Located on the second floor of a small strip mall, this quaint restaurant is geared toward the locals. Located between Kona and Captain Cook, most tourists probably wouldn't make the trek here especially at night, when a streetlight is nowhere in sight. Unless you have ESP or GPS you will most likely drive by this place and never even know it. The restaurant has a warm feeling to it, with lots of wood tones and a tropical feel to it. There is a very small patio, but it overhangs the parking lot which is not the most ideal or romantic place to be seating. The Rib Eye was cooked to perfection and the herbs added a nice punch to the dish. The steak had the right amount of fat to help give it flavor. There wasn't a lot of fat or gristle; really an enjoyable piece of meat. The Seafood Chowder is a nice mix of seafood including shrimp, mussels, scallops and fish in a nice, rich broth. The chowder was very flavorful and the portion was more than adequate. I had heard that food quality had gone down and that people were usually not seated promptly, but we had no problems with either seating or food quality. We had no reservations and waited less than 10 minutes, and the food was very good.
(4)
Anne W.
Ke'ei Cafe was the perfect restaurant to celebrate our last night in Hawaii, and our anniversary. It's beautiful inside, with views of the sunset, the food is wonderful, and I finally had the delicious MaiTai I had been searching for the whole trip. Beware, cash only!
(5)
Jay D.
Aside from the cash only thing, this place is a 'must' to visit while on the big island. The service is friendly, decor is upper class and the food is wonderful. Parking is in the rear and you'll have to be careful of some narrow entrance and exits.... But it's nothing treacherous. Great place to go to with your significant other. A+
(4)
Chuck D.
If I would have written this review the first time I went it would have been four stars. I hate to drop two stars on my second experience and thought about splitting the difference with three stars, but there are just some unforgivable things that happened and from other reviews it does not seem to be a one time thing - I think my first experience was more of a one time thing. Briefly, my first experience was a couple of years ago. My parents LOVE this place and wanted it to be the site of my brother's reception after their wedding on the beach. We rented the whole place out. The only thing I found odd is that when we first got there there were still people there for nearly an hour into our "renting the place out" I thought that wasn't super professional. I do have to say that this first time though we had a fish choice or a beef choice to keep thing simple. The steak was definitely delicious and the Mai Thais were phenomenal. Service was attentive but not annoying. I felt they had a decent wine selection for being on an island as well. We ordered a few bottles and I enjoyed every one I tasted. Second time we went was our last night on the island this time. While my parents were staying on for another week, we wanted to celebrate my mom's birthday before my sister, boyfriend, and I shipped back to the mainland. I thought this would be a great place because it is her favorite (my dad and her have been six times or so I think?). I made a reservation for 7 pm which already made me angry. On the phone they asked for my name and I said "Charlotte. C - H - A - R - L - O - T - T - E" and they were like " what?" I was like "Charlotte... C - H - A ... " they cut me off "Sheryl .. ok. we have you. 7:30." ... I corrected the time and he just replied with an ok and hung up the phone. When I arrived at honestly 6:59pm, I was actively ignored (no they were not busy, the guy simply felt like perhaps I deserved to watch him flit around and stare at a chart and do nothing for the first 10 minutes that I was there...when I was clearly trying to speak to him). We watched a 6 top get seated at the table I had assumed was waiting for our 5 top because WE HAD MADE A SEVEN PM RESERVATION and it was the last table open! Finally I got a curt "yeah. reservation for 5? Chandler?" I was like "uhm, we had a seven pm reservation under Charlotte for -- " cutoff. "Yes. sit down... it'll be ready in a bit." ... 25 minutes later... Ok. So they are busy. Lets just forget about it. The owner (my parents know him to be the owner since he helped them set up the reception before) came to wait on the table so it should be a great experience? nope. I'll briefly highlight: app we wanted unavailable, app we ordered with cheese on the side (mom and sister are vegan) came with cheese on it...they picked around it because there was no one coming by our table to check on us, empty drinks for 10 minutes before our food arrived with no offer to bring us more, sneer on the waiters face when I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu (failed to notice my boyfriend ordered one of the most expensive), and attitude when we didn't order dessert (yes I thought the person who wrote about this before had it all in their head, but they literally threw the menu down and walked away). Guess what Keei Cafe, we WANTED TO ORDER DESSERT. Know why we didn't ???? You're ATM was NOT WORKING and you only take cash!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Overall, NOT GREAT. Mom's birthday dinner was pretty much ruined. We wanted more drinks and a dessert but the insane no credit card policy with an ATM machine that was not working ruined our plans for that... also, here is what I find unforgivable, if you OWN A RESTAURANT you should know how to wait on the tables and create a fantastic experience for your guests. My parents go to the island once a year for about 3 weeks and always worked to bring people visiting (and a huge reception to your restaurant) I recommended this restaurant several times and would have frequented whenever back... but when the OWNER gives you attitude and doesn't want to even OFFER TO GET YOU MORE DRINKS (uhm, how much income does drinks add to a ticket??? come on!) and acts like it is an inconvenience to wait on you - I am not supporting Keei Cafe and I hope no one else does either. I don't know what happened Keei, but you lost lots of great customers. I hope that this serves as a warning that even if you might go when they are having a good night, they don't care about their customers and so why should we support them?? Why should I pay some of the highest prices on the island for a horrible experience? Never again Keei Cafe. You blew it! (sorry for the rant everyone... it had to happen...)
