Dark and cozy, with attentive but unobtrusive service, and excellent food and wine. My grilled fish with mushroom risotto and asparagus was perfect. My husband's cioppino was good but not outstanding. Would highly recommend and return. We never would have found it except for our innkeeper's recommendation!
(4)
Sean S.
The special, seafood pasta, the bruschetta with special topping & chocolate torte were excellent. The Italian sausage rigate was a little too salty though. Service & atmosphere was very good.
(4)
Mike S.
Outstanding dinner and probably our best meal on the island. The entrees were definitely authentic italian and the service was very friendly. Great place to celebrate the last night on the island. A little ways from Kona but definitely worth the drive or perfect if you are driving back from the volcano.
(5)
Tony M.
Exceptionally good food in a small, well-run restaurant that seems to cater to residents. I had mahi-mahi over asparagus-mushroom-preserved-onion risotto. Both fish and rsiotto were perfectly cooked. The caesar salad was made from locally grown lettuce. - delish!
I'd been waiting to come here for months and decided to go out of my way to come here. It was an interesting experience. I'll give a few examples. Salad plate got taken before we finished it, and it was a small salad. We got our entree, and within about 7 minutes the girl came over and asked if we wanted boxes while we still had our forks in mouth. We got boxes and packaged our food up only to find that our eco friendly container was melting before our eyes. We ordered a dessert and when she set it down we asked for forks (seeing that she hadn't brought any). Befor we could finish our sentence she said, "yeah-yeah-yeah." I have a few more but Im sure you get the picture. I can handle poor service because I could see that they were getting busy and they only had one server. Only thing that upsets me is paying what I did for the experience. Our tab for three was $100 (thats without ordering alcohol) and I left feeling like a major inconvenience to them. Food was alright, the scampi appetizer and tiramisu was the best part of the meal. We ordered the seafood fettuccine, polenta, and crab manicotti. Also, just to add, its really dark in there, bring a small flashlight.
(3)
Sarah S.
Totally unimpressive waste of money. --Owners kids crying through dinner...I'd be more forgiving if the entrees weren't $20-30 a piece. I could see a Mom and Pop burger shop having kids around, but at these prices - hire a babysitter. --3 small pieces of bruschetta $12 - not tasty - no value --So dark you need a flashlight to read the menu. They think it's charming and funny - it's not. I'm guessing they are covering up not spending $ on decor. --Waitstaff, there is none. The busboy, wife, assistant and babysitter wait tables none of whom have EVER waited a table in their lives. --Listening to the owner/chef berate staff members. If you have employee problems, I don't want to hear them while I'm paying to eat. In short go to Pat's Pies and have a beer. Go to Annies and have a burger. Drop into the Strawberry Patch for a curry, but skip Mi's
(1)
Janna G.
Delicious Italian food with a charming 6 year old dining room assistant who is so adorably fabulous. Yes, the location is odd, it's cozy, and you don't have a dedicated water boy but the food is really delicious, staff is friendly, and the prices are very reasonable compared to the prices at some of the other places on the island that are serving tasteless garbage! Mi's is a must visit
(4)
Mimi R.
Two words: food poisoning. Two out of four in our party got it, and we both ordered the same thing. We also ordered an arugula salad that came sans arugula. When we questioned the owner about it, she got very defensive, and then brought us a small plate with two small leaves of arugula on it. I will never go back.
(1)
Bethany N.
The pasta here is amazing!!! and it is home made. It is a very small restaurant that holds maybe 30 people. The atmosphere feels romantic with the dim lighting. My husband and I went for dinner and I had the cheese ravioli which was fantastic. The food is definitely worth the price.
(5)
Beau H.
Very good Italian restaurant down in Captain Cook. It's a family owned an operated business that strives to employ people in the community while creating great food used with all natural grown products from Hawaii. It's not very big, but it's a great place to go. I recommend the beef tenderloin and the white pineapple sorbe for desert!
(4)
Meredith L.
Overall our dining experience was ok but the seasoning in our entrees was really lacking. I ordered a herb and cheese ravioli that had very minimal seasonings- had to add my own salt, pepper, and balsamic to give it some flare. The same for my dining companion's meal of polenta cakes that were too thick in our opinion and too soggy. We much would have preferred a crisper cake that would have complimented the toppings better. The service was decent but we were turned down when asked if we could add a piece of fish to one of the entrees because the chef said it would disrupt his vision of his dish, which I can understand but isn't it beneficial to want to please the paying customer? We were underwhelmed by the food and the tables were so close together that we could hear some lady beside us yammer on about politics and the other side was filled with a family with two kids bumping around the tables and walls. I felt like I could have made these meals better in my own kitchen, which is a big disappointment when spending the money to go out to eat.
(3)
Gopi V.
Nice little place in Kona. The Island style Cioppino and the chicken fettuccini were awesome. The tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake were simply delicious. Great place to dine.
(5)
Tom L.
This wonderful small locally owned Italian Bistro is a wonderful addition to this small up country community. All of the dishes are expertly prepared and are delicious. Our favorites are the chioppino, the lasagne, ... well everything is freshly made and delicious. Try this place out! You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Lisa C.
Yes, blown away with the deliciousness of every course we ate. The chef really knows his food and spices. Last night's spicy mahi on linguini, local onions and mushrooms is worth the trip of the mainland. I have to admit, if I had first looked inside the restaurant before saying yes, we'll eat here, I might turned right back around. Located next to a dive shop...and a bit 'divvy' inside the restaurant.
(4)
Lisbeth D.
Mi's was definitely one of the better restaurants my husband and I visited on the Big Island. All of their food is super fresh, seasonal, and they make their own pasta. It's a cozy place and can get crowded. The first night we visited service was a little slow but in their defense, the restaurant was packed. We enjoyed our first visit so much we ordered food to-go the next night. Mi's is a solid choice if you're in the area (or just passing through) and looking for a great meal.
(4)
Cathy A.
One of the few professional waitpersons we've encountered here. She knew her menu and presented it in a friendly and knowledgeable way. Though a little dark, it suited the ambience of the restaurant which had 40s and 50s music playing. Beautiful palm tree lamps...I wanted to take one home! Food was excellent. Garden salad had the best tomatoes I've ever eaten. Lasagne was delicious. So was the polenta, which I tasted after sneaking a fork onto my husband's plate! I found it charming that the cook actually served our meal. He, also, was friendly and polite. Best of all, they passed the "fork" test. My husband and I always wonder why we are asked to keep our forks after our salad course in restaurants (geez, don't these places have dishwashers?) Clearly MIs Bistro has a dishwasher as our forks were replaced after the salad course. I'd go back again and recommend to anyone.
(4)
Terry M.
I've been to Mi's twice now and as an Italian-American I can honestly say I've never seen lasagna listed at "market price". When I asked about what that meant the server told us it had fish in it. Service was mediocre and way over priced. The second time I tried Mi's it was worse than the first. We were a party of 8 and were sitting for about 15 minutes before the "waiter" came back with water and to tell us the specials. He suggested the bruschetta but is came out as thin toast on grated cabbage with not cheese or tomato in sight. The server never once asked us what we would like to drink, and some people in the group had to track him down to ask for drinks. The dishes lacked flavor and spice and gave us all incredible indigestion. The plates are incredibly overpriced and the atmosphere and service left something to be desired. I don't need to back a third time to try and see if it's improved.
(1)
Kristina V.
Enjoyed our Valentines dinner on the island at Mi's. Morgan (head chef) and his wife Ingrid (the hostess) were great. More importantly, the food, atmosphere and service was a delight. The chef incorporates seasonal fresh produce and ingredients and pairs and executes them beautifully. We had the beet and string bean salad with blue cheese and candied macadamia nuts; beets were tender, beans crisp. We then had the pumpkin eggplant soup, the delicious herb cheese ravioli (all pasta made fresh in house) and porcini crusted pork tenderloin with gnocchi in a mushroom Parmesan creme sauce. Paired our entrees with a lovely bottle of Italian Chianti (nice wine list). Finished with the house made tiramisu. True Italian talent and hospitality housed in this understated off the highway boutique restaurant.
(5)
Emily S.
Mi's was a lovely farewell dinner to the Big Island. Ingrid, the owner, was our server and she was very sweet and helpful (though a little distracted by her young children who were watched by a baby sitter in the restaurant). She recommended a chianti by the the glass and it was spot on for both of our meals. We were interested in eating locally produced foods, so we went with the Mahi Mahi special and the beef lasagne. The Mahi Mahi was really flavorful, and the eggplant parmasean was great. A very nice serving size. The lasagne was also a generous portion, but it almost had too much ground beef for my taste. Also making it feel a little heavy were the homemade noodles. They seemed kind of thick, instead of the delicate featherweight noodles I seek in a homemade lasagne. The banana flambe was a great, if not totally decadent, way to end the meal. It was very sweet and very rich, and very good. All in all, it Mi's is a nice little restaurant with thoughtfully prepared food that I would choose any day over the bustling touristy places up the road in Kailua-Kona.
(4)
Helen A.
I took my boyfriend there for his Birthday. Decor could use some updating. There were 2 screaming kids that I wish I could have disciplined as their mom was oblivious to the screaming, crying and banging on the table with the silverware. I wish the staff would have said something to the mother as it ruined a nice dinner for several couples. Other than that the food was really delicious and my boyfriend really loved the Tiramisu. Would go again for dinner.
(4)
Imi B.
I love Mi's. Located in a complex in South Kona between Mile Markers 110-111, on the Mauka(Mountain) side of the road. About 25 minutes south of Kona. The owner(she) is usually the server, and is always very warm and personable. Inside seating only. Quiet setting, very intimate. They recently changed the decor a bit, looks nice, but more tables in the same space, a little too close. South Kona Green Salad. Fresh and yummy! I had the Baked Polenta and added Prawns with Garlic Butter sauce. It was delicious!!! Flavors were just right. My husband had the special of the night, a Seafood Risotto. He liked it. We cleaned our plates. They make their breads and pasta. Good Stuff. Love it!
(5)
Edmund I.
--4.5 stars-- My wife and I visited this place for our honeymoon back in Oct 09. It was by far one of the best eats of our entire time at the Big Island and in Oahu. It was definitely a great dining experience filled with new tastes to my palette. The nex
Mi's - Great Find Lived on the Island for one year now and just found this great place. Thought it was important enough to write a review. Food was delicious, atmosphere was great and the Chef and his lovely wife are right their serving you. Menu is simple and ingredients are fresh and to the point. Don't miss out on this great place while staying on the Big Island.
(5)
william p.
