10 Best Restaurants for Fine Dining in Kona

1. La Bourgogne French Restaurant

Welcome to a charming little corner of France right in the heart of Kailua-Kona; La Bourgogne French Restaurant offers an authentic French atmosphere, filled with delightful aromas and an excellent selection of wines.

Savoring sumptuous traditional French dishes serenaded by a gentle Hawaiian breeze. Sounds like a dream, right? That is exactly what you’ll get at this marvelous eatery.

Now, let’s get down to the pièce de résistance: the menu. You simply cannot miss their French Onion Soup, a classic comfort food for the soul.

If you’re craving something more extravagant, how about trying the classic Duck à l’Orange? You’ll be transported to the rolling hills of the French countryside with each bite.

Here’s a little tip for you: their wine list is the heart and soul of La Bourgogne. You’ll find a wide range of French wines waiting to be enjoyed.

After all, what is a French feast without a fine glass of wine to complement your culinary adventure?

2. ULU Ocean Grill

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of fine dining and a gorgeous seafront location, you can’t go wrong at the ULU Ocean Grill.

Located at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, ULU Ocean Grill features a spectacular array of dishes inspired by the Pacific Rim, crafted with the freshest local seafood.

The best part? You’ll enjoy these culinary masterpieces just steps away from the ocean surf and under a beautiful canopy of stars.

As you settle into this seaside dining oasis, we recommend exploring some of the customer favorites on the menu.

Tempt your taste buds with the wide array of fresh seafood, mouthwatering sushi rolls, or perhaps a delicious serving of freshly caught Hawaiian fish.

For a little extra culinary magic, you may want to try the ULU signature dishes, which showcase the true depth of the chef’s expertise and creativity.

Whatever you decide to order, though, one thing’s for sure: you are in for a truly divine dining adventure.

As you relax and watch the ocean waves, you’ll find that the ULU Ocean Grill is not just about the food. With a high standard of service and their commitment to providing a truly unique experience, your meal is sure to be a highlight of your Kona visit.

Tip: if you can, make a reservation for dinner right around sunset. The combination of dancing colors on the water and the flavors on your plate truly elevates this meal!

3. Honu’s on the Beach

Honu’s on the Beach is here to impress you with their delightful fusion of regional Hawaiian cuisine and a fantastic beach view in Kailua-Kona.

Feast like royalty on fresh seafood, succulent prime rib, and of course, traditional Hawaiian favorites.

Hungry diners give high praise to their poke bowl and snow crab. One bite, and you’ll be saying “Aloha!” to a world of heavenly flavors.

Honu’s on the Beach is not only known for its amazing food and picturesque setting; it’s also applauded for its live music. You’ll be grooving to sweet tunes while savoring your meal under the stars!

4. Beach Tree Bar

At Beach Tree Restaurant Bar and Lounge, the perfect blend of beachfront views, mouth-watering Italian cuisine, and fantastic drinks awaits you.

This beautiful spot in Kailua-Kona is a true paradise for those looking to enjoy some fine dining action.

Picture yourself sipping top-notch wine while mesmerized by the breathtaking sunset near the shoreline.

It’s the perfect setting for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings with friends. You’ll surely be wondering how you haven’t discovered this amazing place earlier!

Now, let’s talk food; falling in love with the menu is an understatement. With a variety of Italian, American, fresh fish and brick oven pizzas, there’s something for everyone.

From vegetarian-friendly to vegan options and gluten-free choices, they’ve got you covered.

The Florentine Steak has been known to make diners weak in the knees, so don’t miss out on this treat.

Tip: the signature cocktails at Beach Tree Bar make the entire dining experience all the more delightful.

Spoil yourself with an exquisite concoction, carefully crafted by the mixologists at the bar. Remember to sip responsibly, as you might be tempted to try them all!

5. Huggo’s

Are you ready to treat yourself to a fine dining meal that’s equal parts elegance and fun? Let us introduce you to Huggo’s in Kailua-Kona, an amazing spot that offers delicious food, stunning ocean views, and a warm aloha spirit.

This wonderful restaurant prides itself on providing a unique ambiance that makes you feel right at home. With its waterfront location and inviting atmosphere, you’re sure to fall in love with Huggo’s as soon as you step foot inside.

The menu is teeming with mouthwatering options, crafted from the freshest local ingredients.

Fan favorites include their succulent seafood dishes, like the sesame-crusted ahi tuna or the famous teriyaki steak.

For those craving something more meaty, the black Angus Steak will make your heart skip a beat.

Huggo’s is also renowned for its creative cocktails; you can’t miss out on sipping their legendary Lava Flow cocktail as you watch the sun set over the ocean.

Though their main dining area offers spectacular views, you should definitely try to snag a table at the edge of the restaurant for the most jaw-dropping scenery.

And don’t forget to ask your server about the daily chef’s specials, because these exclusive dishes provide a unique blend of flavors and local ingredients!

6. Hualalai Grille

Hualalai Grille is a steakhouse that sets the gold standard for fine dining in Kailua-Kona without losing its playful and enthusiastic vibe.