(2)
Anuradha M.
Awesome as always
(5)
Jack M.
Good food, quiet, there was entertainment, but still able to talk to your date, had the rib eye, wife had the duck, both were cooked to our liking. One of the better dining experiences in Kona.
(4)
regina t.
Ke'ei Cafe has a great view. The food was amazing, I had the daily catch. Great wine selection too. We had a great organic wine that is was paired perfectly by our server. Sometimes it was a bit loud as a large group was in the same area as our table. But that can be expected with the all wood interior and decor. Overall it was a nice evening. The ony thing was at that elevation is got chilly after the sun had set, bring a sweater.
(4)
Ian M.
My wife and I enjoyed our meals and found the service to be friendly and prompt. I believe that two factors helped to make the experience a positive one. First, we made reservations. Second, we made EARLY reservations. It probably helped that we were still (sorta) running on EST zone, but getting there right at 6pm for dinner helped us avoid the rush and get our food quickly, but not at an overwhelming pace. Remember - this isn't a "Duke's" or some other chain. It's a locally owned and run establishment. Sit down, relax, and enjoy their take on a meal. If that's not your style then this isn't the place (or island for that matter !) for you. Head to Maui for your slice of LA.
(4)
Nancy W.
Words can't express how much we (my BF & I) loved this place. The portions are Cheesecake Factory sized but the taste is Michelin star worthy. The chicken with Thai curry was amazing! The chicken was perfectly cooked with nice crispy skin and moist, juicy meat. The ahi seared to perfection. There's a nice ambience. They also had a local musician serenading us all evening. I wasn't a big fan of that because given the intimate setting, it felt like he was singing at the next table. But, I am an old fart. It seems most people (including my BF) loved it. Fair warning! This establishment only accepts cash. Your credit cards are not welcome, much like most things plastic (at least in the new green era).
(5)
Roberto P.
I had noticed this restaurant many times on our travels to and from the Bed and Breakfast in Captain Cook (Aloha Guest House) Bed and Breakfast). On our fourth night on the Island we decided to give Cafe Keei a try. Wow! It was the best meal we've had yet on the trip. The Roasted Half Chicken with curry was phenomenal. The Brazilian Seafood Chowder had a broth that was so tasty I wanted more! My partner had spearfish with lemon caper and it was cooked to perfection...oh and not to forget, the Rice And Seafood cake was so unique and delicious. If you a chance to try Cafe Keei, Do It!!
(5)
Michelle C.
Keei is a great treat! After being on the Island for 8 days I was really in the mood for a good meal (hard to find on this island). I was thoroughly impressed, the food is spectacular. The ambiance is relaxing as it is located on the second floor and has a beautiful view of trees and the ocean. The staff was lovely and accommodating. I recommend the Baked Brie in Filo Dough... YUM. The lilikoi cheesecake was also delicious. I give this a 5 star rating my man says a he gives it a solid 4. Go here, it's good!
(4)
Eric W.