Our friends Rusty and Peggy took us to Mi's when we visited the Island in May. I am happy to report that Mi's is pleasant addition to a rather poor pool of restaurant for Kailua Kona. There was six of us and all enjoy a wonderful meal. One of our group had a special dietary requirements and the chef was only too happy to work with him to create a meal. Some had fish and others standard italian fare but all were created by a chef who had his own vision. The meals were super and I will return. Do not be put off my the little hole-in-the-wall setting, all new restaurants on the BI start off in little out of the way places. It is not the setting but the food that you are going for. I also agree with another poster that the chef and his wife are very personable and make your time there very relaxed.
(5)
Guy T.
Finest Italian restaurant experience in Hawaii Island. Came here on a Thursday around 6:45PM. Fortunately got in without reservations. Were sat promptly by staff. Then the great experience I wish most other restaurants would do began. Ingrid, the "I" of "MI's" came over with the menus to introduce herself, her husband the executive chef and her daughter. She recognized that it was our first time there and so she thanked us for coming. The whole dining experience was as good as it gets. The food flavor was superb. My wife had the polenta and I had the special of the evening the shepard's pie. Both were excellent. If there was anything wrong with the flavor, maybe the italian sausage in the sheppard's pie was a bit salty. Prices were of great value and I was surprise to find one of my favorite craft beers, the Obsidian Stout on the menu, along with other craft beer. Good wine selection as well.
(5)
Nichole B.
Some of the food was excellent, then some was horrid...had the worst meatballs and overcooked pasta!! The pasta was fresh, which just broke my heart since they overcooked it. HOWEVER, I give it an average rating, as the rest of our party loved their food. The pros: seafood pasta, garlic cheese bread and caesar salad. Plus, the owners are super friendly and warm.
(3)
Angela S.
If you're talking Italian, this place will satisfy the crave. I don't really stray anymore on the menu. Their focaccia is average, so go with the garlic bread. Their caesar is a little heavy for my taste, so I go with the beets and green bean salad, which is very good. As for the entrees, I find their meats a little overcooked and their pastas a little overdone - so, I go for the cioppino with a side of pasta. We had their special soup of the day - ahi chowder this last time, which was absolutey fabulous. They have great cheeses though their wine list begs a little...I have yet to have a great bottle of wine at this place. Love the owners - Ingrid and Morgan are great and I love the family style restaurant with the two beautiful keiki running around! Stop in if you're in the neighborhood!
(3)
Quagmire Y.
Although I cannot think of anything funny to write regarding my dinner at Mi's I have to reaffirm all the other 5 star reviews of this gem. The BEST Italian food I have had in Hawaii. Be sure to get the Carpachio and the dipping sauce to the bread. The wine list is very reasonably priced. Service doesn't get any better than when you are served by the owners! I had the seafood fettuccine which was awesome The lasagna was pretty good but too much sauce and too little cheese for me to be perfect. I ordered the Justin Cab as recommended by a previous Yelper. Very nice and priced at the same retail price offered at the Justin Vineyards web page! Wine, appetizer and two entrees = $100 + tip. Worth every penny. PS: Be sure to ask for a table away from the kitchen. A bit noisy unless you like to watch the action in the kitchen.
(5)
Charlie P.
We returned to Mi's 2 years after a fantastic meal back then. Nothing has changed, Fantastic. A great blend of Italian with island flair. All the greens are local and fantastic. The pasta homemade and the seafood super local. I don't think you can go wrong here either with family or a romantic dinner for two.i respect the hours 4:30-8:30. That's Ohana. Don't miss it.
(5)
Sue K.
I don't know where all of these great reviews are coming from. I've been to Mi's twice. The food is overpriced and the portions are small. The staff is pretentious. When we went, we had to pay for the bread at the beginning of the course with an oil dip. They made such a big deal out of their homemade bread, and the charge for what is normally free in most nicer restaurants was expensive. The entire vibe is one of a very fancy, high quality Italian restaurant but the food doesn't live up to it. Nor does the service. The waitress had her baby in tow which was totally not cool. I saw the baby put its fingers in one of the plates. Are you kidding? Anyway, I thought that somebody ought to give an honest review of this place. There aren't many places to eat in South Kona but I'd rather grab a pizza at another place nearby then eat at Mi's. They've lost me as a customer.
(1)
Michael L.
This is the *Grand Star* of the Big Island! The food, the service, the kitchen, all present a dining experience that is hard to find outside San Francisco or New York City. We discovered "Mi's" two years ago a week after they opened. The food then was outstanding. We return to the Big Island every year and this is a "MUST" stop!! Like I said, a five star anywhere on the mainland. We started this evening with a glass of chianti and the fresh focaccia bread, followed by a caesar salad. For main courses my wife had the Baked Polenta and I had the Seafood Fettuccini. Both dishes were outstanding! The scallops and shrimp were fresh and moist, perfectly cooked, the pasta was al dente, the mushrooms were delicious! I'm not much for polenta but my wife thought it was absolutely delicious. We love this restaurant and will be back, often! Check the menu at: misitalianbistro.com ** I just want to add a footnote: On 11/5 we went back to "Mi's" for an "Aloha Departure Dinner", before leaving for our mainland home. We were absolutely pleased with our suppers! Chef Morgan certainly prepared an outstanding special that night, something I would love to replicate at home! A "Pork Loin Ragout" with a marsala wine sauce! Delicious!! We have recommended Mi's to all of our local friends and wish them nothing but success. We will be back in 2010!!
(5)
Dede T.
Great little Italian bistro in an out-of-the-way part of Kealakekua. Their shrimp scampi is the best I've had and we love their bread and herb blend.
(4)
Erin S.
Amazing Italian food! The owner / chef and his family are so friendly, and the restaurant is absolutely charming. Favorite date night spot for my husband and I. The seating is in view of the chef's work station. Aside from the atmosphere, the food is great. Christian really knows what he's doing. My personal favorite is the Cioppino...I recommend it to everyone. Prices are right on :)
(5)
Phil E.
Ate here in Jan. with my wife. Zero atmosphere. Owner's youngest was running around with a smile on her face. Food was OK but not great. Pasta dish I had was too heavy. Wife's shrimp were very good. Would probably not return.
(2)
Judi W.
OMG, we had their Mother's Day dinner special tonight and it was the best meal I've had in years. The bread was flavorful, the salad with tomato vinaigrette wasn't overdone, the chicken & broccoli fettucine was delicate with the cutest little mushroom cluster (I just had to take their picture). My husband had the Shepard's Pie, and he was very happy too. The chocolate mousse with delicious strawberries was a delightful cap to a terrific dinner. Staff was professional, right on every detail, it was a great dining experience. Try it, you won't mind dropping $100 for two for dinner, it was worth every penny.
We dined here last night. We were greeted by the co-owner, Ingrid Chan. She did a fina job as our server. When asked about the evening's special, she recommended it. I ordered the special: Mahi Mahi over fried eggplant with a delicious Meyer lemon infused sauce. The unusual pairing worked quite well. My wife had the lasagna and enjoyed the house made noodles and sauce. My only disappointment was the soup of the day which lacked spark. Overall, the food and service very satisfying. We'll return for sure as we were both tempted by the pancetta wrapped scallop appetizer.
(4)
Lisa L.
This is as good as it gets on the Big Island for Italian food. Family owned and operated, we never miss Mi's on a trip to the Kona side of the island.
(5)
Edward H.
What an oasis. If you're a fan of good food centered on fresh homemade pasta, this is the place. The atmosphere: Cozy, pleasant, welcoming but impeccably professional and attentive; a quiet place with a nice Brazilian mix on the stereo, informal and relaxed. The food: Classic, fresh, locally-sourced (try the Kona coffee-laced carpaccio!), creative. Mi's is a family affair and feels homey while providing a dining experience as good as any in a major city. We loved it. PS: don't forget to check out the photos on the wall while you're there - a travelogue of the owners' month in South America.
(5)
opqr s.
The food was amazing. You have to try the focaccia bread and the dipping sauce! To die for!! The ono risotto was amazing too, a melt in your mouth risoto! My only complaint was the tiramisu was so tiny. Cute ambiance. Ingrid and Mike were great a team.
(5)
Kili K.
would love to give it 5 stars, but because of the service that continuously lacks when my boyfriend and i go in... it only gets 2. mind you, we live two minutes away from mi's, and we keep going back because of the delicious food. and that is it. the food! fyi- we are also a very young couple compared to the rest of the customers in there. but really? should that make all the difference? well, for them, yes... the owner, ingrid, is the only one who runs front of the house in that restaurant. hosts, serves, bartends etc... oh, along with one busser who has no personality either... never friendly, welcoming or any acknowledgement whatsoever... it never bothered me until tonight. we go in for dinner once a month, but never do they recognize us and thank us for coming back... okay. fine. like i said, i'm here for the food... especially the cioppino. well, tonight i was really disturbed... after waiting 15 minutes for a table, being regulars, we knew what we wanted when we got seated. soooo... the owner came told us the specials and that was it. and walked away. after another 15-20 minutes of waiting, she never came back or even looked at us. so the BUSSER came to take our order... did i mention he had no personality? being a server myself... i know how this stuff goes... ingrid went to EVERY other table in the restaurant, took their order, talked stories, checked on them... but never came back to ours. the busser did everything else from here on out... my bill alone was $95 for two people. being in the restaurant industry- i would have left a 30% tip... but the service absolutely killed it and therefore, they got 15%. (which is way more than what they deserved. honestly) it's just sad and dissapointing that i'm a local, eat there frequently and had reccomended mi's to everyone i knew. well, after tonight. no more...
(2)
Andy S.
Pronounced "Me's", this is a fabulous little restaurant (it has maybe 10 tables) with terrific food, a cute interior, and a very friendly chef/owner. They make a point of using organic, local, and/or sustainable food whenever possible. I had the veal piccata (they use humanely raised calves) with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a meyer lemon sauce, while my girlfriend had the sausage rigatoni with mushrooms, sweet onions, red bell peppers, black olives and feta in a rich tomato sauce. We shared the flourless chocolate torte with a dark chocolate ganache for desert. Everything was excellent. I only wish they were closer to home!
(5)
Steve M.
I wrote a review on my i-phone which yelp called a draft and I cannot find it under Yelp...I like this restaurant...Yelp...I don't know
(4)
Salmah R.
Best Italian food I've ever had and I've been to Italy sooooooo many times. The entrees were creative and fresh. My sister and I had hiked an unexpected 5 miles to see the Green Sand Beach. On our way back to Kona, this was the only restaurant open, because as you know, everything on the Big Island closes way too early for us Main-landers. Our meal at Mi's hit the spot and replenished our energy after an exhausting day.
(5)
Mike s.
