poke; seared perfectly. As I prefer raw fish to cooked, this was awesome. The soy sauce blend that topped it made it's way down to the lettuce bed, and my husband totally cleaned the plate! We were served warm sweet rolls (the coconut bits in the rolls were pleasant,) soup, and salad. The best part! I ordered the Ka'u Orange Duck with Mashed Potatoes. I love duck and had not had it in years. I knew from first glance at the menu that I would be ordering this dish! It was fantastic! A sweet glaze on top, but it was far from overpowering; it complemented the duck so nicely. It was so good, I wanted to force myself to finish my entire plate, but I couldn't do it! HUGE portion includes a breast piece and a leg, bone-in. I did save some room, however, to taste my husband's Oriental Lamb Chops. I have never tried lamb before, and this was as delish as my entree was. The marinade was 'ono! I will have to try to make my own version of this! And the bed of pasta it sits on was perfectly cooked and seasoned. We were closed out with the same service we entered upon. If you're in the area, call in your reservation, and dine here! Request a table on the lanai (if the sky is clear.) It's lovely!
(5)
Leanne K.
Excellent views, awesome bartender David he was very personable! Had the Calamari, chicken Wings, Poki Salad and Bento. All great flavor!
(5)
Jackie H.
Great views of Keauhou, lovely decor but the food was only just ok. Compared to prices and what you get I would recommend going elsewhere. If you go here you go for the views and the ambiance. The food is edible and some of it is tasty but nothing that would require a return visit. I feel its more of a tourist place based on style of decor even and the food. I would go for the view but nothing else really. Saimin left much to be desired. My auntie had an ahi dish which she said was ok. My mom had a combo plate with terri chicken, mahi mahi and something else which i forget. The mahi mahi was good, but the chicken was only just ok. Try other places in Kona first as you can find places with much better food and still great views
(3)
James F.
Stopped for a late lunch and asked for table with a view because if we were going to pay the prices we expected we at least wanted a good view. Surprise number one - much lower menu prices than anticipated for pupus, main courses, sandwiches, drinks, etc. Surprise number two - absolutely wonderful food with generous portions. We ordered seared ahi poke and brie won ton appetizers and noodle mania with fish (served in a huge taco shell). If/when we return we would order the exact same items. The ahi and fish were done to perfection and the brie won tons were fantastic. All the respective sauces were complementary to their dishes and didn't overwhelm them. Saving the best for last was the mud pie dessert covered with whipped cream and sprinkled with macadamia nut bits and surrounded by chocolate/caramel sauce. And the view was great. Thank you to the manager and our server Megan for a truly wonderful experience.
(5)
Gisele A.
Food was good, view was amazing. Service was very pleasant, albeit a little slow. :)
(4)
Cheryl K.
Food was good. Service needs a lot of improvement. We had to ask for everything.
(3)
Christina O.
On our last morning in Hawaii, we woke up early to catch breakfast at Sam Choy's. Service 3/5: They were friendly, but forgot the toast with our omelet, syrup and butter with our french toast, and our drinks until reminded. Food 4/5: We had a tropical twist on french toast, which included guava and taro flavors. It was absolutely delicious and it came with a coconut syrup (YUM!). We also ordered the fresh fish omelet and the rice and chicken, which were both pretty ordinary. Drinks 4/5: We ordered a mimosa and berry mango mojito. The mimosa was average, but the mojito was the best mojito I have ever had. Chunks and raspberry and mango floated within it and I couldn't help but eat and drink every last bit! Ambiance 4/5: The view was beautiful. We could see the entire Kona coast and were seated at a table with a small fire pit. The environment was great and relaxing for our last morning.
(4)
Howard M.
So glad to see Sam is back on Big Island. Tried the FRIED poke (oxymoron?) and coulda died right there, sooooooo good! The view is spectacular and the wait staff was eager to please. Hubby got the three-fish dinner and we loved it. Sides were average but the fish was cooked to perfection.
(4)
Kate P.
Great ambiance, pleasant service, the food is close to amazing. I would recommend this to everyone staying in this area. Try the Lava Flow cocktail, and some calamari - absolutely wonderful! We also got to meet the owner who came to our table to say hello. Also, it is very open and gives you an excellent view of the sunset.
(4)
Richard G.
"Never trust a skinny chef" is what Sam would say. Now that Sam has lost the pounds, it appears this is very true. I have run into Sam in Oahu and on the Big Island several times in last 20 years. I have been to many of Sam's places over the years and have always enjoyed my meal. I have also been upset when they closed. When the Sam's closed in Kona, I told him he needed to open again on the Big Island. The old Wendy's was the perfect location and my expectations were high. My visit today was beyond disappointing. It was pathetic! Sam, you need to fix this place right now! The food my family was served was horrible! We ordered fish and chips. The fish was dry and had no flavor. The fries arrived as a soggy pile of grease! The ribs were dry and tough. The beef stir fry bowl had way more fat than beef. It also had very little flavor. I used to love your food Sam, but this food is not good at all! Please fix this now. I will not be back to any Sam Choy's soon.
(1)
Katherine K.
I wasn't impressed by the yelp reviews on this place but since its so close to our house in Kona we figured we'd try it. We went here on a weekend for breakfast and opted for the breakfast buffet. The buffet was nicer than expected and had its fair share of meatless options (vegetarian). It was only a few dollars more than ordering off the menu so it wasn't a rip off like most buffets. The food was good, well worth it.
(5)
Nuch P.
over rated when it comes to food and definitely a tourist trap. things were over fried and too sweet for my taste. my friend ordered something that looked like fried breasted chicken and she thought it was tasteless. the sauce that came with it was ketchup mixed with A1 sauce (oyyyyy). we also order fried wonton with cheese inside.... ehhhh. i ordered the trio fish dish.....(boring). although, i enjoyed their raw ahi appetizer very much. it was fresh and a nice portion. our waiter wasn't that great but the other staff members were wonderful. it's just not worth it. the view? what view? just not worth the hype
(1)
Sarah A.
Loved this place! Since we've been here it's been consistent and yummy. The view is beautiful and we've never had to wait too long for a table. The noodle bowl, teriyaki burger, and fried rice have been some of our favorites. Their chicken plate lunch was really good too, especially after having a bad experience at L&L. Highly recommended:)
(4)
Ron W.
What a view! Fish (Ahi) salad was excellent. Bartender was great. Just a bit pricey but we knew that going in.
(4)
Bruce N.
Seafood stir fry was great, kind of like old school 'chow mein' but tasted great with lots of seafood...also only $11!
(4)
Steve R.
Despite some of the poor reviews, we found the food quite good and a reasonable price for Kona-Keauhou. I had the lamb chops which were done perfectly and had a most excellent sweet yet peppery marinade. Really good. My wife had the fish trio and she said two of the three were really good as well. My daughter had the keiki loco moco which she liked... a rarity. Overall a great value for the Keauhou area.
(4)
Czarina S.
Had dinner with my man & another couple here a few days after it opened. The earliest reservation we could get was at 8 which was a no no so we settled in for 5:45 since we wanted to go at 6 anyway. We were seated right away so that was pretty exciting. Among us, we ordered the calamari & edamame hummus to start with. They were ok, the pita chips could be better. A lot better! I had my mojito to wash it down. And then a bottle of wine. I ordered the rib eye medium well and I enjoyed it a lot. I was sad when I wasn't given a side but as I dug into my meat, the mashed potatoes surfaced. Oh yea, they also gave us bread. (nothing memorable though, but it was ok) The BF ordered the laulau and was underwhelmed. Our friend was vegetarian, and although not on the menu, was given limited options. She ended up with the chow mein from the meat. She said it tasted like Panda Express noodles. heehee. Her husband ordered the NY strip and enjoyed it as well. I like the deep fried ice cream we got!! Will I be back? Yea, why not.. I will get the rib eye once again though.
(3)
Randolph M.
I would have given it a zero but the option was not listed.Went in on valentines day and did not have a res.I was told it would be 20-30 min wait and she handed me a pager.We went to the bar and ordered drinks.Half hour later no page.We orderd another drink and hour passed no page.After sitting at the bar for one and a half hours the bar maid asked us if we were here for dinner and I explained.She said I will find out.The hostess said we werent even on the waiting list and ten minutes later we were escourted to the worst table in the rest.We were not offered any comp for our wait and we walked out.I will not reccomend to anyone.Randolph Muller
(1)
Felicia C.
Came to Kailua Kona for a week and we came to Sam Choy's 4/6 days we were there. Twice for breakfast and twice for lunch. We ordered everything (there was 4 of us)! From the loco moco, steak and eggs, pancake sandwich, fried rice and eggs, fresh fish salad, char siu and mushroom omelette, bento box, beef stew, etc.. The view is amazing!!! and the prices are SO reasonable! The food is fresh and tasty! If I were to write a review on everything we had there, this review would be 10pages long! I can't believe it's only been opened for 3 months and it used to be a Wendys!! I'd go to that Wendys with the extraordinary view they have, but I'm glad Sam Choy's is there! I met the Chef de Cuisine, Scott, and he was adorable! My friend and I hoped we'd be allowed into the kitchen... maybe next time! Can't wait to return to Kona and go to Sam Choy's!
(4)
David S.
We had our anniversary dinner there on 9/11/2011. The place just opened the weekend and the waiter was terrible. We ordered appetizers and dinner and they ended up arriving to the table at the same time. The food was good but we felt that the waiter was the biggest problem, he did not know the menu and offered us no alternatives with the appetizer. I should have refused the appetizer and just went with dinner. Timing is off, waiter was very inefficient and did not know the menu at all. I could have done better serving the dinner than he did off the street. Did not go back, nice view. lousy experience.
(2)
Dan N.
Worst experience ever. I will explain why I gave one star at the end of this review. I am a regular at Toys, Tommy Bahamas, Ruth Chris etc... The service was okay other than the fact that the people of earners refills had to ask us if we wanted refills every 2 minutes, how about this..... If the drinks are empty refill them in a person in the world I wouldn't want to refill my drink is they are still eating so asking them questions is useless. The hummus was very good and the calamari was a bit bland. I ordered a fish trio entree and added 3 prawns, but my promise just looks like jumbo shrimp they were head and tail on there was absolutely nothing special about them whatsoever accept the fact that they were $35 to add three of them Al la carte.... This is a very special meal for me and my family as I was leaving the island the next day this is our goodbye meal and the food was good but way overpriced, the service is OK. Now let's talk about what ruined it for me because if it was just about the food and the service I would have probably left three stars or maybe even 4. We had for adults and two small children at our table and we had a 300 dollar meal which was no problem at all but I was extremely offended by the fact that the waiter added gratuity not because I couldn't afford the 18 percent I would have actually left him about 40 percent in cash had he not of done that, but after speaking to the manager about the gratuity policy as it pertains a small children picture before with 2 kids I learned the gratuity is at the servers discretion, SO PAUL OUR SERVER PROFILED US. How do I know I was profiled because I have been working in the five star ultra fine dining restaurant industry my entire life and this gentleman at a good to the tourist because he thought we were trash /that we would not tip, so he chose to add the 18 percent I left extra money on top of that because I had class, but unfortunately this restaurant has no class because if I was a server waiting on for adults and two small children there is no way I would ever ask for 2d to a party of 4 with 2 kids especially after finding out if the server discretion and this guy must have been a moron because anybody that borders hi and menu items and adds expensive additions obviously has class and obviously has money. The server cost himself about $50 cause that's how much more he would have made if you have not added the gratuity to me. And the restaurant cause them selves my business, the business of all of my upscale family that lives here on the island, the business of all my friends throughout the US to visit here regularly I am giving this place a red flag inviting everyone not to eat here.... So if you want to spend $300 on an average meal: and be insulted at the end of your experience this place is perfect. I would strongly advise anybody that wants a nice meal to go to Roys in waikaloa or Tommy Bahamas in Mauna Lani. The manager was not apologetic at all elbow I told her I was offended by what happened so take my advice people do not eat here. And to Mr. Sam Choy: you are a genius and I respect you greatly as a chef and a person and you have a wonderful restaurants in a great business, but your manager lady is a moron and in combination with the wait staff these people are giving you a bad name. Horrible.. never again....
(1)
Tom L.
So my girlfriend and I went to Sam Choy's new restaurant on the 6th day that it was open. And let me tell you it was busy. I had no idea, but Sam Choy is the local celebrity chef on the islands. So to start this out the restaurant is located south of the downtown portion of Kailua-Kona. In fact it is behind a little strip mall/movie theater. I was a little skeptical at first seeing the location then I went inside the restaurant. Holy cow this place has a magnificent view of the ocean. Great place to go for a sunset dinner. Anyways the interior of the restaurant was has warm modern feel to it, with island influence. There is outdoor seating lined with tiki torches. The service at the restaurant was very good. The staff, everyone from the bus boys to the waiters, were very friendly. They were obviously still learning some of the dishes, but they were able to provide us with their favorites. Before ordering the staff will bring you a complimentary basket of bread as well as a small salad and bowl of soup. In this case it was a small bowl of vegetable soup. The soup was quite tasty. The menu for Sam Choy's new restaurant ranged from fish to steak. We started off with a calamari appetizer. It was simply breaded and seasoned then deep fried. On the side was spicy horse radish cocktail sauce. The calamari was tender and fresh. It tasted great. Probably the best that I've had in awhile. I order the rack of lamb. The lamb was marinated in a soy, cilantro, ginger, and pepper. It was set on a bed of linguine. The lamb was awesome. Tender yet moist inside. It had a slightly sweet taste to it that definitely brought out a great taste in the lamb. My girlfriend ordered the ahi tuna salad. SHe loved it. I had a taste of the tuna and it was cooked perfectly. Again tender, and moist. It wasn't overcooked at all. I would have to say that our meal at Sam Choy's new restaurant was fantastic. It is definitely worth the trip to the restaurant if you happen to be on the Big Island. Just make you make a reservation. If not you might be in for an hour wait. When I came back to the islands, I will make a stop here again.
(5)
Amelia A.
wasn't expecting much because of the 3 1/2 stars but we had a 5 star experience! the service and our waiter was awesome! gorgeous spot for sunset and everything we ordered was fabulous. the fried poke appetizer was da bomb! hubby loved his braised short ribs over chow mein. the trio of fish was a huge portion for me and I didn't care for the spearfish. the mahi mahi with shiitake butter sauce and rice and veggies was tasty. loved the tropical fruit cheesecake but had to take half of it home. Sam choys just became one of our latest big island fav restaurants!
(5)
Lexie D.
Food was good except one of our orders (fish) was not well cooked. Service is so-so. However, the view was simply breathtaking!
(3)
Lily C.
Great spot! We had a great dinner experience. Came early because we didn't have a reservation but only had a short wait. Very full menu and friendly and attentive wait staff. Fun drinks and appetizers. Great seafood and non seafood choices too. But the view is the best part we were there at sunset and really enjoyed it.
(4)
Yasmin V.
A MUST VISIT restaurant! FRIED RICE and Eggs for breakfast is a must have...SOOOOOO yummy! Have the BLOODY MARY, by all means... probably the best I have ever tasted. My husband raves about the omelets- light, fluffy and tasty served on a bed of potatoes and onions. PRESENTATION is a 10 and still means alot here, even for breakfast and I can really appreciate that! A MINUS is that they don't serve fresh squeezed juice... why not?? My paddling friends go here often and the prices are reasonable and the portions hearty enough to satisfy your hunger when you are done with your workout. Of course, the views and being able to sit outdoors, semi outdoors or indoors is a huge plus.
(4)
Anna T.
The sunset view at Sam Choy's was great. The food wasn't bad. We tried the baby back ribs as an appetizer. It was average. My boyfriend had the duck. One part of the duck was good. The other part was rubbery. I had the fish trio. The dish was tasty and the size of the plate was worth the $29.00. Drinks were average (Mai tai and blue hawaiian). Our waiter was a friendly and attentive guy from Georgia.
(3)
Nicole A.
You know it's good when I spent the next few days after asking my husband if we could go back and eat at Sam Choy's again! Here's the ironic part: neither of us are seafood people but we loved this place! The katsu pork is right up there with the top 5 things that I've ever eaten and well, let's just say I like to eat! My husband had the macadamia crusted chicken and enjoyed it and my kids loved their chicken tenders. The chicken for my kids was real chicken vs. that gross stuff that so many places pass off as chicken nuggets or tenders. Score! With the food, good service and awesome view, we will definitely hit Sam Choy's up again on our next trip to Kona.
(5)
Matthew S.
Came here for breakfast one morning. They have a very awesome breakfast buffet , ate almost everything there. We had a nice spot on their patio looking out to the ocean, and spotted some whales. Who wouldn't enjoy eating breakfast and whale watching.
(5)
Kathleen K.
Perfect hawaiian atmosphere complimented the sample lunch platter. Can't decide what was better?? Taste the poke-loved it. Then tasted the chicken luau-loved it too. And finally, the kaluha pork-good too!
(5)
Bruce B.
Aloha from Hawaii! I've been here for a week and had many a meal, but It's the first time I had a moment to capture a moment. I'm in Kona and it's as beautiful as I remembered, even more if you factor in how long I've been away. My nephew and I were dinning at a spot called Oceans were the seafood apparently so fresh it came deep fried only. What a disappointment when you can sit in a restaurant and look out at an infinity of beautiful blue water and your eating frozen seafood from the Mainland. After that lackluster experience, we hopped into our Mustang convert able and hit the road outta Kailua Town to Kona. While driving, I saw Sam Choy's from the road, in a little hidden shopping mall on a hill. I was very excited as expected and I suggested we stop in for some Pu Pu's or dessert. We ended up having another full meal and it was way more satisfying then the last one and just what I needed to get that fry taste out of the back of my throat. The spot was fantastic with open air dining atop a hill over looking Kona-Kailua Bay. I ordered a Hawaiian Berry Mojito and it was like me-strong and exotic! After the prelim of salad soup and rolls, my entree' of Tuna Trio arrived. It consisted of Ahi Tuna and Aku Tuna with Albacore Tuna rounding out the trio. Each Fish was prepared differently and all were simply delicious. I finished off the meal with a ass kicking slice of Kona Key Lime pie and a cup of Kona Coffee. It don't get too much better than this, all I needed was to have a smoking Hawaiian beauty to feed.
(4)
Roy T.
If you're looking for an up-scale, spendy restaurant with a great view, this is the place. It's located south of Kona just above a shopping center at the end of Ali'i Drive. Parking is very limited at the restaurant but they have an overflow lot behind the shopping center below with a shuttle. It's pretty popular especially for dinner so make reservations before you come. We were fortunate and got seated early but we arrived too late to catch the sun set. The dining area is open to the outside with a nice view so come for lunch or before it gets dark out. We split an ahi salad and each had the trio of daily fresh catch. The food was tasty and the presentation of each dish was nice. The noise level is moderate. Service was attentive and we had a good experience.
(4)
Frank G.
Outside seating was a little quieter and ambience / views are excellent. We started off with a complementary soup and salad sampler and then onto some Calamari. Main course consisted of oriental lamb chops over pasta and kona orange duck. Both were seasoned and cooked to perfection. Finished with a very simple bread pudding. Pricing was very resonable for this quality in Kona. The service suffered somewhat from server working too many tables.
(4)
Frank D.
After reading the reviews I decided that I needed to try out Sam's. They have a good range of menu, with selections that should please everyone. I started with a cucumber martini, one of their recommended specialty drinks, very good. The wait staff recommended the ahi belly appetizer. Having never tried it, I went for it and was pleased. Fried lightly and served Asian style, it was tasty and light, complemented well by my drink selection. After consultation with the wait staff, I selected the fish trio. It was explained to me that the fish is generally locally purchased, straight from the boats, stored in their onsite refrigerator, and served as fresh as possible. The fish served to me was swordfish, spearfish, and I forgot the third. All three filets were very fresh and tasty, served with vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. I recommend and would return. Oh, by the way - as others have noted, the view is awesome! Parking is limited, plan your visit timing.
(4)
Linda S.
Fish salad was good, the house salad dressing was fantastic. My husband had the chopped steak and said it wasn't very good. Just average for the price. Service was okay, but didn't see much of the waitress. Made you feel that she came around at the last and all friendly just to get the tip. The other personnel were more helpful and friendly.
(3)
Jack S.
I was raised in Hawaii, visiting for the holidays, and I miss local style food. All I can say is meh - average at best. My kids both ordered adult saimin and it was just average. I bought the loco moco, and once again, nothing spectacular. My wife got the ahi plate lunch, and it was IMO overdone - perhaps our expectations of it being seared were off base and should have asked. The first server didn't remember our drink order, but the one that took over on a shift change was very nice. The view is great, but that's about it. At best average, and I love Sam's cook books. You're better off going to somewhere like Big Island Grill in Kailua for a stick-to-the-ribs meal.
(2)
Robert E.
The food was way overpriced for the quality. I had the fish and chips "special" and there was so much grease left on the fish it had started to pool under the fish and the fries and make everything soggy with quickly cooling oil. The view is spectacular, but the food is NOT! I think you would be better off saving the cash and catching the sunset from the beaches with a filet of fish from McDonalds's, it would certainly be less greasy.
(2)
Becky B.
We had breakfast and dinner here. Great food at an affordable price. The service was excellent. The bonus was the beautiful sunset.
(4)
Leslie D.
Four of us had dinner at Sam Choy's on the night before we left Kona and headed home. It has a wonderful view perched up on a hill above the harbor. All 4 of us loved our dinners. Mine was a crusted Ono that was absolutely delicious. My husband loved his Ahi salad. The view is fabulous as was the sunset. It is open on 3 sides and even though we weren't literally sitting on the patio, we felt like we were outside, too. We will definitely return when we visit Kona again.
(5)
Darrell B.
My wife and I ate here after she had some dental work done so we came to sip on a drink while we enjoyed their amazing view of the ocean. Everything was good overall but our waiter, Rick, was simply not paying attention. First, we told him that we just wanted to take our time after ordering a couple of Lava Flows but he showed up five minutes later and asked if we wanted to order yet. I reminded him that my wife had just had dental work done and was waiting for her numbness to go away which was what I told him the first time. Any way the drinks were good and their menu is really impressive and creative. As we sat sipping on our drinks we could see the plates coming out to the tables and they all looked good especially the salads. But once again, Rick just wasn't paying attention. We ordered the Moi Moi Saimin and the Fried Poke plate. However the waiter brought us the Fried Poke appetizer and not the plate and when we told him he got all defensive instead of just making it right. That stinks! The food was good but waiters that don't pay attention can ruin a dining experience. I would have given a 5 star but the waiter's indifference were a real negative.
My parents and I split a few different plates and left happy and not too stuffed, but VERY satisfied. A few glasses of $5 dollar wine and a cucumber martini, along with complimentary salad, rolls, and egg drop miso soup whetted our appetite for the next courses. We got two appetizers: the calamari, which had some nice tentacley pieces and a really good sauce, and the special of the day, fried poke balls. The sauce for the poke balls was AMAZING, really different. Then a trio of fresh FRESH fish-butterfish, swordfish, and I hate to admit that I forgot what the third was. But OMG. Another amazing sauce (how does Sam do it?). Anyway, finished with a bread pudding dessert, which I politely declined- not into sweets- but it looked decadent. An amazing dinner for 3, total cost $80. plus tip. AND they have the most beautiful bathrooms I've ever seen, if you're into that sort of thing. And a great view. And great service. We'll be back tomorrow.
(5)
John A.
The best time to come here is right before sunset, Sam Choy's has a nice view overlooking the ocean. For food, I had the Macadamia nut chicken with Stella on tap : )
(4)
Stone W.
I ordered the fresh fish trio. I LOVE fresh local fish. The monjong had no flavor. The sea bass had an unpleasant flavor. The mahimahi was good. My dog will enjoy the sea bass and monjong in the morning. Our waiter took our order and we didn't see him again until our plates were cleared. Even the coffee was mediocre. In Kona! What was good? My hubby's filet mignon and the view.
(1)
Sam G.
Football on Saturday? Awesome view and sunset over the Pacific Ocean? Happy hour with a classmate reunion hundreds of miles away from home? Sam Choy made it all possible. And to top it off the 49ers spanked the Packers to advance to the NFC division championship. We sat at the bar and had the best view of the TVs, although no sound. The pupus were real good; we split Brie fried wontons, Kona style chicken wings, and fried calamari. Drinks were good too, except for the fact that I ordered a longboard and was charged an extra $1.50 because the computer locks out the happy hour prices once 5pm hits. It was surely before 5pm, but there was no arguing. Come early to get a good parking spot well before sunset! Believe me, everyone is thinking the same thing: dinner and a sunset. :)
(4)
Randy P.
We're repeat customers but were very disappointed in our meal this trip. Lamb chops were mostly raw instead of medium rare, and the accompanying pasta was covered in a heavy cream sauce...too heavy and thick. My wife's fish dish got mixed up, and despite being replaced with another fish dish, she still didn't end up with what the waiter had described. And even then it was on the dry side and not very tasty. The green salad on the front end and the ice cream at the end were both good, but the meal in between was not. The bar service is excellent and the view superb.
(2)
Joe C.
What a view! I'm not a stickler for restaurant interiors, but holy crap, I don't know if I've ever eaten at a more beautiful restaurant. Granted, it's basically a giant patio with stunning views of the Pacific, but still, hard to top that. As for the food, yeah, it's a little on the pricey side, but my family and I ate here twice and both times were good. We came for dinner one night and lunch on another day and neither was a disappointment. The cocktails were also tasty, so be sure to sip on a Blue Hawaiian or Mai Tai while enjoying the view. This was one of the more "touristy" places we ate, but not annoyingly so. If you've got the money to spend, I'd recommend it for the view alone. If you're on a budget, there are more affordable options.
(4)
Keira M.
I'm surprised that Sam Choy's has only accrued three and a half stars. While it's not the best dining I've ever experienced, it was really, really delicious with ambiance that's hard to beat! Our vacation rental owners suggested we try Sam Choy's for a nice meal on our last night in the area and it didn't disappoint. This open-air restaurant overlooks the entire bay and I imagine it would be stellar at sunset. Some of the outdoor tables even include a fire pit! Tiki torches are everywhere and aloha hospitality isn't hard to find. My fiance and I both had Mai tais with coconut-crusted shrimp to start. Awesome! He had the fish trio (ahi tuna, mahi mahi and some kind of swordfish - two out of three he loved). I opted for the macadamia nut-crusted chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes and I couldn't shovel it into my mouth fast enough! It might not be the crème de la crème of dining in Kailua-Kona, but I am quite certain that if we lived in the area, it would be our regular spot for a delicious, casual meal with a touch of romance. The ocean breezes certainly don't hurt either.
(4)
michael m.
We loved this place so much we ate there twice in one day. We started with the Sunday buffet brunch, which was great. Then, decided to come back for dinner. The pork loin was INCREDIBLE.
(4)
Stephanie M.
The service was very slow as it took almost 20 minutes for our waitress to take even our drink order. Sam came by our table at this time but didn't ask how the service was. The food was pretty good but service was definitely negligent of our table. The waitress seemed very nice I believe the issue is most likely due to significant understaffing.
(3)
Anthony G.
Bang for the buck not a bad deal. However, they shut down half the kitchen during their dinner service and it slowed down everyone's order. The food and wine were good. The view is nice. My only negative comments are the server left us waiting forever for the ticket and she had seen us several times while waiting. Not sure what happened there, but I was overall pretty happy with the place.
(4)
Roy Y.
Come here just for the views. My wife got the fish trio and it was terribly overcooked... All three of the fish! The calamari was overlooked as well.
(2)
Lindsey B.
Great view! Good food!
(4)
Ash P.
Ok don't misjudge the place with my 3 stars reviews. I am giving 3 stars only because of the limited very limited vegetarian dishes. The hostess was very sweet and the server was also very nice. The lanai was a wonderful place to sit to eat breakfast,lunch or dinner. My husband and I went there for breakfast and there was loco moco with tofu and hash browns and toast as our only option. So we ordered it, but rice in loco moco at 9 in the morning made me kinda sick. It tasted good, a bit heavy on the creamy sauce. Oh yes! The 1/2 papaya with lime was delicious. So if you are a vegetarian like I am, no eggs or meat or seafood or chicken etc..etc..don't go there. I am sure the non- vegetarians would love this place but a tree hugger like myself not so much.
(3)
J H.
Food is not bad, pretty good, interesting service... some really nice and some not so friendly. I would give it four stars but the service wasn't as great as it should be. View and ambience is nice though.
(3)
Joy I.
Decided to dine here to celebrate my mom's birthday. We had reservations for 12 noon and was seated right away. We had to wait about 20 minutes before someone came to take our order and another 30 minutes for our food. I wouldn't have minded the wait if the food was worth waiting for. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Service was mediocre, at best. No one checked on us the entire time that we were there and the restaurant wasn't busy at all. Two stars are for the open air atmosphere and amazing view. Food was average..... really nothing to write home about. Won't be back soon.
(2)
Kenneth S.
Sorry.... Waiting almost 30 minutes for an appetizer just to be told they had to defrost it and it will be out soon....... Not good.
(1)
Joan P.
Hesitantly got a decent table for 2 after trying to give us a not so nice table letting us now they reserve the others for those who made reservation !!! Had to walk over a spill on the floor, 10 mins at table no water or drink order ,not impressed with the menu items and high prices, saw another older couple getting the table they tried to give us, we got up gave them our table, walked over the spill ( not a team player company someone should have dried the spill the liability in hand ) walked out and on our way out we got a thank you goodnight !!!! No clue..... Nice view but the ambience is very snotty!!! Went right down to the Chicago Italian restaurant, service was great food was delicious and they where on top if they're game !!! Bring these cooks and service to SAMs and it would be a win win .....
(1)
Joey C.
Can't beat the view. Menu is small I mean very small. Food is tasty and Ahi cuts were good without stringy muscle. Calamari was excellent, dry not greasy. Wings were so so and the salad was as well. No S Choy signature kimchee fried rice on the dinner menu. Big disappointment.
(3)
Beau H.
Outstanding.
(5)
Whitney B.
Great ambiance, looking out over the ocean in a large, covered patio. Food is solid, with. Good array of choice.
(3)
Roy H.
People go here for the view which is awesome, especially at sunset. We got a table outside where they have comfy seats and a fire pit in the middle of the table. Perfect for watching the sun go down. The place is upscale, so expect to pay for that. But the food is delicious. I had the special ono rolls tempura style and they were amazing. My daughters had the macadamia nut chicken and the lamb chops which were tasty. My husband had Pork Katsu and he enjoyed that as well. Service was top notch. Everything was excellent and the sunset was amazing.
(4)
Jeff R.
When my family visited from the mainland, we all traveled from Oahu to the Big Island for some much needed rest and relaxation. Since my stepfather is a foodie (and I consider myself to be one as well), we headed over to Sam Choy's based on name recognition; I knew very little about this location otherwise. The first thing that you notice when you arrive is the spectacular view. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset. You have a panoramic view of the ocean and it is a great place for visitors to get a good sunset photo; just wait your turn as everyone else is snapping shots too. :) My main complaint with the restaurant is that I felt that the service was rushed. Even though we had a later reservation and there were open tables, we felt like the waitress was trying to turn the table over as fast as possible. If we had kept up with her, we could have been out the door less than 30 minutes from arrival. The entrees were served while we were only half finished with the pupus; we were asked for our orders 2 minutes after being provided a menu, and even the coffee was pressed before it had a chance to actually turn into coffee. The food was good overall, but left something to be desired compared to my preconceived expectations based on chef Sam Choy's notoriety across the country. I was also a little "confused" by the entrees; while I was expecting Asian flavors to be more present in the food, other influences to be more prominent. I ordered the lamb chops which were served on top of a pasta with a Alfredo-like sauce. I felt that the entree 'missed' the target on this and it would have made a lot more sense to have paired the lamb with a fried saimin or rice. This isn't to say that the pasta wasn't good, i just don't think it was a good pairing with the lamb considering how the lamb was prepared. Overall, the food was good but not spectacular. However, it was the service that will keep me from visiting again on my next trip to Kona.
(2)
Martha M.
Food was ok, but not our cup of tea. Lovely view though.
(4)
Bob E.
Come for the view not for the food or service.
(1)
Sean C.
Go for one thing: The view. Ok, the service was great too, but unfortunately going to an up-scale, spendy restaurant, the menu's creativity needs to shine; especially from the likes of such well known talent as Scotty and Sam (who seems to spend less time in the kitchen and more time on the floor). A beautiful ocean view, with a pronounced shopping center view below the restaurant (if on a lanai edge seat). North side has a couple open fire pit tables with best view seats. Drinks were on par for what you'd expect at the price range, decent but nothing to blog about, 3 stars. Wine prices were not too obtuse. Food was less than exciting, limited options and not at all imaginative. Perhaps expected from a place that is open Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; but not for the entree prices and competition in the areas. Sadly because of both these reasons, you won't find any locals here beyond the staff.
(2)
Ken A.
My wife and I stopped in for a couple of drinks but left before finishing our first. The good: The view is beautiful and the atmosphere is vibrant. The service was good. The bad: Unfortunately the two drinks we ordered are not accurately reflected on the menu. Might I suggest that the Pineapple Island Sangria be described as pineapple flavored water. And the Lava Rock Margarita either has the smoothest tequila I've ever had... or none. My guess is nada.
(3)
Laura W.
The restaurant of this noted local chef offered little that seemed original. We did have a fantastic healthy starter - the edam hummus with a fresh taste and delicious texture. Since I cannot eat dairy, I asked for their 3 fish entree, but instead of having any sauce at all offered that was non-dairy it was presented plain and grilled on white rice. The waiter suggested this and I asked about anything with olive oil or aoili or some seasoning, but it still came pretty dry and plain. It was just fine and very healthy. If you are looking for healthy as a priority they do a good job. the waiter was great and they had good music.
(3)
Shohreh E.
Very noisy if you are there in the evening...this must be the place where everyone tries to be, the location is high above Keauhou beach area, lovely view, torches in the evening make it look very exotic. We went mid afternoon to eat and were not disappointed the fish was very fresh and well prepared.
(5)
Kate P.
Great ambiance, pleasant service, the food is close to amazing. I would recommend this to everyone staying in this area. Try the Lava Flow cocktail, and some calamari - absolutely wonderful! We also got to meet the owner who came to our table to say hello. Also, it is very open and gives you an excellent view of the sunset.
(4)
Brandy B.
BEAUTIFUL restaurant! FABULOUS VIEW! Glad I stopped in! We were staying at the Sheraton Keauhou and drove past Sam Choy's Kai Lanai on our way back toward Kailua town for dinner. After driving around indecisively, we decided to head back and just dine in the hotel. Just before we passed the restaurant again, we decided to give it a try. I recommend calling in a reservation. We waited about 30 minutes for a table on a busy Saturday night. That wait ended up being well worth it. We got a table outside on the lanai. The ocean view was just heavenly, and it our meal took it beyond. Our server, Arthur, was friendly, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable of all the dishes on the menu and on special. I tried the Berry Mango Mojito, and wasn't too pleased. It tasted to me like I was chewing raspberry- and mint-flavored gum, and I couldn't taste a bit of rum. However, this small yuck was not enough to break my 5-star rating. We started off with the Fried Ahi Poke; seared perfectly. As I prefer raw fish to cooked, this was awesome. The soy sauce blend that topped it made it's way down to the lettuce bed, and my husband totally cleaned the plate! We were served warm sweet rolls (the coconut bits in the rolls were pleasant,) soup, and salad. The best part! I ordered the Ka'u Orange Duck with Mashed Potatoes. I love duck and had not had it in years. I knew from first glance at the menu that I would be ordering this dish! It was fantastic! A sweet glaze on top, but it was far from overpowering; it complemented the duck so nicely. It was so good, I wanted to force myself to finish my entire plate, but I couldn't do it! HUGE portion includes a breast piece and a leg, bone-in. I did save some room, however, to taste my husband's Oriental Lamb Chops. I have never tried lamb before, and this was as delish as my entree was. The marinade was 'ono! I will have to try to make my own version of this! And the bed of pasta it sits on was perfectly cooked and seasoned. We were closed out with the same service we entered upon. If you're in the area, call in your reservation, and dine here! Request a table on the lanai (if the sky is clear.) It's lovely!
(5)
Leanne K.
Excellent views, awesome bartender David he was very personable! Had the Calamari, chicken Wings, Poki Salad and Bento. All great flavor!
(5)
Jackie H.
Great views of Keauhou, lovely decor but the food was only just ok. Compared to prices and what you get I would recommend going elsewhere. If you go here you go for the views and the ambiance. The food is edible and some of it is tasty but nothing that would require a return visit. I feel its more of a tourist place based on style of decor even and the food. I would go for the view but nothing else really. Saimin left much to be desired. My auntie had an ahi dish which she said was ok. My mom had a combo plate with terri chicken, mahi mahi and something else which i forget. The mahi mahi was good, but the chicken was only just ok. Try other places in Kona first as you can find places with much better food and still great views
(3)
James F.
Stopped for a late lunch and asked for table with a view because if we were going to pay the prices we expected we at least wanted a good view. Surprise number one - much lower menu prices than anticipated for pupus, main courses, sandwiches, drinks, etc. Surprise number two - absolutely wonderful food with generous portions. We ordered seared ahi poke and brie won ton appetizers and noodle mania with fish (served in a huge taco shell). If/when we return we would order the exact same items. The ahi and fish were done to perfection and the brie won tons were fantastic. All the respective sauces were complementary to their dishes and didn't overwhelm them. Saving the best for last was the mud pie dessert covered with whipped cream and sprinkled with macadamia nut bits and surrounded by chocolate/caramel sauce. And the view was great. Thank you to the manager and our server Megan for a truly wonderful experience.
(5)
Gisele A.
Food was good, view was amazing. Service was very pleasant, albeit a little slow. :)
(4)
Cheryl K.
Food was good. Service needs a lot of improvement. We had to ask for everything.
(3)
Christina O.
On our last morning in Hawaii, we woke up early to catch breakfast at Sam Choy's. Service 3/5: They were friendly, but forgot the toast with our omelet, syrup and butter with our french toast, and our drinks until reminded. Food 4/5: We had a tropical twist on french toast, which included guava and taro flavors. It was absolutely delicious and it came with a coconut syrup (YUM!). We also ordered the fresh fish omelet and the rice and chicken, which were both pretty ordinary. Drinks 4/5: We ordered a mimosa and berry mango mojito. The mimosa was average, but the mojito was the best mojito I have ever had. Chunks and raspberry and mango floated within it and I couldn't help but eat and drink every last bit! Ambiance 4/5: The view was beautiful. We could see the entire Kona coast and were seated at a table with a small fire pit. The environment was great and relaxing for our last morning.
(4)
Howard M.
So glad to see Sam is back on Big Island. Tried the FRIED poke (oxymoron?) and coulda died right there, sooooooo good! The view is spectacular and the wait staff was eager to please. Hubby got the three-fish dinner and we loved it. Sides were average but the fish was cooked to perfection.
(4)
Warburg L.
Ambiance is nice. Big portions on the food but the taste is average. The food was a bit too sweet for me. Ordered the butter fish and the beef short ribs. Dishes were well presented just didn't taste as good as it looked.
(3)
Denise L.
This was our first stop off the plane to get lunch! Beautiful location - lanai gives you the most relaxing view. Good service they took care of us. The food was really good-tasty. We had the chicken salad, lamb curry & teriyaki chicken. All good. No complaints. Great place to sit and enjoy a first meal in Kona.
(4)
Richard G.
"Never trust a skinny chef" is what Sam would say. Now that Sam has lost the pounds, it appears this is very true. I have run into Sam in Oahu and on the Big Island several times in last 20 years. I have been to many of Sam's places over the years and have always enjoyed my meal. I have also been upset when they closed. When the Sam's closed in Kona, I told him he needed to open again on the Big Island. The old Wendy's was the perfect location and my expectations were high. My visit today was beyond disappointing. It was pathetic! Sam, you need to fix this place right now! The food my family was served was horrible! We ordered fish and chips. The fish was dry and had no flavor. The fries arrived as a soggy pile of grease! The ribs were dry and tough. The beef stir fry bowl had way more fat than beef. It also had very little flavor. I used to love your food Sam, but this food is not good at all! Please fix this now. I will not be back to any Sam Choy's soon.
(1)
Katherine K.
I wasn't impressed by the yelp reviews on this place but since its so close to our house in Kona we figured we'd try it. We went here on a weekend for breakfast and opted for the breakfast buffet. The buffet was nicer than expected and had its fair share of meatless options (vegetarian). It was only a few dollars more than ordering off the menu so it wasn't a rip off like most buffets. The food was good, well worth it.
(5)
Nuch P.
over rated when it comes to food and definitely a tourist trap. things were over fried and too sweet for my taste. my friend ordered something that looked like fried breasted chicken and she thought it was tasteless. the sauce that came with it was ketchup mixed with A1 sauce (oyyyyy). we also order fried wonton with cheese inside.... ehhhh. i ordered the trio fish dish.....(boring). although, i enjoyed their raw ahi appetizer very much. it was fresh and a nice portion. our waiter wasn't that great but the other staff members were wonderful. it's just not worth it. the view? what view? just not worth the hype
(1)
Sarah A.
Loved this place! Since we've been here it's been consistent and yummy. The view is beautiful and we've never had to wait too long for a table. The noodle bowl, teriyaki burger, and fried rice have been some of our favorites. Their chicken plate lunch was really good too, especially after having a bad experience at L&L. Highly recommended:)
(4)
Ron W.
What a view! Fish (Ahi) salad was excellent. Bartender was great. Just a bit pricey but we knew that going in.
(4)
Bruce N.
Seafood stir fry was great, kind of like old school 'chow mein' but tasted great with lots of seafood...also only $11!
(4)
Steve R.
Despite some of the poor reviews, we found the food quite good and a reasonable price for Kona-Keauhou. I had the lamb chops which were done perfectly and had a most excellent sweet yet peppery marinade. Really good. My wife had the fish trio and she said two of the three were really good as well. My daughter had the keiki loco moco which she liked... a rarity. Overall a great value for the Keauhou area.
(4)
Czarina S.
Had dinner with my man & another couple here a few days after it opened. The earliest reservation we could get was at 8 which was a no no so we settled in for 5:45 since we wanted to go at 6 anyway. We were seated right away so that was pretty exciting. Among us, we ordered the calamari & edamame hummus to start with. They were ok, the pita chips could be better. A lot better! I had my mojito to wash it down. And then a bottle of wine. I ordered the rib eye medium well and I enjoyed it a lot. I was sad when I wasn't given a side but as I dug into my meat, the mashed potatoes surfaced. Oh yea, they also gave us bread. (nothing memorable though, but it was ok) The BF ordered the laulau and was underwhelmed. Our friend was vegetarian, and although not on the menu, was given limited options. She ended up with the chow mein from the meat. She said it tasted like Panda Express noodles. heehee. Her husband ordered the NY strip and enjoyed it as well. I like the deep fried ice cream we got!! Will I be back? Yea, why not.. I will get the rib eye once again though.
(3)
Randolph M.
I would have given it a zero but the option was not listed.Went in on valentines day and did not have a res.I was told it would be 20-30 min wait and she handed me a pager.We went to the bar and ordered drinks.Half hour later no page.We orderd another drink and hour passed no page.After sitting at the bar for one and a half hours the bar maid asked us if we were here for dinner and I explained.She said I will find out.The hostess said we werent even on the waiting list and ten minutes later we were escourted to the worst table in the rest.We were not offered any comp for our wait and we walked out.I will not reccomend to anyone.Randolph Muller
(1)
Felicia C.
Came to Kailua Kona for a week and we came to Sam Choy's 4/6 days we were there. Twice for breakfast and twice for lunch. We ordered everything (there was 4 of us)! From the loco moco, steak and eggs, pancake sandwich, fried rice and eggs, fresh fish salad, char siu and mushroom omelette, bento box, beef stew, etc.. The view is amazing!!! and the prices are SO reasonable! The food is fresh and tasty! If I were to write a review on everything we had there, this review would be 10pages long! I can't believe it's only been opened for 3 months and it used to be a Wendys!! I'd go to that Wendys with the extraordinary view they have, but I'm glad Sam Choy's is there! I met the Chef de Cuisine, Scott, and he was adorable! My friend and I hoped we'd be allowed into the kitchen... maybe next time! Can't wait to return to Kona and go to Sam Choy's!
(4)
David S.
We had our anniversary dinner there on 9/11/2011. The place just opened the weekend and the waiter was terrible. We ordered appetizers and dinner and they ended up arriving to the table at the same time. The food was good but we felt that the waiter was the biggest problem, he did not know the menu and offered us no alternatives with the appetizer. I should have refused the appetizer and just went with dinner. Timing is off, waiter was very inefficient and did not know the menu at all. I could have done better serving the dinner than he did off the street. Did not go back, nice view. lousy experience.
(2)
Dan N.
Worst experience ever. I will explain why I gave one star at the end of this review. I am a regular at Toys, Tommy Bahamas, Ruth Chris etc... The service was okay other than the fact that the people of earners refills had to ask us if we wanted refills every 2 minutes, how about this..... If the drinks are empty refill them in a person in the world I wouldn't want to refill my drink is they are still eating so asking them questions is useless. The hummus was very good and the calamari was a bit bland. I ordered a fish trio entree and added 3 prawns, but my promise just looks like jumbo shrimp they were head and tail on there was absolutely nothing special about them whatsoever accept the fact that they were $35 to add three of them Al la carte.... This is a very special meal for me and my family as I was leaving the island the next day this is our goodbye meal and the food was good but way overpriced, the service is OK. Now let's talk about what ruined it for me because if it was just about the food and the service I would have probably left three stars or maybe even 4. We had for adults and two small children at our table and we had a 300 dollar meal which was no problem at all but I was extremely offended by the fact that the waiter added gratuity not because I couldn't afford the 18 percent I would have actually left him about 40 percent in cash had he not of done that, but after speaking to the manager about the gratuity policy as it pertains a small children picture before with 2 kids I learned the gratuity is at the servers discretion, SO PAUL OUR SERVER PROFILED US. How do I know I was profiled because I have been working in the five star ultra fine dining restaurant industry my entire life and this gentleman at a good to the tourist because he thought we were trash /that we would not tip, so he chose to add the 18 percent I left extra money on top of that because I had class, but unfortunately this restaurant has no class because if I was a server waiting on for adults and two small children there is no way I would ever ask for 2d to a party of 4 with 2 kids especially after finding out if the server discretion and this guy must have been a moron because anybody that borders hi and menu items and adds expensive additions obviously has class and obviously has money. The server cost himself about $50 cause that's how much more he would have made if you have not added the gratuity to me. And the restaurant cause them selves my business, the business of all of my upscale family that lives here on the island, the business of all my friends throughout the US to visit here regularly I am giving this place a red flag inviting everyone not to eat here.... So if you want to spend $300 on an average meal: and be insulted at the end of your experience this place is perfect. I would strongly advise anybody that wants a nice meal to go to Roys in waikaloa or Tommy Bahamas in Mauna Lani. The manager was not apologetic at all elbow I told her I was offended by what happened so take my advice people do not eat here. And to Mr. Sam Choy: you are a genius and I respect you greatly as a chef and a person and you have a wonderful restaurants in a great business, but your manager lady is a moron and in combination with the wait staff these people are giving you a bad name. Horrible.. never again....
(1)
Tom L.
So my girlfriend and I went to Sam Choy's new restaurant on the 6th day that it was open. And let me tell you it was busy. I had no idea, but Sam Choy is the local celebrity chef on the islands. So to start this out the restaurant is located south of the downtown portion of Kailua-Kona. In fact it is behind a little strip mall/movie theater. I was a little skeptical at first seeing the location then I went inside the restaurant. Holy cow this place has a magnificent view of the ocean. Great place to go for a sunset dinner. Anyways the interior of the restaurant was has warm modern feel to it, with island influence. There is outdoor seating lined with tiki torches. The service at the restaurant was very good. The staff, everyone from the bus boys to the waiters, were very friendly. They were obviously still learning some of the dishes, but they were able to provide us with their favorites. Before ordering the staff will bring you a complimentary basket of bread as well as a small salad and bowl of soup. In this case it was a small bowl of vegetable soup. The soup was quite tasty. The menu for Sam Choy's new restaurant ranged from fish to steak. We started off with a calamari appetizer. It was simply breaded and seasoned then deep fried. On the side was spicy horse radish cocktail sauce. The calamari was tender and fresh. It tasted great. Probably the best that I've had in awhile. I order the rack of lamb. The lamb was marinated in a soy, cilantro, ginger, and pepper. It was set on a bed of linguine. The lamb was awesome. Tender yet moist inside. It had a slightly sweet taste to it that definitely brought out a great taste in the lamb. My girlfriend ordered the ahi tuna salad. SHe loved it. I had a taste of the tuna and it was cooked perfectly. Again tender, and moist. It wasn't overcooked at all. I would have to say that our meal at Sam Choy's new restaurant was fantastic. It is definitely worth the trip to the restaurant if you happen to be on the Big Island. Just make you make a reservation. If not you might be in for an hour wait. When I came back to the islands, I will make a stop here again.
(5)
Amelia A.
wasn't expecting much because of the 3 1/2 stars but we had a 5 star experience! the service and our waiter was awesome! gorgeous spot for sunset and everything we ordered was fabulous. the fried poke appetizer was da bomb! hubby loved his braised short ribs over chow mein. the trio of fish was a huge portion for me and I didn't care for the spearfish. the mahi mahi with shiitake butter sauce and rice and veggies was tasty. loved the tropical fruit cheesecake but had to take half of it home. Sam choys just became one of our latest big island fav restaurants!
(5)
Lexie D.
Food was good except one of our orders (fish) was not well cooked. Service is so-so. However, the view was simply breathtaking!
(3)
Collin W.
I actually really liked this place. It has an amazing view and the food is very good. The marinated ahi is really tasty under the pupu category. I had the pork katsu which was good but a little overlooked. The lamb chops are also very tasty
(4)
Gina S.
If I could give this a zero I would. The food was awful. The "garlic" mashed potatoes were tasteless. All the food was expensive but very low quality. Just a real disappointment.
(1)
Julie Z.
We live down the street from Sam Choy's and were elated when it opened. The fire pits overlooking the ocean were a draw from the get go. You can get a tasty glass of chard for less than $10 and in some cases, $5. Sure, the food prices after lunch are pricey. The breakfast was good and I have enjoyed lunch there a few times. Service is good and the place hops with buzz from the guests. Have not picked a signature dish to rave about yet..stay tuned...
(4)
SacBelle S.
Awesome views and the whole restaurant is open air. Definitely a great spot for sunset. We had live music when we were there. The food prices were reasonable $6-10 glass of wine. $16 and up on entrees. I had the fish trio and salad. Both were really good and what was expected for the price. I would definitely go again.
(4)
Maurice S.
Sooo good. I had the Bente which had chicken, teriyaki beef, spam, fresh fish, and egg over rice. Forgot to take a picture cuz I jumped right in and started eating. Sorry. Trust me...it was Yum!!!
(5)
Linda S.
Fish salad was good, the house salad dressing was fantastic. My husband had the chopped steak and said it wasn't very good. Just average for the price. Service was okay, but didn't see much of the waitress. Made you feel that she came around at the last and all friendly just to get the tip. The other personnel were more helpful and friendly.
(3)
Jack S.
I was raised in Hawaii, visiting for the holidays, and I miss local style food. All I can say is meh - average at best. My kids both ordered adult saimin and it was just average. I bought the loco moco, and once again, nothing spectacular. My wife got the ahi plate lunch, and it was IMO overdone - perhaps our expectations of it being seared were off base and should have asked. The first server didn't remember our drink order, but the one that took over on a shift change was very nice. The view is great, but that's about it. At best average, and I love Sam's cook books. You're better off going to somewhere like Big Island Grill in Kailua for a stick-to-the-ribs meal.
(2)
Robert E.
The food was way overpriced for the quality. I had the fish and chips "special" and there was so much grease left on the fish it had started to pool under the fish and the fries and make everything soggy with quickly cooling oil. The view is spectacular, but the food is NOT! I think you would be better off saving the cash and catching the sunset from the beaches with a filet of fish from McDonalds's, it would certainly be less greasy.
(2)
Becky B.
We had breakfast and dinner here. Great food at an affordable price. The service was excellent. The bonus was the beautiful sunset.
(4)
Leslie D.
Four of us had dinner at Sam Choy's on the night before we left Kona and headed home. It has a wonderful view perched up on a hill above the harbor. All 4 of us loved our dinners. Mine was a crusted Ono that was absolutely delicious. My husband loved his Ahi salad. The view is fabulous as was the sunset. It is open on 3 sides and even though we weren't literally sitting on the patio, we felt like we were outside, too. We will definitely return when we visit Kona again.
(5)
Daniel L.
My wife and I stayed at the Sheraton Kona and ended up coming here twice during our four day stay. The food is very good, and the view is spectacular. The decor is all very modern. The portions were quite generous, and the presentation was excellent. Would definitely recommend Sam Choy's if you're staying in Kona. The prices are reasonable and a much better value than resort food.
(4)
Daniel A.
Food was really good prices were expected to be what they were. You pay for that awesome view. Service was good. She could have stopped smoking about 30 years ago to help that raspy voice. But me or anyone in my party had any complaints.
(4)
Keoni D.
Excellent brie won ton and great food.....mahalo sam choy the trip from hilo was well worth the experience!!!!
(5)
Chris B.
I think it would be easy to throw stones at Sam Choy's but I can't. Yes, it is basically a Wendy's perched on a hill with a scenic overlook of both the ocean and a strip mall. On the other hand, our experience was quite lovely. We walked in late with two tired boys and a desire for a quick bite. Our waiter scooted us right through with some nice bites. Our food was good. At first, our 6 year-old didn't like the Mac and cheese and our waiter swapped it out with a smile for something he loved. So, pretty good Sam Choy's.
(3)
Ruth G.
We drive by here many times and thought this would be a nice restaurant to see the sunset from. We started with a calamari appetizer with a nice horseradish sauce. My husband had the macadamia nut chicken, which they had on a bed of rice and flavorful vegetables. It came with soup and a nice green salad. I had the macadamia nut mahi mahi, which came with white rice and flavorful vegetables. While we were there, we were treated to a wonderful sunset that only being Kona offers us. We also enjoyed the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. The servers were very helpful in helping us choose what to order and we were pleasantly surprised with the food choices. I would highly recommend this place for a fine dining experience!
(5)
Phil A.
Whenever your in the Big Island over at Kona, this is a must eat place. I think Sam Choy placed hawaiian cuisine in the map. I was not disappointed at all.
(4)
Kate L.
This place is so over rated. They could charge whatever they want because of the view they have. Fish was overcooked and service was OK. Maybe breakfast would be better. It's a small restaurant - we went to Fish Hopper the next night and the food blew Sam Choys out of the water and our bill was less with better service. We won't be going back to this place.
(2)
Dan C.
Second Best resturant on the BI....food is excellent and the staff from the parking lot guys to the servers are awesome. Thanks Chris an Eddie! Aloha My friends!
(5)
Ken A.
Sam Choy's is a rock solid dining choice for Kona and especially for the South end of Alii Drive in the Keauhou vicinity... where choices are honestly slim. The food is good and the service is attentive. The view is better for breakfast since the Kona haze/vog often sets in by mid to late afternoon. It isn't cheap to eat there but for Hawaii dining and the quality of food, I still call it a good value. We'll keep going when the occasion warrants!
(4)
Karen K.
Nice location. Bad service. Both my husband and I had ordered drinks, both were empty. Waitress offered my husband another drink and then ran off. When she came back my husband said "did you want another drink?" and she just left again. Food is not worth the price.
(3)
Ang F.
Good view and decent food, but overpriced for what you get. Also, the menu is very limited.
(3)
Cory B.
The worst meal I had on the Big Island, I took my wife for her birthday dinner, we ordered Macadamia Nut crusted Chicken, and Braised Short Rib, sounds good right? Wrong! 2 minutes after ordering Entrees that should have taken 15-20 to make (trust me I'm a red seal chef) our food arrived looking like it was slopped into a bowl like sludge, to me this means one thing; this food came from a steam table, it was bordering on inedible. I ate my short rib, but nothing else, my wife barely touched her plate, and our server was completely absent. The only saving grace is I waved down the Manager and explained who I was, and the situation, at which point she apologized and took care of the whole bill. Guess we should have had drinks. In conclusion, the chicken was so bad I wouldn't feed it to my dogs! And we turned down a free dessert offer fearing it too would only bring on more feelings of disappointment and sickness!
(1)
Eric V.
When we were in Hawaii, we would pass by this restaurant and make fun of it. "What restaurant owner is so ego centric that they have to name the restaurant after themselves," we would ask. Further, the place was next door to Long's Drugs -- how great could the place be? Despite our initial reaction, we noticed that the place was always packed. It wasn't until we left Hawaii that we had breakfast here and we finally understood why the place was always packed. Great view, prices were incredibly reasonable, portions were decent, staff was friendly, and the food tasted fine. If I spent enough time here, I'm sure I would be a Sam Choy convert.
(5)
Ken B.
Came in because there always seems to be lots of cars. Had a very nice meal (orange duck for my wife, and mahi mahi special for me). It was good and tasty. The portions are very generous for everything. We'd definitely come back. Waiter Paul was quite good to boot. Thanks.
(5)
Y C.
We had the (slightly) fried Poke lunch plate and another grilled fish lunch plate. Both are Ok, but portion was small. The fried chicken wing appetizer dish was surprisingly and extremely good at the first bite --- that might just have been the best bite of fried chicken wing that I had ever had; unfortunately, it became a little too sweet for when I was finishing my third piece.
(4)
Shawn P.
I like this place. Great drinks, nice staff, decent food... AWESOME view! The specials are def worth listening for, as a fisherman i know that the albacore tuna are running around Kona right now, and their specials were featuring it, always a good thing!and the deserts are rad.... Not a bad place for an after dinner drink and desert....
(4)
Steven G.
Fish was over done, pupus were horrendous, duck was oily. View was good, but the vog killed it. Would I come back? No
(2)
C. L. T.
The food was good. We had the delicious pot stickers to start and the Duck and the fish special. Portions are generous. Halfway through dinner, two ukulele musicians sat a table away and played and sang for about an hour as the sun went down and it was dark. Very good service and Sam Choy trains local Kona boys to eventually become chefs. Overall a very nice experience.
(4)
Deborah G.
Best teriyaki chicken I've ever had; the oriental dressing on the salad was clearly made on site and YUM.....Wait staff was so friendly. I'll be back! This is NOT Haute Cuisine, it's more like Paula Deen Hawaiian.
(4)
Daniel K.
Food wasn't as great as the view from the resturaunt was the best thing.
(3)
Brandi K.
We LOVE SAM CHOY'S!!! The food is great the view amazing and we love the staff. We always looking forward to our favorite fish and Macademia Nut Chicken. Yummy great for whale watching.
(4)
Nor C.
I gave this place many tries for breakfast, lunch and several dinners. I was continually disappointed with the food and the service. Flavors are more geared for tourists with bland palates. The rib eyes were extra fatty and not in a good way. Deserts did nothing for me... I'd rather have gotten an ice cream down the road for 1/3 of the price. The blueberry pancakes were soaked in a blueberry "syrup" that wasn't syrup but a blueberry sauce make with cornstarch. Lunch was the best of all (but not GREAT) with a salad topped with the fish of the day. The service was totally slow even with the restaurant not even 1/3 full. The view is amazing but I guess if you are on vacation that would be a selling point.
(2)
Bruce P.
First night in Hawaii. We got to Sam's right before they closed so didn't have to wait. Drinks were good, salad was good. View was beautiful. I was disappointed with the menu. It was really limited. At the waitress's suggestion, I ate the boneless ribs. Much to my surprise, at Sam's, boneless ribs look and taste just like over salted pot roast. I thought it was spendy for what we got. Ever hear of 'blackened tofu?' My girlfriend tried it and found the seasonings way too overpowering for tofu. No more Sam's for us.
(2)
Emily A.
I've lived in Hawaii my entire life and the B52 bomber that landed in my hair at dinner, should have been my sign. It was the biggest one I have seen in years! What a joke of a restaurant. There seems to be plenty of staff members, but they all seem to congregate and spend their time socializing with one another. Very tacky. Then they load their foods with salt, salt and more salt. If that isn't enough they add tons of sugar too, its no wonder people think its good. Meanwhile their filling it with all sorts of extra calories. Its a shame that with such a beautiful location they are blowing it! Instead, head down the road to Kona Country Club (open to public), they serve a wonderful breakfast and great Bloody-Mary. And the view is impossible to beat.
(1)
Sam D.
Our server Chris was a great lady and charming person. She recommended the ribs, for pupu's the stir fry dinner for my wife and she said they had good burgers! The ribs we tasty but dry no moisture! The stir fry fish had great flavor and very ample portion. "the burger" I ordered med rare checking with Chris that I would have pink in the middle. What arrived was a very dead well done cow! I showed Chris and she immediately agreed and returned said cow with a request that the burger be cooked RARE this time! After 15 min new burger arrived more well done than the first one! Chris removed from bill and we will never return! It is a step up from the Wendy's that was at the same location but not much! My recommend is have a drink enjoy the view don't eat the food!!!!
(1)
Chuck A.
Sam Choy's is a fun spot with polite, efficient and friendly staff. We loved the view and open air seating. The fish and chips were excellent (highlighted by an aioli dipping sauce). The waffle fried ice cream....oh my, oh my!!
(4)
Beth J.
The only thing good was the view! The food was horrible!! Pigs feet are not pork loin. I almost vomitted when I ordered pork tender loin and got pigs feet! Where is chef Ramsey! He needs to visit this place.
(2)
Vish N.
Service was good and the food was ok. Maybe a little on the pricy side but the view (sunset) was outstanding and worth it!
(4)
Nancy O.
Great experience at Sam Choy's for dinner. We were seated out along the edge of the terrace (a beautiful spot) and our waiter was solicitous and helpful. Dinner was the best on the island so far: I had the fish salad with a light sesame dressing and my husband had the short ribs. We split (meaning I ate) the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was divine and I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Eric D.
I will not be recommending this place. The food was good, but the service was horrible. At 5 star prices, I expect 5 star service. Sorry Sam, your staff does not do your food justice. Getting seated with reservations was troublesome... we had no waitress assigned to our table, the manager who took our order failed to put it in, the waitress who finally came to our table never checked up on us, and while the manager was apologetic throughout the night, he did nothing to fix the shoddy service as dinner progressed. The views are nice, but then its Hawaii and every place has a nice view. There are plenty of choices for dining in the area. Check out Kaliua for a great experience, because this place fell way short.
(2)
Eitaro A.
I've always wanted to try Sam Choy's restaurant in Honolulu, but never had a chance until this week in Kona. I went there two days in a row for lunch one day and dinner the other. You just can't go wrong with Sam Choy and It met my expectations. I absolutely recommend it. Awesome location as well.
(5)
Doug W.
Reasonable food. It was higher end than the downtown kona places and would likely have a nice view at about 1700 to 1900. We were there after dark so there was no view. Table outside is the way to go. Seemed like a special occasion type of place for a lot of people. Shoyu poke was good. Ahi salad was also good. Service was very good but they weren't busy. Make a reservation if you want an outside table at 1800.
(4)
Michelle S.
One star for the view and one star because Auntie comped our meal. Beef patty in the loco moco was chewy, tough, and inedible. Hollandaise was so lemony it made me sick after a few bites. Rating is for breakfast only; this was our first time eating here.
(2)
Cherry G.
Best ahi salad I have ever had. The waitress suggested I try all three dressing- I did and liked them all. The sunset, service and food made for a perfect evening.
(4)
Paul L.
Three couples had dinner together at Sam Choy's on 5mar13 and again on 5mar13. The service was excellent and the food was outstanding. The LauLau was a particular hit, and several of us agree this was the best restaurant we tried in Hawaii. It helps to have such a beautiful view, but the service and food quality set this restaurant above the rest.
(5)
J B.
This is a tourist spot, make no mistake. It is in the same parking lot as a grocery store and a Long's Drugs in an area very populated with tourists. There was so much hype that we felt like we needed to give it a shot. We did not have a bad experience, the atmosphere is nice and the view is nice, but we definitely did not love it. I did like the open air dining feel. The entire restaurant opens up with big roll up doors. The decor is nice, the restaurant is clean and attractive and the service was friendly. The menu had some interesting options, but the food was pretty mediocre. We ordered a chicken noodle bowl (Noodlemania) and a beef stew omelet. Both were edible, but not fantastic. I wish there was a rating between two and three stars, which I think would be more fair. This place is not great and I wouldn't refer anyone to come here and we will probably not return.
(2)
Imi B.
Nice views. I would go for their Eggs Benedict, Panipopo Pancakes, Mojito, and Mehana Kihoi! They no longer serve those options for breakfast, and menu was replaced with a simple breakfast menu and buffet :( Haven't been back in a long time. Drinks & Appetizers are what I would suggest, because the quality of the food and preparation is just ok.
(2)
frances c.
Beautiful view of the sunset with outdoor seating. Food was delicious.
(4)
Mary L.
This is one of the best places i have been to in a long time. the service was EXCELLENT..... we eat dinner here 3 nights and breakfast here 2 mornings in a row. we also had our reception wedding dinner here for 30 ppl. and they were on top of everything. and what can I say about the view..... overall a great spot to be at.....
(5)
Robinson O.
The Sam's special is awesome! All the food was great! Service was excellent!
(5)
Lily C.
Great spot! We had a great dinner experience. Came early because we didn't have a reservation but only had a short wait. Very full menu and friendly and attentive wait staff. Fun drinks and appetizers. Great seafood and non seafood choices too. But the view is the best part we were there at sunset and really enjoyed it.
(4)
Yasmin V.
A MUST VISIT restaurant! FRIED RICE and Eggs for breakfast is a must have...SOOOOOO yummy! Have the BLOODY MARY, by all means... probably the best I have ever tasted. My husband raves about the omelets- light, fluffy and tasty served on a bed of potatoes and onions. PRESENTATION is a 10 and still means alot here, even for breakfast and I can really appreciate that! A MINUS is that they don't serve fresh squeezed juice... why not?? My paddling friends go here often and the prices are reasonable and the portions hearty enough to satisfy your hunger when you are done with your workout. Of course, the views and being able to sit outdoors, semi outdoors or indoors is a huge plus.
(4)
Anna T.
The sunset view at Sam Choy's was great. The food wasn't bad. We tried the baby back ribs as an appetizer. It was average. My boyfriend had the duck. One part of the duck was good. The other part was rubbery. I had the fish trio. The dish was tasty and the size of the plate was worth the $29.00. Drinks were average (Mai tai and blue hawaiian). Our waiter was a friendly and attentive guy from Georgia.
(3)
Nicole A.
You know it's good when I spent the next few days after asking my husband if we could go back and eat at Sam Choy's again! Here's the ironic part: neither of us are seafood people but we loved this place! The katsu pork is right up there with the top 5 things that I've ever eaten and well, let's just say I like to eat! My husband had the macadamia crusted chicken and enjoyed it and my kids loved their chicken tenders. The chicken for my kids was real chicken vs. that gross stuff that so many places pass off as chicken nuggets or tenders. Score! With the food, good service and awesome view, we will definitely hit Sam Choy's up again on our next trip to Kona.
(5)
Matthew S.
Came here for breakfast one morning. They have a very awesome breakfast buffet , ate almost everything there. We had a nice spot on their patio looking out to the ocean, and spotted some whales. Who wouldn't enjoy eating breakfast and whale watching.
(5)
Kathleen K.
Perfect hawaiian atmosphere complimented the sample lunch platter. Can't decide what was better?? Taste the poke-loved it. Then tasted the chicken luau-loved it too. And finally, the kaluha pork-good too!
(5)
Bruce B.
Aloha from Hawaii! I've been here for a week and had many a meal, but It's the first time I had a moment to capture a moment. I'm in Kona and it's as beautiful as I remembered, even more if you factor in how long I've been away. My nephew and I were dinning at a spot called Oceans were the seafood apparently so fresh it came deep fried only. What a disappointment when you can sit in a restaurant and look out at an infinity of beautiful blue water and your eating frozen seafood from the Mainland. After that lackluster experience, we hopped into our Mustang convert able and hit the road outta Kailua Town to Kona. While driving, I saw Sam Choy's from the road, in a little hidden shopping mall on a hill. I was very excited as expected and I suggested we stop in for some Pu Pu's or dessert. We ended up having another full meal and it was way more satisfying then the last one and just what I needed to get that fry taste out of the back of my throat. The spot was fantastic with open air dining atop a hill over looking Kona-Kailua Bay. I ordered a Hawaiian Berry Mojito and it was like me-strong and exotic! After the prelim of salad soup and rolls, my entree' of Tuna Trio arrived. It consisted of Ahi Tuna and Aku Tuna with Albacore Tuna rounding out the trio. Each Fish was prepared differently and all were simply delicious. I finished off the meal with a ass kicking slice of Kona Key Lime pie and a cup of Kona Coffee. It don't get too much better than this, all I needed was to have a smoking Hawaiian beauty to feed.
(4)
Roy T.
If you're looking for an up-scale, spendy restaurant with a great view, this is the place. It's located south of Kona just above a shopping center at the end of Ali'i Drive. Parking is very limited at the restaurant but they have an overflow lot behind the shopping center below with a shuttle. It's pretty popular especially for dinner so make reservations before you come. We were fortunate and got seated early but we arrived too late to catch the sun set. The dining area is open to the outside with a nice view so come for lunch or before it gets dark out. We split an ahi salad and each had the trio of daily fresh catch. The food was tasty and the presentation of each dish was nice. The noise level is moderate. Service was attentive and we had a good experience.
(4)
Frank G.
Outside seating was a little quieter and ambience / views are excellent. We started off with a complementary soup and salad sampler and then onto some Calamari. Main course consisted of oriental lamb chops over pasta and kona orange duck. Both were seasoned and cooked to perfection. Finished with a very simple bread pudding. Pricing was very resonable for this quality in Kona. The service suffered somewhat from server working too many tables.
(4)
Frank D.
After reading the reviews I decided that I needed to try out Sam's. They have a good range of menu, with selections that should please everyone. I started with a cucumber martini, one of their recommended specialty drinks, very good. The wait staff recommended the ahi belly appetizer. Having never tried it, I went for it and was pleased. Fried lightly and served Asian style, it was tasty and light, complemented well by my drink selection. After consultation with the wait staff, I selected the fish trio. It was explained to me that the fish is generally locally purchased, straight from the boats, stored in their onsite refrigerator, and served as fresh as possible. The fish served to me was swordfish, spearfish, and I forgot the third. All three filets were very fresh and tasty, served with vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. I recommend and would return. Oh, by the way - as others have noted, the view is awesome! Parking is limited, plan your visit timing.
(4)
Michael O.
My wife and I just happened by on our way to a movie and saw that Sam Choy's Kai Lanai was open. On the way back from the move to stopped for a mid afternoon lunch. It was there first day and this was a soft opening. What a TOTAL disappointment. The view is a killer, but you shound sit inside and not have to look down on the tops of the Keauhou Shopping Center. I ordered marinated chicken stir fry in a deep fried tortilla. For the first day the oil tasted old and the pieces of chicken were NOT good cuts. My wife ordered a fish sandwich and wanted the fish well done. The fish came almost raw. And it was served with really bad French fries. The wait staff was very, but not too, friendly. The kitchen was not slow. The problem was the food!! Sam needs to shake up the kitchen.
(1)
Darrell T.
A friend recommended Sam Choys to us. We went for dinner on Sunday night and I have to tell this place is great! We had the calamari appetizor and is was light and crunchy with a great sauce. I had the lamb chops done to perfection, my wife had the short rib and it was great. To add to the great dinner the views are amazing especially at sunset! We are going back again this week.
(5)
E S.
Delicious fresh fish.
(5)
Dale F.
4 of us ate lunch at Sam's yesterday. The service was terrific, the food was great, the view was fantastic and our server was just super (Teresa). All four of us will go back if we have time. Note to Sam: Come to Dallas and open a Sam Choy's of Texas. You could add TexMex and Texas BBQ to the menu. (BTW: Sam was there with some of his friends). The staff was friendly and not intimidated by Sam.
(5)
Greg P.
Food was ok, I was hoping for the flavor of the old Sam Choy's when it was in the industrial park years ago. The view is great, parking is a hassle. I would rather have the flavor and the no pretty scenery. Staff was very professional and service was ok
(3)
Karen G.
We ate here for lunch one day toward the end of our week on the island- LOVED it! My husband and I both had the mahi mahi and our daughter had the mahi salad. I wish that we would have had time to go back for dinner another day, but will have to wait for our next trip. The food, the service, the drinks, the view- all spectacular and the prices were very reasonable.
(5)
Annabel T.
The view is fantastic but the breakfast buffet was extremely disappointing - I had much much better at Denny's.
(1)
Joyce C.
Good atmosphere, good quality food, nice location and pleasant service
(4)
John H.
The views are, indeed, amazing for a non-oceanfront location. The fried poke was good, but not as good as the poke at Da Poke Shack. My entree (laulau) gave me food poisoning. It tasted off, but I thought it was the ti leaf the fish was wrapped in (having never eaten a ti leaf). I can't give any place more than 2 stars if it made me sick. Due to that experience, I won't go back.
(2)
Edward M.
Was there twice about 3 weeks ago while on holidays. Both times, excellent ambience, service, food and a great eating experience
(5)
Linda S.
Very disappointed and the final straw - Breakfast has been my meal of choice at Sam Choy's - local variety, view and great service by Malia (sp?). But now, supposedly due to the kitchen unable to keepup with breakfast - they have butchered their menu to a few selections you can get anywhere - and the first weekend of the buffet some two weeks ago - I ate dry toast because SOMEONE did not get the fresh fruit to make the 'house' special usually sold bottled in the restaurant! You would think to consider folks who do not like or cannot eat tropical fruits, they would have a backup - 'strawberry' or 'grape' - NOTHING really - from a restaurant by a World Class Chef? AND, I get better breakfast buffets for free at hotels on business travel. I've watched the issues since it opened over a year ago - the problem is the kitchen - sorry Sam - if Denny's can feed a full-house with their breakfast menu PLUS the Hobbit Breakfast with 3 cooks - why can't your kitchen of world class cooks (You see a crowd in the kitchen) crank out basic breakfast? YES, I now go to Denny's instead of Sam's for breakfast! Maybe Sam should hire the Denny's crew and restore the original breakfast menu and give us locals a reason to come back! If a kitchen can't crank out eggs, toast, hashbrowns and the like - yeah, don't even open the restaurant. Get rid of the kitchen staff and start over OR better yet - Hire the morning cooks at Denny's!
(1)
Aimee J.
We just left Sam Choy's new restaurant and all I can say is...AWESOME! Our waitress Malia was awesome. She was attentive, sweet and you could tell she was happy to be working there and really cared about all her guest. It is located on top of a hill at the end of All'i road and you can see the most amazing view. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary dinner here. It was delicious food, wonderful view and great staff that really made our night special. I agree with the other review, they should slow things down slightly (not too much) because I would have liked to just relax there another half hour or so. We were pleasantly surprised when the waitress brought us a bread basket with butter (standard right?) and then a bowl of the soup of the day and salad. We then ordered a great appetizer. I ordered the duck with brown rice which was phenomenal! and my Husband had the rib eye and garlic mashed potatoes, also awesome. We both had iced tea and I had a cocktail which was tasty. Then we rounded out the meal with a shared bread pudding, it was a huge portion so I am glad we shared. It was moist and delicious. And all of that food with the well deserved 10.00 tip came out to $86.00. In you can't beat that! Keep up the great work! *also cool you can see into the kitchen, and the Chef de Cuisine was there in the dining room periodically.
(5)
sarah W.
I was excited to eat at this famous chefs restaurant and was a little disappointed. Our server was great and the ambiance was lovely but our dinner was so so. The garlic mashed potatoes were not garlicky at all and had a weird texture. The lamb that was ordered medium rare was too rare to chew. I don't mind rare but this was raw! However, the duck and the ribeye were cooked perfectly and Flavorful.The drinks were delicious, I recommend the margarita martini, rimmed with black sea salt. The fresh whipped butter was amazing as well!
(3)
Maylene D.
I read up on Sam Choy after seeing the restaurant from the street and we decided to try the restaurant. We were there at 4:30, didn't have reservations and were seated on the outer part of the restaurant with an unbelievable, beautiful view of the ocean. The waiter was very professional and friendly. I had the macadamia nut chicken and my husband had the trio fish entree. We had pupus (appetizers) of fried calamari and mac & cheese. Everything was delicious and made with fresh ingredients. The mango sauce and shitake mushroom sauce were awesome! The pineapple cheesecake with macadamia crust was fantastic! We had to roll down the hill after eating all of that food, but we'll be back again to try Sam Choy's breakfast and lunch!!
(5)
Corey A.
Nice environment and presentation of the food. I had the seafood trio and it just seemed very bland. For the price of $30 I didn't feel very flattered.
(2)
Rebecca H.
Kai Lanai's has a fantastic view but the service was barely OK both times that I dined there. They do bring samples of the "Soup of the Day" and their house salad to try prior to the entree. Prices seem a little high but the portions are large. The Ribeye steak was cooked perfectly and the Seared Poke is delicious. Sam did stop by our table to say "hi" to the hubby and meet our family. If it wasn't for the slow service I would give them 4 stars.
(3)
Mark C.
I'm amazed at all the people that gave this place more than one or even two stars. The food is disgusting, greasy and and downright nasty. The service was even worse. If I lived on the island I would run them out of town just to save the Big Islands reputation of being a vacation destination. After chasing the waitress down to pay for something that should only have been feed to animals they came running out to the car to apologize and offer us a free appetizer on our next visit. Are you kidding me! This place is even worse than a midwestern Waffle House..
(1)
David H.
Stumbled across this restaurant while driving around and I am glad I found it. Good food, friendly service and great cocktails. Much better than Roy's for Regional Hawaiian.
(4)
BrokeDaMou F.
The first time I went to a Sam Choy's was on the Big Island I was not disappointed. Then I had a great meal at one that is now closed on Maui. The one on Oahu was the last one I went to, and it was not on par with what I had before. They had really mushy rice. Who messes up rice in Hawaii? Still, I was happy to see that Sam Choy's was back in Kailua-Kona/Keauhou. But, since it was getting mixed reviews for dinner, I only had breakfast here. I'm hoping that reviews will get more consistent, once they get more established. The breakfasts I had were great. I tried the pancakes and the sweet bread french toast. No regrets! The sweet bread was a triple, guava, taro and regular sweet bread. I had the combo, and had the homemade corned beef. I should have tried the Pani Popo pancakes, but only had the regular ones. Still good. Service was great, and so was the view. So you have to look at the roof of the shopping center, what do you want them to do, move the shopping center? Prices for breakfast were very reasonable. No complaints here.
(5)
Larry K.
Wonderful view, pretty mediocre food for the prices. Had the special of the day coconut chicken which was only ok. Pork with bean sauce was tender but without taste. Waitress was good and helpful. Music was too loud to speak over. Will not be back...
(3)
David S.
Great setting and ambiance. Food extremely mediocre.
(2)
David D.
We were warned that this place was going to be jammed packed and impossible to get in as it recently opened. We tried anyways and got really lucky! Seats were outside overlooking the ocean...you can't beat that. I had the seared ahi salad and Z had the hamburger steak. The food was so delicious and the salad came in this huge edible shell. Also, they served this very interesting purple taro salad with the hamburger steak. This is the perfect date spot for couples :)
(5)
Cecile D.
Luv Sam Choy's in Kona. The sunset is always beautiful. The amount and quality of food for the price is a good value and the service is friendly. We had an appetizer, wine, two entrees, and a dessert and coffee for under $100.00 with a stellar sunset. Lovely.
(4)
Jeremy L.
This Sam Choy's use to be a Wendy's (look for what use to be the drive through window on the side of the building) but that didn't stop me from visiting it twice during the week (since it was so near the Keauhou area). The first night I had a reservation and ordered the 8 oz New York Steak Pulehu style w/ garlic mash --the steak was slightly overcooked but was still good. My brother had the Seafood Lau Lau (and Pineapple Cheesecake) which he said he enjoyed. For dessert I had Poha Berry ice cream which was unique & refreshing since I've never tasted the Poha berry before. Service was decent but since Choy's is a newer restaurant they don't have all the kinks worked. Our server gave us a pitcher of water as requested but he had a huge table of 12 come in so he didn't get our check to us in a timely manner. Perhaps one of the other wait staff could have stopped preparing the cutlery for the next nights service and stepped in to intervene? For the second night I had no reservation. After a 5 minute wait for a patio table I ordered one of the specials and it was a treat! It was tempura sea bass; it was flaky & cooked to perfection (highly recommended!). My brother had the sauteed pork loin which he regretted after he tasted my sea bass. It was the end of the night when we came in so there was a little confusion with who was our waitress but the manager immediately came over delivering to us a a free, tasty calamari appetizer. Everything was smooth sailing after that. Sam Choy's is enjoyable food in a nice atmosphere (for a view, ask for a outside table and don't look down at the strip mall) at moderate prices.
(4)
Kama K.
FABULOUS! We went for brunch today. We were greeted by lovely local hostess with plenty aloha. A VERY BIG plus these days. We had a choice of inside or outside seating. I chose inside because I try to stay out of the sun. Outside seating offers a gorgeous ocean view. The restaurant is open air and very nice. We ordered Mimosas to start. Ordered the edamame hummus with pita bread. It could have used a bit more punch but maybe it's just me. The fried poke plate with fried rice and sweet potato salad was YUMMIE!!! I was talking to the Manager and out walks Sam out of the kitchen. What a treat! Beautiful atmospher... I recommend Sam Choy's Kai Lanai very much. Cant wait to go back for dinner or pupus and beverages. Support Hawaiian owned and operated business. Best Wishes Sam Choy's Kai Lanai!
(5)
David G.
We had a Sunday brunch here for six people. We made a reservation on yelp, but at 10:30 am it didn't appear we needed one as thje restaurant is quite large. Everyone was more than satisfied with their food. I had the ahi eggs benedict, and found it both good to eat and a good value. We enjoyed the open air ambience and trade wind breezes. We would definitely eat there again.
(4)
Ryan A.
Too much butter ... Had the craps for days. Great view tho!!!!!
(2)
P. P.
I brought guests to Sam Choy's Kai Lanai for brunch, and was disappointed by the food, which was really not worthy of Sam Choy's name. What I expected was vibrant, flavorful fusion cuisine with fresh ingredients. Instead, the dishes (including omelet, eggs Benedict, and loco moco) were lifeless and greasy, such as would be expected from a lesser greasy spoon joint in Hawai'i. The hot chocolate was luke warm and lumpy, while the coffee was just so-so. Service and atmosphere were okay.
(2)
Vivian J.
With fear in our hearts from recent Yelp reviews, we ventured to Sam Choy's on foot with low expectations. We were seated immediately a few minutes before sunset with a beautiful view and very friendly waitstaff. We were immediately given ice water (much appreciated after a hot hike uphill) and told to expect a waiter in a few minutes. As promised, a very friendly waiter named Von appeared within a few minutes and got us going with tropical drinks (better than recently had at the Four Seasons!) and the seared poke, which was delicious. We both ordered the laulau platters for dinner and they were moist, tender, and tasty. We had another leisurely round of drinks after dinner in place of desert, and those were very tasty. The service was a bit disorganized around us - we were signing our check as the table next to us was just getting dinner and our second round of drinks sat made on the bar for a while. Nothing life-threatening, just some mixup with the wait staff involving a big party that arrived during our dinner. Overall, this is not the place to go if you are starving and need food immediately, but if you are looking for a leisurely happy hour and dinner and don't mind a little waiting for great food/drinks while taking in a gorgeous view, than I highly recommend giving them a shot. We will be back before our trip ends!
(4)
Adam S.
Expensive, and the menu is just so boring. 2 stars because the Poke was both tasty and firm. The green salad had a nice dressing, but the bread was lame. Bartender was nice, although the wine flights were uninspiring. Most expensive meal of our trip, and I am embarassed my parents were so excited to eat there (twice).
(2)
Olivia L.
I don't think the prices here were outrageous as other have noted. We just weren't that impressed with the food. For dinner, I had the orange duck (~$22) & the sauce was quite sweet (and I can usually stand sweet). Came with a side of rice/mash which I didn't even touch due to the amount of food I already had. My husband had the lamb chops (~$22) and that also was prepared in a sweet sauce overtop unnecessary linguine. Reminded us of the sauce used for BBQ Pork. Pros - provided complimentary bread, mushroom soup & salad - great, attentive service - large portions - walked right in for a table for 2 at 7pm in late January - ahà poke appetizer was pretty good
(3)
Tamlyn W.
Sam Choys just ok Had a late dinner here last night!! Food was good but not stellar. It was lacking dimension. The macadamia crusted chicken was recommended by two staff members and was bland and flavorless, the short ribs tough And dry. The duck was just a bit better! We got there when it was dark so can't comment on view or location. Staff and service was good! Not in a hurry to return!
(3)
Tom M.
Service was good the view was to die for the food was fair. Yes I would go back again and hope this time the food was better
(3)
Ryan S.
So my co worker and I went there for dinner on 9/15/11. We got seated right away but we had to wait almost an half hour before our waitress greeted us. Not to mention she visited the two tables by us four times before even acknowledging us. Not only that the bus boy filled my water twice and we had to ask him two times for our waitress. To make things worst she wasn't even that busy. I left a comment with the manager hopefully they fix that problem. The location is great. It is located in to old Wendy's off of Kam III road just above Keahou Shopping Center. Don't listen to the other people that say all you see is the strip mall. Those people are only looking at the negatives... The restaurant does have magnificent ocean views just remember it is an ocean view restaurant not an ocean front restaurant. My suggestion is if you go there in the early evening that way you can see the awesome sunset. I had the Pork Loin and my co worker had the orange duck. Both were really good. We also had the poke for the appetizer it was horrible. The waitress didn't tell us it was marlin and it lacked flavor. You are better off going down the road to KTA for some poke. All in all I would have give this restaurant 4 stars for the food and at this point 0 stars for the service. Maybe in a couple of years hopefully by then they will weed out their horrible waitresses.
(2)
Linda L.
I had the most amazing seared poke. Definitely would go back just for it. The portion was very generous as an appetizer, large enough to share with 2 friends. I also had the steamed seafood lau lau. The fish tasted a bit greasy for my taste, but the fresh vegetable was great. If you are looking to try island local food, this place won't disappoint.
(4)
alan t.
Brah, what a view! Don't listen to da buggahs who get all huhu about the mall. Million dollar view baby! I went there for lunch and dinner the next day. Had the furikake ahi salad. The dressings were good, but the fish was overcooked and even though it had a ton of furikake, not so ono (delish). Wifey had the "amazingly awesome" beef stu. Was just ok . . . BUT, the Molokai sweet potato salad was brok da mout soooo good delicious and it gets a 5 star for itself. For dinner, we went crazy and had the calamari and fried poke. Calamari was just ok. Best part was the sauce. Don't get the fried poke. What a waste of some perfectly good poke! We got it seared and it was cooked, not seared. Shoulda just had regular poke. Man, what a waste. But, I ate um haha. Dinner, I had the spare rib with garlic mashed and wifey had the seafood lau lau. Sorry but both were just ok to ok minus. Like someone else said, the noodles were kinda like Panda Express. The garlic mashed was like regular mashed. Ho hum. Waitresses were both SUPER awesome for lunch and dinner. Mahalos to Sandy and Nalani. Drinks were great. I'd go for drinks and dessert. Had the mango wachumacalit and Berry Mojito and Blue Hawaii. Def go for the Berry mojito and mango drink. Desserts were bread pudding and coconut ice cream. Bread pudding for lunch was brown and more red for dinner. Might have added a berry ingredient for dinner dessert. Oh well, both tasted super awesome. Go for the view and the drinks (reasonable at $8 and $7, beers $5). DO NOT waste any more poke by trying it fried!!!
(3)
Bernie C.
I miss the famous fried rice!! Can't wait to try the other dishes on the menu! Love the fact that we can set our reservations on-line! I was sad that we were not offered an opportunity to order dessert...we had to have our waitress re-ring the ticket to include it. I was expecting something more of the Fried Waffle icecream...just a picky eater, I guess.
(3)
Michael M.
While on the Big Island we went to the new Sam Choy's for dinner. We were so lucky to get the last available parking space. The sun was just beginning to set on the Pacific Ocean. The view from this place is amazing! Set on top of a hillside, you can see all the way up the Kona Coast! We were escorted to our table by a lovely hostess! We couldn't help but snap pictures left and right! They had run out of edemame the night before, so we just ordered dinner. To our surprise each dinner came with soup and salad. The menu was just right. Just enough to make the perfect selection! The service was fantastic! Our Server was energetic and personable. I had a glass of wine that was so Ono!!!! This wine tickled my nose with graces of Lillikoi! It was a New Zealand Niablo Savignion Blanc from Marlborough 2010. I had the Lamb, Pops had the Beef and Rose had the chicken. Every plate a work of art! And delicious too! Pops asked if they had coffee ice cream for desert? They did not. But they should. Can you imagine? Kona coffee ice cream?!!!! That would be the topper! We had a great time! Oh and the Bar is nothing to sneeze at! Big and Beautiful! Just like you Sam! (before you lost weight) Your still stay yet beautiful!
(3)
Aaron S.
I ordered the Fish Trio and the fish was so overcooked and dry. Others with us ordered the duck and it was great and the Rib-eye was ok- but they served very plain mashed potatoes on the side like a cafateria. Poke was not so good either. I expected much more from this kind of restaurant and unfortanatly I live 2 min away and will not be going back.
(2)
Claire J.