This place was nice, nothing overly fantastic. The food was good and we didn't have a problem with service, as other reviewers mentioned. They moved us to a balcony seat when we requested, that was nice. THe cash only thing is a little annoying, but I get it. Overall, not a bad spot and would go back next time on the Big Island.
(4)
Gina T.
We were here before and thought the food was good. Came back this year for the crispy skin chicken. --We've ordered brazilian chowder which was very soupy, few sprinkle of fish, 1 clam, 2 shrimps (these were tasty). --Fried Brie for appetizer: pretty good that's why the 3 stars --Rolled eggplant stuff with a whole bunch of garlic: ok for appetizer --Crispy skin chicken w/rice and curry sauce: chicken was moist skin was crunchy, but everything was tasteless, think they forgot to seasoned the chicken. Not enough curry sauce on the rice....common' why so skimpy on the sauce? --House special which cost about close to $29, so we thought the fish must be tasty so went ahead and ordered that. It came out with the "special" sweet and sour sauce. They forgot to tell us that the sauce was extremely sweet which killed all the taste on the fish. Fish was also not seasoned at all......not even salt & pepper. The fish was served w/mash potato an gravy. The mash potato seems like it came out from a box and undercooked, my daughter can make instant mash potato better than that. But common' for $29 a plate and we get instant mash potato? Must be kidding me! Needless to say we're not coming back here again.
(3)
S V.
We happened to find this place when driving south from Kailua toward the volcano park. It's a very tastefully decorated restaurant with an amazing view. We ordered the eggplant and hummus sandwich, and pasta for the kids. We LOVED the food. The service was extremely good. This was one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island. Highly recommended.
(5)
John T.
great ambience to the place and the food is delicious what more can you ask for?
(5)
Matt H.
The review posted below is from my wife. We have been eating all over from Captain Cook to Kona for the past several days, from run-down BBQ shacks to expensive fancy meals... and the Keei Cafe went down as both of our favorites. For a great view, sit on the balcony to watch the sunset. Even with the road noise right below, which usually bothers me, I was able to ignore it. Excellent food, from appetizer (brie cheese) to main course (fajitas) to dessert (bread pudding). The Sunset Breeze drink is excellent too, but it is better if Greg makes it. The service can be slow at times, but probably because the small crew makes it a point to talk with every customer they have, and they can't be everywhere at once. Sit back and enjoy the amazing artwork on the walls while you wait.
(5)
Nichole B.
We've been coming here for years. My folks fav spot on the island. Yes, service can be in the slow side...but just relax and enjoy the Aloha. Great Curry house special - try with brown rice and fish. Their salads are always local and fresh. Mango bread pudding is a must; lava cake can be skipped.
(4)
R.J. R.
Best restaurant in South Kona. Good enough that we ate there twice while in Kona. Everything we tried on the menu was superb. Make a reservation, place is not that big. Don't take credit cards, but there is an ATM machine in the hall, or plan accordingly. Tricky to find.. Park in back, up the hill. Well worth the adventure. Try to get a table on the lanei. Not open every day.
(5)
monica w.
Amazing meals and ambiance. If you had choose one place to have dinner on the island, choose keei cafe.
(5)
Sahra H.
This place epitomizes the kind of bad cooking that I abhor: Take an average cut of fish or meat (or tofu, if you swing that way), cook it in an unseasoned pan, and top it with some sauce. In other words, use absolutely no art in your cooking. The fish we had at this supposedly above-average cafe was sorely disappointing. The sauce wasn't even good; it was bland. The service was terrible, not only because the waiter had no facial expression, but also because we did not put a morsel of food into our hungry mouths until well over an hour after our reservation. The wine was overly sweet (there wasn't a good selection, even). Don't go. Oh! And! And, we were seated out on the "balcony," i.e. the overflow seating directly above a busy parking lot and feet away from a well-used street. The inside of the cafe was nice, though: warm and cozy.
(2)
Becky w.
The service was horrible!! My husband and I both look very young and I feel this may have had an impact on the service. The guy that was serving us didn't tell us all the specials and was a bit rude. It took us almost twice as long to get served as the other guests and we had to get his attention for everything. Just to give you an idea of how slow our service was a couple that walked in twenty minuets after us was served their food and dessert before he even picked up our dinner plates which had been sitting in front of us for a very long time. The food was ok but the service was so bad I would never go back.