My inlaws found this place by accident as well, had an amazing meal, and then invited my wife and I there the next night. Driving by it doesn't look like anything particularly amazing... just another restaurant in a stripmall, but WOW... their food was the best I had on the entire island. Incredible attention to detail in presentation, flavor, great wines, incredible service. The husband and wife own and operate it, he the chef and she the front of the house person (waiter, hostess, busser). This is a place you MUST go to if you are on the western side of the island. We usually tried to italian/mexican places because we figured we could get the same food back home. Mi's is an exception. You have to go!
(5)
Christine I.
I'm fortunate to have lived in Dallas and San Francisco where we have some of the best restaurants and world-renowned chefs, and I have to tell you, Mi's Italian Bistro puts most of them to shame. You would have never thought that you'd find a top notch Italian restaurant in the midst of banana trees and small mom & pop shops, but this gem is worth the try. Decent wine list with great prices, the chef interacts with his customers and he changes the menu often to accommodate the fresh ingredients he gets from the island. Loved this place.
(5)
Lori F.
Came here with my family and they were willing to accommodate a group (we called first). They were friendly with excellent service. The food was just amazing! This spot used to be a bbq joint... and although my family liked it, I'm sure happy about the change! It can be hard to find good non-fish cuisine in Hawaii unless you go to a resort, especially up by Captain Cook! Check this place out when you are on the Kona side of the Big Island! A bit out of the way from the "city" but worth the drive :)
(5)
Nelson C.
The food was amazing. It is expensive but worth every penny if you enjoy great, fresh food. The banana flambe was the best dessert I have ever eaten. I would highly recommend it.
(5)
Marty G.
Very nice place. We had ceaser salad (which had anchovies on it -- yummy) and the scallop appetizer which was very good. The clam linguini and veal was very good but the italian sausage rigate was mediocre. Nothing special. They have a good wine list. Would go back, definitely.
(4)
Tim O.
Best italian since I left NY worth the drive from Kona
(5)
Paul B.
Really good local food. The overall the meal was great, and the restaurant welcoming.
(5)
Justin H.
I live in LA and spend a lot of time in SF, and this was amongst the best Italian food I have ever had. Do yourself a favor and get the signature dip. We had a salad and shared the lasagne. Every bite was savored as we finished the plate. I reccomend ordering a bottle of Justin Cabernet. At $43 a bottle, this is a steal fr restaurant prices. The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team. One of the two best meals we had during our stay. So good in fact, we went back the next night before heading to the airport. Had the Spaghetti and Meatballs and it did not disappoint!
(5)
G P.
what a find! I am particularly picky when it comes to Italian food and Mi's served some of the most delicious dishes I have ever tried. In fact I now rate it above my favorite Italian spots at home in San Francisco. The owners, Morgan and Ingrid, were very welcoming and have created a warm yet romantic atmosphere with delicious food. The pastas and bread are homemade and the dipping sauce is not to be missed. We treated ourselves to one "fancy" dinner on the Big Island and were thrilled to have chosen Mi's.
(5)
Marty C.
One of the best restaurants to visit while in Kona. Chef trained in NY.
(5)
Philip V.
We had dinner here while on our honeymoon at the recommendation of Ken and Erin, innkeepers at the luana inn where we were staying. We were surprised that they would recommend an Italian restaurant to be their favorite place to eat in the middle of Hawaii, but now we understand why they recommended it so highly. Wow. The chef is well trained and adventurous, but everything that we ate was impeccably prepared. I had his version of Italian shepherds pie, while my wife had the Ono fish special of the day. She (who grew up in Hawaii) declared that it may well have been the best Ono she has EVER eaten... And this from a girl who takes her seafood very seriously. My dish was equally fabulous. The appetizers and desserts were also terrific... Even though we were in the middle of Hawaii, the food was still very Italian in its preparation. Overall, we loved it. You should definitely call for reservations... It's a small space and pretty popular.
(5)
Anthony G.
Practically every Yelp review we read on Mi's Italian Bistro was 5 stars, and we are not one to argue. This is truly a gourmet Italian restaurant. The Caesar Salad was prepared with homemade, fresh ingredients, quite different from your run-of-the-mill Caesar. The beef vegetable soup was excellent. The Cioppino was made with chunky vegetables and fennel. It was thick, tasty and one of the best I have ever had. We also had a seafood fettucini with creamy garlic sauce that was delicious. The decor is charming, and the owner was very attentive to her customers. This is an all-round first-class dining experience and a must for all visitors to Kona.
(5)
Gretchen R.
Excellent food. Excellent service. Loved the atmosphere!
(5)
Zachary K.
My wife and I found Mi's by accident one afternoon on the way back from Volcano National Park. We were starving. It was 3:30 in the afternoon and Mi's was open, so we decided to eat there. This was in October 2007 and as it turns out the place had only been open about 2 weeks. We started with the focaccia of the day which was incredible (always get the focaccia). Then we split a couple daily specials, one was stuffed calamari and the other was a sea bass entree. Both were wonderful. This was our last full day on the big island that Mi's was open (closed Mondays) and we were disappointed that we couldn't go back. 16 months later we made it back to the Big Island and we were so happy to see that Mi's was still open. We had talked about eating there since our last trip and we were hoping it lived up to how we rmembered it. We made two trips to eat at Mi's this time and it did not disappoint. The focaccia was still awesome. We tried some other items like the beet salad (fantastic) and the polenta (I'm not so much a fan of polenta, but I like Mi's polenta for sure). You pretty much can't go wrong here. All the food is great, it's not terribly expensive (often they have drink specials too), Ingrid and the baby are great hosts... my only complaint is the airfare to get there! I like this place so much, I signed up for a Yelp account so i could write a review. A note on the price range: you could definitely get out of there for under $30 a person and be content. But we always ordered drinks appetizers, so I picked $$$ for the price range.
(5)
Harriet R.
We are in Hawaii celebrating our daughter's 25th anniversary and wanted to find a nice place for dinner. We saw the ad for Mi's in a dining guide and it sounded just right. It's a little bit south of Keauhou but not hard to find. Parking is nearby. It is small, so I recommend making reservations. We started our meal with a nice bottle of Chianti and bruschetta with tomato and pesto cream. Perfect crunch, seasoned spread and fresh tomato. We shared two salads - the Cesar and the Kona. Our daughter had the fresh pasta and ahi special and our son-in-law had the Shepard's Pie special. Both were delicious and packed with flavor. My husband had the rack of lamb. It was absolutely delicious! I had the pork tenderloin with porcini mushrooms, gnocchi and creamy sauce. The pork was nicely seasoned with a very tasty rub. Gnocchi were tender, and the cream sauce was full of tender slices of fresh porcini. We shared a tiramisu dessert - moist and creamy! Overall, we are so happy we chose Mi's for our anniversary celebration!
(5)
Jennie M.
Really nice staff and service but overall I found the pricing a bit too high for the quality of food. Portions were good sized but the flavours didn't really pop for me. To be fair, my mother taught me how to make my own pasta and pasta sauces so I have very high expectations for Italian when I go out.
(2)
Julie V.
Everything was freshly cooked to perfection, farm to table. The service and friendliness was so geniune. The food was hot and so delicious. So worth going again. A must to go to!
(5)
Jeff Z.
The main dinner is delicious enough to make up for the lack of quality service. Their desserts are not as good as their main meals, if your visiting have dinner here than drive to the gelato place that is about 2 miles away.
(4)
Brenna H.
My husband and I love this restaurant for many reasons. It's nearby, but even if it wasn't, we would still make the drive. Good is delicious. Chioppino is my go to dish, and it never disappoints. I've tried nearly everything on the menu and can say it's all awesome! The atmosphere is cozy and romantic. Perfect place for a date. Most of the time we bring our little one with us on a family date night, and it's perfect for the whole family. Service is great. This place is run by a husband and wife. The love really comes through in the food.
(5)
Karine K.
Best Italian food on the Big Island !!! Maybe not the best location. But the food is really good. So happy to find this place.
(5)
James R.
Excellent food, good sized portions, price is comparable to other restaurants in Kailua-Kona area. Yes, it is up mauka from Kailua, but totally worth the trip. Service was very good, prompt. My wife had the shepherds our special, I had the chicken parm, a the kid hadnd the shrimp scampi appetizer as her meal. Everything was delicious.
(4)
Jim B.
What a treat. Very fresh ingredients with wonderful subtitle flavors. Good service and definitely worth a visit. Especially try the Cesar salad.
(5)
Brynn O.
On vacation and was recommended to come here by two locals. Was very impressed with their food and kind service! It's a bit on the spendy side but very much worth it! The crab manicotti was delicious!
(5)
Julie C.
I'm not kidding when I say that this place served me the best food I've ever eaten. Ever. And what a sweet family friendly atmosphere, as well. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jon L.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Challenged a friend who lives in Kona to find a good Italian place...he delivered! In little out of the way, don't let the exterior scare you off because inside there is magic happening. I had an Italian version of pot pie that was out of this world! The service was great and the Italian wine selection was adequate. Only thing was it did seem a little dark inside, I wish I could have seen my delicious food a little better. Will definitely go back and would definitely recommend.
(5)
andrea p.
We rented a lovely cottage nearby and the owner highly recommended Mi's. We enjoyed an amazing meal that began with a fantastic wine, fresh arugula, tomato, basil bruschetta. I had wonderful tiger prawns with the best al dente fettucine with meyer lemon butter sauce. I am not a huge fan of butter (true), but this was amazing. Light, spicy, clean - delicious! My husband had a blue cheese ravioli that he raved about. We finished with a special crème brule that was perfection. Mi's is the perfect blend of island friendly, outstanding menu and wonderful service. We felt well-tended and nourished, and enjoyed the company of the Swiss couple next to us. Highly recommend!
(5)
Grace H.
This was my first meal in the Big Island, recommended by the plantation B & B owner. The place is very small and very dark. It is nothing much to look at from the outside, it is in a very small road side shopping area, I am hesitating to call it a mall or arcade, there are only a few shops there. However, the food was great. The pasta was cooked to perfection, al dente. I had the specials, which is made up of local shrimps, and Pok Choy, that was the weir combination for me, but it tasted lovely. The bread was very good also. The beef tenderloin was cooked slightly more than medium rare, but the taste was good too. Here is one spot where you can have a good meal in Captain Cook.
(4)
Arminda W.
You could easily pass by this place as it's tucked in, but don't make that mistake. Stop and have the best dining experience you will get on the big island. Ingrid and Morgan have really created a top notch restaurant. It's hard to put into words how good the food was, but maybe "perfectly done" comes close. They use many local ingredients and make everything fresh- the pastas, the sauces, the bread. The service was exceptional as well. I can't really say enough about it but I hope I eat here many many more times.
(5)
Tamara P.