Very nice location with good views. I like how there is the outdoors aspect to the restaurant. Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is a very laid back place with good food. I ordered the fish trio which was very tasty. The sauces were delicious! You can also just hang out at the bar and have a few drinks and pupus. Servers were very nice.
(4)
Marty G.
View was great, drinks were very good...we had two apps - poke was very good, but the brie won tons had very little brie in them. Disappointing. Service was slow. Our waiter - Arthur - was very nice.
(3)
Kathy Z.
Great meal at a very reasonable price. We came here for lunch while driving from Kona to Volcano. I had the Fried Poke, which was delicious. It comes with rice and salad for a complete meal. The marinade was delicious, sweet yet savory. My only complaint is that I asked for seared ahi, but it came back almost completely cooked through. My husband had the fish and chips, which he loved. The fish was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It was a great comfortable meal after days of eating out at stuffy "fine dining". The panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean is an added bonus.
(4)
Kim H.
Very bad experience. It was early in the evening and both of us stopped in for dinner. The restaurant was about 1/4 full. They wouldn't give us a seat outdoors by the rail because we hadn't made a prior reservation. We sat within view of it, but technically inside. The water guy was so busy high-fiving his bro that he nearly elbowed me in the face, as he was going through the motions to fill our water glasses. The waiter finally showed up and tried for a good five minutes to up-sale our decisions for dinner. He came by and plopped a salad, soup of some kind (bland) and some stale rolls on the table. He was pretentiously trying to convince us that he actually cared about where we were from after noticing that we found him quite annoying. One of the girls there ran around to all the tables with battery operated candles that she literally tossed into the glass in the middle of our table. I was pretty disgusted at that point. The food arrived...overpriced chicken. We had better chicken last night at L&L BBQ for 1/4 the price. Sam Choys...they think they're a pretty big deal around here but I think not. Employees are not engaged and everything is run quite sloppily. Not worth the $$ or the waste of your time.
(1)
Jen R.
I really wanted to like Sams new restaurant more than I did. I admire him and like his recipes. So, I will list the stuff I liked about the place first: the service; nice, helpful people who were there for my every need. The view- I have been waiting for a restaurant to open at the old Wendys site FOREVER. The fish dishes- Sams chefs did mostly good things with the fish dishes we tried, including the ono, which can get very dry if it's not cooked right. Ok, sorry Sam, the bad: the mac nut crusted chicken was mostly panko-crusted chicken. Still tasty, but not really as advertised. I tried the marinated short ribs; the beef flavor was marinated right out of them (very tender, though. Maybe just less time in the marinade?). The complimentary soup- I really really hate to complain about free stuff, but honestly, Sam, pretty much cream of mushroom soup from a can with bacon added??? And, I am crying now; the poke. Sam, I use YOUR recipe for poke; these guys should know better than sending fish out that should have been tossed. It wasn't as fresh as it should have been. And us locals know the difference. I still have hopes for this place, it's new and kinks may still be getting worked out. Maybe Sam will come over and kick a little kitchen booty, get these guys back on their game.
(3)
Roger R.
Good food, not a lot of choices but what they have is well prepared. Get up early and have breakfast there. The pani popo pancakes with haupia topping is very good.
(4)
C B.
Have been to Sam Choy's in Honolulu and this site is even better -- if possible. The poki was marginal (not up to Sam Choy standards), but the ono sandwich and the ono plate were phenomenal. Service very good, view great.
(4)
Christine B.
Excellent...What a view !!
(4)
Lin M.
Yum! The food was fantastic as was the service. Sam Choy himself came over and introduced himself and to check on things. You can tell he takes a lot of pride in his restaurant and it shows! He also seems to hire local people for his waitstaff which I think is wonderful. We went there for lunch between our group of 6 tried a lot on the menu. It was all yummy. I was especially happy with the fried rice. Just thinking about it makes me miss Hawai'i more!!!
(4)
Kealohi H.
Terrible experience with both food and drinks. Had a fly in my beer and plastic in my poke. Totally turned off till they told us our appetizers, drinks, and dessert were free. On a gd not the waiter Trevor was awesome!!!
(2)
N A.
- 1st visit thru 8th visit never received the food I ordered, which was simple nothing difficult and management never acknowledged the issues but once and when she took the food back to get the right order it still came back wrong - another time I sat for
(1)
Jennifer C.
I regret that we were recently very disappointed at sam choy's. I am not sure whether the problem was our waiter, or the kitchen, or both. The server brought our entrees before our appetizers had even been cleared. We were not ready for them, and were told they would be redone, which we did not want to have happen, but we did not want to be rushed through our meal. A few minutes later our entrees arrived, and they were luke warm at best - it was clear that they had been sitting under a warmer. We asked to have them warmed up, and after another wait, our entrees came and were again not hot. I would never go back to this restaurant, and I suggest you do not waste your time and money on it either.
(2)
Kathy D.
This used to be the old Wendy's....what a great view Wendy's must've had from the top of the hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I had the fresh fish of the day,ahi, cooked perfect. I don't like it Rare so it was kind of medium. I also had a salad with it with the wasabi dressing. I could've just drank the dressing it was wonderful everything was good service was good the views awesome. Parking very limited but the plan to get a golf cart to shuttle those needing a lift from the lower parking lot. Try it, it was Ono! Sam even came by our table and outside he had to joke about the lack of parking.
(4)
Toni S.
This used to be a Wendy's, but the owner completely re-did it. The food is wonderfully presented and it's almost all Big Island sourced. The service is attentive and friendly. The fresh fish is a mainstay of the menu. The winelist is varied and imaginative. And to top it off, the view is spectacular. Built on a hill overlooking the ocean, you can't ask for a more beautiful spot. The restaurant fills up quickly, so come early or make a reservation. You can easily split a meal and be satisfied. Dinner comes with a complimentary salad and soup. The servings for the entree are generous and the desserts are delicious.
(5)
Marina N.
Everything was fabulous! Food, Service, View, even the prices weren't bad for the quality and location. Dinner the first night and Breakfast the last day with the most spectacular view! Don't miss out if your on the Big Island. I can't believe there used to be a Wendy's on that property. Sam Choy, you couldn't have picked a better spot and very close to our vacation condo! :-) - Thank you!
(5)
Megan W.
First time on yelp. . I keep thinking about this situation and how It was not handled properly, at all. . . I went to Sam Choy's to enjoy lunch and the view on Wednesday 6/12. Gotta be honest Korean chic was grinds. . . Hummus plate meh, must be to healthy for me. . After the apps . . Got two of Korean fried chicken sandwiches, when I first got the plate I noticed a Small GREEN BUGS on my plate looked at my GF plate saw one on hers too. I figured were outside , that's what it Must be right?!?. . Then a few bites in I noticed a FRIED small GREEN BUG on my fries, so I immediatly thought OK it came from the kitchen. . Maybe I should look at my sandwich closer. . There was about 3-4 dead small green bugs in each of our Korean chicken sandwiches. . Maybe more we had eaten about half of the sandwiches.Atleast I knew they were fresh bugs because there was 2 alive bugs in the sandwich too. . I saved their lives, made friends and let them crawl around on my arm until our waitress came over and I told her the situation and asked to see a manager. . By the way our server Sandy was great. . .i watched the manager fumble around, not looking to concerned about the whole situation. . . The female manager had some sort of foreign accent and never bothered to come talk/ check on me and my pregnant GF.. . SO!!!! The stage is set. . .what should happen next?!? . . . Comp our whole check I hope?!! I mean.... I never ordered bugs!! This isn't Thailand!!! The manager never talked to us as I requested and ONLY comped the 2 sandwiches. . I wanted to stand up and ANNOUNCE to the restaurant . . " how many BUGS need to be in our food before is free!!!" I am too nice of a guy. . I left the Sandy a 30 % tip on the original bill and left. . . . It's has been bothering me for a few days so I wrote this. . . What would you do?!? . . Both my GF and I are in the food service industry on the BI on expect better. . . I hope you do too.
(2)
Eric L.
We had a magnificent dinner delicious perfectly broiled Lamb and roasted duck with a delightful orange sauce. The view of the sunset was awesome along with a flight of South American wine. The service was attentive. We will be back soon!
(5)
Elaine F.
Great location, excellent service and good food.
(5)
Squirrel S.
Great food. Great service. Great ocean view. And very reasonable price. Went their for dinner and breakfast. Definitely be back when I go to Big Island again.
(5)
Emanuelle O.
We came for dinner and was able to get a table on the lanai right around sunset. The view is spectacular. Wish we had been able to eat a daytime meal here. Tables on the lanai are first-come, first-serve and worth the wait if something is opening up. Otherwise the rest of the tables have great views too since it's an open-wall concept where there are no exterior walls to block the awesome vista. Service was very good and efficient. Food was better than expected. I thought they would charge high prices coz they provide the view and it's located in an upscale area of Kona. I ordered the trio of fish which included butterfish (always delish), swordfish (nicely done since I've never had this before) and mahi mahi (which I was wary about since it's rumored to be dolphin but turned out to be yummy). My husband had the new york steak which was very average. The pineapple cheesecake was super yum at first but eventually grew too sweet on my palate.
(4)
Milton L.
This was our second visit to Kai Lanai for lunch. We had reservations and were seated promptly. Service contrary to other reviews was excellent with constant attention to refills for water and ice tea. We were celebrating a wedding anniversary for one of the couples. They both ordered the fish of the day, ahi, seared. When they received their order, they discovered that it had been cooked through, they brought it to the attention of their server. Their plates were whisked away immediately and returned after a brief respite. The ahi was seared to perfection rare in the middle and tasty. The other meals, beef stew, stirred fried tofu, Korean chicken salad and another ahi meal were done well and served promptly. Though the restaurant had a lunch crowd, service was prompt and always with a smile. The ambiance is great, airy with great views of the ocean. We found our dining experience to be pleasant, service excellent, and prices reasonable.
(5)
R.J. R.
Excellent food and service. Parking can be dreadful. If the lot is full, the overflow lot is down the hill. Watch out for traffic. Always make a reservation, or you may have to wait. We made a reservation around noon and got a seat on the patio. Very nice. Absolutely recommend this restaurant.. Away from the maelstrom of Alii stretet
(4)
Kim S.
Excellent!!! The entire staff was beyond our expectations. Very attentive, and truly happy to have you as a guest. The view was amazing!! The entire time we were there we were told not to rush, and the manager even told us what time sunset was. We got the bread, soup/salad which was delicious. I ordered the pork loin, and it was amazing. The flavors were deliciously unique, just amazing. My husband ordered the Braised Rib over chow mein noodles and stir fry veggies. It was also delicious, but he thought they could have portioned the noodles to a little more than what he got. He asked for another portion, which they gladly brought him. I can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes!!!!
(5)
Jae C.
AWESOME BREAKFAST PANCAKES with his special coconut milk based sauce/syrup! You can't go wrong with that. I can't weigh in on the dinner comments, but we stayed in Kona for 6 nts. and ate breakfast there twice and was very satisfied both times. Ordered the pancakes both times and really everything else was just a bonus. We found service to be really attentive and the view is sweet. I am usually one to tell it like it is and will only post if it's good or bad...nothing in between. Trust me on the breakfast and go somewhere else for dinner.
(4)
Bob T.
Excellent food and and breathtaking views. We had both breakfast and dinner here while on vacation. The breakfast was amazing. Sam Choy gets it perfect with the good ol' home cooked meals for breakfast and upscales it more for dinner. Food was very reasonably priced. What a treat - we will definitely be back.
(5)
karen s.
We found Sam Choy's while grocery shopping. Best discovery this trip. We are always trying to find restaurants with fresh fish, not deep fried, not over cooked and not overpriced. This more than delivered! We had the fish trio which changes every night and was exceptional. The taster of soup and salad free was a nice touch to start. Lots of wines by the glass including taster flights of 3 white or three red. Also, sunset spot open air throughout makes for a nice evening. We are going back in a couple of nights.
(5)
L J.
When it comes to a sunset view, this place cannot be beat as it is up a slope with a spectacular view. And, they have a great bar with decent appetizers for happy hour. The whole place is really indoor/outdoor and it's very pleasant, albeit noisy (believe it or not, it used to be a Burger King!) But this year the food wasn't what we had hoped. Entrees automatically come with a tiny salad and a little soup. The salad was local greens with a sweet dressing and it was a nice touch. The soup, a miso-like preparation, tasted off. There was something funky about it and neither of us finished ours. We ordered the tuna belly appetizer, which is deep fried, and it was done well but not very flavorful. They were offering a lehi fish special (snapper) and since we had bought some fresh lehi on Maui last week and grilled it with a light marinade and loved it, we both ordered it. The waiter told us it was gently sauteed, but it felt more like it was overly fried. It was overdone and not very tasty. We've had the Sam Choy's fish combo in the past, which was good. But, we'd like to see Sam offer some more lighter preparations of a wider variety of fish.
(2)
Cat H.
I was very excited to see a Sam Choy's when we visited this time had been added right up the street from our favorite hotel. We stopped in to get a menu since my niece is vegetarian and I was hoping to eat there. What we saw on the menu made two of us very happy but there was very little on the menu for my niece so we went somewhere else that night. However the next night we ended up at loose ends and decided to see what they could do for us. It was later in the evening and they were packed...however the hostess was wonderful and was able to seat us at a very nice table on the lanai. Our server arrived with soup and salad, which is complimentary, and when my niece inquired about something for a vegetarian the server not only gave her the perfect option but also told her not to eat the soup since it's made with chicken stock! When our food arrived we were all very very pleased! It looked gorgeous and tasted wonderful, even the tofu chow mien my niece had for her dinner! We decided to order the pineapple cheese cake and while the cake itself was amazing the papaya sauce around it was way too sweet. Thus why there is only 4 stars, not 5. We will happily go again whenever we are in the area!
(4)
Art T.
Went there for our 23rd. Anniversary primarily because of other reviews on YELP. WOW! WOW! WOW! And 4 + STARS. Believe me, there is no better place on Kona to experience the wonderful sunsets this island provides because I' ve been to them all. On top of that the food and service was excellent. Angela was our server and I say with no reservation, she is one of the top 5 servers I've ever experienced in 60 years of dining out. I ordered the Short Ribs at her suggestion. They were the best I've ever had anywhere. The other 3 in our party had the Salmon with seaweed and sesame seeds and were blown away. We will go again before we leave the Islands, but will check to make sure Angels is there.
(4)
Helena R.
Simply awful. We came for lunch and ordered the mess called a noodle stir-fry and the fresh fish of the day in a sandwich. It was more like "La Choy" than Sam Choy! The stir fry came in a fried flour tortilla...why? The taste was bland and it arrived with some weak vinaigrette on the side which should have been tossed in. The beef were shrapnel sized pieces with gristle, and I had to search through frozen Costco vegetables to find the meat. The fish of the day was plunked on a hamburger bun with a leaf of lettuce, unripe, grainy sliced tomatoes and a slice of onion. There were no condiments, not even a sauce. The beer keg blew so we couldn't get the beer we wanted. The margarita was warm too. It's not what we expected from Sam Choy food. It appears that the food has been dumbed down for the cruise ship crowd. No flavors, no taste, just bland. Not worth the hour drive from Waikoloa, go visit Panda Express instead. We heard that Golden Corral is operating the restaurant which might explain this review.
(1)
g k.
Dropped in on a Friday night without a reservation but the place seats quite a few people so it was not a problem. The restaurant is open on two sides and has an ocean view but since it was after dark, i did not experience the view but the ambiance was very Hawaiian, modern and cozy. the menu was simple but varied enough which made it easy to decide. Had a Lava flow cocktail which was delicious. Had the shoyu poke which everyone liked. I am kinda picky about poke since I make it myself so I'll say I've had better but it wasn't bad. Whenever I see duck on the menu, i usually order it since I love duck. It was their version of duck l'orange and I enjoyed it. It was served on a bed of julienne veggies with brown rice on the side. More than enough to eat. A cute salad and soup is served with each entree. The soup was ginger and carrot which was under seasoned to my table partners but subtle and tasty to me. The salad was served with a creamy oriental house dressing which everyone liked. My brahl-in-law had the NY steak which was tender and cooked to order. My wife had the shortrib and it was braised nicely and very tasty. More than enough food for everyone which is Sam's m.o. Looked at the breakfast menu and it was reasonably priced so we will visit again in the a.m. The food is good, the atmosphere is really, really nice. I was a bit wary because I had eaten at Sam Choy's on the Nimitz in Honolulu and was not impressed. So I was pleasantly surprised at Sam Choys in Keahou.
(4)
JD L.
The view is worth the drive from downtown Kona. Great place for Sunday brunch. No wait and we requested a table on the patio. Server was quick with drink orders as well as the food order. They have an early bird dinner special from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm as well as a happy hour. Make sure to add this place to your list not only for the food but the amazing 180* view. Server: Masi was great! There was a problem with our order but the manager took great care if us.
(5)
Hanna C.
Our meal was pretty good. The fish was all cooked well, and the portions were so large!! We left full and satisfied. My fresh fish island salad was definitely a good choice. There were so many fresh greens, and the some noodles/shredded carrots and beets were a great addition. The fish was cooked well. My brother and mother got the fish trio plates. The sauce worked very well for all the fish. The grilled fish had a little too much char taste, but it was still good. The asparagus was grilled and tasted great. My father got the Lau Lau fish. It was excellent-firm, moist, and with a nice flavor. It also had shrimp!!! This was a big plus and my dad was so full. Good service, and overall good dining experience. Thanks Sam Choy's!
(4)
Mark C.
Keauhou-itude (noun) : What you get when you go to Sam Choy's or another Thai restaurant here that shall go unnamed - when it is otherwise empty - without a reservation. True story- The two of us walk in and ask for a table. No problem. We get literally the worst 4 top in the place. I ask for any of the nine available 4 tops on the lower level. "We've got a lot of reservations coming in." Translation : "you'll take what we give you." We respond "ok. I guess we'll just pass." They let us walk, happy in the knowledge that they are more exclusive than the Auberge d'lil. We decided to walk through the separate entrance into the bar. Anyway... The food is Hawaiian touristy and passable, sometimes very good. The prices exist solely as a testament to an undeserved reputation and a remodel of what used to be a Wendy's fast food The service is exactly what you'd expect by servers who genuinely believe that they're better than their jobs. ( I've eaten here several times before) The view is spectacular. A great bartender!!!
(3)
T L.
Beautiful view on top of a hill Great food for a party of 5 Seafood Sampler Ribeye Steak Pasta dish Swordfish Special
(5)
Cynthia T.
Suggested by our hotel, this was the first restaurant we tried when we arrived to the Big Island. We came in perfect timing, happy hour! However, we went back during regular dinner hours and found out that the happy hour menu was only be a couple $$ cheaper. Great place for their appetizers, and I wish we went back to try their dinner entrees! Their ribs and wings were too good and we ordered these the second visit. Banging baby back ribs, cooked just right. The chicken wings are very crispy and perfectly cooked, with a soy-based marinade. I am not a fan of calamari, but my family said that the calamari appe was real good as well. This was the first place that I tried ahi poke, and I found it to be good and a very interesting salad. But it was a little too much sashimi (raw) fish for me. Drinks are good, especially their pina colada. They put a good amount of liquor inside their cocktails. Best thing about this restaurant is their amazing view! I will definitely go back, even if its just for drinks and appetizers, to look at their amazing view and ambiance.
(4)
Denni P.
Seated at a great table for two, 5 star moment! Then only given one menu, we thought they were out so we don't mind sharing. Then I noticed everyone else had a menu per person, strange but oh well. We weren't told the specials, I overheard another server say the special tonight was pork chops. I ordered Caesar salad with shrimp, came out with spring mix salad and no dressing. Service was mediocre we had to ask why there was no dressing on my salad and she noticed it was spring salad and went to the kitchen to ask. When she came back she said they ran out of romaine lettuce and substituted spring and brought me a side of Caesar dressing to put on my salad. My husband ordered the Mac crusted chicken, as we exited the restaurant we overheard another table ordering Caesar salad and the server didn't tell them of the modifications, I guess they will have the same experience. I'm disappointed as I wanted this to be our special neighbourhod eatery as our home is not too far from here. We've come here for brunch and lunch on a few occasions. The service seems to be inconsistent. We are disappointed with dinner and although this restaurant is has a spectacular view we won't be back for dinner again. Always Five star views, this experience one star for food and service, I leave them with a two star overall rating. I'll be back.
(2)
J W.
Enjoyed early bird happy hour on the lanai tonight!!! Service was awesome thanx Cory! We would definitely go back! Ribs awesome. Poke amazing. Calamari was great. Had the early bird fish of the day. Oh did I mention haupia ice cream was heaven! Mahalo!
(4)
nancy c.
Food was very good but there is no air condition therefore I couldn't wait to leave . We went with our whole family for our daughter"s Birthday, Took my dinner back to Kona Coast resort and had for lunch next day. From Calif and all good rest have air . Service was good,and as I mentioned food was good! Spent $400 plus, expect comfort for it being high end prices
(2)
Dave C.
My wife and I are on our honeymoon, and wanted to get the most value for our money. So we chose to come here for happy hour. The view was spectacular, the service timely and friendly, the drinks were well made,and the food was delicious. I'm vegetarian, and they happily accommodated by adding a house salad to the menu with a delicious creamy sesame dressing. I secretly told the server we were on our honeymoon and to surprise my wife with a chocolate desert. The best molten chocolate cake came complements of the house. We had an incredible experience, and got great value for our money.
(5)
Tony K.
While it might seem like a tourist trap, this place is completely worth it. If I were a local i would take someone special here. So if you are a tourist you are already on a special trip. First the appetizers are amazing and comes out very fast. I would say within 5 minutes. The menu is simple and elegant. Elegant meaning the dishes are well thought out and prepared. It makes you feel like it was a gourmet food from a world class chef. The price is within expectations of Hawaii. The view of the ocean and sunset were amazing too. Highly recommend.
(5)
Valerie M.
From San Diego, used to great seafood! This place was up there! Great sunset views, seated right away. Paul was our kind server. Food was the best we've Had the island...we had the trio and the shrimp pasta. Shrimp was Huge! Highly recommend it if your staying at the Sheraton and are looking to get off the property!
(5)
Peter L.
Over priced for food at decent quality. Good for dating since it has a good view but ain't any good for regular luxury dining. Reasonable service and wait time for food. Drinks by the bar tender is... meh, drinkable I suppose. I had the seafood Laulau and it wasn't worth 35 dollars with a small salad. (I would gladly give it 4 stars if it's around 25-28 dollars with salad.) My friend had a NY steak. Asked for medium rare- medium and served as rare. Asked the waitress to bring it back to the kitchen and the same plate is served after recooking it for a while. It is medium this time, though. Overall the food is slightly above average but isn't worth the price. 3 stars.
(3)
Mae S.
Our Big Island app warned us that Sam Choy's has gone downhill. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. The service was appalling ... after 45 minutes without a bite to eat we asked about our order. It came out immediately, but quite a bit of the food was cold when it should have been hot. Truly disappointing. The waiter didn't seem to think this was important. Next problem: the online dinner menu wasn't the one we were offered at the restaurant. We guess they've recently changed the menu: probably for the worse. Third problem: a very loud amplified slide presentation was taking place at the bar. Obviously, it's fine if they have private events, but do they have to interfere with other diners? In sum: if this is a place you've been waiting to try out, you've evidently waited too long. Better go somewhere else.
(2)
Brandon R.
Fantastic ocean views in daylight hours.... Sunsets are best! The staff was warm and very friendly, they immediately sat us down and got our drink orders. The menu was rather small for my taste but it made it easy to navigate! We started with appetizers, baby back ribs, calamari, and seared ahi poke. The portions were in the larger size compared to most fancy restaurants and were a delectable start! We proceeded with dinner, the wife had the pork Katsu, I aimed for the shrimp pasta and my son chose the braised short ribs! Each of the dishes were beautifully presented and adequate in portion, our flavor pallet went crazy! The food was well worth the price that included a view and wonderful service! The kitchen even surprised us with a sampler making our visit that much more special! Mahalo nui Sam choy Kona!!!! We'll be back! Aloha no
(5)
Kyle Y.
Great food, ocean VIEWS. Likely a good spot to catch the sunset Get the poke salad. Seems I was the only guy the restaurant who ate that. Saw about 3 other women eating some variation of it. Poke was seasoned well and a nice "flavor profile" (channeling my Food Network judge vocabulary) combined with the dressings and 2 wanton squares, this is a winner (not wiener). Sampled some teriyaki beef of my pop's plate. Had a real bbq flavor and it was enough to make me consider ordering that next time.
(4)
Rachel S.
We went to Sam Choy's during their happy hour and the staff was really nice and attentive. I ordered a Pina Colada which I thought was ok and Brandon I believe had the lilikoi Mai Thai which was really sweet but better than my drink. The real stars for us were our happy hour plates. We had the Fried poke seared which was very flavorful and the only way I could get Brandon to try poke (he has an aversion to raw fish) and the Brie Wonton which was really great with the Papaya marmalade. We ended our visit with the flour-less chocolate cake and coconut ice cream. I don't think it was meant for the ice cream to outshine the cake but it was so delicious! I could have just had an extra scoop instead of the cake (although the cake was great!!) Definitely check out Sam Choy's and you can even grab a table around 4:00 to enjoy the end of happy hour and stay for dinner and the sunset that they have front row seats for.
(4)
Erica Q.
Place came recommended by one of the locals. Ambience is pleasant with a view of the ocean. Friendly service. Food was great, dessert too. Tip. Go before 5pm for happy hour, drinks and popo.
(4)
Danielle L.
Their food is sometimes good and others just okay. I don't think I have ever had good customer service. Even when not busy the staff doesn't check on you very often. Also I think they are a little over priced for the service and quality.
(3)
Margareg G.
Restaurant, food and view was absolutely amazing! We got the 3 fish plate and we enjoy every single bite.
(4)
Carey N.
Came here on a very rainy day for a late lunch. Not crowded at all and, despite the rain, the view was amazing! Ah-Maze-Ing. Service was spot on and with lots of Aloha spirit. The bartender poured our specialty cocktails on the strong side, which was much appreciated. The menu is weirdly diverse (beef stew for dad, poke for mom, vegetarian chow mein in a tostada shell for me) but everything was tasty. If you're in the area, come up at least for drinks and an amazing view. Did I mention the view was amazing??
(5)
Elle P.
View is awesome but the food was mediocre at best. Honestly it's the worst food we've had so far. The calamari was a travesty! Ribs were cold. Pasta was overpriced and so not worth it. In fact everything was overpriced. Except... Kids meals were affordable but not very healthy. We had no choice as we lost track of time on a Sunday and the place we wanted to go to was already closed so we didn't think to make reservations. Our fault for not planning. Maybe a drink at the bar is more appropriate since the aerial views were gorgeous especially during sunset. This place was tourist trap central!
(2)
Yvette K.
Sunday is only buffet. Food was excellent, service was awesome all staff were smiling and friendly! Will be back!! Fried rice, loco moco, omelet station, bacon, sausage , fruit salad, oatmeal, deserts, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, french toast pancakes
(5)
Ramon B.
This the first time, after several visits, that I writing a review of this restaurant . I must first say the staff is always friendly and professional-even when things go.south. I must commend Craig and the new Manager Greg for there compassion with my event. First, the date was New Year's Eve and the place was decorated nicely. The host staff was polite and friendly. We were late in reservations but there was eating room at the bar and we opted for that. We ordered drinks and appetizers (pupus) and enjoyed wings, calamari and fried poke. This was served timely and very tasty. They get a one for staff, appetizers, and view. We ordered our dinners and my two hot dates ordered traditional poke, calamari, house salad and another fried poke. I ordered the rib eye with garlic mashed as a medium rare. As the evening neared 1830 our order was 55 minutes past the submission and Greg left the bar to inquire about the food. I observed him entering the kitchen and notice "gesturing" with the kitchen staff. I have no idea what was said but it did not look good. He returned after 5 minutes. The food was absolutely cooooold at first bite. The rib eye with shitake and garnish was as tasteless as cardboard. The garlic mashed potatoes arrived DOA and needed CPR. For the first time in my life I refused a meal. As a retired veteran, I have eaten a lot foods from around the world and I exercised my option to pass on this meal. We (Craig and I) had a discussion about the meal and I learned the place is a wreck. They have had 14 cooks and large transitions in staff in the last year. Unfortunately, many would enjoy a meal at McDonald's rather than here. Another hint there are financial woes is indicated by the out of service urinals. Save your money and go to Jackie Reys, Huggos or Fish Hopper for an experience in cuisine that leaves you satisfied and happy.
(1)
Daniel M.
I think the bad reviews are either the competition or just wrong. I'm a foodie and the Pebble Beach Food and Wine festival every year. I've worked in high end restaurants. The food was very good. One of the best views in any restaurant I've ever seen. Service was very good and professional. Price was very reasonable. Not cheap, but a very good value.
(4)
Bethani E.
Food was okay, service good, view was amazing! I've been dining at the Oahu Sam Choy's for years and was expecting the same food at the Big Island location. For the price we paid, we probably could have eaten somewhere else for better food and paid less. I'm used to Sam Choy having awesome food with a local twist or Asian fusion. I was disappointed that this location "Americanized" their food or catered to the tourist demographic. For instance, I love the Okinawan sweet potato mash offered at the Oahu location, but my choices were white rice or garlic mashed potatoes. Or at the Oahu location, they have a sampler pupu platter. Prices and food are better at the Oahu location. View is amazing on Big Island! Great cocktails!
(3)
Vic M.
Jan 2015 5:30pm dinner. Best to make reservations or wait 45 minutes. Service was good. The pina colada had no flavor and was like a slush with some rum floating on top. Terrible. Fish salad ($14) had a lot of nice fish. Wish they could chop the salad up a bit more. House dressing delicious. Ribs pupu tasted very good however they had more fat than I ever experienced. Kona chicken wings pupus were luke warm and obviously had been prepared a long time ago. Not recommended! Seafood chowder soup was excellent. Great view.
(3)
Fran C.
I was working in Kealakekua, and Kailua-Kona today........upon finishing my jobs, I decided to stop by at Sam Choy's. I only found out about this place by fluke, as a few months back I was actually trying to go to Wendy's, but low and behold........Wendy's is gone, and Sam Choy's has taken it's place. Funny, how things change over a period of time..........I use to go to the big island on a regular basis, in fact I ran the big island for over 15 years before I turned over all of my accounts to a co-worker. A lot has changed through the years.........big box stores have invaded the big island, and the small mom & pop places are slowly going away. A little sad, but I guess that's the way it goes........... What can I say about Sam Choy's? Well, I've been a long time fan of his food......I remember a time when Sam Choy's had a small restaurant in the industrial area near the Costco area in Kailua-Kona. My, how times have changed with this restaurant in the Keauhou area. The restaurant is perched in the hills just above the Keauhou shopping center.......the view from the restaurant is just BREATHTAKING!!!! The restaurant was PACKED today for lunch...........but lucky for me, I was able to just walk in and get a table. I was looking for something of the lighter fare today............so I ended up getting the Seared Poke Salad, and I washed it down with an ice tea. What can I say about the food? The food was OUTSTANDING!!! The seared poke was made to perfection, and it was marinaded perfectly as it sat on a bed of local greens, on some kind of deep fried breaded shell. I totally enjoyed my salad.........I think it was the poke that really complimented the salad well! I would totally come back here just to eat this dish again! Service was friendly.....but I have to admit, it was rather slow. Granted my waiter was covering several large parties, maybe they don't have enough help? Parking is very limited..........since the restaurant was packed today, guess what? I couldn't find any parking in the parking lot fronting the restaurant, so I ended up parking at the Keauhou shopping center, then walking up the hill to get to the restaurant. After I was leaving the restaurant, I noticed a sign where there is an "overflow parking area" for the restaurant............but you still have to go down the hill to another parking lot. Overall,still a great dining experience........wouldn't mind coming back here for dinner one day.......chance 'em gang!
(4)
Sarah M.
Excellent views from the lanai surrounded by good vibes and tikis. We enjoyed the slow sun setting over the ocean while we sipped our drinks. Poke stack was delicious! Great stop on your way back from the park.
(5)
Peter D.
Food was four stars, but the view was five stars for sure. My dinner was a fish trio, but two out of three were dry. Nothing special. Seared ahi appetizer was great, and so were the brie wontons. Kids meals were just five bucks, and good quality food, but if your kids eat a lot, be aware the portions are small.
(4)
Sarah S.
I wanted to lick all the plates clean. Everything was cooked to perfection and then topped with the most amazing sauces! Ridic.
(5)
Jessica A.
Wow, what an unexpected great food experience on the Big Island. We were way on the South end of Kona and needed to eat, on a whim we tried here after declining the pizza place and the L & L bbq in the shopping center. I wasn't sure if it was a family friendly place from the outside, so I asked the hostess who said it was a family restaurant and my kids were welcome. She started setting up a table as I went back to the car to collect the rest of the family. The place is situated on the side of a very tall hill, overlooking Kona Town and the Ocean. It had a great view and an amazing breeze. The food was great, like really great. I had a teriyaki steak burger, my parents had teriyaki plates and the kids had chicken. The food was really well flavored, nicely prepared, well portioned. The service was awesome, prompt, and friendly. I'm really disappointed I only made it here once during our trip. Good places to eat this far South on the Island are kind of a rarity.
Food is fantastic. Service is horrible. Sat 45 minutes without any service. Second time this has happened. Too bad. UPDATE Third time! First two were great food and not so great service. This time great food and also great service from Cory. Others were equally friendly and helpful. Five Stars!!!!
(5)
Triana R.
We enjoyed our dinner at Sam CHoys. The food was good, but the drinks weren't the best ones. The food was amazing, but the trio fish we ordered was on the dryer side. The restaurant needs to focus on customer service and unselling a suggestions some drinks.
(3)
Patti H.
Prices for dinner were on the high side so we decided to have drinks and pupus. We arrived for happy hour and ordered drinks and every appetizer on the menu accept for the calamari. The setting was beautiful its an open patio, great bar. Servers were well trained, our drinks were great. The ribs were to die for , the brie in wonton skins were very tasty. The fried poke was great, it was a large portion. There were 3 of us we had 5 appetizers we were stuffed and left with a to go box! We had a great time!
(4)
Randall S.
Meh. We've had breakfast and lunch here and enjoyed. But the dinner menu is uninspired and there wasn't even a burger option to save it. Mediocre service too. But what a view!! While my macadamia crusted chicken was ok (nothing special, but hey, it's chicken), it came with a strange combination of sauces that just didn't make sense. The base sauce was like cream of mushroom soup, but dappled along the edge with a gel-like mango sauce. Neither was special. The veggies were limp and lukewarm. But the mashed potatoes were good... My husband ordered a Caesar salad with shrimp. Strangely, After a bite he noticed that the salad wasn't dressed at all. So we flagged our server (she was pretty busy), and she went to check with the kitchen...didn't offer to take the salad back. Instead she just reappeared with a plastic cup of Caesar dressing, announced that the kitchen had run out of romaine so they substituted regular lettuce and didn't toss it. And that was that. No offer to change it to something else, or to have the kitchen at least remake and properly toss it. And no offer of anything to "make it right," which is pretty common these days. If not taking it off the bill, at least offering an alternate item, a dessert, or a discount--or at the very least a coupon for a future visit. But they probably assume everyone is a one-time tourist (we are locals). The server was friendly but too busy, didn't offer to explain the specials, and it seemed like when we didn't order drinks or appies, and she realized we were ordering two of the least-expensive items on the menu, she lost interest in us. I can't say for sure, but I would guess that was the case. Anyway, Sam's does have a stunner of a view, and we'll return for the earlier meals of the day--like lunch when they have a good burger (why isn't that on the dinner menu?).
(2)
Sami B.
We came to this place one night during our vacation, and had Arthur as our server. His knowledge of the menu is so extensive and he talks so vividly about the food that it was hard to not order everything on the menu. We started with the calamari, which was fantastic, and not rubbery at all. The clam chowder was to die for. and the ahi tuna poke was amazing. We even decided to come back for dinner the next night, and requested to sit in Arthur's section again. He was absolutely amazing, again! and we got to try all of the things we missed the night before. I would recommend Sam Choy's to anybody staying in Kona, HI.
(5)
Sarah N.
Restaurant with the best ocean view in town! Full ocean view! Watch the sunset while eating a delicious meal and having a cocktail. Get the short ribs!! Of all the food on our table that one was the hit!!
(5)
Mark G.
Had the lamb and fish trio... Both were very good... Service was excellent and the sunset was amazing
(4)
Ty N.
Two stars for the server. She was very accommodating, helpful and friendly I wish I catch her name. 1 star for the food 1 star for the price. I used to live in Hawaii so I know this is a tourist trap and the only good thing about this restaurant is the view (during the day) at night nothing you can see. And the bar is good. Will not return. I would rather go to Da Poke Shop in Kailua or try the new location at Captain Cook.
(2)
CJ C.
Had a special weekend planned, perfect table, perfect setting, then our waitress came up, rushed, asked if we wanted anything to drink, yes, we each ordered two glasses of wine...and we had an appetizer in mind, BUT, she heard the two wines, and ran off, not even giving us time to ask for it...oh well, she's busy... Then she comes back 15 minutes later, still no wine, says sorry, still waiting, she explains the specials on the menu, fish and fish...then we order our appetizer...while we look at the menu, very small menu at that. another 10 minutes goes by, still no wine, she comes back and says, oops sorry, still waiting on the wine...Then we said we'd like to order, (25 minutes after sitting down), one of us orders the special, the other orders the filet mignon...OH! yeah we are out of Filet and New York Strip...WOW, really? you couldn't explain that 25 minutes ago when you were telling us the specials? We order something else, but then realize we wait another 10 minutes, and nothing..so we got up and told her to cancel our order...she gasps...WOW... Very rude, very rushed, and their wait staff has no care about customers. Then we call to talk to the manager and on hold for 20 minutes, for the hostess to ask who's calling, and we said we'd like to make a complaint about tonight...but then we couldn't wait on hold forever... Unfortunately, we were both excited to try this place, but we will never give it another try, Customer service goes a long way, we went to another restaurant and was waited on spectacular, and felt special...Thanks Sam Choy for pushing us away to our new Favorite place....
(1)
Lilly P.
The view at this restaurant is amazing!! We went during sunset and it was gorgeous. Besides that, everything was ok. Service was great but the food was subpar. We had the lamb chops and it was ok. However, the owner was very understanding and he took it out from our bill. I wouldnt come back again for the food but for happy hour, yes!
(4)
Tina M.
Yummy dinner with amazing view of sunset. The Maitai was especially good. Poke and lamb were delish. Our waitress was super attentive. All in all, good value for solid food and drinks!
(5)
Mason D.
The bartender is unpleasant. Craig. Using the F word twice in a sentence. Talking bad things about people. Always scowling. Refused to make my wasabi Bloody Mary with the excuse that they didn't have any wasabi... Our waiter however. Masi... Friendly. Accomodating. Quick and efficient.
(3)
Michael H.
JunA must visit. Food, service an view... All excellent. The fresh catch of the day was outstanding... The fish trio plate was very special. Make reservations, it is popular. Rita treated us like royalty. David, the bartender went out of his way to give personalized service. Wayne is a master with omelets but the photo failed to upload. Sorry.
(5)
Sara S.
Delicious. Must go. The macadamia nut crusted chicken melted in my mouth. The desserts are out of this world.
(5)
Natalia B.
Mediocre food, nice view... Should have paid more attention to the reviews that mentioned the bland food. The seared poke was pretty good, although drenched in sweet sauce, the edamame hummus was tasteless and the chips were soggy, the pineapple salsa flavorless, and even the cocktails were weak. Fish in the fish salad didn't taste fresh. Ribs were okay, nothing to write home about. Should have realized it was a bad sign when we were ignored when we first arrived - stood there for quite some time without an acknowledgement from staff - however our server was a nice guy, and we tipped him well, since it's not his fault that the food isn't what it should be. I'd say if you're in the area, maybe drop by during happy hour for pupus and sunset viewing (the view from many tables includes the rooftops of the shopping center...but look past that...) But don't bother with dinner. Tourist food.
(2)
Sarah C.
I happened into Sam Choy's one morning when I couldn't decide where to go to breakfast. They were serving a buffet, with the usual lineup at a reasonable $14. The food was good, but not great. Some of the selection was lukewarm when it needed to be hot. It was distressing that the floor was greasy/slippery in front of the buffet. Maybe they had just had a huge rush before I got there? There wasn't a crowd, so I felt comfortable sitting out on the lanai overlooking an astounding view as I ate and did some writing. I will return for that alone if I get the chance.
(3)
Greg G.
Friendly place with delicious food and adult beverages. Vegetarian options were great and didn't taste like the consolation prize.
(4)
Andie S.
I really enjoyed our dinner tonight. The fish was well prepared, and really delicious! Our server Shawn was very attentive, and gave us great service! Thanks for a wonderful Mother's Day Sam Choys!
(4)
Maddie R.
I absolutely love it!! I wish I had 6 stars to give!! The view is breathtaking. The service is great and the people are nice. Then I don't even know where to start on the food! The teriyaki is fantastic!!! A perfect char, a sweet sauce, tender, juicy!! It's amazing I love this place & I highly recommend it!
(5)
Rob M.
Drove all the way from Fairmont orchid to get crappy service! If our server spent more time doing her job than bullshitting at table of someone she obviously knew. I wouldn't be writing this review!
(1)
L S.
Great food, great staff, great view! Wonderful place to enjoy a sunset and a delicious meal. The duck was the biggest hit of the night, but the edamame and calamari were delicious too!
Good food and drinks, fantastic views, and friendly staff. We like to eat here at least once when we're on the big Island. It's an open air restaurant with a musician in the evenings. Last night, I had their grilled chicken with brown rice and grilled vegetables. The chicken was very tasty, but the vegetables were a little bland. My husband got the glazed boneless ribs with mashed potatoes and vegetables. He enjoyed his dish quite a bit, although the meat portion was a bit small. We didn't save room for dessert. All in all, I would recommend this is a good place to have a nice meal and watch a beautiful sunset in this area of Hawaii.
(4)
Debra B.
The four stars is for the food!! Amazing!! We had happy hour appetizers as our meal. Fried Poke, chicken wings, ribs, calamari, pork cream cheese wontons, chips and salsa!! Food fantastic, but felt that because we only ordered happy hour items our server didn't care for our business. We were never checked on, nor asked if we needed additional drinks or food. He promptly got our check when asked. Other tables super happy with service. We were not.
(4)
Charla B.
Food was extremely salty especially the poke and the Mac/potato salad. The burger was overlooked and they forgot to bring my husband's fries that go with the burger. It's hard to believe that this food comes from a James Beard award winner. My mother in law liked her fish and chips. Beef stew was ok but not enough meat in it.
(1)
Howard H.
This eatery is in Kona proper just outside another resort area. I'm usually wary of celebrity chef named restaurants but we really didn't have a choice since our run to Da Poke Shack down the road was cut short due to them selling out at 1 p.m. The menu is fairly focused and offers Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine. The shoyu poke was pretty good and the fried poke (which is actually grilled) was even better. I had the beef stew plate which was so so. The wife's fish stir fry with brown rice was also decent. Dessert was better with the bread pudding taking the prize as the best on the table. The view is pretty nice but I can understand why some Yelpers gave subpar reviews. Price is affordable so that's a plus. I don't have great expectations for celebrity chef restaurants so this restaurant was OK in my book.
(3)
Rick L.
Outstanding meal, we both loved it. Great view, great service, great food, you get the point. I had the fish trio. The presentation was so nice, I didn't want to mess it up, but artwork or not, it's MY meal. Great food. Don't miss this place!
(5)
Lynn S.
This place is great. We came here for lunch, twice, after snorkeling at kahaluu beach park nearby. The restaurant is casual and the view is beautiful, they were friendly to us even though it was obvious we just stepped off the beach. The kids ordered sliders, keiki fish plate (beautiful), we had the fish salad, burger, poke wrap. All of it was really good, salad was very fresh. I would tell everyone to go to kahaluu for snorkeling, then come here. The prices are not horrible, unlike so many places on the island, and the beers are good! Try it, service is friendly and the menu has something for everyone, at very decent prices.
(4)
Ellen L.
My arms don't stick to the table or my feet to the floor so great start! Bathrooms are very nice and clean.you should be able to drink wine anywhere but really in Hawaii they don't keep it in a cooler so I think it goes bad fast. However the waitress was extremely quick to give me a fresh bottle of wine.delish! Took 22 minutes for our one order of fish. Foods good but Luke warm. So the waitress amazingly took off our shared lunch efficient chips and my wine. So now they're going from a three-star to a five-star because of their awesome customer service! See Kristin and Julian for awesome customer service!!!
(5)
Reg R.
Friendly: from the guy in the parking lot who steered me into an open spot, to the waitress who seated us. Great room--the open air and elevation make for great sunset views over the ocean. Really nice! Good food. I had the chicken caesar salad; tasted fresh and good. The value was average (for Kona) and service felt slow. Service was slow. It was 55 minutes after orders before any food began arriving on our table. Then it trickled in over the course of about 15 minutes. I guess quality food (it was) takes time at Sam Choy's? If you find that off-putting, check out Splasher's Grill (someplace else with an awesome view of the sea and a $$ rating); their quality was similar and service much faster by comparison. Final thoughts. I was with a family party of 14. The waitress said they wouldn't split the bill for groups larger than 10 people. Later she did do just that for us. Kinda weird, but we did appreciate it! Considering they did put up with us popping up and down for group photos by the railing, and all the theatrics associated with that, this was still a memorable and pleasant dining experience. I'd recommend Sam Choy's--for when you're not especially time-conscious, or are with people who can shift focus to making the most of their time together! Rating: 3.5 stars. Good food. Great room. Good intentions (friendly). Slow service.
(3)
Colleen H.
The first time I went to this place was a few years ago for lunch and it was excellent. Since then, I have been excited to come back. I should have just stayed away because this visit left a bitter taste in my mouth, literally. The laminated menus felt sticky in my hands had also shrunk significantly in number of items with really high prices, and not one of them sounded appealing. Even the table top felt sticky, gross! At that point we should have just left because it because one disappointment after another. The food was ok, the salad wet (dripping with water), pork had weird sauce and at some point a cat walked through the dining room. Perhaps this was a bad night but I'm definitely not going back.
(2)
Janis S.
Love Sam Choys! We live close by and have lunch here at least 3 times a month. I love the noodle shell bowls. All the servers are awesome at Sam Choys. It's such a friendly fun place to eat. Yummy and well prepared. Also love the Seared Poke salad. Awesome. My husband is hooked on the beef stew bowl with brown rice and purple potatoes. Melts in your mouth. Beef stew is tender and the sauce is delicious. Occasionally we go for breakfast. The best buffet in KONA. Or order off the menu. I love the veggie loco moco. Awesome. View is breathtaking. Several times we do lunch, then go down to the shopping center and catch s matinee at the Regal cinemas. Favorite of ours is to have this afternoon excursion starting with Sam Choys. Highly favored
(5)
R Y.
Check the new hours. Unfortunately, the good food the kitchen puts out is now available only at certain times through the day. And......5:00 - 6:00 Happy Hour? C'mon. Probably the only place in town where the Happy Hour is literally one hour! Too bad for such a great restaurant with the best view in town. Was better before......
(2)
Tina P.
The scenery is beautiful - an open air restaurant on a hill looking out over the water. However, the food is overrated. The flavors are good but the fish was overcooked and a bit overpriced even for Hawaii.
(3)
Susanna S.
We wanted to celebrate our 17th anniversary while on vacation and chose this place for its view... we were not disappointed. It is lovely to watch the sunset starting at 6:30. The childrens' meals were pretty standard, but super cheap at $5. This made up for the pricey adult meals, which range from $20-30. For apps, we enjoyed the brie in wonton wrapper. For entree, we had the fish trio, which sounded better than it tasted. Dessert was a complimentary gluten free brownie and ice cream. We sure did appreciate it! All in all, a nice and memorable evening.
(3)
Jean Y.
Good food with the view. The view actually, other places in big Island could be far better, though food was excellent. It's almost like never had that level of Asian mixed food in mainland. Hostess girl was friendly, service person was good. My poke raw was the best. Big tuna pieces, lots of them were really well marinated. Moi moi saimin my friend had was soo good. Overall definitely we would come here again for food.
(4)
Brad Y.
Very dissapointing service. The food was actually good. We had the pork katsu and orange duck. That is where everything went downhill. First we were not told about bread service that was supposedly upon request only. Then it was hard just filling our glasses with water. Our waiter was just "strange" .... Just seemed like he wasn't all there[mentally]. I'm being absolutely serious. When I confronted the waiter about not mentioning the bread service, he offers me after my meal was finished, a basket of bread. He knew that we were first time diners as he asked us as he seated us. So I asked, as first time diners here, how were we supposed to know about the bread service if no one told us and it wasn't written anywhere on the menu. His reply was that management indtructed wait staff to not mention bread service to patrons [which is a bold face lie]. When I confronted manager about this, she offered to give us a discount, but downplayed keepig the bread service "secret". In summary, the food was pretty good. The manager and wait staff need to fired. I might be a carpenter, but even I can't fix "stupid".
(1)
Lori C.
The hype for this restaurant may have contributed to my disappointment. As a Sam Choy restaurant I was expecting more. The menu doesn't have a huge selection and I found it underwhelming, no creative "wows" on the menu and prices were really high. Drinks are expensive too. Location is great for Keauhou visitors but I'd stick with happy hour and maybe stay for the sunset view.
(2)
Kamran H.
Very very bad restaurant. Gave the menu which was not updated. Rude server. Left without eating after waiting for appetizer for 30 mins. No one came to tell us why is the delay.
(1)
Amna H.
Blonde surfer type waiter behaved like he just got dumped. He must have had personal issues he was bringing to work. Remarkably negative experience. Sad.
(1)
Mike G.
If you are in Kailua Kona and looking for a good place to eat come here! This is an expensive fancy restaurant but it is worth it. Located on the top of the hill looking out over the ocean the view is amazing. Try to get a seat on the patio to watch the sun set. We had a fire pit table and loved it. Like I mentioned the food is pricey but the portions are huge and even I had trouble finishing my plate and I was the only one of the four of us that actually managed to finish my plate. Plates range from fresh seafood to chicken, pork and beef. Everything we had was amazing. The beer selection for a beer nerd (snob) like me was lacking but they did stock one beer by local brewery Kona Brewing so that was a plus. I could actually drink! Bring the yelp app to BlackBerry 10!
(5)
Foster B.
The back of the menu advertises that Sam Choy has created meals for airlines. This restaurant will appeal to anyone who thinks airline food is the height (ha ha) of fine dining. Not seeing much else on the menu that appealed to me, I asked for the salad with grilled fish. The server listing the four house dressings and asked my preference. "Which ones are sweet?" I asked. "All of them" was the reply. Oil and vinegar it was... The rest of the family's entrees were equally blah. Desserts were OK. House christmas music was painful.
(1)
Ed M.
What a great place, with a great view and to top it off, wonderful food at great prices. Chef Choy is usually in house each day.
(5)
Rhonda G.
We got this recommendation from our tire guru at Lex Brodie's. ( Thank you Justin! ) A full view of the ocean and a great ambiance! Several people cheered and claimed to see the famous "Green Flash" as the sun set. ( not me ) The drinks were excellent, and the food was superb. We had the Pork Katsu, 2 Lau Lau plates and the lamb. Hard to say which was better. We practically licked our plates. Yum! Service was great and friendly too! Definitely coming back here!
(4)
Jeremy M.
Maybe it's because we had so many resort meals, but we loved this place! It was one of the most reasonably priced meals we had, and came with a gorgeous sunset and good service. I could see this being a regular haunt if I lived in the area. Good for a date or a family dinner!
(5)
Harry A.
Summation: extraordinary happy hour food of local seafood at good prices. Local draft beers and plenty of speciality drinks. Easy whale sightings high above Kona and Keauhou Bay. Glorious Sunsets. Engagable and courteous wait people. Definitely will go again. Sunday buffet was a winner at circa $15! Loaded bloody Mary's -- unique, memorable, but not for all
(4)
Heather W.
I've always had a soft heart for Sam Choy in years of watching him on TV shows and such. We asked the concierge at our hotel which local restaurants uses local beef, and a phone call confirmed that Sam Choy's claims to, so we made a reservation for 7:30 p.m. The sunset view was spectacular, easily seen even from inside seating. Service was slow from the start, but eventually we got our cocktails, which were very light in alcohol and quite sweet. Eventually our server brought us a bread bowl, which is sweet Hawaiian-style soft rolls. I ordered the New York steak, medium rare, and my husband ordered their rack of BBQ ribs. Then we waited for a while, and tried to not fill up on bread. The server came back to tell us that they had under anticipated the number of diners and they were out of ribs, so we ordered the braised short ribs instead. When out food came out some time later, my steak was raw, but the server noticed this on passing by just as I cut it and whisked it away to be properly cooked. Nice save on her part. When it came back, it was perfectly cooked, but honestly, this wasn't the local beef I've come to know and love. It had clearly been cryo-vac sealed and wet aged, and while tasty enough, it really didn't have the wow factor that island beef usually does. Now I won't say they were out right lying, but it didn't taste like grass fed local, and nowhere on the menu is there any claim that they use local beef and this would be a huge selling point, so I'm incredulous as to the veracity of their claim. On the other hand, the concierge was told it was local, and when I asked the server, she said it was local as well. So I'll just let that dead dog lie. The short ribs were falling apart tender and tasty, but a bit too sweet for our taste. There was also just two thick short ribs, which was a grave disappointment when my husband had expected an entire slab of BBQ pork ribs. However, the ribs were significantly meaty and nicely cooked. We both had the garlic mashed potatoes, and they were fresh and tasty. My asparagus was cooked perfectly. Service was slow; but we asked what was going on and were told that because business had been slow, some of the staff were sent home and they got were unexpectedly busy and thus service was slow. Our server was super sweet, as attentive as she could be, and had a great attitude, in spite of being overworked. I'm just glad she got to work -- and be paid -- for the day. We tipped well. In the end, this is really a tourist destination and the food is well-made, but a cookie cutter menu makes this easy. Sam Choy's is well priced for the food and ambiance. It's not stellar, but it's good. The drinks are weak, but you're really paying for Sam Choy's signature, the location and the idea of Hawaiian fine-dining. I wouldn't steer anyone away from the place, but it's really just a theme restaurant and not necessarily a bad one.
(3)
Nadine F.
I had a nice time at Sam Choy's. We went for pupus and drinks one night. Sam Choy's was the closest option outside our hotel, and their prices were very reasonable compared to our other options. We got the Hawaiian-style wings and the brie wontons. To me, the food just wasn't anything special, but the drinks, views, and service were all great. To drink, I had the sunset sangria (mango), and it was really good and really strong. It also probably saved me $5-10 over a similar but less good drink at my hotel. Service was also good. Our waiter, who I think was named Arthur (had an Irish accent) was really nice and attentive. As others have mentioned, the view overlooking the beach is gorgeous, and overall this would be an awesome spot for happy hour, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to spend the big bucks on dinner.
(3)
Harry L.
Drove past the place and remember hearing about Sam Choy on the Food Network so we decided to check it out. So glad we stopped in. Everything they brought out was amazing. Had the fried poke and edemame for starters and they were both really good. The poke was actually phenomenal. I had the fresh fish club sandwich with pineapple and bacon and for me, it's probably one of, if not THE best fish sandwich I've ever had. Everyone in my group had different things and we were all raving about our meals. Once the entrees came out, practically all conversation ceased and we all focused on the plates of food in front of us. The lady serving us was really nice and the service was really good. I'd definitely come back and strongly recommend it.
(4)
Pat W.
Had high hopes for this place after eating plate lunches and fast foods all week. Was pleasantly surprised to get seating on Friday around 5:30 without reservations. Service started out great. Menus and drinks arrived quickly. We ordered the edamame appetizer, orange duck and the rack of lamb. Edamame was fried and greasy. I'm not sure why this is better than boiling. Orange duck was good. I'm puzzled by the rack of lamb. Tough with a texture of char Sui on a stick on a bed of linguine in a cream sauce. This Asian fusion didn't work for me. The Mac and cheese for our 8 year old was a disaster. One spoonful and it was rejected immediately. The cheese flavor was way to sharp for a kids palate. Overall a disaster for our one nice meal of our vacation. Two stars for ok service.
(2)
Vivien B.
Over rated, over priced. Sam choy doesn't even own the place but outsources his name. Huge tourist trap.
(2)
Shawn W.
This place has degraded a bit in the past few years. Dinner for 5, drinks, apps, the works. Service was spotty at best. The food itself wasn't bad - very good for the most part, in fact. The fish trio could've been better - two of the three were fried. Waters were not refilled until we had to ask, which in my opinion, having worked in the service industry, is a cardinal sin. There were other service issues as well with our waiter, too, but no need to get into too many details Let's face it: when you come to Sam Choy's, the view is a good part of what you're paying for. But for the prices they charge, you should be getting some pretty stellar service. Our guy, who was the only one wearing a santa hat to cover his greasy head, was either very new, not too bright, very, very stoned, or a combination of all of those things.
(3)
Amanda C.
I will never go to this restaurant again. Food was barely mediocre and SO SO overpriced. The waiter was nice enough but the waitstaff was overall horrible. Empty glasses sat on the table for long periods of time and my plate which I was done with sat for at least 20 mins before it got picked up. I went with a large party and every guest was complaining about the food and it's prices. Patrons in the restaurant were overall entitled and rude. I will be telling everyone I know not to step foot in this awful establishment.
(1)
Candice B.
We decided to try Sam Choy's because it was close and there were about 10 of us. The menu looked good and the pictures looked decent. We were staying at the Sheraton. The people were nice. That is no view at night. Super dark. The restaurant was nice and casual. The food was not good. We tried multiple appetizers. Fried poke was ok. The duck was tough. The kids fish was under cooked, the kids burger was way over cooked. The kids chicken nuggets were Mickey mouse shaped and right out of a box. The rib eye was so tough my sharp knife didn't cut it. The fish trio was all fried. It was expensive and not good. I would not go back and hope this review helps others make plans at a different location. The food rivals that of sizzler not anything close to fun and fancy island faire.
(1)
Jennifer F.
First off, the views this restaurant provides are absolutely breathtaking. I came a few days ago for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the fresh fish of the day (swordfish) which came with a side salad and a purple sweet potato salad - absolutely filling and delicious! I would have to say that something on the plate could have used a little bit of salt; the food leaned on the sweeter side, but was tasty and very enjoyable nonetheless. I returned this evening for Sam Choy's happy hour, with $5 cocktails and well-priced pupus (appetizers). My family and I ordered almost every single appetizer on the HH menu, and felt that the food was even better than the lunch entrees a few days ago! The calamari was probably the best I've ever had - so fresh and tender, and not a bit chewy. The chicken wings were also some of the best wings I've eaten. Drinks, $5?! On the mainland during HH, I'm still used to $8-11/drink, so this was awesome! The staff was friendly both times, and the restaurant (and bathrooms) are very clean. When I return to the Big Island, I will definitely be sure to return (and might even return once more before we leave). Definitely a must-go :)
(5)
laura b.
Service was slow. Brie "wontons" are not wontons at all and overpriced, but very tasty. I had the fish trio and my date had the leaf-wrapped fish, both were MINDBLOWING. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Would go back for the fish!
(3)
Vishakha K.
Best place to eat hands down on the Big Island. My husband and I came to Sam Choy twice during our trip. Food was totally amazing, adequately priced.. The drinks were great. N the view just completes you experience. Definitely recommend to all.
(5)
Bill D.
Crappy service and lame food, asked for a view seat and was given a cheep seat, when a view seat was still available, server gave us a BS line about needing to fill other servers tables, meanwhile the only view seat was given to the couple in line behind us, lame way to do business.
(1)
Denise L.
One of the best meals I've ever had at a Big Island restaurant, and that includes eating at Ulu at the Four Seasons. Loved loved loved the mac nut crusted chicken I had for dinner. Loved it! Desserts were absolutely ono too. The ONLY reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the service was a little iffy. we were there for dinner (reservations are a must!) Our waiter was nice enough, but seemed really really overworked taking care of too many tables. My mother asked for lemon for her water and the waiter brought her a large glass of lemonade??? She also ordered a alcoholic drink which took forever to arrive. We felt we fared better than the table next to us where the waitress was distracted while serving dishes and broke a diner's glass, spewing broken shards of glass all over their meal. Would go back in a heartbeat. The views are incredible for sunset. It can be windy there so definitely recommend eating outside unless it is super calm out. And yeah, parking can be a bitch because the lot is small.
(4)
Suzanne N.
We've dined here once before on a previous trip and the experience was probably a 3 star. This time was really good! We went in for Saturday morning brunch buffet and that was very good! We will be back in March and will need to make sure to come here for breakfast buffet. Amazing as well! We also came back the next afternoon for the Seahawks game. We were told that they usually get quite a few Seahawks fans in there, so we were in friendly territory :). Enjoyed our time!
(4)
M D.
Was in Kona for 3+ weeks. Had 3 excellent meals. This was the best! Had the fried (pan seared) poke salad. Was absolutely excellent! I am so sad that this was the best meal I had while I was here....because it was the last one..I left soon after enjoying this. Sam Choy's has a breath-taking view as well. But what I loved most about eating there (besides the food), the safe were exceedingly friendly and helpful. The chef came to the table to check on us, the waitstaff was very attentive and the manager was also very kind. I have a special needs daughter and often dining out is both an experience for her and other diners dining with her. She had a lovely time, as well. Excellent food, great staff, good pricing...I will absolutely go again, when we travel there again in 2015!!
(5)
Sandhya K.
We went here for lunch and really enjoyed the ocean views. Food was good, nothing special but enjoyable. Service on the other hand was a little below par I must say. I worked as a server for a long time and have nothing but respect for service industry folks and what they have to go through, I know it all but at the same time there really is no excuse for a server not knowing what veggies are served in the veggie stir fry LOL ! (gotta do your homework) well at least she was nice. It seemed like some of the staff could use a little training on basics and this restaurant could win another star. I am not bitter about my experience, I would go back here again.
(3)
Jackie Q.
Nothing short of an excellent experience. You will never find better service than that provided by our wonderful waitress Malia. Try the duck, lamb, and filet milon. Perfect dinner. We will definitely be back very soon. Thank you Malia!
(5)
Telia O.
Took my family out to lunch here and from the moment we entered the front door the aloha customer service never ended. The hostess greeted and showed our table and a friendly waitress saw us trying to situate ourselves (we probably looked like we needed the help! Lol) with our 2 yr old toddler and our 2 month baby in a car seat and she generously offered her help and pulled a chair out for my oldest child and turned a high chair upside down (brilliant idea! ) to keep my car seat off of the floor. She said " I understand, I have 2 of my own and probably the same age as your kids:) " we thanked her for her kindness (she wasn't even assigned to our table but helped us anyway!) then our real waitress came and she was ever so friendly as well! She was an older woman and although she looked like she was having difficulty walking she did not let that interfere with her customer service. We were hungry so we ordered pupus which you would think the portions would be small but we were so wrong! The shoyu ahi and calamari was so ono (delicious) and they did not skimp on the portion size either! For our entree I had the hamburger steak which was ono as well and accompanied by a beautiful purple sweet potato salad. My husband had the chicken noodle mania which is really what it says MANIA! it came in a huge tortilla bowl even the portion inside the bowl was huge!! That's a big plus in my husbands book haha! And my toddler got the chicken fingers off of the kids menu for $5 which could've seriously feed an adult it was so much:) lunch turned into lunch and an afternoon snack for her :) OVERALL from arrival to when we left 5 stars!! Will return again:) friendly staff, decent prices and big portions is the way to a locals heart in hawaii:) will return again. Mahalo Sam Choy, job well done with your restaurant and staffs aloha spirit.
(5)
Mahikoluia L.
This place is way over-rated. The fish and chips are terrible. Mushy fish and freezer-style fries. They were out of stock on some common items....laughable. Never again.
(2)
Bob G.
Great setting looking over the Pacific. Food was very good and service was far above expectation. They really cared about the experience. The menu was perhaps a bit limited but all of us were happy.
(4)
Barb M.
This place is disappointing. Service so-so. Food mediocre. I don't get the good reviews here.
(1)
Mary Anne B.
Best panoramic views of kona coast. Menu is limited but good. Whole restaurant opens up to the Lanai. I have a hunch this is a locals favorite.
(4)
Aimee F.
Good food, a little pricey but the quality was great. Nice scenery. My server was nice (forgot her name, she was from queens, New York). Definitely didn't think service was bad or slow. I got the lamb chops, they were soooo good! My bf got the ny steak and it was good too. Poke was also delicious.
(5)
Liza M.
Dined in last night with my husband and 11 years old son. Check-in at 7:30pm.. Customer service was fabulous I ordered their specials Korean porkchop, my husband had a pork katsu and my son had a New York steak. Everything was delicious and tender. Their dessert was fabulous and it's free. Will come back for sure. This place also close to sheraton kona in Keahou.
(4)
Timothy A.
There were high expectations for a Sam Choys branded restaurant. Sadly, those expectations were crushed. We had reservations for 1815 and the process went smoothly. The presented menu was simply a laminated double sided piece of paper. The menu was an indication that soul of the restaurant had left as too the lack of detail. No drink menu was offered. Also, no salt and pepper shakers at our wobbly table. My pupu choice was the shoyu ahi tower and my main course was the "special" surf and turf consisting of filet mignon, three scallops and garlic mash potatoes. At $12 the poke was a good value at about 3 quarters of a pound seemed fresh and lightly seasoned. Later, the entrees came out. Warm and hot food temperatures seem to be a lost art here. The serving of the mash potatoes were barely warm. My steak was cold and the top dry. I rarely send food back but, the steak was the the last straw and I asked for it to be warmed and sent it back. A manager(?) Came by and apologized and said a new one would be made. Which did come out a few minutes later. The crust was charred indicating a very hot part of the grill was used to rush it out. The scallops that came back also seemed to be warmed up a bit more. No other offer to replace my beer that I had emptied mid meal. (I thought drinks were a money maker) I don't know if this bad experience was due to a one time occasion of multiple small problems ganging up on each other or indicative of a truly bad establishment that has gone off course. Undoubtedly, this is a popular restaurant due to the location, drinking and food quantity. But, if you care about things like attention to detail, hot food and a place with a touch of class - avoid this location.
(2)
Richard C.
The view is a 5 - The service was a 4. The food was a 1 or 2 at best. While we were a group of 10 they brought the food out cold. They had made substitutions on the plate of white rice (We ordered mashed potatoes and they ran out.) without even asking when they had other options available - (white rice, vegetables). We have been twice now both times with the same results.
(2)
Jp P.
Service was great, my friends meal was great. I ordered brazed short ribs and it was not good. The meat was dry, my rice wasnt cooked; it actually hurt to eat it. I was surprised with a hard bite. Being from the midwest, and being asian, the shoet ribs were really just pot roast....dry pot roast, with asian sauce. For 26$ this meal was terrible...dry and undercooked rice.
(1)
KaPua L.
food is okay but never consistent... we eat here often... and order the same things like the edamame hummus is a hit or miss.. sometimes its tasty and sometimes its bland... but i love their fried poke salad in a wonton bowl.. its a good place
(2)
Norma J.
Service was non existent for first 20 minutes as we waited for our water. I finally went and asked for someone to come and see about serving us. Spectacular views, wonderful sunset, but service was never there until requested. Mahi mahi for my husband was a little on the dry side and he felt over rated for a Sam Choy quality. I had the trio fish and was unfortunately disappointed. The manager was very accommodating and even gave us complimentary drinks for the delay in service and was very understanding about my concerns of the entrees. I asked about bread and was informed that bread was given only upon request. What a new concept for a so called " up scaled " restaurant. Bread was rolls which one can buy at any store called "heat n serve". Another big disappointment. Final analysis for us as I told the manager.....last visit.
(2)
R G.
Nice & professional staff. We went during "happy hour" ready to chow down, unfortunately they don't serve regular entrees during this time, only pupu's. What a dissapointment. We ended up going somewhere else for lunch....to bad. :(
(2)
Shauna And Steve D.
Good drinks. Great view for sunset. Food is definitely below average - tried almost all of the appetizers and none are memorable or noteworthy.
(3)
Sofie D.
I'm not sure why Sam Choy's is rated so low, because we had a great dining experience here. It really felt like "Hawaii" with live music, awesome view, and super friendly service. We ordered both the regular poke and the fried poke for appetizers, and the regular poke was way too salty. When we told our waitress, she took them back and had them fried up! Perfect! Everyone in our group loved their entrees - my fish trio was super tasty and cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the Big Island.
(4)
Darrin J.
One star for a beautiful lunch setting. Zero stars for service and food quality. Restaurant was pretty much empty but server was mostly absent with others doing his job delivering the food (I hate when food runners are used) which was wrong in several instances (wrong sides and missing side). Even had to ask for water refills. Now the food was equally horrible. Poke that was so salty we might has well be licking a salt lick. Even the manager agreed bringing us a new one which was nearly equally bad and one of the runners had the gall to argue with our tastes making some excuse that it was a deep sea fish and was inherently more salty (epic wrong). Their signature beef stew was a minimal portion with not enough meat and grainy potatoes. The hamburger (grilled medium) was dry to say the least and the missing fries once I got them could have been improved if they had went to McDonalds to get them. The Frankenstein macaroni/potato salad lacked flavor (except salt) and was a mushy mess. Tuna melt was tolerable. The fish and chips had good fish but batter was oily. James Beard is turning over in his grave.
(1)
Amy P.
The food and service here was great! The appetizers were amazing. We ordered Shoyu Poke and baby back ribs. For our entree we ordered Sam's Trio of Fish and Chef Sam's Seafood Laulau. I thought it was a bit bland but my husband said it was pretty good. I guess I wasn't in the mood for fish that night. I would love to go back there to try out other items on the menu.
(4)
gwynnie p.
Had two meals at Sam Choy's, a lunch and a dinner. Lunch was probably better, I had the noodle mania with fish and the husband had fish and chips which he declared was the best he'd ever had. Mai tais were tasty. We also had the BEST poke of the entire trip at Sam Choy's, and we ate a lot of it at various venues. Dessert of a mud pie seemed to have a bit of freezer burn and was nothing remarkable. For dinner we had pork katsu (delish) and a rib eye which was definitely on the medium well side (asked for medium rare and was told the kitchen usually did that on the rare side, which is what I wanted...) and the mushroom sauce was REALLY salty - as salty as canned mushroom soup. Cheesecake for dessert was just ok, so I guess desserts aren't really their thing. The view is just spectacular and the dining room is open air and very relaxing. We had really good service on both visits, and would definitely go back. Others have noted inconsistency, and I hope they will be keeping an eye on that because every experience/dish could be divine, but right now that doesn't seem to be happening.
(4)
Mike W.
Inconsistent has to be the best word to describe Sam Choy's. We ate here three times over the course of the week and every time we went it was worse than the previous. The Poke tasted different, the drinks tasted different, and depending on who was working it was borderline uncomfortable to be there. When we came in for dinner, the hostess was the single rudest person that we met on the island for the entire week that we were there. We asked her what that wait would be for an outside table and were told "I don't know, I can't make them leave" and then she walked away and left us standing there. Okay... uhm.. well that was weird, maybe one of the servers can seat us then? Poke - First time that we had the poke it was pretty darn good, a little dry but had a nice sesame flavor to it. The second time we had the poke, the fish wasn't cleaned properly and still had skin on it. First experience was good, second experience was the worst poke I had all week. Lau Lau - Very very rich lau lau but also very tasty sans the scallops. It's not that the scallops were cooked poorly, they were sour. It was 100% obvious that they had gone bad and needed to be thrown away. Three of the four of us ordered this and all three of us spit out our scallops upon eating the first bite. Noodle Mania - This was awesome. Only served during lunch. Kona Style Chicken Wings - These were good wings. Fried wings with a light, sweet and spicy sauce over the top. Finally, the drinks. It was really apparent that they have no set way of making anything so depending on who the bartender was your Mai Thai will taste completely different. Again, just goes with the whole them of lacking any sense of consistency.
(3)
Ryan S.
Nice and relaxing vibe. Excellent food, drinks and service! Not to mention the view was top notch as well!
(5)
Maureen O.
Ate lunch here today, after the food was delivered, we noted to the waitress the "crab" melt sandwich had imitation crab in it! Yuck! When we asked waitress about it, she said she told us it was imitation crab when describing the specials. None of us heard it. Then, sandwich was mostly mayonnaise with very small bits of the fake crab. Gross! Do not recommend eating here. On a positive note, the drinks & views were good.
(1)
Joe F.
I feel terrible for Chef Choy knowing how talented and hard he worked when HRC was beginning. Obviously Sam has counted on others to step in on the culinary side and follow his example and those employees have failed him tremendously. The table beside us complained about the tasteless pasta, we were told to order our lamb medium rare it was delivered extra well done. My wife re-ordered a salad with fresh fish and it was mediocre at best, my fish trio was ok however the veggies were also over cooked. Our server told us a "corporate chef" was helping out, but wasn't currently in the kitchen. In our opinion nobody in the kitchen was on the ball, obviously an expeditor was non existent. We also had to ask to have the extra well done lamb taken off the bill, front of the house issue. The Manager said she was "privy" to the over cooked lamb, I guess follow up and follow through wasn't important. Sorry Sam, you deserve better and more caring employees.
(1)
Cathy C.
Visiting from California and happened onto this lovely place. We ordered the Fish Trio and Braised Short Ribs. The view was spectacular our waiter was excellent and the meal was superb. Definately will come back.
(5)
Sungeun P.
I will summarize for the busy folks before the actual review. Pro: open air, has ocean view. It has a decent parking lot. This is the only reason for a Star. Con: SO. MANY. DIRTY. DISHES. Utensils are same, food was nothing to rave about, worth the money if you eat 2 servings of FULL plates, idk about other servers but mine did absolute bare minimum at best. Having worked in hospitality myself, it is unacceptable to come to a well known restaurant and move 7 plates from the "clean stack" of dishes with unwashed food stuck on it while the HOST stood right NEXT to me, watching the whole thing happening. Details: Just finished my breakfast "buffet" here. Not sure what time breakfast ends but my family and I sat down at 9:45. Our server sat us where we requested but for some reason the table is pushed up to a POLE. Huge pole so that half the table looks directly at the POLE instead of the ocean (3 inches from the table). Neither the server or the host thought to help move the table. The omelet station was unoccupied and so messy, I thought they were done. (Turns out it wasn't done because after I sat down, the cook came out from the back and started cooking..I guess he went to get more ingredients. ) anyway I walk over to grab whatever else was available. I have never seen so many dirty "clean" plates it blew my mind. Same for the utensils. Unbelievably dirty, there was no napkins to clean, nothing. I only ate because my family really wanted to try the restaurant and I was very hungry. But Dont waste $15 for breakfast buffet here and go to other hole in the wall places.
(1)
Brenda P.
We were visiting in January and had dinner here. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the view pretty dang good. I don't know about these other reviews that are describing experiences so unlike what we had. Out of the 10 days and many meals at various restaurants around the island, this was my favorite. We sat outside, but the whole restaurant is open air. I would definitely go back next time we are in Kona!
(5)
Rick S.
Awww! So close. In some ways I want to rate this 2 stars, although the service and beautiful setting upgraded my rating. The food is beautifully presented looking picture-perfect. The disappointment is with the taste - everything I tried was just bland! The beef, fish, salads - it all looked great but not much flavor. Even the mixed drinks I found to be lacking. On the other hand, the view and sunsets at this location are amazing! You'd have a great time here hanging out with friends. Maybe we went on a bad night. I don't know. I'm willing to try Sam Choy's again before I give up on it.
(3)
Mitch L.
Went there at 130pm for lunch. Restaurant was mostly empty, so expected fast service. Staff was nice and attentive, but a bit stretched. Food was quite good. Ordered Poke app, which was very good, and an unusual hummus which was made with edamame instead of chick peas, but it worked although a bit bland. A for effort B for execution. Food delivery was slow, and one meal went missing. View is pretty good, overlooking the ocean, but behind a strip mall, so also nice view of the roofs and associated machinery as well. Might be more fun for dinner? Overall, food 3.5, view 3.5, Staff 4.0. If you are in the area, good to go once, but not worth a longer drive.
(3)
Raymond L.
We had a big group with us and we celebrated a birthday. The margaritas and appetizers were excellent, especially the calamari. The service was phenomenal and was attentive throughout the meal. Three people in our party ordered the Fish trio and was unfortunately caught off guard of how the fish tasted. It was over cooked, dry and up seasoned. The Mahi Mahi was over covered with sesame seeds and actually made the fish taste worse. The rice was severely under cooked, dry and was too difficult for me to eat. The waiter was attentive and came over, we advised him that the rice was not done properly and he immediately offered us mash potatoes as a substitute. When they brought the mash potatoes out, the porcelain was far too hot to touch, the potatoes tasted like old and dry potatoes and was a good give away that we were served re-heated microwaved potatoes. Towards the end of the meal, the manager came over and asked us how our meal was. We offered our feedback and the manager was apologetic, he asked us whether or not we informed the waiter, which we did. He explained that he will comp the 3 entrees because the waiter failed to fix the problem and waiter should have discovered the issues earlier before the end of the meal. Although I really appreciate the complimentary dishes, that wasn't my intent as I fully intended to pay. The waiter wasn't at fault because he clearly didn't have control over how terrible the food turned out to be. I hope that the waiter didn't get in trouble over the quality of the food. After reading some of the other reviews here, it is clear that the restaurant doesn't get it nor do they pay attention to some of the reviews on here. It should be clear that the rice cooking method should be revisited, the fish trio recipe should be reviewed. I'm no chef but I can easily cook fish that taste better than how any of our trio dishes turned out. The lamb chops and the duck was not bad. But the rest is uneatable. I really wanted to leave a one star review but the service was good and the management did try to do something about the situation. I would be willing to go again, but I would probably avoid the trio for a while until the reviews tell me otherwise.
(3)
Robert H.
Three of us had "happy hour" drinks and pu pu's here on June 5. The food and service was very good but we each ordered a Mai tai and we all had the same impression: little or no alcohol. We did not expect much for $5.00 a drink but we did expect that a Mai Tai would have some noticeable alcohol. I give them four stars for the view, service, and quality and variety of "happy hour" food.
(4)
Terri B.
Gorgeous view of the town of Kailua-Kona. When I first saw the name I was not so interested (no offense, just not a fan of Chinese food, which is what I assumed it was). We sat at the bar and all the appetizers recommend by the bartender were delicious! The dinner menu is limited, but a nice spot for drinks and appetizers.
(4)
Steve K.
We were looking forward to lunch on Sunday, drove in from town. Parked and found at 12:30 they were only serving champagne brunch as it was the last Sunday of the month. They seemed embarrassed to announce that this was the case, as well they should. Look, we read West Hawaii Today every morning, and they advertise there. It would be a common sense matter to advertise the fact that you were doomed to spend $35 on a brunch if you showed up on the last Sunday of the month. One can only shake your head and well, in our case, drive back in to town for lunch. I doubt we will attempt this again, there are too many other options available.
(1)
Andy C.
Stayed at Hilton Waikaloa and found out Sam Choy's opened a restaurant and was so happy, I ended up eating there the next 5 days. This tells you something, when restaurant is about 45 minutes away from where I was staying. Needless to say, I have been a Sam Choy's fan my whole adult life and was heart broken when he closed his restaurants. Actually, met him for first time one evening and he greeted us in real Aloha spirit. He even sang happy birthday to me. The last day I was there, we had the Sunday brunch and it was of great value. Choices galore, with popular items -beef stew, fried rice and local moco. Fresh fruits and salad, omelettes and desserts. Yum yum!
(5)
Marc E.
Just had dinner there. mahi mahi. Everything was great, food, service and friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Thomas H.
We have eaten several times at this location and have often found the food excellent. Unfortunately, our recent experience was poor. The fish trio was not well prepared and one fish tasted like mud. We do not recommend. Also the short ribs that are usually very tasty, lacked flavor and the meat was dry and tough. The over all quality has fallen off.
(3)
Jeff A.
Food was just not good. Pork Katsu was dry and flavorless. Service was just ok. Overall bummed at this poor experience.
(1)
Sandra L.
What a view to enjoy your meal with. Great food and wonderful atmosphere.
(5)
Kristen C.
Watching the sun set on the horizon at lightening speed while enjoying a lilikoi mojito....ummmmm ok! Uncle Jerry took excellent care of us and made the keiki very happy with a Shirley Temple. Our meals were SO tasty; keiki fish plate, fish trio, duck and lamb chops. Lots of Aloha exchanged and all went home with full bellies and big smiles.
(5)
karelle a.
Very meh food...... Three stars for the view and the open terrace. Service was good and the drinks were fine. It was also easy to find parking. An ok place for a happy hour nosh, but don't expect much from the menu.
The food was great. The waiter was very nice, but really screwed up the bill. Brought a over cooked lamb chops when my cousin asked for rare. Forgot a drink and the mashed potatoes he ordered taste like box potatoes. Not sure if it's because it was getting late or the cook was lazy. We were told they were out of potatoes and when the messed up my cousin order there was potatoes? ?
(3)
Teri G.
Delicious fillet mignon, we had another wonderful dinner with awesome view... best part was waitress Malia, very friendly, great service, made the night extra special :)
(5)
Yvette K.
I don't get it. Why does this place have such a glowing reputation? It has a great location, but the food is really just OK. I have had breakfast at Sam Choy's twice and drinks and appetizers another time. Breakfast is certainly decent and actually a good value, but nothing great. Unfortunately, the fish that came with my eggs was overcooked. Despite that I would eat breakfast here again. Frankly, the dinner prices are too high and I just don't have faith that the food will be worth it, so I have not eaten dinner here. The night we shared 3 appetizers and drinks was a lot of fun being on the lanai with the fire pit to keep us warm, but the food was average at best. For these reasons I do not advise spending the big bucks for dinner, there are better places to eat in the area, although they can be hard to find in Kona. Please go to Keei Cafe in Kalakekua, it's soooo much better than Sam Choy's for high end great food.
(3)
Do Y.
We had high hopes for this place given it's beautiful location overlooking the ocean. We stopped by on 4/16 for lunch. The wife had the 6oz NY strip steak and fish and I had the fish and chips for me, with the baby back rib appetizer for us both. The appetizer came, then shortly after the main entrees came out. Bad timing all around. The food was "meh." I suspect this place is known for one or two really great signature dishes, but everything else just seems ok. I'd come here for the beautiful view if I happen to be staying near by, but not for the food nor would I go out of my way to come here again.
(2)
Ernie S.
I have been eating at Sam's for years! It has always been fantastic!!! Can't go wrong!!
(5)
Ej F.
Automatic 3 stars for the view. Well, not necessarily automatic but the view is quite spectacular. Sunset was beautiful and it's just an added bonus to be able to watch it from the dinner table. I didn't measure it but the website claims they have a 230 degree view of the Pacific Ocean. The open walled design makes the restaurant feel spacious and airy like you're out on your own ocean view patio. Appetizers: Brie won ton, spicy edamame, hummus (it's green) Libations: great pina coladas and mango berry mojitos, but they ran out of the pineapple white wine sangria :( Spoiler alert: free small bowl of soup and salad was served. It may not be a regular offering but it was a pleasant surprise to start our meal. Entree: Sam's Trio of Fish consisting of ono, ahi, and ebi(sp?) was really good. I had been eating a lot of rice with my meals in Hawai'i so I ordered it with garlic mashed potatoes. Great combination with the local sauteed vegetables. On top of the sauce was a tangerine-like jam that added a fruity sweetness to the dish (see pic). To sum it up, everyone at my table really enjoyed the view, the food, and the atmosphere mixed with tourists and locals. Service can be a little slow when it's busy but they got our orders right and I would definitely go back to try out the breakfast.
(4)
Linda T.
Dare we try again? Awesome view and good service. After a previous disappointment two years ago, we decided to give Sam Choy's another try. Our first time we had two bad experiences with the fish. Our poke had a lot of sinewy chewy bits so we mentioned this to our server who said this was a sign of quality fish- what? Our fish entrees were overcooked and dry. Fast forward to Monday night (7/21) We arrived at 7 - no waiting. Ordered the shoyu poke - fish was great quality but was nothing special ... Just tasted like shoyu and green onions. Brie wontons were ono! They ran out of bread - we barely got ours. Our trio of fish, which is what we were all looking forward to - they only had ahi, which was good but we were looking forward to trying other fish like maybe some Ono or Opakapaka? One member of our party wanted to try the pasta dish but they were out of fettuccini so would have had to penni..
(2)
Amy W.
It was the last night of my honeymoon and I am so glad I had my meal here because it was a great way to cap off the trip. We were seated right away as walk ins. Were seated outside with a good view over the water. It was a great place for a sunset dinner. I had this chicken with mango sauce, and it was delicious. I dont recall what my husband had but all I remember was it was tender and very very very yummy. For the food we were served, and the view, I was surprised at how much it was... half of was I was expecting! Based on my experience, it was the best restaurant of our entire trip.
(5)
James S.
Went there for a Saturday morning buffet. Server was great ,very personable, pleasant,(KATHY). Many choices , great omlets, surprise was the clam chowder,really good coming from the Seattle area gives us something to judge by. My reason for 4 stars is some of the buffet items were barely warm( loco moco, bacon,roasted red potatoes) but the view is fantastic and it was a good experience, we willl do it again soon;
(4)
Jacqueline F.
Went to them because they were near the resort we were staying in and after a long flight from the mainland, I was famished and wanted food (all I had to eat was some fruit and cheese on the flight). I was skeptical because the restaurants of celebrity chefs don't always live up to the hype. But boy was it worth it! We were seated right away and had a wonderful waiter, Arthur. We even had a beautiful view of the water. First they are up on all things gluten free and that's a relief. I chose the edamame/spinach hummus with chips and was glad that the chips were made of taro. Score one. I saved the hummus that was left for my fish dish. The fish dish was fine. The first fish that I looked at was the best. The other two were run of the mill. I imagine that it's because they may have soy based sauces that were left off. I can't imagine that one piece would be flavored perfectly and the other's were bland. My husband had the lamb chops which he loved! I couldn't taste it because of the soy sauce. Arthur recommended a great wine to go with the meal and it was great! The desert, which Arthur recommended - the chocolate (gluten free) cake with coconut ice cream was too die for. We went back two days later and had lunch because we got up late and wanted to grab a bite to eat on our way to the beach. We got the hummus with taro and yucca chips. The Yucca chips that were left in the hummus got soggy, but they were good, just don't leave them in the hummus. I got a bunless hamburger which was run of the mill and a green salad. The dressing was too sweet, but it did improve the flavor of the burger. My husband didn't like his dish, he thought it was bland. I forgot what he ordered. For dessert, we ordered the coconut panna cotta. It was way too sweet. To add insult to injury, it had a super sweet whipped cream - a ton of it (almost as much as panna cotta which was quite big and a super sweet caramel. Now, to be honest, the caramel was also on the chocolate dish but it wasn't super sugary sweet, so we didn't each much of it (the caramel). I asked Arthur about gluten free eats and he recommended Kaya's and another place for my husband to have the loko moko. We didn't make it to that place, but I'm sure it was good. The place actually gets three stars, the extra one is because of Arthur. We wanted to go back, but my husband got sick and we spent the last few days eating very little. Also, three stars because leaving the gluten containing sauce off of something, doesn't make it good. I could have bought and cocked a bland piece of meat myself. To truly embrace gluten free culture, we need to have the same eating experiences as those who eat gluten containing dishes. I just hope that next time we return, the fish trio has three pieces of tasty fish instead of just one. But when all is said and done, it was worth it and was a great welcome to the island!
(4)
Julie S.
Absolutely stunning! The almost 360 degree views are the best. Call in advance and reserve a table on the outer lanai to view the sunset. Our server, Arthur was one of the best we have ever had. He was a wealth of knowledge on everything, extremely attentive and happy. I had the fish salad with seared ahi....fantastic! My husband had the trio of fish which was perfection with the wonderful sauces. Our appetizer was the calamari and it was fresh, tender and delicious. Our favorite on the island! Go!
Will start off by saying I will never come back here. We had a reservation for 7 at 1pm. It wasn't packed. The hostess took 10 minutes to notice we were waiting, and only because my Grandma had sat down at a table because she was tired of standing. She comes up to us and says all sassy, "So are you guys ready??" ...then proceeds to sit us all the way outside, even though there were open tables inside. It was SO windy outside and this was half of what ruined our experience because stuff was flying everywhere. There's no reason the hostess couldn't have sat us inside, esp. seeing my grandma had a cane and has a hard time walking far. Our waitress was nice enough, we all got drinks and our order taken fast enough. And here's where the trouble started. We waited 45 minutes to get our food. No one came to check on us. When we finally got our food, they forgot my dad's order. He had to wait OVER AN HOUR to get his hamburger steak. The waitress apologized and explained it was her fault and that there were so many other tickets that needed to be fired I guess it got lost. So we spoke to the manager and were comp'd the hamburger steak. After that, it took another 15min wait just to get takeout boxes. Overall the waitress and manager were nice, but they need to do a MUCH better job of checking on their customers, because this kind of experience is just NOT acceptable... Food-wise, I had a chicken salad and it was just okay. No one else said their food was memorable. Unfortunate because this was my first time here. They really need some work!!!
(1)
Chelsea M.