(1)
Leslie T.
I had stopped in at this place twice during my visit to Hawaii, and it was closed both times. Undaunted, I made dinner reservations (recommended to us and I'm recommending it right on forward, folks! We were told on the phone at the time I made the reservation that they only took cash for payment) for our last night on the island and had a truly beautiful experience. To begin with, the place on the inside looks nothing like you expect it to look like when you see it from the outside. Once I stepped through the door, I felt like I might be in someone's home, surrounded by beautiful art and sculpture,w/live quiet local musician, interesting "tropical" furniture, nice lighting, airy....sweet! We started with a nice Granacha from Spain for only $24, and since we had been eating fresh fish or Kalua pig for most of our stay, I had the rack of lamb and my husband had one of the night's specials and I believe that was a killer rib-eye steak. We shared bites and they were both perfectly done and very tasty, as were the vegetables served with the meat. I got "all veggies and no starch" with my lamb and the locally grown seasonal veggies were to die for! (when we first walked into the Keei Cafe, a waiter passed us with two large plates of food and displayed them to us - proud of what he was taking out and it was he who pointed out to me that I could get all veggies and no potatoes as I commented on how incredible the veggies looked) All in all, we had wonderful service (the Asian owner waited on us and was very sweet and relaxed) and excellent food in a lovely setting. I would go back in a heartbeat! It is also a very romantic place.....
(4)
Mike G.
Best mai tai we had in the Hawaiian islands. Food is very good -- stick with the catch of the day. Get french-press coffee with dessert -- you won't regret it. Service is a little slow -- but what's your hurry? Soak in the gorgeous atmosphere and savor your cocktail (did I mention the mai tais are crazy good?)
(4)
Adore P.
We arrived pretty late - after 8 - and were promptly seated. Scallops & shrimp salad, the special of the day with butter fish and the coconut flan were all really tasty. We did not have any issues with the service, quite the opposite. Plan on going there again before this vacation is over.
(5)
Mae S.
Return visit for lunch again, highly satisfactory.
(4)
Marty C.
One of the best restaurants in Kona. A must visit. Just bring cash! No credit cards accepted. There is a cash machine inside.
(5)
Laura V.
Best food we had on the Big Island - the pineapple pork chop entree was GREAT Good wine selection, excellent dessert menu with splendid French press coffee from local coffee growers So glad out B&B hosts recommended this place to is. ***the only thing bad thing I can honestly say is that it was cash only, with some of the entrees being $20 or more this made no sense to me. I live on NS Oahu and even the food trucks have switched to the CC iPad option in order to allow customers to use cards!***
(4)
Earl H.
The food was good but the service was not good. We ordered an appetizer that didn't arrive before the main course.
(3)
Kione E.
Decent parking. Nice place in a fake Hawai'ian decor. Pretentious. The host / manager ( who was about 45 ) wore tacky ass bling. Straight from Compton. Seriously. The cocktails were at best amateur. My next drink was a scotch over rocks. The sashimi appetizer was pretty good, but minuscule in portion. What? The night before if purchased about 10oz. of Sushi grade, fresh Ahi Poke for about 10$. And now I had about 1oz of Ahi for the about the same amount. Ridiculous! I vaguely remember my salad. It was fresh, local grown spring mix, but the dressing barely existed. My pan seared rib-eye tasted as if the oil was old or burnt before the steak hit the pan. Ruined, but I was too damned hungry. Oh well. Service lacked. We were being served by the pimp. And some idiot, who might have been his son. We refused desert and the ass made a remark, as if we were missing out on something special. If desert is anything like dinner, then..NO THANKS! The cost of dinner was way too high for what it was really worth. From now on, I was sticking to local people food.
(1)
Zachary K.
Food was excellent in taste, serving size and presentation. The bread pudding dessert was also fantastic. Service started out OK, but our waiters got switched mid-meal somehow and it took forever to get out of there. A bit pricey, pretty much worth it.
(4)
LyraM45 H.