Amazingly delicious food. We have been on the road ravelling the world for the last three months and this is definitely the best food we have eaten!! I had the special of the day which was a twist on the paella but it was orzo with prawns scallops and sausage bars on delicious tomato sauce. It was perfect. Just delicious. My husband ordered a beef tenderloin with mash and it was also super delicious. These guys are also family operated and they work so well together. Keep rocking guys!
(5)
Michelle R.
Found Mi's on Sunday night and was so happy I did. i had the spicy ahi with fresh pasta in a light lemon cream sauce-it was a special. also had the squash soup and bread. Everything was wonderful. Ingrid is a great hostess and waitress. I went to a different Italian restaurant last year, which is now closed. Even if it was still open, I would not go back now that I found Mi's. I went back tonight and had the lasagna. It was delish! The ambience is wonderful and relaxing. They have a $15 corkage fee which is very reasonable. I highly recommend Mi's to everyone on Kona.
(5)
Att A.
Yom! Its kind of hard to find anything that will top the out of the world flavors and textures of SPQR pasta in SF but finding something fairly close to that in a place out in the boonies in Big Island is a pleasant surprise. Being small people we normally can't order a lot but we decided to start with salad, had two entrees and split a dessert. Salad - Beets & Beans Entrees - Home-made Spaghetti with local beef bolognese - Day's special: Ozo with italian sausage, shrimp and scallop. Dessert - Tiramisu with 100% Kona coffee Needless to say we stuffed our faces. You'd think spaghetti is so blaise, I had to beat my SO off my plate since the dish was so yummy. The tiramisu was also so good with actual ricotta cheese instead of those fake whipped cream ones. The coffee-soaked cake was also just the right balance. I'd go again except they are only open for dinner. And oh, you get a view of the sun setting if you arrive around that time. We have tried: Huggo's, A'illi Koaluahoa Cafe, Kona Heritage Drv Lava Java, A'illi Puka Puka Kitchen, Hilo Kalama's, Captain Cook Mt We will try: Four Seasons Ulu Grill
(4)
Waiola C.
What a fantastic place. Had been hearing great things about it for years now but resisted going In thinking it would be claustrophobic as it was when it was Billy Bobs. Wrong !! By far the best overall experience I've had on the Big Island. The food was really really good. Simple, thoughtful, delicious and exactly what you hope to get when going to an Italian restaurant. Ordered the bruschetta of the day which was eggplant, fabulous. Soup of the day and Caesar salads. Entrees included the filet, grilled chicken and the special of the night Italian sausage and filet shepards pie. Oh my god!!! The dishes were all done perfectly and I liked that they weren't the usual huge american sized gluttonous portions which allowed us to order appetizers, salad, soup and entrees and enjoy all of them without feeling stuffed. Overall it was a complete delight. We will be back as often as we can.
(5)
Amber D.
The food here is great. Pretty pricey but they make it worth it. However after working for them for a little while I can't give them 5 stars. The owner Morgan had a horrible misplaced attitude toward me. Seeing that side of him I never ate there again. His wife however is an absolute sweetheart.
(3)
K. H.
Everytime my wife and I want to get out for a nice peaceful dinner, we go down to Mi's. The setting is quiet and exactly what we're looking for to get away from the craziness sometimes. Have never had a bad meal there. Best Italian spot on the Big Island!
(5)
Francine H.
Umm...YEAH! This place is good. From the seeming all teenage staff (seriously these kids obviously know and appreciate a job well done when it comes to food) to the amazing dishes. The mouth feel of the pasta really can't be beat. My husband had the lasagna and I had the spaghetti. Mi's is yet another place on Hawai'i which sources local and organic ingredients to produce killer meals. Reservations definitely recommended.
(4)
KaPua L.
My husband, daughter and I went there for our anniversary and I was in heaven I loved their freshly made bread.... I had the steak it was cooked on point my daughter had the shrimp scampi with pasta and she is a very pickie eater but she cleaned that plate... my husband had the lasagna and he was a happy camper... the food was ono service was great and it they had their two daughter with them and they were very polite and greeted all customers.. Great place need to check it out!!
(5)
John B.
Mi's is down the road a piece & is located in a mini-mini group of shops. The atmosphere is adequate but it definitely is NOT fancy. We had the Cesar salads and Rack of Lamb. Whoever heard of olives in a Cesar salad? They just seemed out of place. The lamb was well cooked and tasty. I didn't particularly like the polenta with peppers. Should have been herbs instead. Their background music was nice until the bar down a door or two started blasting their music & completely overrode Mi's music. I thought their price for lamb was a little high but maybe not if you consider they have to ship it in, etc. Overall, it is probably OK if you are looking for a decent place to have dinner.
(3)
Yvette K.
Mi's is good, but not great. It's really hard to find good Italian food on the Big Island and so far I'm not impressed. I'm interested in trying the new Italian restaurant called Amici's next to the Aloha Theatre. Hopefully it will be better than Mi's. Mi's is a friendly place with a nice size dining room. But, the menu is not very creative and relies mostly on semi-traditional old school Americanized Italian food. I'm not really into lasagna and eggplant parmesan, so Mi's didn't excite me. I had the rigatoni with sausage and marinara sauce, which was decent, but nothing exciting and certainly not worth $18.00 and shouldn't cost more than $12.00! If you're in the area and want good food, I'd rather eat at Keei Cafe, which is better.
(2)
Mary J.
My friend had crab pasta and I had an Italian version of seafood paella. Food was good, mine especially, and service was good. Tables were crammed in tightly though and the lady at the next table was drunk. No fun. Still, a good option for an evening meal.
(4)
Richard D.
Ate there last night. Three different pastas all were very good and the 3 desserts we had were exceptional. Very friendly and "local" atmosphere. Will go back for sure
(5)
Tom S.
Surprisingly good Italian dishes especially considering the location. Pricing is reasonable and service is also good.
(5)
Neda T.
Amazing food! I had the eggplant special, it was so flavorful. Love the ambiance. Perfect place, will definitely come back.
(5)
Julie B.
Excellent five stat food. Wish there was a bit more light. Kinda dark. Would have liked to see food. Had the special Ono eggplant parmesan
(5)
A E.
Food is perfect as always, however, the last time I was there a small boy was running around and making a lot of noise. This is not a Denny's, it's fine dining and when I spend this kind of money I resent my evening ruined by inconsiderate parents. Staff should have asked the parents to contain their child.
(5)
MF E.
We're hooked on their Caesar salad (It's a license to eat cheese) and lasagna. They use locally grown produce and their high quality standards shine through in their food. It's a wonderful family owned and operated restaurant. The chef used to be at the Four Seasons. It's worth the drive from Kailua Kona. Call ahead for reservations even if it is 20 minutes ahead, it's easy for them to be completely booked.
OK, to be honest, this place is not yet fully 5 stars ..."as good as it gets" .... but I'm giving them the extra star because the owner/chef is also a talented musician and singer. (He sang behind me in a Kona Music Society Messiah concert and then rushed over the restaurant to cook dinner! AND he has a great voice.) So this is a kind of hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a semi-open kitchen in the small dining room. The awesome thing about it is the food is very good and the owner/chef and his wife are warm and friendly and provide most of the service themselves. The chef asked "shall I just bring you some food?" and we were off... started with fresh baked bread and herb/oil dipping sauce ($4) followed by bruschetta (tasty), scallops wrapped in pancetta in some yummy sauce (delicious, $15.50) and a green bean/beet salad (Arugula, Maytag Blue Cheese, Candied Macadamia Nuts and a Beet Reduction, Balsamic Vinaigrette, $12). This was followed by a special he created for us which he called an Italian Shepherds Pie ($28). It had big island beef, italian sausage, veggies, etc in a delicious gravy topped with potato. It was very good. My friend says the tiramisu is the best on the island (he ordered two servings to go) but I didn't try it. What could be improved? Well, I would eat there more often if the prices were lower. Also, the whole experience walking up and into the place, and the dining room, does not really come up to the aspirations of the menu and pricing. For example my first chair was wobbly verging on collapse. And our table was so dark we could not read the menu without shining our cell phones on them. So the attention to detail that you see in the food is not yet carried over to the whole atmosphere. Still, I highly recommend this small family operation. You'll get great food and service and have a nice personal experience. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Wave M.
Good service and environment, I had the pumpkin soup which was good but a little thinner than expected. Great Caesar salad ravioli. The pork tenderloin with gnocchi we great and enough for two..
(4)
Bill R.
A phenomenal experience for my first visit. I'd passed this restaurant many times and had been told by my family who reside here that Mi's was a great restaurant. Indeed it is. I had the cioppinno, and my friends had the grilled ahi on risotto, and sausage with regate pasta. The wine selection is solid and the desserts were varied and fortunately one is dairy free. . The dishes were all outstanding and the presentation first rate. The prices are at the upper end but a good value considering the quality of the food. The interior is relatively dark and required a close read of the menu by candlelight, at least at our center table. There's stronger lights along the wall. The service was first rate and nice to know the owner actively participates in all aspects of table service. Reservations are highly recommended.
(5)
Alice D.
Mi's is difficult to rate..the food was very good, we had the pork tenderloin with porcini mushroom and gnocchi, this was tasty and the sauce was not too rich so pretty well balanced..the bad side is the atmosphere and service, even if we had a reservation at 7:45 we wait outside for more than 20mn! The room is so dark that you barely see what's in your plate, the decoration is poor and sad wich is too bad because it's not too noisy (good point) and food is good so...remodel the space and add some efficient staff!!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Sandy S.
Dark and cozy, with attentive but unobtrusive service, and excellent food and wine. My grilled fish with mushroom risotto and asparagus was perfect. My husband's cioppino was good but not outstanding. Would highly recommend and return. We never would have found it except for our innkeeper's recommendation!
(4)Sean S.
The special, seafood pasta, the bruschetta with special topping & chocolate torte were excellent. The Italian sausage rigate was a little too salty though. Service & atmosphere was very good.
(4)Mike S.
Outstanding dinner and probably our best meal on the island. The entrees were definitely authentic italian and the service was very friendly. Great place to celebrate the last night on the island. A little ways from Kona but definitely worth the drive or perfect if you are driving back from the volcano.
(5)Tony M.
Exceptionally good food in a small, well-run restaurant that seems to cater to residents. I had mahi-mahi over asparagus-mushroom-preserved-onion risotto. Both fish and rsiotto were perfectly cooked. The caesar salad was made from locally grown lettuce. - delish!
(5)Myke O.
Amazing. The owner, Ingrid, introduced herself as the "I" in Mi's and then the chef, Morgan (the M) took our order. He was very accommodating to my special needs and did it with a sense of humor. Initially, I was disappointed that there wasn't a Chicken Parmesan on the menu but I went with the beef tenderloin and was very impressed. I also did a side of the home-made pasta instead of mashed potatoes which was an excellent choice. So much so that I asked for more. Even the bread was great -- just the right hint of garlic without being overpowering. Dessert was a Meyer Lemon creme brûlée with just the right amount of lemon and a flourless chocolate cake which was also very good. Will definitely come back.