Positives: BEST view in all of Kona that is not on the water front. My family and I used to go up to the Wendy's that used to be in that location just because of the view. I have been to Sam Choy's three times now and I am content to defend my three star rating. It is definitely not a two but it is definitely not a four star. Food: General: Not a lot of selection and I probably would not suggest it for kids at dinner, their lunch menu may be more kid friendly. You have to be willing to try a new sauce or preparation that you may have never heard before. I think maybe this problem stems from more of an issue with how the menu is written and presented. It is just not very accessible. Not saying that they should dumb it down, but at least give me a little bit more besides "Sam Choy's special preparation of a classic sauce." Well, what is in that sauce? Shrimp Pasta: The last time I went here I had the shrimp pasta. It had five shrimp, probably three halved cherry tomatoes and a little spinach. It was pathetic for the $25 I think I paid for it. It DID taste wonderful but I was thoroughly disappointed. I really wish this place would have more entree items in the $16 range and/or let you opt out of the soup/salad beforehand for a $5 reduction in price. It really discourages purchasing an appetizer which some of them look really good. Drinks: Lavaflow, so good. We usually order it for dessert :) Wine selection okay, I am just more used to Oregon selections so maybe I was just out of my element. Service: Really hit and miss. The last waitress we had never really connected with us and two times ago I distinctly remember having to literally flag some other waiter down to get water or check on our drinks or something. I think there are good ones there based on my observations while I was waiting for my water. Note to future guests: I am always surprised when I go here and see people in workout shorts and hats. This is not a fancy schmancy place but it is a nicer place. Put on a polo and some khaki shorts and you will be fine or ladies a nice skirt or capris. They will not turn you away but, at least at dinner, they do try and create a more formal atmosphere (Kona-style of course).
(3)
Tertiary D.
The brunch was mediocre. Stick to the dinners. Brunch service is lack luster. Hit or miss.
(3)
Bernard S.
You gotta sit on the lanai you can get that million dollar view and the brunch was perfect.
(3)
Dianna B.
Over looking Kailua Kona, Sam Choy's is a delightful find. The open air seating formar lends to its charming atmosphere. The service is amazing, the embodiment of the Hawiian aloha spirit, while the food is simply amazing. The husbeast had their three fish special; which included mahi, sword and butter fish, in a ginger burr blanc sauce, served over white rice. I had the oriental inspired lamb chops that came served with fresh local vegis and pasta alfredo, these dishes were expertly crafted and delicious. The onlything I was slightly disappointed with was the haupia porfiteroles (coconut creampuffs) they tasted refrigerated and otherwise no coconut at all. I will suggest that you try the island sangria, its pineapple and citrus...to die for!
(5)
Eric C.
On our last day after staying at the Sheraton, we decided to try Sam Choy's. Everywhere we went people talk about it and online here I saw repeated references to this place. Plus our trusty guidebook also gave it some kudos so I just had to give in and make that trip here to see what the fuss is all about. By the time we got there around 10AM, they decided that they were done with breakfast and were now serving lunch. This was fine and really was fine, but for others, I can imagine this could have been quite irritating if you were wanting to go for the breakfast buffet. Like other people said, you're not going to find a better view than here at Sam Choy's. Perched on top of the hill with nothing obstructing it in front, you get a beautiful picturesque view of the beach down below. What a perfect way to end a perfect trip. Let's get to the food. I had the bento box which was actually not in a box. They gave me 4 slices of meat (spam, fish, chicken and of course now I can't remember the last... I think it was beef). Either way, it was one of the best meals I had. Not sure I would call it traditional Hawaiian but it was cooked very well and I was very excited to have ordered it. The fish was excellently prepared and the glaze they had on top just made it perfect. I would come back here the next time I find myself on the Big Island. I hope all of you are able to give this place a chance!
(4)
Michael S.
Great location off the "strip" with some amazing food and an unreal view that's tough to beat at sunset. Take your girl (or guy) to this place on a special occasion and score some major points! Staff is friendly (where aren't they on this island?) and everything that came to our table was some of the best food we ate during our entire two-week trip. It's all created by a man who made his mark by obtaining head chef-dom at some major Hawaii'n hotels and then decided to open up his own restaurants. Let your wallet take a plunge and just enjoy a great night out.
(5)
Mick B.
Very good, fresh food. Excellent service. Good selection of drinks. A very solid place to eat. I agree there could be a little more spice on the food, but overall very good.
(4)
Sally R.
The food is good, the scenery is great, but the menu could be better.
(3)
Daniel W.
The service was really good, could have quality checked a bit more, but it was a little busy, not packed. The food was very quick to the table and came warm and delicious. The calamari was fantastic and the entrees were delicious. Not THE best meal we've ever had but in the top of the tier. A bit pricey for what you get but if you're on vacation and wanting to splurge a little then this place is a must.
(4)
Bobby D.
This is going to be a bit of a mixed review, but I'll just get to it. My fiance and I came here for lunch. We had heard and read many great things about this place. I dropped my fiance off at the door and she went into get a table while I parked the car. She was able to get a table outdoors. I was forced to park in the mall parking lit down the hill since the parking lot is so small. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a bummer. When I got to the table we sat for about 15-20 mins waiting for someone to come over and greet us and at the least take our drink order. Finally, the manager (Jason) passed by and stopped to asked how things were going. We were obviously a little upset at the time and so he quickly took our drink and food order. Normally when there has been a mix up with servers and the manager comes over, the server will come over after introduce themselves and apologize. Nothing like this happened. One person dropped off our drinks and then someone else dropped off the food. We had: Poke plate with wasabi dressing. Sangria Fish of the day on salad Chips and salsa The food tasted very good. I will say that we were a little distraught with the service so it was difficult to enjoy the food. After the table was cleared we waited for a server to come back with the check, but no such luck. We sat there for another 20 mins or so with no one checking on us. I was finally able to flag down a server and request the check. She noted she would try and locate my server to which I informed her that we hadn't had one. She mentioned that they were training some new people which was probably the reason for the delay. I'm fine with training, but usually it occurs in some mirroring form. Anywho, our experience was unfortunately spoiled by horrible service.
(2)
Peter S.
The food and drinks here were fantastic, not to mention the amazing view of the sunset. It's pricey, but for a special occasion this is a great place to go.
(4)
Louis R.
Holy...there's a ton of old ha'oles up in here...eating and draankin...and peepin the sunset...since the resto sits high above the marketplace. Perfect. As for me, I kill't the huge portion of deeeelish poke and wings. Fuggin Ay...and the kama'aina bartender was hella cool. Mahalo.
(5)
Adrian F.
Ok. Flavor on the wings were good but they weren't hot. It took so long to get them I didn't send them back. Ribs were good but kinda fatty. Service mediocre. I wouldn't go back. Best thing about this place is the open air atmosphere but at night it looks over a strip mall...bummer. The lychee cocktail also does not taste like lychee according to my wife. But it does come with a speared lychee. Yay. (No exclamation point).
(3)
Mikka A.
We stopped in between lunch and dinner. The food was great and the service was attentive and friendly. The view was beautiful, even spotted some whales! So I'm not sure where another reviewer was seated to view the shopping center. There is seating indoors and out on the lanai, but the whole place felt open so it was more a question of what degree of sun or shade would you like to sit in. We started with poke that was delicious and ordered one of the specials, a roast beef sandwich. With sides of sweet potato salad and a cocktail, we left full and happy. I would definitely come again. I also appreciated their "eat local" efforts!
(5)
Lina P.
Been here enough times and I can say they are consistently average. The most recent time I went in for the Buffet. The main reason I went in was for the eggs benedict but once I had already started putting food on my plate and walked to the end, I realized there were no eggs benedict to be found! So sad. The loco moco which I thought was cute and clever turned out so bland and under seasoned. As for the waitress, she never acknowledged us until the end. We wanted to get mimosa's and coffee but she never came around to us. She was however, hovering around the wealthy older white table next to us like a fruit fly. Well the server, who was a local lady with short hair, finally came around when my friend asked for a coffee after we had finished eating. Then she began to talk to my friend and apologized to her. I was there too, but she never even made eye contact with me, she would just talk in my direction.
(3)
Alan K.
I was pleasantly surprised by Sam Choy's. I was worried it was going to be a kitschy tourist trap, but it ended up being a pretty good spot for drinks and pupus. We tried the wings, which were just ok, and the brie wontons, which were darn good. I also had a dinner salad with the house Asian dressing, which was fine. Maybe my view of what's "affordable" is skewed by my complacency with DC prices, but the drinks here seemed pretty cheap for the island. $5 beer bottles, $7 "traditional" tropical cocktails (your mai tais and pina coladas), and some $8 cocktails unique to this restaurant. The entrees still seemed pretty overpriced but I would come definitely come back here if in the mood to eat light and have a few drinks. I enjoyed the open air layout and we had great service from our waiter, Arthur.
(3)
Margaret H.
My bad! Got there at 8:00 and had to pay my tab BEFORE dessert arrived! Fish salad was gross. Must have been made by a team of dudes who don't eat salad. Undercooked snapper (it aint tuna, dudes) which was rubbery with a long vein line and skin still on, eww, over full, large lettuce leaves (local? probably not) with giant slabs of cucumber which required some man-handling to eat. I would have looked more lady-like eating a cow's leg. Anyway, I told the bartender it was gross and he just continued on his way to close the bar and fire up my tab. The cheesecake was great except it literally was 2 bites. Giant gross salad + tiny great cheesecake + lame 21 year old bartender = these ladies are NEVER coming back.
(1)
Cindy B.
Great choice for lunch after morning of snorkeling with sea turtles at Keauhou Bay. Friendly staff, picturesque views, and excellent food! In our group, we had variety of menu choices. I special ordered the salad with rare seared fresh Ahi. Great wasabi sauce and dressing topped it off. Delicious!
(5)
Dolores W.
Had eaten at Sam Choy's on Oahu and loved it. The Kona Sam Choy's exceeded even my experience at the Oahu restaurant. Arthur's service was outstanding. I eat gluten free and he made suggestions from the menu and arranged for modifications of some menu items to make them gluten free. The appetizers, entrees and desserts served to my husband and I were amazing. We eat seafood when in Hawaii and Sam Choy's served some of the best. Bravo!
(5)
George M.
We got there after sunset. I believe it must be really crowded around sunset time, as it has a great overview to the ocean from their lanai. We were seated right by the rock wall of the lanai. As always in Hawaii, we started with Mai Tai. They were really good and strong, but on the smaller side, hence the low price. So, we had two each. We had the Hummus and the Brie Won Tons for appetizers. The hummus wasn't your regular hummus that you know. It was a mixture of edamame, spinach, garlic, and olive oil, pureed and served with carrot, celery and tortilla chips. It was yummy, we loved it. The Brie Won Tons were a great idea, something unique that we have not seen before. It came with a pineapple and papaya marmalade/sauce. Great combination of flavors. Our server, Paul informed us that since it was Monday, they had a Half Off special on bottles of wines. Usually we order a glass of white for my fish entree and a glass of red for my friend's meat dish, but since he decided to eat chicken tonight, it was a given that we would order a bottle of white. I chose something that was sweet enough for him and went well with a macadamia nut crusted chicken dish as well as a fish dish, so I ordered a bottle of Conundrum. It's a beautiful, very floral, a bit sweet, but excellent wine. We loved it. They had a really nice wine list. If Jackie Rey's wine list got an award from Wine Spectators, I think Sam Choy's should, too. My friend loved his macadamia nut chicken breast with mashed potato and veggies. It had a nice sweetishly tangy sauce with it that went really well with the flavor of the macadamia nut crusted chicken. I opted for the fish trio. It had a piece of macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi, a blackened Monchong and a pineapple salsa topped Ahi. I understand that the types of fish and the preparation of them changes daily and that's really cool. I ordered it with rice and it came with veggies. The plate had great sauces on its side to dip the fish in. They were delicious. I loved the whole plate. The Conundrum actually went perfectly well with this dish's sweet accented flavors. "Unfortunately", we got so full that we did not have a chance to try any dessert. :-) Paul was very professional and over the course of dinner, we was able to detect that he can be a bit more relaxed and can loosen up with us. At the end he was even joking. I appreciate it if a server is professional enough to determine which customer he/she can joke with and which to stay very professional and reserved with. As I started writing this review, I gave it a 4 star, but I realized that I could not find anything to criticize, so I'm hesitating. I usually only give 5 stars to a restaurant if they "WOW" me with something. Here, nothing was amazingly fantastic; it was just very good, but nothing "WOW"-ed me, so I think it will stay 4 stars, since I can't give it 4,5 stars. You should definitely try the place if you're in the area.
(4)
Jeff B.
Let me begin by saying that the view when you walk through the door is breath-taking. This place gets five stars off the bat! Now, the drinks are tasty--I had a Mai tai that was nice. Their beer selection is decent, most consisting of local Hawaiian brews. The food is decent to good. I had the Katsura chicken plate and it was enjoyable, though there was too much sauce on it. The service was OK, but little slow. Overall, this is a nice place for a meal with a spectacular view. It'd be great to go for cocktails & apps.
(3)
Cali F.
Best Happy Hour bargain and view in Kona! 3-5pm. Huge Lava Flows or Blue Hawaiins for only $6. So creamy they are more like adult ice cream floats. The Poke-tini, siracha mayo ahi tuna poke on a bed of furikake rice served in a martini glass, for only $6 was very generous portion and quite filling, but a bit heavy on the mayo for me (but I think locals like it that way). Fried Poke is tender and delicious and a good choice for those who are squeamish about eating raw fish. The Fried Calamari consisted of thick pieces and was not mostly fried batter like other places. Open air seating, perched over looking the pacific, we watched whales cavorting and then the sunset. Our plan was to stay for dinner, but were actually too full. Granted, we went straight for their flour less chocolate cake which was yummy. Bring sun glasses as the angle from the setting sun can be strong. We arrived around 4ish and were able to score a table near the edge of the patio. I think those tables are reservable for dinner, and the sun sets around 5:30ish, so plan accordingly for a spectacular experience.
(5)
Jeff C.
Food was mostly terrible, or blah/meh at best (as 2 out of 3 reviewers will confirm.) It's all about the view here and the name. 4 star view (5 star would be on the water). 1 star for the food. 2-star average. You are better off eating at Denny's with the same view for about the same quality of food (terrible). I felt like a sucker after going here.
(2)
Jo C.
one phrase says it all - tourist trap. There are no locals eating here. We can see everyone is dining are tourists. We were there for dinner. It was hot and there are loads of mosquitoes. I know it's the island but the restaurant was unbelievably warmer. We had to take turns to go for a walk outside the restaurant for a cool down. The food is mediocre. For the price you pay, you probably can get better food elsewhere. Portions are small too - we came and left hungry. We did get an appetizer to share and all of us had our own entrees. The one star is for the wonderful service. The server is friendly and nice. After the meal, everyone in our group left unhappy. Overall experience is bad. AVOID COMPLETELY!
(1)
Wayne K.
I'd like to give them a better rating but that will have to wait. We were there a week ago and they had opened just a couple weeks prior. We went for breakfast and the food was very good and at a reasonable price but service was slow. It looked like mass confusion in the kitchen. Sam Choy, son of Sam Choy, came out and greeted us and chatted. He's all about his food, restaurant and island life style. BTW, he looks just like his dad. I recommend going there for breakfast or lunch. In a bit, when they are better organized, they should be mo betta!
(3)
Greg P.
We had the trifecta and fried poke appetizer. It was an exceptionally good meal. Service was outstanding.
(5)
Amy C.
The view is AMAZING!!!! We went just before sunset and had a prime spot to watch the sunset, and enjoy some cocktails. The food, on the other hand, is pretty OK. Nothing spectacular, but not bad either. If I were to give it a letter grade it would be a solid B+. We had ribs as an appetizer and they were just too "tough", not fall-off-the-bone delicious. We had to gnaw on them pretty good to eat them all. I ordered the macadamia chicken and again, it was tasty, but not "Good LORD this is delicious". I can't remember what my husband ate, but he agreed that the food was not great, yet not terrible If I had it to do over again, I would have saved my money, and just enjoyed some cocktails and maybe a dessert and simply watched the sunset, and bypassed the dinner menu entirely.
(3)
Amelia R.
Unimpressive. Just your standard tourist trap, with average food, typical American chain restaurant-like feel. Don't waste your time here unless you're craving your neighborhood Red Lobster transplanted onto the Big Island and with a good view.
(2)
Michele M.
The ocean view here alone will make the meal worthwhile! It looks like no matter where you are seated the glistening blue is staring right back at you. A light lunch is what I was looking for. I ordered a chicken salad which was not your ordinary plate of greens! Hello sweet teriyaki honey glazed chicken nestled on a bed of somen noodles, lettuce, beet/carrot/daikon shavings, onion slivers, cucumbers and tomatoes. The dressing was a creamy oriental. Imagine all of this hefty goodness in a crispy tortilla bowl! Yumm!!
(4)
Grace Ann T.
Called and spoke to Hostess to make Sunday breakfast/brunch reservations for husband's birthday at 9 am 2 weeks prior. Specifically asked if they were serving breakfast because was unable to make res via Open Table. Was told yes and reservation taken. Showed up only to be told that they were closed and not open until 11 am. No call, no text, no email. VERY disappointed!!!
(1)
Karen L.
Oh Sam.... We ate at your place way back when it was in the industrial part up by Costco. We were excited to try this new place. It was just ok.. Food was average, nothing special. Lamb chops were teeny tiny. Waiter didn't know what kind of fish was on the salad. Said it was Ahi, so I ordered it seared, then when it came out it was obviously NOT Ahi. Turned out to be spearfish. Interesting to have that seared... The view was amazing, but having eaten at your restaurant many times before on Big and Oahu, I was very disappointed. Not the taste and quality I was expecting..
(2)
Yasmin V.
Reliable. Anytime I have guests in town and don't want to cook, its a short hop to Sam Choy's. Enough variety on the menu to keep everyone happy. Good quality food. Fish has been overcooked on a variety of occasions though, so make sure you make it clear to your server how rare or seared you want your fish. Great Happy Hour menu and prices... do they still do a 9p Happy Hour? now that was great!!!
(4)
Sonny K.
Since i was a teen i have always been a fan of Sam Choy and his skills as a chef. I root for sam choy, dwayne johnson and bj penn by default as they are hometown heros. I grew up with sam choy cooking as my mom bought his cook books and chefed us up some decent seafood dishes. I have a love hate relationship with his restaurants though. Back circa 1998-2001 it was common for me and the guys, less frequent for me and the chicks to be Kona bound. Hapuna, Alii drive and Magic sands were our weekend getaway locations at that age. Highschool memories included getting stranded on the old saddle road. Picking up chicks at the beach and eating belly busting grinds at Sam Choys Industrial. Those days are past much like that restaurant. The food. Its good. Local style quizine that follows most of the rules for higher end dining. This being said. The Chef-ery if you will, is more laid back. Ive laughed at how ive seen Sam Choy on tv Chef-ing it up wearing jams. Food personifies its chef and Sam Choys is definitly laid back. The atmosphere. As far as Keaohou is concerned, Sam Choys has prime placement. From a visitors stand point it must be gorgeous. Nearly 200 degrees of open unhindered veiw of both mauka and makai (mountainside and ocean front). Its awesome even coming from a local like me who sees it regularly. The one odd thing i noticed is that the floor is bare concrete. This doesnt bother me personally but it does put a strain on the more upscale surroundings. The service. Its good. Id did find it strange that there were like 30 empty tables and the host staff seemed to stress having a reservation was prefered. I sat at the bar anyway. I got my food quite quickly. The price. Reasonable. Id definitly treat a hot date here under the guise of it being fancy. I spent 18 for a beer and fried poke. I remember the fried poke coming heaped into a clam shell take out box with rice. Rather it was spread ever so lovingly over cabbage and the serving was average for one. If we ever do pupus there you will need to get your own. Ones not enogh to share
(3)
Josh N.
The views are extraordinary. the service was excellent. Sam Choy himself came by to check on us. The price was amazing, $14.99, for a buffet. They had an omelet station but my favorite entry was the hashbrowns and the loco moco.
(4)
Misha K.
Born and raised in kona, currently living on Oahu, just back visiting the fam. We decided to eat here and it's our first and last time here. Food was junk (rib eye steak, fish trio, calamari, brie wontons). Very disappointed in this place. Miss the old school Sam choy food (the on that used to be by costco).
(1)
Shauna W.
Beautiful setting and our server, Jerry was charming and fun. Food was good and we would definitely go back.
(4)
Fran F.
The location is beautiful, service was very good. Ordered the trio fish dish seasoned well but was a bit overcooked.
(3)
Jenna C.
Calamari was good. The rest of the food took FOREVER. Fish in fish sandwich was almost completely raw and slimy. Yuck. And the busser (I'm guessing was new) had an attitude when we asked for regular tartar sauce. Overall, thumbs down. Won't be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)
Tammy F.
Nice view I admit, but the food is marginal. I went for a special meal and was disappointed. I got the fish trio ($29) and they all tasted the same; dry, bland and overcooked. Seems like they should be able to cook fish. The service staff was friendly but I felt rushed. With a four course meal we were in and out in an hour.
(2)
Chris S.
We came across this place by accident, we took a wrong turn into a strip mall and we saw the building on top of the hill and it looked interesting so we stopped by for dinner. First the views are amazing, we were not lucky enough to sit outside, but it is very nice inside as well as they open up the doors to this place so its almost like being outside. I ordered the duck they had, and that was very good, the sauces and cooked perfectly. The price is a little high, but we were on vacation and splurging a little every once in awhile is not bad.
(4)
Mars P.
I'm shocked by the positive reviews. We went on a Friday night. The place was packed. I see can going to this restaurant for the sunset views, but beyond that, I wouldn't recommend Sam Choy's. The service was awful. We waited 45 minutes after sitting to get our order taken...and that was AFTER we went to talk to both the server and the manager. Food finally arrived 30 minutes later and the fish was tasteless. Seriously, the fish sampler, with all those sauces (also tasteless) was totally blah. The Lau Lau was the only decent thing out of the 4 entrees we ordered. Drenched in butter to give it taste, but at least it was edible.
(2)
Thomas L.
Too expensive and bad quality food. Dinner roll bread, probably from Wal-Mart and the like Ketchup sauce for the katsu Saimin broth and meat tasteless, probably worse than storebought ramen (kids meal) Steak also tasteless Gravy is disgusting (kids meal) ONLY PRO IS THE VIEW PS If you want the same type of food, better quality and cheaper, go to L & L
(2)
Jason L.
Definitely worth a trip or two if you are vacationing in Kona. My wife and I didn't want to pay the Sheraton Hotel restaurant premiums to eat and Sam Choys was actually a really great deal and really great food. We never went to the one here on Oahu...I think the location was against it. In Kona the location offers a spectacular view of the ocean, nice and open, appetizers were amazing...especially the Poke. Staff was very friendly and most of the menu was available. The one issue I would bring up is the lack of Kona Brewery offerings. They only had Longboard. Kona has so many good brews and is right down the street so I was a bit surprised I there wasn't a selection.
(4)
Adam C.
Had dinner here 3 times in the last week. All and all very good. I had a different dish each night all very good. I had a different drink each evening as well, my only suggestion were the hurricanes and mai tai were too sweet for my taste. I think there are better options for these classics on the island. I would definitely recommend Sam Choy's, great food, and I don't think there is a better view from a restaurant in all of Kona.
(4)
Nikki O.
meh, really I expected more or the word better. I loved the view that was really the only good thing. For someone this famous to have this bad of food breaks my heart especially when my hawaiian family has always talked about this man and his recipes I wanted Hawaiian food and that is not what I got. If I really wanted side of the pot rice I would've had my kids make rice for me. The teriyaki was too sweet and my chicken tasted like dish soap. Salad was very limp. Oh this hurts to write this.
(2)
Laura T.
A local friend recommended Sam Choy's for breakfast on the weekend and I am SO GLAD we went. The buffet was amazing and super reasonable at $14.95. The had a guy making eggs and omelets to order, which were delicious! They also had lots of other options at the buffet, including fresh fruit, lots of traditional breakfast meats and hashbrowns, pancakes with coconut syrup, but the best part were the desserts! I wish we had more time on the island to go again, but will definitely come again for brunch on our next trip.
(5)
colleen a.
Love this new Sam Choy's in Kona overlooking Keauhou! Great ambiance and a wonderful view as its perched up on the hill. He has some unique dishes like his own version of seafood lau lau that is worth trying. I had a super yummy stacked trio of three different types of fresh fish that was very very good. Service from the kitchen does seem a bit slow but the wait staff was very nice - just don't show up famished! It was worth the wait for us to get the great food and enjoy the ambiance.
(4)
Vanessa B.
Ate outside and there were flies everywhere food was average the view was nice except for the dingy mall at the bottom so eat inside so you just see the ocean. Our waiter was short when asked questions and she completely forgot about us at the end we waited 30 minutes for our check and they weren't even busy and when asked for it she just walked away pretty rude and to top it all off she had cigarette breath not something I want to smell with my poke
(3)
Praju S.
A LOUD shout out to Barbara, Joey, Loushen and Amber for making our dinner experience so amazing. This was a special dinner night for our group and everything was incredible. Barbara - thank you making the planning process so easy and painless. We asked for a table on the lanai facing the gorgeous view and you did, thanks for your dessert suggestion..all and all it was easy breezy! Loushen - THANK YOU SO MUCH for making such an amazing dessert just for us. We were so full from the delicious food, but one bite of your cake and we had to eat it all. Amber - despite all the craziness; you never lost your sweet smile and calmness. With almost 22 drinks, 11 entrees orders and not to forget your other guests. everything came on time and no mess up You made it look and feel seamless although we all see it wasn't Joey - You have an amazing staff and know its not possible without a great manager and leader. Thanks for checking up on us from time to time. And last but not the least THE FOOD WAS AWESOME. The hawaiian style bbq wings are the bomb everyone. crispy, juicy and perfectly dressed with sweet sauce. steak is tender and juicy and the right portion with mashed potatoes. again..THANK YOU! .
(5)
Debi F.
Second time we have been at this restaurant. Food is great but paid $20 for two Margarita's that had no tequila in them. When we told the waiter he shrugged his shoulders and returned with the bill. No apology and no offer to either comp the drinks or make a new one. Sorry as we really liked the food.
(2)
Nabil A.
I am trying to be nice and express the Aloha spirit. So I will be as kind as possible and start off with all the "good" I can dredge up, and then end with the murk. The food is fundamentally good, but a loser relative to the unwarranted prices. Appetizers, like the Brie wontons, sesame chicken wings and poke (slightly un-fresh) were just ok. The maddening thing is that with a little inspiration all would have been excellent. The trio of fish was tasty. Lamb chops were very so so. Wine selection good for the type of restaurant. Service is a horror--if there were no view this place would be nothing. You would think they would take advantage of what they have, one of the best locations in the world, but no way. With 50 empty tables at hand, the maître d' (a name she deserves in no way), wanted to sit a family of 5 (including an 82 year old grandmother) on a thin table with high bar chairs. Seriously? It seems they are dead set on killing themselves. The quicker the better. Someone new with a higher perceptions and aspirations could make this the best money-maker in town. Let's boycott it until the revolution occurs.
(1)
Tiffany C.
Our last night in Kona, and a true local suggested this place. We started with the fried poke, which means lightly seared to perfection, and served with the perfect amount of crunchy veggies for texture. I got the fish trio, caught that day, and the hubbie got the lamb chops, with a unique twist. Everything was so good we had to share! Service is friendly and fast, but provide a relaxing time in an open air environment with the best view of the sunset we've seen.
(5)
Katherine K.
Seared ahi poke salad was huge! Couldn't finish the whole thing. I forgot how good their dressing is; get it on the side so you don't use too much. The fried calamari during happy hour is a good deal also.
(4)
Emmett B.
Yes, the views are INCREDIBLE! And even more amazing getting a table during sunset...breathtaking. The poke was good, but everything else sucked. I ordered the surf and turf ($38) and what a joke! The cut was a ribeye, but I'm telling i'm pretty sure it was frozen. yes frozen!!! It was the same exact steak I've had at Denny's. The lobster tail was the smallest lobster tail I've seen. Even the side vegetables were bad! Do you know the Teriyaki stands at every food court in the mall? They use the same pre-cut vegetable at this place... the shredded cabbage and carrots.. yes, its true. My friend had the catch of the day, and the fish has ZERO seasoning. Also I'm pretty sure the salad dressing and soup is also coming from packages. Shame on you Sam Choy for allowing horrible overpriced food out of your kitchen!!!
(2)
Tamlyn L.
The food and service were amazing!!! The poke is one of the best on the island! We got to meet Sam Choy which was a nice surprise. I would definitely recommend it and I will definitely return the next time I'm in the area.
(4)
B B.
I ate here three times in the five days I was on the BI. The food is good...love the ahi belly, but my review is based more on the experience: My mother turned 85 and went with my sister to visit the BI. I wanted to surprise them, so I called from the mainland and told them I had made dinner reservations at Sam Choys and was treating them, so please make sure they are there at 6pm for dinner. I then flew over and was waiting for them. What was so awesome was the STAFF!! From the gal who seated us, to Shannon the bartender who video taped it, to Jennifer the manager who sent us an appetizer...the staff was so genuinely excited and happy to be a part of this celebration. My mom said it was the best birthday of her 85 years. Thank you Sam Choy's for making my ohana your ohana.
(4)
Nari H.
Have come here for lunch twice and really enjoyed it. Pros: Has a really nice high view looking out into the ocean (but there is a road in between the view and the ocean, so it's not RIGHT up on the ocean). - Lunch food selection is great. I recommend their teriyaki chicken or meat lunch entrees. I also liked their asian sesame dressing for their salad. - Service is very good and I have never left disappointed. I can't say I have too many cons. It's overall a very nice and classy place to eat.
(4)
Kel C.
Well, showed up here with the family after a day of snorkeling. It got some good reviews and is close to our resort, so we figured we'd go for it. It was early evening when we arrived, so there was plenty of seating, and we were seated right away. Friendly hostess and wait staff. Opened the menu and almost keeled over. Prices for entrees were insanely high. Like haute cuisine high (30+ for some entrees). We said "no way", but had already been seated, and our waiter was friendly and had explained that the kids could get any of the blender drinks served "virgin" style... So we ordered a round of drinks, and a couple of appetizers. I maybe could give it three stars based on the service and the appetizers-- ribs and edamame. They were fairly generous portions and very tasty. The ribs were "dry style", which I enjoy (not messy!). So we finished up, and got our check, and were ready to pay, and the manager (?) calls all the wait staff out to a table behind the kitchen, which was only about 15 feet from our table. She has a couple plates of food, which I assume were the evening specials. She had all the staff sit down at the table, apparently so that they could try it so they could describe it to the customers (good idea, bad timing). She says "ok, nobody gets to eat until everybody is here". I'm thinking "um, who's taking our money?" A waiter walked by on his way to the "tasting", and we handed him the check, which he handed to our waiter, who immediately got up so that we could pay-- the correct thing to do. This appeared to displease the manager, who was snappy and barky with the staff, which is not ok in front of customers. There were other people who had been seated and were waiting at their tables for waiters. Huh? Anyway, the prices and the strange "meeting" during dinner hours were extremely off-putting. And the view isn't so great-- you have to look over a bunch of rooftops and Ali'i drive-- so you can see the ocean, but it's not exactly spectactular. Go to LavaLava Beach Club if you want a great view, right on the beach.
(2)
David O.
Try the black lava margarita!
(5)
Leda S.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Great food Great service. This is our new hangout while we are here. Thank you to the staff. Malia you rock. What a great welcome to the island. You can tell they have good management,because the staff is happy and they show it. Again we loved our server Malia.A special thanks for starting a much needed vacation off to a wonderful start. They made us feel like they had known us for years. Did I mention the view!!!!! I
(5)
Tom M.
Ate at Sam Choy's this evening. Started off with a Hostess that is in sorry need of training. With at least 10 empty tables visible, we were told it would be at least 15-20 minutes wait since we didn't have a reservation. We were seated up front and witnessed some incredibly unbelievable acts by this Hostess. These included her fascination with her hair, kicking menus (which were the given to guests) with her foot, ignoring guests as they left, without even a "thanks for comin". We also saw her give the same line about no reservations to at least 2 other groups the 15-20 minute wait line. By the way, the empty tables at our arrival were never occupied. Our margaritas were actually awful. How do you screw up a margarita? Appetizers were fair -Brie won tons. The dinner was much better (lamb and Duck) and our waiter, Arthur, was very good. Not sure we'll ever go back though when there are so many great places, many with more reasonable pricing and better trained staff.
(1)
T W.
Unacceptably slow service. While servers are friendly the occasional time they stop by the table, service is almost nonexistent. Food was mixed: Fish Trio was overcooked and dry, the Duck was excellent. Without the view, it would only be two stars.
(3)
James G.
I wish a could give a good rating but some times the food is good and service is good other times the serves is really bad and the food is just so so :{ I hope the came find consistent in there good food but for now save your money go some where else .
(2)
Kate B.
Super fresh and delicious fish specials! My hubby and I stopped here on our first and last nights in Kona. You get a very generous amount of food. Definitely try their lava flow cocktail. The service was very friendly and attentive. Our server was the same both nights (forget his name), and he was very knowledgable about their cuisine. We got to watch the sunset from their outdoor lanai. I highly recommend making a reservation for 30 minutes before sunset. I also didn't have any parking issues as some reviewers previously posted.
(5)
Courtney L.
I have been to Sam Choy's a few times and the first couple were great experiences but the last one just left me not really wanting to go back. The service was poor , we waited to get a simple glass of water until our dinner came out. We asked a few times just anyone passing by, it was a joke. Our apps also came out with our dinner and that never leaves a good taste in my mouth, Food arrived luke warm but by that time I was done and just wanted to get out of there. The setting is fabulous and something I really look forward too when visiting the big island but im sad to say I won't be making it a priority to come back.
(4)
Roy O.
First of all had reservations at 7 on a thursday evening. Got there parking lot was full the 6 pm sunset dinner crowd was still drinking and there were at least 2 large table parties... the same group I think. Got handed a round buzzer like Houstons gives you and told 10 to 15 min wait... Wait we had reservations? There were open tables we were a party of 4 and by7pm you couldnt see the view... so we waited... t\ Through the glass window watched a bunch of young looking kids running around the kitchen... not a good sign... I used to visit Sams when he was at Coscto and buy spam before I went fishing 10-15 years ago... when I visited Hawaii. Im from South bay Los Angeles Calif... Years ago I was on a plane and saw Sammy... also was having dinner at Pollys Pies an saw him over 10 years ago... he was consulting. Anyways back to story Ordered Poke appetizer because my friend likes raw meat and raw fish... what we got Should never have left the kitchen. My non cooking roomate could have picked better fish and sliced it better herself...there is nothing worse that a piece of fish that you can see skin fragments on and that looked like a marbled grade nothing raw piece of New York Steak. and when you bit into it ,,, it gets stuck between your teeth no matter where you put in in your mouth... I swallowed mine... my friend spit it up and hide it under his chopsticks... we called the waitress and had her take it back. Course number two New York steak... My friend is chinese... very heavy accented chinese and he likes rare meat... He ordered meduim rare and had the waitress repeat medium rare... red in middle. Got medium well. Another Gentleman came over and said He would be our new waiter and went and came back with another steak. After cutting almost a third of FAT off the steak and trying to eat a few bites we asked for the check... remember the remark above about grissled new york that sticks to your teeth. This was not a Sammy Choy meal... it was more on par with Dennys. They offered free dessert and during the conversation I asked if Sammy ever stopped by. The guy that took over said the name on the building is Sammy Choy but he gets his check from Wendys. Sammy if you read this...get back here and kick some butt... get some serious chefs and some experience... at least get someone who cares about the food an looks at decent cuts of meat and fish (we are in Hawaii fish capitol of the world) This place looks nice my opinion the old white table cloths at costco beat this new place hands down. Closer service better quality control of food and a standard that needs to be a new goal for the new place. Until my next visit to Big Island
(1)
Kyla B. H.
The atmosphere is very beautiful, I suggest coming during sunset. The service is nice. The silver wear wasn't that clean. For our appetizer we ordered their edamame hummus... it was nothing special and it needed salt. I had the New York Steak with mash potatoes and asparagus. My great grandmother and my mom both had the fish salad. The displays of the food are beautiful. There wasn't much flavor to the steak I could've cooked it at home and the onion crisps on top didn't do much either. I would've put the steak on top of the potatoes. The asparagus was cold and the mash potatoes were average. The fish was a bit overcooked. My mom loved the wasabi dressing and added that the vegetables were fresh. My great grandmother loved the salad and didn't have a problem with it. Overall I would come for the good view the food seems inconsistent so if you're lucky you could dine on some flavourful fish.
(3)
Miranda W.
Great view, good food, but terrible service!! It's sad that this ruins the whole experience. At first we had no waiter so I had to get up and find somebody. We were then told there was a miscommunication on who had our table. But it only got worse.... Once we finally had a waitress, we quickly realized she had no idea what she was doing. It took about 20 min just for her to come back and take our order, our drinks stayed empty because she never checked on us, then I had to get up yet again to find somebody to bring us our bill. This is not what we expected from this so called hospitality state. And no it was not crowded at all! Actually, there were very few people there for a Friday night.
(1)
kavin m.
Inconsistent is true as others have indicated. So why does the "corporate manager" not know they use Open Table for their reservation system and should accept their checks? Why do 10 plus employees congegrate around the manager but ignore the recent guests who have just been seated? After 10 min of waiting the recent guests walk out after telling the "corporate manager" why but of course they just LET customers walk out as if they dont care Of course they dont care Ugh
(1)
William L.
Great view ... Lousy Food. The End.
(2)
N H.
We had a great dinner last night that included a beautiful sunset! The location, over looking Kona, has an amazing view and is easy to find at the south end of Ali'i Drive. Our server, Jaye, was there when we needed her and most accommodating to our requests. Our meal was excellent with the steak cooked perfectly to order and the veggies not over cooked. The chocolate flour less cake was a great ending to an enjoyable evening. We've done their Happy Hour several times, and now dinner, and have found their prices reasonable when compared to other Kona restaurants /bars.
(4)
Call Me Z.
1-star for the view, 1-star for the decent service. But the food was disgusting and I eat just about everything. I got their version of chicken chow mein that came in a big tortilla bowl and I had one bite and lost my appetite. The noodles were cold and the chicken was gross. I thought I was going to get food poisoning. I tasted my parents and brother's food and it was average at best. Avoid this place. I warned you...
(2)
Iris C.
Probably one of the better (best maybe) on the Big Island. Great fresh quality of food, great service, inviting atmosphere (open air overlooking Kailua bay). We, be dined at the 4 seasons, the Orchid, Mauna Lani, Roys (way overrated). Sam's beats them all on quality and price.
(5)
Stu W.
I don't know what's been going on with Yelp lately, especially in Hawaii, but Yelp has been leading me down some very dark alleys as of late. And yet I keep coming back for more. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me three or four times, shame on the global conspiracy afoot. I really wanted to like Sam Choy's. I've wanted to try it ever since I first saw Chef Choy on the early cooking series, Great Chefs. How could this man prepare bad food? This location in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island is apparently quite new, so the chef himself is usually present. Most days, the restaurant is completely open to the outside, with sweeping views of the ocean. Of course, that also means birds and bugs might find their way in, and often do, so be prepared for that. Also, note that it can get breezy, which might feel good, but tends to blow napkins around. The menu is somewhat small, but includes a smattering of Hawaiian Asian fusion fare, as well as some classic Hawaiian dishes. We tried the Shoyu Poke, Papa Sam's Beef Stew and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich. The Shoyu Poke is made with cubes of very fresh tuna, shoyu, green onion, and ogo, which is a type of seaweed. The poke was delicious, although the tuna cubes were a bit large for my taste. The beef stew was actually described in the menu as "absolutely incredible." It can be best described as a tomato-y American style beef stew, with celery, potatoes, and carrots. The flavor of the stew was good, and the beef was super tender, but it came out lukewarm and a bit too salty. The chicken filet in the sandwich was nicely crispy and well seasoned, but also came out just warm. As a side, we had the sweet potato salad, which was made from taro and ube, a purple sweet potato. I found the potato salad unidimensional. It was sweet, but not cloyingly so, and was a beautiful color, but had this pasty texture that just made everything run together. Save for a few pieces of diced celery, no other real flavors were apparent. For dessert, we had the poha berry ice cream, which was basically vanilla with poha berry mixed into it. Poha is related to the gooseberry, and looks like a small orange cherry tomato. It's a bit tart with a flavor somewhere between a raspberry and blackberry. A huge scoop was served over a chocolate chip cookie and drizzled with caramel. The ice cream was just ok. I think I would have preferred the berry in a sauce swirled through the ice cream, rather than as distinct berries. The cookie was delicious! Overall, I just expected more, and the experience left me a bit disappointed.
(2)
Carolyn T.
Great view of the ocean! But that was really the only great part of our visit. The service was very sub par. We had to ask for a spoon and cream to go with our coffee if we wanted it. We all had different versions of the Loco Moco and one had the omelet. In all cases the burger part of the loco moco was extremely dry and most plates did not have enough gravy to counter act that dryness. The burger wasn't even seasoned. I would say the prices were OK or even fair had the food been more edible. The omelet wasn't bad, but it was a pretty standard mushroom and cheese omelet. I was really disappointed in the food.
(2)
Todd C.
I give it a 4 for lunch/brunch and the spectacular views with completely open air seating. Great spot to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets. Dinner was only a 3 star experience. Overall recommendation is to go at least once for lunch/brunch. Be sure to try the fried rice or stir fry.
(4)
Andy G.
This was our first dining experience in Hawaii. I wish I could say it was better, but alas, alack. The location is actually decent. If you are staying in the Keauhou area, it is much easier to drive up to the shopping center where Sam Choy's is located than to drive all the way into Kailua. There are a few other options in the shopping center, so look around. Despite some complaints about seeing the shopping center in the view from the restaurant, the ocean view is actually quite nice if you look straight out. Sam Choy's is up on a hill, so you kind of have to look down to see the shopping center. The service is chaotic at best and just about what you'd expect from a place that hasn't been open long. We happened to walk in right when they were transitioning from lunch to dinner service, adding to the confusion. However, everyone was very nice to us and most things happened quickly. The food was nothing to write home about. My wife had the fried poke, which was decent, but inferior to other poke I ate later in my trip. The fish and chips were a disaster... the fish sank like a rock to the bottom of my stomach... very oily and not a good texture/consistency for frying. The chips were just gross. Probably worth visiting once they iron out the kinks in the menu and integrate some customer feedback. It definitely seems that they are interested in listening.
(3)
Sarah J.
Let me start by saying I am not a chain restaurant person. Don't get me wrong, some chains are good, but most I leave thinking, 'meh...' and don't visit again. Sam Choy's falls into the former category, with an extra star for taste! For those who may not know, Sam Choy is a Hawaiian chef famous for his take on Hawaiian ingredients, and he is consistently good. Take his delicious cooking and plop a restaurant on a hill with a ridiculous ocean few and you have success. The teriyaki chicken and fresh fish plate were our favorites. You can't go wrong with any of the drinks there--sadly the infused drinks weren't available due to their popularity, but the standby mai tais and coladas were refreshing and delicious. Service was surprisingly great for such a new restaurant (we visited on their official first day of business). The kitchen was on the ball as were our servers. The only real con to this place is the parking situation...the restaurant fits over 100 people and the parking lot fits maybe 30 cars. Hopefully in the coming weeks they will get that sorted out so that customers don't have to illegally park :)
(4)
Cathy A.
It was ok. The view is great. Our server was very good and service was prompt. The food was very bland. My husband had the noodle bowl and the temperature of the dish was way too hot...thought it had been microwaved. I had chicken salad that had non-ripe tomatoes. Won't return, there are lots of good restos with a view in Hawaii.
(2)
M H.
Amazing views. Great breakfast buffet on weekends. We had come for breakfast last year, but they changed it to a buffet now. Best fried rice and malasadas! Omelet bar, salad, fruits, bacon, hash browns, loco moco and miso soup. Sam Choy was there also. Would definitely return for breakfast!
(5)
Tracy M.
Meh. Fried poke was okay. Brie wonton didn't have very much Brie. We are skipping the entree here cause we're disappointed in the pupus. Won't be coming back.
(2)
GA H.
Once upon a time, Sam Choy's name was associated with great, original takes on local cuisines in generous portions. I dined there last night for the first time with friend's who were visiting from the mainland (my friend really wanted to try this place because of the view). While crowded, we only waited about 15 minutes at the bar, which was nice and the restaurant itself is really just an extension of the bar. The entire place has an open feel similar to the atmosphere of a small Gordon Biersch. Yielding only 6-7 entrees, I ordered the NY Steak (medium rare-$26) thinking that it would be a safe choice. Boy was I wrong. The steak was covered with deep fried breaded onion strings that masked a very bland, very badly cooked steak. Since I don't like fried onions, I ate the steak alone and noticed that it was not seasoned at all (no salt, pepper, or anything). The steak was also cooked unevenly on one side so that the top 50% was cooked to medium-well and the bottom 50% was cooked to barely rare (which I guess to them equals "medium-rare"). When I brought up the lack of seasoning to the manager, she looked slightly offended and tried to make a joke of it. After muttering under her breath "I'll let the kitchen know", that was the last I ever saw of her and the service from our server became noticeably absent as well. Speaking of our server, while taking our order, it was plainly obvious that she was chewing gum as it almost came out of her mouth while she was speaking. While she did give pretty good service, the gum came across as fairly unprofessional to me. It is very clear that Sam is not interested in maintaining that quality at this restaurant but more about just making some money off a great location with below average food along with average service. Think of this restaurant in this priority: 1) Bar 2) Scenic Point 3) Restaurant If this is what you want, then go for it. If you want a good meal, keep moving and look for better choices back down in Kailua-Kona or keep going another 15 minutes up the highway until you reach Manago Inn. Great food at 1/3 the cost.
(2)
Susanne D.
I don't know how the food is since we sat there for 15 minutes and got no service.
(1)
Drew S.
I come to the island every other year. This is a highlight every single time. Love the food and the view is unparalleled. The owner is a neighbor of my grandparents and a prince of a guy. This is totally worth it and an experience you'll not soon forget.
(5)
Shelly E.
View good but there is so much better in town, staff so so, food over priced but good/reliable. Would i return next time? Probably not
(3)
Jean M. G.
We were served a cold, dry pasta entree, and one of the filets - most expensive entree on the menu - was raw in the center. It was supposed to be medium. The service was slow, all dirty dishes were left on the table throughout the meal, and all in all it was a rather mediocre, unpleasant experience. Unfortunately this has been the norm for our many experiences there. Too bad, because it is a great location... But I probably won't go back or recommend it to visitors and my clients.
(1)
Harold P.
The stunning ocean view is worth dining here alone. The place fills up after 6pm so it's best to make a reservation. I'm not sure if everyone is served free starters on the house or if I had this pleasure because I dined during the senior hours. The starters of the night consisted of a butter lettuce salad with Oriental dressing and a Portuguese bean soup. The bean soup was excellent and chock-full of smoked ham, the broth was rich and meaty tasting with beans, carrots, onion and celery. The Oriental Lamb Chops are served over a generous bed of linguini in cream sauce with vegetables - the chops are well marinated with five spice, garlic, ginger and soy sauce (sugar too since the chops were a bit sweet). in fact I think the chops may be over marinated because cooked at medium rare the texture was akin to a soft cured meat or jerky. The Ka'u Orange Duck was outstanding. Though I'm used to duck seared to medium rare this duck was cooked through but still very moist and flavorful. I would have liked more fat rendered from the skin and the orange honey glaze was a bit sweeter than I expected. Overall the portion of duck was generous and served over broccoli and Chinese cabbage. I chose the garlic mash potatoes as the side and they were creamy and smooth. Prices are extremely reasonable and I will definitely come back for the views and the duck.
(4)
Areena M.
Oh, Sam. I think you're so adorable. I so wanted to love your place instead of lumping it in with other celebrity chef restaurants that disappoint. Alas, you let me down. Sigh. At least it wasn't a total loss. I will say this: reasonable prices, good service, fabulous view, & food's not bad. It's probably a welcome change to anyone who has been dining at the resorts or tourist traps. So what's the problem you ask? The food is just "not bad". Nothing prompted involuntary yummy noises or made a lasting impression. The area has better to offer.
(3)
Annie L.
Hostess seated us on tall table which was cool. The view and open lanai atmosphere is nice! Glad that we walked from Kona Coast Resort to the restaurant because parking was tight. At 6:30 pm, they already ran out of one of the specials (leg of lamb). So I had the rib eye medium. Waitress was kind enough to comp me the dessert! Rib eye was alright but it tastes more like New York steak in texture. Food temperature was warm. My husband liked the prime rib and my son said the pasta with shiitake mushroom and veggies is one of the best he has had. Food portion is right sized for a reasonable person. Price is fair but when I presented the online 10% off coupon, they gave me 10% off the entrees only. We let it go even though the coupon is for the entire check. Why do they penny and dime customers? The difference would have been another $1.70.
(3)
David S.
Went for lunch this week. The transformation from what used to occupy this space is amazing. The menu matches the spectacular views. Sam is serving up local favorites. I had a great loco moco. Sam your gravy is superb. The fresh tombo was brilliantly prepared. The fried poke salad was served in a giant tortilla bowl with fresh island greens. Mahalo Sam!
(5)
L L.
This place is a little odd and if it weren't for the views, I'm guessing the overall ratings could be a lot lower. Atmosphere: As other reviews have mentioned, the views here are great, but if you're staying at any of the oceanfront hotels (e.g., Sheraton nearby), this view isn't any better. In fact, the only bonus is that you get to see the roof of the Long's drugstore and the parking lot. Food: Hard to review the food. First, I'm not sure why it's classified as Korean in Yelp as neither the food nor Sam Choy are Korean (more Japanese, Chinese influence than Korean). Second, it seems like every dish is served exactly the same except for the protein which is kinda lazy. Having said that, the fish trio was cooked perfectly. Service: This is where things fell apart a little. When I thank a busboy for pouring me water, I would rather him ignore me than grunt. The waiter wasn't anywhere near us when the food was served. So much more went wrong and if you don't believe me, stand in front of the open kitchen and you'll see what I mean. Service was way sub-par for the prices of this place but I guess the views will keep it going for a long time.
(3)
Seri T.
This review is for breakfast only. Between the six of us, we tried the veggie loco moco, belgian waffles with tropical sauce, sweet bread french toast, pani popo pancakes, and the Sam's breakfast. The french toast (my order) was good, but I wanted more of the guava and taro flavors. The tropical sauce on the waffles had a sour flavor, which I was not expecting and did not enjoy. The pancakes were drenched in the haupia sauce - waay too sweet - it would have been a lot better with half the sauce or the sauce on the side. The veggie loco moco was quite delicious, though. Their juice serving size was small for $3 - maybe 8oz? Staff was very nice and the view is gorgeous if you can get one of the outside or near the outside tables. During our breakfast, some loud trucks were driving by, though. Overall, decent breakfast with a nice view. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if you are staying close by, I think it's worth a try.
(3)
Brian A.
This is a fantastic open air place to view the Kona Coast and have a bite to eat. Unfortunately, I have the say that the breakfasts are a bit pedestrian. I would equate it with any Big City Diner ( yelp.com/biz/big-city-di… ) on Oahu. Essentially a Denny's kind of fare. I'm sure dinner is a bit better, since you would be able to order signature Sam Choi poke that he's known for. On the bright side, they have french pressed Kona coffee! Got to have that while in the Kona area! The service was quite good, but I can't stress how relaxing and awesome the view is. If I could post the panoramic I took I would.
(3)
Lisa M.
A new place for us this trip. The setting here is wonderful with a great view of the ocean. We're not really cocktail people and the wine list was not particularly interesting, so we brought a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner. Loved the giant portion of poke (shoyu version, which is raw). We also had the pork Katsu and a pork belly special. The pork belly was excellent, but the accompanying risotto was a bit gloppy (risotto is tough in a restaurant setting). The pork Katsu was a teeny bit overdone for my taste, but the flavors were good. Portions here are HUGE and prices are very reasonable. Perhaps a good place for a family with children? Service here was very attentive and friendly.
(3)
Kathy H.
Great view, casual festive atmosphere, fun tropical hawaiian cocktails. I was looking forward to their lau lau, but they were out, so I tried the trio of fish which was tasty. Each cut had a different texture and was fun to try different types of whitefish - who knew there were so many! My daughter has several food allergies, so our waiter (also from San Jose, CA) was excellent in finding out which dishes she could have or which she should stay clear from. He also made it a point to have the kitchen cook hers separately from any other food that had her allergens, which was a bonus! The kids saimen was nice but the chicken tenders w/ fries were overcooked and bland. I hear Sam Choy will be opening up a beer bottling plant in San Jose, so I'm super excited to try the Aloha Beer on the mainland!
(4)
Ashley R.
Sam Choys breakfast buffet is great! Pancakes were delicious! Lots of bacon, cooked perfectly and not chewy! Lots options for everyone, even cereal and yogurt. We had mimosas as well, they weren't anything spectacular but for $3 there is no complaining. The service was friendly and happy. Overall a wonderful experience and we will be returning again I'm sure.
(5)
Eric And Jennifer R.
I have them 5 star for their fried poke, service and the patio with the magnificent view of the Kona coastline / sunset. I'm still craving their fried poke!
(5)
Brian K.
Went here on a recommendation and was extremely pleased. It was lightly raining but we still got a seat closest to the outer patio so it felt like we were outside but stayed dry. Beautiful sunset. Started with the brie wontons with papaya/pineapple marmalade. These were awesome and probably the highlight of the meal. I typically am snobby with brie and try to cut off all of the outer flour shell to only eat the delicious inside but these came cut with shell and all included. But I can't complain, it was amazingly delcious. They brought us a simple salad with what tasted like french dressing and an egg drop soup. I had never tried egg drop soup and liked it quite a bit. Main course she got the trio of fish (ahi, ono, spearfish). I tried a bite of each. The ahi was the best. The others were not as tender. Not saying thats on the chef, probably just the natural texture of the fish. I got the braised beef shortrib over chow mein. Really glad I chose chow mein instead of potatoes, it was a great idea and delicious. The meat was tasty and tender. Nothing mind blowing but certainly solid. Overall a very solid meal. Highly recommended.
(4)
krystal p.
Have had good service and good food, bad service and so-so food, and everything in between. No way to know from day to day. It depends on who is at the front desk, who is serving, and, of course, what you order. The happy hour (3-5pm) is, IMHO, one of the best in Kona. Breakfast (weekends only) and lunch are reasonably priced and have some good choices. Dinner is (again, IMHO) overpriced for the quality, except the lamb chops, which are my favorite at any price. So if you go there and have lackluster service or mediocre food, don't write it off completely because you could have a fine experience next time. Unfortunately, there is no way to know in advance.
(4)
Micheal P.
We made a reservation for Tuesday. We were there 5 minutes early. We sat around for at least 10 minutes before someone came to help us. When I went to the bar to grab a drink the bartender snapped in my face like i should leave him alone. I felt like i was bothering him with me presence. After 30 minutes of waiting for our reservation we were finally seated. Then water was a scarce resource for at least 20 minutes as the server only filled half of the cups at the table. I felt almost like we were being singled out and not served on purpose. We had to finally stop the server from running away from our table as if we had the plague in order to get everyone's meals placed. The restaurant really wasn't that busy and we felt like think entire time we were competing for help from any server. The food was served before all the drinks were served and we had to ask two times before we got them. Finally we could catch the girl to give us our check and left frustrated and ignored.
(1)
Gayle V.
A lot of hype for this place but it was just okay.... And I would NOT come back here. One, the prices are high. We don't mind spending the money if the atmosphere and food are good...but the food was okay. Dining is open air with a beautiful view of the bay. (Star #1) Started out with ordering drinks. I ordered a vodka martini and got a Margarita the first time..sent it back...second time got a GIN martini..SENT IT BACK! and threatened to go over and teach the bartender how to make a proper VODKA MARTINI!!!! Our poor waitress did good by us and did not charge for the calamity of errors (Star #2) For dinner I ordered BLACKENED Ono...there was nothing blackened about the fish. It was over seasoned with thick, red dry rub. I was not able to eat it. Hubby got fish with seaweed and sesame which he did not care for either. Better fish to be had elsewhere at better prices!
(2)
Su-Lynn T.
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is located on the top of a strip mall, but it provides one of the most beautiful views in Kailua Kona. My family and I went here after a long day of coffee tasting at the farms on the coffee belt. I made reservations though opentable.com and we got a lovely outoor table for 5 people. I ordered the Mahi Mahi, hubs got the ribeye and my family got what sounded like the fish trio, and a grilled ono. All of it was pretty good. It had the nice presentation, with the fish layered between side dishes to create the "tall stack" look complete with an island flower. The flavors could have been slightly better - though some of the sauces were a bit too sweet, but I think Sam Choy tends to do that in his cuisine. Otherwise had a great family meal here. i really enjoyed my mahimahi dish though my parents weren't too keen on their fish dishes as much as me. Hub's ribeye was very large, with the nice grill marks, and served with a creamy sauce. In case you don't like cream sauces on your steak you should prob ask for it on the side. The service was very good. The free soup and salad they give as an app is nice, and the coconut bread is yummy! The prices are very reasonable for an establishment like this. We went to Roy's Waikoloa and it costs us about double what we paid here. (understandably since Roy's is more fine dining, and Sam Choy melds comfort food to local pacific rim tastes. I like them both!)
(4)
Ryan D.
We went to Sam Choys for our anniversary dinner and of course the only time to go is at sunset! We snagged a high table by the bar to watch the great view. Service got off to a rough start because the hostess triple sat our waiter. We ordered the brie appetizer which was tasty but just average, fruity island cocktails which were quite yummy, the lau lau (the house speciality) and the swordfish special of the night. The entrees were fantastic, perfectly cooked fish and great presentation. i highly recommend the lau lau off the menu, if none of the specials stick out to you. Our waiter recognized we didnt get the best service for round 1, and took extra time to recommend the bread pudding...which he comped. However I highly recommend this dessert which goes perfectly with a glass of B&B! I will go back next time on the island, and recommend to others!
(4)
S J.
Good food, nice presentation. Some may think its too expensive, but it was so far the best meal I've had on Kona. For once the chef didn't over cook our fish. I had the Lau Lau. Only disappointment was they didn't have poi! Come on guys it's Hawaii! My Hawaiian husband wasn't too pleased with that point, so he had the seafood trio & it was great. Good Mia Tia's too, although the pack a punch. Beware! :)
(5)
Eric D.
We had breakfast here one year ago and really enjoyed it. This year tried it again and it was not good. The pancakes with white sauce that were so good last year (rich and sweet) were not the same. The sauce was bland and tasteless and the pancakes were not that good. Must have hired the breakfast chef from a mainland I-Hop. The egg dish came out luke warm. The place did not look overly well cared for and my wife mentioned the restroom was a bit dirty...not really what you would expect from a class restaurant. The view is good, but there is a scenic turnout a half mile from the restaurant which has a better view...buy a donut from Walmart and sit on the hood of you car and enjoy the view.
(2)
Keely P.
The view is one of the best for sure. We had 3 different apps and all were yummy. My husband had the short ribs and he said it was some of the best he's had, even my sons mac & cheese was good..and the desserts, the coconut cream puffs were HUGE and sooooo good, we had to take them home, and they were even good the next 2 days! Big portions all around, you definetly get your moneys worth!
(4)
John T.
Excellent food. Great Atmosphere. And good service. All set overlooking the ocean in Hawaii. What else is there?
(5)
Harry P.
A very nice location with indoor/outdoor seating and a 360 view overlooking the Ocean. Service was stellar. The food was hit and miss however. The fish dishes were excellent. Unfortunately, there were some basic technique issues with some other dishes (soggy rubbery fried squid, over-dressed salad, just plain tasteless chicken katsu). We had much better Hawaian food for half the price at Big Island Grill.
(3)
Ann S.
This is gonna be long because we did a LOT of research here. We stayed 2 minutes from this place and Kona is not known for it's culinary offerings, so having frequented all of Sam's restaurants in the past, we weren't going to pass up the chance to sample the newest restaurant...multiple times. Between the hubby and I splitting some entrees for both breakfast and dinner, we got the following: Island French Toast Trio, Pineapple Papaya Mac Nut Pancakes, Char Sui Loco Moco, Smoked Pork Loco Moco, Chicken and Waffles, "Sam"wich, Edamame Hummus, Short Ribs (pupu), Filet Mignon, Fish Trio (Mahi, Ono and Swordfish when I got it), Mac Nut Chicken, Waffle Fried Ice Cream and Flourless Chocolate Cake. We do it all for you, ya know? My favorites were the Char Sui Loco Moco, Pineapple Pancakes, Edamame Hummus, Fish Trio and both desserts. The hubby would add the filet mignon to that though all of it was good! The bacon is flippin' amazing. So smoky and perfect, I ordered it every time we were there for breakfast. I think it says a lot that there are a good mix of locals and visitors there. We visited at all hours of the day and this was true any time we were there. Breakfast and lunch is reasonably priced and dinner is comparable to any nicer sit down restaurant you'll find. It's a nice touch that they bring you a sample of their salad and soup for the day at dinner and we're talking about a half 'typical' serving size and along with the sweet rolls, its a good way to start off the dinner. As mentioned, the view is incredible especially at sunset but for the few who complained that it overlooks a shopping center, yes, if you are at the wall tables at the very edge of the restaurant, you're looking down over the shopping center. Request a seat just under the roof if it bothers you that much. There's not a bad seat in the house. The fire pit tables out back are nice too. Sunset there is an event that usually ends in rousing applause. There is truly no lovelier atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Chef Choy was visiting one night when we were there and was nice enough to go to every table and say goodbye to people as they left. They said when he is in town he is down at the restaurant which is nice to know especially as a place is getting off the ground. He was very gracious but let me assure you that doesn't influence my review. Service has yet to get their groove. Servers are all nice enough (one in particular, Ui, was above and beyond) but we did hear a few griping about job related stuff and you don't do that in front of customers. Do it in the bathroom or after work like the rest of us. That's the only reason I knocked off a star. Otherwise, we had nothing but 5 star food and views every time. Once service improves a bit, I'll gladly add the extra star. I do have to note that as a person who has lost a significant amount of weight like Sam, I appreciate that he has healthy options at this restaurant. From the seasonal fruit plate, egg white veggie omelets, brown rice as a side, oatmeal with fruit, edamame hummus with baked pita chips and various fish and tofu dishes, it's nice to know that you can take a break from the high salt/high cal local dishes and choose something healthy if you're trying to watch it.
(4)
Jimmy H.
I'm not sure if there's a conspiracy amongst islanders to not share good local joints with tourists but after eating at Sam Choy's courtesy of a "tip" by our local Hertz driver, I'm starting to thing there is. We asked him for his favorite non-touristy local restaurants and he suggested this place. Let me be clear: Sam Choy's is TOTALLY TOURISTY. The restaurant is located high on top of a hill with panoramic views of what I'm assuming is the ocean (it was night time and couldn't see past the lights of the strip mall at the base of the hill). When we drove up to the restaurant we noticed a drive through window. Not sure whether it was an architectural remnant from a previous establishment or a functioning part of the current restaurant but it certainly did give us pause. We asked the waitress for her recommendations and she told us that the lamb was her favorite and that her son thinks the duck is the best he's ever had. Perhaps we should have asked how old her son is before ordering the duck cause it certainly was nowhere near the best we've ever had. It was way too sweet and I thought the honey flavor was too overbearing. The girlfriend didn't like the lamb but I thought it was pretty good and the pasta that it was served with was not too shabby. All in all, not a bad place for a decent meal at decent prices.
(3)
J C.
Excellent view. Food good. Service was solid. Yes, it's pricy for what it is but you're in Hawaii... in Des Moines it would be a raving rip off... but here? Go. Worthwhile stop on your already expensive trip.
(4)
Ken M.
This is the first meal we had when we arrived in Hawaii. We'd been awake for about 20 hours at this point too, so keep that in mind. Sam Choi's is perched high up above the shore and has pretty good views. I had the Pork Katsu and it was cooked well and well seasoned with a variety of dipping sauces. Andy's meal was also good, three cuts of fish. The prices are a little high for what you get,and the service was just alright.
(3)
Bella P.
I took my chances with the mixed reviews and totally lucked out with my experience. Glad I did though, because it would have been a totally sucky birthday dinner if it didn't. We had reservations and even though we were a little late, we were seated promptly with a sunset view as requested, by the very friendly hostess. We were greeted shortly by our server who definitely embodied the aloha spirit. She was courteous, friendly, and made sure we were ok, without being a pest. Down to the goodies now: --I had the ribeye, sauce on the side cooked medium rare. It was exactly that-medium rare. It's amazing how many places can eff up on steak. If you do get this dish, GET THE SAUCE ON THE SIDE. Trust me-you'll want to taste how amazing that local Kohala beef is without it being drowned in any sauce. --Hubby had the seafood laulau and that was amazing as well. I would probably suggest you stick with wine for drinks though, if you aren't into surgary sweet cocktails. Their raspberry mojito tasted like straight up corn syrup it was so sweet. YUCK! They do offer a white & red wine flight tasting which paired much better with the meals. The service was great and the fried ice cream we received on the house was the crowning glory of the dinner. A birthday sunset dinner with an amazing view? That's how you show the Mrs. she's a special lady ;).
(4)
Nancy Z.
We used to love coming to this location when it was a Wendy's fast food restaurant, largely because of the view. It seemed appropriate that Sam Choy's would be moving into the space. They did a lovely remodel, opening the interior space so as to incorporate the view. I've been here three times for lunch. The wait staff, on all three visits, were super friendly and efficient. I fully expected much higher prices given the high-end look and location, but the prices were reasonable for lunch....most in the $10-20 range. The food is good and fresh. The portions, substantial. Without the view, I'd probably give Sam Choy's 3 - 3.5 stars. It's the location and view that take the cake.
(4)
Dan Y.
I stayed on the Big Island for six days. A weekday lunch at Sam Choy's was easily the best meal I had on the island. Food: Had the Bento, which came with teri beef, spam & egg, fried chicken, and a piece of shit (obviously the fish made less of a mark because I can't even remember what kind of fish it was...) Either way, the food was fantastic. It wasn't anything unique or special compared to other similar restaurants but it was consistent, Price: I have no idea how much it is for dinner but lunch was extremely, extremely reasonable. Considering the fact that I was staying in Waikoloa where the cheapest lunch would easily set you back $15, this place was a breath of fresh air. My bento was about $12 and extremely filling! Even for a jolly-sized male, it would certainly be a satisfying meal. In fact, for our party of four, we ordered three lunch entrees (the waitress said that is easily enough for four people) and she was correct!
(5)
Crystal B.
Having avoided the Sam Choy's on Oahu for nearly three years, I finally went to this one just outside of Kona. I think it's current average star rating of 3.5 is accurate, bt since I can't do half stars I'm rounding up to 4 based on the great service we received and the beautiful view. We started with the calamari, which was mediocre. It was very dry. We enjoyed the complimentary soup, and then our entrees arrived. I had a special of fish and shrimp with a curry sauce and vegetables. The fish was cooked very nicely, crisped on the outside and tender inside. My in-laws' fish trios were good too, from what I heard. The food is not particularly inventive, but the entrees were very well prepared. I'm not in a huge rush to come back but eventually I will. Our service was really good -- every detail was perfectly attended to. Plates were cleared immediately, silverware replaced and waters refilled promptly. The view of the sun setting over the ocean, was gorgeous.
(4)
Dave H.
YEAH MAN! this place ROCKS. great views and breeze and dinner was a good deal for the $$$. girlfriend was impressed and my 3 nieces and 4 nephews had a blast too. good place for kids, there were a lot of em runnin around this place. kids all had loco moco, always a fave w the kiddies. service is fast and food is solid
(4)
Kelton J.
Apparently Sam Choys hired an out of state firm to construct the restaurant, which cut corners, skimped on safety regulations and basically left the job unfinished while making off with the money. Now there are pending law suits. Way to appreciate the local workers, Sammy. Way to keep the wealth with local families. We won't be patronizing your establishment on those grounds, alone.
I came here yesterday for the Sunday brunch Buffett. WOW!! For $14.95 it's a real bargain. And the sweeping views of the Pacific are AMAZING!! I was staying down the road at the Sheraton and let me tell you at $25 for a lousy breakfast Buffett Sam Choy's is my new go to brunch place when I'm visiting Kona. Plus the staff is very friendly and they kept my water and coffee cup full. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Janice O.
Friendly service. Nice atmosphere. Had the fried ahi appetizer...delish! Side salad dressing perfectly sweet Miso type. Pork katsu dinner good sized, even brought done home. Highly recommend! The food carried the chain.
(4)
Ann V.
Great view, good but not great food, decent but not great service, didn't measure up to the big price tag. We had the special Mahi Mahi, which was quite good, and the fish trio, which was over cooked and served with blase rice and sauteed veg. The server was annoyingly attentive until he discovered we weren't having drinks or dessert, then it was all we could do to get the check (he never even refilled our water.) Perhaps on another visit we might feel differently, but in my book 4 or 5 stars means more than adequate food and service every time. No second chance here, not for these prices.
(3)
Shar C.
We look forward to a fantastic meal and unique atmosphere when dinning out. Sam Choy's was all that and more! Friendly, appreciative service, perfectly prepared food all with a gorgeous ocean view! A must for Big Island visitors!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Howard H.
This eatery is in Kona proper just outside another resort area. I'm usually wary of celebrity chef named restaurants but we really didn't have a choice since our run to Da Poke Shack down the road was cut short due to them selling out at 1 p.m. The menu is fairly focused and offers Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine. The shoyu poke was pretty good and the fried poke (which is actually grilled) was even better. I had the beef stew plate which was so so. The wife's fish stir fry with brown rice was also decent. Dessert was better with the bread pudding taking the prize as the best on the table. The view is pretty nice but I can understand why some Yelpers gave subpar reviews. Price is affordable so that's a plus. I don't have great expectations for celebrity chef restaurants so this restaurant was OK in my book.
(3)Rick L.
Outstanding meal, we both loved it. Great view, great service, great food, you get the point. I had the fish trio. The presentation was so nice, I didn't want to mess it up, but artwork or not, it's MY meal. Great food. Don't miss this place!
(5)Lynn S.
This place is great. We came here for lunch, twice, after snorkeling at kahaluu beach park nearby. The restaurant is casual and the view is beautiful, they were friendly to us even though it was obvious we just stepped off the beach. The kids ordered sliders, keiki fish plate (beautiful), we had the fish salad, burger, poke wrap. All of it was really good, salad was very fresh. I would tell everyone to go to kahaluu for snorkeling, then come here. The prices are not horrible, unlike so many places on the island, and the beers are good! Try it, service is friendly and the menu has something for everyone, at very decent prices.
(4)Ellen L.
My arms don't stick to the table or my feet to the floor so great start! Bathrooms are very nice and clean.you should be able to drink wine anywhere but really in Hawaii they don't keep it in a cooler so I think it goes bad fast. However the waitress was extremely quick to give me a fresh bottle of wine.delish! Took 22 minutes for our one order of fish. Foods good but Luke warm. So the waitress amazingly took off our shared lunch efficient chips and my wine. So now they're going from a three-star to a five-star because of their awesome customer service! See Kristin and Julian for awesome customer service!!!
(5)Susanna S.
We wanted to celebrate our 17th anniversary while on vacation and chose this place for its view... we were not disappointed. It is lovely to watch the sunset starting at 6:30. The childrens' meals were pretty standard, but super cheap at $5. This made up for the pricey adult meals, which range from $20-30. For apps, we enjoyed the brie in wonton wrapper. For entree, we had the fish trio, which sounded better than it tasted. Dessert was a complimentary gluten free brownie and ice cream. We sure did appreciate it! All in all, a nice and memorable evening.
(3)Reg R.
Friendly: from the guy in the parking lot who steered me into an open spot, to the waitress who seated us. Great room--the open air and elevation make for great sunset views over the ocean. Really nice! Good food. I had the chicken caesar salad; tasted fresh and good. The value was average (for Kona) and service felt slow. Service was slow. It was 55 minutes after orders before any food began arriving on our table. Then it trickled in over the course of about 15 minutes. I guess quality food (it was) takes time at Sam Choy's? If you find that off-putting, check out Splasher's Grill (someplace else with an awesome view of the sea and a $$ rating); their quality was similar and service much faster by comparison. Final thoughts. I was with a family party of 14. The waitress said they wouldn't split the bill for groups larger than 10 people. Later she did do just that for us. Kinda weird, but we did appreciate it! Considering they did put up with us popping up and down for group photos by the railing, and all the theatrics associated with that, this was still a memorable and pleasant dining experience. I'd recommend Sam Choy's--for when you're not especially time-conscious, or are with people who can shift focus to making the most of their time together! Rating: 3.5 stars. Good food. Great room. Good intentions (friendly). Slow service.
(3)Colleen H.
The first time I went to this place was a few years ago for lunch and it was excellent. Since then, I have been excited to come back. I should have just stayed away because this visit left a bitter taste in my mouth, literally. The laminated menus felt sticky in my hands had also shrunk significantly in number of items with really high prices, and not one of them sounded appealing. Even the table top felt sticky, gross! At that point we should have just left because it because one disappointment after another. The food was ok, the salad wet (dripping with water), pork had weird sauce and at some point a cat walked through the dining room. Perhaps this was a bad night but I'm definitely not going back.
(2)Janis S.
Love Sam Choys! We live close by and have lunch here at least 3 times a month. I love the noodle shell bowls. All the servers are awesome at Sam Choys. It's such a friendly fun place to eat. Yummy and well prepared. Also love the Seared Poke salad. Awesome. My husband is hooked on the beef stew bowl with brown rice and purple potatoes. Melts in your mouth. Beef stew is tender and the sauce is delicious. Occasionally we go for breakfast. The best buffet in KONA. Or order off the menu. I love the veggie loco moco. Awesome. View is breathtaking. Several times we do lunch, then go down to the shopping center and catch s matinee at the Regal cinemas. Favorite of ours is to have this afternoon excursion starting with Sam Choys. Highly favored
(5)R Y.
Check the new hours. Unfortunately, the good food the kitchen puts out is now available only at certain times through the day. And......5:00 - 6:00 Happy Hour? C'mon. Probably the only place in town where the Happy Hour is literally one hour! Too bad for such a great restaurant with the best view in town. Was better before......
(2)Tina P.
The scenery is beautiful - an open air restaurant on a hill looking out over the water. However, the food is overrated. The flavors are good but the fish was overcooked and a bit overpriced even for Hawaii.
(3)Rachel S.
We went to Sam Choy's during their happy hour and the staff was really nice and attentive. I ordered a Pina Colada which I thought was ok and Brandon I believe had the lilikoi Mai Thai which was really sweet but better than my drink. The real stars for us were our happy hour plates. We had the Fried poke seared which was very flavorful and the only way I could get Brandon to try poke (he has an aversion to raw fish) and the Brie Wonton which was really great with the Papaya marmalade. We ended our visit with the flour-less chocolate cake and coconut ice cream. I don't think it was meant for the ice cream to outshine the cake but it was so delicious! I could have just had an extra scoop instead of the cake (although the cake was great!!) Definitely check out Sam Choy's and you can even grab a table around 4:00 to enjoy the end of happy hour and stay for dinner and the sunset that they have front row seats for.
(4)Erica Q.
Place came recommended by one of the locals. Ambience is pleasant with a view of the ocean. Friendly service. Food was great, dessert too. Tip. Go before 5pm for happy hour, drinks and popo.
(4)Danielle L.
Their food is sometimes good and others just okay. I don't think I have ever had good customer service. Even when not busy the staff doesn't check on you very often. Also I think they are a little over priced for the service and quality.
(3)Margareg G.
Restaurant, food and view was absolutely amazing! We got the 3 fish plate and we enjoy every single bite.
(4)Carey N.
Came here on a very rainy day for a late lunch. Not crowded at all and, despite the rain, the view was amazing! Ah-Maze-Ing. Service was spot on and with lots of Aloha spirit. The bartender poured our specialty cocktails on the strong side, which was much appreciated. The menu is weirdly diverse (beef stew for dad, poke for mom, vegetarian chow mein in a tostada shell for me) but everything was tasty. If you're in the area, come up at least for drinks and an amazing view. Did I mention the view was amazing??
(5)Elle P.
View is awesome but the food was mediocre at best. Honestly it's the worst food we've had so far. The calamari was a travesty! Ribs were cold. Pasta was overpriced and so not worth it. In fact everything was overpriced. Except... Kids meals were affordable but not very healthy. We had no choice as we lost track of time on a Sunday and the place we wanted to go to was already closed so we didn't think to make reservations. Our fault for not planning. Maybe a drink at the bar is more appropriate since the aerial views were gorgeous especially during sunset. This place was tourist trap central!
(2)Yvette K.
Sunday is only buffet. Food was excellent, service was awesome all staff were smiling and friendly! Will be back!! Fried rice, loco moco, omelet station, bacon, sausage , fruit salad, oatmeal, deserts, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, french toast pancakes
(5)Ramon B.
This the first time, after several visits, that I writing a review of this restaurant . I must first say the staff is always friendly and professional-even when things go.south. I must commend Craig and the new Manager Greg for there compassion with my event. First, the date was New Year's Eve and the place was decorated nicely. The host staff was polite and friendly. We were late in reservations but there was eating room at the bar and we opted for that. We ordered drinks and appetizers (pupus) and enjoyed wings, calamari and fried poke. This was served timely and very tasty. They get a one for staff, appetizers, and view. We ordered our dinners and my two hot dates ordered traditional poke, calamari, house salad and another fried poke. I ordered the rib eye with garlic mashed as a medium rare. As the evening neared 1830 our order was 55 minutes past the submission and Greg left the bar to inquire about the food. I observed him entering the kitchen and notice "gesturing" with the kitchen staff. I have no idea what was said but it did not look good. He returned after 5 minutes. The food was absolutely cooooold at first bite. The rib eye with shitake and garnish was as tasteless as cardboard. The garlic mashed potatoes arrived DOA and needed CPR. For the first time in my life I refused a meal. As a retired veteran, I have eaten a lot foods from around the world and I exercised my option to pass on this meal. We (Craig and I) had a discussion about the meal and I learned the place is a wreck. They have had 14 cooks and large transitions in staff in the last year. Unfortunately, many would enjoy a meal at McDonald's rather than here. Another hint there are financial woes is indicated by the out of service urinals. Save your money and go to Jackie Reys, Huggos or Fish Hopper for an experience in cuisine that leaves you satisfied and happy.
(1)Daniel M.
I think the bad reviews are either the competition or just wrong. I'm a foodie and the Pebble Beach Food and Wine festival every year. I've worked in high end restaurants. The food was very good. One of the best views in any restaurant I've ever seen. Service was very good and professional. Price was very reasonable. Not cheap, but a very good value.
(4)Bethani E.
Food was okay, service good, view was amazing! I've been dining at the Oahu Sam Choy's for years and was expecting the same food at the Big Island location. For the price we paid, we probably could have eaten somewhere else for better food and paid less. I'm used to Sam Choy having awesome food with a local twist or Asian fusion. I was disappointed that this location "Americanized" their food or catered to the tourist demographic. For instance, I love the Okinawan sweet potato mash offered at the Oahu location, but my choices were white rice or garlic mashed potatoes. Or at the Oahu location, they have a sampler pupu platter. Prices and food are better at the Oahu location. View is amazing on Big Island! Great cocktails!
(3)Vic M.
Jan 2015 5:30pm dinner. Best to make reservations or wait 45 minutes. Service was good. The pina colada had no flavor and was like a slush with some rum floating on top. Terrible. Fish salad ($14) had a lot of nice fish. Wish they could chop the salad up a bit more. House dressing delicious. Ribs pupu tasted very good however they had more fat than I ever experienced. Kona chicken wings pupus were luke warm and obviously had been prepared a long time ago. Not recommended! Seafood chowder soup was excellent. Great view.
(3)J W.
Enjoyed early bird happy hour on the lanai tonight!!! Service was awesome thanx Cory! We would definitely go back! Ribs awesome. Poke amazing. Calamari was great. Had the early bird fish of the day. Oh did I mention haupia ice cream was heaven! Mahalo!
(4)Dave C.
My wife and I are on our honeymoon, and wanted to get the most value for our money. So we chose to come here for happy hour. The view was spectacular, the service timely and friendly, the drinks were well made,and the food was delicious. I'm vegetarian, and they happily accommodated by adding a house salad to the menu with a delicious creamy sesame dressing. I secretly told the server we were on our honeymoon and to surprise my wife with a chocolate desert. The best molten chocolate cake came complements of the house. We had an incredible experience, and got great value for our money.
(5)nancy c.
Food was very good but there is no air condition therefore I couldn't wait to leave . We went with our whole family for our daughter"s Birthday, Took my dinner back to Kona Coast resort and had for lunch next day. From Calif and all good rest have air . Service was good,and as I mentioned food was good! Spent $400 plus, expect comfort for it being high end prices
(2)Jessica A.
Wow, what an unexpected great food experience on the Big Island. We were way on the South end of Kona and needed to eat, on a whim we tried here after declining the pizza place and the L & L bbq in the shopping center. I wasn't sure if it was a family friendly place from the outside, so I asked the hostess who said it was a family restaurant and my kids were welcome. She started setting up a table as I went back to the car to collect the rest of the family. The place is situated on the side of a very tall hill, overlooking Kona Town and the Ocean. It had a great view and an amazing breeze. The food was great, like really great. I had a teriyaki steak burger, my parents had teriyaki plates and the kids had chicken. The food was really well flavored, nicely prepared, well portioned. The service was awesome, prompt, and friendly. I'm really disappointed I only made it here once during our trip. Good places to eat this far South on the Island are kind of a rarity.
(5)Darcy L.
The food and ambiance here are both amazing. The whole restaurant opens up to a beautiful ocean view where you can watch the sunset while dining. It was a perfect place for a nice dinner. The food is also really good. I would definitely recommend the Black Lava Margaritas. Those things pack a punch! Everyone at our table ordered a different entrée and we all loved what we got. However, do not come here if you don't have less than two hours to devote to dinner. The kitchen was incredibly slow. It took over 30 minutes just for us to get our appetizers. Sam Choy is supposed to be a top chef but he can't seem to run his kitchen efficiently. Our waitress kept us our glasses full and was friendly and funny so that made the wait a little bearable but I still can't believe that it takes that long to fry up some calamari.
(2)Fran C.
I was working in Kealakekua, and Kailua-Kona today........upon finishing my jobs, I decided to stop by at Sam Choy's. I only found out about this place by fluke, as a few months back I was actually trying to go to Wendy's, but low and behold........Wendy's is gone, and Sam Choy's has taken it's place. Funny, how things change over a period of time..........I use to go to the big island on a regular basis, in fact I ran the big island for over 15 years before I turned over all of my accounts to a co-worker. A lot has changed through the years.........big box stores have invaded the big island, and the small mom & pop places are slowly going away. A little sad, but I guess that's the way it goes........... What can I say about Sam Choy's? Well, I've been a long time fan of his food......I remember a time when Sam Choy's had a small restaurant in the industrial area near the Costco area in Kailua-Kona. My, how times have changed with this restaurant in the Keauhou area. The restaurant is perched in the hills just above the Keauhou shopping center.......the view from the restaurant is just BREATHTAKING!!!! The restaurant was PACKED today for lunch...........but lucky for me, I was able to just walk in and get a table. I was looking for something of the lighter fare today............so I ended up getting the Seared Poke Salad, and I washed it down with an ice tea. What can I say about the food? The food was OUTSTANDING!!! The seared poke was made to perfection, and it was marinaded perfectly as it sat on a bed of local greens, on some kind of deep fried breaded shell. I totally enjoyed my salad.........I think it was the poke that really complimented the salad well! I would totally come back here just to eat this dish again! Service was friendly.....but I have to admit, it was rather slow. Granted my waiter was covering several large parties, maybe they don't have enough help? Parking is very limited..........since the restaurant was packed today, guess what? I couldn't find any parking in the parking lot fronting the restaurant, so I ended up parking at the Keauhou shopping center, then walking up the hill to get to the restaurant. After I was leaving the restaurant, I noticed a sign where there is an "overflow parking area" for the restaurant............but you still have to go down the hill to another parking lot. Overall,still a great dining experience........wouldn't mind coming back here for dinner one day.......chance 'em gang!
(4)Sarah M.
Excellent views from the lanai surrounded by good vibes and tikis. We enjoyed the slow sun setting over the ocean while we sipped our drinks. Poke stack was delicious! Great stop on your way back from the park.
(5)Kim A.
Food is fantastic. Service is horrible. Sat 45 minutes without any service. Second time this has happened. Too bad. UPDATE Third time! First two were great food and not so great service. This time great food and also great service from Cory. Others were equally friendly and helpful. Five Stars!!!!
(5)Triana R.
We enjoyed our dinner at Sam CHoys. The food was good, but the drinks weren't the best ones. The food was amazing, but the trio fish we ordered was on the dryer side. The restaurant needs to focus on customer service and unselling a suggestions some drinks.
(3)Patti H.
Prices for dinner were on the high side so we decided to have drinks and pupus. We arrived for happy hour and ordered drinks and every appetizer on the menu accept for the calamari. The setting was beautiful its an open patio, great bar. Servers were well trained, our drinks were great. The ribs were to die for , the brie in wonton skins were very tasty. The fried poke was great, it was a large portion. There were 3 of us we had 5 appetizers we were stuffed and left with a to go box! We had a great time!
(4)Randall S.
Meh. We've had breakfast and lunch here and enjoyed. But the dinner menu is uninspired and there wasn't even a burger option to save it. Mediocre service too. But what a view!! While my macadamia crusted chicken was ok (nothing special, but hey, it's chicken), it came with a strange combination of sauces that just didn't make sense. The base sauce was like cream of mushroom soup, but dappled along the edge with a gel-like mango sauce. Neither was special. The veggies were limp and lukewarm. But the mashed potatoes were good... My husband ordered a Caesar salad with shrimp. Strangely, After a bite he noticed that the salad wasn't dressed at all. So we flagged our server (she was pretty busy), and she went to check with the kitchen...didn't offer to take the salad back. Instead she just reappeared with a plastic cup of Caesar dressing, announced that the kitchen had run out of romaine so they substituted regular lettuce and didn't toss it. And that was that. No offer to change it to something else, or to have the kitchen at least remake and properly toss it. And no offer of anything to "make it right," which is pretty common these days. If not taking it off the bill, at least offering an alternate item, a dessert, or a discount--or at the very least a coupon for a future visit. But they probably assume everyone is a one-time tourist (we are locals). The server was friendly but too busy, didn't offer to explain the specials, and it seemed like when we didn't order drinks or appies, and she realized we were ordering two of the least-expensive items on the menu, she lost interest in us. I can't say for sure, but I would guess that was the case. Anyway, Sam's does have a stunner of a view, and we'll return for the earlier meals of the day--like lunch when they have a good burger (why isn't that on the dinner menu?).
(2)Sami B.
We came to this place one night during our vacation, and had Arthur as our server. His knowledge of the menu is so extensive and he talks so vividly about the food that it was hard to not order everything on the menu. We started with the calamari, which was fantastic, and not rubbery at all. The clam chowder was to die for. and the ahi tuna poke was amazing. We even decided to come back for dinner the next night, and requested to sit in Arthur's section again. He was absolutely amazing, again! and we got to try all of the things we missed the night before. I would recommend Sam Choy's to anybody staying in Kona, HI.
(5)Sarah N.
Restaurant with the best ocean view in town! Full ocean view! Watch the sunset while eating a delicious meal and having a cocktail. Get the short ribs!! Of all the food on our table that one was the hit!!
(5)Mark G.
Had the lamb and fish trio... Both were very good... Service was excellent and the sunset was amazing
(4)Ty N.
Two stars for the server. She was very accommodating, helpful and friendly I wish I catch her name. 1 star for the food 1 star for the price. I used to live in Hawaii so I know this is a tourist trap and the only good thing about this restaurant is the view (during the day) at night nothing you can see. And the bar is good. Will not return. I would rather go to Da Poke Shop in Kailua or try the new location at Captain Cook.
(2)Peter D.
Food was four stars, but the view was five stars for sure. My dinner was a fish trio, but two out of three were dry. Nothing special. Seared ahi appetizer was great, and so were the brie wontons. Kids meals were just five bucks, and good quality food, but if your kids eat a lot, be aware the portions are small.
(4)Sarah S.
I wanted to lick all the plates clean. Everything was cooked to perfection and then topped with the most amazing sauces! Ridic.
(5)CJ C.
Had a special weekend planned, perfect table, perfect setting, then our waitress came up, rushed, asked if we wanted anything to drink, yes, we each ordered two glasses of wine...and we had an appetizer in mind, BUT, she heard the two wines, and ran off, not even giving us time to ask for it...oh well, she's busy... Then she comes back 15 minutes later, still no wine, says sorry, still waiting, she explains the specials on the menu, fish and fish...then we order our appetizer...while we look at the menu, very small menu at that. another 10 minutes goes by, still no wine, she comes back and says, oops sorry, still waiting on the wine...Then we said we'd like to order, (25 minutes after sitting down), one of us orders the special, the other orders the filet mignon...OH! yeah we are out of Filet and New York Strip...WOW, really? you couldn't explain that 25 minutes ago when you were telling us the specials? We order something else, but then realize we wait another 10 minutes, and nothing..so we got up and told her to cancel our order...she gasps...WOW... Very rude, very rushed, and their wait staff has no care about customers. Then we call to talk to the manager and on hold for 20 minutes, for the hostess to ask who's calling, and we said we'd like to make a complaint about tonight...but then we couldn't wait on hold forever... Unfortunately, we were both excited to try this place, but we will never give it another try, Customer service goes a long way, we went to another restaurant and was waited on spectacular, and felt special...Thanks Sam Choy for pushing us away to our new Favorite place....
(1)Lilly P.
The view at this restaurant is amazing!! We went during sunset and it was gorgeous. Besides that, everything was ok. Service was great but the food was subpar. We had the lamb chops and it was ok. However, the owner was very understanding and he took it out from our bill. I wouldnt come back again for the food but for happy hour, yes!
(4)Tina M.