We just made a return trip back to Kona, and still love the Keei Cafe! We were staying a little further south this trip, so we didn't come for dinner as often, but still stopped a few times during our week, including the night of my bday. The owner and his friend are still serving and running the place. They brought me a dessert and had the live musician sing to me. It was super sweet and appreciated. Still in love with the brie appetizer here. The tomato and pesto sauce they use is done really well and even in it's small amount as a garnish, is one of our favorite parts of the dish. The brie is baked so perfectly-- crips on the outside, gooey on the inside. Still one of our favorite spots to stop by after a long day of diving and have a cocktail and some food on the patio where you can watch the sunset. And the owner and his friend who run the place are just so nice and the service is always great from them. Looking forward to coming back on our next voyage out to Kona!
(5)
Sarah D.
We were not satisfied. Although there are definitely good points, there is a lot of room for improvement. Good: - Small, traditional, moderately priced menu. - Veggies and mashed potatoes very well executed, well seasoned. - Nice cut of Ahi. - Yummie cheesecake! - Live music. Not good: - Waited 20min before they took our order (place wasn't that busy - about 5 tables occupied) - After ordering we waited another 30min for the food, drinks (glass of wine and a lemonade) came even later. - We asked for seared Ahi, it was well done. - The glass of wine came with 2 flies. - After mentioning the above to the waitress, she apologized and offered desserts on the house. Yet one dessert still found its way to the bill... - They don't take credit cards, which is fine if you have a working atm nearby. They have an atm, but it wasn't working, so my husband had to drive to the nearest bank. The food was ok, restaurant has a lot of potential. We were looking for a good restaurant to end our vacation, unfortunately expectations weren't met.
(2)
Grace H.
Although this place is call 'Cafe', like many places in Hawaii, a cafe sometimes is more like a bistro. This one is a Brazilian Hawaiian fusion restaurant. Owner Bob and his wife (the one who has the Brazilian connection) created a casual chic ambiance with a colorful menu. This was my favorite restaurant in Captain Cook. It also has a veranda where you can get more fresh air. There is also a Hawaiian gentleman at night in the weekend who play guitar and sing mellow songs. The food is very good and generous portion, I had the most wonder Shrimp Coconut Rice Cake, is like a crab cake, but with shrimp and coconut.. The Tuna Sashimi was so fresh that I can still taste the sea. The organic green salad comes with a fruity dressing. The Grilled Chicken was as big as the plate (as you can see in the photo), and my seared Ahi Tuna with Rice and Vegetable was light, fresh, seasoned well and cooked well. It is more pricey than other place in Captain Cook, but it is well worth it.
(4)
Bob M.
This was a tough one. The facility i wld gve a 5 . The service 4.8. The music a 7. The menu is upscale hawaii. However the product on the beef was bad. Should have been ground for hamburger. Very grissly. That makes me question the QC. The cash only is announced on the door and on the menu and there is an atm in the lobby. I would go back. Maybe ask the chef if the items have been sampled. Other wise i would give it a 5
(3)
Stefanie W.
Lovely atmosphere with a great view of the sunset if you get there early enough. When we went, they had live Hawaiian music, played at just the right noise level- really lovely. The food was awesome!! The only reason I didn't do 5 stars was because the night we were there, they must have been short staffed. Although the staff that was there did a great job running like crazy to get everyone served, we did not get the attentive type of service you expect when paying for fine dining.
(4)
Rebecca H.
This is our go to restaurant for special get-togethers. Yes the service can be slow but honestly that is one of the reasons we dine there, to relax and enjoy the food, wine & company of whoever we are having dinner with. You can bring your own wine (there may be a small corking fee) and the food has always been very fresh and consistent. The ribeye portion is large enough to share and is some of the best I have had. I can not resisit the Coconut Flan that comes with a delicate lilikoi sauce...AMAZING! Bring cash and they do accept our local check when we have large parties.
This is a really comfortable, quiet place to enjoy a fine dinner in Captain Cook. We ate here twice on our visit and I would definitely return. I ate a regular menu item one night and the special on the next visit and both were wonderful. Dessert both nights... couldn't resist! The staff is friendly, the service is great and there's even some unobtrusive live entertainment, or you can eat on the outdoor balcony for a more intimate experience with the wild sounds of the Big Island.
(4)
Yvette K.