(5)Lina P.
I'd been waiting to come here for months and decided to go out of my way to come here. It was an interesting experience. I'll give a few examples. Salad plate got taken before we finished it, and it was a small salad. We got our entree, and within about 7 minutes the girl came over and asked if we wanted boxes while we still had our forks in mouth. We got boxes and packaged our food up only to find that our eco friendly container was melting before our eyes. We ordered a dessert and when she set it down we asked for forks (seeing that she hadn't brought any). Befor we could finish our sentence she said, "yeah-yeah-yeah." I have a few more but Im sure you get the picture. I can handle poor service because I could see that they were getting busy and they only had one server. Only thing that upsets me is paying what I did for the experience. Our tab for three was $100 (thats without ordering alcohol) and I left feeling like a major inconvenience to them. Food was alright, the scampi appetizer and tiramisu was the best part of the meal. We ordered the seafood fettuccine, polenta, and crab manicotti. Also, just to add, its really dark in there, bring a small flashlight.
(3)Sarah S.
Totally unimpressive waste of money. --Owners kids crying through dinner...I'd be more forgiving if the entrees weren't $20-30 a piece. I could see a Mom and Pop burger shop having kids around, but at these prices - hire a babysitter. --3 small pieces of bruschetta $12 - not tasty - no value --So dark you need a flashlight to read the menu. They think it's charming and funny - it's not. I'm guessing they are covering up not spending $ on decor. --Waitstaff, there is none. The busboy, wife, assistant and babysitter wait tables none of whom have EVER waited a table in their lives. --Listening to the owner/chef berate staff members. If you have employee problems, I don't want to hear them while I'm paying to eat. In short go to Pat's Pies and have a beer. Go to Annies and have a burger. Drop into the Strawberry Patch for a curry, but skip Mi's
(1)Janna G.
Delicious Italian food with a charming 6 year old dining room assistant who is so adorably fabulous. Yes, the location is odd, it's cozy, and you don't have a dedicated water boy but the food is really delicious, staff is friendly, and the prices are very reasonable compared to the prices at some of the other places on the island that are serving tasteless garbage! Mi's is a must visit
(4)Mimi R.
Two words: food poisoning. Two out of four in our party got it, and we both ordered the same thing. We also ordered an arugula salad that came sans arugula. When we questioned the owner about it, she got very defensive, and then brought us a small plate with two small leaves of arugula on it. I will never go back.
(1)Bethany N.
The pasta here is amazing!!! and it is home made. It is a very small restaurant that holds maybe 30 people. The atmosphere feels romantic with the dim lighting. My husband and I went for dinner and I had the cheese ravioli which was fantastic. The food is definitely worth the price.
(5)Beau H.
Very good Italian restaurant down in Captain Cook. It's a family owned an operated business that strives to employ people in the community while creating great food used with all natural grown products from Hawaii. It's not very big, but it's a great place to go. I recommend the beef tenderloin and the white pineapple sorbe for desert!
(4)Meredith L.
Overall our dining experience was ok but the seasoning in our entrees was really lacking. I ordered a herb and cheese ravioli that had very minimal seasonings- had to add my own salt, pepper, and balsamic to give it some flare. The same for my dining companion's meal of polenta cakes that were too thick in our opinion and too soggy. We much would have preferred a crisper cake that would have complimented the toppings better. The service was decent but we were turned down when asked if we could add a piece of fish to one of the entrees because the chef said it would disrupt his vision of his dish, which I can understand but isn't it beneficial to want to please the paying customer? We were underwhelmed by the food and the tables were so close together that we could hear some lady beside us yammer on about politics and the other side was filled with a family with two kids bumping around the tables and walls. I felt like I could have made these meals better in my own kitchen, which is a big disappointment when spending the money to go out to eat.
(3)Gopi V.
Nice little place in Kona. The Island style Cioppino and the chicken fettuccini were awesome. The tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake were simply delicious. Great place to dine.
(5)Tom L.
This wonderful small locally owned Italian Bistro is a wonderful addition to this small up country community. All of the dishes are expertly prepared and are delicious. Our favorites are the chioppino, the lasagne, ... well everything is freshly made and delicious. Try this place out! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Lisa C.
Yes, blown away with the deliciousness of every course we ate. The chef really knows his food and spices. Last night's spicy mahi on linguini, local onions and mushrooms is worth the trip of the mainland. I have to admit, if I had first looked inside the restaurant before saying yes, we'll eat here, I might turned right back around. Located next to a dive shop...and a bit 'divvy' inside the restaurant.
(4)Lisbeth D.
Mi's was definitely one of the better restaurants my husband and I visited on the Big Island. All of their food is super fresh, seasonal, and they make their own pasta. It's a cozy place and can get crowded. The first night we visited service was a little slow but in their defense, the restaurant was packed. We enjoyed our first visit so much we ordered food to-go the next night. Mi's is a solid choice if you're in the area (or just passing through) and looking for a great meal.
(4)Cathy A.
One of the few professional waitpersons we've encountered here. She knew her menu and presented it in a friendly and knowledgeable way. Though a little dark, it suited the ambience of the restaurant which had 40s and 50s music playing. Beautiful palm tree lamps...I wanted to take one home! Food was excellent. Garden salad had the best tomatoes I've ever eaten. Lasagne was delicious. So was the polenta, which I tasted after sneaking a fork onto my husband's plate! I found it charming that the cook actually served our meal. He, also, was friendly and polite. Best of all, they passed the "fork" test. My husband and I always wonder why we are asked to keep our forks after our salad course in restaurants (geez, don't these places have dishwashers?) Clearly MIs Bistro has a dishwasher as our forks were replaced after the salad course. I'd go back again and recommend to anyone.
(4)Terry M.
I've been to Mi's twice now and as an Italian-American I can honestly say I've never seen lasagna listed at "market price". When I asked about what that meant the server told us it had fish in it. Service was mediocre and way over priced. The second time I tried Mi's it was worse than the first. We were a party of 8 and were sitting for about 15 minutes before the "waiter" came back with water and to tell us the specials. He suggested the bruschetta but is came out as thin toast on grated cabbage with not cheese or tomato in sight. The server never once asked us what we would like to drink, and some people in the group had to track him down to ask for drinks. The dishes lacked flavor and spice and gave us all incredible indigestion. The plates are incredibly overpriced and the atmosphere and service left something to be desired. I don't need to back a third time to try and see if it's improved.
(1)Kristina V.
Enjoyed our Valentines dinner on the island at Mi's. Morgan (head chef) and his wife Ingrid (the hostess) were great. More importantly, the food, atmosphere and service was a delight. The chef incorporates seasonal fresh produce and ingredients and pairs and executes them beautifully. We had the beet and string bean salad with blue cheese and candied macadamia nuts; beets were tender, beans crisp. We then had the pumpkin eggplant soup, the delicious herb cheese ravioli (all pasta made fresh in house) and porcini crusted pork tenderloin with gnocchi in a mushroom Parmesan creme sauce. Paired our entrees with a lovely bottle of Italian Chianti (nice wine list). Finished with the house made tiramisu. True Italian talent and hospitality housed in this understated off the highway boutique restaurant.
(5)Emily S.
Mi's was a lovely farewell dinner to the Big Island. Ingrid, the owner, was our server and she was very sweet and helpful (though a little distracted by her young children who were watched by a baby sitter in the restaurant). She recommended a chianti by the the glass and it was spot on for both of our meals. We were interested in eating locally produced foods, so we went with the Mahi Mahi special and the beef lasagne. The Mahi Mahi was really flavorful, and the eggplant parmasean was great. A very nice serving size. The lasagne was also a generous portion, but it almost had too much ground beef for my taste. Also making it feel a little heavy were the homemade noodles. They seemed kind of thick, instead of the delicate featherweight noodles I seek in a homemade lasagne. The banana flambe was a great, if not totally decadent, way to end the meal. It was very sweet and very rich, and very good. All in all, it Mi's is a nice little restaurant with thoughtfully prepared food that I would choose any day over the bustling touristy places up the road in Kailua-Kona.
(4)Helen A.
I took my boyfriend there for his Birthday. Decor could use some updating. There were 2 screaming kids that I wish I could have disciplined as their mom was oblivious to the screaming, crying and banging on the table with the silverware. I wish the staff would have said something to the mother as it ruined a nice dinner for several couples. Other than that the food was really delicious and my boyfriend really loved the Tiramisu. Would go again for dinner.
(4)Imi B.
I love Mi's. Located in a complex in South Kona between Mile Markers 110-111, on the Mauka(Mountain) side of the road. About 25 minutes south of Kona. The owner(she) is usually the server, and is always very warm and personable. Inside seating only. Quiet setting, very intimate. They recently changed the decor a bit, looks nice, but more tables in the same space, a little too close. South Kona Green Salad. Fresh and yummy! I had the Baked Polenta and added Prawns with Garlic Butter sauce. It was delicious!!! Flavors were just right. My husband had the special of the night, a Seafood Risotto. He liked it. We cleaned our plates. They make their breads and pasta. Good Stuff. Love it!
(5)Edmund I.
--4.5 stars-- My wife and I visited this place for our honeymoon back in Oct 09. It was by far one of the best eats of our entire time at the Big Island and in Oahu. It was definitely a great dining experience filled with new tastes to my palette. The nex
(4)Tiare L.
My boyfriend and I ate at Mi's last night .It was a last minute find.We showed up at 815,they close at 830.No problem they welcomed us and gave us their amazing menu.I cannot even tell you in words how GREAT our dinner was!My bf had the special ,Sheapards Pie and I had Viel Picatta OMG what a fabulous meal it was and great service! We were totally and completely satisfied and then ordered dessert!Bananas Flambé!I never write reviews but had to do this one cause it was so amazing.Thank you for the beautiful food Mi's Aloha, t&j
(5)Rick G.
Mi's - Great Find Lived on the Island for one year now and just found this great place. Thought it was important enough to write a review. Food was delicious, atmosphere was great and the Chef and his lovely wife are right their serving you. Menu is simple and ingredients are fresh and to the point. Don't miss out on this great place while staying on the Big Island.
(5)william p.
Our friends Rusty and Peggy took us to Mi's when we visited the Island in May. I am happy to report that Mi's is pleasant addition to a rather poor pool of restaurant for Kailua Kona. There was six of us and all enjoy a wonderful meal. One of our group had a special dietary requirements and the chef was only too happy to work with him to create a meal. Some had fish and others standard italian fare but all were created by a chef who had his own vision. The meals were super and I will return. Do not be put off my the little hole-in-the-wall setting, all new restaurants on the BI start off in little out of the way places. It is not the setting but the food that you are going for. I also agree with another poster that the chef and his wife are very personable and make your time there very relaxed.