Yummy dinner with amazing view of sunset. The Maitai was especially good. Poke and lamb were delish. Our waitress was super attentive. All in all, good value for solid food and drinks!
(5)Mason D.
The bartender is unpleasant. Craig. Using the F word twice in a sentence. Talking bad things about people. Always scowling. Refused to make my wasabi Bloody Mary with the excuse that they didn't have any wasabi... Our waiter however. Masi... Friendly. Accomodating. Quick and efficient.
(3)Michael H.
JunA must visit. Food, service an view... All excellent. The fresh catch of the day was outstanding... The fish trio plate was very special. Make reservations, it is popular. Rita treated us like royalty. David, the bartender went out of his way to give personalized service. Wayne is a master with omelets but the photo failed to upload. Sorry.
(5)Sara S.
Delicious. Must go. The macadamia nut crusted chicken melted in my mouth. The desserts are out of this world.
(5)Natalia B.
Mediocre food, nice view... Should have paid more attention to the reviews that mentioned the bland food. The seared poke was pretty good, although drenched in sweet sauce, the edamame hummus was tasteless and the chips were soggy, the pineapple salsa flavorless, and even the cocktails were weak. Fish in the fish salad didn't taste fresh. Ribs were okay, nothing to write home about. Should have realized it was a bad sign when we were ignored when we first arrived - stood there for quite some time without an acknowledgement from staff - however our server was a nice guy, and we tipped him well, since it's not his fault that the food isn't what it should be. I'd say if you're in the area, maybe drop by during happy hour for pupus and sunset viewing (the view from many tables includes the rooftops of the shopping center...but look past that...) But don't bother with dinner. Tourist food.
(2)Sarah C.
I happened into Sam Choy's one morning when I couldn't decide where to go to breakfast. They were serving a buffet, with the usual lineup at a reasonable $14. The food was good, but not great. Some of the selection was lukewarm when it needed to be hot. It was distressing that the floor was greasy/slippery in front of the buffet. Maybe they had just had a huge rush before I got there? There wasn't a crowd, so I felt comfortable sitting out on the lanai overlooking an astounding view as I ate and did some writing. I will return for that alone if I get the chance.
(3)Greg G.
Friendly place with delicious food and adult beverages. Vegetarian options were great and didn't taste like the consolation prize.
(4)Andie S.
I really enjoyed our dinner tonight. The fish was well prepared, and really delicious! Our server Shawn was very attentive, and gave us great service! Thanks for a wonderful Mother's Day Sam Choys!
(4)Maddie R.
I absolutely love it!! I wish I had 6 stars to give!! The view is breathtaking. The service is great and the people are nice. Then I don't even know where to start on the food! The teriyaki is fantastic!!! A perfect char, a sweet sauce, tender, juicy!! It's amazing I love this place & I highly recommend it!
(5)Vai L.
Sekueli and I had a date night last Saturday. Instead of driving out to Macaroni Grill, we chose Sam Choy's Kai Lanai restaurant for several reasons. 1.It's closer to home. 2.The food is said to be delicious and worth the price. 3.The setting would be romantic for a dinner without our sons. Here's the scoop... Reservations were for 7pm. We arrived 10 minutes early, but our table wasn't ready until 6:58pm. Not too bad, right? We had a nice table outside. Start to a romantic evening, check! It can only get better from here...or not. Waiters and Bussers moved all around us, but No One greeted us(not even a smile), or asked if we wanted something to drink. We waited quietly for 10 minutes (more like 20 minutes, since we had arrived early). Finally a manager saw that I was looking repeatedly for our waiter and sent him over. We asked for water and that took about 10 minutes. His section wasn't very busy, so we were puzzled about the hold up for water. In the meantime, a party of 4 sat down a few tables away and almost immediately got their drinks. After our water came, we ordered 2 Captain & Cokes, 2 appetizers and both entrées all at once. By now, we're very hungry. It's been about 30 minutes since we arrived. Appetizers came out within 15 minutes. Not bad. The Calamari was good, but not fresh hot from the fryer. The sauce paired perfectly with the calamari. Portions were more than enough for the two of us. The seared poké was cooked just right and the sauces were delicious. Dave was our food server and the only person with genuine warmth and care. A few minutes later, another food server arrived at our table with a poké tower that we didn't order. He took it back with apologies. Then our waiter brings the same entrée back to us, just minutes after we said it wasn't ours.lol Which he then places at the table behind me for the hungry couple. We got our entrées about 30 minutes after our appetizers (About an hour after we sat down). I ordered the Shrimp pasta (since we didn't go to Macaroni Grill) and the babe's ordered the Oriental Lamb. I love shrimp and I love pasta. But this dish, I did not love. The pasta was not drained well, so my cream sauce was very watery. One shrimp was half raw and there was barely any flavor, but I restrained from grabbing the salt.lol The Oriental Lamb dish didn't come with a side of rice. You read oriental on the menu and you assume rice or Asian type noodles would be the starch. But alas, the babe's had almost the same type of pasta I had. Only difference was, his pasta had lots of butter and no water. But still minus flavor. On the up note, the lamb was cooked perfectly! Both dishes had decent portions. Not overly filling and not leaving you starving. But no flavor, equals an appetite that's very disappointed. A well made dish, even of a smaller portion would satisfy a hungry pasta lady. Over all I was very disappointed(and wishing we made the drive to Macaroni Grill). I normally return to restaurants for the food, but also for how the staff makes me feel. If I didn't have such a wonderful date, the night would have been a loss. If you're looking for a restaurant with a nice location, Kai Lanai has it. If you're looking for great food, that you will dream about and can't wait to return for more, Kai Lanai doesn't have it. If you're looking for a restaurant that takes pride in customer service, go to Outback where they make you feel at home and they take care of you like family. If you have time to kill, don't care about service or how your food tastes (and don't get easily upset) try Kai Lanai.
(2)Rob M.
Drove all the way from Fairmont orchid to get crappy service! If our server spent more time doing her job than bullshitting at table of someone she obviously knew. I wouldn't be writing this review!
(1)L S.
Great food, great staff, great view! Wonderful place to enjoy a sunset and a delicious meal. The duck was the biggest hit of the night, but the edamame and calamari were delicious too!
(5)Tony K.
While it might seem like a tourist trap, this place is completely worth it. If I were a local i would take someone special here. So if you are a tourist you are already on a special trip. First the appetizers are amazing and comes out very fast. I would say within 5 minutes. The menu is simple and elegant. Elegant meaning the dishes are well thought out and prepared. It makes you feel like it was a gourmet food from a world class chef. The price is within expectations of Hawaii. The view of the ocean and sunset were amazing too. Highly recommend.
(5)Valerie M.
From San Diego, used to great seafood! This place was up there! Great sunset views, seated right away. Paul was our kind server. Food was the best we've Had the island...we had the trio and the shrimp pasta. Shrimp was Huge! Highly recommend it if your staying at the Sheraton and are looking to get off the property!
(5)Peter L.
Over priced for food at decent quality. Good for dating since it has a good view but ain't any good for regular luxury dining. Reasonable service and wait time for food. Drinks by the bar tender is... meh, drinkable I suppose. I had the seafood Laulau and it wasn't worth 35 dollars with a small salad. (I would gladly give it 4 stars if it's around 25-28 dollars with salad.) My friend had a NY steak. Asked for medium rare- medium and served as rare. Asked the waitress to bring it back to the kitchen and the same plate is served after recooking it for a while. It is medium this time, though. Overall the food is slightly above average but isn't worth the price. 3 stars.
(3)Cynthia S.
Good food and drinks, fantastic views, and friendly staff. We like to eat here at least once when we're on the big Island. It's an open air restaurant with a musician in the evenings. Last night, I had their grilled chicken with brown rice and grilled vegetables. The chicken was very tasty, but the vegetables were a little bland. My husband got the glazed boneless ribs with mashed potatoes and vegetables. He enjoyed his dish quite a bit, although the meat portion was a bit small. We didn't save room for dessert. All in all, I would recommend this is a good place to have a nice meal and watch a beautiful sunset in this area of Hawaii.
(4)Debra B.
The four stars is for the food!! Amazing!! We had happy hour appetizers as our meal. Fried Poke, chicken wings, ribs, calamari, pork cream cheese wontons, chips and salsa!! Food fantastic, but felt that because we only ordered happy hour items our server didn't care for our business. We were never checked on, nor asked if we needed additional drinks or food. He promptly got our check when asked. Other tables super happy with service. We were not.
(4)Charla B.
Food was extremely salty especially the poke and the Mac/potato salad. The burger was overlooked and they forgot to bring my husband's fries that go with the burger. It's hard to believe that this food comes from a James Beard award winner. My mother in law liked her fish and chips. Beef stew was ok but not enough meat in it.
(1)Cathy C.
Visiting from California and happened onto this lovely place. We ordered the Fish Trio and Braised Short Ribs. The view was spectacular our waiter was excellent and the meal was superb. Definately will come back.
(5)Sungeun P.
I will summarize for the busy folks before the actual review. Pro: open air, has ocean view. It has a decent parking lot. This is the only reason for a Star. Con: SO. MANY. DIRTY. DISHES. Utensils are same, food was nothing to rave about, worth the money if you eat 2 servings of FULL plates, idk about other servers but mine did absolute bare minimum at best. Having worked in hospitality myself, it is unacceptable to come to a well known restaurant and move 7 plates from the "clean stack" of dishes with unwashed food stuck on it while the HOST stood right NEXT to me, watching the whole thing happening. Details: Just finished my breakfast "buffet" here. Not sure what time breakfast ends but my family and I sat down at 9:45. Our server sat us where we requested but for some reason the table is pushed up to a POLE. Huge pole so that half the table looks directly at the POLE instead of the ocean (3 inches from the table). Neither the server or the host thought to help move the table. The omelet station was unoccupied and so messy, I thought they were done. (Turns out it wasn't done because after I sat down, the cook came out from the back and started cooking..I guess he went to get more ingredients. ) anyway I walk over to grab whatever else was available. I have never seen so many dirty "clean" plates it blew my mind. Same for the utensils. Unbelievably dirty, there was no napkins to clean, nothing. I only ate because my family really wanted to try the restaurant and I was very hungry. But Dont waste $15 for breakfast buffet here and go to other hole in the wall places.
(1)Brenda P.
We were visiting in January and had dinner here. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the view pretty dang good. I don't know about these other reviews that are describing experiences so unlike what we had. Out of the 10 days and many meals at various restaurants around the island, this was my favorite. We sat outside, but the whole restaurant is open air. I would definitely go back next time we are in Kona!
(5)Collin W.
I actually really liked this place. It has an amazing view and the food is very good. The marinated ahi is really tasty under the pupu category. I had the pork katsu which was good but a little overlooked. The lamb chops are also very tasty
(4)Gina S.
If I could give this a zero I would. The food was awful. The "garlic" mashed potatoes were tasteless. All the food was expensive but very low quality. Just a real disappointment.
(1)Julie Z.
We live down the street from Sam Choy's and were elated when it opened. The fire pits overlooking the ocean were a draw from the get go. You can get a tasty glass of chard for less than $10 and in some cases, $5. Sure, the food prices after lunch are pricey. The breakfast was good and I have enjoyed lunch there a few times. Service is good and the place hops with buzz from the guests. Have not picked a signature dish to rave about yet..stay tuned...
(4)SacBelle S.
Awesome views and the whole restaurant is open air. Definitely a great spot for sunset. We had live music when we were there. The food prices were reasonable $6-10 glass of wine. $16 and up on entrees. I had the fish trio and salad. Both were really good and what was expected for the price. I would definitely go again.
(4)Maurice S.
Sooo good. I had the Bente which had chicken, teriyaki beef, spam, fresh fish, and egg over rice. Forgot to take a picture cuz I jumped right in and started eating. Sorry. Trust me...it was Yum!!!
(5)Daniel L.
My wife and I stayed at the Sheraton Kona and ended up coming here twice during our four day stay. The food is very good, and the view is spectacular. The decor is all very modern. The portions were quite generous, and the presentation was excellent. Would definitely recommend Sam Choy's if you're staying in Kona. The prices are reasonable and a much better value than resort food.
(4)Daniel A.
Food was really good prices were expected to be what they were. You pay for that awesome view. Service was good. She could have stopped smoking about 30 years ago to help that raspy voice. But me or anyone in my party had any complaints.
(4)Keoni D.
Excellent brie won ton and great food.....mahalo sam choy the trip from hilo was well worth the experience!!!!
(5)Chris B.
I think it would be easy to throw stones at Sam Choy's but I can't. Yes, it is basically a Wendy's perched on a hill with a scenic overlook of both the ocean and a strip mall. On the other hand, our experience was quite lovely. We walked in late with two tired boys and a desire for a quick bite. Our waiter scooted us right through with some nice bites. Our food was good. At first, our 6 year-old didn't like the Mac and cheese and our waiter swapped it out with a smile for something he loved. So, pretty good Sam Choy's.
(3)Ruth G.
We drive by here many times and thought this would be a nice restaurant to see the sunset from. We started with a calamari appetizer with a nice horseradish sauce. My husband had the macadamia nut chicken, which they had on a bed of rice and flavorful vegetables. It came with soup and a nice green salad. I had the macadamia nut mahi mahi, which came with white rice and flavorful vegetables. While we were there, we were treated to a wonderful sunset that only being Kona offers us. We also enjoyed the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. The servers were very helpful in helping us choose what to order and we were pleasantly surprised with the food choices. I would highly recommend this place for a fine dining experience!
(5)Phil A.
Whenever your in the Big Island over at Kona, this is a must eat place. I think Sam Choy placed hawaiian cuisine in the map. I was not disappointed at all.
(4)Kate L.
This place is so over rated. They could charge whatever they want because of the view they have. Fish was overcooked and service was OK. Maybe breakfast would be better. It's a small restaurant - we went to Fish Hopper the next night and the food blew Sam Choys out of the water and our bill was less with better service. We won't be going back to this place.
(2)Dan C.
Second Best resturant on the BI....food is excellent and the staff from the parking lot guys to the servers are awesome. Thanks Chris an Eddie! Aloha My friends!
(5)Ken A.
Sam Choy's is a rock solid dining choice for Kona and especially for the South end of Alii Drive in the Keauhou vicinity... where choices are honestly slim. The food is good and the service is attentive. The view is better for breakfast since the Kona haze/vog often sets in by mid to late afternoon. It isn't cheap to eat there but for Hawaii dining and the quality of food, I still call it a good value. We'll keep going when the occasion warrants!
(4)Karen K.
Nice location. Bad service. Both my husband and I had ordered drinks, both were empty. Waitress offered my husband another drink and then ran off. When she came back my husband said "did you want another drink?" and she just left again. Food is not worth the price.
(3)Ang F.
Good view and decent food, but overpriced for what you get. Also, the menu is very limited.
(3)Cory B.
The worst meal I had on the Big Island, I took my wife for her birthday dinner, we ordered Macadamia Nut crusted Chicken, and Braised Short Rib, sounds good right? Wrong! 2 minutes after ordering Entrees that should have taken 15-20 to make (trust me I'm a red seal chef) our food arrived looking like it was slopped into a bowl like sludge, to me this means one thing; this food came from a steam table, it was bordering on inedible. I ate my short rib, but nothing else, my wife barely touched her plate, and our server was completely absent. The only saving grace is I waved down the Manager and explained who I was, and the situation, at which point she apologized and took care of the whole bill. Guess we should have had drinks. In conclusion, the chicken was so bad I wouldn't feed it to my dogs! And we turned down a free dessert offer fearing it too would only bring on more feelings of disappointment and sickness!
(1)Eric V.
When we were in Hawaii, we would pass by this restaurant and make fun of it. "What restaurant owner is so ego centric that they have to name the restaurant after themselves," we would ask. Further, the place was next door to Long's Drugs -- how great could the place be? Despite our initial reaction, we noticed that the place was always packed. It wasn't until we left Hawaii that we had breakfast here and we finally understood why the place was always packed. Great view, prices were incredibly reasonable, portions were decent, staff was friendly, and the food tasted fine. If I spent enough time here, I'm sure I would be a Sam Choy convert.
(5)Ken B.
Came in because there always seems to be lots of cars. Had a very nice meal (orange duck for my wife, and mahi mahi special for me). It was good and tasty. The portions are very generous for everything. We'd definitely come back. Waiter Paul was quite good to boot. Thanks.
(5)Y C.
We had the (slightly) fried Poke lunch plate and another grilled fish lunch plate. Both are Ok, but portion was small. The fried chicken wing appetizer dish was surprisingly and extremely good at the first bite --- that might just have been the best bite of fried chicken wing that I had ever had; unfortunately, it became a little too sweet for when I was finishing my third piece.
(4)Shawn P.
I like this place. Great drinks, nice staff, decent food... AWESOME view! The specials are def worth listening for, as a fisherman i know that the albacore tuna are running around Kona right now, and their specials were featuring it, always a good thing!and the deserts are rad.... Not a bad place for an after dinner drink and desert....
(4)Steven G.
Fish was over done, pupus were horrendous, duck was oily. View was good, but the vog killed it. Would I come back? No
(2)C. L. T.
The food was good. We had the delicious pot stickers to start and the Duck and the fish special. Portions are generous. Halfway through dinner, two ukulele musicians sat a table away and played and sang for about an hour as the sun went down and it was dark. Very good service and Sam Choy trains local Kona boys to eventually become chefs. Overall a very nice experience.
(4)Deborah G.
Best teriyaki chicken I've ever had; the oriental dressing on the salad was clearly made on site and YUM.....Wait staff was so friendly. I'll be back! This is NOT Haute Cuisine, it's more like Paula Deen Hawaiian.
(4)Daniel K.
Food wasn't as great as the view from the resturaunt was the best thing.
(3)Brandi K.
We LOVE SAM CHOY'S!!! The food is great the view amazing and we love the staff. We always looking forward to our favorite fish and Macademia Nut Chicken. Yummy great for whale watching.
(4)Nor C.
I gave this place many tries for breakfast, lunch and several dinners. I was continually disappointed with the food and the service. Flavors are more geared for tourists with bland palates. The rib eyes were extra fatty and not in a good way. Deserts did nothing for me... I'd rather have gotten an ice cream down the road for 1/3 of the price. The blueberry pancakes were soaked in a blueberry "syrup" that wasn't syrup but a blueberry sauce make with cornstarch. Lunch was the best of all (but not GREAT) with a salad topped with the fish of the day. The service was totally slow even with the restaurant not even 1/3 full. The view is amazing but I guess if you are on vacation that would be a selling point.
(2)Bruce P.
First night in Hawaii. We got to Sam's right before they closed so didn't have to wait. Drinks were good, salad was good. View was beautiful. I was disappointed with the menu. It was really limited. At the waitress's suggestion, I ate the boneless ribs. Much to my surprise, at Sam's, boneless ribs look and taste just like over salted pot roast. I thought it was spendy for what we got. Ever hear of 'blackened tofu?' My girlfriend tried it and found the seasonings way too overpowering for tofu. No more Sam's for us.
(2)Emily A.
I've lived in Hawaii my entire life and the B52 bomber that landed in my hair at dinner, should have been my sign. It was the biggest one I have seen in years! What a joke of a restaurant. There seems to be plenty of staff members, but they all seem to congregate and spend their time socializing with one another. Very tacky. Then they load their foods with salt, salt and more salt. If that isn't enough they add tons of sugar too, its no wonder people think its good. Meanwhile their filling it with all sorts of extra calories. Its a shame that with such a beautiful location they are blowing it! Instead, head down the road to Kona Country Club (open to public), they serve a wonderful breakfast and great Bloody-Mary. And the view is impossible to beat.
(1)JD L.
The view is worth the drive from downtown Kona. Great place for Sunday brunch. No wait and we requested a table on the patio. Server was quick with drink orders as well as the food order. They have an early bird dinner special from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm as well as a happy hour. Make sure to add this place to your list not only for the food but the amazing 180* view. Server: Masi was great! There was a problem with our order but the manager took great care if us.
(5)Kyle Y.
Great food, ocean VIEWS. Likely a good spot to catch the sunset Get the poke salad. Seems I was the only guy the restaurant who ate that. Saw about 3 other women eating some variation of it. Poke was seasoned well and a nice "flavor profile" (channeling my Food Network judge vocabulary) combined with the dressings and 2 wanton squares, this is a winner (not wiener). Sampled some teriyaki beef of my pop's plate. Had a real bbq flavor and it was enough to make me consider ordering that next time.
(4)Hanna C.
Our meal was pretty good. The fish was all cooked well, and the portions were so large!! We left full and satisfied. My fresh fish island salad was definitely a good choice. There were so many fresh greens, and the some noodles/shredded carrots and beets were a great addition. The fish was cooked well. My brother and mother got the fish trio plates. The sauce worked very well for all the fish. The grilled fish had a little too much char taste, but it was still good. The asparagus was grilled and tasted great. My father got the Lau Lau fish. It was excellent-firm, moist, and with a nice flavor. It also had shrimp!!! This was a big plus and my dad was so full. Good service, and overall good dining experience. Thanks Sam Choy's!
(4)Mark C.
Keauhou-itude (noun) : What you get when you go to Sam Choy's or another Thai restaurant here that shall go unnamed - when it is otherwise empty - without a reservation. True story- The two of us walk in and ask for a table. No problem. We get literally the worst 4 top in the place. I ask for any of the nine available 4 tops on the lower level. "We've got a lot of reservations coming in." Translation : "you'll take what we give you." We respond "ok. I guess we'll just pass." They let us walk, happy in the knowledge that they are more exclusive than the Auberge d'lil. We decided to walk through the separate entrance into the bar. Anyway... The food is Hawaiian touristy and passable, sometimes very good. The prices exist solely as a testament to an undeserved reputation and a remodel of what used to be a Wendy's fast food The service is exactly what you'd expect by servers who genuinely believe that they're better than their jobs. ( I've eaten here several times before) The view is spectacular. A great bartender!!!
(3)T L.
Beautiful view on top of a hill Great food for a party of 5 Seafood Sampler Ribeye Steak Pasta dish Swordfish Special
(5)Cynthia T.
Suggested by our hotel, this was the first restaurant we tried when we arrived to the Big Island. We came in perfect timing, happy hour! However, we went back during regular dinner hours and found out that the happy hour menu was only be a couple $$ cheaper. Great place for their appetizers, and I wish we went back to try their dinner entrees! Their ribs and wings were too good and we ordered these the second visit. Banging baby back ribs, cooked just right. The chicken wings are very crispy and perfectly cooked, with a soy-based marinade. I am not a fan of calamari, but my family said that the calamari appe was real good as well. This was the first place that I tried ahi poke, and I found it to be good and a very interesting salad. But it was a little too much sashimi (raw) fish for me. Drinks are good, especially their pina colada. They put a good amount of liquor inside their cocktails. Best thing about this restaurant is their amazing view! I will definitely go back, even if its just for drinks and appetizers, to look at their amazing view and ambiance.
(4)Denni P.
Seated at a great table for two, 5 star moment! Then only given one menu, we thought they were out so we don't mind sharing. Then I noticed everyone else had a menu per person, strange but oh well. We weren't told the specials, I overheard another server say the special tonight was pork chops. I ordered Caesar salad with shrimp, came out with spring mix salad and no dressing. Service was mediocre we had to ask why there was no dressing on my salad and she noticed it was spring salad and went to the kitchen to ask. When she came back she said they ran out of romaine lettuce and substituted spring and brought me a side of Caesar dressing to put on my salad. My husband ordered the Mac crusted chicken, as we exited the restaurant we overheard another table ordering Caesar salad and the server didn't tell them of the modifications, I guess they will have the same experience. I'm disappointed as I wanted this to be our special neighbourhod eatery as our home is not too far from here. We've come here for brunch and lunch on a few occasions. The service seems to be inconsistent. We are disappointed with dinner and although this restaurant is has a spectacular view we won't be back for dinner again. Always Five star views, this experience one star for food and service, I leave them with a two star overall rating. I'll be back.
(2)Mae S.
Our Big Island app warned us that Sam Choy's has gone downhill. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. The service was appalling ... after 45 minutes without a bite to eat we asked about our order. It came out immediately, but quite a bit of the food was cold when it should have been hot. Truly disappointing. The waiter didn't seem to think this was important. Next problem: the online dinner menu wasn't the one we were offered at the restaurant. We guess they've recently changed the menu: probably for the worse. Third problem: a very loud amplified slide presentation was taking place at the bar. Obviously, it's fine if they have private events, but do they have to interfere with other diners? In sum: if this is a place you've been waiting to try out, you've evidently waited too long. Better go somewhere else.
(2)Brandon R.
Fantastic ocean views in daylight hours.... Sunsets are best! The staff was warm and very friendly, they immediately sat us down and got our drink orders. The menu was rather small for my taste but it made it easy to navigate! We started with appetizers, baby back ribs, calamari, and seared ahi poke. The portions were in the larger size compared to most fancy restaurants and were a delectable start! We proceeded with dinner, the wife had the pork Katsu, I aimed for the shrimp pasta and my son chose the braised short ribs! Each of the dishes were beautifully presented and adequate in portion, our flavor pallet went crazy! The food was well worth the price that included a view and wonderful service! The kitchen even surprised us with a sampler making our visit that much more special! Mahalo nui Sam choy Kona!!!! We'll be back! Aloha no
(5)Sam D.
Our server Chris was a great lady and charming person. She recommended the ribs, for pupu's the stir fry dinner for my wife and she said they had good burgers! The ribs we tasty but dry no moisture! The stir fry fish had great flavor and very ample portion. "the burger" I ordered med rare checking with Chris that I would have pink in the middle. What arrived was a very dead well done cow! I showed Chris and she immediately agreed and returned said cow with a request that the burger be cooked RARE this time! After 15 min new burger arrived more well done than the first one! Chris removed from bill and we will never return! It is a step up from the Wendy's that was at the same location but not much! My recommend is have a drink enjoy the view don't eat the food!!!!
(1)Chuck A.
Sam Choy's is a fun spot with polite, efficient and friendly staff. We loved the view and open air seating. The fish and chips were excellent (highlighted by an aioli dipping sauce). The waffle fried ice cream....oh my, oh my!!
(4)Beth J.
The only thing good was the view! The food was horrible!! Pigs feet are not pork loin. I almost vomitted when I ordered pork tender loin and got pigs feet! Where is chef Ramsey! He needs to visit this place.
(2)Vish N.
Service was good and the food was ok. Maybe a little on the pricy side but the view (sunset) was outstanding and worth it!
(4)Nancy O.
Great experience at Sam Choy's for dinner. We were seated out along the edge of the terrace (a beautiful spot) and our waiter was solicitous and helpful. Dinner was the best on the island so far: I had the fish salad with a light sesame dressing and my husband had the short ribs. We split (meaning I ate) the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was divine and I would definitely recommend.
(4)Eric D.
I will not be recommending this place. The food was good, but the service was horrible. At 5 star prices, I expect 5 star service. Sorry Sam, your staff does not do your food justice. Getting seated with reservations was troublesome... we had no waitress assigned to our table, the manager who took our order failed to put it in, the waitress who finally came to our table never checked up on us, and while the manager was apologetic throughout the night, he did nothing to fix the shoddy service as dinner progressed. The views are nice, but then its Hawaii and every place has a nice view. There are plenty of choices for dining in the area. Check out Kaliua for a great experience, because this place fell way short.
(2)Eitaro A.
I've always wanted to try Sam Choy's restaurant in Honolulu, but never had a chance until this week in Kona. I went there two days in a row for lunch one day and dinner the other. You just can't go wrong with Sam Choy and It met my expectations. I absolutely recommend it. Awesome location as well.
(5)Doug W.
Reasonable food. It was higher end than the downtown kona places and would likely have a nice view at about 1700 to 1900. We were there after dark so there was no view. Table outside is the way to go. Seemed like a special occasion type of place for a lot of people. Shoyu poke was good. Ahi salad was also good. Service was very good but they weren't busy. Make a reservation if you want an outside table at 1800.
(4)Michelle S.
One star for the view and one star because Auntie comped our meal. Beef patty in the loco moco was chewy, tough, and inedible. Hollandaise was so lemony it made me sick after a few bites. Rating is for breakfast only; this was our first time eating here.
(2)Cherry G.
Best ahi salad I have ever had. The waitress suggested I try all three dressing- I did and liked them all. The sunset, service and food made for a perfect evening.
(4)Paul L.
Three couples had dinner together at Sam Choy's on 5mar13 and again on 5mar13. The service was excellent and the food was outstanding. The LauLau was a particular hit, and several of us agree this was the best restaurant we tried in Hawaii. It helps to have such a beautiful view, but the service and food quality set this restaurant above the rest.
(5)J B.
This is a tourist spot, make no mistake. It is in the same parking lot as a grocery store and a Long's Drugs in an area very populated with tourists. There was so much hype that we felt like we needed to give it a shot. We did not have a bad experience, the atmosphere is nice and the view is nice, but we definitely did not love it. I did like the open air dining feel. The entire restaurant opens up with big roll up doors. The decor is nice, the restaurant is clean and attractive and the service was friendly. The menu had some interesting options, but the food was pretty mediocre. We ordered a chicken noodle bowl (Noodlemania) and a beef stew omelet. Both were edible, but not fantastic. I wish there was a rating between two and three stars, which I think would be more fair. This place is not great and I wouldn't refer anyone to come here and we will probably not return.
(2)Imi B.
Nice views. I would go for their Eggs Benedict, Panipopo Pancakes, Mojito, and Mehana Kihoi! They no longer serve those options for breakfast, and menu was replaced with a simple breakfast menu and buffet :( Haven't been back in a long time. Drinks & Appetizers are what I would suggest, because the quality of the food and preparation is just ok.
(2)frances c.
Beautiful view of the sunset with outdoor seating. Food was delicious.
(4)Mary L.
This is one of the best places i have been to in a long time. the service was EXCELLENT..... we eat dinner here 3 nights and breakfast here 2 mornings in a row. we also had our reception wedding dinner here for 30 ppl. and they were on top of everything. and what can I say about the view..... overall a great spot to be at.....
(5)Robinson O.
The Sam's special is awesome! All the food was great! Service was excellent!
(5)Roger R.
Good food, not a lot of choices but what they have is well prepared. Get up early and have breakfast there. The pani popo pancakes with haupia topping is very good.
(4)C B.
Have been to Sam Choy's in Honolulu and this site is even better -- if possible. The poki was marginal (not up to Sam Choy standards), but the ono sandwich and the ono plate were phenomenal. Service very good, view great.
(4)Christine B.
Excellent...What a view !!
(4)Kathy Z.
Great meal at a very reasonable price. We came here for lunch while driving from Kona to Volcano. I had the Fried Poke, which was delicious. It comes with rice and salad for a complete meal. The marinade was delicious, sweet yet savory. My only complaint is that I asked for seared ahi, but it came back almost completely cooked through. My husband had the fish and chips, which he loved. The fish was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It was a great comfortable meal after days of eating out at stuffy "fine dining". The panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean is an added bonus.
(4)Lin M.
Yum! The food was fantastic as was the service. Sam Choy himself came over and introduced himself and to check on things. You can tell he takes a lot of pride in his restaurant and it shows! He also seems to hire local people for his waitstaff which I think is wonderful. We went there for lunch between our group of 6 tried a lot on the menu. It was all yummy. I was especially happy with the fried rice. Just thinking about it makes me miss Hawai'i more!!!
(4)Kealohi H.
Terrible experience with both food and drinks. Had a fly in my beer and plastic in my poke. Totally turned off till they told us our appetizers, drinks, and dessert were free. On a gd not the waiter Trevor was awesome!!!
(2)N A.
- 1st visit thru 8th visit never received the food I ordered, which was simple nothing difficult and management never acknowledged the issues but once and when she took the food back to get the right order it still came back wrong - another time I sat for
(1)Jennifer C.
I regret that we were recently very disappointed at sam choy's. I am not sure whether the problem was our waiter, or the kitchen, or both. The server brought our entrees before our appetizers had even been cleared. We were not ready for them, and were told they would be redone, which we did not want to have happen, but we did not want to be rushed through our meal. A few minutes later our entrees arrived, and they were luke warm at best - it was clear that they had been sitting under a warmer. We asked to have them warmed up, and after another wait, our entrees came and were again not hot. I would never go back to this restaurant, and I suggest you do not waste your time and money on it either.
(2)Kathy D.
This used to be the old Wendy's....what a great view Wendy's must've had from the top of the hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I had the fresh fish of the day,ahi, cooked perfect. I don't like it Rare so it was kind of medium. I also had a salad with it with the wasabi dressing. I could've just drank the dressing it was wonderful everything was good service was good the views awesome. Parking very limited but the plan to get a golf cart to shuttle those needing a lift from the lower parking lot. Try it, it was Ono! Sam even came by our table and outside he had to joke about the lack of parking.
(4)Toni S.
This used to be a Wendy's, but the owner completely re-did it. The food is wonderfully presented and it's almost all Big Island sourced. The service is attentive and friendly. The fresh fish is a mainstay of the menu. The winelist is varied and imaginative. And to top it off, the view is spectacular. Built on a hill overlooking the ocean, you can't ask for a more beautiful spot. The restaurant fills up quickly, so come early or make a reservation. You can easily split a meal and be satisfied. Dinner comes with a complimentary salad and soup. The servings for the entree are generous and the desserts are delicious.
(5)Michael O.
My wife and I just happened by on our way to a movie and saw that Sam Choy's Kai Lanai was open. On the way back from the move to stopped for a mid afternoon lunch. It was there first day and this was a soft opening. What a TOTAL disappointment. The view is a killer, but you shound sit inside and not have to look down on the tops of the Keauhou Shopping Center. I ordered marinated chicken stir fry in a deep fried tortilla. For the first day the oil tasted old and the pieces of chicken were NOT good cuts. My wife ordered a fish sandwich and wanted the fish well done. The fish came almost raw. And it was served with really bad French fries. The wait staff was very, but not too, friendly. The kitchen was not slow. The problem was the food!! Sam needs to shake up the kitchen.
(1)Darrell T.
A friend recommended Sam Choys to us. We went for dinner on Sunday night and I have to tell this place is great! We had the calamari appetizor and is was light and crunchy with a great sauce. I had the lamb chops done to perfection, my wife had the short rib and it was great. To add to the great dinner the views are amazing especially at sunset! We are going back again this week.
(5)E S.
Delicious fresh fish.
(5)Dale F.
4 of us ate lunch at Sam's yesterday. The service was terrific, the food was great, the view was fantastic and our server was just super (Teresa). All four of us will go back if we have time. Note to Sam: Come to Dallas and open a Sam Choy's of Texas. You could add TexMex and Texas BBQ to the menu. (BTW: Sam was there with some of his friends). The staff was friendly and not intimidated by Sam.
(5)Greg P.
Food was ok, I was hoping for the flavor of the old Sam Choy's when it was in the industrial park years ago. The view is great, parking is a hassle. I would rather have the flavor and the no pretty scenery. Staff was very professional and service was ok
(3)Karen G.
We ate here for lunch one day toward the end of our week on the island- LOVED it! My husband and I both had the mahi mahi and our daughter had the mahi salad. I wish that we would have had time to go back for dinner another day, but will have to wait for our next trip. The food, the service, the drinks, the view- all spectacular and the prices were very reasonable.
(5)Annabel T.
The view is fantastic but the breakfast buffet was extremely disappointing - I had much much better at Denny's.
(1)Joyce C.
Good atmosphere, good quality food, nice location and pleasant service
(4)John H.
The views are, indeed, amazing for a non-oceanfront location. The fried poke was good, but not as good as the poke at Da Poke Shack. My entree (laulau) gave me food poisoning. It tasted off, but I thought it was the ti leaf the fish was wrapped in (having never eaten a ti leaf). I can't give any place more than 2 stars if it made me sick. Due to that experience, I won't go back.
(2)Edward M.
Was there twice about 3 weeks ago while on holidays. Both times, excellent ambience, service, food and a great eating experience
(5)Linda S.
Very disappointed and the final straw - Breakfast has been my meal of choice at Sam Choy's - local variety, view and great service by Malia (sp?). But now, supposedly due to the kitchen unable to keepup with breakfast - they have butchered their menu to a few selections you can get anywhere - and the first weekend of the buffet some two weeks ago - I ate dry toast because SOMEONE did not get the fresh fruit to make the 'house' special usually sold bottled in the restaurant! You would think to consider folks who do not like or cannot eat tropical fruits, they would have a backup - 'strawberry' or 'grape' - NOTHING really - from a restaurant by a World Class Chef? AND, I get better breakfast buffets for free at hotels on business travel. I've watched the issues since it opened over a year ago - the problem is the kitchen - sorry Sam - if Denny's can feed a full-house with their breakfast menu PLUS the Hobbit Breakfast with 3 cooks - why can't your kitchen of world class cooks (You see a crowd in the kitchen) crank out basic breakfast? YES, I now go to Denny's instead of Sam's for breakfast! Maybe Sam should hire the Denny's crew and restore the original breakfast menu and give us locals a reason to come back! If a kitchen can't crank out eggs, toast, hashbrowns and the like - yeah, don't even open the restaurant. Get rid of the kitchen staff and start over OR better yet - Hire the morning cooks at Denny's!
(1)Aimee J.
We just left Sam Choy's new restaurant and all I can say is...AWESOME! Our waitress Malia was awesome. She was attentive, sweet and you could tell she was happy to be working there and really cared about all her guest. It is located on top of a hill at the end of All'i road and you can see the most amazing view. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary dinner here. It was delicious food, wonderful view and great staff that really made our night special. I agree with the other review, they should slow things down slightly (not too much) because I would have liked to just relax there another half hour or so. We were pleasantly surprised when the waitress brought us a bread basket with butter (standard right?) and then a bowl of the soup of the day and salad. We then ordered a great appetizer. I ordered the duck with brown rice which was phenomenal! and my Husband had the rib eye and garlic mashed potatoes, also awesome. We both had iced tea and I had a cocktail which was tasty. Then we rounded out the meal with a shared bread pudding, it was a huge portion so I am glad we shared. It was moist and delicious. And all of that food with the well deserved 10.00 tip came out to $86.00. In you can't beat that! Keep up the great work! *also cool you can see into the kitchen, and the Chef de Cuisine was there in the dining room periodically.
(5)sarah W.
I was excited to eat at this famous chefs restaurant and was a little disappointed. Our server was great and the ambiance was lovely but our dinner was so so. The garlic mashed potatoes were not garlicky at all and had a weird texture. The lamb that was ordered medium rare was too rare to chew. I don't mind rare but this was raw! However, the duck and the ribeye were cooked perfectly and Flavorful.The drinks were delicious, I recommend the margarita martini, rimmed with black sea salt. The fresh whipped butter was amazing as well!
(3)Maylene D.
I read up on Sam Choy after seeing the restaurant from the street and we decided to try the restaurant. We were there at 4:30, didn't have reservations and were seated on the outer part of the restaurant with an unbelievable, beautiful view of the ocean. The waiter was very professional and friendly. I had the macadamia nut chicken and my husband had the trio fish entree. We had pupus (appetizers) of fried calamari and mac & cheese. Everything was delicious and made with fresh ingredients. The mango sauce and shitake mushroom sauce were awesome! The pineapple cheesecake with macadamia crust was fantastic! We had to roll down the hill after eating all of that food, but we'll be back again to try Sam Choy's breakfast and lunch!!
(5)Corey A.
Nice environment and presentation of the food. I had the seafood trio and it just seemed very bland. For the price of $30 I didn't feel very flattered.
(2)Rebecca H.
Kai Lanai's has a fantastic view but the service was barely OK both times that I dined there. They do bring samples of the "Soup of the Day" and their house salad to try prior to the entree. Prices seem a little high but the portions are large. The Ribeye steak was cooked perfectly and the Seared Poke is delicious. Sam did stop by our table to say "hi" to the hubby and meet our family. If it wasn't for the slow service I would give them 4 stars.
(3)Mark C.
I'm amazed at all the people that gave this place more than one or even two stars. The food is disgusting, greasy and and downright nasty. The service was even worse. If I lived on the island I would run them out of town just to save the Big Islands reputation of being a vacation destination. After chasing the waitress down to pay for something that should only have been feed to animals they came running out to the car to apologize and offer us a free appetizer on our next visit. Are you kidding me! This place is even worse than a midwestern Waffle House..
(1)David H.
Stumbled across this restaurant while driving around and I am glad I found it. Good food, friendly service and great cocktails. Much better than Roy's for Regional Hawaiian.
(4)BrokeDaMou F.
The first time I went to a Sam Choy's was on the Big Island I was not disappointed. Then I had a great meal at one that is now closed on Maui. The one on Oahu was the last one I went to, and it was not on par with what I had before. They had really mushy rice. Who messes up rice in Hawaii? Still, I was happy to see that Sam Choy's was back in Kailua-Kona/Keauhou. But, since it was getting mixed reviews for dinner, I only had breakfast here. I'm hoping that reviews will get more consistent, once they get more established. The breakfasts I had were great. I tried the pancakes and the sweet bread french toast. No regrets! The sweet bread was a triple, guava, taro and regular sweet bread. I had the combo, and had the homemade corned beef. I should have tried the Pani Popo pancakes, but only had the regular ones. Still good. Service was great, and so was the view. So you have to look at the roof of the shopping center, what do you want them to do, move the shopping center? Prices for breakfast were very reasonable. No complaints here.
(5)Larry K.
Wonderful view, pretty mediocre food for the prices. Had the special of the day coconut chicken which was only ok. Pork with bean sauce was tender but without taste. Waitress was good and helpful. Music was too loud to speak over. Will not be back...
(3)David S.
Great setting and ambiance. Food extremely mediocre.
(2)David D.
We were warned that this place was going to be jammed packed and impossible to get in as it recently opened. We tried anyways and got really lucky! Seats were outside overlooking the ocean...you can't beat that. I had the seared ahi salad and Z had the hamburger steak. The food was so delicious and the salad came in this huge edible shell. Also, they served this very interesting purple taro salad with the hamburger steak. This is the perfect date spot for couples :)
(5)Cecile D.
Luv Sam Choy's in Kona. The sunset is always beautiful. The amount and quality of food for the price is a good value and the service is friendly. We had an appetizer, wine, two entrees, and a dessert and coffee for under $100.00 with a stellar sunset. Lovely.
(4)Jeremy L.
This Sam Choy's use to be a Wendy's (look for what use to be the drive through window on the side of the building) but that didn't stop me from visiting it twice during the week (since it was so near the Keauhou area). The first night I had a reservation and ordered the 8 oz New York Steak Pulehu style w/ garlic mash --the steak was slightly overcooked but was still good. My brother had the Seafood Lau Lau (and Pineapple Cheesecake) which he said he enjoyed. For dessert I had Poha Berry ice cream which was unique & refreshing since I've never tasted the Poha berry before. Service was decent but since Choy's is a newer restaurant they don't have all the kinks worked. Our server gave us a pitcher of water as requested but he had a huge table of 12 come in so he didn't get our check to us in a timely manner. Perhaps one of the other wait staff could have stopped preparing the cutlery for the next nights service and stepped in to intervene? For the second night I had no reservation. After a 5 minute wait for a patio table I ordered one of the specials and it was a treat! It was tempura sea bass; it was flaky & cooked to perfection (highly recommended!). My brother had the sauteed pork loin which he regretted after he tasted my sea bass. It was the end of the night when we came in so there was a little confusion with who was our waitress but the manager immediately came over delivering to us a a free, tasty calamari appetizer. Everything was smooth sailing after that. Sam Choy's is enjoyable food in a nice atmosphere (for a view, ask for a outside table and don't look down at the strip mall) at moderate prices.
(4)Kama K.
FABULOUS! We went for brunch today. We were greeted by lovely local hostess with plenty aloha. A VERY BIG plus these days. We had a choice of inside or outside seating. I chose inside because I try to stay out of the sun. Outside seating offers a gorgeous ocean view. The restaurant is open air and very nice. We ordered Mimosas to start. Ordered the edamame hummus with pita bread. It could have used a bit more punch but maybe it's just me. The fried poke plate with fried rice and sweet potato salad was YUMMIE!!! I was talking to the Manager and out walks Sam out of the kitchen. What a treat! Beautiful atmospher... I recommend Sam Choy's Kai Lanai very much. Cant wait to go back for dinner or pupus and beverages. Support Hawaiian owned and operated business. Best Wishes Sam Choy's Kai Lanai!
(5)Michael M.
While on the Big Island we went to the new Sam Choy's for dinner. We were so lucky to get the last available parking space. The sun was just beginning to set on the Pacific Ocean. The view from this place is amazing! Set on top of a hillside, you can see all the way up the Kona Coast! We were escorted to our table by a lovely hostess! We couldn't help but snap pictures left and right! They had run out of edemame the night before, so we just ordered dinner. To our surprise each dinner came with soup and salad. The menu was just right. Just enough to make the perfect selection! The service was fantastic! Our Server was energetic and personable. I had a glass of wine that was so Ono!!!! This wine tickled my nose with graces of Lillikoi! It was a New Zealand Niablo Savignion Blanc from Marlborough 2010. I had the Lamb, Pops had the Beef and Rose had the chicken. Every plate a work of art! And delicious too! Pops asked if they had coffee ice cream for desert? They did not. But they should. Can you imagine? Kona coffee ice cream?!!!! That would be the topper! We had a great time! Oh and the Bar is nothing to sneeze at! Big and Beautiful! Just like you Sam! (before you lost weight) Your still stay yet beautiful!
(3)Aaron S.
I ordered the Fish Trio and the fish was so overcooked and dry. Others with us ordered the duck and it was great and the Rib-eye was ok- but they served very plain mashed potatoes on the side like a cafateria. Poke was not so good either. I expected much more from this kind of restaurant and unfortanatly I live 2 min away and will not be going back.
(2)Claire J.
Very nice location with good views. I like how there is the outdoors aspect to the restaurant. Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is a very laid back place with good food. I ordered the fish trio which was very tasty. The sauces were delicious! You can also just hang out at the bar and have a few drinks and pupus. Servers were very nice.
(4)Marty G.
View was great, drinks were very good...we had two apps - poke was very good, but the brie won tons had very little brie in them. Disappointing. Service was slow. Our waiter - Arthur - was very nice.
(3)Kim H.
Very bad experience. It was early in the evening and both of us stopped in for dinner. The restaurant was about 1/4 full. They wouldn't give us a seat outdoors by the rail because we hadn't made a prior reservation. We sat within view of it, but technically inside. The water guy was so busy high-fiving his bro that he nearly elbowed me in the face, as he was going through the motions to fill our water glasses. The waiter finally showed up and tried for a good five minutes to up-sale our decisions for dinner. He came by and plopped a salad, soup of some kind (bland) and some stale rolls on the table. He was pretentiously trying to convince us that he actually cared about where we were from after noticing that we found him quite annoying. One of the girls there ran around to all the tables with battery operated candles that she literally tossed into the glass in the middle of our table. I was pretty disgusted at that point. The food arrived...overpriced chicken. We had better chicken last night at L&L BBQ for 1/4 the price. Sam Choys...they think they're a pretty big deal around here but I think not. Employees are not engaged and everything is run quite sloppily. Not worth the $$ or the waste of your time.
(1)Jen R.
I really wanted to like Sams new restaurant more than I did. I admire him and like his recipes. So, I will list the stuff I liked about the place first: the service; nice, helpful people who were there for my every need. The view- I have been waiting for a restaurant to open at the old Wendys site FOREVER. The fish dishes- Sams chefs did mostly good things with the fish dishes we tried, including the ono, which can get very dry if it's not cooked right. Ok, sorry Sam, the bad: the mac nut crusted chicken was mostly panko-crusted chicken. Still tasty, but not really as advertised. I tried the marinated short ribs; the beef flavor was marinated right out of them (very tender, though. Maybe just less time in the marinade?). The complimentary soup- I really really hate to complain about free stuff, but honestly, Sam, pretty much cream of mushroom soup from a can with bacon added??? And, I am crying now; the poke. Sam, I use YOUR recipe for poke; these guys should know better than sending fish out that should have been tossed. It wasn't as fresh as it should have been. And us locals know the difference. I still have hopes for this place, it's new and kinks may still be getting worked out. Maybe Sam will come over and kick a little kitchen booty, get these guys back on their game.
(3)Marina N.
Everything was fabulous! Food, Service, View, even the prices weren't bad for the quality and location. Dinner the first night and Breakfast the last day with the most spectacular view! Don't miss out if your on the Big Island. I can't believe there used to be a Wendy's on that property. Sam Choy, you couldn't have picked a better spot and very close to our vacation condo! :-) - Thank you!
(5)Megan W.
First time on yelp. . I keep thinking about this situation and how It was not handled properly, at all. . . I went to Sam Choy's to enjoy lunch and the view on Wednesday 6/12. Gotta be honest Korean chic was grinds. . . Hummus plate meh, must be to healthy for me. . After the apps . . Got two of Korean fried chicken sandwiches, when I first got the plate I noticed a Small GREEN BUGS on my plate looked at my GF plate saw one on hers too. I figured were outside , that's what it Must be right?!?. . Then a few bites in I noticed a FRIED small GREEN BUG on my fries, so I immediatly thought OK it came from the kitchen. . Maybe I should look at my sandwich closer. . There was about 3-4 dead small green bugs in each of our Korean chicken sandwiches. . Maybe more we had eaten about half of the sandwiches.Atleast I knew they were fresh bugs because there was 2 alive bugs in the sandwich too. . I saved their lives, made friends and let them crawl around on my arm until our waitress came over and I told her the situation and asked to see a manager. . By the way our server Sandy was great. . .i watched the manager fumble around, not looking to concerned about the whole situation. . . The female manager had some sort of foreign accent and never bothered to come talk/ check on me and my pregnant GF.. . SO!!!! The stage is set. . .what should happen next?!? . . . Comp our whole check I hope?!! I mean.... I never ordered bugs!! This isn't Thailand!!! The manager never talked to us as I requested and ONLY comped the 2 sandwiches. . I wanted to stand up and ANNOUNCE to the restaurant . . " how many BUGS need to be in our food before is free!!!" I am too nice of a guy. . I left the Sandy a 30 % tip on the original bill and left. . . . It's has been bothering me for a few days so I wrote this. . . What would you do?!? . . Both my GF and I are in the food service industry on the BI on expect better. . . I hope you do too.
(2)Emanuelle O.
We came for dinner and was able to get a table on the lanai right around sunset. The view is spectacular. Wish we had been able to eat a daytime meal here. Tables on the lanai are first-come, first-serve and worth the wait if something is opening up. Otherwise the rest of the tables have great views too since it's an open-wall concept where there are no exterior walls to block the awesome vista. Service was very good and efficient. Food was better than expected. I thought they would charge high prices coz they provide the view and it's located in an upscale area of Kona. I ordered the trio of fish which included butterfish (always delish), swordfish (nicely done since I've never had this before) and mahi mahi (which I was wary about since it's rumored to be dolphin but turned out to be yummy). My husband had the new york steak which was very average. The pineapple cheesecake was super yum at first but eventually grew too sweet on my palate.
(4)Milton L.
This was our second visit to Kai Lanai for lunch. We had reservations and were seated promptly. Service contrary to other reviews was excellent with constant attention to refills for water and ice tea. We were celebrating a wedding anniversary for one of the couples. They both ordered the fish of the day, ahi, seared. When they received their order, they discovered that it had been cooked through, they brought it to the attention of their server. Their plates were whisked away immediately and returned after a brief respite. The ahi was seared to perfection rare in the middle and tasty. The other meals, beef stew, stirred fried tofu, Korean chicken salad and another ahi meal were done well and served promptly. Though the restaurant had a lunch crowd, service was prompt and always with a smile. The ambiance is great, airy with great views of the ocean. We found our dining experience to be pleasant, service excellent, and prices reasonable.
(5)R.J. R.
Excellent food and service. Parking can be dreadful. If the lot is full, the overflow lot is down the hill. Watch out for traffic. Always make a reservation, or you may have to wait. We made a reservation around noon and got a seat on the patio. Very nice. Absolutely recommend this restaurant.. Away from the maelstrom of Alii stretet
(4)Kim S.
Excellent!!! The entire staff was beyond our expectations. Very attentive, and truly happy to have you as a guest. The view was amazing!! The entire time we were there we were told not to rush, and the manager even told us what time sunset was. We got the bread, soup/salad which was delicious. I ordered the pork loin, and it was amazing. The flavors were deliciously unique, just amazing. My husband ordered the Braised Rib over chow mein noodles and stir fry veggies. It was also delicious, but he thought they could have portioned the noodles to a little more than what he got. He asked for another portion, which they gladly brought him. I can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes!!!!
(5)Jae C.
AWESOME BREAKFAST PANCAKES with his special coconut milk based sauce/syrup! You can't go wrong with that. I can't weigh in on the dinner comments, but we stayed in Kona for 6 nts. and ate breakfast there twice and was very satisfied both times. Ordered the pancakes both times and really everything else was just a bonus. We found service to be really attentive and the view is sweet. I am usually one to tell it like it is and will only post if it's good or bad...nothing in between. Trust me on the breakfast and go somewhere else for dinner.
(4)Bob T.
Excellent food and and breathtaking views. We had both breakfast and dinner here while on vacation. The breakfast was amazing. Sam Choy gets it perfect with the good ol' home cooked meals for breakfast and upscales it more for dinner. Food was very reasonably priced. What a treat - we will definitely be back.
(5)karen s.
We found Sam Choy's while grocery shopping. Best discovery this trip. We are always trying to find restaurants with fresh fish, not deep fried, not over cooked and not overpriced. This more than delivered! We had the fish trio which changes every night and was exceptional. The taster of soup and salad free was a nice touch to start. Lots of wines by the glass including taster flights of 3 white or three red. Also, sunset spot open air throughout makes for a nice evening. We are going back in a couple of nights.
(5)L J.
When it comes to a sunset view, this place cannot be beat as it is up a slope with a spectacular view. And, they have a great bar with decent appetizers for happy hour. The whole place is really indoor/outdoor and it's very pleasant, albeit noisy (believe it or not, it used to be a Burger King!) But this year the food wasn't what we had hoped. Entrees automatically come with a tiny salad and a little soup. The salad was local greens with a sweet dressing and it was a nice touch. The soup, a miso-like preparation, tasted off. There was something funky about it and neither of us finished ours. We ordered the tuna belly appetizer, which is deep fried, and it was done well but not very flavorful. They were offering a lehi fish special (snapper) and since we had bought some fresh lehi on Maui last week and grilled it with a light marinade and loved it, we both ordered it. The waiter told us it was gently sauteed, but it felt more like it was overly fried. It was overdone and not very tasty. We've had the Sam Choy's fish combo in the past, which was good. But, we'd like to see Sam offer some more lighter preparations of a wider variety of fish.
(2)Cat H.
I was very excited to see a Sam Choy's when we visited this time had been added right up the street from our favorite hotel. We stopped in to get a menu since my niece is vegetarian and I was hoping to eat there. What we saw on the menu made two of us very happy but there was very little on the menu for my niece so we went somewhere else that night. However the next night we ended up at loose ends and decided to see what they could do for us. It was later in the evening and they were packed...however the hostess was wonderful and was able to seat us at a very nice table on the lanai. Our server arrived with soup and salad, which is complimentary, and when my niece inquired about something for a vegetarian the server not only gave her the perfect option but also told her not to eat the soup since it's made with chicken stock! When our food arrived we were all very very pleased! It looked gorgeous and tasted wonderful, even the tofu chow mien my niece had for her dinner! We decided to order the pineapple cheese cake and while the cake itself was amazing the papaya sauce around it was way too sweet. Thus why there is only 4 stars, not 5. We will happily go again whenever we are in the area!
(4)Art T.
Went there for our 23rd. Anniversary primarily because of other reviews on YELP. WOW! WOW! WOW! And 4 + STARS. Believe me, there is no better place on Kona to experience the wonderful sunsets this island provides because I' ve been to them all. On top of that the food and service was excellent. Angela was our server and I say with no reservation, she is one of the top 5 servers I've ever experienced in 60 years of dining out. I ordered the Short Ribs at her suggestion. They were the best I've ever had anywhere. The other 3 in our party had the Salmon with seaweed and sesame seeds and were blown away. We will go again before we leave the Islands, but will check to make sure Angels is there.
(4)Helena R.
Simply awful. We came for lunch and ordered the mess called a noodle stir-fry and the fresh fish of the day in a sandwich. It was more like "La Choy" than Sam Choy! The stir fry came in a fried flour tortilla...why? The taste was bland and it arrived with some weak vinaigrette on the side which should have been tossed in. The beef were shrapnel sized pieces with gristle, and I had to search through frozen Costco vegetables to find the meat. The fish of the day was plunked on a hamburger bun with a leaf of lettuce, unripe, grainy sliced tomatoes and a slice of onion. There were no condiments, not even a sauce. The beer keg blew so we couldn't get the beer we wanted. The margarita was warm too. It's not what we expected from Sam Choy food. It appears that the food has been dumbed down for the cruise ship crowd. No flavors, no taste, just bland. Not worth the hour drive from Waikoloa, go visit Panda Express instead. We heard that Golden Corral is operating the restaurant which might explain this review.
(1)g k.
Dropped in on a Friday night without a reservation but the place seats quite a few people so it was not a problem. The restaurant is open on two sides and has an ocean view but since it was after dark, i did not experience the view but the ambiance was very Hawaiian, modern and cozy. the menu was simple but varied enough which made it easy to decide. Had a Lava flow cocktail which was delicious. Had the shoyu poke which everyone liked. I am kinda picky about poke since I make it myself so I'll say I've had better but it wasn't bad. Whenever I see duck on the menu, i usually order it since I love duck. It was their version of duck l'orange and I enjoyed it. It was served on a bed of julienne veggies with brown rice on the side. More than enough to eat. A cute salad and soup is served with each entree. The soup was ginger and carrot which was under seasoned to my table partners but subtle and tasty to me. The salad was served with a creamy oriental house dressing which everyone liked. My brahl-in-law had the NY steak which was tender and cooked to order. My wife had the shortrib and it was braised nicely and very tasty. More than enough food for everyone which is Sam's m.o. Looked at the breakfast menu and it was reasonably priced so we will visit again in the a.m. The food is good, the atmosphere is really, really nice. I was a bit wary because I had eaten at Sam Choy's on the Nimitz in Honolulu and was not impressed. So I was pleasantly surprised at Sam Choys in Keahou.
(4)Vivian J.
With fear in our hearts from recent Yelp reviews, we ventured to Sam Choy's on foot with low expectations. We were seated immediately a few minutes before sunset with a beautiful view and very friendly waitstaff. We were immediately given ice water (much appreciated after a hot hike uphill) and told to expect a waiter in a few minutes. As promised, a very friendly waiter named Von appeared within a few minutes and got us going with tropical drinks (better than recently had at the Four Seasons!) and the seared poke, which was delicious. We both ordered the laulau platters for dinner and they were moist, tender, and tasty. We had another leisurely round of drinks after dinner in place of desert, and those were very tasty. The service was a bit disorganized around us - we were signing our check as the table next to us was just getting dinner and our second round of drinks sat made on the bar for a while. Nothing life-threatening, just some mixup with the wait staff involving a big party that arrived during our dinner. Overall, this is not the place to go if you are starving and need food immediately, but if you are looking for a leisurely happy hour and dinner and don't mind a little waiting for great food/drinks while taking in a gorgeous view, than I highly recommend giving them a shot. We will be back before our trip ends!
(4)Adam S.
Expensive, and the menu is just so boring. 2 stars because the Poke was both tasty and firm. The green salad had a nice dressing, but the bread was lame. Bartender was nice, although the wine flights were uninspiring. Most expensive meal of our trip, and I am embarassed my parents were so excited to eat there (twice).
(2)Olivia L.
I don't think the prices here were outrageous as other have noted. We just weren't that impressed with the food. For dinner, I had the orange duck (~$22) & the sauce was quite sweet (and I can usually stand sweet). Came with a side of rice/mash which I didn't even touch due to the amount of food I already had. My husband had the lamb chops (~$22) and that also was prepared in a sweet sauce overtop unnecessary linguine. Reminded us of the sauce used for BBQ Pork. Pros - provided complimentary bread, mushroom soup & salad - great, attentive service - large portions - walked right in for a table for 2 at 7pm in late January - ahà poke appetizer was pretty good
(3)Tamlyn W.
Sam Choys just ok Had a late dinner here last night!! Food was good but not stellar. It was lacking dimension. The macadamia crusted chicken was recommended by two staff members and was bland and flavorless, the short ribs tough And dry. The duck was just a bit better! We got there when it was dark so can't comment on view or location. Staff and service was good! Not in a hurry to return!
(3)Tom M.
Service was good the view was to die for the food was fair. Yes I would go back again and hope this time the food was better
(3)Ryan S.
So my co worker and I went there for dinner on 9/15/11. We got seated right away but we had to wait almost an half hour before our waitress greeted us. Not to mention she visited the two tables by us four times before even acknowledging us. Not only that the bus boy filled my water twice and we had to ask him two times for our waitress. To make things worst she wasn't even that busy. I left a comment with the manager hopefully they fix that problem. The location is great. It is located in to old Wendy's off of Kam III road just above Keahou Shopping Center. Don't listen to the other people that say all you see is the strip mall. Those people are only looking at the negatives... The restaurant does have magnificent ocean views just remember it is an ocean view restaurant not an ocean front restaurant. My suggestion is if you go there in the early evening that way you can see the awesome sunset. I had the Pork Loin and my co worker had the orange duck. Both were really good. We also had the poke for the appetizer it was horrible. The waitress didn't tell us it was marlin and it lacked flavor. You are better off going down the road to KTA for some poke. All in all I would have give this restaurant 4 stars for the food and at this point 0 stars for the service. Maybe in a couple of years hopefully by then they will weed out their horrible waitresses.
(2)Linda L.
I had the most amazing seared poke. Definitely would go back just for it. The portion was very generous as an appetizer, large enough to share with 2 friends. I also had the steamed seafood lau lau. The fish tasted a bit greasy for my taste, but the fresh vegetable was great. If you are looking to try island local food, this place won't disappoint.
(4)Eric L.
We had a magnificent dinner delicious perfectly broiled Lamb and roasted duck with a delightful orange sauce. The view of the sunset was awesome along with a flight of South American wine. The service was attentive. We will be back soon!
(5)Elaine F.
Great location, excellent service and good food.
(5)Squirrel S.
Great food. Great service. Great ocean view. And very reasonable price. Went their for dinner and breakfast. Definitely be back when I go to Big Island again.
(5)alan t.
Brah, what a view! Don't listen to da buggahs who get all huhu about the mall. Million dollar view baby! I went there for lunch and dinner the next day. Had the furikake ahi salad. The dressings were good, but the fish was overcooked and even though it had a ton of furikake, not so ono (delish). Wifey had the "amazingly awesome" beef stu. Was just ok . . . BUT, the Molokai sweet potato salad was brok da mout soooo good delicious and it gets a 5 star for itself. For dinner, we went crazy and had the calamari and fried poke. Calamari was just ok. Best part was the sauce. Don't get the fried poke. What a waste of some perfectly good poke! We got it seared and it was cooked, not seared. Shoulda just had regular poke. Man, what a waste. But, I ate um haha. Dinner, I had the spare rib with garlic mashed and wifey had the seafood lau lau. Sorry but both were just ok to ok minus. Like someone else said, the noodles were kinda like Panda Express. The garlic mashed was like regular mashed. Ho hum. Waitresses were both SUPER awesome for lunch and dinner. Mahalos to Sandy and Nalani. Drinks were great. I'd go for drinks and dessert. Had the mango wachumacalit and Berry Mojito and Blue Hawaii. Def go for the Berry mojito and mango drink. Desserts were bread pudding and coconut ice cream. Bread pudding for lunch was brown and more red for dinner. Might have added a berry ingredient for dinner dessert. Oh well, both tasted super awesome. Go for the view and the drinks (reasonable at $8 and $7, beers $5). DO NOT waste any more poke by trying it fried!!!
(3)David G.
We had a Sunday brunch here for six people. We made a reservation on yelp, but at 10:30 am it didn't appear we needed one as thje restaurant is quite large. Everyone was more than satisfied with their food. I had the ahi eggs benedict, and found it both good to eat and a good value. We enjoyed the open air ambience and trade wind breezes. We would definitely eat there again.
(4)Ryan A.
Too much butter ... Had the craps for days. Great view tho!!!!!
(2)P. P.
I brought guests to Sam Choy's Kai Lanai for brunch, and was disappointed by the food, which was really not worthy of Sam Choy's name. What I expected was vibrant, flavorful fusion cuisine with fresh ingredients. Instead, the dishes (including omelet, eggs Benedict, and loco moco) were lifeless and greasy, such as would be expected from a lesser greasy spoon joint in Hawai'i. The hot chocolate was luke warm and lumpy, while the coffee was just so-so. Service and atmosphere were okay.
(2)Bernie C.
I miss the famous fried rice!! Can't wait to try the other dishes on the menu! Love the fact that we can set our reservations on-line! I was sad that we were not offered an opportunity to order dessert...we had to have our waitress re-ring the ticket to include it. I was expecting something more of the Fried Waffle icecream...just a picky eater, I guess.
(3)Darrin J.
One star for a beautiful lunch setting. Zero stars for service and food quality. Restaurant was pretty much empty but server was mostly absent with others doing his job delivering the food (I hate when food runners are used) which was wrong in several instances (wrong sides and missing side). Even had to ask for water refills. Now the food was equally horrible. Poke that was so salty we might has well be licking a salt lick. Even the manager agreed bringing us a new one which was nearly equally bad and one of the runners had the gall to argue with our tastes making some excuse that it was a deep sea fish and was inherently more salty (epic wrong). Their signature beef stew was a minimal portion with not enough meat and grainy potatoes. The hamburger (grilled medium) was dry to say the least and the missing fries once I got them could have been improved if they had went to McDonalds to get them. The Frankenstein macaroni/potato salad lacked flavor (except salt) and was a mushy mess. Tuna melt was tolerable. The fish and chips had good fish but batter was oily. James Beard is turning over in his grave.
(1)Amy P.
The food and service here was great! The appetizers were amazing. We ordered Shoyu Poke and baby back ribs. For our entree we ordered Sam's Trio of Fish and Chef Sam's Seafood Laulau. I thought it was a bit bland but my husband said it was pretty good. I guess I wasn't in the mood for fish that night. I would love to go back there to try out other items on the menu.
(4)gwynnie p.
Had two meals at Sam Choy's, a lunch and a dinner. Lunch was probably better, I had the noodle mania with fish and the husband had fish and chips which he declared was the best he'd ever had. Mai tais were tasty. We also had the BEST poke of the entire trip at Sam Choy's, and we ate a lot of it at various venues. Dessert of a mud pie seemed to have a bit of freezer burn and was nothing remarkable. For dinner we had pork katsu (delish) and a rib eye which was definitely on the medium well side (asked for medium rare and was told the kitchen usually did that on the rare side, which is what I wanted...) and the mushroom sauce was REALLY salty - as salty as canned mushroom soup. Cheesecake for dessert was just ok, so I guess desserts aren't really their thing. The view is just spectacular and the dining room is open air and very relaxing. We had really good service on both visits, and would definitely go back. Others have noted inconsistency, and I hope they will be keeping an eye on that because every experience/dish could be divine, but right now that doesn't seem to be happening.
(4)Mike W.
Inconsistent has to be the best word to describe Sam Choy's. We ate here three times over the course of the week and every time we went it was worse than the previous. The Poke tasted different, the drinks tasted different, and depending on who was working it was borderline uncomfortable to be there. When we came in for dinner, the hostess was the single rudest person that we met on the island for the entire week that we were there. We asked her what that wait would be for an outside table and were told "I don't know, I can't make them leave" and then she walked away and left us standing there. Okay... uhm.. well that was weird, maybe one of the servers can seat us then? Poke - First time that we had the poke it was pretty darn good, a little dry but had a nice sesame flavor to it. The second time we had the poke, the fish wasn't cleaned properly and still had skin on it. First experience was good, second experience was the worst poke I had all week. Lau Lau - Very very rich lau lau but also very tasty sans the scallops. It's not that the scallops were cooked poorly, they were sour. It was 100% obvious that they had gone bad and needed to be thrown away. Three of the four of us ordered this and all three of us spit out our scallops upon eating the first bite. Noodle Mania - This was awesome. Only served during lunch. Kona Style Chicken Wings - These were good wings. Fried wings with a light, sweet and spicy sauce over the top. Finally, the drinks. It was really apparent that they have no set way of making anything so depending on who the bartender was your Mai Thai will taste completely different. Again, just goes with the whole them of lacking any sense of consistency.
(3)Ryan S.
Nice and relaxing vibe. Excellent food, drinks and service! Not to mention the view was top notch as well!
(5)Maureen O.
Ate lunch here today, after the food was delivered, we noted to the waitress the "crab" melt sandwich had imitation crab in it! Yuck! When we asked waitress about it, she said she told us it was imitation crab when describing the specials. None of us heard it. Then, sandwich was mostly mayonnaise with very small bits of the fake crab. Gross! Do not recommend eating here. On a positive note, the drinks & views were good.
(1)Joe F.
I feel terrible for Chef Choy knowing how talented and hard he worked when HRC was beginning. Obviously Sam has counted on others to step in on the culinary side and follow his example and those employees have failed him tremendously. The table beside us complained about the tasteless pasta, we were told to order our lamb medium rare it was delivered extra well done. My wife re-ordered a salad with fresh fish and it was mediocre at best, my fish trio was ok however the veggies were also over cooked. Our server told us a "corporate chef" was helping out, but wasn't currently in the kitchen. In our opinion nobody in the kitchen was on the ball, obviously an expeditor was non existent. We also had to ask to have the extra well done lamb taken off the bill, front of the house issue. The Manager said she was "privy" to the over cooked lamb, I guess follow up and follow through wasn't important. Sorry Sam, you deserve better and more caring employees.
(1)Jean Y.
Good food with the view. The view actually, other places in big Island could be far better, though food was excellent. It's almost like never had that level of Asian mixed food in mainland. Hostess girl was friendly, service person was good. My poke raw was the best. Big tuna pieces, lots of them were really well marinated. Moi moi saimin my friend had was soo good. Overall definitely we would come here again for food.
(4)Brad Y.
Very dissapointing service. The food was actually good. We had the pork katsu and orange duck. That is where everything went downhill. First we were not told about bread service that was supposedly upon request only. Then it was hard just filling our glasses with water. Our waiter was just "strange" .... Just seemed like he wasn't all there[mentally]. I'm being absolutely serious. When I confronted the waiter about not mentioning the bread service, he offers me after my meal was finished, a basket of bread. He knew that we were first time diners as he asked us as he seated us. So I asked, as first time diners here, how were we supposed to know about the bread service if no one told us and it wasn't written anywhere on the menu. His reply was that management indtructed wait staff to not mention bread service to patrons [which is a bold face lie]. When I confronted manager about this, she offered to give us a discount, but downplayed keepig the bread service "secret". In summary, the food was pretty good. The manager and wait staff need to fired. I might be a carpenter, but even I can't fix "stupid".
(1)Lori C.
The hype for this restaurant may have contributed to my disappointment. As a Sam Choy restaurant I was expecting more. The menu doesn't have a huge selection and I found it underwhelming, no creative "wows" on the menu and prices were really high. Drinks are expensive too. Location is great for Keauhou visitors but I'd stick with happy hour and maybe stay for the sunset view.
(2)Kamran H.
Very very bad restaurant. Gave the menu which was not updated. Rude server. Left without eating after waiting for appetizer for 30 mins. No one came to tell us why is the delay.
(1)Amna H.
Blonde surfer type waiter behaved like he just got dumped. He must have had personal issues he was bringing to work. Remarkably negative experience. Sad.
(1)Mike G.
If you are in Kailua Kona and looking for a good place to eat come here! This is an expensive fancy restaurant but it is worth it. Located on the top of the hill looking out over the ocean the view is amazing. Try to get a seat on the patio to watch the sun set. We had a fire pit table and loved it. Like I mentioned the food is pricey but the portions are huge and even I had trouble finishing my plate and I was the only one of the four of us that actually managed to finish my plate. Plates range from fresh seafood to chicken, pork and beef. Everything we had was amazing. The beer selection for a beer nerd (snob) like me was lacking but they did stock one beer by local brewery Kona Brewing so that was a plus. I could actually drink! Bring the yelp app to BlackBerry 10!
(5)Foster B.
The back of the menu advertises that Sam Choy has created meals for airlines. This restaurant will appeal to anyone who thinks airline food is the height (ha ha) of fine dining. Not seeing much else on the menu that appealed to me, I asked for the salad with grilled fish. The server listing the four house dressings and asked my preference. "Which ones are sweet?" I asked. "All of them" was the reply. Oil and vinegar it was... The rest of the family's entrees were equally blah. Desserts were OK. House christmas music was painful.
(1)Ed M.
What a great place, with a great view and to top it off, wonderful food at great prices. Chef Choy is usually in house each day.
(5)Heather W.
I've always had a soft heart for Sam Choy in years of watching him on TV shows and such. We asked the concierge at our hotel which local restaurants uses local beef, and a phone call confirmed that Sam Choy's claims to, so we made a reservation for 7:30 p.m. The sunset view was spectacular, easily seen even from inside seating. Service was slow from the start, but eventually we got our cocktails, which were very light in alcohol and quite sweet. Eventually our server brought us a bread bowl, which is sweet Hawaiian-style soft rolls. I ordered the New York steak, medium rare, and my husband ordered their rack of BBQ ribs. Then we waited for a while, and tried to not fill up on bread. The server came back to tell us that they had under anticipated the number of diners and they were out of ribs, so we ordered the braised short ribs instead. When out food came out some time later, my steak was raw, but the server noticed this on passing by just as I cut it and whisked it away to be properly cooked. Nice save on her part. When it came back, it was perfectly cooked, but honestly, this wasn't the local beef I've come to know and love. It had clearly been cryo-vac sealed and wet aged, and while tasty enough, it really didn't have the wow factor that island beef usually does. Now I won't say they were out right lying, but it didn't taste like grass fed local, and nowhere on the menu is there any claim that they use local beef and this would be a huge selling point, so I'm incredulous as to the veracity of their claim. On the other hand, the concierge was told it was local, and when I asked the server, she said it was local as well. So I'll just let that dead dog lie. The short ribs were falling apart tender and tasty, but a bit too sweet for our taste. There was also just two thick short ribs, which was a grave disappointment when my husband had expected an entire slab of BBQ pork ribs. However, the ribs were significantly meaty and nicely cooked. We both had the garlic mashed potatoes, and they were fresh and tasty. My asparagus was cooked perfectly. Service was slow; but we asked what was going on and were told that because business had been slow, some of the staff were sent home and they got were unexpectedly busy and thus service was slow. Our server was super sweet, as attentive as she could be, and had a great attitude, in spite of being overworked. I'm just glad she got to work -- and be paid -- for the day. We tipped well. In the end, this is really a tourist destination and the food is well-made, but a cookie cutter menu makes this easy. Sam Choy's is well priced for the food and ambiance. It's not stellar, but it's good. The drinks are weak, but you're really paying for Sam Choy's signature, the location and the idea of Hawaiian fine-dining. I wouldn't steer anyone away from the place, but it's really just a theme restaurant and not necessarily a bad one.
(3)Nadine F.
I had a nice time at Sam Choy's. We went for pupus and drinks one night. Sam Choy's was the closest option outside our hotel, and their prices were very reasonable compared to our other options. We got the Hawaiian-style wings and the brie wontons. To me, the food just wasn't anything special, but the drinks, views, and service were all great. To drink, I had the sunset sangria (mango), and it was really good and really strong. It also probably saved me $5-10 over a similar but less good drink at my hotel. Service was also good. Our waiter, who I think was named Arthur (had an Irish accent) was really nice and attentive. As others have mentioned, the view overlooking the beach is gorgeous, and overall this would be an awesome spot for happy hour, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to spend the big bucks on dinner.
(3)Harry L.
Drove past the place and remember hearing about Sam Choy on the Food Network so we decided to check it out. So glad we stopped in. Everything they brought out was amazing. Had the fried poke and edemame for starters and they were both really good. The poke was actually phenomenal. I had the fresh fish club sandwich with pineapple and bacon and for me, it's probably one of, if not THE best fish sandwich I've ever had. Everyone in my group had different things and we were all raving about our meals. Once the entrees came out, practically all conversation ceased and we all focused on the plates of food in front of us. The lady serving us was really nice and the service was really good. I'd definitely come back and strongly recommend it.
(4)Pat W.
Had high hopes for this place after eating plate lunches and fast foods all week. Was pleasantly surprised to get seating on Friday around 5:30 without reservations. Service started out great. Menus and drinks arrived quickly. We ordered the edamame appetizer, orange duck and the rack of lamb. Edamame was fried and greasy. I'm not sure why this is better than boiling. Orange duck was good. I'm puzzled by the rack of lamb. Tough with a texture of char Sui on a stick on a bed of linguine in a cream sauce. This Asian fusion didn't work for me. The Mac and cheese for our 8 year old was a disaster. One spoonful and it was rejected immediately. The cheese flavor was way to sharp for a kids palate. Overall a disaster for our one nice meal of our vacation. Two stars for ok service.
(2)Vivien B.
Over rated, over priced. Sam choy doesn't even own the place but outsources his name. Huge tourist trap.
(2)Shawn W.
This place has degraded a bit in the past few years. Dinner for 5, drinks, apps, the works. Service was spotty at best. The food itself wasn't bad - very good for the most part, in fact. The fish trio could've been better - two of the three were fried. Waters were not refilled until we had to ask, which in my opinion, having worked in the service industry, is a cardinal sin. There were other service issues as well with our waiter, too, but no need to get into too many details Let's face it: when you come to Sam Choy's, the view is a good part of what you're paying for. But for the prices they charge, you should be getting some pretty stellar service. Our guy, who was the only one wearing a santa hat to cover his greasy head, was either very new, not too bright, very, very stoned, or a combination of all of those things.
(3)Amanda C.
I will never go to this restaurant again. Food was barely mediocre and SO SO overpriced. The waiter was nice enough but the waitstaff was overall horrible. Empty glasses sat on the table for long periods of time and my plate which I was done with sat for at least 20 mins before it got picked up. I went with a large party and every guest was complaining about the food and it's prices. Patrons in the restaurant were overall entitled and rude. I will be telling everyone I know not to step foot in this awful establishment.
(1)Rhonda G.
We got this recommendation from our tire guru at Lex Brodie's. ( Thank you Justin! ) A full view of the ocean and a great ambiance! Several people cheered and claimed to see the famous "Green Flash" as the sun set. ( not me ) The drinks were excellent, and the food was superb. We had the Pork Katsu, 2 Lau Lau plates and the lamb. Hard to say which was better. We practically licked our plates. Yum! Service was great and friendly too! Definitely coming back here!
(4)Jeremy M.
Maybe it's because we had so many resort meals, but we loved this place! It was one of the most reasonably priced meals we had, and came with a gorgeous sunset and good service. I could see this being a regular haunt if I lived in the area. Good for a date or a family dinner!
(5)Harry A.
Summation: extraordinary happy hour food of local seafood at good prices. Local draft beers and plenty of speciality drinks. Easy whale sightings high above Kona and Keauhou Bay. Glorious Sunsets. Engagable and courteous wait people. Definitely will go again. Sunday buffet was a winner at circa $15! Loaded bloody Mary's -- unique, memorable, but not for all
(4)Candice B.
We decided to try Sam Choy's because it was close and there were about 10 of us. The menu looked good and the pictures looked decent. We were staying at the Sheraton. The people were nice. That is no view at night. Super dark. The restaurant was nice and casual. The food was not good. We tried multiple appetizers. Fried poke was ok. The duck was tough. The kids fish was under cooked, the kids burger was way over cooked. The kids chicken nuggets were Mickey mouse shaped and right out of a box. The rib eye was so tough my sharp knife didn't cut it. The fish trio was all fried. It was expensive and not good. I would not go back and hope this review helps others make plans at a different location. The food rivals that of sizzler not anything close to fun and fancy island faire.
(1)Suzanne N.
We've dined here once before on a previous trip and the experience was probably a 3 star. This time was really good! We went in for Saturday morning brunch buffet and that was very good! We will be back in March and will need to make sure to come here for breakfast buffet. Amazing as well! We also came back the next afternoon for the Seahawks game. We were told that they usually get quite a few Seahawks fans in there, so we were in friendly territory :). Enjoyed our time!
(4)Jennifer F.
First off, the views this restaurant provides are absolutely breathtaking. I came a few days ago for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the fresh fish of the day (swordfish) which came with a side salad and a purple sweet potato salad - absolutely filling and delicious! I would have to say that something on the plate could have used a little bit of salt; the food leaned on the sweeter side, but was tasty and very enjoyable nonetheless. I returned this evening for Sam Choy's happy hour, with $5 cocktails and well-priced pupus (appetizers). My family and I ordered almost every single appetizer on the HH menu, and felt that the food was even better than the lunch entrees a few days ago! The calamari was probably the best I've ever had - so fresh and tender, and not a bit chewy. The chicken wings were also some of the best wings I've eaten. Drinks, $5?! On the mainland during HH, I'm still used to $8-11/drink, so this was awesome! The staff was friendly both times, and the restaurant (and bathrooms) are very clean. When I return to the Big Island, I will definitely be sure to return (and might even return once more before we leave). Definitely a must-go :)
(5)laura b.
Service was slow. Brie "wontons" are not wontons at all and overpriced, but very tasty. I had the fish trio and my date had the leaf-wrapped fish, both were MINDBLOWING. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Would go back for the fish!
(3)Vishakha K.
Best place to eat hands down on the Big Island. My husband and I came to Sam Choy twice during our trip. Food was totally amazing, adequately priced.. The drinks were great. N the view just completes you experience. Definitely recommend to all.
(5)Bill D.
Crappy service and lame food, asked for a view seat and was given a cheep seat, when a view seat was still available, server gave us a BS line about needing to fill other servers tables, meanwhile the only view seat was given to the couple in line behind us, lame way to do business.
(1)Denise L.
One of the best meals I've ever had at a Big Island restaurant, and that includes eating at Ulu at the Four Seasons. Loved loved loved the mac nut crusted chicken I had for dinner. Loved it! Desserts were absolutely ono too. The ONLY reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the service was a little iffy. we were there for dinner (reservations are a must!) Our waiter was nice enough, but seemed really really overworked taking care of too many tables. My mother asked for lemon for her water and the waiter brought her a large glass of lemonade??? She also ordered a alcoholic drink which took forever to arrive. We felt we fared better than the table next to us where the waitress was distracted while serving dishes and broke a diner's glass, spewing broken shards of glass all over their meal. Would go back in a heartbeat. The views are incredible for sunset. It can be windy there so definitely recommend eating outside unless it is super calm out. And yeah, parking can be a bitch because the lot is small.
(4)M D.
Was in Kona for 3+ weeks. Had 3 excellent meals. This was the best! Had the fried (pan seared) poke salad. Was absolutely excellent! I am so sad that this was the best meal I had while I was here....because it was the last one..I left soon after enjoying this. Sam Choy's has a breath-taking view as well. But what I loved most about eating there (besides the food), the safe were exceedingly friendly and helpful. The chef came to the table to check on us, the waitstaff was very attentive and the manager was also very kind. I have a special needs daughter and often dining out is both an experience for her and other diners dining with her. She had a lovely time, as well. Excellent food, great staff, good pricing...I will absolutely go again, when we travel there again in 2015!!
(5)Telia O.
Took my family out to lunch here and from the moment we entered the front door the aloha customer service never ended. The hostess greeted and showed our table and a friendly waitress saw us trying to situate ourselves (we probably looked like we needed the help! Lol) with our 2 yr old toddler and our 2 month baby in a car seat and she generously offered her help and pulled a chair out for my oldest child and turned a high chair upside down (brilliant idea! ) to keep my car seat off of the floor. She said " I understand, I have 2 of my own and probably the same age as your kids:) " we thanked her for her kindness (she wasn't even assigned to our table but helped us anyway!) then our real waitress came and she was ever so friendly as well! She was an older woman and although she looked like she was having difficulty walking she did not let that interfere with her customer service. We were hungry so we ordered pupus which you would think the portions would be small but we were so wrong! The shoyu ahi and calamari was so ono (delicious) and they did not skimp on the portion size either! For our entree I had the hamburger steak which was ono as well and accompanied by a beautiful purple sweet potato salad. My husband had the chicken noodle mania which is really what it says MANIA! it came in a huge tortilla bowl even the portion inside the bowl was huge!! That's a big plus in my husbands book haha! And my toddler got the chicken fingers off of the kids menu for $5 which could've seriously feed an adult it was so much:) lunch turned into lunch and an afternoon snack for her :) OVERALL from arrival to when we left 5 stars!! Will return again:) friendly staff, decent prices and big portions is the way to a locals heart in hawaii:) will return again. Mahalo Sam Choy, job well done with your restaurant and staffs aloha spirit.
(5)Mahikoluia L.
This place is way over-rated. The fish and chips are terrible. Mushy fish and freezer-style fries. They were out of stock on some common items....laughable. Never again.
(2)Bob G.
Great setting looking over the Pacific. Food was very good and service was far above expectation. They really cared about the experience. The menu was perhaps a bit limited but all of us were happy.
(4)Barb M.
This place is disappointing. Service so-so. Food mediocre. I don't get the good reviews here.
(1)Mary Anne B.
Best panoramic views of kona coast. Menu is limited but good. Whole restaurant opens up to the Lanai. I have a hunch this is a locals favorite.
(4)Aimee F.
Good food, a little pricey but the quality was great. Nice scenery. My server was nice (forgot her name, she was from queens, New York). Definitely didn't think service was bad or slow. I got the lamb chops, they were soooo good! My bf got the ny steak and it was good too. Poke was also delicious.
(5)Sandhya K.
We went here for lunch and really enjoyed the ocean views. Food was good, nothing special but enjoyable. Service on the other hand was a little below par I must say. I worked as a server for a long time and have nothing but respect for service industry folks and what they have to go through, I know it all but at the same time there really is no excuse for a server not knowing what veggies are served in the veggie stir fry LOL ! (gotta do your homework) well at least she was nice. It seemed like some of the staff could use a little training on basics and this restaurant could win another star. I am not bitter about my experience, I would go back here again.
(3)Jackie Q.
Nothing short of an excellent experience. You will never find better service than that provided by our wonderful waitress Malia. Try the duck, lamb, and filet milon. Perfect dinner. We will definitely be back very soon. Thank you Malia!
(5)Liza M.
Dined in last night with my husband and 11 years old son. Check-in at 7:30pm.. Customer service was fabulous I ordered their specials Korean porkchop, my husband had a pork katsu and my son had a New York steak. Everything was delicious and tender. Their dessert was fabulous and it's free. Will come back for sure. This place also close to sheraton kona in Keahou.
(4)Steve K.
We were looking forward to lunch on Sunday, drove in from town. Parked and found at 12:30 they were only serving champagne brunch as it was the last Sunday of the month. They seemed embarrassed to announce that this was the case, as well they should. Look, we read West Hawaii Today every morning, and they advertise there. It would be a common sense matter to advertise the fact that you were doomed to spend $35 on a brunch if you showed up on the last Sunday of the month. One can only shake your head and well, in our case, drive back in to town for lunch. I doubt we will attempt this again, there are too many other options available.
(1)Andy C.
Stayed at Hilton Waikaloa and found out Sam Choy's opened a restaurant and was so happy, I ended up eating there the next 5 days. This tells you something, when restaurant is about 45 minutes away from where I was staying. Needless to say, I have been a Sam Choy's fan my whole adult life and was heart broken when he closed his restaurants. Actually, met him for first time one evening and he greeted us in real Aloha spirit. He even sang happy birthday to me. The last day I was there, we had the Sunday brunch and it was of great value. Choices galore, with popular items -beef stew, fried rice and local moco. Fresh fruits and salad, omelettes and desserts. Yum yum!
(5)Timothy A.
There were high expectations for a Sam Choys branded restaurant. Sadly, those expectations were crushed. We had reservations for 1815 and the process went smoothly. The presented menu was simply a laminated double sided piece of paper. The menu was an indication that soul of the restaurant had left as too the lack of detail. No drink menu was offered. Also, no salt and pepper shakers at our wobbly table. My pupu choice was the shoyu ahi tower and my main course was the "special" surf and turf consisting of filet mignon, three scallops and garlic mash potatoes. At $12 the poke was a good value at about 3 quarters of a pound seemed fresh and lightly seasoned. Later, the entrees came out. Warm and hot food temperatures seem to be a lost art here. The serving of the mash potatoes were barely warm. My steak was cold and the top dry. I rarely send food back but, the steak was the the last straw and I asked for it to be warmed and sent it back. A manager(?) Came by and apologized and said a new one would be made. Which did come out a few minutes later. The crust was charred indicating a very hot part of the grill was used to rush it out. The scallops that came back also seemed to be warmed up a bit more. No other offer to replace my beer that I had emptied mid meal. (I thought drinks were a money maker) I don't know if this bad experience was due to a one time occasion of multiple small problems ganging up on each other or indicative of a truly bad establishment that has gone off course. Undoubtedly, this is a popular restaurant due to the location, drinking and food quantity. But, if you care about things like attention to detail, hot food and a place with a touch of class - avoid this location.
(2)Richard C.
The view is a 5 - The service was a 4. The food was a 1 or 2 at best. While we were a group of 10 they brought the food out cold. They had made substitutions on the plate of white rice (We ordered mashed potatoes and they ran out.) without even asking when they had other options available - (white rice, vegetables). We have been twice now both times with the same results.
(2)Jp P.
Service was great, my friends meal was great. I ordered brazed short ribs and it was not good. The meat was dry, my rice wasnt cooked; it actually hurt to eat it. I was surprised with a hard bite. Being from the midwest, and being asian, the shoet ribs were really just pot roast....dry pot roast, with asian sauce. For 26$ this meal was terrible...dry and undercooked rice.