I had a very good dinner a couple of months ago at Keei Cafe and have been meaning to go back. The food is good, the decor is beautiful and the service is good. The male singer/guitar player was actually very talented performing jazz and Hawaiian music. He was my favorite part of the experience. We had the eggplant rolls, the pasta primavera and the lamb chops (which were done to perfection) over yummy mash potatoes. Keei is good for the Kona area, but it does not compete with fine dining elsewhere. If you are a "foody" you will like this place, but you will not be inspired or crave any of the dishes afterwards. The best part about Keei Cafe is the music and the decor.
(4)
Kristin B.
We were trying so hard to like this place! First of all, it's cash only. That's fine, but the only indication is a tiny sign near the door. The ambiance is nice, but the service is so slow. There was only one server for the entire place on a busy Friday evening. She was very kind, but we spent a lot of time waiting around. Our appetizer arrived with our main course and I'm not sure if that was because of the kitchen or the over extended server. The food was hit or miss. I had the bean soup and it was terrible. It tasted like someone dumped a can of black beans into a bowl, microwaved it, and then let it sit for a long time. It had no seasoning. It was supposed to come with salsa, sour cream, and a tortilla, but arrived with nothing. I had requested no salsa, but was counting on the sour cream and tortilla. The peanut miso salad, however, was good. Of the other items ordered at my table, the French onion soup was barely room temperature and the cheese was not at all melted - it was just a brick of cheese floating at the top. The fish was significantly under cooked, but once it came back fully cooked, was good. The pasta primavera (with chicken and pesto) was bland at best. The pork chops were good, though. For what was paid for our meal and drinks, we all left severely disappointed. I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Vv V.
The food was just OK and the service was pretty bad. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also just OK. The average age of the diners was around ~70 when we dined there and we did not feel like we were quite welcome. Also, it seems best to stick with the fish special as the other things we ordered were quite disappointing. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a romantic dinner.
(2)
Liz L.
Ke'ei cafe was really hit-or-miss. I would give this 3.5 stars if we could do 1/2 stars. I hadn't been here in years, but I remember it from when it was a BYOB hole-in-the-wall in Kona's old industrial area with plastic patio chairs and amazing food. The new location, where it has been for many years, is beautiful; the decor and furniture are great, and the lighting and volume of music are also perfect for a wonderful dining experience. The service can be a bit slow, but I prefer this to being rushed through my meal, so it was perfect for me. Also, if you go here you should know they don't take credit cards. We started with two appetizers, the eggplant rolls and the crab cakes, which were both very good. They also have a nice wine list with some thoughtful selections, but not an overwhelming long "everything but the kitchen sink list," which I don't like. Then, I ordered the Brazilian seafood chowder. This chowder was the main reason I wanted to come back to Ke'ei cafe. I remember it from years ago as being the best tomato-based seafood chowder I'd ever had. Unfortunately, either the chef or the recipe had changed. The soup came with a layer of oil floating on top, along with a big dollop of pesto (WHY do people ruin/muddle soups by insisting on putting pesto on top?? Pesto does NOT go with everything; especially not seafood chowder!) The broth was relatively flavorless, and the vegetable chunks in the soup were oddly crunchy and out of place. There were so clams and chunks of fish and a shrimp in my soup, but, despite this, the seafood flavor was lacking. Here's how I remember the soup: It used to have a much clearer, lighter tomato broth, with a nice fishy flavor, and came with clams and mussels along with maybe a chunk of fish or a scallop as well. It wasn't confused with so much oil, pesto, and chopped veggies added in. It was much simpler, but the flavors were infinitely brighter and cleaner and more delicious. If the chef or anyone who knows the chef is reading this PLEASE reconsider that dreadful soup recipe and bring back the old one! So, on to entrees: there were three of us so between us we tried the seared ahi with the thai curry preparation, the lamb chops, and ono with the preparation of salad with peanut dressing. The seared ahi/thai curry and the lamb chops were both EXCELLENT and I highly recommend trying them. The Ono, on the other hand, was overcooked, chewy, and salty, but otherwise unseasoned. It came on a bed of undressed lettuce (Not sure one would really call that a salad as there was ONLY lettuce--only one kind of greens--and nothing else.) The peanut dressing came on the side and was also remarkable salty. Overall, the Ono dish was pretty terrible. Even if the fish had been properly cooked, the preparation was still to toss it on a bed of undressed bland lettuce with some salty peanut sauce on the side--really not worth the catch-of-the day entree price of around $30. The contrast between how good the other two entrees we ordered were, and how bad this one was, was shocking. I felt really sad for my friend who made the mistake of ordering the ono. So, there you have it. Ke'ei cafe has a gorgeous setting and ambiance, but is very hit-or-miss on the quality of the food. Still, it's worth taking a chance on. The dishes that were good were superb. Hopefully, you'll order one of those.