(5)Guy T.
Finest Italian restaurant experience in Hawaii Island. Came here on a Thursday around 6:45PM. Fortunately got in without reservations. Were sat promptly by staff. Then the great experience I wish most other restaurants would do began. Ingrid, the "I" of "MI's" came over with the menus to introduce herself, her husband the executive chef and her daughter. She recognized that it was our first time there and so she thanked us for coming. The whole dining experience was as good as it gets. The food flavor was superb. My wife had the polenta and I had the special of the evening the shepard's pie. Both were excellent. If there was anything wrong with the flavor, maybe the italian sausage in the sheppard's pie was a bit salty. Prices were of great value and I was surprise to find one of my favorite craft beers, the Obsidian Stout on the menu, along with other craft beer. Good wine selection as well.
(5)Nichole B.
Some of the food was excellent, then some was horrid...had the worst meatballs and overcooked pasta!! The pasta was fresh, which just broke my heart since they overcooked it. HOWEVER, I give it an average rating, as the rest of our party loved their food. The pros: seafood pasta, garlic cheese bread and caesar salad. Plus, the owners are super friendly and warm.
(3)Angela S.
If you're talking Italian, this place will satisfy the crave. I don't really stray anymore on the menu. Their focaccia is average, so go with the garlic bread. Their caesar is a little heavy for my taste, so I go with the beets and green bean salad, which is very good. As for the entrees, I find their meats a little overcooked and their pastas a little overdone - so, I go for the cioppino with a side of pasta. We had their special soup of the day - ahi chowder this last time, which was absolutey fabulous. They have great cheeses though their wine list begs a little...I have yet to have a great bottle of wine at this place. Love the owners - Ingrid and Morgan are great and I love the family style restaurant with the two beautiful keiki running around! Stop in if you're in the neighborhood!
(3)Quagmire Y.
Although I cannot think of anything funny to write regarding my dinner at Mi's I have to reaffirm all the other 5 star reviews of this gem. The BEST Italian food I have had in Hawaii. Be sure to get the Carpachio and the dipping sauce to the bread. The wine list is very reasonably priced. Service doesn't get any better than when you are served by the owners! I had the seafood fettuccine which was awesome The lasagna was pretty good but too much sauce and too little cheese for me to be perfect. I ordered the Justin Cab as recommended by a previous Yelper. Very nice and priced at the same retail price offered at the Justin Vineyards web page! Wine, appetizer and two entrees = $100 + tip. Worth every penny. PS: Be sure to ask for a table away from the kitchen. A bit noisy unless you like to watch the action in the kitchen.
(5)Charlie P.
We returned to Mi's 2 years after a fantastic meal back then. Nothing has changed, Fantastic. A great blend of Italian with island flair. All the greens are local and fantastic. The pasta homemade and the seafood super local. I don't think you can go wrong here either with family or a romantic dinner for two.i respect the hours 4:30-8:30. That's Ohana. Don't miss it.
(5)Sue K.
I don't know where all of these great reviews are coming from. I've been to Mi's twice. The food is overpriced and the portions are small. The staff is pretentious. When we went, we had to pay for the bread at the beginning of the course with an oil dip. They made such a big deal out of their homemade bread, and the charge for what is normally free in most nicer restaurants was expensive. The entire vibe is one of a very fancy, high quality Italian restaurant but the food doesn't live up to it. Nor does the service. The waitress had her baby in tow which was totally not cool. I saw the baby put its fingers in one of the plates. Are you kidding? Anyway, I thought that somebody ought to give an honest review of this place. There aren't many places to eat in South Kona but I'd rather grab a pizza at another place nearby then eat at Mi's. They've lost me as a customer.
(1)Michael L.
This is the *Grand Star* of the Big Island! The food, the service, the kitchen, all present a dining experience that is hard to find outside San Francisco or New York City. We discovered "Mi's" two years ago a week after they opened. The food then was outstanding. We return to the Big Island every year and this is a "MUST" stop!! Like I said, a five star anywhere on the mainland. We started this evening with a glass of chianti and the fresh focaccia bread, followed by a caesar salad. For main courses my wife had the Baked Polenta and I had the Seafood Fettuccini. Both dishes were outstanding! The scallops and shrimp were fresh and moist, perfectly cooked, the pasta was al dente, the mushrooms were delicious! I'm not much for polenta but my wife thought it was absolutely delicious. We love this restaurant and will be back, often! Check the menu at: misitalianbistro.com ** I just want to add a footnote: On 11/5 we went back to "Mi's" for an "Aloha Departure Dinner", before leaving for our mainland home. We were absolutely pleased with our suppers! Chef Morgan certainly prepared an outstanding special that night, something I would love to replicate at home! A "Pork Loin Ragout" with a marsala wine sauce! Delicious!! We have recommended Mi's to all of our local friends and wish them nothing but success. We will be back in 2010!!
(5)Dede T.
Great little Italian bistro in an out-of-the-way part of Kealakekua. Their shrimp scampi is the best I've had and we love their bread and herb blend.
(4)Erin S.
Amazing Italian food! The owner / chef and his family are so friendly, and the restaurant is absolutely charming. Favorite date night spot for my husband and I. The seating is in view of the chef's work station. Aside from the atmosphere, the food is great. Christian really knows what he's doing. My personal favorite is the Cioppino...I recommend it to everyone. Prices are right on :)
(5)Phil E.
Ate here in Jan. with my wife. Zero atmosphere. Owner's youngest was running around with a smile on her face. Food was OK but not great. Pasta dish I had was too heavy. Wife's shrimp were very good. Would probably not return.
(2)Judi W.
OMG, we had their Mother's Day dinner special tonight and it was the best meal I've had in years. The bread was flavorful, the salad with tomato vinaigrette wasn't overdone, the chicken & broccoli fettucine was delicate with the cutest little mushroom cluster (I just had to take their picture). My husband had the Shepard's Pie, and he was very happy too. The chocolate mousse with delicious strawberries was a delightful cap to a terrific dinner. Staff was professional, right on every detail, it was a great dining experience. Try it, you won't mind dropping $100 for two for dinner, it was worth every penny.
(5)Bert S.
I'd like to give Mi's 4 1/2 stars if that was possible as it compares to restaurants in other cities like SF. However, I gave it 5 stars because I feel it is the best restaurant I have been to on the Big Island. The place has a comfortable homey feel. We felt Ingrid did a nice job of welcoming our party of 10 (with a reservation). Overall the food was high quality, fresh, and well prepared. This was the third visit for most of the group but my first. The excellent bread and dipping sauce was a nice way to begin the meal. As a group we had the bruschetta and the soup of the day( eggplant) as out first course. The bruschetta was excellent. I though the soup was a bit bland. For dinner the group had cioppino, lasagna, raviolis, pappadelle with beef, veal piccata, and the chicken parmigiana. Without exception, the group felt each dish was first class. I had the cioppino. It was the most creative interpretation I have had of the dish. Rather than the usual thin tomato broth with seafood, this version was a thick tomato sauce with scallops and shrimp. I think the thickness of the sauce was accomplished by the addition of a significant amount of crab meat. It was served with garlic toast. It was outstanding. For dessert we tried the banana flambé, creme brûlée, passionfruit gelato, and tiramisu. With the exception of the gelato which I thought had ice chunks, the desserts were also top notch. The wine list included good choices at good prices. Overall I felt the meal was an excellent value. In summary, if you are staying on the Kona side of the Hawaii, do not miss eating at Mi's.
(5)Jay H.
We dined here last night. We were greeted by the co-owner, Ingrid Chan. She did a fina job as our server. When asked about the evening's special, she recommended it. I ordered the special: Mahi Mahi over fried eggplant with a delicious Meyer lemon infused sauce. The unusual pairing worked quite well. My wife had the lasagna and enjoyed the house made noodles and sauce. My only disappointment was the soup of the day which lacked spark. Overall, the food and service very satisfying. We'll return for sure as we were both tempted by the pancetta wrapped scallop appetizer.
(4)Lisa L.
This is as good as it gets on the Big Island for Italian food. Family owned and operated, we never miss Mi's on a trip to the Kona side of the island.
(5)Edward H.
What an oasis. If you're a fan of good food centered on fresh homemade pasta, this is the place. The atmosphere: Cozy, pleasant, welcoming but impeccably professional and attentive; a quiet place with a nice Brazilian mix on the stereo, informal and relaxed. The food: Classic, fresh, locally-sourced (try the Kona coffee-laced carpaccio!), creative. Mi's is a family affair and feels homey while providing a dining experience as good as any in a major city. We loved it. PS: don't forget to check out the photos on the wall while you're there - a travelogue of the owners' month in South America.
(5)opqr s.
The food was amazing. You have to try the focaccia bread and the dipping sauce! To die for!! The ono risotto was amazing too, a melt in your mouth risoto! My only complaint was the tiramisu was so tiny. Cute ambiance. Ingrid and Mike were great a team.
(5)Kili K.
would love to give it 5 stars, but because of the service that continuously lacks when my boyfriend and i go in... it only gets 2. mind you, we live two minutes away from mi's, and we keep going back because of the delicious food. and that is it. the food! fyi- we are also a very young couple compared to the rest of the customers in there. but really? should that make all the difference? well, for them, yes... the owner, ingrid, is the only one who runs front of the house in that restaurant. hosts, serves, bartends etc... oh, along with one busser who has no personality either... never friendly, welcoming or any acknowledgement whatsoever... it never bothered me until tonight. we go in for dinner once a month, but never do they recognize us and thank us for coming back... okay. fine. like i said, i'm here for the food... especially the cioppino. well, tonight i was really disturbed... after waiting 15 minutes for a table, being regulars, we knew what we wanted when we got seated. soooo... the owner came told us the specials and that was it. and walked away. after another 15-20 minutes of waiting, she never came back or even looked at us. so the BUSSER came to take our order... did i mention he had no personality? being a server myself... i know how this stuff goes... ingrid went to EVERY other table in the restaurant, took their order, talked stories, checked on them... but never came back to ours. the busser did everything else from here on out... my bill alone was $95 for two people. being in the restaurant industry- i would have left a 30% tip... but the service absolutely killed it and therefore, they got 15%. (which is way more than what they deserved. honestly) it's just sad and dissapointing that i'm a local, eat there frequently and had reccomended mi's to everyone i knew. well, after tonight. no more...
(2)Andy S.