(1)KaPua L.
food is okay but never consistent... we eat here often... and order the same things like the edamame hummus is a hit or miss.. sometimes its tasty and sometimes its bland... but i love their fried poke salad in a wonton bowl.. its a good place
(2)Norma J.
Service was non existent for first 20 minutes as we waited for our water. I finally went and asked for someone to come and see about serving us. Spectacular views, wonderful sunset, but service was never there until requested. Mahi mahi for my husband was a little on the dry side and he felt over rated for a Sam Choy quality. I had the trio fish and was unfortunately disappointed. The manager was very accommodating and even gave us complimentary drinks for the delay in service and was very understanding about my concerns of the entrees. I asked about bread and was informed that bread was given only upon request. What a new concept for a so called " up scaled " restaurant. Bread was rolls which one can buy at any store called "heat n serve". Another big disappointment. Final analysis for us as I told the manager.....last visit.
(2)R G.
Nice & professional staff. We went during "happy hour" ready to chow down, unfortunately they don't serve regular entrees during this time, only pupu's. What a dissapointment. We ended up going somewhere else for lunch....to bad. :(
(2)Shauna And Steve D.
Good drinks. Great view for sunset. Food is definitely below average - tried almost all of the appetizers and none are memorable or noteworthy.
(3)Sofie D.
I'm not sure why Sam Choy's is rated so low, because we had a great dining experience here. It really felt like "Hawaii" with live music, awesome view, and super friendly service. We ordered both the regular poke and the fried poke for appetizers, and the regular poke was way too salty. When we told our waitress, she took them back and had them fried up! Perfect! Everyone in our group loved their entrees - my fish trio was super tasty and cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the Big Island.
(4)Rick S.
Awww! So close. In some ways I want to rate this 2 stars, although the service and beautiful setting upgraded my rating. The food is beautifully presented looking picture-perfect. The disappointment is with the taste - everything I tried was just bland! The beef, fish, salads - it all looked great but not much flavor. Even the mixed drinks I found to be lacking. On the other hand, the view and sunsets at this location are amazing! You'd have a great time here hanging out with friends. Maybe we went on a bad night. I don't know. I'm willing to try Sam Choy's again before I give up on it.
(3)Mitch L.
Went there at 130pm for lunch. Restaurant was mostly empty, so expected fast service. Staff was nice and attentive, but a bit stretched. Food was quite good. Ordered Poke app, which was very good, and an unusual hummus which was made with edamame instead of chick peas, but it worked although a bit bland. A for effort B for execution. Food delivery was slow, and one meal went missing. View is pretty good, overlooking the ocean, but behind a strip mall, so also nice view of the roofs and associated machinery as well. Might be more fun for dinner? Overall, food 3.5, view 3.5, Staff 4.0. If you are in the area, good to go once, but not worth a longer drive.
(3)Raymond L.
We had a big group with us and we celebrated a birthday. The margaritas and appetizers were excellent, especially the calamari. The service was phenomenal and was attentive throughout the meal. Three people in our party ordered the Fish trio and was unfortunately caught off guard of how the fish tasted. It was over cooked, dry and up seasoned. The Mahi Mahi was over covered with sesame seeds and actually made the fish taste worse. The rice was severely under cooked, dry and was too difficult for me to eat. The waiter was attentive and came over, we advised him that the rice was not done properly and he immediately offered us mash potatoes as a substitute. When they brought the mash potatoes out, the porcelain was far too hot to touch, the potatoes tasted like old and dry potatoes and was a good give away that we were served re-heated microwaved potatoes. Towards the end of the meal, the manager came over and asked us how our meal was. We offered our feedback and the manager was apologetic, he asked us whether or not we informed the waiter, which we did. He explained that he will comp the 3 entrees because the waiter failed to fix the problem and waiter should have discovered the issues earlier before the end of the meal. Although I really appreciate the complimentary dishes, that wasn't my intent as I fully intended to pay. The waiter wasn't at fault because he clearly didn't have control over how terrible the food turned out to be. I hope that the waiter didn't get in trouble over the quality of the food. After reading some of the other reviews here, it is clear that the restaurant doesn't get it nor do they pay attention to some of the reviews on here. It should be clear that the rice cooking method should be revisited, the fish trio recipe should be reviewed. I'm no chef but I can easily cook fish that taste better than how any of our trio dishes turned out. The lamb chops and the duck was not bad. But the rest is uneatable. I really wanted to leave a one star review but the service was good and the management did try to do something about the situation. I would be willing to go again, but I would probably avoid the trio for a while until the reviews tell me otherwise.
(3)Robert H.
Three of us had "happy hour" drinks and pu pu's here on June 5. The food and service was very good but we each ordered a Mai tai and we all had the same impression: little or no alcohol. We did not expect much for $5.00 a drink but we did expect that a Mai Tai would have some noticeable alcohol. I give them four stars for the view, service, and quality and variety of "happy hour" food.
(4)Terri B.
Gorgeous view of the town of Kailua-Kona. When I first saw the name I was not so interested (no offense, just not a fan of Chinese food, which is what I assumed it was). We sat at the bar and all the appetizers recommend by the bartender were delicious! The dinner menu is limited, but a nice spot for drinks and appetizers.
(4)Marc E.
Just had dinner there. mahi mahi. Everything was great, food, service and friendly atmosphere.
(5)Thomas H.
We have eaten several times at this location and have often found the food excellent. Unfortunately, our recent experience was poor. The fish trio was not well prepared and one fish tasted like mud. We do not recommend. Also the short ribs that are usually very tasty, lacked flavor and the meat was dry and tough. The over all quality has fallen off.
(3)Jeff A.
Food was just not good. Pork Katsu was dry and flavorless. Service was just ok. Overall bummed at this poor experience.
(1)Sandra L.
What a view to enjoy your meal with. Great food and wonderful atmosphere.
(5)Kristen C.
Watching the sun set on the horizon at lightening speed while enjoying a lilikoi mojito....ummmmm ok! Uncle Jerry took excellent care of us and made the keiki very happy with a Shirley Temple. Our meals were SO tasty; keiki fish plate, fish trio, duck and lamb chops. Lots of Aloha exchanged and all went home with full bellies and big smiles.
(5)karelle a.
Very meh food...... Three stars for the view and the open terrace. Service was good and the drinks were fine. It was also easy to find parking. An ok place for a happy hour nosh, but don't expect much from the menu.
(3)Cathy Ray P.
Shut up! My husband had the Trio of Fish and I had the Chicken Katsu. It was like no Katsu I've had before. Picture an ample bed of fluffy white rice on which is topped a mélange of perfectly sautéed vegetables, surrounded by just the right moat of sauce to complete the meal. Atop the rice mound are two fillets of chicken cooked to moist perfection. Again...shut up and let me eat! Aimee was our awesome waitress/person. She loves dogs and walks on the beach. I loves her too.
(4)Paul S.
The food was great. The waiter was very nice, but really screwed up the bill. Brought a over cooked lamb chops when my cousin asked for rare. Forgot a drink and the mashed potatoes he ordered taste like box potatoes. Not sure if it's because it was getting late or the cook was lazy. We were told they were out of potatoes and when the messed up my cousin order there was potatoes? ?
(3)Teri G.
Delicious fillet mignon, we had another wonderful dinner with awesome view... best part was waitress Malia, very friendly, great service, made the night extra special :)
(5)Yvette K.
I don't get it. Why does this place have such a glowing reputation? It has a great location, but the food is really just OK. I have had breakfast at Sam Choy's twice and drinks and appetizers another time. Breakfast is certainly decent and actually a good value, but nothing great. Unfortunately, the fish that came with my eggs was overcooked. Despite that I would eat breakfast here again. Frankly, the dinner prices are too high and I just don't have faith that the food will be worth it, so I have not eaten dinner here. The night we shared 3 appetizers and drinks was a lot of fun being on the lanai with the fire pit to keep us warm, but the food was average at best. For these reasons I do not advise spending the big bucks for dinner, there are better places to eat in the area, although they can be hard to find in Kona. Please go to Keei Cafe in Kalakekua, it's soooo much better than Sam Choy's for high end great food.
(3)Do Y.
We had high hopes for this place given it's beautiful location overlooking the ocean. We stopped by on 4/16 for lunch. The wife had the 6oz NY strip steak and fish and I had the fish and chips for me, with the baby back rib appetizer for us both. The appetizer came, then shortly after the main entrees came out. Bad timing all around. The food was "meh." I suspect this place is known for one or two really great signature dishes, but everything else just seems ok. I'd come here for the beautiful view if I happen to be staying near by, but not for the food nor would I go out of my way to come here again.
(2)Ernie S.
I have been eating at Sam's for years! It has always been fantastic!!! Can't go wrong!!
(5)Ej F.
Automatic 3 stars for the view. Well, not necessarily automatic but the view is quite spectacular. Sunset was beautiful and it's just an added bonus to be able to watch it from the dinner table. I didn't measure it but the website claims they have a 230 degree view of the Pacific Ocean. The open walled design makes the restaurant feel spacious and airy like you're out on your own ocean view patio. Appetizers: Brie won ton, spicy edamame, hummus (it's green) Libations: great pina coladas and mango berry mojitos, but they ran out of the pineapple white wine sangria :( Spoiler alert: free small bowl of soup and salad was served. It may not be a regular offering but it was a pleasant surprise to start our meal. Entree: Sam's Trio of Fish consisting of ono, ahi, and ebi(sp?) was really good. I had been eating a lot of rice with my meals in Hawai'i so I ordered it with garlic mashed potatoes. Great combination with the local sauteed vegetables. On top of the sauce was a tangerine-like jam that added a fruity sweetness to the dish (see pic). To sum it up, everyone at my table really enjoyed the view, the food, and the atmosphere mixed with tourists and locals. Service can be a little slow when it's busy but they got our orders right and I would definitely go back to try out the breakfast.
(4)Linda T.
Dare we try again? Awesome view and good service. After a previous disappointment two years ago, we decided to give Sam Choy's another try. Our first time we had two bad experiences with the fish. Our poke had a lot of sinewy chewy bits so we mentioned this to our server who said this was a sign of quality fish- what? Our fish entrees were overcooked and dry. Fast forward to Monday night (7/21) We arrived at 7 - no waiting. Ordered the shoyu poke - fish was great quality but was nothing special ... Just tasted like shoyu and green onions. Brie wontons were ono! They ran out of bread - we barely got ours. Our trio of fish, which is what we were all looking forward to - they only had ahi, which was good but we were looking forward to trying other fish like maybe some Ono or Opakapaka? One member of our party wanted to try the pasta dish but they were out of fettuccini so would have had to penni..
(2)Jacqueline F.
Went to them because they were near the resort we were staying in and after a long flight from the mainland, I was famished and wanted food (all I had to eat was some fruit and cheese on the flight). I was skeptical because the restaurants of celebrity chefs don't always live up to the hype. But boy was it worth it! We were seated right away and had a wonderful waiter, Arthur. We even had a beautiful view of the water. First they are up on all things gluten free and that's a relief. I chose the edamame/spinach hummus with chips and was glad that the chips were made of taro. Score one. I saved the hummus that was left for my fish dish. The fish dish was fine. The first fish that I looked at was the best. The other two were run of the mill. I imagine that it's because they may have soy based sauces that were left off. I can't imagine that one piece would be flavored perfectly and the other's were bland. My husband had the lamb chops which he loved! I couldn't taste it because of the soy sauce. Arthur recommended a great wine to go with the meal and it was great! The desert, which Arthur recommended - the chocolate (gluten free) cake with coconut ice cream was too die for. We went back two days later and had lunch because we got up late and wanted to grab a bite to eat on our way to the beach. We got the hummus with taro and yucca chips. The Yucca chips that were left in the hummus got soggy, but they were good, just don't leave them in the hummus. I got a bunless hamburger which was run of the mill and a green salad. The dressing was too sweet, but it did improve the flavor of the burger. My husband didn't like his dish, he thought it was bland. I forgot what he ordered. For dessert, we ordered the coconut panna cotta. It was way too sweet. To add insult to injury, it had a super sweet whipped cream - a ton of it (almost as much as panna cotta which was quite big and a super sweet caramel. Now, to be honest, the caramel was also on the chocolate dish but it wasn't super sugary sweet, so we didn't each much of it (the caramel). I asked Arthur about gluten free eats and he recommended Kaya's and another place for my husband to have the loko moko. We didn't make it to that place, but I'm sure it was good. The place actually gets three stars, the extra one is because of Arthur. We wanted to go back, but my husband got sick and we spent the last few days eating very little. Also, three stars because leaving the gluten containing sauce off of something, doesn't make it good. I could have bought and cocked a bland piece of meat myself. To truly embrace gluten free culture, we need to have the same eating experiences as those who eat gluten containing dishes. I just hope that next time we return, the fish trio has three pieces of tasty fish instead of just one. But when all is said and done, it was worth it and was a great welcome to the island!
(4)Sekueli ..
Had reservations for 7pm. Got there a little early and we were seated before our scheduled reservation. It took about 10 minutes before we were even greeted by our server. And then another 10 minutes before we got our water. Upon receiving our water, we ordered our appetizers and entrée's at the same time. We got our appetizers pretty fast. About 15 minutes. We had the calamari and seared poke. Very very delicious. The poke was seared just right and the calamari was just as good. 5 stars for the appetizers. The server who brought out our appetizers was super friendly. A local older Japanese guy named Dave. He had a genuine smile which made you feel comfortable and welcome. While waiting for our food, we were twice brought appetizers that we didn't order. The wait staff needs to step up their game. 5 stars for Dave and 2 stars for the rest of the front of the house. Our main course came at 8:15. I ordered the oriental lamb chops. The lamb was perfectly cooked with a delicious oriental glaze. It was served on top off a bed of pasta in a white cream sauce with sautéed onions, zuccini and butter squash. The sauce didn't have any taste. It was a little buttery but aside from that, I didn't care for it. The lamb on the other hand was awesome. Perfectly cooked to order with that delicious glaze. Again our food was brought to us by Dave. And our busser was good too. Kept our water full and quick to clear our plates. Overall, I give the food a 3 1/2 stars. And because of Dave and our busser, another 3 1/2 stars for the service.
(3)Erynn T.
Will start off by saying I will never come back here. We had a reservation for 7 at 1pm. It wasn't packed. The hostess took 10 minutes to notice we were waiting, and only because my Grandma had sat down at a table because she was tired of standing. She comes up to us and says all sassy, "So are you guys ready??" ...then proceeds to sit us all the way outside, even though there were open tables inside. It was SO windy outside and this was half of what ruined our experience because stuff was flying everywhere. There's no reason the hostess couldn't have sat us inside, esp. seeing my grandma had a cane and has a hard time walking far. Our waitress was nice enough, we all got drinks and our order taken fast enough. And here's where the trouble started. We waited 45 minutes to get our food. No one came to check on us. When we finally got our food, they forgot my dad's order. He had to wait OVER AN HOUR to get his hamburger steak. The waitress apologized and explained it was her fault and that there were so many other tickets that needed to be fired I guess it got lost. So we spoke to the manager and were comp'd the hamburger steak. After that, it took another 15min wait just to get takeout boxes. Overall the waitress and manager were nice, but they need to do a MUCH better job of checking on their customers, because this kind of experience is just NOT acceptable... Food-wise, I had a chicken salad and it was just okay. No one else said their food was memorable. Unfortunate because this was my first time here. They really need some work!!!
(1)Chelsea M.
Positives: BEST view in all of Kona that is not on the water front. My family and I used to go up to the Wendy's that used to be in that location just because of the view. I have been to Sam Choy's three times now and I am content to defend my three star rating. It is definitely not a two but it is definitely not a four star. Food: General: Not a lot of selection and I probably would not suggest it for kids at dinner, their lunch menu may be more kid friendly. You have to be willing to try a new sauce or preparation that you may have never heard before. I think maybe this problem stems from more of an issue with how the menu is written and presented. It is just not very accessible. Not saying that they should dumb it down, but at least give me a little bit more besides "Sam Choy's special preparation of a classic sauce." Well, what is in that sauce? Shrimp Pasta: The last time I went here I had the shrimp pasta. It had five shrimp, probably three halved cherry tomatoes and a little spinach. It was pathetic for the $25 I think I paid for it. It DID taste wonderful but I was thoroughly disappointed. I really wish this place would have more entree items in the $16 range and/or let you opt out of the soup/salad beforehand for a $5 reduction in price. It really discourages purchasing an appetizer which some of them look really good. Drinks: Lavaflow, so good. We usually order it for dessert :) Wine selection okay, I am just more used to Oregon selections so maybe I was just out of my element. Service: Really hit and miss. The last waitress we had never really connected with us and two times ago I distinctly remember having to literally flag some other waiter down to get water or check on our drinks or something. I think there are good ones there based on my observations while I was waiting for my water. Note to future guests: I am always surprised when I go here and see people in workout shorts and hats. This is not a fancy schmancy place but it is a nicer place. Put on a polo and some khaki shorts and you will be fine or ladies a nice skirt or capris. They will not turn you away but, at least at dinner, they do try and create a more formal atmosphere (Kona-style of course).
(3)Tertiary D.
The brunch was mediocre. Stick to the dinners. Brunch service is lack luster. Hit or miss.
(3)Bernard S.
You gotta sit on the lanai you can get that million dollar view and the brunch was perfect.
(3)Dianna B.
Over looking Kailua Kona, Sam Choy's is a delightful find. The open air seating formar lends to its charming atmosphere. The service is amazing, the embodiment of the Hawiian aloha spirit, while the food is simply amazing. The husbeast had their three fish special; which included mahi, sword and butter fish, in a ginger burr blanc sauce, served over white rice. I had the oriental inspired lamb chops that came served with fresh local vegis and pasta alfredo, these dishes were expertly crafted and delicious. The onlything I was slightly disappointed with was the haupia porfiteroles (coconut creampuffs) they tasted refrigerated and otherwise no coconut at all. I will suggest that you try the island sangria, its pineapple and citrus...to die for!
(5)Eric C.
On our last day after staying at the Sheraton, we decided to try Sam Choy's. Everywhere we went people talk about it and online here I saw repeated references to this place. Plus our trusty guidebook also gave it some kudos so I just had to give in and make that trip here to see what the fuss is all about. By the time we got there around 10AM, they decided that they were done with breakfast and were now serving lunch. This was fine and really was fine, but for others, I can imagine this could have been quite irritating if you were wanting to go for the breakfast buffet. Like other people said, you're not going to find a better view than here at Sam Choy's. Perched on top of the hill with nothing obstructing it in front, you get a beautiful picturesque view of the beach down below. What a perfect way to end a perfect trip. Let's get to the food. I had the bento box which was actually not in a box. They gave me 4 slices of meat (spam, fish, chicken and of course now I can't remember the last... I think it was beef). Either way, it was one of the best meals I had. Not sure I would call it traditional Hawaiian but it was cooked very well and I was very excited to have ordered it. The fish was excellently prepared and the glaze they had on top just made it perfect. I would come back here the next time I find myself on the Big Island. I hope all of you are able to give this place a chance!
(4)Michael S.
Great location off the "strip" with some amazing food and an unreal view that's tough to beat at sunset. Take your girl (or guy) to this place on a special occasion and score some major points! Staff is friendly (where aren't they on this island?) and everything that came to our table was some of the best food we ate during our entire two-week trip. It's all created by a man who made his mark by obtaining head chef-dom at some major Hawaii'n hotels and then decided to open up his own restaurants. Let your wallet take a plunge and just enjoy a great night out.
(5)Mick B.
Very good, fresh food. Excellent service. Good selection of drinks. A very solid place to eat. I agree there could be a little more spice on the food, but overall very good.
(4)Julie S.
Absolutely stunning! The almost 360 degree views are the best. Call in advance and reserve a table on the outer lanai to view the sunset. Our server, Arthur was one of the best we have ever had. He was a wealth of knowledge on everything, extremely attentive and happy. I had the fish salad with seared ahi....fantastic! My husband had the trio of fish which was perfection with the wonderful sauces. Our appetizer was the calamari and it was fresh, tender and delicious. Our favorite on the island! Go!
(5)Amy W.
It was the last night of my honeymoon and I am so glad I had my meal here because it was a great way to cap off the trip. We were seated right away as walk ins. Were seated outside with a good view over the water. It was a great place for a sunset dinner. I had this chicken with mango sauce, and it was delicious. I dont recall what my husband had but all I remember was it was tender and very very very yummy. For the food we were served, and the view, I was surprised at how much it was... half of was I was expecting! Based on my experience, it was the best restaurant of our entire trip.
(5)Bobby D.
This is going to be a bit of a mixed review, but I'll just get to it. My fiance and I came here for lunch. We had heard and read many great things about this place. I dropped my fiance off at the door and she went into get a table while I parked the car. She was able to get a table outdoors. I was forced to park in the mall parking lit down the hill since the parking lot is so small. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a bummer. When I got to the table we sat for about 15-20 mins waiting for someone to come over and greet us and at the least take our drink order. Finally, the manager (Jason) passed by and stopped to asked how things were going. We were obviously a little upset at the time and so he quickly took our drink and food order. Normally when there has been a mix up with servers and the manager comes over, the server will come over after introduce themselves and apologize. Nothing like this happened. One person dropped off our drinks and then someone else dropped off the food. We had: Poke plate with wasabi dressing. Sangria Fish of the day on salad Chips and salsa The food tasted very good. I will say that we were a little distraught with the service so it was difficult to enjoy the food. After the table was cleared we waited for a server to come back with the check, but no such luck. We sat there for another 20 mins or so with no one checking on us. I was finally able to flag down a server and request the check. She noted she would try and locate my server to which I informed her that we hadn't had one. She mentioned that they were training some new people which was probably the reason for the delay. I'm fine with training, but usually it occurs in some mirroring form. Anywho, our experience was unfortunately spoiled by horrible service.
(2)Peter S.
The food and drinks here were fantastic, not to mention the amazing view of the sunset. It's pricey, but for a special occasion this is a great place to go.
(4)Louis R.
Holy...there's a ton of old ha'oles up in here...eating and draankin...and peepin the sunset...since the resto sits high above the marketplace. Perfect. As for me, I kill't the huge portion of deeeelish poke and wings. Fuggin Ay...and the kama'aina bartender was hella cool. Mahalo.
(5)Adrian F.
Ok. Flavor on the wings were good but they weren't hot. It took so long to get them I didn't send them back. Ribs were good but kinda fatty. Service mediocre. I wouldn't go back. Best thing about this place is the open air atmosphere but at night it looks over a strip mall...bummer. The lychee cocktail also does not taste like lychee according to my wife. But it does come with a speared lychee. Yay. (No exclamation point).
(3)Mikka A.
We stopped in between lunch and dinner. The food was great and the service was attentive and friendly. The view was beautiful, even spotted some whales! So I'm not sure where another reviewer was seated to view the shopping center. There is seating indoors and out on the lanai, but the whole place felt open so it was more a question of what degree of sun or shade would you like to sit in. We started with poke that was delicious and ordered one of the specials, a roast beef sandwich. With sides of sweet potato salad and a cocktail, we left full and happy. I would definitely come again. I also appreciated their "eat local" efforts!
(5)Lina P.
Been here enough times and I can say they are consistently average. The most recent time I went in for the Buffet. The main reason I went in was for the eggs benedict but once I had already started putting food on my plate and walked to the end, I realized there were no eggs benedict to be found! So sad. The loco moco which I thought was cute and clever turned out so bland and under seasoned. As for the waitress, she never acknowledged us until the end. We wanted to get mimosa's and coffee but she never came around to us. She was however, hovering around the wealthy older white table next to us like a fruit fly. Well the server, who was a local lady with short hair, finally came around when my friend asked for a coffee after we had finished eating. Then she began to talk to my friend and apologized to her. I was there too, but she never even made eye contact with me, she would just talk in my direction.
(3)Alan K.
I was pleasantly surprised by Sam Choy's. I was worried it was going to be a kitschy tourist trap, but it ended up being a pretty good spot for drinks and pupus. We tried the wings, which were just ok, and the brie wontons, which were darn good. I also had a dinner salad with the house Asian dressing, which was fine. Maybe my view of what's "affordable" is skewed by my complacency with DC prices, but the drinks here seemed pretty cheap for the island. $5 beer bottles, $7 "traditional" tropical cocktails (your mai tais and pina coladas), and some $8 cocktails unique to this restaurant. The entrees still seemed pretty overpriced but I would come definitely come back here if in the mood to eat light and have a few drinks. I enjoyed the open air layout and we had great service from our waiter, Arthur.
(3)Margaret H.
My bad! Got there at 8:00 and had to pay my tab BEFORE dessert arrived! Fish salad was gross. Must have been made by a team of dudes who don't eat salad. Undercooked snapper (it aint tuna, dudes) which was rubbery with a long vein line and skin still on, eww, over full, large lettuce leaves (local? probably not) with giant slabs of cucumber which required some man-handling to eat. I would have looked more lady-like eating a cow's leg. Anyway, I told the bartender it was gross and he just continued on his way to close the bar and fire up my tab. The cheesecake was great except it literally was 2 bites. Giant gross salad + tiny great cheesecake + lame 21 year old bartender = these ladies are NEVER coming back.
(1)Cindy B.
Great choice for lunch after morning of snorkeling with sea turtles at Keauhou Bay. Friendly staff, picturesque views, and excellent food! In our group, we had variety of menu choices. I special ordered the salad with rare seared fresh Ahi. Great wasabi sauce and dressing topped it off. Delicious!
(5)Dolores W.
Had eaten at Sam Choy's on Oahu and loved it. The Kona Sam Choy's exceeded even my experience at the Oahu restaurant. Arthur's service was outstanding. I eat gluten free and he made suggestions from the menu and arranged for modifications of some menu items to make them gluten free. The appetizers, entrees and desserts served to my husband and I were amazing. We eat seafood when in Hawaii and Sam Choy's served some of the best. Bravo!
(5)George M.
We got there after sunset. I believe it must be really crowded around sunset time, as it has a great overview to the ocean from their lanai. We were seated right by the rock wall of the lanai. As always in Hawaii, we started with Mai Tai. They were really good and strong, but on the smaller side, hence the low price. So, we had two each. We had the Hummus and the Brie Won Tons for appetizers. The hummus wasn't your regular hummus that you know. It was a mixture of edamame, spinach, garlic, and olive oil, pureed and served with carrot, celery and tortilla chips. It was yummy, we loved it. The Brie Won Tons were a great idea, something unique that we have not seen before. It came with a pineapple and papaya marmalade/sauce. Great combination of flavors. Our server, Paul informed us that since it was Monday, they had a Half Off special on bottles of wines. Usually we order a glass of white for my fish entree and a glass of red for my friend's meat dish, but since he decided to eat chicken tonight, it was a given that we would order a bottle of white. I chose something that was sweet enough for him and went well with a macadamia nut crusted chicken dish as well as a fish dish, so I ordered a bottle of Conundrum. It's a beautiful, very floral, a bit sweet, but excellent wine. We loved it. They had a really nice wine list. If Jackie Rey's wine list got an award from Wine Spectators, I think Sam Choy's should, too. My friend loved his macadamia nut chicken breast with mashed potato and veggies. It had a nice sweetishly tangy sauce with it that went really well with the flavor of the macadamia nut crusted chicken. I opted for the fish trio. It had a piece of macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi, a blackened Monchong and a pineapple salsa topped Ahi. I understand that the types of fish and the preparation of them changes daily and that's really cool. I ordered it with rice and it came with veggies. The plate had great sauces on its side to dip the fish in. They were delicious. I loved the whole plate. The Conundrum actually went perfectly well with this dish's sweet accented flavors. "Unfortunately", we got so full that we did not have a chance to try any dessert. :-) Paul was very professional and over the course of dinner, we was able to detect that he can be a bit more relaxed and can loosen up with us. At the end he was even joking. I appreciate it if a server is professional enough to determine which customer he/she can joke with and which to stay very professional and reserved with. As I started writing this review, I gave it a 4 star, but I realized that I could not find anything to criticize, so I'm hesitating. I usually only give 5 stars to a restaurant if they "WOW" me with something. Here, nothing was amazingly fantastic; it was just very good, but nothing "WOW"-ed me, so I think it will stay 4 stars, since I can't give it 4,5 stars. You should definitely try the place if you're in the area.
(4)James S.
Went there for a Saturday morning buffet. Server was great ,very personable, pleasant,(KATHY). Many choices , great omlets, surprise was the clam chowder,really good coming from the Seattle area gives us something to judge by. My reason for 4 stars is some of the buffet items were barely warm( loco moco, bacon,roasted red potatoes) but the view is fantastic and it was a good experience, we willl do it again soon;
(4)Sally R.
The food is good, the scenery is great, but the menu could be better.
(3)Cali F.
Best Happy Hour bargain and view in Kona! 3-5pm. Huge Lava Flows or Blue Hawaiins for only $6. So creamy they are more like adult ice cream floats. The Poke-tini, siracha mayo ahi tuna poke on a bed of furikake rice served in a martini glass, for only $6 was very generous portion and quite filling, but a bit heavy on the mayo for me (but I think locals like it that way). Fried Poke is tender and delicious and a good choice for those who are squeamish about eating raw fish. The Fried Calamari consisted of thick pieces and was not mostly fried batter like other places. Open air seating, perched over looking the pacific, we watched whales cavorting and then the sunset. Our plan was to stay for dinner, but were actually too full. Granted, we went straight for their flour less chocolate cake which was yummy. Bring sun glasses as the angle from the setting sun can be strong. We arrived around 4ish and were able to score a table near the edge of the patio. I think those tables are reservable for dinner, and the sun sets around 5:30ish, so plan accordingly for a spectacular experience.
(5)Jeff C.
Food was mostly terrible, or blah/meh at best (as 2 out of 3 reviewers will confirm.) It's all about the view here and the name. 4 star view (5 star would be on the water). 1 star for the food. 2-star average. You are better off eating at Denny's with the same view for about the same quality of food (terrible). I felt like a sucker after going here.
(2)Jo C.
one phrase says it all - tourist trap. There are no locals eating here. We can see everyone is dining are tourists. We were there for dinner. It was hot and there are loads of mosquitoes. I know it's the island but the restaurant was unbelievably warmer. We had to take turns to go for a walk outside the restaurant for a cool down. The food is mediocre. For the price you pay, you probably can get better food elsewhere. Portions are small too - we came and left hungry. We did get an appetizer to share and all of us had our own entrees. The one star is for the wonderful service. The server is friendly and nice. After the meal, everyone in our group left unhappy. Overall experience is bad. AVOID COMPLETELY!
(1)Wayne K.
I'd like to give them a better rating but that will have to wait. We were there a week ago and they had opened just a couple weeks prior. We went for breakfast and the food was very good and at a reasonable price but service was slow. It looked like mass confusion in the kitchen. Sam Choy, son of Sam Choy, came out and greeted us and chatted. He's all about his food, restaurant and island life style. BTW, he looks just like his dad. I recommend going there for breakfast or lunch. In a bit, when they are better organized, they should be mo betta!
(3)Greg P.
We had the trifecta and fried poke appetizer. It was an exceptionally good meal. Service was outstanding.
(5)Daniel W.
The service was really good, could have quality checked a bit more, but it was a little busy, not packed. The food was very quick to the table and came warm and delicious. The calamari was fantastic and the entrees were delicious. Not THE best meal we've ever had but in the top of the tier. A bit pricey for what you get but if you're on vacation and wanting to splurge a little then this place is a must.
(4)Amy C.
The view is AMAZING!!!! We went just before sunset and had a prime spot to watch the sunset, and enjoy some cocktails. The food, on the other hand, is pretty OK. Nothing spectacular, but not bad either. If I were to give it a letter grade it would be a solid B+. We had ribs as an appetizer and they were just too "tough", not fall-off-the-bone delicious. We had to gnaw on them pretty good to eat them all. I ordered the macadamia chicken and again, it was tasty, but not "Good LORD this is delicious". I can't remember what my husband ate, but he agreed that the food was not great, yet not terrible If I had it to do over again, I would have saved my money, and just enjoyed some cocktails and maybe a dessert and simply watched the sunset, and bypassed the dinner menu entirely.
(3)Amelia R.
Unimpressive. Just your standard tourist trap, with average food, typical American chain restaurant-like feel. Don't waste your time here unless you're craving your neighborhood Red Lobster transplanted onto the Big Island and with a good view.
(2)Michele M.
The ocean view here alone will make the meal worthwhile! It looks like no matter where you are seated the glistening blue is staring right back at you. A light lunch is what I was looking for. I ordered a chicken salad which was not your ordinary plate of greens! Hello sweet teriyaki honey glazed chicken nestled on a bed of somen noodles, lettuce, beet/carrot/daikon shavings, onion slivers, cucumbers and tomatoes. The dressing was a creamy oriental. Imagine all of this hefty goodness in a crispy tortilla bowl! Yumm!!
(4)Grace Ann T.
Called and spoke to Hostess to make Sunday breakfast/brunch reservations for husband's birthday at 9 am 2 weeks prior. Specifically asked if they were serving breakfast because was unable to make res via Open Table. Was told yes and reservation taken. Showed up only to be told that they were closed and not open until 11 am. No call, no text, no email. VERY disappointed!!!
(1)Karen L.
Oh Sam.... We ate at your place way back when it was in the industrial part up by Costco. We were excited to try this new place. It was just ok.. Food was average, nothing special. Lamb chops were teeny tiny. Waiter didn't know what kind of fish was on the salad. Said it was Ahi, so I ordered it seared, then when it came out it was obviously NOT Ahi. Turned out to be spearfish. Interesting to have that seared... The view was amazing, but having eaten at your restaurant many times before on Big and Oahu, I was very disappointed. Not the taste and quality I was expecting..
(2)Sonny K.
Since i was a teen i have always been a fan of Sam Choy and his skills as a chef. I root for sam choy, dwayne johnson and bj penn by default as they are hometown heros. I grew up with sam choy cooking as my mom bought his cook books and chefed us up some decent seafood dishes. I have a love hate relationship with his restaurants though. Back circa 1998-2001 it was common for me and the guys, less frequent for me and the chicks to be Kona bound. Hapuna, Alii drive and Magic sands were our weekend getaway locations at that age. Highschool memories included getting stranded on the old saddle road. Picking up chicks at the beach and eating belly busting grinds at Sam Choys Industrial. Those days are past much like that restaurant. The food. Its good. Local style quizine that follows most of the rules for higher end dining. This being said. The Chef-ery if you will, is more laid back. Ive laughed at how ive seen Sam Choy on tv Chef-ing it up wearing jams. Food personifies its chef and Sam Choys is definitly laid back. The atmosphere. As far as Keaohou is concerned, Sam Choys has prime placement. From a visitors stand point it must be gorgeous. Nearly 200 degrees of open unhindered veiw of both mauka and makai (mountainside and ocean front). Its awesome even coming from a local like me who sees it regularly. The one odd thing i noticed is that the floor is bare concrete. This doesnt bother me personally but it does put a strain on the more upscale surroundings. The service. Its good. Id did find it strange that there were like 30 empty tables and the host staff seemed to stress having a reservation was prefered. I sat at the bar anyway. I got my food quite quickly. The price. Reasonable. Id definitly treat a hot date here under the guise of it being fancy. I spent 18 for a beer and fried poke. I remember the fried poke coming heaped into a clam shell take out box with rice. Rather it was spread ever so lovingly over cabbage and the serving was average for one. If we ever do pupus there you will need to get your own. Ones not enogh to share
(3)Josh N.
The views are extraordinary. the service was excellent. Sam Choy himself came by to check on us. The price was amazing, $14.99, for a buffet. They had an omelet station but my favorite entry was the hashbrowns and the loco moco.
(4)Misha K.
Born and raised in kona, currently living on Oahu, just back visiting the fam. We decided to eat here and it's our first and last time here. Food was junk (rib eye steak, fish trio, calamari, brie wontons). Very disappointed in this place. Miss the old school Sam choy food (the on that used to be by costco).
(1)Shauna W.
Beautiful setting and our server, Jerry was charming and fun. Food was good and we would definitely go back.
(4)Fran F.
The location is beautiful, service was very good. Ordered the trio fish dish seasoned well but was a bit overcooked.
(3)Jenna C.
Calamari was good. The rest of the food took FOREVER. Fish in fish sandwich was almost completely raw and slimy. Yuck. And the busser (I'm guessing was new) had an attitude when we asked for regular tartar sauce. Overall, thumbs down. Won't be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)Yasmin V.
Reliable. Anytime I have guests in town and don't want to cook, its a short hop to Sam Choy's. Enough variety on the menu to keep everyone happy. Good quality food. Fish has been overcooked on a variety of occasions though, so make sure you make it clear to your server how rare or seared you want your fish. Great Happy Hour menu and prices... do they still do a 9p Happy Hour? now that was great!!!
(4)Jeff B.
Let me begin by saying that the view when you walk through the door is breath-taking. This place gets five stars off the bat! Now, the drinks are tasty--I had a Mai tai that was nice. Their beer selection is decent, most consisting of local Hawaiian brews. The food is decent to good. I had the Katsura chicken plate and it was enjoyable, though there was too much sauce on it. The service was OK, but little slow. Overall, this is a nice place for a meal with a spectacular view. It'd be great to go for cocktails & apps.
(3)Tammy F.
Nice view I admit, but the food is marginal. I went for a special meal and was disappointed. I got the fish trio ($29) and they all tasted the same; dry, bland and overcooked. Seems like they should be able to cook fish. The service staff was friendly but I felt rushed. With a four course meal we were in and out in an hour.
(2)Chris S.
We came across this place by accident, we took a wrong turn into a strip mall and we saw the building on top of the hill and it looked interesting so we stopped by for dinner. First the views are amazing, we were not lucky enough to sit outside, but it is very nice inside as well as they open up the doors to this place so its almost like being outside. I ordered the duck they had, and that was very good, the sauces and cooked perfectly. The price is a little high, but we were on vacation and splurging a little every once in awhile is not bad.
(4)Mars P.
I'm shocked by the positive reviews. We went on a Friday night. The place was packed. I see can going to this restaurant for the sunset views, but beyond that, I wouldn't recommend Sam Choy's. The service was awful. We waited 45 minutes after sitting to get our order taken...and that was AFTER we went to talk to both the server and the manager. Food finally arrived 30 minutes later and the fish was tasteless. Seriously, the fish sampler, with all those sauces (also tasteless) was totally blah. The Lau Lau was the only decent thing out of the 4 entrees we ordered. Drenched in butter to give it taste, but at least it was edible.
(2)Thomas L.
Too expensive and bad quality food. Dinner roll bread, probably from Wal-Mart and the like Ketchup sauce for the katsu Saimin broth and meat tasteless, probably worse than storebought ramen (kids meal) Steak also tasteless Gravy is disgusting (kids meal) ONLY PRO IS THE VIEW PS If you want the same type of food, better quality and cheaper, go to L & L
(2)Jason L.
Definitely worth a trip or two if you are vacationing in Kona. My wife and I didn't want to pay the Sheraton Hotel restaurant premiums to eat and Sam Choys was actually a really great deal and really great food. We never went to the one here on Oahu...I think the location was against it. In Kona the location offers a spectacular view of the ocean, nice and open, appetizers were amazing...especially the Poke. Staff was very friendly and most of the menu was available. The one issue I would bring up is the lack of Kona Brewery offerings. They only had Longboard. Kona has so many good brews and is right down the street so I was a bit surprised I there wasn't a selection.
(4)Adam C.
Had dinner here 3 times in the last week. All and all very good. I had a different dish each night all very good. I had a different drink each evening as well, my only suggestion were the hurricanes and mai tai were too sweet for my taste. I think there are better options for these classics on the island. I would definitely recommend Sam Choy's, great food, and I don't think there is a better view from a restaurant in all of Kona.
(4)Nikki O.
meh, really I expected more or the word better. I loved the view that was really the only good thing. For someone this famous to have this bad of food breaks my heart especially when my hawaiian family has always talked about this man and his recipes I wanted Hawaiian food and that is not what I got. If I really wanted side of the pot rice I would've had my kids make rice for me. The teriyaki was too sweet and my chicken tasted like dish soap. Salad was very limp. Oh this hurts to write this.
(2)Laura T.
A local friend recommended Sam Choy's for breakfast on the weekend and I am SO GLAD we went. The buffet was amazing and super reasonable at $14.95. The had a guy making eggs and omelets to order, which were delicious! They also had lots of other options at the buffet, including fresh fruit, lots of traditional breakfast meats and hashbrowns, pancakes with coconut syrup, but the best part were the desserts! I wish we had more time on the island to go again, but will definitely come again for brunch on our next trip.
(5)colleen a.
Love this new Sam Choy's in Kona overlooking Keauhou! Great ambiance and a wonderful view as its perched up on the hill. He has some unique dishes like his own version of seafood lau lau that is worth trying. I had a super yummy stacked trio of three different types of fresh fish that was very very good. Service from the kitchen does seem a bit slow but the wait staff was very nice - just don't show up famished! It was worth the wait for us to get the great food and enjoy the ambiance.
(4)Vanessa B.
Ate outside and there were flies everywhere food was average the view was nice except for the dingy mall at the bottom so eat inside so you just see the ocean. Our waiter was short when asked questions and she completely forgot about us at the end we waited 30 minutes for our check and they weren't even busy and when asked for it she just walked away pretty rude and to top it all off she had cigarette breath not something I want to smell with my poke
(3)Praju S.
A LOUD shout out to Barbara, Joey, Loushen and Amber for making our dinner experience so amazing. This was a special dinner night for our group and everything was incredible. Barbara - thank you making the planning process so easy and painless. We asked for a table on the lanai facing the gorgeous view and you did, thanks for your dessert suggestion..all and all it was easy breezy! Loushen - THANK YOU SO MUCH for making such an amazing dessert just for us. We were so full from the delicious food, but one bite of your cake and we had to eat it all. Amber - despite all the craziness; you never lost your sweet smile and calmness. With almost 22 drinks, 11 entrees orders and not to forget your other guests. everything came on time and no mess up You made it look and feel seamless although we all see it wasn't Joey - You have an amazing staff and know its not possible without a great manager and leader. Thanks for checking up on us from time to time. And last but not the least THE FOOD WAS AWESOME. The hawaiian style bbq wings are the bomb everyone. crispy, juicy and perfectly dressed with sweet sauce. steak is tender and juicy and the right portion with mashed potatoes. again..THANK YOU! .
(5)Debi F.
Second time we have been at this restaurant. Food is great but paid $20 for two Margarita's that had no tequila in them. When we told the waiter he shrugged his shoulders and returned with the bill. No apology and no offer to either comp the drinks or make a new one. Sorry as we really liked the food.
(2)Nabil A.
I am trying to be nice and express the Aloha spirit. So I will be as kind as possible and start off with all the "good" I can dredge up, and then end with the murk. The food is fundamentally good, but a loser relative to the unwarranted prices. Appetizers, like the Brie wontons, sesame chicken wings and poke (slightly un-fresh) were just ok. The maddening thing is that with a little inspiration all would have been excellent. The trio of fish was tasty. Lamb chops were very so so. Wine selection good for the type of restaurant. Service is a horror--if there were no view this place would be nothing. You would think they would take advantage of what they have, one of the best locations in the world, but no way. With 50 empty tables at hand, the maître d' (a name she deserves in no way), wanted to sit a family of 5 (including an 82 year old grandmother) on a thin table with high bar chairs. Seriously? It seems they are dead set on killing themselves. The quicker the better. Someone new with a higher perceptions and aspirations could make this the best money-maker in town. Let's boycott it until the revolution occurs.
(1)Tiffany C.
Our last night in Kona, and a true local suggested this place. We started with the fried poke, which means lightly seared to perfection, and served with the perfect amount of crunchy veggies for texture. I got the fish trio, caught that day, and the hubbie got the lamb chops, with a unique twist. Everything was so good we had to share! Service is friendly and fast, but provide a relaxing time in an open air environment with the best view of the sunset we've seen.
(5)Katherine K.
Seared ahi poke salad was huge! Couldn't finish the whole thing. I forgot how good their dressing is; get it on the side so you don't use too much. The fried calamari during happy hour is a good deal also.
(4)Emmett B.
Yes, the views are INCREDIBLE! And even more amazing getting a table during sunset...breathtaking. The poke was good, but everything else sucked. I ordered the surf and turf ($38) and what a joke! The cut was a ribeye, but I'm telling i'm pretty sure it was frozen. yes frozen!!! It was the same exact steak I've had at Denny's. The lobster tail was the smallest lobster tail I've seen. Even the side vegetables were bad! Do you know the Teriyaki stands at every food court in the mall? They use the same pre-cut vegetable at this place... the shredded cabbage and carrots.. yes, its true. My friend had the catch of the day, and the fish has ZERO seasoning. Also I'm pretty sure the salad dressing and soup is also coming from packages. Shame on you Sam Choy for allowing horrible overpriced food out of your kitchen!!!
(2)Tamlyn L.
The food and service were amazing!!! The poke is one of the best on the island! We got to meet Sam Choy which was a nice surprise. I would definitely recommend it and I will definitely return the next time I'm in the area.
(4)B B.
I ate here three times in the five days I was on the BI. The food is good...love the ahi belly, but my review is based more on the experience: My mother turned 85 and went with my sister to visit the BI. I wanted to surprise them, so I called from the mainland and told them I had made dinner reservations at Sam Choys and was treating them, so please make sure they are there at 6pm for dinner. I then flew over and was waiting for them. What was so awesome was the STAFF!! From the gal who seated us, to Shannon the bartender who video taped it, to Jennifer the manager who sent us an appetizer...the staff was so genuinely excited and happy to be a part of this celebration. My mom said it was the best birthday of her 85 years. Thank you Sam Choy's for making my ohana your ohana.
(4)Nari H.
Have come here for lunch twice and really enjoyed it. Pros: Has a really nice high view looking out into the ocean (but there is a road in between the view and the ocean, so it's not RIGHT up on the ocean). - Lunch food selection is great. I recommend their teriyaki chicken or meat lunch entrees. I also liked their asian sesame dressing for their salad. - Service is very good and I have never left disappointed. I can't say I have too many cons. It's overall a very nice and classy place to eat.
(4)Stephanie M.
The service was very slow as it took almost 20 minutes for our waitress to take even our drink order. Sam came by our table at this time but didn't ask how the service was. The food was pretty good but service was definitely negligent of our table. The waitress seemed very nice I believe the issue is most likely due to significant understaffing.
(3)Anthony G.
Bang for the buck not a bad deal. However, they shut down half the kitchen during their dinner service and it slowed down everyone's order. The food and wine were good. The view is nice. My only negative comments are the server left us waiting forever for the ticket and she had seen us several times while waiting. Not sure what happened there, but I was overall pretty happy with the place.
(4)Kel C.
Well, showed up here with the family after a day of snorkeling. It got some good reviews and is close to our resort, so we figured we'd go for it. It was early evening when we arrived, so there was plenty of seating, and we were seated right away. Friendly hostess and wait staff. Opened the menu and almost keeled over. Prices for entrees were insanely high. Like haute cuisine high (30+ for some entrees). We said "no way", but had already been seated, and our waiter was friendly and had explained that the kids could get any of the blender drinks served "virgin" style... So we ordered a round of drinks, and a couple of appetizers. I maybe could give it three stars based on the service and the appetizers-- ribs and edamame. They were fairly generous portions and very tasty. The ribs were "dry style", which I enjoy (not messy!). So we finished up, and got our check, and were ready to pay, and the manager (?) calls all the wait staff out to a table behind the kitchen, which was only about 15 feet from our table. She has a couple plates of food, which I assume were the evening specials. She had all the staff sit down at the table, apparently so that they could try it so they could describe it to the customers (good idea, bad timing). She says "ok, nobody gets to eat until everybody is here". I'm thinking "um, who's taking our money?" A waiter walked by on his way to the "tasting", and we handed him the check, which he handed to our waiter, who immediately got up so that we could pay-- the correct thing to do. This appeared to displease the manager, who was snappy and barky with the staff, which is not ok in front of customers. There were other people who had been seated and were waiting at their tables for waiters. Huh? Anyway, the prices and the strange "meeting" during dinner hours were extremely off-putting. And the view isn't so great-- you have to look over a bunch of rooftops and Ali'i drive-- so you can see the ocean, but it's not exactly spectactular. Go to LavaLava Beach Club if you want a great view, right on the beach.
(2)David O.
Try the black lava margarita!
(5)Leda S.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Great food Great service. This is our new hangout while we are here. Thank you to the staff. Malia you rock. What a great welcome to the island. You can tell they have good management,because the staff is happy and they show it. Again we loved our server Malia.A special thanks for starting a much needed vacation off to a wonderful start. They made us feel like they had known us for years. Did I mention the view!!!!! I
(5)Stone W.
I ordered the fresh fish trio. I LOVE fresh local fish. The monjong had no flavor. The sea bass had an unpleasant flavor. The mahimahi was good. My dog will enjoy the sea bass and monjong in the morning. Our waiter took our order and we didn't see him again until our plates were cleared. Even the coffee was mediocre. In Kona! What was good? My hubby's filet mignon and the view.
(1)Sam G.
Football on Saturday? Awesome view and sunset over the Pacific Ocean? Happy hour with a classmate reunion hundreds of miles away from home? Sam Choy made it all possible. And to top it off the 49ers spanked the Packers to advance to the NFC division championship. We sat at the bar and had the best view of the TVs, although no sound. The pupus were real good; we split Brie fried wontons, Kona style chicken wings, and fried calamari. Drinks were good too, except for the fact that I ordered a longboard and was charged an extra $1.50 because the computer locks out the happy hour prices once 5pm hits. It was surely before 5pm, but there was no arguing. Come early to get a good parking spot well before sunset! Believe me, everyone is thinking the same thing: dinner and a sunset. :)
(4)Randy P.
We're repeat customers but were very disappointed in our meal this trip. Lamb chops were mostly raw instead of medium rare, and the accompanying pasta was covered in a heavy cream sauce...too heavy and thick. My wife's fish dish got mixed up, and despite being replaced with another fish dish, she still didn't end up with what the waiter had described. And even then it was on the dry side and not very tasty. The green salad on the front end and the ice cream at the end were both good, but the meal in between was not. The bar service is excellent and the view superb.
(2)Joe C.
What a view! I'm not a stickler for restaurant interiors, but holy crap, I don't know if I've ever eaten at a more beautiful restaurant. Granted, it's basically a giant patio with stunning views of the Pacific, but still, hard to top that. As for the food, yeah, it's a little on the pricey side, but my family and I ate here twice and both times were good. We came for dinner one night and lunch on another day and neither was a disappointment. The cocktails were also tasty, so be sure to sip on a Blue Hawaiian or Mai Tai while enjoying the view. This was one of the more "touristy" places we ate, but not annoyingly so. If you've got the money to spend, I'd recommend it for the view alone. If you're on a budget, there are more affordable options.
(4)Keira M.
I'm surprised that Sam Choy's has only accrued three and a half stars. While it's not the best dining I've ever experienced, it was really, really delicious with ambiance that's hard to beat! Our vacation rental owners suggested we try Sam Choy's for a nice meal on our last night in the area and it didn't disappoint. This open-air restaurant overlooks the entire bay and I imagine it would be stellar at sunset. Some of the outdoor tables even include a fire pit! Tiki torches are everywhere and aloha hospitality isn't hard to find. My fiance and I both had Mai tais with coconut-crusted shrimp to start. Awesome! He had the fish trio (ahi tuna, mahi mahi and some kind of swordfish - two out of three he loved). I opted for the macadamia nut-crusted chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes and I couldn't shovel it into my mouth fast enough! It might not be the crème de la crème of dining in Kailua-Kona, but I am quite certain that if we lived in the area, it would be our regular spot for a delicious, casual meal with a touch of romance. The ocean breezes certainly don't hurt either.
(4)michael m.
We loved this place so much we ate there twice in one day. We started with the Sunday buffet brunch, which was great. Then, decided to come back for dinner. The pork loin was INCREDIBLE.
(4)Roy Y.
Come here just for the views. My wife got the fish trio and it was terribly overcooked... All three of the fish! The calamari was overlooked as well.
(2)Lindsey B.
Great view! Good food!
(4)Tom M.
Ate at Sam Choy's this evening. Started off with a Hostess that is in sorry need of training. With at least 10 empty tables visible, we were told it would be at least 15-20 minutes wait since we didn't have a reservation. We were seated up front and witnessed some incredibly unbelievable acts by this Hostess. These included her fascination with her hair, kicking menus (which were the given to guests) with her foot, ignoring guests as they left, without even a "thanks for comin". We also saw her give the same line about no reservations to at least 2 other groups the 15-20 minute wait line. By the way, the empty tables at our arrival were never occupied. Our margaritas were actually awful. How do you screw up a margarita? Appetizers were fair -Brie won tons. The dinner was much better (lamb and Duck) and our waiter, Arthur, was very good. Not sure we'll ever go back though when there are so many great places, many with more reasonable pricing and better trained staff.
(1)T W.
Unacceptably slow service. While servers are friendly the occasional time they stop by the table, service is almost nonexistent. Food was mixed: Fish Trio was overcooked and dry, the Duck was excellent. Without the view, it would only be two stars.
(3)James G.
I wish a could give a good rating but some times the food is good and service is good other times the serves is really bad and the food is just so so :{ I hope the came find consistent in there good food but for now save your money go some where else .
(2)Kate B.
Super fresh and delicious fish specials! My hubby and I stopped here on our first and last nights in Kona. You get a very generous amount of food. Definitely try their lava flow cocktail. The service was very friendly and attentive. Our server was the same both nights (forget his name), and he was very knowledgable about their cuisine. We got to watch the sunset from their outdoor lanai. I highly recommend making a reservation for 30 minutes before sunset. I also didn't have any parking issues as some reviewers previously posted.
(5)Courtney L.
I have been to Sam Choy's a few times and the first couple were great experiences but the last one just left me not really wanting to go back. The service was poor , we waited to get a simple glass of water until our dinner came out. We asked a few times just anyone passing by, it was a joke. Our apps also came out with our dinner and that never leaves a good taste in my mouth, Food arrived luke warm but by that time I was done and just wanted to get out of there. The setting is fabulous and something I really look forward too when visiting the big island but im sad to say I won't be making it a priority to come back.
(4)Roy O.
First of all had reservations at 7 on a thursday evening. Got there parking lot was full the 6 pm sunset dinner crowd was still drinking and there were at least 2 large table parties... the same group I think. Got handed a round buzzer like Houstons gives you and told 10 to 15 min wait... Wait we had reservations? There were open tables we were a party of 4 and by7pm you couldnt see the view... so we waited... t\ Through the glass window watched a bunch of young looking kids running around the kitchen... not a good sign... I used to visit Sams when he was at Coscto and buy spam before I went fishing 10-15 years ago... when I visited Hawaii. Im from South bay Los Angeles Calif... Years ago I was on a plane and saw Sammy... also was having dinner at Pollys Pies an saw him over 10 years ago... he was consulting. Anyways back to story Ordered Poke appetizer because my friend likes raw meat and raw fish... what we got Should never have left the kitchen. My non cooking roomate could have picked better fish and sliced it better herself...there is nothing worse that a piece of fish that you can see skin fragments on and that looked like a marbled grade nothing raw piece of New York Steak. and when you bit into it ,,, it gets stuck between your teeth no matter where you put in in your mouth... I swallowed mine... my friend spit it up and hide it under his chopsticks... we called the waitress and had her take it back. Course number two New York steak... My friend is chinese... very heavy accented chinese and he likes rare meat... He ordered meduim rare and had the waitress repeat medium rare... red in middle. Got medium well. Another Gentleman came over and said He would be our new waiter and went and came back with another steak. After cutting almost a third of FAT off the steak and trying to eat a few bites we asked for the check... remember the remark above about grissled new york that sticks to your teeth. This was not a Sammy Choy meal... it was more on par with Dennys. They offered free dessert and during the conversation I asked if Sammy ever stopped by. The guy that took over said the name on the building is Sammy Choy but he gets his check from Wendys. Sammy if you read this...get back here and kick some butt... get some serious chefs and some experience... at least get someone who cares about the food an looks at decent cuts of meat and fish (we are in Hawaii fish capitol of the world) This place looks nice my opinion the old white table cloths at costco beat this new place hands down. Closer service better quality control of food and a standard that needs to be a new goal for the new place. Until my next visit to Big Island
(1)Kyla B. H.
The atmosphere is very beautiful, I suggest coming during sunset. The service is nice. The silver wear wasn't that clean. For our appetizer we ordered their edamame hummus... it was nothing special and it needed salt. I had the New York Steak with mash potatoes and asparagus. My great grandmother and my mom both had the fish salad. The displays of the food are beautiful. There wasn't much flavor to the steak I could've cooked it at home and the onion crisps on top didn't do much either. I would've put the steak on top of the potatoes. The asparagus was cold and the mash potatoes were average. The fish was a bit overcooked. My mom loved the wasabi dressing and added that the vegetables were fresh. My great grandmother loved the salad and didn't have a problem with it. Overall I would come for the good view the food seems inconsistent so if you're lucky you could dine on some flavourful fish.
(3)Miranda W.
Great view, good food, but terrible service!! It's sad that this ruins the whole experience. At first we had no waiter so I had to get up and find somebody. We were then told there was a miscommunication on who had our table. But it only got worse.... Once we finally had a waitress, we quickly realized she had no idea what she was doing. It took about 20 min just for her to come back and take our order, our drinks stayed empty because she never checked on us, then I had to get up yet again to find somebody to bring us our bill. This is not what we expected from this so called hospitality state. And no it was not crowded at all! Actually, there were very few people there for a Friday night.
(1)kavin m.
Inconsistent is true as others have indicated. So why does the "corporate manager" not know they use Open Table for their reservation system and should accept their checks? Why do 10 plus employees congegrate around the manager but ignore the recent guests who have just been seated? After 10 min of waiting the recent guests walk out after telling the "corporate manager" why but of course they just LET customers walk out as if they dont care Of course they dont care Ugh
(1)William L.
Great view ... Lousy Food. The End.
(2)N H.
We had a great dinner last night that included a beautiful sunset! The location, over looking Kona, has an amazing view and is easy to find at the south end of Ali'i Drive. Our server, Jaye, was there when we needed her and most accommodating to our requests. Our meal was excellent with the steak cooked perfectly to order and the veggies not over cooked. The chocolate flour less cake was a great ending to an enjoyable evening. We've done their Happy Hour several times, and now dinner, and have found their prices reasonable when compared to other Kona restaurants /bars.
(4)Call Me Z.
1-star for the view, 1-star for the decent service. But the food was disgusting and I eat just about everything. I got their version of chicken chow mein that came in a big tortilla bowl and I had one bite and lost my appetite. The noodles were cold and the chicken was gross. I thought I was going to get food poisoning. I tasted my parents and brother's food and it was average at best. Avoid this place. I warned you...
(2)Jean M. G.
We were served a cold, dry pasta entree, and one of the filets - most expensive entree on the menu - was raw in the center. It was supposed to be medium. The service was slow, all dirty dishes were left on the table throughout the meal, and all in all it was a rather mediocre, unpleasant experience. Unfortunately this has been the norm for our many experiences there. Too bad, because it is a great location... But I probably won't go back or recommend it to visitors and my clients.
(1)Stu W.
I don't know what's been going on with Yelp lately, especially in Hawaii, but Yelp has been leading me down some very dark alleys as of late. And yet I keep coming back for more. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me three or four times, shame on the global conspiracy afoot. I really wanted to like Sam Choy's. I've wanted to try it ever since I first saw Chef Choy on the early cooking series, Great Chefs. How could this man prepare bad food? This location in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island is apparently quite new, so the chef himself is usually present. Most days, the restaurant is completely open to the outside, with sweeping views of the ocean. Of course, that also means birds and bugs might find their way in, and often do, so be prepared for that. Also, note that it can get breezy, which might feel good, but tends to blow napkins around. The menu is somewhat small, but includes a smattering of Hawaiian Asian fusion fare, as well as some classic Hawaiian dishes. We tried the Shoyu Poke, Papa Sam's Beef Stew and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich. The Shoyu Poke is made with cubes of very fresh tuna, shoyu, green onion, and ogo, which is a type of seaweed. The poke was delicious, although the tuna cubes were a bit large for my taste. The beef stew was actually described in the menu as "absolutely incredible." It can be best described as a tomato-y American style beef stew, with celery, potatoes, and carrots. The flavor of the stew was good, and the beef was super tender, but it came out lukewarm and a bit too salty. The chicken filet in the sandwich was nicely crispy and well seasoned, but also came out just warm. As a side, we had the sweet potato salad, which was made from taro and ube, a purple sweet potato. I found the potato salad unidimensional. It was sweet, but not cloyingly so, and was a beautiful color, but had this pasty texture that just made everything run together. Save for a few pieces of diced celery, no other real flavors were apparent. For dessert, we had the poha berry ice cream, which was basically vanilla with poha berry mixed into it. Poha is related to the gooseberry, and looks like a small orange cherry tomato. It's a bit tart with a flavor somewhere between a raspberry and blackberry. A huge scoop was served over a chocolate chip cookie and drizzled with caramel. The ice cream was just ok. I think I would have preferred the berry in a sauce swirled through the ice cream, rather than as distinct berries. The cookie was delicious! Overall, I just expected more, and the experience left me a bit disappointed.
(2)Iris C.
Probably one of the better (best maybe) on the Big Island. Great fresh quality of food, great service, inviting atmosphere (open air overlooking Kailua bay). We, be dined at the 4 seasons, the Orchid, Mauna Lani, Roys (way overrated). Sam's beats them all on quality and price.
(5)David S.
Went for lunch this week. The transformation from what used to occupy this space is amazing. The menu matches the spectacular views. Sam is serving up local favorites. I had a great loco moco. Sam your gravy is superb. The fresh tombo was brilliantly prepared. The fried poke salad was served in a giant tortilla bowl with fresh island greens. Mahalo Sam!
(5)Andy G.
This was our first dining experience in Hawaii. I wish I could say it was better, but alas, alack. The location is actually decent. If you are staying in the Keauhou area, it is much easier to drive up to the shopping center where Sam Choy's is located than to drive all the way into Kailua. There are a few other options in the shopping center, so look around. Despite some complaints about seeing the shopping center in the view from the restaurant, the ocean view is actually quite nice if you look straight out. Sam Choy's is up on a hill, so you kind of have to look down to see the shopping center. The service is chaotic at best and just about what you'd expect from a place that hasn't been open long. We happened to walk in right when they were transitioning from lunch to dinner service, adding to the confusion. However, everyone was very nice to us and most things happened quickly. The food was nothing to write home about. My wife had the fried poke, which was decent, but inferior to other poke I ate later in my trip. The fish and chips were a disaster... the fish sank like a rock to the bottom of my stomach... very oily and not a good texture/consistency for frying. The chips were just gross. Probably worth visiting once they iron out the kinks in the menu and integrate some customer feedback. It definitely seems that they are interested in listening.
(3)Sarah J.
Let me start by saying I am not a chain restaurant person. Don't get me wrong, some chains are good, but most I leave thinking, 'meh...' and don't visit again. Sam Choy's falls into the former category, with an extra star for taste! For those who may not know, Sam Choy is a Hawaiian chef famous for his take on Hawaiian ingredients, and he is consistently good. Take his delicious cooking and plop a restaurant on a hill with a ridiculous ocean few and you have success. The teriyaki chicken and fresh fish plate were our favorites. You can't go wrong with any of the drinks there--sadly the infused drinks weren't available due to their popularity, but the standby mai tais and coladas were refreshing and delicious. Service was surprisingly great for such a new restaurant (we visited on their official first day of business). The kitchen was on the ball as were our servers. The only real con to this place is the parking situation...the restaurant fits over 100 people and the parking lot fits maybe 30 cars. Hopefully in the coming weeks they will get that sorted out so that customers don't have to illegally park :)
(4)Cathy A.
It was ok. The view is great. Our server was very good and service was prompt. The food was very bland. My husband had the noodle bowl and the temperature of the dish was way too hot...thought it had been microwaved. I had chicken salad that had non-ripe tomatoes. Won't return, there are lots of good restos with a view in Hawaii.
(2)M H.
Amazing views. Great breakfast buffet on weekends. We had come for breakfast last year, but they changed it to a buffet now. Best fried rice and malasadas! Omelet bar, salad, fruits, bacon, hash browns, loco moco and miso soup. Sam Choy was there also. Would definitely return for breakfast!
(5)Tracy M.
Meh. Fried poke was okay. Brie wonton didn't have very much Brie. We are skipping the entree here cause we're disappointed in the pupus. Won't be coming back.
(2)GA H.
Once upon a time, Sam Choy's name was associated with great, original takes on local cuisines in generous portions. I dined there last night for the first time with friend's who were visiting from the mainland (my friend really wanted to try this place because of the view). While crowded, we only waited about 15 minutes at the bar, which was nice and the restaurant itself is really just an extension of the bar. The entire place has an open feel similar to the atmosphere of a small Gordon Biersch. Yielding only 6-7 entrees, I ordered the NY Steak (medium rare-$26) thinking that it would be a safe choice. Boy was I wrong. The steak was covered with deep fried breaded onion strings that masked a very bland, very badly cooked steak. Since I don't like fried onions, I ate the steak alone and noticed that it was not seasoned at all (no salt, pepper, or anything). The steak was also cooked unevenly on one side so that the top 50% was cooked to medium-well and the bottom 50% was cooked to barely rare (which I guess to them equals "medium-rare"). When I brought up the lack of seasoning to the manager, she looked slightly offended and tried to make a joke of it. After muttering under her breath "I'll let the kitchen know", that was the last I ever saw of her and the service from our server became noticeably absent as well. Speaking of our server, while taking our order, it was plainly obvious that she was chewing gum as it almost came out of her mouth while she was speaking. While she did give pretty good service, the gum came across as fairly unprofessional to me. It is very clear that Sam is not interested in maintaining that quality at this restaurant but more about just making some money off a great location with below average food along with average service. Think of this restaurant in this priority: 1) Bar 2) Scenic Point 3) Restaurant If this is what you want, then go for it. If you want a good meal, keep moving and look for better choices back down in Kailua-Kona or keep going another 15 minutes up the highway until you reach Manago Inn. Great food at 1/3 the cost.
(2)Susanne D.
I don't know how the food is since we sat there for 15 minutes and got no service.
(1)Drew S.
I come to the island every other year. This is a highlight every single time. Love the food and the view is unparalleled. The owner is a neighbor of my grandparents and a prince of a guy. This is totally worth it and an experience you'll not soon forget.
(5)Carolyn T.
Great view of the ocean! But that was really the only great part of our visit. The service was very sub par. We had to ask for a spoon and cream to go with our coffee if we wanted it. We all had different versions of the Loco Moco and one had the omelet. In all cases the burger part of the loco moco was extremely dry and most plates did not have enough gravy to counter act that dryness. The burger wasn't even seasoned. I would say the prices were OK or even fair had the food been more edible. The omelet wasn't bad, but it was a pretty standard mushroom and cheese omelet. I was really disappointed in the food.
(2)Todd C.
I give it a 4 for lunch/brunch and the spectacular views with completely open air seating. Great spot to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets. Dinner was only a 3 star experience. Overall recommendation is to go at least once for lunch/brunch. Be sure to try the fried rice or stir fry.
(4)Harold P.
The stunning ocean view is worth dining here alone. The place fills up after 6pm so it's best to make a reservation. I'm not sure if everyone is served free starters on the house or if I had this pleasure because I dined during the senior hours. The starters of the night consisted of a butter lettuce salad with Oriental dressing and a Portuguese bean soup. The bean soup was excellent and chock-full of smoked ham, the broth was rich and meaty tasting with beans, carrots, onion and celery. The Oriental Lamb Chops are served over a generous bed of linguini in cream sauce with vegetables - the chops are well marinated with five spice, garlic, ginger and soy sauce (sugar too since the chops were a bit sweet). in fact I think the chops may be over marinated because cooked at medium rare the texture was akin to a soft cured meat or jerky. The Ka'u Orange Duck was outstanding. Though I'm used to duck seared to medium rare this duck was cooked through but still very moist and flavorful. I would have liked more fat rendered from the skin and the orange honey glaze was a bit sweeter than I expected. Overall the portion of duck was generous and served over broccoli and Chinese cabbage. I chose the garlic mash potatoes as the side and they were creamy and smooth. Prices are extremely reasonable and I will definitely come back for the views and the duck.
(4)Areena M.
Oh, Sam. I think you're so adorable. I so wanted to love your place instead of lumping it in with other celebrity chef restaurants that disappoint. Alas, you let me down. Sigh. At least it wasn't a total loss. I will say this: reasonable prices, good service, fabulous view, & food's not bad. It's probably a welcome change to anyone who has been dining at the resorts or tourist traps. So what's the problem you ask? The food is just "not bad". Nothing prompted involuntary yummy noises or made a lasting impression. The area has better to offer.
(3)Annie L.
Hostess seated us on tall table which was cool. The view and open lanai atmosphere is nice! Glad that we walked from Kona Coast Resort to the restaurant because parking was tight. At 6:30 pm, they already ran out of one of the specials (leg of lamb). So I had the rib eye medium. Waitress was kind enough to comp me the dessert! Rib eye was alright but it tastes more like New York steak in texture. Food temperature was warm. My husband liked the prime rib and my son said the pasta with shiitake mushroom and veggies is one of the best he has had. Food portion is right sized for a reasonable person. Price is fair but when I presented the online 10% off coupon, they gave me 10% off the entrees only. We let it go even though the coupon is for the entire check. Why do they penny and dime customers? The difference would have been another $1.70.
(3)Joy I.
Decided to dine here to celebrate my mom's birthday. We had reservations for 12 noon and was seated right away. We had to wait about 20 minutes before someone came to take our order and another 30 minutes for our food. I wouldn't have minded the wait if the food was worth waiting for. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Service was mediocre, at best. No one checked on us the entire time that we were there and the restaurant wasn't busy at all. Two stars are for the open air atmosphere and amazing view. Food was average..... really nothing to write home about. Won't be back soon.
(2)L L.
This place is a little odd and if it weren't for the views, I'm guessing the overall ratings could be a lot lower. Atmosphere: As other reviews have mentioned, the views here are great, but if you're staying at any of the oceanfront hotels (e.g., Sheraton nearby), this view isn't any better. In fact, the only bonus is that you get to see the roof of the Long's drugstore and the parking lot. Food: Hard to review the food. First, I'm not sure why it's classified as Korean in Yelp as neither the food nor Sam Choy are Korean (more Japanese, Chinese influence than Korean). Second, it seems like every dish is served exactly the same except for the protein which is kinda lazy. Having said that, the fish trio was cooked perfectly. Service: This is where things fell apart a little. When I thank a busboy for pouring me water, I would rather him ignore me than grunt. The waiter wasn't anywhere near us when the food was served. So much more went wrong and if you don't believe me, stand in front of the open kitchen and you'll see what I mean. Service was way sub-par for the prices of this place but I guess the views will keep it going for a long time.
(3)Seri T.
This review is for breakfast only. Between the six of us, we tried the veggie loco moco, belgian waffles with tropical sauce, sweet bread french toast, pani popo pancakes, and the Sam's breakfast. The french toast (my order) was good, but I wanted more of the guava and taro flavors. The tropical sauce on the waffles had a sour flavor, which I was not expecting and did not enjoy. The pancakes were drenched in the haupia sauce - waay too sweet - it would have been a lot better with half the sauce or the sauce on the side. The veggie loco moco was quite delicious, though. Their juice serving size was small for $3 - maybe 8oz? Staff was very nice and the view is gorgeous if you can get one of the outside or near the outside tables. During our breakfast, some loud trucks were driving by, though. Overall, decent breakfast with a nice view. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if you are staying close by, I think it's worth a try.
(3)Brian A.
This is a fantastic open air place to view the Kona Coast and have a bite to eat. Unfortunately, I have the say that the breakfasts are a bit pedestrian. I would equate it with any Big City Diner ( yelp.com/biz/big-city-di… ) on Oahu. Essentially a Denny's kind of fare. I'm sure dinner is a bit better, since you would be able to order signature Sam Choi poke that he's known for. On the bright side, they have french pressed Kona coffee! Got to have that while in the Kona area! The service was quite good, but I can't stress how relaxing and awesome the view is. If I could post the panoramic I took I would.
(3)Lisa M.
A new place for us this trip. The setting here is wonderful with a great view of the ocean. We're not really cocktail people and the wine list was not particularly interesting, so we brought a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner. Loved the giant portion of poke (shoyu version, which is raw). We also had the pork Katsu and a pork belly special. The pork belly was excellent, but the accompanying risotto was a bit gloppy (risotto is tough in a restaurant setting). The pork Katsu was a teeny bit overdone for my taste, but the flavors were good. Portions here are HUGE and prices are very reasonable. Perhaps a good place for a family with children? Service here was very attentive and friendly.
(3)Kathy H.
Great view, casual festive atmosphere, fun tropical hawaiian cocktails. I was looking forward to their lau lau, but they were out, so I tried the trio of fish which was tasty. Each cut had a different texture and was fun to try different types of whitefish - who knew there were so many! My daughter has several food allergies, so our waiter (also from San Jose, CA) was excellent in finding out which dishes she could have or which she should stay clear from. He also made it a point to have the kitchen cook hers separately from any other food that had her allergens, which was a bonus! The kids saimen was nice but the chicken tenders w/ fries were overcooked and bland. I hear Sam Choy will be opening up a beer bottling plant in San Jose, so I'm super excited to try the Aloha Beer on the mainland!
(4)Ashley R.
Sam Choys breakfast buffet is great! Pancakes were delicious! Lots of bacon, cooked perfectly and not chewy! Lots options for everyone, even cereal and yogurt. We had mimosas as well, they weren't anything spectacular but for $3 there is no complaining. The service was friendly and happy. Overall a wonderful experience and we will be returning again I'm sure.
(5)Eric And Jennifer R.
I have them 5 star for their fried poke, service and the patio with the magnificent view of the Kona coastline / sunset. I'm still craving their fried poke!
(5)Brian K.
Went here on a recommendation and was extremely pleased. It was lightly raining but we still got a seat closest to the outer patio so it felt like we were outside but stayed dry. Beautiful sunset. Started with the brie wontons with papaya/pineapple marmalade. These were awesome and probably the highlight of the meal. I typically am snobby with brie and try to cut off all of the outer flour shell to only eat the delicious inside but these came cut with shell and all included. But I can't complain, it was amazingly delcious. They brought us a simple salad with what tasted like french dressing and an egg drop soup. I had never tried egg drop soup and liked it quite a bit. Main course she got the trio of fish (ahi, ono, spearfish). I tried a bite of each. The ahi was the best. The others were not as tender. Not saying thats on the chef, probably just the natural texture of the fish. I got the braised beef shortrib over chow mein. Really glad I chose chow mein instead of potatoes, it was a great idea and delicious. The meat was tasty and tender. Nothing mind blowing but certainly solid. Overall a very solid meal. Highly recommended.
(4)krystal p.
Have had good service and good food, bad service and so-so food, and everything in between. No way to know from day to day. It depends on who is at the front desk, who is serving, and, of course, what you order. The happy hour (3-5pm) is, IMHO, one of the best in Kona. Breakfast (weekends only) and lunch are reasonably priced and have some good choices. Dinner is (again, IMHO) overpriced for the quality, except the lamb chops, which are my favorite at any price. So if you go there and have lackluster service or mediocre food, don't write it off completely because you could have a fine experience next time. Unfortunately, there is no way to know in advance.
(4)Micheal P.
We made a reservation for Tuesday. We were there 5 minutes early. We sat around for at least 10 minutes before someone came to help us. When I went to the bar to grab a drink the bartender snapped in my face like i should leave him alone. I felt like i was bothering him with me presence. After 30 minutes of waiting for our reservation we were finally seated. Then water was a scarce resource for at least 20 minutes as the server only filled half of the cups at the table. I felt almost like we were being singled out and not served on purpose. We had to finally stop the server from running away from our table as if we had the plague in order to get everyone's meals placed. The restaurant really wasn't that busy and we felt like think entire time we were competing for help from any server. The food was served before all the drinks were served and we had to ask two times before we got them. Finally we could catch the girl to give us our check and left frustrated and ignored.
(1)Gayle V.
A lot of hype for this place but it was just okay.... And I would NOT come back here. One, the prices are high. We don't mind spending the money if the atmosphere and food are good...but the food was okay. Dining is open air with a beautiful view of the bay. (Star #1) Started out with ordering drinks. I ordered a vodka martini and got a Margarita the first time..sent it back...second time got a GIN martini..SENT IT BACK! and threatened to go over and teach the bartender how to make a proper VODKA MARTINI!!!! Our poor waitress did good by us and did not charge for the calamity of errors (Star #2) For dinner I ordered BLACKENED Ono...there was nothing blackened about the fish. It was over seasoned with thick, red dry rub. I was not able to eat it. Hubby got fish with seaweed and sesame which he did not care for either. Better fish to be had elsewhere at better prices!
(2)Su-Lynn T.
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is located on the top of a strip mall, but it provides one of the most beautiful views in Kailua Kona. My family and I went here after a long day of coffee tasting at the farms on the coffee belt. I made reservations though opentable.com and we got a lovely outoor table for 5 people. I ordered the Mahi Mahi, hubs got the ribeye and my family got what sounded like the fish trio, and a grilled ono. All of it was pretty good. It had the nice presentation, with the fish layered between side dishes to create the "tall stack" look complete with an island flower. The flavors could have been slightly better - though some of the sauces were a bit too sweet, but I think Sam Choy tends to do that in his cuisine. Otherwise had a great family meal here. i really enjoyed my mahimahi dish though my parents weren't too keen on their fish dishes as much as me. Hub's ribeye was very large, with the nice grill marks, and served with a creamy sauce. In case you don't like cream sauces on your steak you should prob ask for it on the side. The service was very good. The free soup and salad they give as an app is nice, and the coconut bread is yummy! The prices are very reasonable for an establishment like this. We went to Roy's Waikoloa and it costs us about double what we paid here. (understandably since Roy's is more fine dining, and Sam Choy melds comfort food to local pacific rim tastes. I like them both!)
(4)Ryan D.
We went to Sam Choys for our anniversary dinner and of course the only time to go is at sunset! We snagged a high table by the bar to watch the great view. Service got off to a rough start because the hostess triple sat our waiter. We ordered the brie appetizer which was tasty but just average, fruity island cocktails which were quite yummy, the lau lau (the house speciality) and the swordfish special of the night. The entrees were fantastic, perfectly cooked fish and great presentation. i highly recommend the lau lau off the menu, if none of the specials stick out to you. Our waiter recognized we didnt get the best service for round 1, and took extra time to recommend the bread pudding...which he comped. However I highly recommend this dessert which goes perfectly with a glass of B&B! I will go back next time on the island, and recommend to others!
(4)S J.
Good food, nice presentation. Some may think its too expensive, but it was so far the best meal I've had on Kona. For once the chef didn't over cook our fish. I had the Lau Lau. Only disappointment was they didn't have poi! Come on guys it's Hawaii! My Hawaiian husband wasn't too pleased with that point, so he had the seafood trio & it was great. Good Mia Tia's too, although the pack a punch. Beware! :)
(5)Eric D.
We had breakfast here one year ago and really enjoyed it. This year tried it again and it was not good. The pancakes with white sauce that were so good last year (rich and sweet) were not the same. The sauce was bland and tasteless and the pancakes were not that good. Must have hired the breakfast chef from a mainland I-Hop. The egg dish came out luke warm. The place did not look overly well cared for and my wife mentioned the restroom was a bit dirty...not really what you would expect from a class restaurant. The view is good, but there is a scenic turnout a half mile from the restaurant which has a better view...buy a donut from Walmart and sit on the hood of you car and enjoy the view.
(2)Kenneth S.
Sorry.... Waiting almost 30 minutes for an appetizer just to be told they had to defrost it and it will be out soon....... Not good.
(1)Joan P.
Hesitantly got a decent table for 2 after trying to give us a not so nice table letting us now they reserve the others for those who made reservation !!! Had to walk over a spill on the floor, 10 mins at table no water or drink order ,not impressed with the menu items and high prices, saw another older couple getting the table they tried to give us, we got up gave them our table, walked over the spill ( not a team player company someone should have dried the spill the liability in hand ) walked out and on our way out we got a thank you goodnight !!!! No clue..... Nice view but the ambience is very snotty!!! Went right down to the Chicago Italian restaurant, service was great food was delicious and they where on top if they're game !!! Bring these cooks and service to SAMs and it would be a win win .....
(1)Joey C.
Can't beat the view. Menu is small I mean very small. Food is tasty and Ahi cuts were good without stringy muscle. Calamari was excellent, dry not greasy. Wings were so so and the salad was as well. No S Choy signature kimchee fried rice on the dinner menu. Big disappointment.
(3)Ann S.
This is gonna be long because we did a LOT of research here. We stayed 2 minutes from this place and Kona is not known for it's culinary offerings, so having frequented all of Sam's restaurants in the past, we weren't going to pass up the chance to sample the newest restaurant...multiple times. Between the hubby and I splitting some entrees for both breakfast and dinner, we got the following: Island French Toast Trio, Pineapple Papaya Mac Nut Pancakes, Char Sui Loco Moco, Smoked Pork Loco Moco, Chicken and Waffles, "Sam"wich, Edamame Hummus, Short Ribs (pupu), Filet Mignon, Fish Trio (Mahi, Ono and Swordfish when I got it), Mac Nut Chicken, Waffle Fried Ice Cream and Flourless Chocolate Cake. We do it all for you, ya know? My favorites were the Char Sui Loco Moco, Pineapple Pancakes, Edamame Hummus, Fish Trio and both desserts. The hubby would add the filet mignon to that though all of it was good! The bacon is flippin' amazing. So smoky and perfect, I ordered it every time we were there for breakfast. I think it says a lot that there are a good mix of locals and visitors there. We visited at all hours of the day and this was true any time we were there. Breakfast and lunch is reasonably priced and dinner is comparable to any nicer sit down restaurant you'll find. It's a nice touch that they bring you a sample of their salad and soup for the day at dinner and we're talking about a half 'typical' serving size and along with the sweet rolls, its a good way to start off the dinner. As mentioned, the view is incredible especially at sunset but for the few who complained that it overlooks a shopping center, yes, if you are at the wall tables at the very edge of the restaurant, you're looking down over the shopping center. Request a seat just under the roof if it bothers you that much. There's not a bad seat in the house. The fire pit tables out back are nice too. Sunset there is an event that usually ends in rousing applause. There is truly no lovelier atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Chef Choy was visiting one night when we were there and was nice enough to go to every table and say goodbye to people as they left. They said when he is in town he is down at the restaurant which is nice to know especially as a place is getting off the ground. He was very gracious but let me assure you that doesn't influence my review. Service has yet to get their groove. Servers are all nice enough (one in particular, Ui, was above and beyond) but we did hear a few griping about job related stuff and you don't do that in front of customers. Do it in the bathroom or after work like the rest of us. That's the only reason I knocked off a star. Otherwise, we had nothing but 5 star food and views every time. Once service improves a bit, I'll gladly add the extra star. I do have to note that as a person who has lost a significant amount of weight like Sam, I appreciate that he has healthy options at this restaurant. From the seasonal fruit plate, egg white veggie omelets, brown rice as a side, oatmeal with fruit, edamame hummus with baked pita chips and various fish and tofu dishes, it's nice to know that you can take a break from the high salt/high cal local dishes and choose something healthy if you're trying to watch it.
(4)Jimmy H.
I'm not sure if there's a conspiracy amongst islanders to not share good local joints with tourists but after eating at Sam Choy's courtesy of a "tip" by our local Hertz driver, I'm starting to thing there is. We asked him for his favorite non-touristy local restaurants and he suggested this place. Let me be clear: Sam Choy's is TOTALLY TOURISTY. The restaurant is located high on top of a hill with panoramic views of what I'm assuming is the ocean (it was night time and couldn't see past the lights of the strip mall at the base of the hill). When we drove up to the restaurant we noticed a drive through window. Not sure whether it was an architectural remnant from a previous establishment or a functioning part of the current restaurant but it certainly did give us pause. We asked the waitress for her recommendations and she told us that the lamb was her favorite and that her son thinks the duck is the best he's ever had. Perhaps we should have asked how old her son is before ordering the duck cause it certainly was nowhere near the best we've ever had. It was way too sweet and I thought the honey flavor was too overbearing. The girlfriend didn't like the lamb but I thought it was pretty good and the pasta that it was served with was not too shabby. All in all, not a bad place for a decent meal at decent prices.
(3)J C.
Excellent view. Food good. Service was solid. Yes, it's pricy for what it is but you're in Hawaii... in Des Moines it would be a raving rip off... but here? Go. Worthwhile stop on your already expensive trip.
(4)Ken M.
This is the first meal we had when we arrived in Hawaii. We'd been awake for about 20 hours at this point too, so keep that in mind. Sam Choi's is perched high up above the shore and has pretty good views. I had the Pork Katsu and it was cooked well and well seasoned with a variety of dipping sauces. Andy's meal was also good, three cuts of fish. The prices are a little high for what you get,and the service was just alright.
(3)Bella P.
I took my chances with the mixed reviews and totally lucked out with my experience. Glad I did though, because it would have been a totally sucky birthday dinner if it didn't. We had reservations and even though we were a little late, we were seated promptly with a sunset view as requested, by the very friendly hostess. We were greeted shortly by our server who definitely embodied the aloha spirit. She was courteous, friendly, and made sure we were ok, without being a pest. Down to the goodies now: --I had the ribeye, sauce on the side cooked medium rare. It was exactly that-medium rare. It's amazing how many places can eff up on steak. If you do get this dish, GET THE SAUCE ON THE SIDE. Trust me-you'll want to taste how amazing that local Kohala beef is without it being drowned in any sauce. --Hubby had the seafood laulau and that was amazing as well. I would probably suggest you stick with wine for drinks though, if you aren't into surgary sweet cocktails. Their raspberry mojito tasted like straight up corn syrup it was so sweet. YUCK! They do offer a white & red wine flight tasting which paired much better with the meals. The service was great and the fried ice cream we received on the house was the crowning glory of the dinner. A birthday sunset dinner with an amazing view? That's how you show the Mrs. she's a special lady ;).
(4)Nancy Z.
We used to love coming to this location when it was a Wendy's fast food restaurant, largely because of the view. It seemed appropriate that Sam Choy's would be moving into the space. They did a lovely remodel, opening the interior space so as to incorporate the view. I've been here three times for lunch. The wait staff, on all three visits, were super friendly and efficient. I fully expected much higher prices given the high-end look and location, but the prices were reasonable for lunch....most in the $10-20 range. The food is good and fresh. The portions, substantial. Without the view, I'd probably give Sam Choy's 3 - 3.5 stars. It's the location and view that take the cake.
(4)Dan Y.
I stayed on the Big Island for six days. A weekday lunch at Sam Choy's was easily the best meal I had on the island. Food: Had the Bento, which came with teri beef, spam & egg, fried chicken, and a piece of shit (obviously the fish made less of a mark because I can't even remember what kind of fish it was...) Either way, the food was fantastic. It wasn't anything unique or special compared to other similar restaurants but it was consistent, Price: I have no idea how much it is for dinner but lunch was extremely, extremely reasonable. Considering the fact that I was staying in Waikoloa where the cheapest lunch would easily set you back $15, this place was a breath of fresh air. My bento was about $12 and extremely filling! Even for a jolly-sized male, it would certainly be a satisfying meal. In fact, for our party of four, we ordered three lunch entrees (the waitress said that is easily enough for four people) and she was correct!
(5)Crystal B.
Having avoided the Sam Choy's on Oahu for nearly three years, I finally went to this one just outside of Kona. I think it's current average star rating of 3.5 is accurate, bt since I can't do half stars I'm rounding up to 4 based on the great service we received and the beautiful view. We started with the calamari, which was mediocre. It was very dry. We enjoyed the complimentary soup, and then our entrees arrived. I had a special of fish and shrimp with a curry sauce and vegetables. The fish was cooked very nicely, crisped on the outside and tender inside. My in-laws' fish trios were good too, from what I heard. The food is not particularly inventive, but the entrees were very well prepared. I'm not in a huge rush to come back but eventually I will. Our service was really good -- every detail was perfectly attended to. Plates were cleared immediately, silverware replaced and waters refilled promptly. The view of the sun setting over the ocean, was gorgeous.
(4)Shelly E.
View good but there is so much better in town, staff so so, food over priced but good/reliable. Would i return next time? Probably not
(3)Beau H.
Outstanding.
(5)Dave H.
YEAH MAN! this place ROCKS. great views and breeze and dinner was a good deal for the $$$. girlfriend was impressed and my 3 nieces and 4 nephews had a blast too. good place for kids, there were a lot of em runnin around this place. kids all had loco moco, always a fave w the kiddies. service is fast and food is solid
(4)Thuy H.
We ate at Sam Choy's last June and loved it. At the time, the food was wonderful especially the bread pudding. When we returned this year, we found the food to be blah and not worthy of the expensive price tag. For our appetizers, we ordered the shoyu poke and calamari. The poke was too salty. On the other hand, the calamari was bland. Three of us ordered the seafood laulau for dinner. The laulau was overall pretty good. It was a good size entrée. The vegetables were seasoned well. The fish was a little bland, but it was tolerable. Finally, the dessert. The bread pudding was amazing last year. Have you ever had a dessert that was so good that you dreamt of it afterwards? It was THAT good last year!! This year, we were really disappointed. We happened to have a picture of last year's dessert. We found ourselves comparing the two experiences. The style of the bread pudding hadn't changed, but the type of bread did. Our bread pudding was bland, hard, and lacked flavor. It didn't seem to have any vanilla taste nor the rich sweetness. It was so bad, that it wasn't worth the calories to eat it. The waiter claims that the recipe hadn't changed, but we felt something changed. It changed enough for us to notice. Overall, this is a nice restaurant. The views are amazing. The staff is very friendly. I didn't like having to constantly ask for refills (iced tea or water). The food is a little pricey, but it's Hawaii and it's Sam Choy. Sam uses quality ingredients that is local to the area. We've always love Sam's food. We miss going to brunch at his Honolulu (by the zoo) location since it closed. We've never been disappointed with his food, but our dinner in Kona was not memorable.