(3)
Dan B.
Tonight after having a great massage and hot tub experience up the road at Mamalahoa Hot Tubs and Massage (see separate review) my wife and I came to Keei Cafe looking for a nice fish dinner. We definitely found that and more. This cool little place serves up great food and a nice atmosphere. We enjoyed the catch of the day special (monchong in a lillikoi sauce). For a little "cafe" we were blown away. It was delicious. The night was enhanced by a cheesy crooner named "Freddie Aloha" who performs a live solo act of Hawaiian and popular lounge songs. He keeps it to a mellow background volume and he's actually pretty fun. By the end of the evening he had everyone smiling and singing along. The wait staff was really friendly and the place has a chef who could hold stand up against any of the fancy restaurant chefs on the island. If you're on the Big Island, it's well worth leaving the tourist trap restaurants and giving this place a try.
Service was very slow. Only one waiter for the entire place. Pork chops were good when they finally arrived , On top of the slow service we were shorted $10 on our change Which the waiter corrected when I brought it to his attention.
(2)
Karen L.
Excellent dinner, fresh fish, great service. The restaurant is beautiful inside. Love all the local wood. So nice to be able to go to a beautiful restaurant in Hawaii and have fabulous food with out it being over priced and pretentious. I had the spearfish special and everything was perfect. The green salad was yummy, fish was done perfect and the lillikoi pudding at the end was perfect! If this place was seaside it would be the absolute all around best restaurant on the island. But it's not so us regular folks get to enjoy perfect food at a good price.
(5)
Darrell B.
This is my second review of this place. The food is great. The drinks are good and very reasonably priced. I had the pork chops and they were flat out the best pork chops that I have ever had. Everyone else loved their food too. The drinks were great. No one had room for dessert. It doesn't have a few but it is a nice atmosphere. Highly recommended for those who love good good.
(5)
Laurence W.
Keei Cafe seems like a neighborhood favorite -- it's crowded, and a lot of the guests seem to be locals though I'm sure they do a solid tourist business, too. The menu is all over the map (greek salad, eggplant rolls, pasta primavera, and fajitas?!?), but your best bet is to ignore all of that and head straight for the fish, which is prepared in one of three ways. I recommend the preparation with lemon butter sauce. It was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Unfortunately, the quality of the food is undone by the quality of the service experience. It's bad -- really, really bad. And it's such a shame because the food was good. But the waiter sort of came and went as he pleased, without apology -- I'm not even sure there was a dedicated waiter for the table, now that I think about it. I saw various versions of the same thing play out across different tables around the room. Maybe this works for them... it certainly doesn't work for me when I'm paying white-table-cloth prices. It also doesn't help when you lose my reservation. Read the other reviews and you'll see that this isn't a unique experience... So take care with Keei Cafe. Order the fish, bring a heaping tablespoon of patience, and pray you get good service.
(3)
Kate P.
I ate here several months ago and I still think about how great it was! An upscale experience at really reasonable prices. Is it weird to say that the dinner salad I had here had the best tasting lettuce I have ever had? Oh well it did! A great little spot out of the touristy hubub of Kona - do yourself a favor and stop in!
(5)
Nat W.
Great food and atmosphere! You can taste the freshness of their seafood and vegetable. My mom and I had the special of the day (Mahi with mango sauce), green salad and coconut pudding. We were expecting it to be crowded but the night was slow, which was great for us. I loved their taste of the decor too. Great place to have a nice dinner.
(4)
Ashley L.
We love Ke'ei Cafe! The last time we were in the Big Island we visited this place twice. We had the stuffed eggplant roles with cous cous which were amazing. We also shared a curry dish and amazing black bean soup. Topped the night off with an incredible mango cobbler. Don't miss this place! Atmosphere is gorgeous and service was great!