Pronounced "Me's", this is a fabulous little restaurant (it has maybe 10 tables) with terrific food, a cute interior, and a very friendly chef/owner. They make a point of using organic, local, and/or sustainable food whenever possible. I had the veal piccata (they use humanely raised calves) with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a meyer lemon sauce, while my girlfriend had the sausage rigatoni with mushrooms, sweet onions, red bell peppers, black olives and feta in a rich tomato sauce. We shared the flourless chocolate torte with a dark chocolate ganache for desert. Everything was excellent. I only wish they were closer to home!
(5)Steve M.
I wrote a review on my i-phone which yelp called a draft and I cannot find it under Yelp...I like this restaurant...Yelp...I don't know
(4)Salmah R.
Best Italian food I've ever had and I've been to Italy sooooooo many times. The entrees were creative and fresh. My sister and I had hiked an unexpected 5 miles to see the Green Sand Beach. On our way back to Kona, this was the only restaurant open, because as you know, everything on the Big Island closes way too early for us Main-landers. Our meal at Mi's hit the spot and replenished our energy after an exhausting day.
(5)Mike s.
My inlaws found this place by accident as well, had an amazing meal, and then invited my wife and I there the next night. Driving by it doesn't look like anything particularly amazing... just another restaurant in a stripmall, but WOW... their food was the best I had on the entire island. Incredible attention to detail in presentation, flavor, great wines, incredible service. The husband and wife own and operate it, he the chef and she the front of the house person (waiter, hostess, busser). This is a place you MUST go to if you are on the western side of the island. We usually tried to italian/mexican places because we figured we could get the same food back home. Mi's is an exception. You have to go!
(5)Christine I.
I'm fortunate to have lived in Dallas and San Francisco where we have some of the best restaurants and world-renowned chefs, and I have to tell you, Mi's Italian Bistro puts most of them to shame. You would have never thought that you'd find a top notch Italian restaurant in the midst of banana trees and small mom & pop shops, but this gem is worth the try. Decent wine list with great prices, the chef interacts with his customers and he changes the menu often to accommodate the fresh ingredients he gets from the island. Loved this place.
(5)Lori F.
Came here with my family and they were willing to accommodate a group (we called first). They were friendly with excellent service. The food was just amazing! This spot used to be a bbq joint... and although my family liked it, I'm sure happy about the change! It can be hard to find good non-fish cuisine in Hawaii unless you go to a resort, especially up by Captain Cook! Check this place out when you are on the Kona side of the Big Island! A bit out of the way from the "city" but worth the drive :)
(5)Nelson C.
The food was amazing. It is expensive but worth every penny if you enjoy great, fresh food. The banana flambe was the best dessert I have ever eaten. I would highly recommend it.
(5)Marty G.
Very nice place. We had ceaser salad (which had anchovies on it -- yummy) and the scallop appetizer which was very good. The clam linguini and veal was very good but the italian sausage rigate was mediocre. Nothing special. They have a good wine list. Would go back, definitely.
(4)Tim O.
Best italian since I left NY worth the drive from Kona
(5)Paul B.
Really good local food. The overall the meal was great, and the restaurant welcoming.
(5)Justin H.
I live in LA and spend a lot of time in SF, and this was amongst the best Italian food I have ever had. Do yourself a favor and get the signature dip. We had a salad and shared the lasagne. Every bite was savored as we finished the plate. I reccomend ordering a bottle of Justin Cabernet. At $43 a bottle, this is a steal fr restaurant prices. The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team. One of the two best meals we had during our stay. So good in fact, we went back the next night before heading to the airport. Had the Spaghetti and Meatballs and it did not disappoint!
(5)G P.
what a find! I am particularly picky when it comes to Italian food and Mi's served some of the most delicious dishes I have ever tried. In fact I now rate it above my favorite Italian spots at home in San Francisco. The owners, Morgan and Ingrid, were very welcoming and have created a warm yet romantic atmosphere with delicious food. The pastas and bread are homemade and the dipping sauce is not to be missed. We treated ourselves to one "fancy" dinner on the Big Island and were thrilled to have chosen Mi's.
(5)Marty C.
One of the best restaurants to visit while in Kona. Chef trained in NY.
(5)Philip V.
We had dinner here while on our honeymoon at the recommendation of Ken and Erin, innkeepers at the luana inn where we were staying. We were surprised that they would recommend an Italian restaurant to be their favorite place to eat in the middle of Hawaii, but now we understand why they recommended it so highly. Wow. The chef is well trained and adventurous, but everything that we ate was impeccably prepared. I had his version of Italian shepherds pie, while my wife had the Ono fish special of the day. She (who grew up in Hawaii) declared that it may well have been the best Ono she has EVER eaten... And this from a girl who takes her seafood very seriously. My dish was equally fabulous. The appetizers and desserts were also terrific... Even though we were in the middle of Hawaii, the food was still very Italian in its preparation. Overall, we loved it. You should definitely call for reservations... It's a small space and pretty popular.
(5)Anthony G.
Practically every Yelp review we read on Mi's Italian Bistro was 5 stars, and we are not one to argue. This is truly a gourmet Italian restaurant. The Caesar Salad was prepared with homemade, fresh ingredients, quite different from your run-of-the-mill Caesar. The beef vegetable soup was excellent. The Cioppino was made with chunky vegetables and fennel. It was thick, tasty and one of the best I have ever had. We also had a seafood fettucini with creamy garlic sauce that was delicious. The decor is charming, and the owner was very attentive to her customers. This is an all-round first-class dining experience and a must for all visitors to Kona.
(5)Gretchen R.
Excellent food. Excellent service. Loved the atmosphere!
(5)Zachary K.
My wife and I found Mi's by accident one afternoon on the way back from Volcano National Park. We were starving. It was 3:30 in the afternoon and Mi's was open, so we decided to eat there. This was in October 2007 and as it turns out the place had only been open about 2 weeks. We started with the focaccia of the day which was incredible (always get the focaccia). Then we split a couple daily specials, one was stuffed calamari and the other was a sea bass entree. Both were wonderful. This was our last full day on the big island that Mi's was open (closed Mondays) and we were disappointed that we couldn't go back. 16 months later we made it back to the Big Island and we were so happy to see that Mi's was still open. We had talked about eating there since our last trip and we were hoping it lived up to how we rmembered it. We made two trips to eat at Mi's this time and it did not disappoint. The focaccia was still awesome. We tried some other items like the beet salad (fantastic) and the polenta (I'm not so much a fan of polenta, but I like Mi's polenta for sure). You pretty much can't go wrong here. All the food is great, it's not terribly expensive (often they have drink specials too), Ingrid and the baby are great hosts... my only complaint is the airfare to get there! I like this place so much, I signed up for a Yelp account so i could write a review. A note on the price range: you could definitely get out of there for under $30 a person and be content. But we always ordered drinks appetizers, so I picked $$$ for the price range.
(5)Harriet R.
We are in Hawaii celebrating our daughter's 25th anniversary and wanted to find a nice place for dinner. We saw the ad for Mi's in a dining guide and it sounded just right. It's a little bit south of Keauhou but not hard to find. Parking is nearby. It is small, so I recommend making reservations. We started our meal with a nice bottle of Chianti and bruschetta with tomato and pesto cream. Perfect crunch, seasoned spread and fresh tomato. We shared two salads - the Cesar and the Kona. Our daughter had the fresh pasta and ahi special and our son-in-law had the Shepard's Pie special. Both were delicious and packed with flavor. My husband had the rack of lamb. It was absolutely delicious! I had the pork tenderloin with porcini mushrooms, gnocchi and creamy sauce. The pork was nicely seasoned with a very tasty rub. Gnocchi were tender, and the cream sauce was full of tender slices of fresh porcini. We shared a tiramisu dessert - moist and creamy! Overall, we are so happy we chose Mi's for our anniversary celebration!
(5)Jennie M.
Really nice staff and service but overall I found the pricing a bit too high for the quality of food. Portions were good sized but the flavours didn't really pop for me. To be fair, my mother taught me how to make my own pasta and pasta sauces so I have very high expectations for Italian when I go out.
(2)Julie V.
Everything was freshly cooked to perfection, farm to table. The service and friendliness was so geniune. The food was hot and so delicious. So worth going again. A must to go to!
(5)Jeff Z.
The main dinner is delicious enough to make up for the lack of quality service. Their desserts are not as good as their main meals, if your visiting have dinner here than drive to the gelato place that is about 2 miles away.
(4)Brenna H.
My husband and I love this restaurant for many reasons. It's nearby, but even if it wasn't, we would still make the drive. Good is delicious. Chioppino is my go to dish, and it never disappoints. I've tried nearly everything on the menu and can say it's all awesome! The atmosphere is cozy and romantic. Perfect place for a date. Most of the time we bring our little one with us on a family date night, and it's perfect for the whole family. Service is great. This place is run by a husband and wife. The love really comes through in the food.
(5)Karine K.
Best Italian food on the Big Island !!! Maybe not the best location. But the food is really good. So happy to find this place.
(5)James R.
Excellent food, good sized portions, price is comparable to other restaurants in Kailua-Kona area. Yes, it is up mauka from Kailua, but totally worth the trip. Service was very good, prompt. My wife had the shepherds our special, I had the chicken parm, a the kid hadnd the shrimp scampi appetizer as her meal. Everything was delicious.
(4)Jim B.
What a treat. Very fresh ingredients with wonderful subtitle flavors. Good service and definitely worth a visit. Especially try the Cesar salad.
(5)Brynn O.
On vacation and was recommended to come here by two locals. Was very impressed with their food and kind service! It's a bit on the spendy side but very much worth it! The crab manicotti was delicious!
(5)Julie C.
I'm not kidding when I say that this place served me the best food I've ever eaten. Ever. And what a sweet family friendly atmosphere, as well. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Jon L.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Challenged a friend who lives in Kona to find a good Italian place...he delivered! In little out of the way, don't let the exterior scare you off because inside there is magic happening. I had an Italian version of pot pie that was out of this world! The service was great and the Italian wine selection was adequate. Only thing was it did seem a little dark inside, I wish I could have seen my delicious food a little better. Will definitely go back and would definitely recommend.
(5)andrea p.
We rented a lovely cottage nearby and the owner highly recommended Mi's. We enjoyed an amazing meal that began with a fantastic wine, fresh arugula, tomato, basil bruschetta. I had wonderful tiger prawns with the best al dente fettucine with meyer lemon butter sauce. I am not a huge fan of butter (true), but this was amazing. Light, spicy, clean - delicious! My husband had a blue cheese ravioli that he raved about. We finished with a special crème brule that was perfection. Mi's is the perfect blend of island friendly, outstanding menu and wonderful service. We felt well-tended and nourished, and enjoyed the company of the Swiss couple next to us. Highly recommend!
(5)Grace H.