(3)Richard C.
I came here yesterday for the Sunday brunch Buffett. WOW!! For $14.95 it's a real bargain. And the sweeping views of the Pacific are AMAZING!! I was staying down the road at the Sheraton and let me tell you at $25 for a lousy breakfast Buffett Sam Choy's is my new go to brunch place when I'm visiting Kona. Plus the staff is very friendly and they kept my water and coffee cup full. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Janice O.
Friendly service. Nice atmosphere. Had the fried ahi appetizer...delish! Side salad dressing perfectly sweet Miso type. Pork katsu dinner good sized, even brought done home. Highly recommend! The food carried the chain.
(4)Ann V.
Great view, good but not great food, decent but not great service, didn't measure up to the big price tag. We had the special Mahi Mahi, which was quite good, and the fish trio, which was over cooked and served with blase rice and sauteed veg. The server was annoyingly attentive until he discovered we weren't having drinks or dessert, then it was all we could do to get the check (he never even refilled our water.) Perhaps on another visit we might feel differently, but in my book 4 or 5 stars means more than adequate food and service every time. No second chance here, not for these prices.
(3)Shar C.
We look forward to a fantastic meal and unique atmosphere when dinning out. Sam Choy's was all that and more! Friendly, appreciative service, perfectly prepared food all with a gorgeous ocean view! A must for Big Island visitors!
(5)Cal L.
Let me first say that I have a great deal of respect/admiration for Sam Choy. Unfortunately, my experience with his new restaurant was a disappointment. My boyfriend and I were hoping for an romantic evening of good food and drinks. We arrived at the restaurant and were seated at a table towards the middle of the room where the sounds of the entire restaurant converged, making conversation difficult. My hopes rose, however, when we were presented with a small complimentary salad and bowl of soup to start off the meal. Though neither were exceptional, the greens were fresh and the Egg-drop soup had a nice bit of spice to it. Drinks: over the course of the evening we tried a few of the mixed drinks; the Lava Flow, Hurricane, and Black Lava Margarita. They ranged from $7-$9 and were practically VIRGIN. The margarita was sloppily presented and again, these drinks couldn't have been less potent. Entrees: I ordered one of the nights specials; the Rosemary Chicken Pasta and my partner ordered the 10oz Rib eye Steak. We were about halfway through our first drinks when the food arrived. I appreciate quick service, but at a pricey restaurant this was a little off-putting and left me with the impression that the cooks spend little time on each individual plate. My pasta dish was quite salty and the chicken (thigh meat was used instead of breast) was dry and underwhelming. The rib eye steak was not a quality cut and very thin (maybe 1/2" thick) and came with mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies. The sauce was tasty, but everything else simply lacked pizzaz. Positives: the waitstaff were fairly attentive and quick and the entree portions were a decent size. Conclusion: Given price vs quality, I would not recommend and would not go back a second time.
(2)Darrell B.
My wife and I ate here after she had some dental work done so we came to sip on a drink while we enjoyed their amazing view of the ocean. Everything was good overall but our waiter, Rick, was simply not paying attention. First, we told him that we just wanted to take our time after ordering a couple of Lava Flows but he showed up five minutes later and asked if we wanted to order yet. I reminded him that my wife had just had dental work done and was waiting for her numbness to go away which was what I told him the first time. Any way the drinks were good and their menu is really impressive and creative. As we sat sipping on our drinks we could see the plates coming out to the tables and they all looked good especially the salads. But once again, Rick just wasn't paying attention. We ordered the Moi Moi Saimin and the Fried Poke plate. However the waiter brought us the Fried Poke appetizer and not the plate and when we told him he got all defensive instead of just making it right. That stinks! The food was good but waiters that don't pay attention can ruin a dining experience. I would have given a 5 star but the waiter's indifference were a real negative.
(4)Kathy J.
We went to the restaurant with some friends who live on the Island for 6 months out of the year who had not yet been for dinner. While the food was good, our one entrée that is wrapped in a leaf was amazing, the hummus was just okay, and the fish trio one of us had provided two great fish and one that had a metal flavor to all who tried it. We had to ask for water four times, our waiter seemed to go on break in the middle of our meal, and we had to ask for a to-go box for dessert. Overall, the view will keep them in business and some of the entrees, but the service needs work for us to return and for our local friends to do the same
(3)Andria W.
My parents and I split a few different plates and left happy and not too stuffed, but VERY satisfied. A few glasses of $5 dollar wine and a cucumber martini, along with complimentary salad, rolls, and egg drop miso soup whetted our appetite for the next courses. We got two appetizers: the calamari, which had some nice tentacley pieces and a really good sauce, and the special of the day, fried poke balls. The sauce for the poke balls was AMAZING, really different. Then a trio of fresh FRESH fish-butterfish, swordfish, and I hate to admit that I forgot what the third was. But OMG. Another amazing sauce (how does Sam do it?). Anyway, finished with a bread pudding dessert, which I politely declined- not into sweets- but it looked decadent. An amazing dinner for 3, total cost $80. plus tip. AND they have the most beautiful bathrooms I've ever seen, if you're into that sort of thing. And a great view. And great service. We'll be back tomorrow.
(5)John A.
The best time to come here is right before sunset, Sam Choy's has a nice view overlooking the ocean. For food, I had the Macadamia nut chicken with Stella on tap : )
(4)Keely P.
The view is one of the best for sure. We had 3 different apps and all were yummy. My husband had the short ribs and he said it was some of the best he's had, even my sons mac & cheese was good..and the desserts, the coconut cream puffs were HUGE and sooooo good, we had to take them home, and they were even good the next 2 days! Big portions all around, you definetly get your moneys worth!
(4)John T.
Excellent food. Great Atmosphere. And good service. All set overlooking the ocean in Hawaii. What else is there?
(5)Harry P.
A very nice location with indoor/outdoor seating and a 360 view overlooking the Ocean. Service was stellar. The food was hit and miss however. The fish dishes were excellent. Unfortunately, there were some basic technique issues with some other dishes (soggy rubbery fried squid, over-dressed salad, just plain tasteless chicken katsu). We had much better Hawaian food for half the price at Big Island Grill.
(3)Ash P.
Ok don't misjudge the place with my 3 stars reviews. I am giving 3 stars only because of the limited very limited vegetarian dishes. The hostess was very sweet and the server was also very nice. The lanai was a wonderful place to sit to eat breakfast,lunch or dinner. My husband and I went there for breakfast and there was loco moco with tofu and hash browns and toast as our only option. So we ordered it, but rice in loco moco at 9 in the morning made me kinda sick. It tasted good, a bit heavy on the creamy sauce. Oh yes! The 1/2 papaya with lime was delicious. So if you are a vegetarian like I am, no eggs or meat or seafood or chicken etc..etc..don't go there. I am sure the non- vegetarians would love this place but a tree hugger like myself not so much.
(3)J H.
Food is not bad, pretty good, interesting service... some really nice and some not so friendly. I would give it four stars but the service wasn't as great as it should be. View and ambience is nice though.
(3)Kelton J.
Apparently Sam Choys hired an out of state firm to construct the restaurant, which cut corners, skimped on safety regulations and basically left the job unfinished while making off with the money. Now there are pending law suits. Way to appreciate the local workers, Sammy. Way to keep the wealth with local families. We won't be patronizing your establishment on those grounds, alone.
(1)Whitney B.
Great ambiance, looking out over the ocean in a large, covered patio. Food is solid, with. Good array of choice.
(3)Roy H.
People go here for the view which is awesome, especially at sunset. We got a table outside where they have comfy seats and a fire pit in the middle of the table. Perfect for watching the sun go down. The place is upscale, so expect to pay for that. But the food is delicious. I had the special ono rolls tempura style and they were amazing. My daughters had the macadamia nut chicken and the lamb chops which were tasty. My husband had Pork Katsu and he enjoyed that as well. Service was top notch. Everything was excellent and the sunset was amazing.
(4)Jeff R.
When my family visited from the mainland, we all traveled from Oahu to the Big Island for some much needed rest and relaxation. Since my stepfather is a foodie (and I consider myself to be one as well), we headed over to Sam Choy's based on name recognition; I knew very little about this location otherwise. The first thing that you notice when you arrive is the spectacular view. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset. You have a panoramic view of the ocean and it is a great place for visitors to get a good sunset photo; just wait your turn as everyone else is snapping shots too. :) My main complaint with the restaurant is that I felt that the service was rushed. Even though we had a later reservation and there were open tables, we felt like the waitress was trying to turn the table over as fast as possible. If we had kept up with her, we could have been out the door less than 30 minutes from arrival. The entrees were served while we were only half finished with the pupus; we were asked for our orders 2 minutes after being provided a menu, and even the coffee was pressed before it had a chance to actually turn into coffee. The food was good overall, but left something to be desired compared to my preconceived expectations based on chef Sam Choy's notoriety across the country. I was also a little "confused" by the entrees; while I was expecting Asian flavors to be more present in the food, other influences to be more prominent. I ordered the lamb chops which were served on top of a pasta with a Alfredo-like sauce. I felt that the entree 'missed' the target on this and it would have made a lot more sense to have paired the lamb with a fried saimin or rice. This isn't to say that the pasta wasn't good, i just don't think it was a good pairing with the lamb considering how the lamb was prepared. Overall, the food was good but not spectacular. However, it was the service that will keep me from visiting again on my next trip to Kona.
(2)Martha M.
Food was ok, but not our cup of tea. Lovely view though.
(4)Bob E.
Come for the view not for the food or service.
(1)Sean C.
Go for one thing: The view. Ok, the service was great too, but unfortunately going to an up-scale, spendy restaurant, the menu's creativity needs to shine; especially from the likes of such well known talent as Scotty and Sam (who seems to spend less time in the kitchen and more time on the floor). A beautiful ocean view, with a pronounced shopping center view below the restaurant (if on a lanai edge seat). North side has a couple open fire pit tables with best view seats. Drinks were on par for what you'd expect at the price range, decent but nothing to blog about, 3 stars. Wine prices were not too obtuse. Food was less than exciting, limited options and not at all imaginative. Perhaps expected from a place that is open Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; but not for the entree prices and competition in the areas. Sadly because of both these reasons, you won't find any locals here beyond the staff.
(2)Ken A.
My wife and I stopped in for a couple of drinks but left before finishing our first. The good: The view is beautiful and the atmosphere is vibrant. The service was good. The bad: Unfortunately the two drinks we ordered are not accurately reflected on the menu. Might I suggest that the Pineapple Island Sangria be described as pineapple flavored water. And the Lava Rock Margarita either has the smoothest tequila I've ever had... or none. My guess is nada.
(3)Laura W.
The restaurant of this noted local chef offered little that seemed original. We did have a fantastic healthy starter - the edam hummus with a fresh taste and delicious texture. Since I cannot eat dairy, I asked for their 3 fish entree, but instead of having any sauce at all offered that was non-dairy it was presented plain and grilled on white rice. The waiter suggested this and I asked about anything with olive oil or aoili or some seasoning, but it still came pretty dry and plain. It was just fine and very healthy. If you are looking for healthy as a priority they do a good job. the waiter was great and they had good music.
(3)Warburg L.
Ambiance is nice. Big portions on the food but the taste is average. The food was a bit too sweet for me. Ordered the butter fish and the beef short ribs. Dishes were well presented just didn't taste as good as it looked.
(3)Denise L.
This was our first stop off the plane to get lunch! Beautiful location - lanai gives you the most relaxing view. Good service they took care of us. The food was really good-tasty. We had the chicken salad, lamb curry & teriyaki chicken. All good. No complaints. Great place to sit and enjoy a first meal in Kona.
(4)Shohreh E.
Very noisy if you are there in the evening...this must be the place where everyone tries to be, the location is high above Keauhou beach area, lovely view, torches in the evening make it look very exotic. We went mid afternoon to eat and were not disappointed the fish was very fresh and well prepared.
(5)Brandy B.
BEAUTIFUL restaurant! FABULOUS VIEW! Glad I stopped in! We were staying at the Sheraton Keauhou and drove past Sam Choy's Kai Lanai on our way back toward Kailua town for dinner. After driving around indecisively, we decided to head back and just dine in the hotel. Just before we passed the restaurant again, we decided to give it a try. I recommend calling in a reservation. We waited about 30 minutes for a table on a busy Saturday night. That wait ended up being well worth it. We got a table outside on the lanai. The ocean view was just heavenly, and it our meal took it beyond. Our server, Arthur, was friendly, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable of all the dishes on the menu and on special. I tried the Berry Mango Mojito, and wasn't too pleased. It tasted to me like I was chewing raspberry- and mint-flavored gum, and I couldn't taste a bit of rum. However, this small yuck was not enough to break my 5-star rating. We started off with the Fried Ahi Poke; seared perfectly. As I prefer raw fish to cooked, this was awesome. The soy sauce blend that topped it made it's way down to the lettuce bed, and my husband totally cleaned the plate! We were served warm sweet rolls (the coconut bits in the rolls were pleasant,) soup, and salad. The best part! I ordered the Ka'u Orange Duck with Mashed Potatoes. I love duck and had not had it in years. I knew from first glance at the menu that I would be ordering this dish! It was fantastic! A sweet glaze on top, but it was far from overpowering; it complemented the duck so nicely. It was so good, I wanted to force myself to finish my entire plate, but I couldn't do it! HUGE portion includes a breast piece and a leg, bone-in. I did save some room, however, to taste my husband's Oriental Lamb Chops. I have never tried lamb before, and this was as delish as my entree was. The marinade was 'ono! I will have to try to make my own version of this! And the bed of pasta it sits on was perfectly cooked and seasoned. We were closed out with the same service we entered upon. If you're in the area, call in your reservation, and dine here! Request a table on the lanai (if the sky is clear.) It's lovely!
(5)Leanne K.
Excellent views, awesome bartender David he was very personable! Had the Calamari, chicken Wings, Poki Salad and Bento. All great flavor!
(5)Jackie H.
Great views of Keauhou, lovely decor but the food was only just ok. Compared to prices and what you get I would recommend going elsewhere. If you go here you go for the views and the ambiance. The food is edible and some of it is tasty but nothing that would require a return visit. I feel its more of a tourist place based on style of decor even and the food. I would go for the view but nothing else really. Saimin left much to be desired. My auntie had an ahi dish which she said was ok. My mom had a combo plate with terri chicken, mahi mahi and something else which i forget. The mahi mahi was good, but the chicken was only just ok. Try other places in Kona first as you can find places with much better food and still great views
(3)James F.
Stopped for a late lunch and asked for table with a view because if we were going to pay the prices we expected we at least wanted a good view. Surprise number one - much lower menu prices than anticipated for pupus, main courses, sandwiches, drinks, etc. Surprise number two - absolutely wonderful food with generous portions. We ordered seared ahi poke and brie won ton appetizers and noodle mania with fish (served in a huge taco shell). If/when we return we would order the exact same items. The ahi and fish were done to perfection and the brie won tons were fantastic. All the respective sauces were complementary to their dishes and didn't overwhelm them. Saving the best for last was the mud pie dessert covered with whipped cream and sprinkled with macadamia nut bits and surrounded by chocolate/caramel sauce. And the view was great. Thank you to the manager and our server Megan for a truly wonderful experience.
(5)Gisele A.
Food was good, view was amazing. Service was very pleasant, albeit a little slow. :)
(4)Cheryl K.
Food was good. Service needs a lot of improvement. We had to ask for everything.
(3)Christina O.
On our last morning in Hawaii, we woke up early to catch breakfast at Sam Choy's. Service 3/5: They were friendly, but forgot the toast with our omelet, syrup and butter with our french toast, and our drinks until reminded. Food 4/5: We had a tropical twist on french toast, which included guava and taro flavors. It was absolutely delicious and it came with a coconut syrup (YUM!). We also ordered the fresh fish omelet and the rice and chicken, which were both pretty ordinary. Drinks 4/5: We ordered a mimosa and berry mango mojito. The mimosa was average, but the mojito was the best mojito I have ever had. Chunks and raspberry and mango floated within it and I couldn't help but eat and drink every last bit! Ambiance 4/5: The view was beautiful. We could see the entire Kona coast and were seated at a table with a small fire pit. The environment was great and relaxing for our last morning.
(4)Howard M.
So glad to see Sam is back on Big Island. Tried the FRIED poke (oxymoron?) and coulda died right there, sooooooo good! The view is spectacular and the wait staff was eager to please. Hubby got the three-fish dinner and we loved it. Sides were average but the fish was cooked to perfection.
(4)Kate P.
Great ambiance, pleasant service, the food is close to amazing. I would recommend this to everyone staying in this area. Try the Lava Flow cocktail, and some calamari - absolutely wonderful! We also got to meet the owner who came to our table to say hello. Also, it is very open and gives you an excellent view of the sunset.
(4)Richard G.
"Never trust a skinny chef" is what Sam would say. Now that Sam has lost the pounds, it appears this is very true. I have run into Sam in Oahu and on the Big Island several times in last 20 years. I have been to many of Sam's places over the years and have always enjoyed my meal. I have also been upset when they closed. When the Sam's closed in Kona, I told him he needed to open again on the Big Island. The old Wendy's was the perfect location and my expectations were high. My visit today was beyond disappointing. It was pathetic! Sam, you need to fix this place right now! The food my family was served was horrible! We ordered fish and chips. The fish was dry and had no flavor. The fries arrived as a soggy pile of grease! The ribs were dry and tough. The beef stir fry bowl had way more fat than beef. It also had very little flavor. I used to love your food Sam, but this food is not good at all! Please fix this now. I will not be back to any Sam Choy's soon.
(1)Katherine K.
I wasn't impressed by the yelp reviews on this place but since its so close to our house in Kona we figured we'd try it. We went here on a weekend for breakfast and opted for the breakfast buffet. The buffet was nicer than expected and had its fair share of meatless options (vegetarian). It was only a few dollars more than ordering off the menu so it wasn't a rip off like most buffets. The food was good, well worth it.
(5)Nuch P.
over rated when it comes to food and definitely a tourist trap. things were over fried and too sweet for my taste. my friend ordered something that looked like fried breasted chicken and she thought it was tasteless. the sauce that came with it was ketchup mixed with A1 sauce (oyyyyy). we also order fried wonton with cheese inside.... ehhhh. i ordered the trio fish dish.....(boring). although, i enjoyed their raw ahi appetizer very much. it was fresh and a nice portion. our waiter wasn't that great but the other staff members were wonderful. it's just not worth it. the view? what view? just not worth the hype
(1)Sarah A.
Loved this place! Since we've been here it's been consistent and yummy. The view is beautiful and we've never had to wait too long for a table. The noodle bowl, teriyaki burger, and fried rice have been some of our favorites. Their chicken plate lunch was really good too, especially after having a bad experience at L&L. Highly recommended:)
(4)Ron W.
What a view! Fish (Ahi) salad was excellent. Bartender was great. Just a bit pricey but we knew that going in.
(4)Bruce N.
Seafood stir fry was great, kind of like old school 'chow mein' but tasted great with lots of seafood...also only $11!
(4)Steve R.
Despite some of the poor reviews, we found the food quite good and a reasonable price for Kona-Keauhou. I had the lamb chops which were done perfectly and had a most excellent sweet yet peppery marinade. Really good. My wife had the fish trio and she said two of the three were really good as well. My daughter had the keiki loco moco which she liked... a rarity. Overall a great value for the Keauhou area.
(4)Czarina S.
Had dinner with my man & another couple here a few days after it opened. The earliest reservation we could get was at 8 which was a no no so we settled in for 5:45 since we wanted to go at 6 anyway. We were seated right away so that was pretty exciting. Among us, we ordered the calamari & edamame hummus to start with. They were ok, the pita chips could be better. A lot better! I had my mojito to wash it down. And then a bottle of wine. I ordered the rib eye medium well and I enjoyed it a lot. I was sad when I wasn't given a side but as I dug into my meat, the mashed potatoes surfaced. Oh yea, they also gave us bread. (nothing memorable though, but it was ok) The BF ordered the laulau and was underwhelmed. Our friend was vegetarian, and although not on the menu, was given limited options. She ended up with the chow mein from the meat. She said it tasted like Panda Express noodles. heehee. Her husband ordered the NY strip and enjoyed it as well. I like the deep fried ice cream we got!! Will I be back? Yea, why not.. I will get the rib eye once again though.
(3)Randolph M.
I would have given it a zero but the option was not listed.Went in on valentines day and did not have a res.I was told it would be 20-30 min wait and she handed me a pager.We went to the bar and ordered drinks.Half hour later no page.We orderd another drink and hour passed no page.After sitting at the bar for one and a half hours the bar maid asked us if we were here for dinner and I explained.She said I will find out.The hostess said we werent even on the waiting list and ten minutes later we were escourted to the worst table in the rest.We were not offered any comp for our wait and we walked out.I will not reccomend to anyone.Randolph Muller
(1)Felicia C.
Came to Kailua Kona for a week and we came to Sam Choy's 4/6 days we were there. Twice for breakfast and twice for lunch. We ordered everything (there was 4 of us)! From the loco moco, steak and eggs, pancake sandwich, fried rice and eggs, fresh fish salad, char siu and mushroom omelette, bento box, beef stew, etc.. The view is amazing!!! and the prices are SO reasonable! The food is fresh and tasty! If I were to write a review on everything we had there, this review would be 10pages long! I can't believe it's only been opened for 3 months and it used to be a Wendys!! I'd go to that Wendys with the extraordinary view they have, but I'm glad Sam Choy's is there! I met the Chef de Cuisine, Scott, and he was adorable! My friend and I hoped we'd be allowed into the kitchen... maybe next time! Can't wait to return to Kona and go to Sam Choy's!
(4)David S.
We had our anniversary dinner there on 9/11/2011. The place just opened the weekend and the waiter was terrible. We ordered appetizers and dinner and they ended up arriving to the table at the same time. The food was good but we felt that the waiter was the biggest problem, he did not know the menu and offered us no alternatives with the appetizer. I should have refused the appetizer and just went with dinner. Timing is off, waiter was very inefficient and did not know the menu at all. I could have done better serving the dinner than he did off the street. Did not go back, nice view. lousy experience.
(2)Dan N.
Worst experience ever. I will explain why I gave one star at the end of this review. I am a regular at Toys, Tommy Bahamas, Ruth Chris etc... The service was okay other than the fact that the people of earners refills had to ask us if we wanted refills every 2 minutes, how about this..... If the drinks are empty refill them in a person in the world I wouldn't want to refill my drink is they are still eating so asking them questions is useless. The hummus was very good and the calamari was a bit bland. I ordered a fish trio entree and added 3 prawns, but my promise just looks like jumbo shrimp they were head and tail on there was absolutely nothing special about them whatsoever accept the fact that they were $35 to add three of them Al la carte.... This is a very special meal for me and my family as I was leaving the island the next day this is our goodbye meal and the food was good but way overpriced, the service is OK. Now let's talk about what ruined it for me because if it was just about the food and the service I would have probably left three stars or maybe even 4. We had for adults and two small children at our table and we had a 300 dollar meal which was no problem at all but I was extremely offended by the fact that the waiter added gratuity not because I couldn't afford the 18 percent I would have actually left him about 40 percent in cash had he not of done that, but after speaking to the manager about the gratuity policy as it pertains a small children picture before with 2 kids I learned the gratuity is at the servers discretion, SO PAUL OUR SERVER PROFILED US. How do I know I was profiled because I have been working in the five star ultra fine dining restaurant industry my entire life and this gentleman at a good to the tourist because he thought we were trash /that we would not tip, so he chose to add the 18 percent I left extra money on top of that because I had class, but unfortunately this restaurant has no class because if I was a server waiting on for adults and two small children there is no way I would ever ask for 2d to a party of 4 with 2 kids especially after finding out if the server discretion and this guy must have been a moron because anybody that borders hi and menu items and adds expensive additions obviously has class and obviously has money. The server cost himself about $50 cause that's how much more he would have made if you have not added the gratuity to me. And the restaurant cause them selves my business, the business of all of my upscale family that lives here on the island, the business of all my friends throughout the US to visit here regularly I am giving this place a red flag inviting everyone not to eat here.... So if you want to spend $300 on an average meal: and be insulted at the end of your experience this place is perfect. I would strongly advise anybody that wants a nice meal to go to Roys in waikaloa or Tommy Bahamas in Mauna Lani. The manager was not apologetic at all elbow I told her I was offended by what happened so take my advice people do not eat here. And to Mr. Sam Choy: you are a genius and I respect you greatly as a chef and a person and you have a wonderful restaurants in a great business, but your manager lady is a moron and in combination with the wait staff these people are giving you a bad name. Horrible.. never again....
(1)Tom L.
So my girlfriend and I went to Sam Choy's new restaurant on the 6th day that it was open. And let me tell you it was busy. I had no idea, but Sam Choy is the local celebrity chef on the islands. So to start this out the restaurant is located south of the downtown portion of Kailua-Kona. In fact it is behind a little strip mall/movie theater. I was a little skeptical at first seeing the location then I went inside the restaurant. Holy cow this place has a magnificent view of the ocean. Great place to go for a sunset dinner. Anyways the interior of the restaurant was has warm modern feel to it, with island influence. There is outdoor seating lined with tiki torches. The service at the restaurant was very good. The staff, everyone from the bus boys to the waiters, were very friendly. They were obviously still learning some of the dishes, but they were able to provide us with their favorites. Before ordering the staff will bring you a complimentary basket of bread as well as a small salad and bowl of soup. In this case it was a small bowl of vegetable soup. The soup was quite tasty. The menu for Sam Choy's new restaurant ranged from fish to steak. We started off with a calamari appetizer. It was simply breaded and seasoned then deep fried. On the side was spicy horse radish cocktail sauce. The calamari was tender and fresh. It tasted great. Probably the best that I've had in awhile. I order the rack of lamb. The lamb was marinated in a soy, cilantro, ginger, and pepper. It was set on a bed of linguine. The lamb was awesome. Tender yet moist inside. It had a slightly sweet taste to it that definitely brought out a great taste in the lamb. My girlfriend ordered the ahi tuna salad. SHe loved it. I had a taste of the tuna and it was cooked perfectly. Again tender, and moist. It wasn't overcooked at all. I would have to say that our meal at Sam Choy's new restaurant was fantastic. It is definitely worth the trip to the restaurant if you happen to be on the Big Island. Just make you make a reservation. If not you might be in for an hour wait. When I came back to the islands, I will make a stop here again.
(5)Amelia A.
wasn't expecting much because of the 3 1/2 stars but we had a 5 star experience! the service and our waiter was awesome! gorgeous spot for sunset and everything we ordered was fabulous. the fried poke appetizer was da bomb! hubby loved his braised short ribs over chow mein. the trio of fish was a huge portion for me and I didn't care for the spearfish. the mahi mahi with shiitake butter sauce and rice and veggies was tasty. loved the tropical fruit cheesecake but had to take half of it home. Sam choys just became one of our latest big island fav restaurants!
(5)Lexie D.
Food was good except one of our orders (fish) was not well cooked. Service is so-so. However, the view was simply breathtaking!
(3)Lily C.
Great spot! We had a great dinner experience. Came early because we didn't have a reservation but only had a short wait. Very full menu and friendly and attentive wait staff. Fun drinks and appetizers. Great seafood and non seafood choices too. But the view is the best part we were there at sunset and really enjoyed it.
(4)Yasmin V.
A MUST VISIT restaurant! FRIED RICE and Eggs for breakfast is a must have...SOOOOOO yummy! Have the BLOODY MARY, by all means... probably the best I have ever tasted. My husband raves about the omelets- light, fluffy and tasty served on a bed of potatoes and onions. PRESENTATION is a 10 and still means alot here, even for breakfast and I can really appreciate that! A MINUS is that they don't serve fresh squeezed juice... why not?? My paddling friends go here often and the prices are reasonable and the portions hearty enough to satisfy your hunger when you are done with your workout. Of course, the views and being able to sit outdoors, semi outdoors or indoors is a huge plus.
(4)Anna T.
The sunset view at Sam Choy's was great. The food wasn't bad. We tried the baby back ribs as an appetizer. It was average. My boyfriend had the duck. One part of the duck was good. The other part was rubbery. I had the fish trio. The dish was tasty and the size of the plate was worth the $29.00. Drinks were average (Mai tai and blue hawaiian). Our waiter was a friendly and attentive guy from Georgia.
(3)Nicole A.
You know it's good when I spent the next few days after asking my husband if we could go back and eat at Sam Choy's again! Here's the ironic part: neither of us are seafood people but we loved this place! The katsu pork is right up there with the top 5 things that I've ever eaten and well, let's just say I like to eat! My husband had the macadamia crusted chicken and enjoyed it and my kids loved their chicken tenders. The chicken for my kids was real chicken vs. that gross stuff that so many places pass off as chicken nuggets or tenders. Score! With the food, good service and awesome view, we will definitely hit Sam Choy's up again on our next trip to Kona.
(5)Matthew S.
Came here for breakfast one morning. They have a very awesome breakfast buffet , ate almost everything there. We had a nice spot on their patio looking out to the ocean, and spotted some whales. Who wouldn't enjoy eating breakfast and whale watching.
(5)Kathleen K.
Perfect hawaiian atmosphere complimented the sample lunch platter. Can't decide what was better?? Taste the poke-loved it. Then tasted the chicken luau-loved it too. And finally, the kaluha pork-good too!
(5)Bruce B.
Aloha from Hawaii! I've been here for a week and had many a meal, but It's the first time I had a moment to capture a moment. I'm in Kona and it's as beautiful as I remembered, even more if you factor in how long I've been away. My nephew and I were dinning at a spot called Oceans were the seafood apparently so fresh it came deep fried only. What a disappointment when you can sit in a restaurant and look out at an infinity of beautiful blue water and your eating frozen seafood from the Mainland. After that lackluster experience, we hopped into our Mustang convert able and hit the road outta Kailua Town to Kona. While driving, I saw Sam Choy's from the road, in a little hidden shopping mall on a hill. I was very excited as expected and I suggested we stop in for some Pu Pu's or dessert. We ended up having another full meal and it was way more satisfying then the last one and just what I needed to get that fry taste out of the back of my throat. The spot was fantastic with open air dining atop a hill over looking Kona-Kailua Bay. I ordered a Hawaiian Berry Mojito and it was like me-strong and exotic! After the prelim of salad soup and rolls, my entree' of Tuna Trio arrived. It consisted of Ahi Tuna and Aku Tuna with Albacore Tuna rounding out the trio. Each Fish was prepared differently and all were simply delicious. I finished off the meal with a ass kicking slice of Kona Key Lime pie and a cup of Kona Coffee. It don't get too much better than this, all I needed was to have a smoking Hawaiian beauty to feed.
(4)Roy T.
If you're looking for an up-scale, spendy restaurant with a great view, this is the place. It's located south of Kona just above a shopping center at the end of Ali'i Drive. Parking is very limited at the restaurant but they have an overflow lot behind the shopping center below with a shuttle. It's pretty popular especially for dinner so make reservations before you come. We were fortunate and got seated early but we arrived too late to catch the sun set. The dining area is open to the outside with a nice view so come for lunch or before it gets dark out. We split an ahi salad and each had the trio of daily fresh catch. The food was tasty and the presentation of each dish was nice. The noise level is moderate. Service was attentive and we had a good experience.
(4)Frank G.
Outside seating was a little quieter and ambience / views are excellent. We started off with a complementary soup and salad sampler and then onto some Calamari. Main course consisted of oriental lamb chops over pasta and kona orange duck. Both were seasoned and cooked to perfection. Finished with a very simple bread pudding. Pricing was very resonable for this quality in Kona. The service suffered somewhat from server working too many tables.
(4)Frank D.
After reading the reviews I decided that I needed to try out Sam's. They have a good range of menu, with selections that should please everyone. I started with a cucumber martini, one of their recommended specialty drinks, very good. The wait staff recommended the ahi belly appetizer. Having never tried it, I went for it and was pleased. Fried lightly and served Asian style, it was tasty and light, complemented well by my drink selection. After consultation with the wait staff, I selected the fish trio. It was explained to me that the fish is generally locally purchased, straight from the boats, stored in their onsite refrigerator, and served as fresh as possible. The fish served to me was swordfish, spearfish, and I forgot the third. All three filets were very fresh and tasty, served with vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. I recommend and would return. Oh, by the way - as others have noted, the view is awesome! Parking is limited, plan your visit timing.
(4)Linda S.
Fish salad was good, the house salad dressing was fantastic. My husband had the chopped steak and said it wasn't very good. Just average for the price. Service was okay, but didn't see much of the waitress. Made you feel that she came around at the last and all friendly just to get the tip. The other personnel were more helpful and friendly.
(3)Jack S.
I was raised in Hawaii, visiting for the holidays, and I miss local style food. All I can say is meh - average at best. My kids both ordered adult saimin and it was just average. I bought the loco moco, and once again, nothing spectacular. My wife got the ahi plate lunch, and it was IMO overdone - perhaps our expectations of it being seared were off base and should have asked. The first server didn't remember our drink order, but the one that took over on a shift change was very nice. The view is great, but that's about it. At best average, and I love Sam's cook books. You're better off going to somewhere like Big Island Grill in Kailua for a stick-to-the-ribs meal.
(2)Robert E.
The food was way overpriced for the quality. I had the fish and chips "special" and there was so much grease left on the fish it had started to pool under the fish and the fries and make everything soggy with quickly cooling oil. The view is spectacular, but the food is NOT! I think you would be better off saving the cash and catching the sunset from the beaches with a filet of fish from McDonalds's, it would certainly be less greasy.
(2)Becky B.
We had breakfast and dinner here. Great food at an affordable price. The service was excellent. The bonus was the beautiful sunset.
(4)Leslie D.
Four of us had dinner at Sam Choy's on the night before we left Kona and headed home. It has a wonderful view perched up on a hill above the harbor. All 4 of us loved our dinners. Mine was a crusted Ono that was absolutely delicious. My husband loved his Ahi salad. The view is fabulous as was the sunset. It is open on 3 sides and even though we weren't literally sitting on the patio, we felt like we were outside, too. We will definitely return when we visit Kona again.
(5)Darrell B.
My wife and I ate here after she had some dental work done so we came to sip on a drink while we enjoyed their amazing view of the ocean. Everything was good overall but our waiter, Rick, was simply not paying attention. First, we told him that we just wanted to take our time after ordering a couple of Lava Flows but he showed up five minutes later and asked if we wanted to order yet. I reminded him that my wife had just had dental work done and was waiting for her numbness to go away which was what I told him the first time. Any way the drinks were good and their menu is really impressive and creative. As we sat sipping on our drinks we could see the plates coming out to the tables and they all looked good especially the salads. But once again, Rick just wasn't paying attention. We ordered the Moi Moi Saimin and the Fried Poke plate. However the waiter brought us the Fried Poke appetizer and not the plate and when we told him he got all defensive instead of just making it right. That stinks! The food was good but waiters that don't pay attention can ruin a dining experience. I would have given a 5 star but the waiter's indifference were a real negative.
(4)Kathy J.
We went to the restaurant with some friends who live on the Island for 6 months out of the year who had not yet been for dinner. While the food was good, our one entrée that is wrapped in a leaf was amazing, the hummus was just okay, and the fish trio one of us had provided two great fish and one that had a metal flavor to all who tried it. We had to ask for water four times, our waiter seemed to go on break in the middle of our meal, and we had to ask for a to-go box for dessert. Overall, the view will keep them in business and some of the entrees, but the service needs work for us to return and for our local friends to do the same
(3)Andria W.
My parents and I split a few different plates and left happy and not too stuffed, but VERY satisfied. A few glasses of $5 dollar wine and a cucumber martini, along with complimentary salad, rolls, and egg drop miso soup whetted our appetite for the next courses. We got two appetizers: the calamari, which had some nice tentacley pieces and a really good sauce, and the special of the day, fried poke balls. The sauce for the poke balls was AMAZING, really different. Then a trio of fresh FRESH fish-butterfish, swordfish, and I hate to admit that I forgot what the third was. But OMG. Another amazing sauce (how does Sam do it?). Anyway, finished with a bread pudding dessert, which I politely declined- not into sweets- but it looked decadent. An amazing dinner for 3, total cost $80. plus tip. AND they have the most beautiful bathrooms I've ever seen, if you're into that sort of thing. And a great view. And great service. We'll be back tomorrow.
(5)John A.
The best time to come here is right before sunset, Sam Choy's has a nice view overlooking the ocean. For food, I had the Macadamia nut chicken with Stella on tap : )
(4)Stone W.
I ordered the fresh fish trio. I LOVE fresh local fish. The monjong had no flavor. The sea bass had an unpleasant flavor. The mahimahi was good. My dog will enjoy the sea bass and monjong in the morning. Our waiter took our order and we didn't see him again until our plates were cleared. Even the coffee was mediocre. In Kona! What was good? My hubby's filet mignon and the view.
(1)Sam G.
Football on Saturday? Awesome view and sunset over the Pacific Ocean? Happy hour with a classmate reunion hundreds of miles away from home? Sam Choy made it all possible. And to top it off the 49ers spanked the Packers to advance to the NFC division championship. We sat at the bar and had the best view of the TVs, although no sound. The pupus were real good; we split Brie fried wontons, Kona style chicken wings, and fried calamari. Drinks were good too, except for the fact that I ordered a longboard and was charged an extra $1.50 because the computer locks out the happy hour prices once 5pm hits. It was surely before 5pm, but there was no arguing. Come early to get a good parking spot well before sunset! Believe me, everyone is thinking the same thing: dinner and a sunset. :)
(4)Randy P.
We're repeat customers but were very disappointed in our meal this trip. Lamb chops were mostly raw instead of medium rare, and the accompanying pasta was covered in a heavy cream sauce...too heavy and thick. My wife's fish dish got mixed up, and despite being replaced with another fish dish, she still didn't end up with what the waiter had described. And even then it was on the dry side and not very tasty. The green salad on the front end and the ice cream at the end were both good, but the meal in between was not. The bar service is excellent and the view superb.
(2)Joe C.
What a view! I'm not a stickler for restaurant interiors, but holy crap, I don't know if I've ever eaten at a more beautiful restaurant. Granted, it's basically a giant patio with stunning views of the Pacific, but still, hard to top that. As for the food, yeah, it's a little on the pricey side, but my family and I ate here twice and both times were good. We came for dinner one night and lunch on another day and neither was a disappointment. The cocktails were also tasty, so be sure to sip on a Blue Hawaiian or Mai Tai while enjoying the view. This was one of the more "touristy" places we ate, but not annoyingly so. If you've got the money to spend, I'd recommend it for the view alone. If you're on a budget, there are more affordable options.
(4)Keira M.
I'm surprised that Sam Choy's has only accrued three and a half stars. While it's not the best dining I've ever experienced, it was really, really delicious with ambiance that's hard to beat! Our vacation rental owners suggested we try Sam Choy's for a nice meal on our last night in the area and it didn't disappoint. This open-air restaurant overlooks the entire bay and I imagine it would be stellar at sunset. Some of the outdoor tables even include a fire pit! Tiki torches are everywhere and aloha hospitality isn't hard to find. My fiance and I both had Mai tais with coconut-crusted shrimp to start. Awesome! He had the fish trio (ahi tuna, mahi mahi and some kind of swordfish - two out of three he loved). I opted for the macadamia nut-crusted chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes and I couldn't shovel it into my mouth fast enough! It might not be the crème de la crème of dining in Kailua-Kona, but I am quite certain that if we lived in the area, it would be our regular spot for a delicious, casual meal with a touch of romance. The ocean breezes certainly don't hurt either.
(4)michael m.
We loved this place so much we ate there twice in one day. We started with the Sunday buffet brunch, which was great. Then, decided to come back for dinner. The pork loin was INCREDIBLE.
(4)Stephanie M.
The service was very slow as it took almost 20 minutes for our waitress to take even our drink order. Sam came by our table at this time but didn't ask how the service was. The food was pretty good but service was definitely negligent of our table. The waitress seemed very nice I believe the issue is most likely due to significant understaffing.
(3)Anthony G.
Bang for the buck not a bad deal. However, they shut down half the kitchen during their dinner service and it slowed down everyone's order. The food and wine were good. The view is nice. My only negative comments are the server left us waiting forever for the ticket and she had seen us several times while waiting. Not sure what happened there, but I was overall pretty happy with the place.
(4)Roy Y.
Come here just for the views. My wife got the fish trio and it was terribly overcooked... All three of the fish! The calamari was overlooked as well.
(2)Lindsey B.
Great view! Good food!
(4)Ash P.
Ok don't misjudge the place with my 3 stars reviews. I am giving 3 stars only because of the limited very limited vegetarian dishes. The hostess was very sweet and the server was also very nice. The lanai was a wonderful place to sit to eat breakfast,lunch or dinner. My husband and I went there for breakfast and there was loco moco with tofu and hash browns and toast as our only option. So we ordered it, but rice in loco moco at 9 in the morning made me kinda sick. It tasted good, a bit heavy on the creamy sauce. Oh yes! The 1/2 papaya with lime was delicious. So if you are a vegetarian like I am, no eggs or meat or seafood or chicken etc..etc..don't go there. I am sure the non- vegetarians would love this place but a tree hugger like myself not so much.
(3)J H.
Food is not bad, pretty good, interesting service... some really nice and some not so friendly. I would give it four stars but the service wasn't as great as it should be. View and ambience is nice though.
(3)Joy I.
Decided to dine here to celebrate my mom's birthday. We had reservations for 12 noon and was seated right away. We had to wait about 20 minutes before someone came to take our order and another 30 minutes for our food. I wouldn't have minded the wait if the food was worth waiting for. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Service was mediocre, at best. No one checked on us the entire time that we were there and the restaurant wasn't busy at all. Two stars are for the open air atmosphere and amazing view. Food was average..... really nothing to write home about. Won't be back soon.
(2)Kenneth S.
Sorry.... Waiting almost 30 minutes for an appetizer just to be told they had to defrost it and it will be out soon....... Not good.
(1)Joan P.
Hesitantly got a decent table for 2 after trying to give us a not so nice table letting us now they reserve the others for those who made reservation !!! Had to walk over a spill on the floor, 10 mins at table no water or drink order ,not impressed with the menu items and high prices, saw another older couple getting the table they tried to give us, we got up gave them our table, walked over the spill ( not a team player company someone should have dried the spill the liability in hand ) walked out and on our way out we got a thank you goodnight !!!! No clue..... Nice view but the ambience is very snotty!!! Went right down to the Chicago Italian restaurant, service was great food was delicious and they where on top if they're game !!! Bring these cooks and service to SAMs and it would be a win win .....
(1)Joey C.
Can't beat the view. Menu is small I mean very small. Food is tasty and Ahi cuts were good without stringy muscle. Calamari was excellent, dry not greasy. Wings were so so and the salad was as well. No S Choy signature kimchee fried rice on the dinner menu. Big disappointment.
(3)Beau H.
Outstanding.
(5)Whitney B.
Great ambiance, looking out over the ocean in a large, covered patio. Food is solid, with. Good array of choice.
(3)Roy H.
People go here for the view which is awesome, especially at sunset. We got a table outside where they have comfy seats and a fire pit in the middle of the table. Perfect for watching the sun go down. The place is upscale, so expect to pay for that. But the food is delicious. I had the special ono rolls tempura style and they were amazing. My daughters had the macadamia nut chicken and the lamb chops which were tasty. My husband had Pork Katsu and he enjoyed that as well. Service was top notch. Everything was excellent and the sunset was amazing.
(4)Jeff R.
When my family visited from the mainland, we all traveled from Oahu to the Big Island for some much needed rest and relaxation. Since my stepfather is a foodie (and I consider myself to be one as well), we headed over to Sam Choy's based on name recognition; I knew very little about this location otherwise. The first thing that you notice when you arrive is the spectacular view. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset. You have a panoramic view of the ocean and it is a great place for visitors to get a good sunset photo; just wait your turn as everyone else is snapping shots too. :) My main complaint with the restaurant is that I felt that the service was rushed. Even though we had a later reservation and there were open tables, we felt like the waitress was trying to turn the table over as fast as possible. If we had kept up with her, we could have been out the door less than 30 minutes from arrival. The entrees were served while we were only half finished with the pupus; we were asked for our orders 2 minutes after being provided a menu, and even the coffee was pressed before it had a chance to actually turn into coffee. The food was good overall, but left something to be desired compared to my preconceived expectations based on chef Sam Choy's notoriety across the country. I was also a little "confused" by the entrees; while I was expecting Asian flavors to be more present in the food, other influences to be more prominent. I ordered the lamb chops which were served on top of a pasta with a Alfredo-like sauce. I felt that the entree 'missed' the target on this and it would have made a lot more sense to have paired the lamb with a fried saimin or rice. This isn't to say that the pasta wasn't good, i just don't think it was a good pairing with the lamb considering how the lamb was prepared. Overall, the food was good but not spectacular. However, it was the service that will keep me from visiting again on my next trip to Kona.
(2)Martha M.
Food was ok, but not our cup of tea. Lovely view though.
(4)Bob E.
Come for the view not for the food or service.
(1)Sean C.
Go for one thing: The view. Ok, the service was great too, but unfortunately going to an up-scale, spendy restaurant, the menu's creativity needs to shine; especially from the likes of such well known talent as Scotty and Sam (who seems to spend less time in the kitchen and more time on the floor). A beautiful ocean view, with a pronounced shopping center view below the restaurant (if on a lanai edge seat). North side has a couple open fire pit tables with best view seats. Drinks were on par for what you'd expect at the price range, decent but nothing to blog about, 3 stars. Wine prices were not too obtuse. Food was less than exciting, limited options and not at all imaginative. Perhaps expected from a place that is open Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; but not for the entree prices and competition in the areas. Sadly because of both these reasons, you won't find any locals here beyond the staff.
(2)Ken A.
My wife and I stopped in for a couple of drinks but left before finishing our first. The good: The view is beautiful and the atmosphere is vibrant. The service was good. The bad: Unfortunately the two drinks we ordered are not accurately reflected on the menu. Might I suggest that the Pineapple Island Sangria be described as pineapple flavored water. And the Lava Rock Margarita either has the smoothest tequila I've ever had... or none. My guess is nada.
(3)Laura W.
The restaurant of this noted local chef offered little that seemed original. We did have a fantastic healthy starter - the edam hummus with a fresh taste and delicious texture. Since I cannot eat dairy, I asked for their 3 fish entree, but instead of having any sauce at all offered that was non-dairy it was presented plain and grilled on white rice. The waiter suggested this and I asked about anything with olive oil or aoili or some seasoning, but it still came pretty dry and plain. It was just fine and very healthy. If you are looking for healthy as a priority they do a good job. the waiter was great and they had good music.
(3)Shohreh E.
Very noisy if you are there in the evening...this must be the place where everyone tries to be, the location is high above Keauhou beach area, lovely view, torches in the evening make it look very exotic. We went mid afternoon to eat and were not disappointed the fish was very fresh and well prepared.
(5)Kate P.
Great ambiance, pleasant service, the food is close to amazing. I would recommend this to everyone staying in this area. Try the Lava Flow cocktail, and some calamari - absolutely wonderful! We also got to meet the owner who came to our table to say hello. Also, it is very open and gives you an excellent view of the sunset.
(4)Brandy B.
BEAUTIFUL restaurant! FABULOUS VIEW! Glad I stopped in! We were staying at the Sheraton Keauhou and drove past Sam Choy's Kai Lanai on our way back toward Kailua town for dinner. After driving around indecisively, we decided to head back and just dine in the hotel. Just before we passed the restaurant again, we decided to give it a try. I recommend calling in a reservation. We waited about 30 minutes for a table on a busy Saturday night. That wait ended up being well worth it. We got a table outside on the lanai. The ocean view was just heavenly, and it our meal took it beyond. Our server, Arthur, was friendly, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable of all the dishes on the menu and on special. I tried the Berry Mango Mojito, and wasn't too pleased. It tasted to me like I was chewing raspberry- and mint-flavored gum, and I couldn't taste a bit of rum. However, this small yuck was not enough to break my 5-star rating. We started off with the Fried Ahi Poke; seared perfectly. As I prefer raw fish to cooked, this was awesome. The soy sauce blend that topped it made it's way down to the lettuce bed, and my husband totally cleaned the plate! We were served warm sweet rolls (the coconut bits in the rolls were pleasant,) soup, and salad. The best part! I ordered the Ka'u Orange Duck with Mashed Potatoes. I love duck and had not had it in years. I knew from first glance at the menu that I would be ordering this dish! It was fantastic! A sweet glaze on top, but it was far from overpowering; it complemented the duck so nicely. It was so good, I wanted to force myself to finish my entire plate, but I couldn't do it! HUGE portion includes a breast piece and a leg, bone-in. I did save some room, however, to taste my husband's Oriental Lamb Chops. I have never tried lamb before, and this was as delish as my entree was. The marinade was 'ono! I will have to try to make my own version of this! And the bed of pasta it sits on was perfectly cooked and seasoned. We were closed out with the same service we entered upon. If you're in the area, call in your reservation, and dine here! Request a table on the lanai (if the sky is clear.) It's lovely!
(5)Leanne K.
Excellent views, awesome bartender David he was very personable! Had the Calamari, chicken Wings, Poki Salad and Bento. All great flavor!
(5)Jackie H.
Great views of Keauhou, lovely decor but the food was only just ok. Compared to prices and what you get I would recommend going elsewhere. If you go here you go for the views and the ambiance. The food is edible and some of it is tasty but nothing that would require a return visit. I feel its more of a tourist place based on style of decor even and the food. I would go for the view but nothing else really. Saimin left much to be desired. My auntie had an ahi dish which she said was ok. My mom had a combo plate with terri chicken, mahi mahi and something else which i forget. The mahi mahi was good, but the chicken was only just ok. Try other places in Kona first as you can find places with much better food and still great views
(3)James F.
Stopped for a late lunch and asked for table with a view because if we were going to pay the prices we expected we at least wanted a good view. Surprise number one - much lower menu prices than anticipated for pupus, main courses, sandwiches, drinks, etc. Surprise number two - absolutely wonderful food with generous portions. We ordered seared ahi poke and brie won ton appetizers and noodle mania with fish (served in a huge taco shell). If/when we return we would order the exact same items. The ahi and fish were done to perfection and the brie won tons were fantastic. All the respective sauces were complementary to their dishes and didn't overwhelm them. Saving the best for last was the mud pie dessert covered with whipped cream and sprinkled with macadamia nut bits and surrounded by chocolate/caramel sauce. And the view was great. Thank you to the manager and our server Megan for a truly wonderful experience.
(5)Gisele A.
Food was good, view was amazing. Service was very pleasant, albeit a little slow. :)
(4)Cheryl K.
Food was good. Service needs a lot of improvement. We had to ask for everything.
(3)Christina O.
On our last morning in Hawaii, we woke up early to catch breakfast at Sam Choy's. Service 3/5: They were friendly, but forgot the toast with our omelet, syrup and butter with our french toast, and our drinks until reminded. Food 4/5: We had a tropical twist on french toast, which included guava and taro flavors. It was absolutely delicious and it came with a coconut syrup (YUM!). We also ordered the fresh fish omelet and the rice and chicken, which were both pretty ordinary. Drinks 4/5: We ordered a mimosa and berry mango mojito. The mimosa was average, but the mojito was the best mojito I have ever had. Chunks and raspberry and mango floated within it and I couldn't help but eat and drink every last bit! Ambiance 4/5: The view was beautiful. We could see the entire Kona coast and were seated at a table with a small fire pit. The environment was great and relaxing for our last morning.
(4)Howard M.
So glad to see Sam is back on Big Island. Tried the FRIED poke (oxymoron?) and coulda died right there, sooooooo good! The view is spectacular and the wait staff was eager to please. Hubby got the three-fish dinner and we loved it. Sides were average but the fish was cooked to perfection.
(4)Warburg L.
Ambiance is nice. Big portions on the food but the taste is average. The food was a bit too sweet for me. Ordered the butter fish and the beef short ribs. Dishes were well presented just didn't taste as good as it looked.
(3)Denise L.
This was our first stop off the plane to get lunch! Beautiful location - lanai gives you the most relaxing view. Good service they took care of us. The food was really good-tasty. We had the chicken salad, lamb curry & teriyaki chicken. All good. No complaints. Great place to sit and enjoy a first meal in Kona.
(4)Richard G.
"Never trust a skinny chef" is what Sam would say. Now that Sam has lost the pounds, it appears this is very true. I have run into Sam in Oahu and on the Big Island several times in last 20 years. I have been to many of Sam's places over the years and have always enjoyed my meal. I have also been upset when they closed. When the Sam's closed in Kona, I told him he needed to open again on the Big Island. The old Wendy's was the perfect location and my expectations were high. My visit today was beyond disappointing. It was pathetic! Sam, you need to fix this place right now! The food my family was served was horrible! We ordered fish and chips. The fish was dry and had no flavor. The fries arrived as a soggy pile of grease! The ribs were dry and tough. The beef stir fry bowl had way more fat than beef. It also had very little flavor. I used to love your food Sam, but this food is not good at all! Please fix this now. I will not be back to any Sam Choy's soon.
(1)Katherine K.
I wasn't impressed by the yelp reviews on this place but since its so close to our house in Kona we figured we'd try it. We went here on a weekend for breakfast and opted for the breakfast buffet. The buffet was nicer than expected and had its fair share of meatless options (vegetarian). It was only a few dollars more than ordering off the menu so it wasn't a rip off like most buffets. The food was good, well worth it.
(5)Nuch P.
over rated when it comes to food and definitely a tourist trap. things were over fried and too sweet for my taste. my friend ordered something that looked like fried breasted chicken and she thought it was tasteless. the sauce that came with it was ketchup mixed with A1 sauce (oyyyyy). we also order fried wonton with cheese inside.... ehhhh. i ordered the trio fish dish.....(boring). although, i enjoyed their raw ahi appetizer very much. it was fresh and a nice portion. our waiter wasn't that great but the other staff members were wonderful. it's just not worth it. the view? what view? just not worth the hype
(1)Sarah A.
Loved this place! Since we've been here it's been consistent and yummy. The view is beautiful and we've never had to wait too long for a table. The noodle bowl, teriyaki burger, and fried rice have been some of our favorites. Their chicken plate lunch was really good too, especially after having a bad experience at L&L. Highly recommended:)
(4)Ron W.
What a view! Fish (Ahi) salad was excellent. Bartender was great. Just a bit pricey but we knew that going in.
(4)Bruce N.
Seafood stir fry was great, kind of like old school 'chow mein' but tasted great with lots of seafood...also only $11!
(4)Steve R.
Despite some of the poor reviews, we found the food quite good and a reasonable price for Kona-Keauhou. I had the lamb chops which were done perfectly and had a most excellent sweet yet peppery marinade. Really good. My wife had the fish trio and she said two of the three were really good as well. My daughter had the keiki loco moco which she liked... a rarity. Overall a great value for the Keauhou area.
(4)Czarina S.
Had dinner with my man & another couple here a few days after it opened. The earliest reservation we could get was at 8 which was a no no so we settled in for 5:45 since we wanted to go at 6 anyway. We were seated right away so that was pretty exciting. Among us, we ordered the calamari & edamame hummus to start with. They were ok, the pita chips could be better. A lot better! I had my mojito to wash it down. And then a bottle of wine. I ordered the rib eye medium well and I enjoyed it a lot. I was sad when I wasn't given a side but as I dug into my meat, the mashed potatoes surfaced. Oh yea, they also gave us bread. (nothing memorable though, but it was ok) The BF ordered the laulau and was underwhelmed. Our friend was vegetarian, and although not on the menu, was given limited options. She ended up with the chow mein from the meat. She said it tasted like Panda Express noodles. heehee. Her husband ordered the NY strip and enjoyed it as well. I like the deep fried ice cream we got!! Will I be back? Yea, why not.. I will get the rib eye once again though.
(3)Randolph M.
I would have given it a zero but the option was not listed.Went in on valentines day and did not have a res.I was told it would be 20-30 min wait and she handed me a pager.We went to the bar and ordered drinks.Half hour later no page.We orderd another drink and hour passed no page.After sitting at the bar for one and a half hours the bar maid asked us if we were here for dinner and I explained.She said I will find out.The hostess said we werent even on the waiting list and ten minutes later we were escourted to the worst table in the rest.We were not offered any comp for our wait and we walked out.I will not reccomend to anyone.Randolph Muller
(1)Felicia C.
Came to Kailua Kona for a week and we came to Sam Choy's 4/6 days we were there. Twice for breakfast and twice for lunch. We ordered everything (there was 4 of us)! From the loco moco, steak and eggs, pancake sandwich, fried rice and eggs, fresh fish salad, char siu and mushroom omelette, bento box, beef stew, etc.. The view is amazing!!! and the prices are SO reasonable! The food is fresh and tasty! If I were to write a review on everything we had there, this review would be 10pages long! I can't believe it's only been opened for 3 months and it used to be a Wendys!! I'd go to that Wendys with the extraordinary view they have, but I'm glad Sam Choy's is there! I met the Chef de Cuisine, Scott, and he was adorable! My friend and I hoped we'd be allowed into the kitchen... maybe next time! Can't wait to return to Kona and go to Sam Choy's!
(4)David S.
We had our anniversary dinner there on 9/11/2011. The place just opened the weekend and the waiter was terrible. We ordered appetizers and dinner and they ended up arriving to the table at the same time. The food was good but we felt that the waiter was the biggest problem, he did not know the menu and offered us no alternatives with the appetizer. I should have refused the appetizer and just went with dinner. Timing is off, waiter was very inefficient and did not know the menu at all. I could have done better serving the dinner than he did off the street. Did not go back, nice view. lousy experience.
(2)Dan N.
Worst experience ever. I will explain why I gave one star at the end of this review. I am a regular at Toys, Tommy Bahamas, Ruth Chris etc... The service was okay other than the fact that the people of earners refills had to ask us if we wanted refills every 2 minutes, how about this..... If the drinks are empty refill them in a person in the world I wouldn't want to refill my drink is they are still eating so asking them questions is useless. The hummus was very good and the calamari was a bit bland. I ordered a fish trio entree and added 3 prawns, but my promise just looks like jumbo shrimp they were head and tail on there was absolutely nothing special about them whatsoever accept the fact that they were $35 to add three of them Al la carte.... This is a very special meal for me and my family as I was leaving the island the next day this is our goodbye meal and the food was good but way overpriced, the service is OK. Now let's talk about what ruined it for me because if it was just about the food and the service I would have probably left three stars or maybe even 4. We had for adults and two small children at our table and we had a 300 dollar meal which was no problem at all but I was extremely offended by the fact that the waiter added gratuity not because I couldn't afford the 18 percent I would have actually left him about 40 percent in cash had he not of done that, but after speaking to the manager about the gratuity policy as it pertains a small children picture before with 2 kids I learned the gratuity is at the servers discretion, SO PAUL OUR SERVER PROFILED US. How do I know I was profiled because I have been working in the five star ultra fine dining restaurant industry my entire life and this gentleman at a good to the tourist because he thought we were trash /that we would not tip, so he chose to add the 18 percent I left extra money on top of that because I had class, but unfortunately this restaurant has no class because if I was a server waiting on for adults and two small children there is no way I would ever ask for 2d to a party of 4 with 2 kids especially after finding out if the server discretion and this guy must have been a moron because anybody that borders hi and menu items and adds expensive additions obviously has class and obviously has money. The server cost himself about $50 cause that's how much more he would have made if you have not added the gratuity to me. And the restaurant cause them selves my business, the business of all of my upscale family that lives here on the island, the business of all my friends throughout the US to visit here regularly I am giving this place a red flag inviting everyone not to eat here.... So if you want to spend $300 on an average meal: and be insulted at the end of your experience this place is perfect. I would strongly advise anybody that wants a nice meal to go to Roys in waikaloa or Tommy Bahamas in Mauna Lani. The manager was not apologetic at all elbow I told her I was offended by what happened so take my advice people do not eat here. And to Mr. Sam Choy: you are a genius and I respect you greatly as a chef and a person and you have a wonderful restaurants in a great business, but your manager lady is a moron and in combination with the wait staff these people are giving you a bad name. Horrible.. never again....
(1)Tom L.
So my girlfriend and I went to Sam Choy's new restaurant on the 6th day that it was open. And let me tell you it was busy. I had no idea, but Sam Choy is the local celebrity chef on the islands. So to start this out the restaurant is located south of the downtown portion of Kailua-Kona. In fact it is behind a little strip mall/movie theater. I was a little skeptical at first seeing the location then I went inside the restaurant. Holy cow this place has a magnificent view of the ocean. Great place to go for a sunset dinner. Anyways the interior of the restaurant was has warm modern feel to it, with island influence. There is outdoor seating lined with tiki torches. The service at the restaurant was very good. The staff, everyone from the bus boys to the waiters, were very friendly. They were obviously still learning some of the dishes, but they were able to provide us with their favorites. Before ordering the staff will bring you a complimentary basket of bread as well as a small salad and bowl of soup. In this case it was a small bowl of vegetable soup. The soup was quite tasty. The menu for Sam Choy's new restaurant ranged from fish to steak. We started off with a calamari appetizer. It was simply breaded and seasoned then deep fried. On the side was spicy horse radish cocktail sauce. The calamari was tender and fresh. It tasted great. Probably the best that I've had in awhile. I order the rack of lamb. The lamb was marinated in a soy, cilantro, ginger, and pepper. It was set on a bed of linguine. The lamb was awesome. Tender yet moist inside. It had a slightly sweet taste to it that definitely brought out a great taste in the lamb. My girlfriend ordered the ahi tuna salad. SHe loved it. I had a taste of the tuna and it was cooked perfectly. Again tender, and moist. It wasn't overcooked at all. I would have to say that our meal at Sam Choy's new restaurant was fantastic. It is definitely worth the trip to the restaurant if you happen to be on the Big Island. Just make you make a reservation. If not you might be in for an hour wait. When I came back to the islands, I will make a stop here again.
(5)Amelia A.
wasn't expecting much because of the 3 1/2 stars but we had a 5 star experience! the service and our waiter was awesome! gorgeous spot for sunset and everything we ordered was fabulous. the fried poke appetizer was da bomb! hubby loved his braised short ribs over chow mein. the trio of fish was a huge portion for me and I didn't care for the spearfish. the mahi mahi with shiitake butter sauce and rice and veggies was tasty. loved the tropical fruit cheesecake but had to take half of it home. Sam choys just became one of our latest big island fav restaurants!
(5)Lexie D.
Food was good except one of our orders (fish) was not well cooked. Service is so-so. However, the view was simply breathtaking!
(3)Collin W.
I actually really liked this place. It has an amazing view and the food is very good. The marinated ahi is really tasty under the pupu category. I had the pork katsu which was good but a little overlooked. The lamb chops are also very tasty
(4)Gina S.
If I could give this a zero I would. The food was awful. The "garlic" mashed potatoes were tasteless. All the food was expensive but very low quality. Just a real disappointment.
(1)Julie Z.
We live down the street from Sam Choy's and were elated when it opened. The fire pits overlooking the ocean were a draw from the get go. You can get a tasty glass of chard for less than $10 and in some cases, $5. Sure, the food prices after lunch are pricey. The breakfast was good and I have enjoyed lunch there a few times. Service is good and the place hops with buzz from the guests. Have not picked a signature dish to rave about yet..stay tuned...
(4)SacBelle S.
Awesome views and the whole restaurant is open air. Definitely a great spot for sunset. We had live music when we were there. The food prices were reasonable $6-10 glass of wine. $16 and up on entrees. I had the fish trio and salad. Both were really good and what was expected for the price. I would definitely go again.
(4)Maurice S.
Sooo good. I had the Bente which had chicken, teriyaki beef, spam, fresh fish, and egg over rice. Forgot to take a picture cuz I jumped right in and started eating. Sorry. Trust me...it was Yum!!!
(5)Linda S.
Fish salad was good, the house salad dressing was fantastic. My husband had the chopped steak and said it wasn't very good. Just average for the price. Service was okay, but didn't see much of the waitress. Made you feel that she came around at the last and all friendly just to get the tip. The other personnel were more helpful and friendly.
(3)Jack S.
I was raised in Hawaii, visiting for the holidays, and I miss local style food. All I can say is meh - average at best. My kids both ordered adult saimin and it was just average. I bought the loco moco, and once again, nothing spectacular. My wife got the ahi plate lunch, and it was IMO overdone - perhaps our expectations of it being seared were off base and should have asked. The first server didn't remember our drink order, but the one that took over on a shift change was very nice. The view is great, but that's about it. At best average, and I love Sam's cook books. You're better off going to somewhere like Big Island Grill in Kailua for a stick-to-the-ribs meal.
(2)Robert E.
The food was way overpriced for the quality. I had the fish and chips "special" and there was so much grease left on the fish it had started to pool under the fish and the fries and make everything soggy with quickly cooling oil. The view is spectacular, but the food is NOT! I think you would be better off saving the cash and catching the sunset from the beaches with a filet of fish from McDonalds's, it would certainly be less greasy.
(2)Becky B.
We had breakfast and dinner here. Great food at an affordable price. The service was excellent. The bonus was the beautiful sunset.
(4)Leslie D.
Four of us had dinner at Sam Choy's on the night before we left Kona and headed home. It has a wonderful view perched up on a hill above the harbor. All 4 of us loved our dinners. Mine was a crusted Ono that was absolutely delicious. My husband loved his Ahi salad. The view is fabulous as was the sunset. It is open on 3 sides and even though we weren't literally sitting on the patio, we felt like we were outside, too. We will definitely return when we visit Kona again.
(5)Daniel L.
My wife and I stayed at the Sheraton Kona and ended up coming here twice during our four day stay. The food is very good, and the view is spectacular. The decor is all very modern. The portions were quite generous, and the presentation was excellent. Would definitely recommend Sam Choy's if you're staying in Kona. The prices are reasonable and a much better value than resort food.
(4)Daniel A.
Food was really good prices were expected to be what they were. You pay for that awesome view. Service was good. She could have stopped smoking about 30 years ago to help that raspy voice. But me or anyone in my party had any complaints.
(4)Keoni D.
Excellent brie won ton and great food.....mahalo sam choy the trip from hilo was well worth the experience!!!!
(5)Chris B.
I think it would be easy to throw stones at Sam Choy's but I can't. Yes, it is basically a Wendy's perched on a hill with a scenic overlook of both the ocean and a strip mall. On the other hand, our experience was quite lovely. We walked in late with two tired boys and a desire for a quick bite. Our waiter scooted us right through with some nice bites. Our food was good. At first, our 6 year-old didn't like the Mac and cheese and our waiter swapped it out with a smile for something he loved. So, pretty good Sam Choy's.
(3)Ruth G.
We drive by here many times and thought this would be a nice restaurant to see the sunset from. We started with a calamari appetizer with a nice horseradish sauce. My husband had the macadamia nut chicken, which they had on a bed of rice and flavorful vegetables. It came with soup and a nice green salad. I had the macadamia nut mahi mahi, which came with white rice and flavorful vegetables. While we were there, we were treated to a wonderful sunset that only being Kona offers us. We also enjoyed the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. The servers were very helpful in helping us choose what to order and we were pleasantly surprised with the food choices. I would highly recommend this place for a fine dining experience!
(5)Phil A.
Whenever your in the Big Island over at Kona, this is a must eat place. I think Sam Choy placed hawaiian cuisine in the map. I was not disappointed at all.
(4)Kate L.
This place is so over rated. They could charge whatever they want because of the view they have. Fish was overcooked and service was OK. Maybe breakfast would be better. It's a small restaurant - we went to Fish Hopper the next night and the food blew Sam Choys out of the water and our bill was less with better service. We won't be going back to this place.
(2)Dan C.
Second Best resturant on the BI....food is excellent and the staff from the parking lot guys to the servers are awesome. Thanks Chris an Eddie! Aloha My friends!
(5)Ken A.
Sam Choy's is a rock solid dining choice for Kona and especially for the South end of Alii Drive in the Keauhou vicinity... where choices are honestly slim. The food is good and the service is attentive. The view is better for breakfast since the Kona haze/vog often sets in by mid to late afternoon. It isn't cheap to eat there but for Hawaii dining and the quality of food, I still call it a good value. We'll keep going when the occasion warrants!
(4)Karen K.
Nice location. Bad service. Both my husband and I had ordered drinks, both were empty. Waitress offered my husband another drink and then ran off. When she came back my husband said "did you want another drink?" and she just left again. Food is not worth the price.
(3)Ang F.
Good view and decent food, but overpriced for what you get. Also, the menu is very limited.
(3)Cory B.
The worst meal I had on the Big Island, I took my wife for her birthday dinner, we ordered Macadamia Nut crusted Chicken, and Braised Short Rib, sounds good right? Wrong! 2 minutes after ordering Entrees that should have taken 15-20 to make (trust me I'm a red seal chef) our food arrived looking like it was slopped into a bowl like sludge, to me this means one thing; this food came from a steam table, it was bordering on inedible. I ate my short rib, but nothing else, my wife barely touched her plate, and our server was completely absent. The only saving grace is I waved down the Manager and explained who I was, and the situation, at which point she apologized and took care of the whole bill. Guess we should have had drinks. In conclusion, the chicken was so bad I wouldn't feed it to my dogs! And we turned down a free dessert offer fearing it too would only bring on more feelings of disappointment and sickness!
(1)Eric V.
When we were in Hawaii, we would pass by this restaurant and make fun of it. "What restaurant owner is so ego centric that they have to name the restaurant after themselves," we would ask. Further, the place was next door to Long's Drugs -- how great could the place be? Despite our initial reaction, we noticed that the place was always packed. It wasn't until we left Hawaii that we had breakfast here and we finally understood why the place was always packed. Great view, prices were incredibly reasonable, portions were decent, staff was friendly, and the food tasted fine. If I spent enough time here, I'm sure I would be a Sam Choy convert.
(5)Ken B.
Came in because there always seems to be lots of cars. Had a very nice meal (orange duck for my wife, and mahi mahi special for me). It was good and tasty. The portions are very generous for everything. We'd definitely come back. Waiter Paul was quite good to boot. Thanks.
(5)Y C.
We had the (slightly) fried Poke lunch plate and another grilled fish lunch plate. Both are Ok, but portion was small. The fried chicken wing appetizer dish was surprisingly and extremely good at the first bite --- that might just have been the best bite of fried chicken wing that I had ever had; unfortunately, it became a little too sweet for when I was finishing my third piece.
(4)Shawn P.
I like this place. Great drinks, nice staff, decent food... AWESOME view! The specials are def worth listening for, as a fisherman i know that the albacore tuna are running around Kona right now, and their specials were featuring it, always a good thing!and the deserts are rad.... Not a bad place for an after dinner drink and desert....
(4)Steven G.
Fish was over done, pupus were horrendous, duck was oily. View was good, but the vog killed it. Would I come back? No
(2)C. L. T.
The food was good. We had the delicious pot stickers to start and the Duck and the fish special. Portions are generous. Halfway through dinner, two ukulele musicians sat a table away and played and sang for about an hour as the sun went down and it was dark. Very good service and Sam Choy trains local Kona boys to eventually become chefs. Overall a very nice experience.
(4)Deborah G.
Best teriyaki chicken I've ever had; the oriental dressing on the salad was clearly made on site and YUM.....Wait staff was so friendly. I'll be back! This is NOT Haute Cuisine, it's more like Paula Deen Hawaiian.
(4)Daniel K.
Food wasn't as great as the view from the resturaunt was the best thing.
(3)Brandi K.
We LOVE SAM CHOY'S!!! The food is great the view amazing and we love the staff. We always looking forward to our favorite fish and Macademia Nut Chicken. Yummy great for whale watching.
(4)Nor C.
I gave this place many tries for breakfast, lunch and several dinners. I was continually disappointed with the food and the service. Flavors are more geared for tourists with bland palates. The rib eyes were extra fatty and not in a good way. Deserts did nothing for me... I'd rather have gotten an ice cream down the road for 1/3 of the price. The blueberry pancakes were soaked in a blueberry "syrup" that wasn't syrup but a blueberry sauce make with cornstarch. Lunch was the best of all (but not GREAT) with a salad topped with the fish of the day. The service was totally slow even with the restaurant not even 1/3 full. The view is amazing but I guess if you are on vacation that would be a selling point.
(2)Bruce P.
First night in Hawaii. We got to Sam's right before they closed so didn't have to wait. Drinks were good, salad was good. View was beautiful. I was disappointed with the menu. It was really limited. At the waitress's suggestion, I ate the boneless ribs. Much to my surprise, at Sam's, boneless ribs look and taste just like over salted pot roast. I thought it was spendy for what we got. Ever hear of 'blackened tofu?' My girlfriend tried it and found the seasonings way too overpowering for tofu. No more Sam's for us.
(2)Emily A.
I've lived in Hawaii my entire life and the B52 bomber that landed in my hair at dinner, should have been my sign. It was the biggest one I have seen in years! What a joke of a restaurant. There seems to be plenty of staff members, but they all seem to congregate and spend their time socializing with one another. Very tacky. Then they load their foods with salt, salt and more salt. If that isn't enough they add tons of sugar too, its no wonder people think its good. Meanwhile their filling it with all sorts of extra calories. Its a shame that with such a beautiful location they are blowing it! Instead, head down the road to Kona Country Club (open to public), they serve a wonderful breakfast and great Bloody-Mary. And the view is impossible to beat.
(1)Sam D.
Our server Chris was a great lady and charming person. She recommended the ribs, for pupu's the stir fry dinner for my wife and she said they had good burgers! The ribs we tasty but dry no moisture! The stir fry fish had great flavor and very ample portion. "the burger" I ordered med rare checking with Chris that I would have pink in the middle. What arrived was a very dead well done cow! I showed Chris and she immediately agreed and returned said cow with a request that the burger be cooked RARE this time! After 15 min new burger arrived more well done than the first one! Chris removed from bill and we will never return! It is a step up from the Wendy's that was at the same location but not much! My recommend is have a drink enjoy the view don't eat the food!!!!
(1)Chuck A.
Sam Choy's is a fun spot with polite, efficient and friendly staff. We loved the view and open air seating. The fish and chips were excellent (highlighted by an aioli dipping sauce). The waffle fried ice cream....oh my, oh my!!
(4)Beth J.
The only thing good was the view! The food was horrible!! Pigs feet are not pork loin. I almost vomitted when I ordered pork tender loin and got pigs feet! Where is chef Ramsey! He needs to visit this place.
(2)Vish N.
Service was good and the food was ok. Maybe a little on the pricy side but the view (sunset) was outstanding and worth it!
(4)Nancy O.
Great experience at Sam Choy's for dinner. We were seated out along the edge of the terrace (a beautiful spot) and our waiter was solicitous and helpful. Dinner was the best on the island so far: I had the fish salad with a light sesame dressing and my husband had the short ribs. We split (meaning I ate) the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was divine and I would definitely recommend.
(4)Eric D.
I will not be recommending this place. The food was good, but the service was horrible. At 5 star prices, I expect 5 star service. Sorry Sam, your staff does not do your food justice. Getting seated with reservations was troublesome... we had no waitress assigned to our table, the manager who took our order failed to put it in, the waitress who finally came to our table never checked up on us, and while the manager was apologetic throughout the night, he did nothing to fix the shoddy service as dinner progressed. The views are nice, but then its Hawaii and every place has a nice view. There are plenty of choices for dining in the area. Check out Kaliua for a great experience, because this place fell way short.
(2)Eitaro A.
I've always wanted to try Sam Choy's restaurant in Honolulu, but never had a chance until this week in Kona. I went there two days in a row for lunch one day and dinner the other. You just can't go wrong with Sam Choy and It met my expectations. I absolutely recommend it. Awesome location as well.
(5)Doug W.
Reasonable food. It was higher end than the downtown kona places and would likely have a nice view at about 1700 to 1900. We were there after dark so there was no view. Table outside is the way to go. Seemed like a special occasion type of place for a lot of people. Shoyu poke was good. Ahi salad was also good. Service was very good but they weren't busy. Make a reservation if you want an outside table at 1800.
(4)Michelle S.
One star for the view and one star because Auntie comped our meal. Beef patty in the loco moco was chewy, tough, and inedible. Hollandaise was so lemony it made me sick after a few bites. Rating is for breakfast only; this was our first time eating here.
(2)Cherry G.
Best ahi salad I have ever had. The waitress suggested I try all three dressing- I did and liked them all. The sunset, service and food made for a perfect evening.
(4)Paul L.
Three couples had dinner together at Sam Choy's on 5mar13 and again on 5mar13. The service was excellent and the food was outstanding. The LauLau was a particular hit, and several of us agree this was the best restaurant we tried in Hawaii. It helps to have such a beautiful view, but the service and food quality set this restaurant above the rest.
(5)J B.
This is a tourist spot, make no mistake. It is in the same parking lot as a grocery store and a Long's Drugs in an area very populated with tourists. There was so much hype that we felt like we needed to give it a shot. We did not have a bad experience, the atmosphere is nice and the view is nice, but we definitely did not love it. I did like the open air dining feel. The entire restaurant opens up with big roll up doors. The decor is nice, the restaurant is clean and attractive and the service was friendly. The menu had some interesting options, but the food was pretty mediocre. We ordered a chicken noodle bowl (Noodlemania) and a beef stew omelet. Both were edible, but not fantastic. I wish there was a rating between two and three stars, which I think would be more fair. This place is not great and I wouldn't refer anyone to come here and we will probably not return.
(2)Imi B.
Nice views. I would go for their Eggs Benedict, Panipopo Pancakes, Mojito, and Mehana Kihoi! They no longer serve those options for breakfast, and menu was replaced with a simple breakfast menu and buffet :( Haven't been back in a long time. Drinks & Appetizers are what I would suggest, because the quality of the food and preparation is just ok.
(2)frances c.
Beautiful view of the sunset with outdoor seating. Food was delicious.
(4)Mary L.
This is one of the best places i have been to in a long time. the service was EXCELLENT..... we eat dinner here 3 nights and breakfast here 2 mornings in a row. we also had our reception wedding dinner here for 30 ppl. and they were on top of everything. and what can I say about the view..... overall a great spot to be at.....
(5)Robinson O.
The Sam's special is awesome! All the food was great! Service was excellent!
(5)Lily C.
Great spot! We had a great dinner experience. Came early because we didn't have a reservation but only had a short wait. Very full menu and friendly and attentive wait staff. Fun drinks and appetizers. Great seafood and non seafood choices too. But the view is the best part we were there at sunset and really enjoyed it.
(4)Yasmin V.
A MUST VISIT restaurant! FRIED RICE and Eggs for breakfast is a must have...SOOOOOO yummy! Have the BLOODY MARY, by all means... probably the best I have ever tasted. My husband raves about the omelets- light, fluffy and tasty served on a bed of potatoes and onions. PRESENTATION is a 10 and still means alot here, even for breakfast and I can really appreciate that! A MINUS is that they don't serve fresh squeezed juice... why not?? My paddling friends go here often and the prices are reasonable and the portions hearty enough to satisfy your hunger when you are done with your workout. Of course, the views and being able to sit outdoors, semi outdoors or indoors is a huge plus.
(4)Anna T.
The sunset view at Sam Choy's was great. The food wasn't bad. We tried the baby back ribs as an appetizer. It was average. My boyfriend had the duck. One part of the duck was good. The other part was rubbery. I had the fish trio. The dish was tasty and the size of the plate was worth the $29.00. Drinks were average (Mai tai and blue hawaiian). Our waiter was a friendly and attentive guy from Georgia.
(3)Nicole A.
You know it's good when I spent the next few days after asking my husband if we could go back and eat at Sam Choy's again! Here's the ironic part: neither of us are seafood people but we loved this place! The katsu pork is right up there with the top 5 things that I've ever eaten and well, let's just say I like to eat! My husband had the macadamia crusted chicken and enjoyed it and my kids loved their chicken tenders. The chicken for my kids was real chicken vs. that gross stuff that so many places pass off as chicken nuggets or tenders. Score! With the food, good service and awesome view, we will definitely hit Sam Choy's up again on our next trip to Kona.
(5)Matthew S.
Came here for breakfast one morning. They have a very awesome breakfast buffet , ate almost everything there. We had a nice spot on their patio looking out to the ocean, and spotted some whales. Who wouldn't enjoy eating breakfast and whale watching.
(5)Kathleen K.
Perfect hawaiian atmosphere complimented the sample lunch platter. Can't decide what was better?? Taste the poke-loved it. Then tasted the chicken luau-loved it too. And finally, the kaluha pork-good too!
(5)Bruce B.
Aloha from Hawaii! I've been here for a week and had many a meal, but It's the first time I had a moment to capture a moment. I'm in Kona and it's as beautiful as I remembered, even more if you factor in how long I've been away. My nephew and I were dinning at a spot called Oceans were the seafood apparently so fresh it came deep fried only. What a disappointment when you can sit in a restaurant and look out at an infinity of beautiful blue water and your eating frozen seafood from the Mainland. After that lackluster experience, we hopped into our Mustang convert able and hit the road outta Kailua Town to Kona. While driving, I saw Sam Choy's from the road, in a little hidden shopping mall on a hill. I was very excited as expected and I suggested we stop in for some Pu Pu's or dessert. We ended up having another full meal and it was way more satisfying then the last one and just what I needed to get that fry taste out of the back of my throat. The spot was fantastic with open air dining atop a hill over looking Kona-Kailua Bay. I ordered a Hawaiian Berry Mojito and it was like me-strong and exotic! After the prelim of salad soup and rolls, my entree' of Tuna Trio arrived. It consisted of Ahi Tuna and Aku Tuna with Albacore Tuna rounding out the trio. Each Fish was prepared differently and all were simply delicious. I finished off the meal with a ass kicking slice of Kona Key Lime pie and a cup of Kona Coffee. It don't get too much better than this, all I needed was to have a smoking Hawaiian beauty to feed.
(4)Roy T.
If you're looking for an up-scale, spendy restaurant with a great view, this is the place. It's located south of Kona just above a shopping center at the end of Ali'i Drive. Parking is very limited at the restaurant but they have an overflow lot behind the shopping center below with a shuttle. It's pretty popular especially for dinner so make reservations before you come. We were fortunate and got seated early but we arrived too late to catch the sun set. The dining area is open to the outside with a nice view so come for lunch or before it gets dark out. We split an ahi salad and each had the trio of daily fresh catch. The food was tasty and the presentation of each dish was nice. The noise level is moderate. Service was attentive and we had a good experience.
(4)Frank G.
Outside seating was a little quieter and ambience / views are excellent. We started off with a complementary soup and salad sampler and then onto some Calamari. Main course consisted of oriental lamb chops over pasta and kona orange duck. Both were seasoned and cooked to perfection. Finished with a very simple bread pudding. Pricing was very resonable for this quality in Kona. The service suffered somewhat from server working too many tables.
(4)Frank D.
After reading the reviews I decided that I needed to try out Sam's. They have a good range of menu, with selections that should please everyone. I started with a cucumber martini, one of their recommended specialty drinks, very good. The wait staff recommended the ahi belly appetizer. Having never tried it, I went for it and was pleased. Fried lightly and served Asian style, it was tasty and light, complemented well by my drink selection. After consultation with the wait staff, I selected the fish trio. It was explained to me that the fish is generally locally purchased, straight from the boats, stored in their onsite refrigerator, and served as fresh as possible. The fish served to me was swordfish, spearfish, and I forgot the third. All three filets were very fresh and tasty, served with vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. I recommend and would return. Oh, by the way - as others have noted, the view is awesome! Parking is limited, plan your visit timing.
(4)Michael O.
My wife and I just happened by on our way to a movie and saw that Sam Choy's Kai Lanai was open. On the way back from the move to stopped for a mid afternoon lunch. It was there first day and this was a soft opening. What a TOTAL disappointment. The view is a killer, but you shound sit inside and not have to look down on the tops of the Keauhou Shopping Center. I ordered marinated chicken stir fry in a deep fried tortilla. For the first day the oil tasted old and the pieces of chicken were NOT good cuts. My wife ordered a fish sandwich and wanted the fish well done. The fish came almost raw. And it was served with really bad French fries. The wait staff was very, but not too, friendly. The kitchen was not slow. The problem was the food!! Sam needs to shake up the kitchen.
(1)Darrell T.
A friend recommended Sam Choys to us. We went for dinner on Sunday night and I have to tell this place is great! We had the calamari appetizor and is was light and crunchy with a great sauce. I had the lamb chops done to perfection, my wife had the short rib and it was great. To add to the great dinner the views are amazing especially at sunset! We are going back again this week.
(5)E S.
Delicious fresh fish.
(5)Dale F.
4 of us ate lunch at Sam's yesterday. The service was terrific, the food was great, the view was fantastic and our server was just super (Teresa). All four of us will go back if we have time. Note to Sam: Come to Dallas and open a Sam Choy's of Texas. You could add TexMex and Texas BBQ to the menu. (BTW: Sam was there with some of his friends). The staff was friendly and not intimidated by Sam.
(5)Greg P.
Food was ok, I was hoping for the flavor of the old Sam Choy's when it was in the industrial park years ago. The view is great, parking is a hassle. I would rather have the flavor and the no pretty scenery. Staff was very professional and service was ok
(3)Karen G.
We ate here for lunch one day toward the end of our week on the island- LOVED it! My husband and I both had the mahi mahi and our daughter had the mahi salad. I wish that we would have had time to go back for dinner another day, but will have to wait for our next trip. The food, the service, the drinks, the view- all spectacular and the prices were very reasonable.
(5)Annabel T.
The view is fantastic but the breakfast buffet was extremely disappointing - I had much much better at Denny's.
(1)Joyce C.
Good atmosphere, good quality food, nice location and pleasant service
(4)John H.
The views are, indeed, amazing for a non-oceanfront location. The fried poke was good, but not as good as the poke at Da Poke Shack. My entree (laulau) gave me food poisoning. It tasted off, but I thought it was the ti leaf the fish was wrapped in (having never eaten a ti leaf). I can't give any place more than 2 stars if it made me sick. Due to that experience, I won't go back.
(2)Edward M.
Was there twice about 3 weeks ago while on holidays. Both times, excellent ambience, service, food and a great eating experience
(5)Linda S.
Very disappointed and the final straw - Breakfast has been my meal of choice at Sam Choy's - local variety, view and great service by Malia (sp?). But now, supposedly due to the kitchen unable to keepup with breakfast - they have butchered their menu to a few selections you can get anywhere - and the first weekend of the buffet some two weeks ago - I ate dry toast because SOMEONE did not get the fresh fruit to make the 'house' special usually sold bottled in the restaurant! You would think to consider folks who do not like or cannot eat tropical fruits, they would have a backup - 'strawberry' or 'grape' - NOTHING really - from a restaurant by a World Class Chef? AND, I get better breakfast buffets for free at hotels on business travel. I've watched the issues since it opened over a year ago - the problem is the kitchen - sorry Sam - if Denny's can feed a full-house with their breakfast menu PLUS the Hobbit Breakfast with 3 cooks - why can't your kitchen of world class cooks (You see a crowd in the kitchen) crank out basic breakfast? YES, I now go to Denny's instead of Sam's for breakfast! Maybe Sam should hire the Denny's crew and restore the original breakfast menu and give us locals a reason to come back! If a kitchen can't crank out eggs, toast, hashbrowns and the like - yeah, don't even open the restaurant. Get rid of the kitchen staff and start over OR better yet - Hire the morning cooks at Denny's!
(1)Aimee J.
We just left Sam Choy's new restaurant and all I can say is...AWESOME! Our waitress Malia was awesome. She was attentive, sweet and you could tell she was happy to be working there and really cared about all her guest. It is located on top of a hill at the end of All'i road and you can see the most amazing view. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary dinner here. It was delicious food, wonderful view and great staff that really made our night special. I agree with the other review, they should slow things down slightly (not too much) because I would have liked to just relax there another half hour or so. We were pleasantly surprised when the waitress brought us a bread basket with butter (standard right?) and then a bowl of the soup of the day and salad. We then ordered a great appetizer. I ordered the duck with brown rice which was phenomenal! and my Husband had the rib eye and garlic mashed potatoes, also awesome. We both had iced tea and I had a cocktail which was tasty. Then we rounded out the meal with a shared bread pudding, it was a huge portion so I am glad we shared. It was moist and delicious. And all of that food with the well deserved 10.00 tip came out to $86.00. In you can't beat that! Keep up the great work! *also cool you can see into the kitchen, and the Chef de Cuisine was there in the dining room periodically.
(5)sarah W.
I was excited to eat at this famous chefs restaurant and was a little disappointed. Our server was great and the ambiance was lovely but our dinner was so so. The garlic mashed potatoes were not garlicky at all and had a weird texture. The lamb that was ordered medium rare was too rare to chew. I don't mind rare but this was raw! However, the duck and the ribeye were cooked perfectly and Flavorful.The drinks were delicious, I recommend the margarita martini, rimmed with black sea salt. The fresh whipped butter was amazing as well!
(3)Maylene D.
I read up on Sam Choy after seeing the restaurant from the street and we decided to try the restaurant. We were there at 4:30, didn't have reservations and were seated on the outer part of the restaurant with an unbelievable, beautiful view of the ocean. The waiter was very professional and friendly. I had the macadamia nut chicken and my husband had the trio fish entree. We had pupus (appetizers) of fried calamari and mac & cheese. Everything was delicious and made with fresh ingredients. The mango sauce and shitake mushroom sauce were awesome! The pineapple cheesecake with macadamia crust was fantastic! We had to roll down the hill after eating all of that food, but we'll be back again to try Sam Choy's breakfast and lunch!!
