Hawai'i (The Big Island) Restaurants

  1. Fujimamas

    Fujimamas blends hip, eclectic ambience - something Kailua's restaurant scene sorely lacks - with chic presentation, making it a very exciting new addition. The heavily Japanese-influenced menu includes sushi, wok dishes and 'things that make you go ummm'. The handmade Chinese noodles with mushrooms and truffle oil get wide acclaim, as does the grilled pork chop on tempura sweet potato bread with apple chutney and miso sesame sauce.

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  2. Merriman's

    An innovator of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, chef and owner Peter Merriman created the Big Island's first gourmet restaurant devoted to organic, island-grown produce and meats. Romance infuses the dining room, and the service is perfect, but the proof is on the plate: Hawaiian- and Asian-influenced dishes like ponzu-marinated mahimahi, wok-charred 'ahi and panko-and-lime-crusted scallops are world-class gems.

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  3. Miyo's

    Overlooking Waiakea Pond, Miyo's resembles a rustic Japanese teahouse. Tasty, fresh renditions of tempura, sesame chicken, beef teriyaki, donburi, sashimi and more are generously accompanied by soup, rice and salad. Call ahead to reserve a coveted window table at this local favorite. The restaurant is in the first complex of buildings adjacent to the pond as you enter Waiakea Villa.

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  4. Teshima Restaurant

    Teshima has been serving up delicious Japanese food since the 1940s and is an institution on the Kona coast. Four generations of Teshimas still work in this low-key, family restaurant; you're likely to see 'Grandma' (in her 90s) clearing tables. A good sampler is the teishoku (set meal) of miso soup, sashimi, fried fish, sukiyaki, tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and rice. No credit cards accepted.

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