With panoramic views of the 18th green of the Hualalai Golf Course, it functions as an American steakhouse with a Hawaiian twist, giving it that extra aloha spirit you’ve been craving.

Nestled within the impressive Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai Grille prides itself on serving grass-fed steaks and fresh, locally sourced seafood that will make you swoon with delight.

A variety of starters, like the Lobster Tower and Oysters, are carefully designed to whet your appetite and build your anticipation for the mouth-watering options to follow.

As you immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance, you’re bound to hear murmurs of patrons raving about the Aged Bone-in NY Strip Steak and the succulent Kurabuto Pork Tomahawk.

Don’t miss out on the Iberico Pork Secreto, a customer favorite praised for its delicious flavor profile. If your taste buds are calling for a whimsical riff on a classic dish, the Prime Filet is the perfect answer.

As you sip on one of their expertly crafted cocktails, take a moment to appreciate the sunset illuminating the golf course!

7. Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill Kona

At Jackie Rey’s, you’re in for a delightful dining experience that combines mouth-watering Hawaiian and American cuisine with a fun, casual atmosphere.

This popular restaurant has won the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. Grab a seat and get ready to discover why this spot is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Kona.

As you look over the menu, you’ll notice an array of incredible dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Some customer favorites include the macadamia nut ahi tartare, which is seasoned to sheer perfection!

And if you’re in the mood for seafood, the Mochiko Crusted Fresh Catch will surely get your mouth watering.

Now, if you’re a die-hard steak lover, worry not — their tender, juicy steaks will have you thinking you’ve found paradise on a plate.

And, of course, no visit to Jackie Rey’s would be complete without trying their famous lilikoi cheesecake for dessert.

Jackie Rey’s isn’t just all about the food! They also offer an impressive selection of wines, tropical cocktails, and local beers to pair with your meal.

Fun fact: did you know that the restaurant is named after the owners’ two children, Jackie and Rey? Yup, it’s a true family affair!

8. Kona Pasta Company

Pasta lovers rejoice! There’s a delightful little Italian restaurant in Kailua-Kona that’s perfect for you. At the Kona Pasta Company, you’ll find a beautiful fusion of Hawaiian and Italian cuisines.

Step right in to discover the charming atmosphere of this neighborhood favorite. You’ll be greeted with warm smiles and the mouth-watering aroma of freshly prepared pasta.

Worried you’ll be overwhelmed by the amazing menu options? Fret not, as we have some suggestions to make your decision easier.

The Arancini is a must-try appetizer, with its crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy goodness within.

For entrees, you can’t go wrong with classic pasta dishes like the Carbonara, but if you’re feeling adventurous, take a chance on some of Kona Pasta’s unique creations, like the Big Island Pesto packed with island flavors.

While you’re browsing through the wine selection, be sure to ask the knowledgeable staff about their “off-menu” wines. You might just find a hidden treasure that pairs perfectly with your meal!

Other Fine Dining Restaurants on Big Island:

9. Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill

Gather up all your food-loving enthusiasm and prepare to be amazed by Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill!

Nestled amidst the historic king’s trail featuring petroglyphs and lava fields, this establishment has been charming taste buds for over 26 years in the heart of Waikoloa’s vibrant King’s Shops.

Get ready to drool over Hawaii-inspired Euro-Asian cuisine, where European cooking techniques meet local ingredients and bold flavors. From sizzling steaks to mouthwatering seafood, Roy’s Waikoloa has got you covered.

If dining at Roy’s Waikoloa is in your future, keep your eyes peeled for some crowd favorites such as their succulent blackened island fish or their famous misoyaki butterfish.

Just be prepared to leave with your heart full, your stomach satisfied, and your taste buds forever changed!

10. Merriman’s

At Merriman’s on the Big Island, you’ll find exactly what you’ve been dreaming of in a fine dining experience.

Nestled in the beautiful Waimea area, this award-winning restaurant has been dishing out gourmet delights for over 30 years.

Picture yourself luxuriating in an exquisite atmosphere that seamlessly blends Hawaiin charm with contemporary elegance.

The second you enter Merriman’s, you’ll understand why it has been flaunting prestigious accolades like Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for over a decade.

The unique Hawaiin-Regional Cuisine is what sets them apart, and as you dive into their menu, you’ll discover a world of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative preparations that sing praises to the island’s bounty.

Now that you’re salivating, let’s talk menu, shall we? Merriman’s offers a spectacular variety of plates that will tickle your fancy and leave you eager for more.

Some customer favorites include the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi and the Kona Coffee-Braised Short Ribs.

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more delightful preparations in the extensive seafood offerings made with the freshest catch of the day.

Consider yourself warned; choosing just one dish might prove to be your biggest challenge!

Fun fact: Merriman’s founder, Peter Merriman, is hailed as one of the original members of the “Hawaiian Regional Cuisine” movement.

His commitment to supporting local farmers and purveyors has not only shaped the restaurant’s menu but has also contributed immensely to the culinary landscape of the islands!