(5)Corey A.
Nice environment and presentation of the food. I had the seafood trio and it just seemed very bland. For the price of $30 I didn't feel very flattered.
(2)Rebecca H.
Kai Lanai's has a fantastic view but the service was barely OK both times that I dined there. They do bring samples of the "Soup of the Day" and their house salad to try prior to the entree. Prices seem a little high but the portions are large. The Ribeye steak was cooked perfectly and the Seared Poke is delicious. Sam did stop by our table to say "hi" to the hubby and meet our family. If it wasn't for the slow service I would give them 4 stars.
(3)Mark C.
I'm amazed at all the people that gave this place more than one or even two stars. The food is disgusting, greasy and and downright nasty. The service was even worse. If I lived on the island I would run them out of town just to save the Big Islands reputation of being a vacation destination. After chasing the waitress down to pay for something that should only have been feed to animals they came running out to the car to apologize and offer us a free appetizer on our next visit. Are you kidding me! This place is even worse than a midwestern Waffle House..
(1)David H.
Stumbled across this restaurant while driving around and I am glad I found it. Good food, friendly service and great cocktails. Much better than Roy's for Regional Hawaiian.
(4)BrokeDaMou F.
The first time I went to a Sam Choy's was on the Big Island I was not disappointed. Then I had a great meal at one that is now closed on Maui. The one on Oahu was the last one I went to, and it was not on par with what I had before. They had really mushy rice. Who messes up rice in Hawaii? Still, I was happy to see that Sam Choy's was back in Kailua-Kona/Keauhou. But, since it was getting mixed reviews for dinner, I only had breakfast here. I'm hoping that reviews will get more consistent, once they get more established. The breakfasts I had were great. I tried the pancakes and the sweet bread french toast. No regrets! The sweet bread was a triple, guava, taro and regular sweet bread. I had the combo, and had the homemade corned beef. I should have tried the Pani Popo pancakes, but only had the regular ones. Still good. Service was great, and so was the view. So you have to look at the roof of the shopping center, what do you want them to do, move the shopping center? Prices for breakfast were very reasonable. No complaints here.
(5)Larry K.
Wonderful view, pretty mediocre food for the prices. Had the special of the day coconut chicken which was only ok. Pork with bean sauce was tender but without taste. Waitress was good and helpful. Music was too loud to speak over. Will not be back...
(3)David S.
Great setting and ambiance. Food extremely mediocre.
(2)David D.
We were warned that this place was going to be jammed packed and impossible to get in as it recently opened. We tried anyways and got really lucky! Seats were outside overlooking the ocean...you can't beat that. I had the seared ahi salad and Z had the hamburger steak. The food was so delicious and the salad came in this huge edible shell. Also, they served this very interesting purple taro salad with the hamburger steak. This is the perfect date spot for couples :)
(5)Cecile D.
Luv Sam Choy's in Kona. The sunset is always beautiful. The amount and quality of food for the price is a good value and the service is friendly. We had an appetizer, wine, two entrees, and a dessert and coffee for under $100.00 with a stellar sunset. Lovely.
(4)Jeremy L.
This Sam Choy's use to be a Wendy's (look for what use to be the drive through window on the side of the building) but that didn't stop me from visiting it twice during the week (since it was so near the Keauhou area). The first night I had a reservation and ordered the 8 oz New York Steak Pulehu style w/ garlic mash --the steak was slightly overcooked but was still good. My brother had the Seafood Lau Lau (and Pineapple Cheesecake) which he said he enjoyed. For dessert I had Poha Berry ice cream which was unique & refreshing since I've never tasted the Poha berry before. Service was decent but since Choy's is a newer restaurant they don't have all the kinks worked. Our server gave us a pitcher of water as requested but he had a huge table of 12 come in so he didn't get our check to us in a timely manner. Perhaps one of the other wait staff could have stopped preparing the cutlery for the next nights service and stepped in to intervene? For the second night I had no reservation. After a 5 minute wait for a patio table I ordered one of the specials and it was a treat! It was tempura sea bass; it was flaky & cooked to perfection (highly recommended!). My brother had the sauteed pork loin which he regretted after he tasted my sea bass. It was the end of the night when we came in so there was a little confusion with who was our waitress but the manager immediately came over delivering to us a a free, tasty calamari appetizer. Everything was smooth sailing after that. Sam Choy's is enjoyable food in a nice atmosphere (for a view, ask for a outside table and don't look down at the strip mall) at moderate prices.
(4)Kama K.
FABULOUS! We went for brunch today. We were greeted by lovely local hostess with plenty aloha. A VERY BIG plus these days. We had a choice of inside or outside seating. I chose inside because I try to stay out of the sun. Outside seating offers a gorgeous ocean view. The restaurant is open air and very nice. We ordered Mimosas to start. Ordered the edamame hummus with pita bread. It could have used a bit more punch but maybe it's just me. The fried poke plate with fried rice and sweet potato salad was YUMMIE!!! I was talking to the Manager and out walks Sam out of the kitchen. What a treat! Beautiful atmospher... I recommend Sam Choy's Kai Lanai very much. Cant wait to go back for dinner or pupus and beverages. Support Hawaiian owned and operated business. Best Wishes Sam Choy's Kai Lanai!
(5)David G.
We had a Sunday brunch here for six people. We made a reservation on yelp, but at 10:30 am it didn't appear we needed one as thje restaurant is quite large. Everyone was more than satisfied with their food. I had the ahi eggs benedict, and found it both good to eat and a good value. We enjoyed the open air ambience and trade wind breezes. We would definitely eat there again.
(4)Ryan A.
Too much butter ... Had the craps for days. Great view tho!!!!!
(2)P. P.
I brought guests to Sam Choy's Kai Lanai for brunch, and was disappointed by the food, which was really not worthy of Sam Choy's name. What I expected was vibrant, flavorful fusion cuisine with fresh ingredients. Instead, the dishes (including omelet, eggs Benedict, and loco moco) were lifeless and greasy, such as would be expected from a lesser greasy spoon joint in Hawai'i. The hot chocolate was luke warm and lumpy, while the coffee was just so-so. Service and atmosphere were okay.
(2)Vivian J.
With fear in our hearts from recent Yelp reviews, we ventured to Sam Choy's on foot with low expectations. We were seated immediately a few minutes before sunset with a beautiful view and very friendly waitstaff. We were immediately given ice water (much appreciated after a hot hike uphill) and told to expect a waiter in a few minutes. As promised, a very friendly waiter named Von appeared within a few minutes and got us going with tropical drinks (better than recently had at the Four Seasons!) and the seared poke, which was delicious. We both ordered the laulau platters for dinner and they were moist, tender, and tasty. We had another leisurely round of drinks after dinner in place of desert, and those were very tasty. The service was a bit disorganized around us - we were signing our check as the table next to us was just getting dinner and our second round of drinks sat made on the bar for a while. Nothing life-threatening, just some mixup with the wait staff involving a big party that arrived during our dinner. Overall, this is not the place to go if you are starving and need food immediately, but if you are looking for a leisurely happy hour and dinner and don't mind a little waiting for great food/drinks while taking in a gorgeous view, than I highly recommend giving them a shot. We will be back before our trip ends!
(4)Adam S.
Expensive, and the menu is just so boring. 2 stars because the Poke was both tasty and firm. The green salad had a nice dressing, but the bread was lame. Bartender was nice, although the wine flights were uninspiring. Most expensive meal of our trip, and I am embarassed my parents were so excited to eat there (twice).
(2)Olivia L.
I don't think the prices here were outrageous as other have noted. We just weren't that impressed with the food. For dinner, I had the orange duck (~$22) & the sauce was quite sweet (and I can usually stand sweet). Came with a side of rice/mash which I didn't even touch due to the amount of food I already had. My husband had the lamb chops (~$22) and that also was prepared in a sweet sauce overtop unnecessary linguine. Reminded us of the sauce used for BBQ Pork. Pros - provided complimentary bread, mushroom soup & salad - great, attentive service - large portions - walked right in for a table for 2 at 7pm in late January - ahà poke appetizer was pretty good
(3)Tamlyn W.
Sam Choys just ok Had a late dinner here last night!! Food was good but not stellar. It was lacking dimension. The macadamia crusted chicken was recommended by two staff members and was bland and flavorless, the short ribs tough And dry. The duck was just a bit better! We got there when it was dark so can't comment on view or location. Staff and service was good! Not in a hurry to return!
(3)Tom M.
Service was good the view was to die for the food was fair. Yes I would go back again and hope this time the food was better
(3)Ryan S.
So my co worker and I went there for dinner on 9/15/11. We got seated right away but we had to wait almost an half hour before our waitress greeted us. Not to mention she visited the two tables by us four times before even acknowledging us. Not only that the bus boy filled my water twice and we had to ask him two times for our waitress. To make things worst she wasn't even that busy. I left a comment with the manager hopefully they fix that problem. The location is great. It is located in to old Wendy's off of Kam III road just above Keahou Shopping Center. Don't listen to the other people that say all you see is the strip mall. Those people are only looking at the negatives... The restaurant does have magnificent ocean views just remember it is an ocean view restaurant not an ocean front restaurant. My suggestion is if you go there in the early evening that way you can see the awesome sunset. I had the Pork Loin and my co worker had the orange duck. Both were really good. We also had the poke for the appetizer it was horrible. The waitress didn't tell us it was marlin and it lacked flavor. You are better off going down the road to KTA for some poke. All in all I would have give this restaurant 4 stars for the food and at this point 0 stars for the service. Maybe in a couple of years hopefully by then they will weed out their horrible waitresses.
(2)Linda L.
I had the most amazing seared poke. Definitely would go back just for it. The portion was very generous as an appetizer, large enough to share with 2 friends. I also had the steamed seafood lau lau. The fish tasted a bit greasy for my taste, but the fresh vegetable was great. If you are looking to try island local food, this place won't disappoint.
(4)alan t.
Brah, what a view! Don't listen to da buggahs who get all huhu about the mall. Million dollar view baby! I went there for lunch and dinner the next day. Had the furikake ahi salad. The dressings were good, but the fish was overcooked and even though it had a ton of furikake, not so ono (delish). Wifey had the "amazingly awesome" beef stu. Was just ok . . . BUT, the Molokai sweet potato salad was brok da mout soooo good delicious and it gets a 5 star for itself. For dinner, we went crazy and had the calamari and fried poke. Calamari was just ok. Best part was the sauce. Don't get the fried poke. What a waste of some perfectly good poke! We got it seared and it was cooked, not seared. Shoulda just had regular poke. Man, what a waste. But, I ate um haha. Dinner, I had the spare rib with garlic mashed and wifey had the seafood lau lau. Sorry but both were just ok to ok minus. Like someone else said, the noodles were kinda like Panda Express. The garlic mashed was like regular mashed. Ho hum. Waitresses were both SUPER awesome for lunch and dinner. Mahalos to Sandy and Nalani. Drinks were great. I'd go for drinks and dessert. Had the mango wachumacalit and Berry Mojito and Blue Hawaii. Def go for the Berry mojito and mango drink. Desserts were bread pudding and coconut ice cream. Bread pudding for lunch was brown and more red for dinner. Might have added a berry ingredient for dinner dessert. Oh well, both tasted super awesome. Go for the view and the drinks (reasonable at $8 and $7, beers $5). DO NOT waste any more poke by trying it fried!!!
(3)Bernie C.
I miss the famous fried rice!! Can't wait to try the other dishes on the menu! Love the fact that we can set our reservations on-line! I was sad that we were not offered an opportunity to order dessert...we had to have our waitress re-ring the ticket to include it. I was expecting something more of the Fried Waffle icecream...just a picky eater, I guess.
(3)Michael M.
While on the Big Island we went to the new Sam Choy's for dinner. We were so lucky to get the last available parking space. The sun was just beginning to set on the Pacific Ocean. The view from this place is amazing! Set on top of a hillside, you can see all the way up the Kona Coast! We were escorted to our table by a lovely hostess! We couldn't help but snap pictures left and right! They had run out of edemame the night before, so we just ordered dinner. To our surprise each dinner came with soup and salad. The menu was just right. Just enough to make the perfect selection! The service was fantastic! Our Server was energetic and personable. I had a glass of wine that was so Ono!!!! This wine tickled my nose with graces of Lillikoi! It was a New Zealand Niablo Savignion Blanc from Marlborough 2010. I had the Lamb, Pops had the Beef and Rose had the chicken. Every plate a work of art! And delicious too! Pops asked if they had coffee ice cream for desert? They did not. But they should. Can you imagine? Kona coffee ice cream?!!!! That would be the topper! We had a great time! Oh and the Bar is nothing to sneeze at! Big and Beautiful! Just like you Sam! (before you lost weight) Your still stay yet beautiful!
(3)Aaron S.
I ordered the Fish Trio and the fish was so overcooked and dry. Others with us ordered the duck and it was great and the Rib-eye was ok- but they served very plain mashed potatoes on the side like a cafateria. Poke was not so good either. I expected much more from this kind of restaurant and unfortanatly I live 2 min away and will not be going back.
(2)Claire J.
Very nice location with good views. I like how there is the outdoors aspect to the restaurant. Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is a very laid back place with good food. I ordered the fish trio which was very tasty. The sauces were delicious! You can also just hang out at the bar and have a few drinks and pupus. Servers were very nice.
(4)Marty G.
View was great, drinks were very good...we had two apps - poke was very good, but the brie won tons had very little brie in them. Disappointing. Service was slow. Our waiter - Arthur - was very nice.
(3)Kathy Z.
Great meal at a very reasonable price. We came here for lunch while driving from Kona to Volcano. I had the Fried Poke, which was delicious. It comes with rice and salad for a complete meal. The marinade was delicious, sweet yet savory. My only complaint is that I asked for seared ahi, but it came back almost completely cooked through. My husband had the fish and chips, which he loved. The fish was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It was a great comfortable meal after days of eating out at stuffy "fine dining". The panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean is an added bonus.
(4)Kim H.
Very bad experience. It was early in the evening and both of us stopped in for dinner. The restaurant was about 1/4 full. They wouldn't give us a seat outdoors by the rail because we hadn't made a prior reservation. We sat within view of it, but technically inside. The water guy was so busy high-fiving his bro that he nearly elbowed me in the face, as he was going through the motions to fill our water glasses. The waiter finally showed up and tried for a good five minutes to up-sale our decisions for dinner. He came by and plopped a salad, soup of some kind (bland) and some stale rolls on the table. He was pretentiously trying to convince us that he actually cared about where we were from after noticing that we found him quite annoying. One of the girls there ran around to all the tables with battery operated candles that she literally tossed into the glass in the middle of our table. I was pretty disgusted at that point. The food arrived...overpriced chicken. We had better chicken last night at L&L BBQ for 1/4 the price. Sam Choys...they think they're a pretty big deal around here but I think not. Employees are not engaged and everything is run quite sloppily. Not worth the $$ or the waste of your time.
(1)Jen R.
I really wanted to like Sams new restaurant more than I did. I admire him and like his recipes. So, I will list the stuff I liked about the place first: the service; nice, helpful people who were there for my every need. The view- I have been waiting for a restaurant to open at the old Wendys site FOREVER. The fish dishes- Sams chefs did mostly good things with the fish dishes we tried, including the ono, which can get very dry if it's not cooked right. Ok, sorry Sam, the bad: the mac nut crusted chicken was mostly panko-crusted chicken. Still tasty, but not really as advertised. I tried the marinated short ribs; the beef flavor was marinated right out of them (very tender, though. Maybe just less time in the marinade?). The complimentary soup- I really really hate to complain about free stuff, but honestly, Sam, pretty much cream of mushroom soup from a can with bacon added??? And, I am crying now; the poke. Sam, I use YOUR recipe for poke; these guys should know better than sending fish out that should have been tossed. It wasn't as fresh as it should have been. And us locals know the difference. I still have hopes for this place, it's new and kinks may still be getting worked out. Maybe Sam will come over and kick a little kitchen booty, get these guys back on their game.
(3)Roger R.
Good food, not a lot of choices but what they have is well prepared. Get up early and have breakfast there. The pani popo pancakes with haupia topping is very good.
(4)C B.
Have been to Sam Choy's in Honolulu and this site is even better -- if possible. The poki was marginal (not up to Sam Choy standards), but the ono sandwich and the ono plate were phenomenal. Service very good, view great.
(4)Christine B.
Excellent...What a view !!
(4)Lin M.
Yum! The food was fantastic as was the service. Sam Choy himself came over and introduced himself and to check on things. You can tell he takes a lot of pride in his restaurant and it shows! He also seems to hire local people for his waitstaff which I think is wonderful. We went there for lunch between our group of 6 tried a lot on the menu. It was all yummy. I was especially happy with the fried rice. Just thinking about it makes me miss Hawai'i more!!!
(4)Kealohi H.
Terrible experience with both food and drinks. Had a fly in my beer and plastic in my poke. Totally turned off till they told us our appetizers, drinks, and dessert were free. On a gd not the waiter Trevor was awesome!!!
(2)N A.
- 1st visit thru 8th visit never received the food I ordered, which was simple nothing difficult and management never acknowledged the issues but once and when she took the food back to get the right order it still came back wrong - another time I sat for
(1)Jennifer C.
I regret that we were recently very disappointed at sam choy's. I am not sure whether the problem was our waiter, or the kitchen, or both. The server brought our entrees before our appetizers had even been cleared. We were not ready for them, and were told they would be redone, which we did not want to have happen, but we did not want to be rushed through our meal. A few minutes later our entrees arrived, and they were luke warm at best - it was clear that they had been sitting under a warmer. We asked to have them warmed up, and after another wait, our entrees came and were again not hot. I would never go back to this restaurant, and I suggest you do not waste your time and money on it either.
(2)Kathy D.
This used to be the old Wendy's....what a great view Wendy's must've had from the top of the hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I had the fresh fish of the day,ahi, cooked perfect. I don't like it Rare so it was kind of medium. I also had a salad with it with the wasabi dressing. I could've just drank the dressing it was wonderful everything was good service was good the views awesome. Parking very limited but the plan to get a golf cart to shuttle those needing a lift from the lower parking lot. Try it, it was Ono! Sam even came by our table and outside he had to joke about the lack of parking.
(4)Toni S.
This used to be a Wendy's, but the owner completely re-did it. The food is wonderfully presented and it's almost all Big Island sourced. The service is attentive and friendly. The fresh fish is a mainstay of the menu. The winelist is varied and imaginative. And to top it off, the view is spectacular. Built on a hill overlooking the ocean, you can't ask for a more beautiful spot. The restaurant fills up quickly, so come early or make a reservation. You can easily split a meal and be satisfied. Dinner comes with a complimentary salad and soup. The servings for the entree are generous and the desserts are delicious.
(5)Marina N.
Everything was fabulous! Food, Service, View, even the prices weren't bad for the quality and location. Dinner the first night and Breakfast the last day with the most spectacular view! Don't miss out if your on the Big Island. I can't believe there used to be a Wendy's on that property. Sam Choy, you couldn't have picked a better spot and very close to our vacation condo! :-) - Thank you!
(5)Megan W.
First time on yelp. . I keep thinking about this situation and how It was not handled properly, at all. . . I went to Sam Choy's to enjoy lunch and the view on Wednesday 6/12. Gotta be honest Korean chic was grinds. . . Hummus plate meh, must be to healthy for me. . After the apps . . Got two of Korean fried chicken sandwiches, when I first got the plate I noticed a Small GREEN BUGS on my plate looked at my GF plate saw one on hers too. I figured were outside , that's what it Must be right?!?. . Then a few bites in I noticed a FRIED small GREEN BUG on my fries, so I immediatly thought OK it came from the kitchen. . Maybe I should look at my sandwich closer. . There was about 3-4 dead small green bugs in each of our Korean chicken sandwiches. . Maybe more we had eaten about half of the sandwiches.Atleast I knew they were fresh bugs because there was 2 alive bugs in the sandwich too. . I saved their lives, made friends and let them crawl around on my arm until our waitress came over and I told her the situation and asked to see a manager. . By the way our server Sandy was great. . .i watched the manager fumble around, not looking to concerned about the whole situation. . . The female manager had some sort of foreign accent and never bothered to come talk/ check on me and my pregnant GF.. . SO!!!! The stage is set. . .what should happen next?!? . . . Comp our whole check I hope?!! I mean.... I never ordered bugs!! This isn't Thailand!!! The manager never talked to us as I requested and ONLY comped the 2 sandwiches. . I wanted to stand up and ANNOUNCE to the restaurant . . " how many BUGS need to be in our food before is free!!!" I am too nice of a guy. . I left the Sandy a 30 % tip on the original bill and left. . . . It's has been bothering me for a few days so I wrote this. . . What would you do?!? . . Both my GF and I are in the food service industry on the BI on expect better. . . I hope you do too.
(2)Eric L.
We had a magnificent dinner delicious perfectly broiled Lamb and roasted duck with a delightful orange sauce. The view of the sunset was awesome along with a flight of South American wine. The service was attentive. We will be back soon!
(5)Elaine F.
Great location, excellent service and good food.
(5)Squirrel S.
Great food. Great service. Great ocean view. And very reasonable price. Went their for dinner and breakfast. Definitely be back when I go to Big Island again.
(5)Emanuelle O.
We came for dinner and was able to get a table on the lanai right around sunset. The view is spectacular. Wish we had been able to eat a daytime meal here. Tables on the lanai are first-come, first-serve and worth the wait if something is opening up. Otherwise the rest of the tables have great views too since it's an open-wall concept where there are no exterior walls to block the awesome vista. Service was very good and efficient. Food was better than expected. I thought they would charge high prices coz they provide the view and it's located in an upscale area of Kona. I ordered the trio of fish which included butterfish (always delish), swordfish (nicely done since I've never had this before) and mahi mahi (which I was wary about since it's rumored to be dolphin but turned out to be yummy). My husband had the new york steak which was very average. The pineapple cheesecake was super yum at first but eventually grew too sweet on my palate.
(4)Milton L.
This was our second visit to Kai Lanai for lunch. We had reservations and were seated promptly. Service contrary to other reviews was excellent with constant attention to refills for water and ice tea. We were celebrating a wedding anniversary for one of the couples. They both ordered the fish of the day, ahi, seared. When they received their order, they discovered that it had been cooked through, they brought it to the attention of their server. Their plates were whisked away immediately and returned after a brief respite. The ahi was seared to perfection rare in the middle and tasty. The other meals, beef stew, stirred fried tofu, Korean chicken salad and another ahi meal were done well and served promptly. Though the restaurant had a lunch crowd, service was prompt and always with a smile. The ambiance is great, airy with great views of the ocean. We found our dining experience to be pleasant, service excellent, and prices reasonable.
(5)R.J. R.
Excellent food and service. Parking can be dreadful. If the lot is full, the overflow lot is down the hill. Watch out for traffic. Always make a reservation, or you may have to wait. We made a reservation around noon and got a seat on the patio. Very nice. Absolutely recommend this restaurant.. Away from the maelstrom of Alii stretet
(4)Kim S.
Excellent!!! The entire staff was beyond our expectations. Very attentive, and truly happy to have you as a guest. The view was amazing!! The entire time we were there we were told not to rush, and the manager even told us what time sunset was. We got the bread, soup/salad which was delicious. I ordered the pork loin, and it was amazing. The flavors were deliciously unique, just amazing. My husband ordered the Braised Rib over chow mein noodles and stir fry veggies. It was also delicious, but he thought they could have portioned the noodles to a little more than what he got. He asked for another portion, which they gladly brought him. I can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes!!!!
(5)Jae C.
AWESOME BREAKFAST PANCAKES with his special coconut milk based sauce/syrup! You can't go wrong with that. I can't weigh in on the dinner comments, but we stayed in Kona for 6 nts. and ate breakfast there twice and was very satisfied both times. Ordered the pancakes both times and really everything else was just a bonus. We found service to be really attentive and the view is sweet. I am usually one to tell it like it is and will only post if it's good or bad...nothing in between. Trust me on the breakfast and go somewhere else for dinner.
(4)Bob T.
Excellent food and and breathtaking views. We had both breakfast and dinner here while on vacation. The breakfast was amazing. Sam Choy gets it perfect with the good ol' home cooked meals for breakfast and upscales it more for dinner. Food was very reasonably priced. What a treat - we will definitely be back.
(5)karen s.
We found Sam Choy's while grocery shopping. Best discovery this trip. We are always trying to find restaurants with fresh fish, not deep fried, not over cooked and not overpriced. This more than delivered! We had the fish trio which changes every night and was exceptional. The taster of soup and salad free was a nice touch to start. Lots of wines by the glass including taster flights of 3 white or three red. Also, sunset spot open air throughout makes for a nice evening. We are going back in a couple of nights.
(5)L J.
When it comes to a sunset view, this place cannot be beat as it is up a slope with a spectacular view. And, they have a great bar with decent appetizers for happy hour. The whole place is really indoor/outdoor and it's very pleasant, albeit noisy (believe it or not, it used to be a Burger King!) But this year the food wasn't what we had hoped. Entrees automatically come with a tiny salad and a little soup. The salad was local greens with a sweet dressing and it was a nice touch. The soup, a miso-like preparation, tasted off. There was something funky about it and neither of us finished ours. We ordered the tuna belly appetizer, which is deep fried, and it was done well but not very flavorful. They were offering a lehi fish special (snapper) and since we had bought some fresh lehi on Maui last week and grilled it with a light marinade and loved it, we both ordered it. The waiter told us it was gently sauteed, but it felt more like it was overly fried. It was overdone and not very tasty. We've had the Sam Choy's fish combo in the past, which was good. But, we'd like to see Sam offer some more lighter preparations of a wider variety of fish.
(2)Cat H.
I was very excited to see a Sam Choy's when we visited this time had been added right up the street from our favorite hotel. We stopped in to get a menu since my niece is vegetarian and I was hoping to eat there. What we saw on the menu made two of us very happy but there was very little on the menu for my niece so we went somewhere else that night. However the next night we ended up at loose ends and decided to see what they could do for us. It was later in the evening and they were packed...however the hostess was wonderful and was able to seat us at a very nice table on the lanai. Our server arrived with soup and salad, which is complimentary, and when my niece inquired about something for a vegetarian the server not only gave her the perfect option but also told her not to eat the soup since it's made with chicken stock! When our food arrived we were all very very pleased! It looked gorgeous and tasted wonderful, even the tofu chow mien my niece had for her dinner! We decided to order the pineapple cheese cake and while the cake itself was amazing the papaya sauce around it was way too sweet. Thus why there is only 4 stars, not 5. We will happily go again whenever we are in the area!
(4)Art T.
Went there for our 23rd. Anniversary primarily because of other reviews on YELP. WOW! WOW! WOW! And 4 + STARS. Believe me, there is no better place on Kona to experience the wonderful sunsets this island provides because I' ve been to them all. On top of that the food and service was excellent. Angela was our server and I say with no reservation, she is one of the top 5 servers I've ever experienced in 60 years of dining out. I ordered the Short Ribs at her suggestion. They were the best I've ever had anywhere. The other 3 in our party had the Salmon with seaweed and sesame seeds and were blown away. We will go again before we leave the Islands, but will check to make sure Angels is there.
(4)Helena R.
Simply awful. We came for lunch and ordered the mess called a noodle stir-fry and the fresh fish of the day in a sandwich. It was more like "La Choy" than Sam Choy! The stir fry came in a fried flour tortilla...why? The taste was bland and it arrived with some weak vinaigrette on the side which should have been tossed in. The beef were shrapnel sized pieces with gristle, and I had to search through frozen Costco vegetables to find the meat. The fish of the day was plunked on a hamburger bun with a leaf of lettuce, unripe, grainy sliced tomatoes and a slice of onion. There were no condiments, not even a sauce. The beer keg blew so we couldn't get the beer we wanted. The margarita was warm too. It's not what we expected from Sam Choy food. It appears that the food has been dumbed down for the cruise ship crowd. No flavors, no taste, just bland. Not worth the hour drive from Waikoloa, go visit Panda Express instead. We heard that Golden Corral is operating the restaurant which might explain this review.
(1)g k.
Dropped in on a Friday night without a reservation but the place seats quite a few people so it was not a problem. The restaurant is open on two sides and has an ocean view but since it was after dark, i did not experience the view but the ambiance was very Hawaiian, modern and cozy. the menu was simple but varied enough which made it easy to decide. Had a Lava flow cocktail which was delicious. Had the shoyu poke which everyone liked. I am kinda picky about poke since I make it myself so I'll say I've had better but it wasn't bad. Whenever I see duck on the menu, i usually order it since I love duck. It was their version of duck l'orange and I enjoyed it. It was served on a bed of julienne veggies with brown rice on the side. More than enough to eat. A cute salad and soup is served with each entree. The soup was ginger and carrot which was under seasoned to my table partners but subtle and tasty to me. The salad was served with a creamy oriental house dressing which everyone liked. My brahl-in-law had the NY steak which was tender and cooked to order. My wife had the shortrib and it was braised nicely and very tasty. More than enough food for everyone which is Sam's m.o. Looked at the breakfast menu and it was reasonably priced so we will visit again in the a.m. The food is good, the atmosphere is really, really nice. I was a bit wary because I had eaten at Sam Choy's on the Nimitz in Honolulu and was not impressed. So I was pleasantly surprised at Sam Choys in Keahou.
(4)JD L.
The view is worth the drive from downtown Kona. Great place for Sunday brunch. No wait and we requested a table on the patio. Server was quick with drink orders as well as the food order. They have an early bird dinner special from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm as well as a happy hour. Make sure to add this place to your list not only for the food but the amazing 180* view. Server: Masi was great! There was a problem with our order but the manager took great care if us.
(5)Hanna C.
Our meal was pretty good. The fish was all cooked well, and the portions were so large!! We left full and satisfied. My fresh fish island salad was definitely a good choice. There were so many fresh greens, and the some noodles/shredded carrots and beets were a great addition. The fish was cooked well. My brother and mother got the fish trio plates. The sauce worked very well for all the fish. The grilled fish had a little too much char taste, but it was still good. The asparagus was grilled and tasted great. My father got the Lau Lau fish. It was excellent-firm, moist, and with a nice flavor. It also had shrimp!!! This was a big plus and my dad was so full. Good service, and overall good dining experience. Thanks Sam Choy's!
(4)Mark C.
Keauhou-itude (noun) : What you get when you go to Sam Choy's or another Thai restaurant here that shall go unnamed - when it is otherwise empty - without a reservation. True story- The two of us walk in and ask for a table. No problem. We get literally the worst 4 top in the place. I ask for any of the nine available 4 tops on the lower level. "We've got a lot of reservations coming in." Translation : "you'll take what we give you." We respond "ok. I guess we'll just pass." They let us walk, happy in the knowledge that they are more exclusive than the Auberge d'lil. We decided to walk through the separate entrance into the bar. Anyway... The food is Hawaiian touristy and passable, sometimes very good. The prices exist solely as a testament to an undeserved reputation and a remodel of what used to be a Wendy's fast food The service is exactly what you'd expect by servers who genuinely believe that they're better than their jobs. ( I've eaten here several times before) The view is spectacular. A great bartender!!!
(3)T L.
Beautiful view on top of a hill Great food for a party of 5 Seafood Sampler Ribeye Steak Pasta dish Swordfish Special
(5)Cynthia T.
Suggested by our hotel, this was the first restaurant we tried when we arrived to the Big Island. We came in perfect timing, happy hour! However, we went back during regular dinner hours and found out that the happy hour menu was only be a couple $$ cheaper. Great place for their appetizers, and I wish we went back to try their dinner entrees! Their ribs and wings were too good and we ordered these the second visit. Banging baby back ribs, cooked just right. The chicken wings are very crispy and perfectly cooked, with a soy-based marinade. I am not a fan of calamari, but my family said that the calamari appe was real good as well. This was the first place that I tried ahi poke, and I found it to be good and a very interesting salad. But it was a little too much sashimi (raw) fish for me. Drinks are good, especially their pina colada. They put a good amount of liquor inside their cocktails. Best thing about this restaurant is their amazing view! I will definitely go back, even if its just for drinks and appetizers, to look at their amazing view and ambiance.
(4)Denni P.
Seated at a great table for two, 5 star moment! Then only given one menu, we thought they were out so we don't mind sharing. Then I noticed everyone else had a menu per person, strange but oh well. We weren't told the specials, I overheard another server say the special tonight was pork chops. I ordered Caesar salad with shrimp, came out with spring mix salad and no dressing. Service was mediocre we had to ask why there was no dressing on my salad and she noticed it was spring salad and went to the kitchen to ask. When she came back she said they ran out of romaine lettuce and substituted spring and brought me a side of Caesar dressing to put on my salad. My husband ordered the Mac crusted chicken, as we exited the restaurant we overheard another table ordering Caesar salad and the server didn't tell them of the modifications, I guess they will have the same experience. I'm disappointed as I wanted this to be our special neighbourhod eatery as our home is not too far from here. We've come here for brunch and lunch on a few occasions. The service seems to be inconsistent. We are disappointed with dinner and although this restaurant is has a spectacular view we won't be back for dinner again. Always Five star views, this experience one star for food and service, I leave them with a two star overall rating. I'll be back.
(2)J W.
Enjoyed early bird happy hour on the lanai tonight!!! Service was awesome thanx Cory! We would definitely go back! Ribs awesome. Poke amazing. Calamari was great. Had the early bird fish of the day. Oh did I mention haupia ice cream was heaven! Mahalo!
(4)nancy c.
Food was very good but there is no air condition therefore I couldn't wait to leave . We went with our whole family for our daughter"s Birthday, Took my dinner back to Kona Coast resort and had for lunch next day. From Calif and all good rest have air . Service was good,and as I mentioned food was good! Spent $400 plus, expect comfort for it being high end prices
(2)Dave C.
My wife and I are on our honeymoon, and wanted to get the most value for our money. So we chose to come here for happy hour. The view was spectacular, the service timely and friendly, the drinks were well made,and the food was delicious. I'm vegetarian, and they happily accommodated by adding a house salad to the menu with a delicious creamy sesame dressing. I secretly told the server we were on our honeymoon and to surprise my wife with a chocolate desert. The best molten chocolate cake came complements of the house. We had an incredible experience, and got great value for our money.
(5)Tony K.
While it might seem like a tourist trap, this place is completely worth it. If I were a local i would take someone special here. So if you are a tourist you are already on a special trip. First the appetizers are amazing and comes out very fast. I would say within 5 minutes. The menu is simple and elegant. Elegant meaning the dishes are well thought out and prepared. It makes you feel like it was a gourmet food from a world class chef. The price is within expectations of Hawaii. The view of the ocean and sunset were amazing too. Highly recommend.
(5)Valerie M.
From San Diego, used to great seafood! This place was up there! Great sunset views, seated right away. Paul was our kind server. Food was the best we've Had the island...we had the trio and the shrimp pasta. Shrimp was Huge! Highly recommend it if your staying at the Sheraton and are looking to get off the property!
(5)Peter L.
Over priced for food at decent quality. Good for dating since it has a good view but ain't any good for regular luxury dining. Reasonable service and wait time for food. Drinks by the bar tender is... meh, drinkable I suppose. I had the seafood Laulau and it wasn't worth 35 dollars with a small salad. (I would gladly give it 4 stars if it's around 25-28 dollars with salad.) My friend had a NY steak. Asked for medium rare- medium and served as rare. Asked the waitress to bring it back to the kitchen and the same plate is served after recooking it for a while. It is medium this time, though. Overall the food is slightly above average but isn't worth the price. 3 stars.
(3)Mae S.
Our Big Island app warned us that Sam Choy's has gone downhill. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. The service was appalling ... after 45 minutes without a bite to eat we asked about our order. It came out immediately, but quite a bit of the food was cold when it should have been hot. Truly disappointing. The waiter didn't seem to think this was important. Next problem: the online dinner menu wasn't the one we were offered at the restaurant. We guess they've recently changed the menu: probably for the worse. Third problem: a very loud amplified slide presentation was taking place at the bar. Obviously, it's fine if they have private events, but do they have to interfere with other diners? In sum: if this is a place you've been waiting to try out, you've evidently waited too long. Better go somewhere else.
(2)Brandon R.
Fantastic ocean views in daylight hours.... Sunsets are best! The staff was warm and very friendly, they immediately sat us down and got our drink orders. The menu was rather small for my taste but it made it easy to navigate! We started with appetizers, baby back ribs, calamari, and seared ahi poke. The portions were in the larger size compared to most fancy restaurants and were a delectable start! We proceeded with dinner, the wife had the pork Katsu, I aimed for the shrimp pasta and my son chose the braised short ribs! Each of the dishes were beautifully presented and adequate in portion, our flavor pallet went crazy! The food was well worth the price that included a view and wonderful service! The kitchen even surprised us with a sampler making our visit that much more special! Mahalo nui Sam choy Kona!!!! We'll be back! Aloha no
(5)Kyle Y.
Great food, ocean VIEWS. Likely a good spot to catch the sunset Get the poke salad. Seems I was the only guy the restaurant who ate that. Saw about 3 other women eating some variation of it. Poke was seasoned well and a nice "flavor profile" (channeling my Food Network judge vocabulary) combined with the dressings and 2 wanton squares, this is a winner (not wiener). Sampled some teriyaki beef of my pop's plate. Had a real bbq flavor and it was enough to make me consider ordering that next time.
(4)Rachel S.
We went to Sam Choy's during their happy hour and the staff was really nice and attentive. I ordered a Pina Colada which I thought was ok and Brandon I believe had the lilikoi Mai Thai which was really sweet but better than my drink. The real stars for us were our happy hour plates. We had the Fried poke seared which was very flavorful and the only way I could get Brandon to try poke (he has an aversion to raw fish) and the Brie Wonton which was really great with the Papaya marmalade. We ended our visit with the flour-less chocolate cake and coconut ice cream. I don't think it was meant for the ice cream to outshine the cake but it was so delicious! I could have just had an extra scoop instead of the cake (although the cake was great!!) Definitely check out Sam Choy's and you can even grab a table around 4:00 to enjoy the end of happy hour and stay for dinner and the sunset that they have front row seats for.
(4)Erica Q.
Place came recommended by one of the locals. Ambience is pleasant with a view of the ocean. Friendly service. Food was great, dessert too. Tip. Go before 5pm for happy hour, drinks and popo.
(4)Danielle L.
Their food is sometimes good and others just okay. I don't think I have ever had good customer service. Even when not busy the staff doesn't check on you very often. Also I think they are a little over priced for the service and quality.
(3)Margareg G.
Restaurant, food and view was absolutely amazing! We got the 3 fish plate and we enjoy every single bite.
(4)Carey N.
Came here on a very rainy day for a late lunch. Not crowded at all and, despite the rain, the view was amazing! Ah-Maze-Ing. Service was spot on and with lots of Aloha spirit. The bartender poured our specialty cocktails on the strong side, which was much appreciated. The menu is weirdly diverse (beef stew for dad, poke for mom, vegetarian chow mein in a tostada shell for me) but everything was tasty. If you're in the area, come up at least for drinks and an amazing view. Did I mention the view was amazing??
(5)Elle P.
View is awesome but the food was mediocre at best. Honestly it's the worst food we've had so far. The calamari was a travesty! Ribs were cold. Pasta was overpriced and so not worth it. In fact everything was overpriced. Except... Kids meals were affordable but not very healthy. We had no choice as we lost track of time on a Sunday and the place we wanted to go to was already closed so we didn't think to make reservations. Our fault for not planning. Maybe a drink at the bar is more appropriate since the aerial views were gorgeous especially during sunset. This place was tourist trap central!
(2)Yvette K.
Sunday is only buffet. Food was excellent, service was awesome all staff were smiling and friendly! Will be back!! Fried rice, loco moco, omelet station, bacon, sausage , fruit salad, oatmeal, deserts, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, french toast pancakes
(5)Ramon B.
This the first time, after several visits, that I writing a review of this restaurant . I must first say the staff is always friendly and professional-even when things go.south. I must commend Craig and the new Manager Greg for there compassion with my event. First, the date was New Year's Eve and the place was decorated nicely. The host staff was polite and friendly. We were late in reservations but there was eating room at the bar and we opted for that. We ordered drinks and appetizers (pupus) and enjoyed wings, calamari and fried poke. This was served timely and very tasty. They get a one for staff, appetizers, and view. We ordered our dinners and my two hot dates ordered traditional poke, calamari, house salad and another fried poke. I ordered the rib eye with garlic mashed as a medium rare. As the evening neared 1830 our order was 55 minutes past the submission and Greg left the bar to inquire about the food. I observed him entering the kitchen and notice "gesturing" with the kitchen staff. I have no idea what was said but it did not look good. He returned after 5 minutes. The food was absolutely cooooold at first bite. The rib eye with shitake and garnish was as tasteless as cardboard. The garlic mashed potatoes arrived DOA and needed CPR. For the first time in my life I refused a meal. As a retired veteran, I have eaten a lot foods from around the world and I exercised my option to pass on this meal. We (Craig and I) had a discussion about the meal and I learned the place is a wreck. They have had 14 cooks and large transitions in staff in the last year. Unfortunately, many would enjoy a meal at McDonald's rather than here. Another hint there are financial woes is indicated by the out of service urinals. Save your money and go to Jackie Reys, Huggos or Fish Hopper for an experience in cuisine that leaves you satisfied and happy.
(1)Daniel M.
I think the bad reviews are either the competition or just wrong. I'm a foodie and the Pebble Beach Food and Wine festival every year. I've worked in high end restaurants. The food was very good. One of the best views in any restaurant I've ever seen. Service was very good and professional. Price was very reasonable. Not cheap, but a very good value.
(4)Bethani E.
Food was okay, service good, view was amazing! I've been dining at the Oahu Sam Choy's for years and was expecting the same food at the Big Island location. For the price we paid, we probably could have eaten somewhere else for better food and paid less. I'm used to Sam Choy having awesome food with a local twist or Asian fusion. I was disappointed that this location "Americanized" their food or catered to the tourist demographic. For instance, I love the Okinawan sweet potato mash offered at the Oahu location, but my choices were white rice or garlic mashed potatoes. Or at the Oahu location, they have a sampler pupu platter. Prices and food are better at the Oahu location. View is amazing on Big Island! Great cocktails!
(3)Vic M.
Jan 2015 5:30pm dinner. Best to make reservations or wait 45 minutes. Service was good. The pina colada had no flavor and was like a slush with some rum floating on top. Terrible. Fish salad ($14) had a lot of nice fish. Wish they could chop the salad up a bit more. House dressing delicious. Ribs pupu tasted very good however they had more fat than I ever experienced. Kona chicken wings pupus were luke warm and obviously had been prepared a long time ago. Not recommended! Seafood chowder soup was excellent. Great view.
(3)Fran C.
I was working in Kealakekua, and Kailua-Kona today........upon finishing my jobs, I decided to stop by at Sam Choy's. I only found out about this place by fluke, as a few months back I was actually trying to go to Wendy's, but low and behold........Wendy's is gone, and Sam Choy's has taken it's place. Funny, how things change over a period of time..........I use to go to the big island on a regular basis, in fact I ran the big island for over 15 years before I turned over all of my accounts to a co-worker. A lot has changed through the years.........big box stores have invaded the big island, and the small mom & pop places are slowly going away. A little sad, but I guess that's the way it goes........... What can I say about Sam Choy's? Well, I've been a long time fan of his food......I remember a time when Sam Choy's had a small restaurant in the industrial area near the Costco area in Kailua-Kona. My, how times have changed with this restaurant in the Keauhou area. The restaurant is perched in the hills just above the Keauhou shopping center.......the view from the restaurant is just BREATHTAKING!!!! The restaurant was PACKED today for lunch...........but lucky for me, I was able to just walk in and get a table. I was looking for something of the lighter fare today............so I ended up getting the Seared Poke Salad, and I washed it down with an ice tea. What can I say about the food? The food was OUTSTANDING!!! The seared poke was made to perfection, and it was marinaded perfectly as it sat on a bed of local greens, on some kind of deep fried breaded shell. I totally enjoyed my salad.........I think it was the poke that really complimented the salad well! I would totally come back here just to eat this dish again! Service was friendly.....but I have to admit, it was rather slow. Granted my waiter was covering several large parties, maybe they don't have enough help? Parking is very limited..........since the restaurant was packed today, guess what? I couldn't find any parking in the parking lot fronting the restaurant, so I ended up parking at the Keauhou shopping center, then walking up the hill to get to the restaurant. After I was leaving the restaurant, I noticed a sign where there is an "overflow parking area" for the restaurant............but you still have to go down the hill to another parking lot. Overall,still a great dining experience........wouldn't mind coming back here for dinner one day.......chance 'em gang!
(4)Sarah M.
Excellent views from the lanai surrounded by good vibes and tikis. We enjoyed the slow sun setting over the ocean while we sipped our drinks. Poke stack was delicious! Great stop on your way back from the park.
(5)Peter D.
Food was four stars, but the view was five stars for sure. My dinner was a fish trio, but two out of three were dry. Nothing special. Seared ahi appetizer was great, and so were the brie wontons. Kids meals were just five bucks, and good quality food, but if your kids eat a lot, be aware the portions are small.
(4)Sarah S.
I wanted to lick all the plates clean. Everything was cooked to perfection and then topped with the most amazing sauces! Ridic.
(5)Jessica A.
Wow, what an unexpected great food experience on the Big Island. We were way on the South end of Kona and needed to eat, on a whim we tried here after declining the pizza place and the L & L bbq in the shopping center. I wasn't sure if it was a family friendly place from the outside, so I asked the hostess who said it was a family restaurant and my kids were welcome. She started setting up a table as I went back to the car to collect the rest of the family. The place is situated on the side of a very tall hill, overlooking Kona Town and the Ocean. It had a great view and an amazing breeze. The food was great, like really great. I had a teriyaki steak burger, my parents had teriyaki plates and the kids had chicken. The food was really well flavored, nicely prepared, well portioned. The service was awesome, prompt, and friendly. I'm really disappointed I only made it here once during our trip. Good places to eat this far South on the Island are kind of a rarity.
(5)Darcy L.
The food and ambiance here are both amazing. The whole restaurant opens up to a beautiful ocean view where you can watch the sunset while dining. It was a perfect place for a nice dinner. The food is also really good. I would definitely recommend the Black Lava Margaritas. Those things pack a punch! Everyone at our table ordered a different entrée and we all loved what we got. However, do not come here if you don't have less than two hours to devote to dinner. The kitchen was incredibly slow. It took over 30 minutes just for us to get our appetizers. Sam Choy is supposed to be a top chef but he can't seem to run his kitchen efficiently. Our waitress kept us our glasses full and was friendly and funny so that made the wait a little bearable but I still can't believe that it takes that long to fry up some calamari.
(2)Kim A.
Food is fantastic. Service is horrible. Sat 45 minutes without any service. Second time this has happened. Too bad. UPDATE Third time! First two were great food and not so great service. This time great food and also great service from Cory. Others were equally friendly and helpful. Five Stars!!!!
(5)Triana R.
We enjoyed our dinner at Sam CHoys. The food was good, but the drinks weren't the best ones. The food was amazing, but the trio fish we ordered was on the dryer side. The restaurant needs to focus on customer service and unselling a suggestions some drinks.
(3)Patti H.
Prices for dinner were on the high side so we decided to have drinks and pupus. We arrived for happy hour and ordered drinks and every appetizer on the menu accept for the calamari. The setting was beautiful its an open patio, great bar. Servers were well trained, our drinks were great. The ribs were to die for , the brie in wonton skins were very tasty. The fried poke was great, it was a large portion. There were 3 of us we had 5 appetizers we were stuffed and left with a to go box! We had a great time!
(4)Randall S.
Meh. We've had breakfast and lunch here and enjoyed. But the dinner menu is uninspired and there wasn't even a burger option to save it. Mediocre service too. But what a view!! While my macadamia crusted chicken was ok (nothing special, but hey, it's chicken), it came with a strange combination of sauces that just didn't make sense. The base sauce was like cream of mushroom soup, but dappled along the edge with a gel-like mango sauce. Neither was special. The veggies were limp and lukewarm. But the mashed potatoes were good... My husband ordered a Caesar salad with shrimp. Strangely, After a bite he noticed that the salad wasn't dressed at all. So we flagged our server (she was pretty busy), and she went to check with the kitchen...didn't offer to take the salad back. Instead she just reappeared with a plastic cup of Caesar dressing, announced that the kitchen had run out of romaine so they substituted regular lettuce and didn't toss it. And that was that. No offer to change it to something else, or to have the kitchen at least remake and properly toss it. And no offer of anything to "make it right," which is pretty common these days. If not taking it off the bill, at least offering an alternate item, a dessert, or a discount--or at the very least a coupon for a future visit. But they probably assume everyone is a one-time tourist (we are locals). The server was friendly but too busy, didn't offer to explain the specials, and it seemed like when we didn't order drinks or appies, and she realized we were ordering two of the least-expensive items on the menu, she lost interest in us. I can't say for sure, but I would guess that was the case. Anyway, Sam's does have a stunner of a view, and we'll return for the earlier meals of the day--like lunch when they have a good burger (why isn't that on the dinner menu?).
(2)Sami B.
We came to this place one night during our vacation, and had Arthur as our server. His knowledge of the menu is so extensive and he talks so vividly about the food that it was hard to not order everything on the menu. We started with the calamari, which was fantastic, and not rubbery at all. The clam chowder was to die for. and the ahi tuna poke was amazing. We even decided to come back for dinner the next night, and requested to sit in Arthur's section again. He was absolutely amazing, again! and we got to try all of the things we missed the night before. I would recommend Sam Choy's to anybody staying in Kona, HI.
(5)Sarah N.
Restaurant with the best ocean view in town! Full ocean view! Watch the sunset while eating a delicious meal and having a cocktail. Get the short ribs!! Of all the food on our table that one was the hit!!
(5)Mark G.
Had the lamb and fish trio... Both were very good... Service was excellent and the sunset was amazing
(4)Ty N.
Two stars for the server. She was very accommodating, helpful and friendly I wish I catch her name. 1 star for the food 1 star for the price. I used to live in Hawaii so I know this is a tourist trap and the only good thing about this restaurant is the view (during the day) at night nothing you can see. And the bar is good. Will not return. I would rather go to Da Poke Shop in Kailua or try the new location at Captain Cook.
(2)CJ C.
Had a special weekend planned, perfect table, perfect setting, then our waitress came up, rushed, asked if we wanted anything to drink, yes, we each ordered two glasses of wine...and we had an appetizer in mind, BUT, she heard the two wines, and ran off, not even giving us time to ask for it...oh well, she's busy... Then she comes back 15 minutes later, still no wine, says sorry, still waiting, she explains the specials on the menu, fish and fish...then we order our appetizer...while we look at the menu, very small menu at that. another 10 minutes goes by, still no wine, she comes back and says, oops sorry, still waiting on the wine...Then we said we'd like to order, (25 minutes after sitting down), one of us orders the special, the other orders the filet mignon...OH! yeah we are out of Filet and New York Strip...WOW, really? you couldn't explain that 25 minutes ago when you were telling us the specials? We order something else, but then realize we wait another 10 minutes, and nothing..so we got up and told her to cancel our order...she gasps...WOW... Very rude, very rushed, and their wait staff has no care about customers. Then we call to talk to the manager and on hold for 20 minutes, for the hostess to ask who's calling, and we said we'd like to make a complaint about tonight...but then we couldn't wait on hold forever... Unfortunately, we were both excited to try this place, but we will never give it another try, Customer service goes a long way, we went to another restaurant and was waited on spectacular, and felt special...Thanks Sam Choy for pushing us away to our new Favorite place....
(1)Lilly P.
The view at this restaurant is amazing!! We went during sunset and it was gorgeous. Besides that, everything was ok. Service was great but the food was subpar. We had the lamb chops and it was ok. However, the owner was very understanding and he took it out from our bill. I wouldnt come back again for the food but for happy hour, yes!
(4)Tina M.
Yummy dinner with amazing view of sunset. The Maitai was especially good. Poke and lamb were delish. Our waitress was super attentive. All in all, good value for solid food and drinks!
(5)Mason D.
The bartender is unpleasant. Craig. Using the F word twice in a sentence. Talking bad things about people. Always scowling. Refused to make my wasabi Bloody Mary with the excuse that they didn't have any wasabi... Our waiter however. Masi... Friendly. Accomodating. Quick and efficient.
(3)Michael H.
JunA must visit. Food, service an view... All excellent. The fresh catch of the day was outstanding... The fish trio plate was very special. Make reservations, it is popular. Rita treated us like royalty. David, the bartender went out of his way to give personalized service. Wayne is a master with omelets but the photo failed to upload. Sorry.
(5)Sara S.
Delicious. Must go. The macadamia nut crusted chicken melted in my mouth. The desserts are out of this world.
(5)Natalia B.
Mediocre food, nice view... Should have paid more attention to the reviews that mentioned the bland food. The seared poke was pretty good, although drenched in sweet sauce, the edamame hummus was tasteless and the chips were soggy, the pineapple salsa flavorless, and even the cocktails were weak. Fish in the fish salad didn't taste fresh. Ribs were okay, nothing to write home about. Should have realized it was a bad sign when we were ignored when we first arrived - stood there for quite some time without an acknowledgement from staff - however our server was a nice guy, and we tipped him well, since it's not his fault that the food isn't what it should be. I'd say if you're in the area, maybe drop by during happy hour for pupus and sunset viewing (the view from many tables includes the rooftops of the shopping center...but look past that...) But don't bother with dinner. Tourist food.
(2)Sarah C.
I happened into Sam Choy's one morning when I couldn't decide where to go to breakfast. They were serving a buffet, with the usual lineup at a reasonable $14. The food was good, but not great. Some of the selection was lukewarm when it needed to be hot. It was distressing that the floor was greasy/slippery in front of the buffet. Maybe they had just had a huge rush before I got there? There wasn't a crowd, so I felt comfortable sitting out on the lanai overlooking an astounding view as I ate and did some writing. I will return for that alone if I get the chance.
(3)Greg G.
Friendly place with delicious food and adult beverages. Vegetarian options were great and didn't taste like the consolation prize.
(4)Andie S.
I really enjoyed our dinner tonight. The fish was well prepared, and really delicious! Our server Shawn was very attentive, and gave us great service! Thanks for a wonderful Mother's Day Sam Choys!
(4)Maddie R.
I absolutely love it!! I wish I had 6 stars to give!! The view is breathtaking. The service is great and the people are nice. Then I don't even know where to start on the food! The teriyaki is fantastic!!! A perfect char, a sweet sauce, tender, juicy!! It's amazing I love this place & I highly recommend it!
(5)Rob M.
Drove all the way from Fairmont orchid to get crappy service! If our server spent more time doing her job than bullshitting at table of someone she obviously knew. I wouldn't be writing this review!
(1)L S.
Great food, great staff, great view! Wonderful place to enjoy a sunset and a delicious meal. The duck was the biggest hit of the night, but the edamame and calamari were delicious too!
(5)Vai L.
Sekueli and I had a date night last Saturday. Instead of driving out to Macaroni Grill, we chose Sam Choy's Kai Lanai restaurant for several reasons. 1.It's closer to home. 2.The food is said to be delicious and worth the price. 3.The setting would be romantic for a dinner without our sons. Here's the scoop... Reservations were for 7pm. We arrived 10 minutes early, but our table wasn't ready until 6:58pm. Not too bad, right? We had a nice table outside. Start to a romantic evening, check! It can only get better from here...or not. Waiters and Bussers moved all around us, but No One greeted us(not even a smile), or asked if we wanted something to drink. We waited quietly for 10 minutes (more like 20 minutes, since we had arrived early). Finally a manager saw that I was looking repeatedly for our waiter and sent him over. We asked for water and that took about 10 minutes. His section wasn't very busy, so we were puzzled about the hold up for water. In the meantime, a party of 4 sat down a few tables away and almost immediately got their drinks. After our water came, we ordered 2 Captain & Cokes, 2 appetizers and both entrées all at once. By now, we're very hungry. It's been about 30 minutes since we arrived. Appetizers came out within 15 minutes. Not bad. The Calamari was good, but not fresh hot from the fryer. The sauce paired perfectly with the calamari. Portions were more than enough for the two of us. The seared poké was cooked just right and the sauces were delicious. Dave was our food server and the only person with genuine warmth and care. A few minutes later, another food server arrived at our table with a poké tower that we didn't order. He took it back with apologies. Then our waiter brings the same entrée back to us, just minutes after we said it wasn't ours.lol Which he then places at the table behind me for the hungry couple. We got our entrées about 30 minutes after our appetizers (About an hour after we sat down). I ordered the Shrimp pasta (since we didn't go to Macaroni Grill) and the babe's ordered the Oriental Lamb. I love shrimp and I love pasta. But this dish, I did not love. The pasta was not drained well, so my cream sauce was very watery. One shrimp was half raw and there was barely any flavor, but I restrained from grabbing the salt.lol The Oriental Lamb dish didn't come with a side of rice. You read oriental on the menu and you assume rice or Asian type noodles would be the starch. But alas, the babe's had almost the same type of pasta I had. Only difference was, his pasta had lots of butter and no water. But still minus flavor. On the up note, the lamb was cooked perfectly! Both dishes had decent portions. Not overly filling and not leaving you starving. But no flavor, equals an appetite that's very disappointed. A well made dish, even of a smaller portion would satisfy a hungry pasta lady. Over all I was very disappointed(and wishing we made the drive to Macaroni Grill). I normally return to restaurants for the food, but also for how the staff makes me feel. If I didn't have such a wonderful date, the night would have been a loss. If you're looking for a restaurant with a nice location, Kai Lanai has it. If you're looking for great food, that you will dream about and can't wait to return for more, Kai Lanai doesn't have it. If you're looking for a restaurant that takes pride in customer service, go to Outback where they make you feel at home and they take care of you like family. If you have time to kill, don't care about service or how your food tastes (and don't get easily upset) try Kai Lanai.
(2)Cynthia S.
Good food and drinks, fantastic views, and friendly staff. We like to eat here at least once when we're on the big Island. It's an open air restaurant with a musician in the evenings. Last night, I had their grilled chicken with brown rice and grilled vegetables. The chicken was very tasty, but the vegetables were a little bland. My husband got the glazed boneless ribs with mashed potatoes and vegetables. He enjoyed his dish quite a bit, although the meat portion was a bit small. We didn't save room for dessert. All in all, I would recommend this is a good place to have a nice meal and watch a beautiful sunset in this area of Hawaii.
(4)Debra B.
The four stars is for the food!! Amazing!! We had happy hour appetizers as our meal. Fried Poke, chicken wings, ribs, calamari, pork cream cheese wontons, chips and salsa!! Food fantastic, but felt that because we only ordered happy hour items our server didn't care for our business. We were never checked on, nor asked if we needed additional drinks or food. He promptly got our check when asked. Other tables super happy with service. We were not.
(4)Charla B.
Food was extremely salty especially the poke and the Mac/potato salad. The burger was overlooked and they forgot to bring my husband's fries that go with the burger. It's hard to believe that this food comes from a James Beard award winner. My mother in law liked her fish and chips. Beef stew was ok but not enough meat in it.
(1)Howard H.
This eatery is in Kona proper just outside another resort area. I'm usually wary of celebrity chef named restaurants but we really didn't have a choice since our run to Da Poke Shack down the road was cut short due to them selling out at 1 p.m. The menu is fairly focused and offers Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine. The shoyu poke was pretty good and the fried poke (which is actually grilled) was even better. I had the beef stew plate which was so so. The wife's fish stir fry with brown rice was also decent. Dessert was better with the bread pudding taking the prize as the best on the table. The view is pretty nice but I can understand why some Yelpers gave subpar reviews. Price is affordable so that's a plus. I don't have great expectations for celebrity chef restaurants so this restaurant was OK in my book.
(3)Rick L.
Outstanding meal, we both loved it. Great view, great service, great food, you get the point. I had the fish trio. The presentation was so nice, I didn't want to mess it up, but artwork or not, it's MY meal. Great food. Don't miss this place!
(5)Lynn S.
This place is great. We came here for lunch, twice, after snorkeling at kahaluu beach park nearby. The restaurant is casual and the view is beautiful, they were friendly to us even though it was obvious we just stepped off the beach. The kids ordered sliders, keiki fish plate (beautiful), we had the fish salad, burger, poke wrap. All of it was really good, salad was very fresh. I would tell everyone to go to kahaluu for snorkeling, then come here. The prices are not horrible, unlike so many places on the island, and the beers are good! Try it, service is friendly and the menu has something for everyone, at very decent prices.
(4)Ellen L.
My arms don't stick to the table or my feet to the floor so great start! Bathrooms are very nice and clean.you should be able to drink wine anywhere but really in Hawaii they don't keep it in a cooler so I think it goes bad fast. However the waitress was extremely quick to give me a fresh bottle of wine.delish! Took 22 minutes for our one order of fish. Foods good but Luke warm. So the waitress amazingly took off our shared lunch efficient chips and my wine. So now they're going from a three-star to a five-star because of their awesome customer service! See Kristin and Julian for awesome customer service!!!
(5)Reg R.
Friendly: from the guy in the parking lot who steered me into an open spot, to the waitress who seated us. Great room--the open air and elevation make for great sunset views over the ocean. Really nice! Good food. I had the chicken caesar salad; tasted fresh and good. The value was average (for Kona) and service felt slow. Service was slow. It was 55 minutes after orders before any food began arriving on our table. Then it trickled in over the course of about 15 minutes. I guess quality food (it was) takes time at Sam Choy's? If you find that off-putting, check out Splasher's Grill (someplace else with an awesome view of the sea and a $$ rating); their quality was similar and service much faster by comparison. Final thoughts. I was with a family party of 14. The waitress said they wouldn't split the bill for groups larger than 10 people. Later she did do just that for us. Kinda weird, but we did appreciate it! Considering they did put up with us popping up and down for group photos by the railing, and all the theatrics associated with that, this was still a memorable and pleasant dining experience. I'd recommend Sam Choy's--for when you're not especially time-conscious, or are with people who can shift focus to making the most of their time together! Rating: 3.5 stars. Good food. Great room. Good intentions (friendly). Slow service.
(3)Colleen H.
The first time I went to this place was a few years ago for lunch and it was excellent. Since then, I have been excited to come back. I should have just stayed away because this visit left a bitter taste in my mouth, literally. The laminated menus felt sticky in my hands had also shrunk significantly in number of items with really high prices, and not one of them sounded appealing. Even the table top felt sticky, gross! At that point we should have just left because it because one disappointment after another. The food was ok, the salad wet (dripping with water), pork had weird sauce and at some point a cat walked through the dining room. Perhaps this was a bad night but I'm definitely not going back.
(2)Janis S.
Love Sam Choys! We live close by and have lunch here at least 3 times a month. I love the noodle shell bowls. All the servers are awesome at Sam Choys. It's such a friendly fun place to eat. Yummy and well prepared. Also love the Seared Poke salad. Awesome. My husband is hooked on the beef stew bowl with brown rice and purple potatoes. Melts in your mouth. Beef stew is tender and the sauce is delicious. Occasionally we go for breakfast. The best buffet in KONA. Or order off the menu. I love the veggie loco moco. Awesome. View is breathtaking. Several times we do lunch, then go down to the shopping center and catch s matinee at the Regal cinemas. Favorite of ours is to have this afternoon excursion starting with Sam Choys. Highly favored
(5)R Y.
Check the new hours. Unfortunately, the good food the kitchen puts out is now available only at certain times through the day. And......5:00 - 6:00 Happy Hour? C'mon. Probably the only place in town where the Happy Hour is literally one hour! Too bad for such a great restaurant with the best view in town. Was better before......
(2)Tina P.
The scenery is beautiful - an open air restaurant on a hill looking out over the water. However, the food is overrated. The flavors are good but the fish was overcooked and a bit overpriced even for Hawaii.
(3)Susanna S.
We wanted to celebrate our 17th anniversary while on vacation and chose this place for its view... we were not disappointed. It is lovely to watch the sunset starting at 6:30. The childrens' meals were pretty standard, but super cheap at $5. This made up for the pricey adult meals, which range from $20-30. For apps, we enjoyed the brie in wonton wrapper. For entree, we had the fish trio, which sounded better than it tasted. Dessert was a complimentary gluten free brownie and ice cream. We sure did appreciate it! All in all, a nice and memorable evening.
(3)Jean Y.
Good food with the view. The view actually, other places in big Island could be far better, though food was excellent. It's almost like never had that level of Asian mixed food in mainland. Hostess girl was friendly, service person was good. My poke raw was the best. Big tuna pieces, lots of them were really well marinated. Moi moi saimin my friend had was soo good. Overall definitely we would come here again for food.
(4)Brad Y.
Very dissapointing service. The food was actually good. We had the pork katsu and orange duck. That is where everything went downhill. First we were not told about bread service that was supposedly upon request only. Then it was hard just filling our glasses with water. Our waiter was just "strange" .... Just seemed like he wasn't all there[mentally]. I'm being absolutely serious. When I confronted the waiter about not mentioning the bread service, he offers me after my meal was finished, a basket of bread. He knew that we were first time diners as he asked us as he seated us. So I asked, as first time diners here, how were we supposed to know about the bread service if no one told us and it wasn't written anywhere on the menu. His reply was that management indtructed wait staff to not mention bread service to patrons [which is a bold face lie]. When I confronted manager about this, she offered to give us a discount, but downplayed keepig the bread service "secret". In summary, the food was pretty good. The manager and wait staff need to fired. I might be a carpenter, but even I can't fix "stupid".
(1)Lori C.
The hype for this restaurant may have contributed to my disappointment. As a Sam Choy restaurant I was expecting more. The menu doesn't have a huge selection and I found it underwhelming, no creative "wows" on the menu and prices were really high. Drinks are expensive too. Location is great for Keauhou visitors but I'd stick with happy hour and maybe stay for the sunset view.
(2)Kamran H.
Very very bad restaurant. Gave the menu which was not updated. Rude server. Left without eating after waiting for appetizer for 30 mins. No one came to tell us why is the delay.
(1)Amna H.
Blonde surfer type waiter behaved like he just got dumped. He must have had personal issues he was bringing to work. Remarkably negative experience. Sad.
(1)Mike G.
If you are in Kailua Kona and looking for a good place to eat come here! This is an expensive fancy restaurant but it is worth it. Located on the top of the hill looking out over the ocean the view is amazing. Try to get a seat on the patio to watch the sun set. We had a fire pit table and loved it. Like I mentioned the food is pricey but the portions are huge and even I had trouble finishing my plate and I was the only one of the four of us that actually managed to finish my plate. Plates range from fresh seafood to chicken, pork and beef. Everything we had was amazing. The beer selection for a beer nerd (snob) like me was lacking but they did stock one beer by local brewery Kona Brewing so that was a plus. I could actually drink! Bring the yelp app to BlackBerry 10!
(5)Foster B.
The back of the menu advertises that Sam Choy has created meals for airlines. This restaurant will appeal to anyone who thinks airline food is the height (ha ha) of fine dining. Not seeing much else on the menu that appealed to me, I asked for the salad with grilled fish. The server listing the four house dressings and asked my preference. "Which ones are sweet?" I asked. "All of them" was the reply. Oil and vinegar it was... The rest of the family's entrees were equally blah. Desserts were OK. House christmas music was painful.
(1)Ed M.
What a great place, with a great view and to top it off, wonderful food at great prices. Chef Choy is usually in house each day.
(5)Rhonda G.
We got this recommendation from our tire guru at Lex Brodie's. ( Thank you Justin! ) A full view of the ocean and a great ambiance! Several people cheered and claimed to see the famous "Green Flash" as the sun set. ( not me ) The drinks were excellent, and the food was superb. We had the Pork Katsu, 2 Lau Lau plates and the lamb. Hard to say which was better. We practically licked our plates. Yum! Service was great and friendly too! Definitely coming back here!
(4)Jeremy M.
Maybe it's because we had so many resort meals, but we loved this place! It was one of the most reasonably priced meals we had, and came with a gorgeous sunset and good service. I could see this being a regular haunt if I lived in the area. Good for a date or a family dinner!
(5)Harry A.
Summation: extraordinary happy hour food of local seafood at good prices. Local draft beers and plenty of speciality drinks. Easy whale sightings high above Kona and Keauhou Bay. Glorious Sunsets. Engagable and courteous wait people. Definitely will go again. Sunday buffet was a winner at circa $15! Loaded bloody Mary's -- unique, memorable, but not for all
(4)Heather W.
I've always had a soft heart for Sam Choy in years of watching him on TV shows and such. We asked the concierge at our hotel which local restaurants uses local beef, and a phone call confirmed that Sam Choy's claims to, so we made a reservation for 7:30 p.m. The sunset view was spectacular, easily seen even from inside seating. Service was slow from the start, but eventually we got our cocktails, which were very light in alcohol and quite sweet. Eventually our server brought us a bread bowl, which is sweet Hawaiian-style soft rolls. I ordered the New York steak, medium rare, and my husband ordered their rack of BBQ ribs. Then we waited for a while, and tried to not fill up on bread. The server came back to tell us that they had under anticipated the number of diners and they were out of ribs, so we ordered the braised short ribs instead. When out food came out some time later, my steak was raw, but the server noticed this on passing by just as I cut it and whisked it away to be properly cooked. Nice save on her part. When it came back, it was perfectly cooked, but honestly, this wasn't the local beef I've come to know and love. It had clearly been cryo-vac sealed and wet aged, and while tasty enough, it really didn't have the wow factor that island beef usually does. Now I won't say they were out right lying, but it didn't taste like grass fed local, and nowhere on the menu is there any claim that they use local beef and this would be a huge selling point, so I'm incredulous as to the veracity of their claim. On the other hand, the concierge was told it was local, and when I asked the server, she said it was local as well. So I'll just let that dead dog lie. The short ribs were falling apart tender and tasty, but a bit too sweet for our taste. There was also just two thick short ribs, which was a grave disappointment when my husband had expected an entire slab of BBQ pork ribs. However, the ribs were significantly meaty and nicely cooked. We both had the garlic mashed potatoes, and they were fresh and tasty. My asparagus was cooked perfectly. Service was slow; but we asked what was going on and were told that because business had been slow, some of the staff were sent home and they got were unexpectedly busy and thus service was slow. Our server was super sweet, as attentive as she could be, and had a great attitude, in spite of being overworked. I'm just glad she got to work -- and be paid -- for the day. We tipped well. In the end, this is really a tourist destination and the food is well-made, but a cookie cutter menu makes this easy. Sam Choy's is well priced for the food and ambiance. It's not stellar, but it's good. The drinks are weak, but you're really paying for Sam Choy's signature, the location and the idea of Hawaiian fine-dining. I wouldn't steer anyone away from the place, but it's really just a theme restaurant and not necessarily a bad one.
(3)Nadine F.
I had a nice time at Sam Choy's. We went for pupus and drinks one night. Sam Choy's was the closest option outside our hotel, and their prices were very reasonable compared to our other options. We got the Hawaiian-style wings and the brie wontons. To me, the food just wasn't anything special, but the drinks, views, and service were all great. To drink, I had the sunset sangria (mango), and it was really good and really strong. It also probably saved me $5-10 over a similar but less good drink at my hotel. Service was also good. Our waiter, who I think was named Arthur (had an Irish accent) was really nice and attentive. As others have mentioned, the view overlooking the beach is gorgeous, and overall this would be an awesome spot for happy hour, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to spend the big bucks on dinner.
(3)Harry L.
Drove past the place and remember hearing about Sam Choy on the Food Network so we decided to check it out. So glad we stopped in. Everything they brought out was amazing. Had the fried poke and edemame for starters and they were both really good. The poke was actually phenomenal. I had the fresh fish club sandwich with pineapple and bacon and for me, it's probably one of, if not THE best fish sandwich I've ever had. Everyone in my group had different things and we were all raving about our meals. Once the entrees came out, practically all conversation ceased and we all focused on the plates of food in front of us. The lady serving us was really nice and the service was really good. I'd definitely come back and strongly recommend it.
(4)Pat W.
Had high hopes for this place after eating plate lunches and fast foods all week. Was pleasantly surprised to get seating on Friday around 5:30 without reservations. Service started out great. Menus and drinks arrived quickly. We ordered the edamame appetizer, orange duck and the rack of lamb. Edamame was fried and greasy. I'm not sure why this is better than boiling. Orange duck was good. I'm puzzled by the rack of lamb. Tough with a texture of char Sui on a stick on a bed of linguine in a cream sauce. This Asian fusion didn't work for me. The Mac and cheese for our 8 year old was a disaster. One spoonful and it was rejected immediately. The cheese flavor was way to sharp for a kids palate. Overall a disaster for our one nice meal of our vacation. Two stars for ok service.
(2)Vivien B.
Over rated, over priced. Sam choy doesn't even own the place but outsources his name. Huge tourist trap.
(2)Shawn W.
This place has degraded a bit in the past few years. Dinner for 5, drinks, apps, the works. Service was spotty at best. The food itself wasn't bad - very good for the most part, in fact. The fish trio could've been better - two of the three were fried. Waters were not refilled until we had to ask, which in my opinion, having worked in the service industry, is a cardinal sin. There were other service issues as well with our waiter, too, but no need to get into too many details Let's face it: when you come to Sam Choy's, the view is a good part of what you're paying for. But for the prices they charge, you should be getting some pretty stellar service. Our guy, who was the only one wearing a santa hat to cover his greasy head, was either very new, not too bright, very, very stoned, or a combination of all of those things.
(3)Amanda C.
I will never go to this restaurant again. Food was barely mediocre and SO SO overpriced. The waiter was nice enough but the waitstaff was overall horrible. Empty glasses sat on the table for long periods of time and my plate which I was done with sat for at least 20 mins before it got picked up. I went with a large party and every guest was complaining about the food and it's prices. Patrons in the restaurant were overall entitled and rude. I will be telling everyone I know not to step foot in this awful establishment.
(1)Candice B.
We decided to try Sam Choy's because it was close and there were about 10 of us. The menu looked good and the pictures looked decent. We were staying at the Sheraton. The people were nice. That is no view at night. Super dark. The restaurant was nice and casual. The food was not good. We tried multiple appetizers. Fried poke was ok. The duck was tough. The kids fish was under cooked, the kids burger was way over cooked. The kids chicken nuggets were Mickey mouse shaped and right out of a box. The rib eye was so tough my sharp knife didn't cut it. The fish trio was all fried. It was expensive and not good. I would not go back and hope this review helps others make plans at a different location. The food rivals that of sizzler not anything close to fun and fancy island faire.
(1)Jennifer F.
First off, the views this restaurant provides are absolutely breathtaking. I came a few days ago for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the fresh fish of the day (swordfish) which came with a side salad and a purple sweet potato salad - absolutely filling and delicious! I would have to say that something on the plate could have used a little bit of salt; the food leaned on the sweeter side, but was tasty and very enjoyable nonetheless. I returned this evening for Sam Choy's happy hour, with $5 cocktails and well-priced pupus (appetizers). My family and I ordered almost every single appetizer on the HH menu, and felt that the food was even better than the lunch entrees a few days ago! The calamari was probably the best I've ever had - so fresh and tender, and not a bit chewy. The chicken wings were also some of the best wings I've eaten. Drinks, $5?! On the mainland during HH, I'm still used to $8-11/drink, so this was awesome! The staff was friendly both times, and the restaurant (and bathrooms) are very clean. When I return to the Big Island, I will definitely be sure to return (and might even return once more before we leave). Definitely a must-go :)
(5)laura b.
Service was slow. Brie "wontons" are not wontons at all and overpriced, but very tasty. I had the fish trio and my date had the leaf-wrapped fish, both were MINDBLOWING. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Would go back for the fish!
(3)Vishakha K.
Best place to eat hands down on the Big Island. My husband and I came to Sam Choy twice during our trip. Food was totally amazing, adequately priced.. The drinks were great. N the view just completes you experience. Definitely recommend to all.
(5)Bill D.
Crappy service and lame food, asked for a view seat and was given a cheep seat, when a view seat was still available, server gave us a BS line about needing to fill other servers tables, meanwhile the only view seat was given to the couple in line behind us, lame way to do business.
(1)Denise L.
One of the best meals I've ever had at a Big Island restaurant, and that includes eating at Ulu at the Four Seasons. Loved loved loved the mac nut crusted chicken I had for dinner. Loved it! Desserts were absolutely ono too. The ONLY reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the service was a little iffy. we were there for dinner (reservations are a must!) Our waiter was nice enough, but seemed really really overworked taking care of too many tables. My mother asked for lemon for her water and the waiter brought her a large glass of lemonade??? She also ordered a alcoholic drink which took forever to arrive. We felt we fared better than the table next to us where the waitress was distracted while serving dishes and broke a diner's glass, spewing broken shards of glass all over their meal. Would go back in a heartbeat. The views are incredible for sunset. It can be windy there so definitely recommend eating outside unless it is super calm out. And yeah, parking can be a bitch because the lot is small.
(4)Suzanne N.
We've dined here once before on a previous trip and the experience was probably a 3 star. This time was really good! We went in for Saturday morning brunch buffet and that was very good! We will be back in March and will need to make sure to come here for breakfast buffet. Amazing as well! We also came back the next afternoon for the Seahawks game. We were told that they usually get quite a few Seahawks fans in there, so we were in friendly territory :). Enjoyed our time!
(4)M D.
Was in Kona for 3+ weeks. Had 3 excellent meals. This was the best! Had the fried (pan seared) poke salad. Was absolutely excellent! I am so sad that this was the best meal I had while I was here....because it was the last one..I left soon after enjoying this. Sam Choy's has a breath-taking view as well. But what I loved most about eating there (besides the food), the safe were exceedingly friendly and helpful. The chef came to the table to check on us, the waitstaff was very attentive and the manager was also very kind. I have a special needs daughter and often dining out is both an experience for her and other diners dining with her. She had a lovely time, as well. Excellent food, great staff, good pricing...I will absolutely go again, when we travel there again in 2015!!
(5)Sandhya K.
We went here for lunch and really enjoyed the ocean views. Food was good, nothing special but enjoyable. Service on the other hand was a little below par I must say. I worked as a server for a long time and have nothing but respect for service industry folks and what they have to go through, I know it all but at the same time there really is no excuse for a server not knowing what veggies are served in the veggie stir fry LOL ! (gotta do your homework) well at least she was nice. It seemed like some of the staff could use a little training on basics and this restaurant could win another star. I am not bitter about my experience, I would go back here again.
(3)Jackie Q.
Nothing short of an excellent experience. You will never find better service than that provided by our wonderful waitress Malia. Try the duck, lamb, and filet milon. Perfect dinner. We will definitely be back very soon. Thank you Malia!
(5)Telia O.
Took my family out to lunch here and from the moment we entered the front door the aloha customer service never ended. The hostess greeted and showed our table and a friendly waitress saw us trying to situate ourselves (we probably looked like we needed the help! Lol) with our 2 yr old toddler and our 2 month baby in a car seat and she generously offered her help and pulled a chair out for my oldest child and turned a high chair upside down (brilliant idea! ) to keep my car seat off of the floor. She said " I understand, I have 2 of my own and probably the same age as your kids:) " we thanked her for her kindness (she wasn't even assigned to our table but helped us anyway!) then our real waitress came and she was ever so friendly as well! She was an older woman and although she looked like she was having difficulty walking she did not let that interfere with her customer service. We were hungry so we ordered pupus which you would think the portions would be small but we were so wrong! The shoyu ahi and calamari was so ono (delicious) and they did not skimp on the portion size either! For our entree I had the hamburger steak which was ono as well and accompanied by a beautiful purple sweet potato salad. My husband had the chicken noodle mania which is really what it says MANIA! it came in a huge tortilla bowl even the portion inside the bowl was huge!! That's a big plus in my husbands book haha! And my toddler got the chicken fingers off of the kids menu for $5 which could've seriously feed an adult it was so much:) lunch turned into lunch and an afternoon snack for her :) OVERALL from arrival to when we left 5 stars!! Will return again:) friendly staff, decent prices and big portions is the way to a locals heart in hawaii:) will return again. Mahalo Sam Choy, job well done with your restaurant and staffs aloha spirit.
(5)Mahikoluia L.
This place is way over-rated. The fish and chips are terrible. Mushy fish and freezer-style fries. They were out of stock on some common items....laughable. Never again.
(2)Bob G.
Great setting looking over the Pacific. Food was very good and service was far above expectation. They really cared about the experience. The menu was perhaps a bit limited but all of us were happy.
(4)Barb M.
This place is disappointing. Service so-so. Food mediocre. I don't get the good reviews here.
(1)Mary Anne B.
Best panoramic views of kona coast. Menu is limited but good. Whole restaurant opens up to the Lanai. I have a hunch this is a locals favorite.
(4)Aimee F.
Good food, a little pricey but the quality was great. Nice scenery. My server was nice (forgot her name, she was from queens, New York). Definitely didn't think service was bad or slow. I got the lamb chops, they were soooo good! My bf got the ny steak and it was good too. Poke was also delicious.
(5)Liza M.
Dined in last night with my husband and 11 years old son. Check-in at 7:30pm.. Customer service was fabulous I ordered their specials Korean porkchop, my husband had a pork katsu and my son had a New York steak. Everything was delicious and tender. Their dessert was fabulous and it's free. Will come back for sure. This place also close to sheraton kona in Keahou.
(4)Timothy A.
There were high expectations for a Sam Choys branded restaurant. Sadly, those expectations were crushed. We had reservations for 1815 and the process went smoothly. The presented menu was simply a laminated double sided piece of paper. The menu was an indication that soul of the restaurant had left as too the lack of detail. No drink menu was offered. Also, no salt and pepper shakers at our wobbly table. My pupu choice was the shoyu ahi tower and my main course was the "special" surf and turf consisting of filet mignon, three scallops and garlic mash potatoes. At $12 the poke was a good value at about 3 quarters of a pound seemed fresh and lightly seasoned. Later, the entrees came out. Warm and hot food temperatures seem to be a lost art here. The serving of the mash potatoes were barely warm. My steak was cold and the top dry. I rarely send food back but, the steak was the the last straw and I asked for it to be warmed and sent it back. A manager(?) Came by and apologized and said a new one would be made. Which did come out a few minutes later. The crust was charred indicating a very hot part of the grill was used to rush it out. The scallops that came back also seemed to be warmed up a bit more. No other offer to replace my beer that I had emptied mid meal. (I thought drinks were a money maker) I don't know if this bad experience was due to a one time occasion of multiple small problems ganging up on each other or indicative of a truly bad establishment that has gone off course. Undoubtedly, this is a popular restaurant due to the location, drinking and food quantity. But, if you care about things like attention to detail, hot food and a place with a touch of class - avoid this location.
(2)Richard C.
The view is a 5 - The service was a 4. The food was a 1 or 2 at best. While we were a group of 10 they brought the food out cold. They had made substitutions on the plate of white rice (We ordered mashed potatoes and they ran out.) without even asking when they had other options available - (white rice, vegetables). We have been twice now both times with the same results.
(2)Jp P.
Service was great, my friends meal was great. I ordered brazed short ribs and it was not good. The meat was dry, my rice wasnt cooked; it actually hurt to eat it. I was surprised with a hard bite. Being from the midwest, and being asian, the shoet ribs were really just pot roast....dry pot roast, with asian sauce. For 26$ this meal was terrible...dry and undercooked rice.
(1)KaPua L.
food is okay but never consistent... we eat here often... and order the same things like the edamame hummus is a hit or miss.. sometimes its tasty and sometimes its bland... but i love their fried poke salad in a wonton bowl.. its a good place
(2)Norma J.
Service was non existent for first 20 minutes as we waited for our water. I finally went and asked for someone to come and see about serving us. Spectacular views, wonderful sunset, but service was never there until requested. Mahi mahi for my husband was a little on the dry side and he felt over rated for a Sam Choy quality. I had the trio fish and was unfortunately disappointed. The manager was very accommodating and even gave us complimentary drinks for the delay in service and was very understanding about my concerns of the entrees. I asked about bread and was informed that bread was given only upon request. What a new concept for a so called " up scaled " restaurant. Bread was rolls which one can buy at any store called "heat n serve". Another big disappointment. Final analysis for us as I told the manager.....last visit.
(2)R G.
Nice & professional staff. We went during "happy hour" ready to chow down, unfortunately they don't serve regular entrees during this time, only pupu's. What a dissapointment. We ended up going somewhere else for lunch....to bad. :(
(2)Shauna And Steve D.
Good drinks. Great view for sunset. Food is definitely below average - tried almost all of the appetizers and none are memorable or noteworthy.
(3)Sofie D.
I'm not sure why Sam Choy's is rated so low, because we had a great dining experience here. It really felt like "Hawaii" with live music, awesome view, and super friendly service. We ordered both the regular poke and the fried poke for appetizers, and the regular poke was way too salty. When we told our waitress, she took them back and had them fried up! Perfect! Everyone in our group loved their entrees - my fish trio was super tasty and cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the Big Island.
(4)Darrin J.
One star for a beautiful lunch setting. Zero stars for service and food quality. Restaurant was pretty much empty but server was mostly absent with others doing his job delivering the food (I hate when food runners are used) which was wrong in several instances (wrong sides and missing side). Even had to ask for water refills. Now the food was equally horrible. Poke that was so salty we might has well be licking a salt lick. Even the manager agreed bringing us a new one which was nearly equally bad and one of the runners had the gall to argue with our tastes making some excuse that it was a deep sea fish and was inherently more salty (epic wrong). Their signature beef stew was a minimal portion with not enough meat and grainy potatoes. The hamburger (grilled medium) was dry to say the least and the missing fries once I got them could have been improved if they had went to McDonalds to get them. The Frankenstein macaroni/potato salad lacked flavor (except salt) and was a mushy mess. Tuna melt was tolerable. The fish and chips had good fish but batter was oily. James Beard is turning over in his grave.
(1)Amy P.
The food and service here was great! The appetizers were amazing. We ordered Shoyu Poke and baby back ribs. For our entree we ordered Sam's Trio of Fish and Chef Sam's Seafood Laulau. I thought it was a bit bland but my husband said it was pretty good. I guess I wasn't in the mood for fish that night. I would love to go back there to try out other items on the menu.
(4)gwynnie p.
Had two meals at Sam Choy's, a lunch and a dinner. Lunch was probably better, I had the noodle mania with fish and the husband had fish and chips which he declared was the best he'd ever had. Mai tais were tasty. We also had the BEST poke of the entire trip at Sam Choy's, and we ate a lot of it at various venues. Dessert of a mud pie seemed to have a bit of freezer burn and was nothing remarkable. For dinner we had pork katsu (delish) and a rib eye which was definitely on the medium well side (asked for medium rare and was told the kitchen usually did that on the rare side, which is what I wanted...) and the mushroom sauce was REALLY salty - as salty as canned mushroom soup. Cheesecake for dessert was just ok, so I guess desserts aren't really their thing. The view is just spectacular and the dining room is open air and very relaxing. We had really good service on both visits, and would definitely go back. Others have noted inconsistency, and I hope they will be keeping an eye on that because every experience/dish could be divine, but right now that doesn't seem to be happening.
(4)Mike W.
Inconsistent has to be the best word to describe Sam Choy's. We ate here three times over the course of the week and every time we went it was worse than the previous. The Poke tasted different, the drinks tasted different, and depending on who was working it was borderline uncomfortable to be there. When we came in for dinner, the hostess was the single rudest person that we met on the island for the entire week that we were there. We asked her what that wait would be for an outside table and were told "I don't know, I can't make them leave" and then she walked away and left us standing there. Okay... uhm.. well that was weird, maybe one of the servers can seat us then? Poke - First time that we had the poke it was pretty darn good, a little dry but had a nice sesame flavor to it. The second time we had the poke, the fish wasn't cleaned properly and still had skin on it. First experience was good, second experience was the worst poke I had all week. Lau Lau - Very very rich lau lau but also very tasty sans the scallops. It's not that the scallops were cooked poorly, they were sour. It was 100% obvious that they had gone bad and needed to be thrown away. Three of the four of us ordered this and all three of us spit out our scallops upon eating the first bite. Noodle Mania - This was awesome. Only served during lunch. Kona Style Chicken Wings - These were good wings. Fried wings with a light, sweet and spicy sauce over the top. Finally, the drinks. It was really apparent that they have no set way of making anything so depending on who the bartender was your Mai Thai will taste completely different. Again, just goes with the whole them of lacking any sense of consistency.
(3)Ryan S.
Nice and relaxing vibe. Excellent food, drinks and service! Not to mention the view was top notch as well!
(5)Maureen O.
Ate lunch here today, after the food was delivered, we noted to the waitress the "crab" melt sandwich had imitation crab in it! Yuck! When we asked waitress about it, she said she told us it was imitation crab when describing the specials. None of us heard it. Then, sandwich was mostly mayonnaise with very small bits of the fake crab. Gross! Do not recommend eating here. On a positive note, the drinks & views were good.
(1)Joe F.
I feel terrible for Chef Choy knowing how talented and hard he worked when HRC was beginning. Obviously Sam has counted on others to step in on the culinary side and follow his example and those employees have failed him tremendously. The table beside us complained about the tasteless pasta, we were told to order our lamb medium rare it was delivered extra well done. My wife re-ordered a salad with fresh fish and it was mediocre at best, my fish trio was ok however the veggies were also over cooked. Our server told us a "corporate chef" was helping out, but wasn't currently in the kitchen. In our opinion nobody in the kitchen was on the ball, obviously an expeditor was non existent. We also had to ask to have the extra well done lamb taken off the bill, front of the house issue. The Manager said she was "privy" to the over cooked lamb, I guess follow up and follow through wasn't important. Sorry Sam, you deserve better and more caring employees.
(1)Cathy C.