This was my first meal in the Big Island, recommended by the plantation B & B owner. The place is very small and very dark. It is nothing much to look at from the outside, it is in a very small road side shopping area, I am hesitating to call it a mall or arcade, there are only a few shops there. However, the food was great. The pasta was cooked to perfection, al dente. I had the specials, which is made up of local shrimps, and Pok Choy, that was the weir combination for me, but it tasted lovely. The bread was very good also. The beef tenderloin was cooked slightly more than medium rare, but the taste was good too. Here is one spot where you can have a good meal in Captain Cook.
(4)Arminda W.
You could easily pass by this place as it's tucked in, but don't make that mistake. Stop and have the best dining experience you will get on the big island. Ingrid and Morgan have really created a top notch restaurant. It's hard to put into words how good the food was, but maybe "perfectly done" comes close. They use many local ingredients and make everything fresh- the pastas, the sauces, the bread. The service was exceptional as well. I can't really say enough about it but I hope I eat here many many more times.
(5)Tamara P.
Amazingly delicious food. We have been on the road ravelling the world for the last three months and this is definitely the best food we have eaten!! I had the special of the day which was a twist on the paella but it was orzo with prawns scallops and sausage bars on delicious tomato sauce. It was perfect. Just delicious. My husband ordered a beef tenderloin with mash and it was also super delicious. These guys are also family operated and they work so well together. Keep rocking guys!
(5)Michelle R.
Found Mi's on Sunday night and was so happy I did. i had the spicy ahi with fresh pasta in a light lemon cream sauce-it was a special. also had the squash soup and bread. Everything was wonderful. Ingrid is a great hostess and waitress. I went to a different Italian restaurant last year, which is now closed. Even if it was still open, I would not go back now that I found Mi's. I went back tonight and had the lasagna. It was delish! The ambience is wonderful and relaxing. They have a $15 corkage fee which is very reasonable. I highly recommend Mi's to everyone on Kona.
(5)Att A.
Yom! Its kind of hard to find anything that will top the out of the world flavors and textures of SPQR pasta in SF but finding something fairly close to that in a place out in the boonies in Big Island is a pleasant surprise. Being small people we normally can't order a lot but we decided to start with salad, had two entrees and split a dessert. Salad - Beets & Beans Entrees - Home-made Spaghetti with local beef bolognese - Day's special: Ozo with italian sausage, shrimp and scallop. Dessert - Tiramisu with 100% Kona coffee Needless to say we stuffed our faces. You'd think spaghetti is so blaise, I had to beat my SO off my plate since the dish was so yummy. The tiramisu was also so good with actual ricotta cheese instead of those fake whipped cream ones. The coffee-soaked cake was also just the right balance. I'd go again except they are only open for dinner. And oh, you get a view of the sun setting if you arrive around that time. We have tried: Huggo's, A'illi Koaluahoa Cafe, Kona Heritage Drv Lava Java, A'illi Puka Puka Kitchen, Hilo Kalama's, Captain Cook Mt We will try: Four Seasons Ulu Grill
(4)Waiola C.
What a fantastic place. Had been hearing great things about it for years now but resisted going In thinking it would be claustrophobic as it was when it was Billy Bobs. Wrong !! By far the best overall experience I've had on the Big Island. The food was really really good. Simple, thoughtful, delicious and exactly what you hope to get when going to an Italian restaurant. Ordered the bruschetta of the day which was eggplant, fabulous. Soup of the day and Caesar salads. Entrees included the filet, grilled chicken and the special of the night Italian sausage and filet shepards pie. Oh my god!!! The dishes were all done perfectly and I liked that they weren't the usual huge american sized gluttonous portions which allowed us to order appetizers, salad, soup and entrees and enjoy all of them without feeling stuffed. Overall it was a complete delight. We will be back as often as we can.
(5)Amber D.
The food here is great. Pretty pricey but they make it worth it. However after working for them for a little while I can't give them 5 stars. The owner Morgan had a horrible misplaced attitude toward me. Seeing that side of him I never ate there again. His wife however is an absolute sweetheart.
(3)K. H.
Everytime my wife and I want to get out for a nice peaceful dinner, we go down to Mi's. The setting is quiet and exactly what we're looking for to get away from the craziness sometimes. Have never had a bad meal there. Best Italian spot on the Big Island!
(5)Francine H.
Umm...YEAH! This place is good. From the seeming all teenage staff (seriously these kids obviously know and appreciate a job well done when it comes to food) to the amazing dishes. The mouth feel of the pasta really can't be beat. My husband had the lasagna and I had the spaghetti. Mi's is yet another place on Hawai'i which sources local and organic ingredients to produce killer meals. Reservations definitely recommended.
(4)KaPua L.
My husband, daughter and I went there for our anniversary and I was in heaven I loved their freshly made bread.... I had the steak it was cooked on point my daughter had the shrimp scampi with pasta and she is a very pickie eater but she cleaned that plate... my husband had the lasagna and he was a happy camper... the food was ono service was great and it they had their two daughter with them and they were very polite and greeted all customers.. Great place need to check it out!!
(5)John B.
Mi's is down the road a piece & is located in a mini-mini group of shops. The atmosphere is adequate but it definitely is NOT fancy. We had the Cesar salads and Rack of Lamb. Whoever heard of olives in a Cesar salad? They just seemed out of place. The lamb was well cooked and tasty. I didn't particularly like the polenta with peppers. Should have been herbs instead. Their background music was nice until the bar down a door or two started blasting their music & completely overrode Mi's music. I thought their price for lamb was a little high but maybe not if you consider they have to ship it in, etc. Overall, it is probably OK if you are looking for a decent place to have dinner.
(3)Yvette K.
Mi's is good, but not great. It's really hard to find good Italian food on the Big Island and so far I'm not impressed. I'm interested in trying the new Italian restaurant called Amici's next to the Aloha Theatre. Hopefully it will be better than Mi's. Mi's is a friendly place with a nice size dining room. But, the menu is not very creative and relies mostly on semi-traditional old school Americanized Italian food. I'm not really into lasagna and eggplant parmesan, so Mi's didn't excite me. I had the rigatoni with sausage and marinara sauce, which was decent, but nothing exciting and certainly not worth $18.00 and shouldn't cost more than $12.00! If you're in the area and want good food, I'd rather eat at Keei Cafe, which is better.
(2)Mary J.
My friend had crab pasta and I had an Italian version of seafood paella. Food was good, mine especially, and service was good. Tables were crammed in tightly though and the lady at the next table was drunk. No fun. Still, a good option for an evening meal.
(4)Richard D.
Ate there last night. Three different pastas all were very good and the 3 desserts we had were exceptional. Very friendly and "local" atmosphere. Will go back for sure
(5)Tom S.
Surprisingly good Italian dishes especially considering the location. Pricing is reasonable and service is also good.
(5)Neda T.
Amazing food! I had the eggplant special, it was so flavorful. Love the ambiance. Perfect place, will definitely come back.
(5)Julie B.
Excellent five stat food. Wish there was a bit more light. Kinda dark. Would have liked to see food. Had the special Ono eggplant parmesan
(5)A E.
Food is perfect as always, however, the last time I was there a small boy was running around and making a lot of noise. This is not a Denny's, it's fine dining and when I spend this kind of money I resent my evening ruined by inconsiderate parents. Staff should have asked the parents to contain their child.
(5)MF E.
We're hooked on their Caesar salad (It's a license to eat cheese) and lasagna. They use locally grown produce and their high quality standards shine through in their food. It's a wonderful family owned and operated restaurant. The chef used to be at the Four Seasons. It's worth the drive from Kailua Kona. Call ahead for reservations even if it is 20 minutes ahead, it's easy for them to be completely booked.
(5)Shari D.
This place doesn't look like much on the outside but it is really amazing! They start you off with fresh baked bread. I got the herb and cheese ravioli which came with broccoli, pine nuts, and a blue cheese sauce. My husband got the spaghetti alla bolognese. We finished with the tiramisu and the bananas flambéed with rum, served with vanilla icecream and banana bread. We were happy with all our selections!
(5)Andrew T.
OK, to be honest, this place is not yet fully 5 stars ..."as good as it gets" .... but I'm giving them the extra star because the owner/chef is also a talented musician and singer. (He sang behind me in a Kona Music Society Messiah concert and then rushed over the restaurant to cook dinner! AND he has a great voice.) So this is a kind of hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a semi-open kitchen in the small dining room. The awesome thing about it is the food is very good and the owner/chef and his wife are warm and friendly and provide most of the service themselves. The chef asked "shall I just bring you some food?" and we were off... started with fresh baked bread and herb/oil dipping sauce ($4) followed by bruschetta (tasty), scallops wrapped in pancetta in some yummy sauce (delicious, $15.50) and a green bean/beet salad (Arugula, Maytag Blue Cheese, Candied Macadamia Nuts and a Beet Reduction, Balsamic Vinaigrette, $12). This was followed by a special he created for us which he called an Italian Shepherds Pie ($28). It had big island beef, italian sausage, veggies, etc in a delicious gravy topped with potato. It was very good. My friend says the tiramisu is the best on the island (he ordered two servings to go) but I didn't try it. What could be improved? Well, I would eat there more often if the prices were lower. Also, the whole experience walking up and into the place, and the dining room, does not really come up to the aspirations of the menu and pricing. For example my first chair was wobbly verging on collapse. And our table was so dark we could not read the menu without shining our cell phones on them. So the attention to detail that you see in the food is not yet carried over to the whole atmosphere. Still, I highly recommend this small family operation. You'll get great food and service and have a nice personal experience. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Wave M.
Good service and environment, I had the pumpkin soup which was good but a little thinner than expected. Great Caesar salad ravioli. The pork tenderloin with gnocchi we great and enough for two..
(4)Bill R.
A phenomenal experience for my first visit. I'd passed this restaurant many times and had been told by my family who reside here that Mi's was a great restaurant. Indeed it is. I had the cioppinno, and my friends had the grilled ahi on risotto, and sausage with regate pasta. The wine selection is solid and the desserts were varied and fortunately one is dairy free. . The dishes were all outstanding and the presentation first rate. The prices are at the upper end but a good value considering the quality of the food. The interior is relatively dark and required a close read of the menu by candlelight, at least at our center table. There's stronger lights along the wall. The service was first rate and nice to know the owner actively participates in all aspects of table service. Reservations are highly recommended.
(5)Alice D.
Mi's is difficult to rate..the food was very good, we had the pork tenderloin with porcini mushroom and gnocchi, this was tasty and the sauce was not too rich so pretty well balanced..the bad side is the atmosphere and service, even if we had a reservation at 7:45 we wait outside for more than 20mn! The room is so dark that you barely see what's in your plate, the decoration is poor and sad wich is too bad because it's not too noisy (good point) and food is good so...remodel the space and add some efficient staff!!!
(3)