Visiting from California and happened onto this lovely place. We ordered the Fish Trio and Braised Short Ribs. The view was spectacular our waiter was excellent and the meal was superb. Definately will come back.
(5)Sungeun P.
I will summarize for the busy folks before the actual review. Pro: open air, has ocean view. It has a decent parking lot. This is the only reason for a Star. Con: SO. MANY. DIRTY. DISHES. Utensils are same, food was nothing to rave about, worth the money if you eat 2 servings of FULL plates, idk about other servers but mine did absolute bare minimum at best. Having worked in hospitality myself, it is unacceptable to come to a well known restaurant and move 7 plates from the "clean stack" of dishes with unwashed food stuck on it while the HOST stood right NEXT to me, watching the whole thing happening. Details: Just finished my breakfast "buffet" here. Not sure what time breakfast ends but my family and I sat down at 9:45. Our server sat us where we requested but for some reason the table is pushed up to a POLE. Huge pole so that half the table looks directly at the POLE instead of the ocean (3 inches from the table). Neither the server or the host thought to help move the table. The omelet station was unoccupied and so messy, I thought they were done. (Turns out it wasn't done because after I sat down, the cook came out from the back and started cooking..I guess he went to get more ingredients. ) anyway I walk over to grab whatever else was available. I have never seen so many dirty "clean" plates it blew my mind. Same for the utensils. Unbelievably dirty, there was no napkins to clean, nothing. I only ate because my family really wanted to try the restaurant and I was very hungry. But Dont waste $15 for breakfast buffet here and go to other hole in the wall places.
(1)Brenda P.
We were visiting in January and had dinner here. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the view pretty dang good. I don't know about these other reviews that are describing experiences so unlike what we had. Out of the 10 days and many meals at various restaurants around the island, this was my favorite. We sat outside, but the whole restaurant is open air. I would definitely go back next time we are in Kona!
(5)Rick S.
Awww! So close. In some ways I want to rate this 2 stars, although the service and beautiful setting upgraded my rating. The food is beautifully presented looking picture-perfect. The disappointment is with the taste - everything I tried was just bland! The beef, fish, salads - it all looked great but not much flavor. Even the mixed drinks I found to be lacking. On the other hand, the view and sunsets at this location are amazing! You'd have a great time here hanging out with friends. Maybe we went on a bad night. I don't know. I'm willing to try Sam Choy's again before I give up on it.
(3)Mitch L.
Went there at 130pm for lunch. Restaurant was mostly empty, so expected fast service. Staff was nice and attentive, but a bit stretched. Food was quite good. Ordered Poke app, which was very good, and an unusual hummus which was made with edamame instead of chick peas, but it worked although a bit bland. A for effort B for execution. Food delivery was slow, and one meal went missing. View is pretty good, overlooking the ocean, but behind a strip mall, so also nice view of the roofs and associated machinery as well. Might be more fun for dinner? Overall, food 3.5, view 3.5, Staff 4.0. If you are in the area, good to go once, but not worth a longer drive.
(3)Raymond L.
We had a big group with us and we celebrated a birthday. The margaritas and appetizers were excellent, especially the calamari. The service was phenomenal and was attentive throughout the meal. Three people in our party ordered the Fish trio and was unfortunately caught off guard of how the fish tasted. It was over cooked, dry and up seasoned. The Mahi Mahi was over covered with sesame seeds and actually made the fish taste worse. The rice was severely under cooked, dry and was too difficult for me to eat. The waiter was attentive and came over, we advised him that the rice was not done properly and he immediately offered us mash potatoes as a substitute. When they brought the mash potatoes out, the porcelain was far too hot to touch, the potatoes tasted like old and dry potatoes and was a good give away that we were served re-heated microwaved potatoes. Towards the end of the meal, the manager came over and asked us how our meal was. We offered our feedback and the manager was apologetic, he asked us whether or not we informed the waiter, which we did. He explained that he will comp the 3 entrees because the waiter failed to fix the problem and waiter should have discovered the issues earlier before the end of the meal. Although I really appreciate the complimentary dishes, that wasn't my intent as I fully intended to pay. The waiter wasn't at fault because he clearly didn't have control over how terrible the food turned out to be. I hope that the waiter didn't get in trouble over the quality of the food. After reading some of the other reviews here, it is clear that the restaurant doesn't get it nor do they pay attention to some of the reviews on here. It should be clear that the rice cooking method should be revisited, the fish trio recipe should be reviewed. I'm no chef but I can easily cook fish that taste better than how any of our trio dishes turned out. The lamb chops and the duck was not bad. But the rest is uneatable. I really wanted to leave a one star review but the service was good and the management did try to do something about the situation. I would be willing to go again, but I would probably avoid the trio for a while until the reviews tell me otherwise.
(3)Robert H.
Three of us had "happy hour" drinks and pu pu's here on June 5. The food and service was very good but we each ordered a Mai tai and we all had the same impression: little or no alcohol. We did not expect much for $5.00 a drink but we did expect that a Mai Tai would have some noticeable alcohol. I give them four stars for the view, service, and quality and variety of "happy hour" food.
(4)Terri B.
Gorgeous view of the town of Kailua-Kona. When I first saw the name I was not so interested (no offense, just not a fan of Chinese food, which is what I assumed it was). We sat at the bar and all the appetizers recommend by the bartender were delicious! The dinner menu is limited, but a nice spot for drinks and appetizers.
(4)Steve K.
We were looking forward to lunch on Sunday, drove in from town. Parked and found at 12:30 they were only serving champagne brunch as it was the last Sunday of the month. They seemed embarrassed to announce that this was the case, as well they should. Look, we read West Hawaii Today every morning, and they advertise there. It would be a common sense matter to advertise the fact that you were doomed to spend $35 on a brunch if you showed up on the last Sunday of the month. One can only shake your head and well, in our case, drive back in to town for lunch. I doubt we will attempt this again, there are too many other options available.
(1)Andy C.
Stayed at Hilton Waikaloa and found out Sam Choy's opened a restaurant and was so happy, I ended up eating there the next 5 days. This tells you something, when restaurant is about 45 minutes away from where I was staying. Needless to say, I have been a Sam Choy's fan my whole adult life and was heart broken when he closed his restaurants. Actually, met him for first time one evening and he greeted us in real Aloha spirit. He even sang happy birthday to me. The last day I was there, we had the Sunday brunch and it was of great value. Choices galore, with popular items -beef stew, fried rice and local moco. Fresh fruits and salad, omelettes and desserts. Yum yum!
(5)Marc E.
Just had dinner there. mahi mahi. Everything was great, food, service and friendly atmosphere.
(5)Thomas H.
We have eaten several times at this location and have often found the food excellent. Unfortunately, our recent experience was poor. The fish trio was not well prepared and one fish tasted like mud. We do not recommend. Also the short ribs that are usually very tasty, lacked flavor and the meat was dry and tough. The over all quality has fallen off.
(3)Jeff A.
Food was just not good. Pork Katsu was dry and flavorless. Service was just ok. Overall bummed at this poor experience.
(1)Sandra L.
What a view to enjoy your meal with. Great food and wonderful atmosphere.
(5)Kristen C.
Watching the sun set on the horizon at lightening speed while enjoying a lilikoi mojito....ummmmm ok! Uncle Jerry took excellent care of us and made the keiki very happy with a Shirley Temple. Our meals were SO tasty; keiki fish plate, fish trio, duck and lamb chops. Lots of Aloha exchanged and all went home with full bellies and big smiles.
(5)karelle a.
Very meh food...... Three stars for the view and the open terrace. Service was good and the drinks were fine. It was also easy to find parking. An ok place for a happy hour nosh, but don't expect much from the menu.
(3)Cathy Ray P.
Shut up! My husband had the Trio of Fish and I had the Chicken Katsu. It was like no Katsu I've had before. Picture an ample bed of fluffy white rice on which is topped a mélange of perfectly sautéed vegetables, surrounded by just the right moat of sauce to complete the meal. Atop the rice mound are two fillets of chicken cooked to moist perfection. Again...shut up and let me eat! Aimee was our awesome waitress/person. She loves dogs and walks on the beach. I loves her too.
(4)Paul S.
The food was great. The waiter was very nice, but really screwed up the bill. Brought a over cooked lamb chops when my cousin asked for rare. Forgot a drink and the mashed potatoes he ordered taste like box potatoes. Not sure if it's because it was getting late or the cook was lazy. We were told they were out of potatoes and when the messed up my cousin order there was potatoes? ?
(3)Teri G.
Delicious fillet mignon, we had another wonderful dinner with awesome view... best part was waitress Malia, very friendly, great service, made the night extra special :)
(5)Yvette K.
I don't get it. Why does this place have such a glowing reputation? It has a great location, but the food is really just OK. I have had breakfast at Sam Choy's twice and drinks and appetizers another time. Breakfast is certainly decent and actually a good value, but nothing great. Unfortunately, the fish that came with my eggs was overcooked. Despite that I would eat breakfast here again. Frankly, the dinner prices are too high and I just don't have faith that the food will be worth it, so I have not eaten dinner here. The night we shared 3 appetizers and drinks was a lot of fun being on the lanai with the fire pit to keep us warm, but the food was average at best. For these reasons I do not advise spending the big bucks for dinner, there are better places to eat in the area, although they can be hard to find in Kona. Please go to Keei Cafe in Kalakekua, it's soooo much better than Sam Choy's for high end great food.
(3)Do Y.
We had high hopes for this place given it's beautiful location overlooking the ocean. We stopped by on 4/16 for lunch. The wife had the 6oz NY strip steak and fish and I had the fish and chips for me, with the baby back rib appetizer for us both. The appetizer came, then shortly after the main entrees came out. Bad timing all around. The food was "meh." I suspect this place is known for one or two really great signature dishes, but everything else just seems ok. I'd come here for the beautiful view if I happen to be staying near by, but not for the food nor would I go out of my way to come here again.
(2)Ernie S.
I have been eating at Sam's for years! It has always been fantastic!!! Can't go wrong!!
(5)Ej F.
Automatic 3 stars for the view. Well, not necessarily automatic but the view is quite spectacular. Sunset was beautiful and it's just an added bonus to be able to watch it from the dinner table. I didn't measure it but the website claims they have a 230 degree view of the Pacific Ocean. The open walled design makes the restaurant feel spacious and airy like you're out on your own ocean view patio. Appetizers: Brie won ton, spicy edamame, hummus (it's green) Libations: great pina coladas and mango berry mojitos, but they ran out of the pineapple white wine sangria :( Spoiler alert: free small bowl of soup and salad was served. It may not be a regular offering but it was a pleasant surprise to start our meal. Entree: Sam's Trio of Fish consisting of ono, ahi, and ebi(sp?) was really good. I had been eating a lot of rice with my meals in Hawai'i so I ordered it with garlic mashed potatoes. Great combination with the local sauteed vegetables. On top of the sauce was a tangerine-like jam that added a fruity sweetness to the dish (see pic). To sum it up, everyone at my table really enjoyed the view, the food, and the atmosphere mixed with tourists and locals. Service can be a little slow when it's busy but they got our orders right and I would definitely go back to try out the breakfast.
(4)Linda T.
Dare we try again? Awesome view and good service. After a previous disappointment two years ago, we decided to give Sam Choy's another try. Our first time we had two bad experiences with the fish. Our poke had a lot of sinewy chewy bits so we mentioned this to our server who said this was a sign of quality fish- what? Our fish entrees were overcooked and dry. Fast forward to Monday night (7/21) We arrived at 7 - no waiting. Ordered the shoyu poke - fish was great quality but was nothing special ... Just tasted like shoyu and green onions. Brie wontons were ono! They ran out of bread - we barely got ours. Our trio of fish, which is what we were all looking forward to - they only had ahi, which was good but we were looking forward to trying other fish like maybe some Ono or Opakapaka? One member of our party wanted to try the pasta dish but they were out of fettuccini so would have had to penni..
(2)Amy W.
It was the last night of my honeymoon and I am so glad I had my meal here because it was a great way to cap off the trip. We were seated right away as walk ins. Were seated outside with a good view over the water. It was a great place for a sunset dinner. I had this chicken with mango sauce, and it was delicious. I dont recall what my husband had but all I remember was it was tender and very very very yummy. For the food we were served, and the view, I was surprised at how much it was... half of was I was expecting! Based on my experience, it was the best restaurant of our entire trip.
(5)James S.
Went there for a Saturday morning buffet. Server was great ,very personable, pleasant,(KATHY). Many choices , great omlets, surprise was the clam chowder,really good coming from the Seattle area gives us something to judge by. My reason for 4 stars is some of the buffet items were barely warm( loco moco, bacon,roasted red potatoes) but the view is fantastic and it was a good experience, we willl do it again soon;
(4)Jacqueline F.
Went to them because they were near the resort we were staying in and after a long flight from the mainland, I was famished and wanted food (all I had to eat was some fruit and cheese on the flight). I was skeptical because the restaurants of celebrity chefs don't always live up to the hype. But boy was it worth it! We were seated right away and had a wonderful waiter, Arthur. We even had a beautiful view of the water. First they are up on all things gluten free and that's a relief. I chose the edamame/spinach hummus with chips and was glad that the chips were made of taro. Score one. I saved the hummus that was left for my fish dish. The fish dish was fine. The first fish that I looked at was the best. The other two were run of the mill. I imagine that it's because they may have soy based sauces that were left off. I can't imagine that one piece would be flavored perfectly and the other's were bland. My husband had the lamb chops which he loved! I couldn't taste it because of the soy sauce. Arthur recommended a great wine to go with the meal and it was great! The desert, which Arthur recommended - the chocolate (gluten free) cake with coconut ice cream was too die for. We went back two days later and had lunch because we got up late and wanted to grab a bite to eat on our way to the beach. We got the hummus with taro and yucca chips. The Yucca chips that were left in the hummus got soggy, but they were good, just don't leave them in the hummus. I got a bunless hamburger which was run of the mill and a green salad. The dressing was too sweet, but it did improve the flavor of the burger. My husband didn't like his dish, he thought it was bland. I forgot what he ordered. For dessert, we ordered the coconut panna cotta. It was way too sweet. To add insult to injury, it had a super sweet whipped cream - a ton of it (almost as much as panna cotta which was quite big and a super sweet caramel. Now, to be honest, the caramel was also on the chocolate dish but it wasn't super sugary sweet, so we didn't each much of it (the caramel). I asked Arthur about gluten free eats and he recommended Kaya's and another place for my husband to have the loko moko. We didn't make it to that place, but I'm sure it was good. The place actually gets three stars, the extra one is because of Arthur. We wanted to go back, but my husband got sick and we spent the last few days eating very little. Also, three stars because leaving the gluten containing sauce off of something, doesn't make it good. I could have bought and cocked a bland piece of meat myself. To truly embrace gluten free culture, we need to have the same eating experiences as those who eat gluten containing dishes. I just hope that next time we return, the fish trio has three pieces of tasty fish instead of just one. But when all is said and done, it was worth it and was a great welcome to the island!
(4)Julie S.
Absolutely stunning! The almost 360 degree views are the best. Call in advance and reserve a table on the outer lanai to view the sunset. Our server, Arthur was one of the best we have ever had. He was a wealth of knowledge on everything, extremely attentive and happy. I had the fish salad with seared ahi....fantastic! My husband had the trio of fish which was perfection with the wonderful sauces. Our appetizer was the calamari and it was fresh, tender and delicious. Our favorite on the island! Go!
(5)Sekueli ..
Had reservations for 7pm. Got there a little early and we were seated before our scheduled reservation. It took about 10 minutes before we were even greeted by our server. And then another 10 minutes before we got our water. Upon receiving our water, we ordered our appetizers and entrée's at the same time. We got our appetizers pretty fast. About 15 minutes. We had the calamari and seared poke. Very very delicious. The poke was seared just right and the calamari was just as good. 5 stars for the appetizers. The server who brought out our appetizers was super friendly. A local older Japanese guy named Dave. He had a genuine smile which made you feel comfortable and welcome. While waiting for our food, we were twice brought appetizers that we didn't order. The wait staff needs to step up their game. 5 stars for Dave and 2 stars for the rest of the front of the house. Our main course came at 8:15. I ordered the oriental lamb chops. The lamb was perfectly cooked with a delicious oriental glaze. It was served on top off a bed of pasta in a white cream sauce with sautéed onions, zuccini and butter squash. The sauce didn't have any taste. It was a little buttery but aside from that, I didn't care for it. The lamb on the other hand was awesome. Perfectly cooked to order with that delicious glaze. Again our food was brought to us by Dave. And our busser was good too. Kept our water full and quick to clear our plates. Overall, I give the food a 3 1/2 stars. And because of Dave and our busser, another 3 1/2 stars for the service.
(3)Erynn T.
Will start off by saying I will never come back here. We had a reservation for 7 at 1pm. It wasn't packed. The hostess took 10 minutes to notice we were waiting, and only because my Grandma had sat down at a table because she was tired of standing. She comes up to us and says all sassy, "So are you guys ready??" ...then proceeds to sit us all the way outside, even though there were open tables inside. It was SO windy outside and this was half of what ruined our experience because stuff was flying everywhere. There's no reason the hostess couldn't have sat us inside, esp. seeing my grandma had a cane and has a hard time walking far. Our waitress was nice enough, we all got drinks and our order taken fast enough. And here's where the trouble started. We waited 45 minutes to get our food. No one came to check on us. When we finally got our food, they forgot my dad's order. He had to wait OVER AN HOUR to get his hamburger steak. The waitress apologized and explained it was her fault and that there were so many other tickets that needed to be fired I guess it got lost. So we spoke to the manager and were comp'd the hamburger steak. After that, it took another 15min wait just to get takeout boxes. Overall the waitress and manager were nice, but they need to do a MUCH better job of checking on their customers, because this kind of experience is just NOT acceptable... Food-wise, I had a chicken salad and it was just okay. No one else said their food was memorable. Unfortunate because this was my first time here. They really need some work!!!
(1)Chelsea M.
Positives: BEST view in all of Kona that is not on the water front. My family and I used to go up to the Wendy's that used to be in that location just because of the view. I have been to Sam Choy's three times now and I am content to defend my three star rating. It is definitely not a two but it is definitely not a four star. Food: General: Not a lot of selection and I probably would not suggest it for kids at dinner, their lunch menu may be more kid friendly. You have to be willing to try a new sauce or preparation that you may have never heard before. I think maybe this problem stems from more of an issue with how the menu is written and presented. It is just not very accessible. Not saying that they should dumb it down, but at least give me a little bit more besides "Sam Choy's special preparation of a classic sauce." Well, what is in that sauce? Shrimp Pasta: The last time I went here I had the shrimp pasta. It had five shrimp, probably three halved cherry tomatoes and a little spinach. It was pathetic for the $25 I think I paid for it. It DID taste wonderful but I was thoroughly disappointed. I really wish this place would have more entree items in the $16 range and/or let you opt out of the soup/salad beforehand for a $5 reduction in price. It really discourages purchasing an appetizer which some of them look really good. Drinks: Lavaflow, so good. We usually order it for dessert :) Wine selection okay, I am just more used to Oregon selections so maybe I was just out of my element. Service: Really hit and miss. The last waitress we had never really connected with us and two times ago I distinctly remember having to literally flag some other waiter down to get water or check on our drinks or something. I think there are good ones there based on my observations while I was waiting for my water. Note to future guests: I am always surprised when I go here and see people in workout shorts and hats. This is not a fancy schmancy place but it is a nicer place. Put on a polo and some khaki shorts and you will be fine or ladies a nice skirt or capris. They will not turn you away but, at least at dinner, they do try and create a more formal atmosphere (Kona-style of course).
(3)Tertiary D.
The brunch was mediocre. Stick to the dinners. Brunch service is lack luster. Hit or miss.
(3)Bernard S.
You gotta sit on the lanai you can get that million dollar view and the brunch was perfect.
(3)Dianna B.
Over looking Kailua Kona, Sam Choy's is a delightful find. The open air seating formar lends to its charming atmosphere. The service is amazing, the embodiment of the Hawiian aloha spirit, while the food is simply amazing. The husbeast had their three fish special; which included mahi, sword and butter fish, in a ginger burr blanc sauce, served over white rice. I had the oriental inspired lamb chops that came served with fresh local vegis and pasta alfredo, these dishes were expertly crafted and delicious. The onlything I was slightly disappointed with was the haupia porfiteroles (coconut creampuffs) they tasted refrigerated and otherwise no coconut at all. I will suggest that you try the island sangria, its pineapple and citrus...to die for!
(5)Eric C.
On our last day after staying at the Sheraton, we decided to try Sam Choy's. Everywhere we went people talk about it and online here I saw repeated references to this place. Plus our trusty guidebook also gave it some kudos so I just had to give in and make that trip here to see what the fuss is all about. By the time we got there around 10AM, they decided that they were done with breakfast and were now serving lunch. This was fine and really was fine, but for others, I can imagine this could have been quite irritating if you were wanting to go for the breakfast buffet. Like other people said, you're not going to find a better view than here at Sam Choy's. Perched on top of the hill with nothing obstructing it in front, you get a beautiful picturesque view of the beach down below. What a perfect way to end a perfect trip. Let's get to the food. I had the bento box which was actually not in a box. They gave me 4 slices of meat (spam, fish, chicken and of course now I can't remember the last... I think it was beef). Either way, it was one of the best meals I had. Not sure I would call it traditional Hawaiian but it was cooked very well and I was very excited to have ordered it. The fish was excellently prepared and the glaze they had on top just made it perfect. I would come back here the next time I find myself on the Big Island. I hope all of you are able to give this place a chance!
(4)Michael S.
Great location off the "strip" with some amazing food and an unreal view that's tough to beat at sunset. Take your girl (or guy) to this place on a special occasion and score some major points! Staff is friendly (where aren't they on this island?) and everything that came to our table was some of the best food we ate during our entire two-week trip. It's all created by a man who made his mark by obtaining head chef-dom at some major Hawaii'n hotels and then decided to open up his own restaurants. Let your wallet take a plunge and just enjoy a great night out.
(5)Mick B.
Very good, fresh food. Excellent service. Good selection of drinks. A very solid place to eat. I agree there could be a little more spice on the food, but overall very good.
(4)Sally R.
The food is good, the scenery is great, but the menu could be better.
(3)Daniel W.
The service was really good, could have quality checked a bit more, but it was a little busy, not packed. The food was very quick to the table and came warm and delicious. The calamari was fantastic and the entrees were delicious. Not THE best meal we've ever had but in the top of the tier. A bit pricey for what you get but if you're on vacation and wanting to splurge a little then this place is a must.
(4)Bobby D.
This is going to be a bit of a mixed review, but I'll just get to it. My fiance and I came here for lunch. We had heard and read many great things about this place. I dropped my fiance off at the door and she went into get a table while I parked the car. She was able to get a table outdoors. I was forced to park in the mall parking lit down the hill since the parking lot is so small. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a bummer. When I got to the table we sat for about 15-20 mins waiting for someone to come over and greet us and at the least take our drink order. Finally, the manager (Jason) passed by and stopped to asked how things were going. We were obviously a little upset at the time and so he quickly took our drink and food order. Normally when there has been a mix up with servers and the manager comes over, the server will come over after introduce themselves and apologize. Nothing like this happened. One person dropped off our drinks and then someone else dropped off the food. We had: Poke plate with wasabi dressing. Sangria Fish of the day on salad Chips and salsa The food tasted very good. I will say that we were a little distraught with the service so it was difficult to enjoy the food. After the table was cleared we waited for a server to come back with the check, but no such luck. We sat there for another 20 mins or so with no one checking on us. I was finally able to flag down a server and request the check. She noted she would try and locate my server to which I informed her that we hadn't had one. She mentioned that they were training some new people which was probably the reason for the delay. I'm fine with training, but usually it occurs in some mirroring form. Anywho, our experience was unfortunately spoiled by horrible service.
(2)Peter S.
The food and drinks here were fantastic, not to mention the amazing view of the sunset. It's pricey, but for a special occasion this is a great place to go.
(4)Louis R.
Holy...there's a ton of old ha'oles up in here...eating and draankin...and peepin the sunset...since the resto sits high above the marketplace. Perfect. As for me, I kill't the huge portion of deeeelish poke and wings. Fuggin Ay...and the kama'aina bartender was hella cool. Mahalo.
(5)Adrian F.
Ok. Flavor on the wings were good but they weren't hot. It took so long to get them I didn't send them back. Ribs were good but kinda fatty. Service mediocre. I wouldn't go back. Best thing about this place is the open air atmosphere but at night it looks over a strip mall...bummer. The lychee cocktail also does not taste like lychee according to my wife. But it does come with a speared lychee. Yay. (No exclamation point).
(3)Mikka A.
We stopped in between lunch and dinner. The food was great and the service was attentive and friendly. The view was beautiful, even spotted some whales! So I'm not sure where another reviewer was seated to view the shopping center. There is seating indoors and out on the lanai, but the whole place felt open so it was more a question of what degree of sun or shade would you like to sit in. We started with poke that was delicious and ordered one of the specials, a roast beef sandwich. With sides of sweet potato salad and a cocktail, we left full and happy. I would definitely come again. I also appreciated their "eat local" efforts!
(5)Lina P.
Been here enough times and I can say they are consistently average. The most recent time I went in for the Buffet. The main reason I went in was for the eggs benedict but once I had already started putting food on my plate and walked to the end, I realized there were no eggs benedict to be found! So sad. The loco moco which I thought was cute and clever turned out so bland and under seasoned. As for the waitress, she never acknowledged us until the end. We wanted to get mimosa's and coffee but she never came around to us. She was however, hovering around the wealthy older white table next to us like a fruit fly. Well the server, who was a local lady with short hair, finally came around when my friend asked for a coffee after we had finished eating. Then she began to talk to my friend and apologized to her. I was there too, but she never even made eye contact with me, she would just talk in my direction.
(3)Alan K.
I was pleasantly surprised by Sam Choy's. I was worried it was going to be a kitschy tourist trap, but it ended up being a pretty good spot for drinks and pupus. We tried the wings, which were just ok, and the brie wontons, which were darn good. I also had a dinner salad with the house Asian dressing, which was fine. Maybe my view of what's "affordable" is skewed by my complacency with DC prices, but the drinks here seemed pretty cheap for the island. $5 beer bottles, $7 "traditional" tropical cocktails (your mai tais and pina coladas), and some $8 cocktails unique to this restaurant. The entrees still seemed pretty overpriced but I would come definitely come back here if in the mood to eat light and have a few drinks. I enjoyed the open air layout and we had great service from our waiter, Arthur.
(3)Margaret H.
My bad! Got there at 8:00 and had to pay my tab BEFORE dessert arrived! Fish salad was gross. Must have been made by a team of dudes who don't eat salad. Undercooked snapper (it aint tuna, dudes) which was rubbery with a long vein line and skin still on, eww, over full, large lettuce leaves (local? probably not) with giant slabs of cucumber which required some man-handling to eat. I would have looked more lady-like eating a cow's leg. Anyway, I told the bartender it was gross and he just continued on his way to close the bar and fire up my tab. The cheesecake was great except it literally was 2 bites. Giant gross salad + tiny great cheesecake + lame 21 year old bartender = these ladies are NEVER coming back.
(1)Cindy B.
Great choice for lunch after morning of snorkeling with sea turtles at Keauhou Bay. Friendly staff, picturesque views, and excellent food! In our group, we had variety of menu choices. I special ordered the salad with rare seared fresh Ahi. Great wasabi sauce and dressing topped it off. Delicious!
(5)Dolores W.
Had eaten at Sam Choy's on Oahu and loved it. The Kona Sam Choy's exceeded even my experience at the Oahu restaurant. Arthur's service was outstanding. I eat gluten free and he made suggestions from the menu and arranged for modifications of some menu items to make them gluten free. The appetizers, entrees and desserts served to my husband and I were amazing. We eat seafood when in Hawaii and Sam Choy's served some of the best. Bravo!
(5)George M.
We got there after sunset. I believe it must be really crowded around sunset time, as it has a great overview to the ocean from their lanai. We were seated right by the rock wall of the lanai. As always in Hawaii, we started with Mai Tai. They were really good and strong, but on the smaller side, hence the low price. So, we had two each. We had the Hummus and the Brie Won Tons for appetizers. The hummus wasn't your regular hummus that you know. It was a mixture of edamame, spinach, garlic, and olive oil, pureed and served with carrot, celery and tortilla chips. It was yummy, we loved it. The Brie Won Tons were a great idea, something unique that we have not seen before. It came with a pineapple and papaya marmalade/sauce. Great combination of flavors. Our server, Paul informed us that since it was Monday, they had a Half Off special on bottles of wines. Usually we order a glass of white for my fish entree and a glass of red for my friend's meat dish, but since he decided to eat chicken tonight, it was a given that we would order a bottle of white. I chose something that was sweet enough for him and went well with a macadamia nut crusted chicken dish as well as a fish dish, so I ordered a bottle of Conundrum. It's a beautiful, very floral, a bit sweet, but excellent wine. We loved it. They had a really nice wine list. If Jackie Rey's wine list got an award from Wine Spectators, I think Sam Choy's should, too. My friend loved his macadamia nut chicken breast with mashed potato and veggies. It had a nice sweetishly tangy sauce with it that went really well with the flavor of the macadamia nut crusted chicken. I opted for the fish trio. It had a piece of macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi, a blackened Monchong and a pineapple salsa topped Ahi. I understand that the types of fish and the preparation of them changes daily and that's really cool. I ordered it with rice and it came with veggies. The plate had great sauces on its side to dip the fish in. They were delicious. I loved the whole plate. The Conundrum actually went perfectly well with this dish's sweet accented flavors. "Unfortunately", we got so full that we did not have a chance to try any dessert. :-) Paul was very professional and over the course of dinner, we was able to detect that he can be a bit more relaxed and can loosen up with us. At the end he was even joking. I appreciate it if a server is professional enough to determine which customer he/she can joke with and which to stay very professional and reserved with. As I started writing this review, I gave it a 4 star, but I realized that I could not find anything to criticize, so I'm hesitating. I usually only give 5 stars to a restaurant if they "WOW" me with something. Here, nothing was amazingly fantastic; it was just very good, but nothing "WOW"-ed me, so I think it will stay 4 stars, since I can't give it 4,5 stars. You should definitely try the place if you're in the area.
(4)Jeff B.
Let me begin by saying that the view when you walk through the door is breath-taking. This place gets five stars off the bat! Now, the drinks are tasty--I had a Mai tai that was nice. Their beer selection is decent, most consisting of local Hawaiian brews. The food is decent to good. I had the Katsura chicken plate and it was enjoyable, though there was too much sauce on it. The service was OK, but little slow. Overall, this is a nice place for a meal with a spectacular view. It'd be great to go for cocktails & apps.
(3)Cali F.
Best Happy Hour bargain and view in Kona! 3-5pm. Huge Lava Flows or Blue Hawaiins for only $6. So creamy they are more like adult ice cream floats. The Poke-tini, siracha mayo ahi tuna poke on a bed of furikake rice served in a martini glass, for only $6 was very generous portion and quite filling, but a bit heavy on the mayo for me (but I think locals like it that way). Fried Poke is tender and delicious and a good choice for those who are squeamish about eating raw fish. The Fried Calamari consisted of thick pieces and was not mostly fried batter like other places. Open air seating, perched over looking the pacific, we watched whales cavorting and then the sunset. Our plan was to stay for dinner, but were actually too full. Granted, we went straight for their flour less chocolate cake which was yummy. Bring sun glasses as the angle from the setting sun can be strong. We arrived around 4ish and were able to score a table near the edge of the patio. I think those tables are reservable for dinner, and the sun sets around 5:30ish, so plan accordingly for a spectacular experience.
(5)Jeff C.
Food was mostly terrible, or blah/meh at best (as 2 out of 3 reviewers will confirm.) It's all about the view here and the name. 4 star view (5 star would be on the water). 1 star for the food. 2-star average. You are better off eating at Denny's with the same view for about the same quality of food (terrible). I felt like a sucker after going here.
(2)Jo C.
one phrase says it all - tourist trap. There are no locals eating here. We can see everyone is dining are tourists. We were there for dinner. It was hot and there are loads of mosquitoes. I know it's the island but the restaurant was unbelievably warmer. We had to take turns to go for a walk outside the restaurant for a cool down. The food is mediocre. For the price you pay, you probably can get better food elsewhere. Portions are small too - we came and left hungry. We did get an appetizer to share and all of us had our own entrees. The one star is for the wonderful service. The server is friendly and nice. After the meal, everyone in our group left unhappy. Overall experience is bad. AVOID COMPLETELY!
(1)Wayne K.
I'd like to give them a better rating but that will have to wait. We were there a week ago and they had opened just a couple weeks prior. We went for breakfast and the food was very good and at a reasonable price but service was slow. It looked like mass confusion in the kitchen. Sam Choy, son of Sam Choy, came out and greeted us and chatted. He's all about his food, restaurant and island life style. BTW, he looks just like his dad. I recommend going there for breakfast or lunch. In a bit, when they are better organized, they should be mo betta!
(3)Greg P.
We had the trifecta and fried poke appetizer. It was an exceptionally good meal. Service was outstanding.
(5)Amy C.
The view is AMAZING!!!! We went just before sunset and had a prime spot to watch the sunset, and enjoy some cocktails. The food, on the other hand, is pretty OK. Nothing spectacular, but not bad either. If I were to give it a letter grade it would be a solid B+. We had ribs as an appetizer and they were just too "tough", not fall-off-the-bone delicious. We had to gnaw on them pretty good to eat them all. I ordered the macadamia chicken and again, it was tasty, but not "Good LORD this is delicious". I can't remember what my husband ate, but he agreed that the food was not great, yet not terrible If I had it to do over again, I would have saved my money, and just enjoyed some cocktails and maybe a dessert and simply watched the sunset, and bypassed the dinner menu entirely.
(3)Amelia R.
Unimpressive. Just your standard tourist trap, with average food, typical American chain restaurant-like feel. Don't waste your time here unless you're craving your neighborhood Red Lobster transplanted onto the Big Island and with a good view.
(2)Michele M.
The ocean view here alone will make the meal worthwhile! It looks like no matter where you are seated the glistening blue is staring right back at you. A light lunch is what I was looking for. I ordered a chicken salad which was not your ordinary plate of greens! Hello sweet teriyaki honey glazed chicken nestled on a bed of somen noodles, lettuce, beet/carrot/daikon shavings, onion slivers, cucumbers and tomatoes. The dressing was a creamy oriental. Imagine all of this hefty goodness in a crispy tortilla bowl! Yumm!!
(4)Grace Ann T.
Called and spoke to Hostess to make Sunday breakfast/brunch reservations for husband's birthday at 9 am 2 weeks prior. Specifically asked if they were serving breakfast because was unable to make res via Open Table. Was told yes and reservation taken. Showed up only to be told that they were closed and not open until 11 am. No call, no text, no email. VERY disappointed!!!
(1)Karen L.
Oh Sam.... We ate at your place way back when it was in the industrial part up by Costco. We were excited to try this new place. It was just ok.. Food was average, nothing special. Lamb chops were teeny tiny. Waiter didn't know what kind of fish was on the salad. Said it was Ahi, so I ordered it seared, then when it came out it was obviously NOT Ahi. Turned out to be spearfish. Interesting to have that seared... The view was amazing, but having eaten at your restaurant many times before on Big and Oahu, I was very disappointed. Not the taste and quality I was expecting..
(2)Yasmin V.
Reliable. Anytime I have guests in town and don't want to cook, its a short hop to Sam Choy's. Enough variety on the menu to keep everyone happy. Good quality food. Fish has been overcooked on a variety of occasions though, so make sure you make it clear to your server how rare or seared you want your fish. Great Happy Hour menu and prices... do they still do a 9p Happy Hour? now that was great!!!
(4)Sonny K.
Since i was a teen i have always been a fan of Sam Choy and his skills as a chef. I root for sam choy, dwayne johnson and bj penn by default as they are hometown heros. I grew up with sam choy cooking as my mom bought his cook books and chefed us up some decent seafood dishes. I have a love hate relationship with his restaurants though. Back circa 1998-2001 it was common for me and the guys, less frequent for me and the chicks to be Kona bound. Hapuna, Alii drive and Magic sands were our weekend getaway locations at that age. Highschool memories included getting stranded on the old saddle road. Picking up chicks at the beach and eating belly busting grinds at Sam Choys Industrial. Those days are past much like that restaurant. The food. Its good. Local style quizine that follows most of the rules for higher end dining. This being said. The Chef-ery if you will, is more laid back. Ive laughed at how ive seen Sam Choy on tv Chef-ing it up wearing jams. Food personifies its chef and Sam Choys is definitly laid back. The atmosphere. As far as Keaohou is concerned, Sam Choys has prime placement. From a visitors stand point it must be gorgeous. Nearly 200 degrees of open unhindered veiw of both mauka and makai (mountainside and ocean front). Its awesome even coming from a local like me who sees it regularly. The one odd thing i noticed is that the floor is bare concrete. This doesnt bother me personally but it does put a strain on the more upscale surroundings. The service. Its good. Id did find it strange that there were like 30 empty tables and the host staff seemed to stress having a reservation was prefered. I sat at the bar anyway. I got my food quite quickly. The price. Reasonable. Id definitly treat a hot date here under the guise of it being fancy. I spent 18 for a beer and fried poke. I remember the fried poke coming heaped into a clam shell take out box with rice. Rather it was spread ever so lovingly over cabbage and the serving was average for one. If we ever do pupus there you will need to get your own. Ones not enogh to share
(3)Josh N.
The views are extraordinary. the service was excellent. Sam Choy himself came by to check on us. The price was amazing, $14.99, for a buffet. They had an omelet station but my favorite entry was the hashbrowns and the loco moco.
(4)Misha K.
Born and raised in kona, currently living on Oahu, just back visiting the fam. We decided to eat here and it's our first and last time here. Food was junk (rib eye steak, fish trio, calamari, brie wontons). Very disappointed in this place. Miss the old school Sam choy food (the on that used to be by costco).
(1)Shauna W.
Beautiful setting and our server, Jerry was charming and fun. Food was good and we would definitely go back.
(4)Fran F.
The location is beautiful, service was very good. Ordered the trio fish dish seasoned well but was a bit overcooked.
(3)Jenna C.
Calamari was good. The rest of the food took FOREVER. Fish in fish sandwich was almost completely raw and slimy. Yuck. And the busser (I'm guessing was new) had an attitude when we asked for regular tartar sauce. Overall, thumbs down. Won't be coming back here anytime soon.
(2)Tammy F.
Nice view I admit, but the food is marginal. I went for a special meal and was disappointed. I got the fish trio ($29) and they all tasted the same; dry, bland and overcooked. Seems like they should be able to cook fish. The service staff was friendly but I felt rushed. With a four course meal we were in and out in an hour.
(2)Chris S.
We came across this place by accident, we took a wrong turn into a strip mall and we saw the building on top of the hill and it looked interesting so we stopped by for dinner. First the views are amazing, we were not lucky enough to sit outside, but it is very nice inside as well as they open up the doors to this place so its almost like being outside. I ordered the duck they had, and that was very good, the sauces and cooked perfectly. The price is a little high, but we were on vacation and splurging a little every once in awhile is not bad.
(4)Mars P.
I'm shocked by the positive reviews. We went on a Friday night. The place was packed. I see can going to this restaurant for the sunset views, but beyond that, I wouldn't recommend Sam Choy's. The service was awful. We waited 45 minutes after sitting to get our order taken...and that was AFTER we went to talk to both the server and the manager. Food finally arrived 30 minutes later and the fish was tasteless. Seriously, the fish sampler, with all those sauces (also tasteless) was totally blah. The Lau Lau was the only decent thing out of the 4 entrees we ordered. Drenched in butter to give it taste, but at least it was edible.
(2)Thomas L.
Too expensive and bad quality food. Dinner roll bread, probably from Wal-Mart and the like Ketchup sauce for the katsu Saimin broth and meat tasteless, probably worse than storebought ramen (kids meal) Steak also tasteless Gravy is disgusting (kids meal) ONLY PRO IS THE VIEW PS If you want the same type of food, better quality and cheaper, go to L & L
(2)Jason L.
Definitely worth a trip or two if you are vacationing in Kona. My wife and I didn't want to pay the Sheraton Hotel restaurant premiums to eat and Sam Choys was actually a really great deal and really great food. We never went to the one here on Oahu...I think the location was against it. In Kona the location offers a spectacular view of the ocean, nice and open, appetizers were amazing...especially the Poke. Staff was very friendly and most of the menu was available. The one issue I would bring up is the lack of Kona Brewery offerings. They only had Longboard. Kona has so many good brews and is right down the street so I was a bit surprised I there wasn't a selection.
(4)Adam C.
Had dinner here 3 times in the last week. All and all very good. I had a different dish each night all very good. I had a different drink each evening as well, my only suggestion were the hurricanes and mai tai were too sweet for my taste. I think there are better options for these classics on the island. I would definitely recommend Sam Choy's, great food, and I don't think there is a better view from a restaurant in all of Kona.
(4)Nikki O.
meh, really I expected more or the word better. I loved the view that was really the only good thing. For someone this famous to have this bad of food breaks my heart especially when my hawaiian family has always talked about this man and his recipes I wanted Hawaiian food and that is not what I got. If I really wanted side of the pot rice I would've had my kids make rice for me. The teriyaki was too sweet and my chicken tasted like dish soap. Salad was very limp. Oh this hurts to write this.
(2)Laura T.
A local friend recommended Sam Choy's for breakfast on the weekend and I am SO GLAD we went. The buffet was amazing and super reasonable at $14.95. The had a guy making eggs and omelets to order, which were delicious! They also had lots of other options at the buffet, including fresh fruit, lots of traditional breakfast meats and hashbrowns, pancakes with coconut syrup, but the best part were the desserts! I wish we had more time on the island to go again, but will definitely come again for brunch on our next trip.
(5)colleen a.
Love this new Sam Choy's in Kona overlooking Keauhou! Great ambiance and a wonderful view as its perched up on the hill. He has some unique dishes like his own version of seafood lau lau that is worth trying. I had a super yummy stacked trio of three different types of fresh fish that was very very good. Service from the kitchen does seem a bit slow but the wait staff was very nice - just don't show up famished! It was worth the wait for us to get the great food and enjoy the ambiance.
(4)Vanessa B.
Ate outside and there were flies everywhere food was average the view was nice except for the dingy mall at the bottom so eat inside so you just see the ocean. Our waiter was short when asked questions and she completely forgot about us at the end we waited 30 minutes for our check and they weren't even busy and when asked for it she just walked away pretty rude and to top it all off she had cigarette breath not something I want to smell with my poke
(3)Praju S.
A LOUD shout out to Barbara, Joey, Loushen and Amber for making our dinner experience so amazing. This was a special dinner night for our group and everything was incredible. Barbara - thank you making the planning process so easy and painless. We asked for a table on the lanai facing the gorgeous view and you did, thanks for your dessert suggestion..all and all it was easy breezy! Loushen - THANK YOU SO MUCH for making such an amazing dessert just for us. We were so full from the delicious food, but one bite of your cake and we had to eat it all. Amber - despite all the craziness; you never lost your sweet smile and calmness. With almost 22 drinks, 11 entrees orders and not to forget your other guests. everything came on time and no mess up You made it look and feel seamless although we all see it wasn't Joey - You have an amazing staff and know its not possible without a great manager and leader. Thanks for checking up on us from time to time. And last but not the least THE FOOD WAS AWESOME. The hawaiian style bbq wings are the bomb everyone. crispy, juicy and perfectly dressed with sweet sauce. steak is tender and juicy and the right portion with mashed potatoes. again..THANK YOU! .
(5)Debi F.
Second time we have been at this restaurant. Food is great but paid $20 for two Margarita's that had no tequila in them. When we told the waiter he shrugged his shoulders and returned with the bill. No apology and no offer to either comp the drinks or make a new one. Sorry as we really liked the food.
(2)Nabil A.
I am trying to be nice and express the Aloha spirit. So I will be as kind as possible and start off with all the "good" I can dredge up, and then end with the murk. The food is fundamentally good, but a loser relative to the unwarranted prices. Appetizers, like the Brie wontons, sesame chicken wings and poke (slightly un-fresh) were just ok. The maddening thing is that with a little inspiration all would have been excellent. The trio of fish was tasty. Lamb chops were very so so. Wine selection good for the type of restaurant. Service is a horror--if there were no view this place would be nothing. You would think they would take advantage of what they have, one of the best locations in the world, but no way. With 50 empty tables at hand, the maître d' (a name she deserves in no way), wanted to sit a family of 5 (including an 82 year old grandmother) on a thin table with high bar chairs. Seriously? It seems they are dead set on killing themselves. The quicker the better. Someone new with a higher perceptions and aspirations could make this the best money-maker in town. Let's boycott it until the revolution occurs.
(1)Tiffany C.
Our last night in Kona, and a true local suggested this place. We started with the fried poke, which means lightly seared to perfection, and served with the perfect amount of crunchy veggies for texture. I got the fish trio, caught that day, and the hubbie got the lamb chops, with a unique twist. Everything was so good we had to share! Service is friendly and fast, but provide a relaxing time in an open air environment with the best view of the sunset we've seen.
(5)Katherine K.
Seared ahi poke salad was huge! Couldn't finish the whole thing. I forgot how good their dressing is; get it on the side so you don't use too much. The fried calamari during happy hour is a good deal also.
(4)Emmett B.
Yes, the views are INCREDIBLE! And even more amazing getting a table during sunset...breathtaking. The poke was good, but everything else sucked. I ordered the surf and turf ($38) and what a joke! The cut was a ribeye, but I'm telling i'm pretty sure it was frozen. yes frozen!!! It was the same exact steak I've had at Denny's. The lobster tail was the smallest lobster tail I've seen. Even the side vegetables were bad! Do you know the Teriyaki stands at every food court in the mall? They use the same pre-cut vegetable at this place... the shredded cabbage and carrots.. yes, its true. My friend had the catch of the day, and the fish has ZERO seasoning. Also I'm pretty sure the salad dressing and soup is also coming from packages. Shame on you Sam Choy for allowing horrible overpriced food out of your kitchen!!!
(2)Tamlyn L.
The food and service were amazing!!! The poke is one of the best on the island! We got to meet Sam Choy which was a nice surprise. I would definitely recommend it and I will definitely return the next time I'm in the area.
(4)B B.
I ate here three times in the five days I was on the BI. The food is good...love the ahi belly, but my review is based more on the experience: My mother turned 85 and went with my sister to visit the BI. I wanted to surprise them, so I called from the mainland and told them I had made dinner reservations at Sam Choys and was treating them, so please make sure they are there at 6pm for dinner. I then flew over and was waiting for them. What was so awesome was the STAFF!! From the gal who seated us, to Shannon the bartender who video taped it, to Jennifer the manager who sent us an appetizer...the staff was so genuinely excited and happy to be a part of this celebration. My mom said it was the best birthday of her 85 years. Thank you Sam Choy's for making my ohana your ohana.
(4)Nari H.
Have come here for lunch twice and really enjoyed it. Pros: Has a really nice high view looking out into the ocean (but there is a road in between the view and the ocean, so it's not RIGHT up on the ocean). - Lunch food selection is great. I recommend their teriyaki chicken or meat lunch entrees. I also liked their asian sesame dressing for their salad. - Service is very good and I have never left disappointed. I can't say I have too many cons. It's overall a very nice and classy place to eat.
(4)Kel C.
Well, showed up here with the family after a day of snorkeling. It got some good reviews and is close to our resort, so we figured we'd go for it. It was early evening when we arrived, so there was plenty of seating, and we were seated right away. Friendly hostess and wait staff. Opened the menu and almost keeled over. Prices for entrees were insanely high. Like haute cuisine high (30+ for some entrees). We said "no way", but had already been seated, and our waiter was friendly and had explained that the kids could get any of the blender drinks served "virgin" style... So we ordered a round of drinks, and a couple of appetizers. I maybe could give it three stars based on the service and the appetizers-- ribs and edamame. They were fairly generous portions and very tasty. The ribs were "dry style", which I enjoy (not messy!). So we finished up, and got our check, and were ready to pay, and the manager (?) calls all the wait staff out to a table behind the kitchen, which was only about 15 feet from our table. She has a couple plates of food, which I assume were the evening specials. She had all the staff sit down at the table, apparently so that they could try it so they could describe it to the customers (good idea, bad timing). She says "ok, nobody gets to eat until everybody is here". I'm thinking "um, who's taking our money?" A waiter walked by on his way to the "tasting", and we handed him the check, which he handed to our waiter, who immediately got up so that we could pay-- the correct thing to do. This appeared to displease the manager, who was snappy and barky with the staff, which is not ok in front of customers. There were other people who had been seated and were waiting at their tables for waiters. Huh? Anyway, the prices and the strange "meeting" during dinner hours were extremely off-putting. And the view isn't so great-- you have to look over a bunch of rooftops and Ali'i drive-- so you can see the ocean, but it's not exactly spectactular. Go to LavaLava Beach Club if you want a great view, right on the beach.
(2)David O.
Try the black lava margarita!
(5)Leda S.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Great food Great service. This is our new hangout while we are here. Thank you to the staff. Malia you rock. What a great welcome to the island. You can tell they have good management,because the staff is happy and they show it. Again we loved our server Malia.A special thanks for starting a much needed vacation off to a wonderful start. They made us feel like they had known us for years. Did I mention the view!!!!! I
(5)Tom M.
Ate at Sam Choy's this evening. Started off with a Hostess that is in sorry need of training. With at least 10 empty tables visible, we were told it would be at least 15-20 minutes wait since we didn't have a reservation. We were seated up front and witnessed some incredibly unbelievable acts by this Hostess. These included her fascination with her hair, kicking menus (which were the given to guests) with her foot, ignoring guests as they left, without even a "thanks for comin". We also saw her give the same line about no reservations to at least 2 other groups the 15-20 minute wait line. By the way, the empty tables at our arrival were never occupied. Our margaritas were actually awful. How do you screw up a margarita? Appetizers were fair -Brie won tons. The dinner was much better (lamb and Duck) and our waiter, Arthur, was very good. Not sure we'll ever go back though when there are so many great places, many with more reasonable pricing and better trained staff.
(1)T W.
Unacceptably slow service. While servers are friendly the occasional time they stop by the table, service is almost nonexistent. Food was mixed: Fish Trio was overcooked and dry, the Duck was excellent. Without the view, it would only be two stars.
(3)James G.
I wish a could give a good rating but some times the food is good and service is good other times the serves is really bad and the food is just so so :{ I hope the came find consistent in there good food but for now save your money go some where else .
(2)Kate B.
Super fresh and delicious fish specials! My hubby and I stopped here on our first and last nights in Kona. You get a very generous amount of food. Definitely try their lava flow cocktail. The service was very friendly and attentive. Our server was the same both nights (forget his name), and he was very knowledgable about their cuisine. We got to watch the sunset from their outdoor lanai. I highly recommend making a reservation for 30 minutes before sunset. I also didn't have any parking issues as some reviewers previously posted.
(5)Courtney L.
I have been to Sam Choy's a few times and the first couple were great experiences but the last one just left me not really wanting to go back. The service was poor , we waited to get a simple glass of water until our dinner came out. We asked a few times just anyone passing by, it was a joke. Our apps also came out with our dinner and that never leaves a good taste in my mouth, Food arrived luke warm but by that time I was done and just wanted to get out of there. The setting is fabulous and something I really look forward too when visiting the big island but im sad to say I won't be making it a priority to come back.
(4)Roy O.
First of all had reservations at 7 on a thursday evening. Got there parking lot was full the 6 pm sunset dinner crowd was still drinking and there were at least 2 large table parties... the same group I think. Got handed a round buzzer like Houstons gives you and told 10 to 15 min wait... Wait we had reservations? There were open tables we were a party of 4 and by7pm you couldnt see the view... so we waited... t\ Through the glass window watched a bunch of young looking kids running around the kitchen... not a good sign... I used to visit Sams when he was at Coscto and buy spam before I went fishing 10-15 years ago... when I visited Hawaii. Im from South bay Los Angeles Calif... Years ago I was on a plane and saw Sammy... also was having dinner at Pollys Pies an saw him over 10 years ago... he was consulting. Anyways back to story Ordered Poke appetizer because my friend likes raw meat and raw fish... what we got Should never have left the kitchen. My non cooking roomate could have picked better fish and sliced it better herself...there is nothing worse that a piece of fish that you can see skin fragments on and that looked like a marbled grade nothing raw piece of New York Steak. and when you bit into it ,,, it gets stuck between your teeth no matter where you put in in your mouth... I swallowed mine... my friend spit it up and hide it under his chopsticks... we called the waitress and had her take it back. Course number two New York steak... My friend is chinese... very heavy accented chinese and he likes rare meat... He ordered meduim rare and had the waitress repeat medium rare... red in middle. Got medium well. Another Gentleman came over and said He would be our new waiter and went and came back with another steak. After cutting almost a third of FAT off the steak and trying to eat a few bites we asked for the check... remember the remark above about grissled new york that sticks to your teeth. This was not a Sammy Choy meal... it was more on par with Dennys. They offered free dessert and during the conversation I asked if Sammy ever stopped by. The guy that took over said the name on the building is Sammy Choy but he gets his check from Wendys. Sammy if you read this...get back here and kick some butt... get some serious chefs and some experience... at least get someone who cares about the food an looks at decent cuts of meat and fish (we are in Hawaii fish capitol of the world) This place looks nice my opinion the old white table cloths at costco beat this new place hands down. Closer service better quality control of food and a standard that needs to be a new goal for the new place. Until my next visit to Big Island
(1)Kyla B. H.
The atmosphere is very beautiful, I suggest coming during sunset. The service is nice. The silver wear wasn't that clean. For our appetizer we ordered their edamame hummus... it was nothing special and it needed salt. I had the New York Steak with mash potatoes and asparagus. My great grandmother and my mom both had the fish salad. The displays of the food are beautiful. There wasn't much flavor to the steak I could've cooked it at home and the onion crisps on top didn't do much either. I would've put the steak on top of the potatoes. The asparagus was cold and the mash potatoes were average. The fish was a bit overcooked. My mom loved the wasabi dressing and added that the vegetables were fresh. My great grandmother loved the salad and didn't have a problem with it. Overall I would come for the good view the food seems inconsistent so if you're lucky you could dine on some flavourful fish.
(3)Miranda W.
Great view, good food, but terrible service!! It's sad that this ruins the whole experience. At first we had no waiter so I had to get up and find somebody. We were then told there was a miscommunication on who had our table. But it only got worse.... Once we finally had a waitress, we quickly realized she had no idea what she was doing. It took about 20 min just for her to come back and take our order, our drinks stayed empty because she never checked on us, then I had to get up yet again to find somebody to bring us our bill. This is not what we expected from this so called hospitality state. And no it was not crowded at all! Actually, there were very few people there for a Friday night.
(1)kavin m.
Inconsistent is true as others have indicated. So why does the "corporate manager" not know they use Open Table for their reservation system and should accept their checks? Why do 10 plus employees congegrate around the manager but ignore the recent guests who have just been seated? After 10 min of waiting the recent guests walk out after telling the "corporate manager" why but of course they just LET customers walk out as if they dont care Of course they dont care Ugh
(1)William L.
Great view ... Lousy Food. The End.
(2)N H.
We had a great dinner last night that included a beautiful sunset! The location, over looking Kona, has an amazing view and is easy to find at the south end of Ali'i Drive. Our server, Jaye, was there when we needed her and most accommodating to our requests. Our meal was excellent with the steak cooked perfectly to order and the veggies not over cooked. The chocolate flour less cake was a great ending to an enjoyable evening. We've done their Happy Hour several times, and now dinner, and have found their prices reasonable when compared to other Kona restaurants /bars.
(4)Call Me Z.
1-star for the view, 1-star for the decent service. But the food was disgusting and I eat just about everything. I got their version of chicken chow mein that came in a big tortilla bowl and I had one bite and lost my appetite. The noodles were cold and the chicken was gross. I thought I was going to get food poisoning. I tasted my parents and brother's food and it was average at best. Avoid this place. I warned you...
(2)Iris C.
Probably one of the better (best maybe) on the Big Island. Great fresh quality of food, great service, inviting atmosphere (open air overlooking Kailua bay). We, be dined at the 4 seasons, the Orchid, Mauna Lani, Roys (way overrated). Sam's beats them all on quality and price.
(5)Stu W.
I don't know what's been going on with Yelp lately, especially in Hawaii, but Yelp has been leading me down some very dark alleys as of late. And yet I keep coming back for more. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me three or four times, shame on the global conspiracy afoot. I really wanted to like Sam Choy's. I've wanted to try it ever since I first saw Chef Choy on the early cooking series, Great Chefs. How could this man prepare bad food? This location in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island is apparently quite new, so the chef himself is usually present. Most days, the restaurant is completely open to the outside, with sweeping views of the ocean. Of course, that also means birds and bugs might find their way in, and often do, so be prepared for that. Also, note that it can get breezy, which might feel good, but tends to blow napkins around. The menu is somewhat small, but includes a smattering of Hawaiian Asian fusion fare, as well as some classic Hawaiian dishes. We tried the Shoyu Poke, Papa Sam's Beef Stew and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich. The Shoyu Poke is made with cubes of very fresh tuna, shoyu, green onion, and ogo, which is a type of seaweed. The poke was delicious, although the tuna cubes were a bit large for my taste. The beef stew was actually described in the menu as "absolutely incredible." It can be best described as a tomato-y American style beef stew, with celery, potatoes, and carrots. The flavor of the stew was good, and the beef was super tender, but it came out lukewarm and a bit too salty. The chicken filet in the sandwich was nicely crispy and well seasoned, but also came out just warm. As a side, we had the sweet potato salad, which was made from taro and ube, a purple sweet potato. I found the potato salad unidimensional. It was sweet, but not cloyingly so, and was a beautiful color, but had this pasty texture that just made everything run together. Save for a few pieces of diced celery, no other real flavors were apparent. For dessert, we had the poha berry ice cream, which was basically vanilla with poha berry mixed into it. Poha is related to the gooseberry, and looks like a small orange cherry tomato. It's a bit tart with a flavor somewhere between a raspberry and blackberry. A huge scoop was served over a chocolate chip cookie and drizzled with caramel. The ice cream was just ok. I think I would have preferred the berry in a sauce swirled through the ice cream, rather than as distinct berries. The cookie was delicious! Overall, I just expected more, and the experience left me a bit disappointed.
(2)Carolyn T.
Great view of the ocean! But that was really the only great part of our visit. The service was very sub par. We had to ask for a spoon and cream to go with our coffee if we wanted it. We all had different versions of the Loco Moco and one had the omelet. In all cases the burger part of the loco moco was extremely dry and most plates did not have enough gravy to counter act that dryness. The burger wasn't even seasoned. I would say the prices were OK or even fair had the food been more edible. The omelet wasn't bad, but it was a pretty standard mushroom and cheese omelet. I was really disappointed in the food.
(2)Todd C.
I give it a 4 for lunch/brunch and the spectacular views with completely open air seating. Great spot to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets. Dinner was only a 3 star experience. Overall recommendation is to go at least once for lunch/brunch. Be sure to try the fried rice or stir fry.
(4)Andy G.
This was our first dining experience in Hawaii. I wish I could say it was better, but alas, alack. The location is actually decent. If you are staying in the Keauhou area, it is much easier to drive up to the shopping center where Sam Choy's is located than to drive all the way into Kailua. There are a few other options in the shopping center, so look around. Despite some complaints about seeing the shopping center in the view from the restaurant, the ocean view is actually quite nice if you look straight out. Sam Choy's is up on a hill, so you kind of have to look down to see the shopping center. The service is chaotic at best and just about what you'd expect from a place that hasn't been open long. We happened to walk in right when they were transitioning from lunch to dinner service, adding to the confusion. However, everyone was very nice to us and most things happened quickly. The food was nothing to write home about. My wife had the fried poke, which was decent, but inferior to other poke I ate later in my trip. The fish and chips were a disaster... the fish sank like a rock to the bottom of my stomach... very oily and not a good texture/consistency for frying. The chips were just gross. Probably worth visiting once they iron out the kinks in the menu and integrate some customer feedback. It definitely seems that they are interested in listening.
(3)Sarah J.
Let me start by saying I am not a chain restaurant person. Don't get me wrong, some chains are good, but most I leave thinking, 'meh...' and don't visit again. Sam Choy's falls into the former category, with an extra star for taste! For those who may not know, Sam Choy is a Hawaiian chef famous for his take on Hawaiian ingredients, and he is consistently good. Take his delicious cooking and plop a restaurant on a hill with a ridiculous ocean few and you have success. The teriyaki chicken and fresh fish plate were our favorites. You can't go wrong with any of the drinks there--sadly the infused drinks weren't available due to their popularity, but the standby mai tais and coladas were refreshing and delicious. Service was surprisingly great for such a new restaurant (we visited on their official first day of business). The kitchen was on the ball as were our servers. The only real con to this place is the parking situation...the restaurant fits over 100 people and the parking lot fits maybe 30 cars. Hopefully in the coming weeks they will get that sorted out so that customers don't have to illegally park :)
(4)Cathy A.
It was ok. The view is great. Our server was very good and service was prompt. The food was very bland. My husband had the noodle bowl and the temperature of the dish was way too hot...thought it had been microwaved. I had chicken salad that had non-ripe tomatoes. Won't return, there are lots of good restos with a view in Hawaii.
(2)M H.
Amazing views. Great breakfast buffet on weekends. We had come for breakfast last year, but they changed it to a buffet now. Best fried rice and malasadas! Omelet bar, salad, fruits, bacon, hash browns, loco moco and miso soup. Sam Choy was there also. Would definitely return for breakfast!
(5)Tracy M.
Meh. Fried poke was okay. Brie wonton didn't have very much Brie. We are skipping the entree here cause we're disappointed in the pupus. Won't be coming back.
(2)GA H.
Once upon a time, Sam Choy's name was associated with great, original takes on local cuisines in generous portions. I dined there last night for the first time with friend's who were visiting from the mainland (my friend really wanted to try this place because of the view). While crowded, we only waited about 15 minutes at the bar, which was nice and the restaurant itself is really just an extension of the bar. The entire place has an open feel similar to the atmosphere of a small Gordon Biersch. Yielding only 6-7 entrees, I ordered the NY Steak (medium rare-$26) thinking that it would be a safe choice. Boy was I wrong. The steak was covered with deep fried breaded onion strings that masked a very bland, very badly cooked steak. Since I don't like fried onions, I ate the steak alone and noticed that it was not seasoned at all (no salt, pepper, or anything). The steak was also cooked unevenly on one side so that the top 50% was cooked to medium-well and the bottom 50% was cooked to barely rare (which I guess to them equals "medium-rare"). When I brought up the lack of seasoning to the manager, she looked slightly offended and tried to make a joke of it. After muttering under her breath "I'll let the kitchen know", that was the last I ever saw of her and the service from our server became noticeably absent as well. Speaking of our server, while taking our order, it was plainly obvious that she was chewing gum as it almost came out of her mouth while she was speaking. While she did give pretty good service, the gum came across as fairly unprofessional to me. It is very clear that Sam is not interested in maintaining that quality at this restaurant but more about just making some money off a great location with below average food along with average service. Think of this restaurant in this priority: 1) Bar 2) Scenic Point 3) Restaurant If this is what you want, then go for it. If you want a good meal, keep moving and look for better choices back down in Kailua-Kona or keep going another 15 minutes up the highway until you reach Manago Inn. Great food at 1/3 the cost.
(2)Susanne D.
I don't know how the food is since we sat there for 15 minutes and got no service.
(1)Drew S.
I come to the island every other year. This is a highlight every single time. Love the food and the view is unparalleled. The owner is a neighbor of my grandparents and a prince of a guy. This is totally worth it and an experience you'll not soon forget.
(5)Shelly E.
View good but there is so much better in town, staff so so, food over priced but good/reliable. Would i return next time? Probably not
(3)Jean M. G.
We were served a cold, dry pasta entree, and one of the filets - most expensive entree on the menu - was raw in the center. It was supposed to be medium. The service was slow, all dirty dishes were left on the table throughout the meal, and all in all it was a rather mediocre, unpleasant experience. Unfortunately this has been the norm for our many experiences there. Too bad, because it is a great location... But I probably won't go back or recommend it to visitors and my clients.
(1)Harold P.
The stunning ocean view is worth dining here alone. The place fills up after 6pm so it's best to make a reservation. I'm not sure if everyone is served free starters on the house or if I had this pleasure because I dined during the senior hours. The starters of the night consisted of a butter lettuce salad with Oriental dressing and a Portuguese bean soup. The bean soup was excellent and chock-full of smoked ham, the broth was rich and meaty tasting with beans, carrots, onion and celery. The Oriental Lamb Chops are served over a generous bed of linguini in cream sauce with vegetables - the chops are well marinated with five spice, garlic, ginger and soy sauce (sugar too since the chops were a bit sweet). in fact I think the chops may be over marinated because cooked at medium rare the texture was akin to a soft cured meat or jerky. The Ka'u Orange Duck was outstanding. Though I'm used to duck seared to medium rare this duck was cooked through but still very moist and flavorful. I would have liked more fat rendered from the skin and the orange honey glaze was a bit sweeter than I expected. Overall the portion of duck was generous and served over broccoli and Chinese cabbage. I chose the garlic mash potatoes as the side and they were creamy and smooth. Prices are extremely reasonable and I will definitely come back for the views and the duck.
(4)Areena M.
Oh, Sam. I think you're so adorable. I so wanted to love your place instead of lumping it in with other celebrity chef restaurants that disappoint. Alas, you let me down. Sigh. At least it wasn't a total loss. I will say this: reasonable prices, good service, fabulous view, & food's not bad. It's probably a welcome change to anyone who has been dining at the resorts or tourist traps. So what's the problem you ask? The food is just "not bad". Nothing prompted involuntary yummy noises or made a lasting impression. The area has better to offer.
(3)Annie L.
Hostess seated us on tall table which was cool. The view and open lanai atmosphere is nice! Glad that we walked from Kona Coast Resort to the restaurant because parking was tight. At 6:30 pm, they already ran out of one of the specials (leg of lamb). So I had the rib eye medium. Waitress was kind enough to comp me the dessert! Rib eye was alright but it tastes more like New York steak in texture. Food temperature was warm. My husband liked the prime rib and my son said the pasta with shiitake mushroom and veggies is one of the best he has had. Food portion is right sized for a reasonable person. Price is fair but when I presented the online 10% off coupon, they gave me 10% off the entrees only. We let it go even though the coupon is for the entire check. Why do they penny and dime customers? The difference would have been another $1.70.
(3)David S.
Went for lunch this week. The transformation from what used to occupy this space is amazing. The menu matches the spectacular views. Sam is serving up local favorites. I had a great loco moco. Sam your gravy is superb. The fresh tombo was brilliantly prepared. The fried poke salad was served in a giant tortilla bowl with fresh island greens. Mahalo Sam!
(5)L L.
This place is a little odd and if it weren't for the views, I'm guessing the overall ratings could be a lot lower. Atmosphere: As other reviews have mentioned, the views here are great, but if you're staying at any of the oceanfront hotels (e.g., Sheraton nearby), this view isn't any better. In fact, the only bonus is that you get to see the roof of the Long's drugstore and the parking lot. Food: Hard to review the food. First, I'm not sure why it's classified as Korean in Yelp as neither the food nor Sam Choy are Korean (more Japanese, Chinese influence than Korean). Second, it seems like every dish is served exactly the same except for the protein which is kinda lazy. Having said that, the fish trio was cooked perfectly. Service: This is where things fell apart a little. When I thank a busboy for pouring me water, I would rather him ignore me than grunt. The waiter wasn't anywhere near us when the food was served. So much more went wrong and if you don't believe me, stand in front of the open kitchen and you'll see what I mean. Service was way sub-par for the prices of this place but I guess the views will keep it going for a long time.
(3)Seri T.
This review is for breakfast only. Between the six of us, we tried the veggie loco moco, belgian waffles with tropical sauce, sweet bread french toast, pani popo pancakes, and the Sam's breakfast. The french toast (my order) was good, but I wanted more of the guava and taro flavors. The tropical sauce on the waffles had a sour flavor, which I was not expecting and did not enjoy. The pancakes were drenched in the haupia sauce - waay too sweet - it would have been a lot better with half the sauce or the sauce on the side. The veggie loco moco was quite delicious, though. Their juice serving size was small for $3 - maybe 8oz? Staff was very nice and the view is gorgeous if you can get one of the outside or near the outside tables. During our breakfast, some loud trucks were driving by, though. Overall, decent breakfast with a nice view. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if you are staying close by, I think it's worth a try.
(3)Brian A.
This is a fantastic open air place to view the Kona Coast and have a bite to eat. Unfortunately, I have the say that the breakfasts are a bit pedestrian. I would equate it with any Big City Diner ( yelp.com/biz/big-city-di… ) on Oahu. Essentially a Denny's kind of fare. I'm sure dinner is a bit better, since you would be able to order signature Sam Choi poke that he's known for. On the bright side, they have french pressed Kona coffee! Got to have that while in the Kona area! The service was quite good, but I can't stress how relaxing and awesome the view is. If I could post the panoramic I took I would.
(3)Lisa M.
A new place for us this trip. The setting here is wonderful with a great view of the ocean. We're not really cocktail people and the wine list was not particularly interesting, so we brought a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner. Loved the giant portion of poke (shoyu version, which is raw). We also had the pork Katsu and a pork belly special. The pork belly was excellent, but the accompanying risotto was a bit gloppy (risotto is tough in a restaurant setting). The pork Katsu was a teeny bit overdone for my taste, but the flavors were good. Portions here are HUGE and prices are very reasonable. Perhaps a good place for a family with children? Service here was very attentive and friendly.
(3)Kathy H.
Great view, casual festive atmosphere, fun tropical hawaiian cocktails. I was looking forward to their lau lau, but they were out, so I tried the trio of fish which was tasty. Each cut had a different texture and was fun to try different types of whitefish - who knew there were so many! My daughter has several food allergies, so our waiter (also from San Jose, CA) was excellent in finding out which dishes she could have or which she should stay clear from. He also made it a point to have the kitchen cook hers separately from any other food that had her allergens, which was a bonus! The kids saimen was nice but the chicken tenders w/ fries were overcooked and bland. I hear Sam Choy will be opening up a beer bottling plant in San Jose, so I'm super excited to try the Aloha Beer on the mainland!
(4)Ashley R.
Sam Choys breakfast buffet is great! Pancakes were delicious! Lots of bacon, cooked perfectly and not chewy! Lots options for everyone, even cereal and yogurt. We had mimosas as well, they weren't anything spectacular but for $3 there is no complaining. The service was friendly and happy. Overall a wonderful experience and we will be returning again I'm sure.
(5)Eric And Jennifer R.
I have them 5 star for their fried poke, service and the patio with the magnificent view of the Kona coastline / sunset. I'm still craving their fried poke!
(5)Brian K.
Went here on a recommendation and was extremely pleased. It was lightly raining but we still got a seat closest to the outer patio so it felt like we were outside but stayed dry. Beautiful sunset. Started with the brie wontons with papaya/pineapple marmalade. These were awesome and probably the highlight of the meal. I typically am snobby with brie and try to cut off all of the outer flour shell to only eat the delicious inside but these came cut with shell and all included. But I can't complain, it was amazingly delcious. They brought us a simple salad with what tasted like french dressing and an egg drop soup. I had never tried egg drop soup and liked it quite a bit. Main course she got the trio of fish (ahi, ono, spearfish). I tried a bite of each. The ahi was the best. The others were not as tender. Not saying thats on the chef, probably just the natural texture of the fish. I got the braised beef shortrib over chow mein. Really glad I chose chow mein instead of potatoes, it was a great idea and delicious. The meat was tasty and tender. Nothing mind blowing but certainly solid. Overall a very solid meal. Highly recommended.
(4)krystal p.
Have had good service and good food, bad service and so-so food, and everything in between. No way to know from day to day. It depends on who is at the front desk, who is serving, and, of course, what you order. The happy hour (3-5pm) is, IMHO, one of the best in Kona. Breakfast (weekends only) and lunch are reasonably priced and have some good choices. Dinner is (again, IMHO) overpriced for the quality, except the lamb chops, which are my favorite at any price. So if you go there and have lackluster service or mediocre food, don't write it off completely because you could have a fine experience next time. Unfortunately, there is no way to know in advance.
(4)Micheal P.
We made a reservation for Tuesday. We were there 5 minutes early. We sat around for at least 10 minutes before someone came to help us. When I went to the bar to grab a drink the bartender snapped in my face like i should leave him alone. I felt like i was bothering him with me presence. After 30 minutes of waiting for our reservation we were finally seated. Then water was a scarce resource for at least 20 minutes as the server only filled half of the cups at the table. I felt almost like we were being singled out and not served on purpose. We had to finally stop the server from running away from our table as if we had the plague in order to get everyone's meals placed. The restaurant really wasn't that busy and we felt like think entire time we were competing for help from any server. The food was served before all the drinks were served and we had to ask two times before we got them. Finally we could catch the girl to give us our check and left frustrated and ignored.
(1)Gayle V.
A lot of hype for this place but it was just okay.... And I would NOT come back here. One, the prices are high. We don't mind spending the money if the atmosphere and food are good...but the food was okay. Dining is open air with a beautiful view of the bay. (Star #1) Started out with ordering drinks. I ordered a vodka martini and got a Margarita the first time..sent it back...second time got a GIN martini..SENT IT BACK! and threatened to go over and teach the bartender how to make a proper VODKA MARTINI!!!! Our poor waitress did good by us and did not charge for the calamity of errors (Star #2) For dinner I ordered BLACKENED Ono...there was nothing blackened about the fish. It was over seasoned with thick, red dry rub. I was not able to eat it. Hubby got fish with seaweed and sesame which he did not care for either. Better fish to be had elsewhere at better prices!
(2)Su-Lynn T.
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai is located on the top of a strip mall, but it provides one of the most beautiful views in Kailua Kona. My family and I went here after a long day of coffee tasting at the farms on the coffee belt. I made reservations though opentable.com and we got a lovely outoor table for 5 people. I ordered the Mahi Mahi, hubs got the ribeye and my family got what sounded like the fish trio, and a grilled ono. All of it was pretty good. It had the nice presentation, with the fish layered between side dishes to create the "tall stack" look complete with an island flower. The flavors could have been slightly better - though some of the sauces were a bit too sweet, but I think Sam Choy tends to do that in his cuisine. Otherwise had a great family meal here. i really enjoyed my mahimahi dish though my parents weren't too keen on their fish dishes as much as me. Hub's ribeye was very large, with the nice grill marks, and served with a creamy sauce. In case you don't like cream sauces on your steak you should prob ask for it on the side. The service was very good. The free soup and salad they give as an app is nice, and the coconut bread is yummy! The prices are very reasonable for an establishment like this. We went to Roy's Waikoloa and it costs us about double what we paid here. (understandably since Roy's is more fine dining, and Sam Choy melds comfort food to local pacific rim tastes. I like them both!)
(4)Ryan D.
We went to Sam Choys for our anniversary dinner and of course the only time to go is at sunset! We snagged a high table by the bar to watch the great view. Service got off to a rough start because the hostess triple sat our waiter. We ordered the brie appetizer which was tasty but just average, fruity island cocktails which were quite yummy, the lau lau (the house speciality) and the swordfish special of the night. The entrees were fantastic, perfectly cooked fish and great presentation. i highly recommend the lau lau off the menu, if none of the specials stick out to you. Our waiter recognized we didnt get the best service for round 1, and took extra time to recommend the bread pudding...which he comped. However I highly recommend this dessert which goes perfectly with a glass of B&B! I will go back next time on the island, and recommend to others!
(4)S J.
Good food, nice presentation. Some may think its too expensive, but it was so far the best meal I've had on Kona. For once the chef didn't over cook our fish. I had the Lau Lau. Only disappointment was they didn't have poi! Come on guys it's Hawaii! My Hawaiian husband wasn't too pleased with that point, so he had the seafood trio & it was great. Good Mia Tia's too, although the pack a punch. Beware! :)
(5)Eric D.
We had breakfast here one year ago and really enjoyed it. This year tried it again and it was not good. The pancakes with white sauce that were so good last year (rich and sweet) were not the same. The sauce was bland and tasteless and the pancakes were not that good. Must have hired the breakfast chef from a mainland I-Hop. The egg dish came out luke warm. The place did not look overly well cared for and my wife mentioned the restroom was a bit dirty...not really what you would expect from a class restaurant. The view is good, but there is a scenic turnout a half mile from the restaurant which has a better view...buy a donut from Walmart and sit on the hood of you car and enjoy the view.
(2)Keely P.
The view is one of the best for sure. We had 3 different apps and all were yummy. My husband had the short ribs and he said it was some of the best he's had, even my sons mac & cheese was good..and the desserts, the coconut cream puffs were HUGE and sooooo good, we had to take them home, and they were even good the next 2 days! Big portions all around, you definetly get your moneys worth!
(4)John T.
Excellent food. Great Atmosphere. And good service. All set overlooking the ocean in Hawaii. What else is there?
(5)Harry P.
A very nice location with indoor/outdoor seating and a 360 view overlooking the Ocean. Service was stellar. The food was hit and miss however. The fish dishes were excellent. Unfortunately, there were some basic technique issues with some other dishes (soggy rubbery fried squid, over-dressed salad, just plain tasteless chicken katsu). We had much better Hawaian food for half the price at Big Island Grill.
(3)Ann S.
This is gonna be long because we did a LOT of research here. We stayed 2 minutes from this place and Kona is not known for it's culinary offerings, so having frequented all of Sam's restaurants in the past, we weren't going to pass up the chance to sample the newest restaurant...multiple times. Between the hubby and I splitting some entrees for both breakfast and dinner, we got the following: Island French Toast Trio, Pineapple Papaya Mac Nut Pancakes, Char Sui Loco Moco, Smoked Pork Loco Moco, Chicken and Waffles, "Sam"wich, Edamame Hummus, Short Ribs (pupu), Filet Mignon, Fish Trio (Mahi, Ono and Swordfish when I got it), Mac Nut Chicken, Waffle Fried Ice Cream and Flourless Chocolate Cake. We do it all for you, ya know? My favorites were the Char Sui Loco Moco, Pineapple Pancakes, Edamame Hummus, Fish Trio and both desserts. The hubby would add the filet mignon to that though all of it was good! The bacon is flippin' amazing. So smoky and perfect, I ordered it every time we were there for breakfast. I think it says a lot that there are a good mix of locals and visitors there. We visited at all hours of the day and this was true any time we were there. Breakfast and lunch is reasonably priced and dinner is comparable to any nicer sit down restaurant you'll find. It's a nice touch that they bring you a sample of their salad and soup for the day at dinner and we're talking about a half 'typical' serving size and along with the sweet rolls, its a good way to start off the dinner. As mentioned, the view is incredible especially at sunset but for the few who complained that it overlooks a shopping center, yes, if you are at the wall tables at the very edge of the restaurant, you're looking down over the shopping center. Request a seat just under the roof if it bothers you that much. There's not a bad seat in the house. The fire pit tables out back are nice too. Sunset there is an event that usually ends in rousing applause. There is truly no lovelier atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Chef Choy was visiting one night when we were there and was nice enough to go to every table and say goodbye to people as they left. They said when he is in town he is down at the restaurant which is nice to know especially as a place is getting off the ground. He was very gracious but let me assure you that doesn't influence my review. Service has yet to get their groove. Servers are all nice enough (one in particular, Ui, was above and beyond) but we did hear a few griping about job related stuff and you don't do that in front of customers. Do it in the bathroom or after work like the rest of us. That's the only reason I knocked off a star. Otherwise, we had nothing but 5 star food and views every time. Once service improves a bit, I'll gladly add the extra star. I do have to note that as a person who has lost a significant amount of weight like Sam, I appreciate that he has healthy options at this restaurant. From the seasonal fruit plate, egg white veggie omelets, brown rice as a side, oatmeal with fruit, edamame hummus with baked pita chips and various fish and tofu dishes, it's nice to know that you can take a break from the high salt/high cal local dishes and choose something healthy if you're trying to watch it.
(4)Jimmy H.
I'm not sure if there's a conspiracy amongst islanders to not share good local joints with tourists but after eating at Sam Choy's courtesy of a "tip" by our local Hertz driver, I'm starting to thing there is. We asked him for his favorite non-touristy local restaurants and he suggested this place. Let me be clear: Sam Choy's is TOTALLY TOURISTY. The restaurant is located high on top of a hill with panoramic views of what I'm assuming is the ocean (it was night time and couldn't see past the lights of the strip mall at the base of the hill). When we drove up to the restaurant we noticed a drive through window. Not sure whether it was an architectural remnant from a previous establishment or a functioning part of the current restaurant but it certainly did give us pause. We asked the waitress for her recommendations and she told us that the lamb was her favorite and that her son thinks the duck is the best he's ever had. Perhaps we should have asked how old her son is before ordering the duck cause it certainly was nowhere near the best we've ever had. It was way too sweet and I thought the honey flavor was too overbearing. The girlfriend didn't like the lamb but I thought it was pretty good and the pasta that it was served with was not too shabby. All in all, not a bad place for a decent meal at decent prices.
(3)J C.
Excellent view. Food good. Service was solid. Yes, it's pricy for what it is but you're in Hawaii... in Des Moines it would be a raving rip off... but here? Go. Worthwhile stop on your already expensive trip.
(4)Ken M.
This is the first meal we had when we arrived in Hawaii. We'd been awake for about 20 hours at this point too, so keep that in mind. Sam Choi's is perched high up above the shore and has pretty good views. I had the Pork Katsu and it was cooked well and well seasoned with a variety of dipping sauces. Andy's meal was also good, three cuts of fish. The prices are a little high for what you get,and the service was just alright.
(3)Bella P.
I took my chances with the mixed reviews and totally lucked out with my experience. Glad I did though, because it would have been a totally sucky birthday dinner if it didn't. We had reservations and even though we were a little late, we were seated promptly with a sunset view as requested, by the very friendly hostess. We were greeted shortly by our server who definitely embodied the aloha spirit. She was courteous, friendly, and made sure we were ok, without being a pest. Down to the goodies now: --I had the ribeye, sauce on the side cooked medium rare. It was exactly that-medium rare. It's amazing how many places can eff up on steak. If you do get this dish, GET THE SAUCE ON THE SIDE. Trust me-you'll want to taste how amazing that local Kohala beef is without it being drowned in any sauce. --Hubby had the seafood laulau and that was amazing as well. I would probably suggest you stick with wine for drinks though, if you aren't into surgary sweet cocktails. Their raspberry mojito tasted like straight up corn syrup it was so sweet. YUCK! They do offer a white & red wine flight tasting which paired much better with the meals. The service was great and the fried ice cream we received on the house was the crowning glory of the dinner. A birthday sunset dinner with an amazing view? That's how you show the Mrs. she's a special lady ;).
(4)Nancy Z.
We used to love coming to this location when it was a Wendy's fast food restaurant, largely because of the view. It seemed appropriate that Sam Choy's would be moving into the space. They did a lovely remodel, opening the interior space so as to incorporate the view. I've been here three times for lunch. The wait staff, on all three visits, were super friendly and efficient. I fully expected much higher prices given the high-end look and location, but the prices were reasonable for lunch....most in the $10-20 range. The food is good and fresh. The portions, substantial. Without the view, I'd probably give Sam Choy's 3 - 3.5 stars. It's the location and view that take the cake.
(4)Dan Y.
I stayed on the Big Island for six days. A weekday lunch at Sam Choy's was easily the best meal I had on the island. Food: Had the Bento, which came with teri beef, spam & egg, fried chicken, and a piece of shit (obviously the fish made less of a mark because I can't even remember what kind of fish it was...) Either way, the food was fantastic. It wasn't anything unique or special compared to other similar restaurants but it was consistent, Price: I have no idea how much it is for dinner but lunch was extremely, extremely reasonable. Considering the fact that I was staying in Waikoloa where the cheapest lunch would easily set you back $15, this place was a breath of fresh air. My bento was about $12 and extremely filling! Even for a jolly-sized male, it would certainly be a satisfying meal. In fact, for our party of four, we ordered three lunch entrees (the waitress said that is easily enough for four people) and she was correct!
(5)Crystal B.
Having avoided the Sam Choy's on Oahu for nearly three years, I finally went to this one just outside of Kona. I think it's current average star rating of 3.5 is accurate, bt since I can't do half stars I'm rounding up to 4 based on the great service we received and the beautiful view. We started with the calamari, which was mediocre. It was very dry. We enjoyed the complimentary soup, and then our entrees arrived. I had a special of fish and shrimp with a curry sauce and vegetables. The fish was cooked very nicely, crisped on the outside and tender inside. My in-laws' fish trios were good too, from what I heard. The food is not particularly inventive, but the entrees were very well prepared. I'm not in a huge rush to come back but eventually I will. Our service was really good -- every detail was perfectly attended to. Plates were cleared immediately, silverware replaced and waters refilled promptly. The view of the sun setting over the ocean, was gorgeous.
(4)Dave H.
YEAH MAN! this place ROCKS. great views and breeze and dinner was a good deal for the $$$. girlfriend was impressed and my 3 nieces and 4 nephews had a blast too. good place for kids, there were a lot of em runnin around this place. kids all had loco moco, always a fave w the kiddies. service is fast and food is solid
(4)Kelton J.
Apparently Sam Choys hired an out of state firm to construct the restaurant, which cut corners, skimped on safety regulations and basically left the job unfinished while making off with the money. Now there are pending law suits. Way to appreciate the local workers, Sammy. Way to keep the wealth with local families. We won't be patronizing your establishment on those grounds, alone.
(1)Thuy H.
We ate at Sam Choy's last June and loved it. At the time, the food was wonderful especially the bread pudding. When we returned this year, we found the food to be blah and not worthy of the expensive price tag. For our appetizers, we ordered the shoyu poke and calamari. The poke was too salty. On the other hand, the calamari was bland. Three of us ordered the seafood laulau for dinner. The laulau was overall pretty good. It was a good size entrée. The vegetables were seasoned well. The fish was a little bland, but it was tolerable. Finally, the dessert. The bread pudding was amazing last year. Have you ever had a dessert that was so good that you dreamt of it afterwards? It was THAT good last year!! This year, we were really disappointed. We happened to have a picture of last year's dessert. We found ourselves comparing the two experiences. The style of the bread pudding hadn't changed, but the type of bread did. Our bread pudding was bland, hard, and lacked flavor. It didn't seem to have any vanilla taste nor the rich sweetness. It was so bad, that it wasn't worth the calories to eat it. The waiter claims that the recipe hadn't changed, but we felt something changed. It changed enough for us to notice. Overall, this is a nice restaurant. The views are amazing. The staff is very friendly. I didn't like having to constantly ask for refills (iced tea or water). The food is a little pricey, but it's Hawaii and it's Sam Choy. Sam uses quality ingredients that is local to the area. We've always love Sam's food. We miss going to brunch at his Honolulu (by the zoo) location since it closed. We've never been disappointed with his food, but our dinner in Kona was not memorable.
(3)Richard C.
I came here yesterday for the Sunday brunch Buffett. WOW!! For $14.95 it's a real bargain. And the sweeping views of the Pacific are AMAZING!! I was staying down the road at the Sheraton and let me tell you at $25 for a lousy breakfast Buffett Sam Choy's is my new go to brunch place when I'm visiting Kona. Plus the staff is very friendly and they kept my water and coffee cup full. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Janice O.
Friendly service. Nice atmosphere. Had the fried ahi appetizer...delish! Side salad dressing perfectly sweet Miso type. Pork katsu dinner good sized, even brought done home. Highly recommend! The food carried the chain.
(4)Ann V.
Great view, good but not great food, decent but not great service, didn't measure up to the big price tag. We had the special Mahi Mahi, which was quite good, and the fish trio, which was over cooked and served with blase rice and sauteed veg. The server was annoyingly attentive until he discovered we weren't having drinks or dessert, then it was all we could do to get the check (he never even refilled our water.) Perhaps on another visit we might feel differently, but in my book 4 or 5 stars means more than adequate food and service every time. No second chance here, not for these prices.
(3)Shar C.
We look forward to a fantastic meal and unique atmosphere when dinning out. Sam Choy's was all that and more! Friendly, appreciative service, perfectly prepared food all with a gorgeous ocean view! A must for Big Island visitors!
(5)Cal L.
Let me first say that I have a great deal of respect/admiration for Sam Choy. Unfortunately, my experience with his new restaurant was a disappointment. My boyfriend and I were hoping for an romantic evening of good food and drinks. We arrived at the restaurant and were seated at a table towards the middle of the room where the sounds of the entire restaurant converged, making conversation difficult. My hopes rose, however, when we were presented with a small complimentary salad and bowl of soup to start off the meal. Though neither were exceptional, the greens were fresh and the Egg-drop soup had a nice bit of spice to it. Drinks: over the course of the evening we tried a few of the mixed drinks; the Lava Flow, Hurricane, and Black Lava Margarita. They ranged from $7-$9 and were practically VIRGIN. The margarita was sloppily presented and again, these drinks couldn't have been less potent. Entrees: I ordered one of the nights specials; the Rosemary Chicken Pasta and my partner ordered the 10oz Rib eye Steak. We were about halfway through our first drinks when the food arrived. I appreciate quick service, but at a pricey restaurant this was a little off-putting and left me with the impression that the cooks spend little time on each individual plate. My pasta dish was quite salty and the chicken (thigh meat was used instead of breast) was dry and underwhelming. The rib eye steak was not a quality cut and very thin (maybe 1/2" thick) and came with mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies. The sauce was tasty, but everything else simply lacked pizzaz. Positives: the waitstaff were fairly attentive and quick and the entree portions were a decent size. Conclusion: Given price vs quality, I would not recommend and would not go back a second time.
(2)