(4)
Lisa M.
We have eaten at the Keei for many years, and have always enjoyed our meals here. The fresh ahi sashimi is wonderful. We also love the eggplant rolls and the shrimp cakes. Admittedly, I almost always order the fresh fish with curry and rice for dinner. The fish is sometimes ahi (which they properly sear rare) or maybe Ono - both delicious. They used to have a "secret" wine list that contained hidden treasures at reasonable prices. That list is gone, but corkage here is a very reasonable $9, so we bring bottles now. Stick with the house-made desserts - mango cobbler and coconut flan are terrific!
(4)
Paolo A.
Very imaginative menu. Very quite. Live music fine. Clean and healthy food. Food came out hot. My wife had the seared scallop salad. Not a big sized salad but if you want to eat light- it was fine. I had the Tortillas and with black bean sauce and they were good. We were tired and didn't want to eat too much as we travelled many hours that day, and this restaurant was easy to order, eat and relax without too much hassle. Service was fine.
(4)
Tom S.
We ate here with some local friends while on vacation. I had the pork chops and my wife had the fajita taco. The food was fabulous. They lack a kid's menu but serve half portions of menu items for kids. If your kids are picky eaters or are used to chicken tenders this may not be the place for you. Be aware that they only take cash. There is, however, an ATM inside.
This restaurant has it all ... terrific food, great staff and an incredible laid back ambiance. Swordfish with lilikoi reduction was WOW!
(5)
Todd C.
A hidden gem. Appetizers and entrees were very good with a wide range of selection to satisfy anyone's cravings. The night we visited there were several special entrees offered as well. Open air seating on balcony is a cozy spot (just ignore the traffic noise). With limited dining options in the area, you cannot afford to pass up a satisfying dining experience at Keei Cafe.
(4)
Rosemarie P.
This is a hidden treasure. As many of the reviews have stated, the food is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. It is second floor, open air, with many sunset views. It is a great place for a special dinner. Even the wines are priced reasonably. The live entertainment is fun and a wonderful addition to the evening. If you are in a rush and don't want to enjoy the ambiance, this is not your place. Everything we have ordered has been delicious. Even the appetizers and desserts are creative. It is anything but the usual. We have been there twice on this vacation and we enjoy eating on our annual Hawaiian vacations. We may go back one more time before going home this time. We are so happy to have this special Cafe to enjoy!!!! Rosemarie P.
(4)
Diana S.
Amazing caprese salad with Maui onions. The seared ahi in curry with brown rice was phenomenal. Must-go restaurant if on the Kona coast.
(5)
M D.
I dinned at Keei's this evening and was impressed. Being a part time resident in Kona for the past 4 years we have dinned at most of the nice restraints up and down the west side of the island. The Keei Cafe rates among the top of the list for the appetizers and man courses. The quality of the ingredients and preparation was excellent. We were a little split on rating of the deserts. The bread pudding was very light and delicious. the cheese cake was not a match with the chocolate crust and granauce. As some of the other reviews have mentioned the service is a little young but they are very nice, hard working and want to accommodate the guests. We started out a little rough on seating but our server Sean worked very hard to make our evening enjoyable. I included his name in the review because he deserved the recognition for his service and concern for his customers. It was a wonderful experience and will make it a regular spot for a quality meal.
(4)
Jennifer H.
I needed dinner after a day in the ocean so I called them at 8:45 pm and asked them when they closed to which they said "9". When I arrived, they Saud they closed at 830(though even their door said "9". I told them I just called and the waiter completly denied it. Not cool.
(1)
Phil H.
This was an amazing meal. We started with Ahi, Brie, and eggplant rolls. Each and everyone of these were fabulous. As a matter of fact, we ordered a second Ahi. The ahi was the freshest I've ever had -and this was truly the filet mignon of the sea. We had Brazilian seafood soup - amazing, flavorful, hearty, delicious. For dinner, we had pork chops, lamb, and the pan seared rib eye. For dessert, we had the Mango Cobbler, the flan, And passion fruit cheesecake. The Cobbler was delicious-the cheesecake was wondrous, and the flan was just phenomenal. If you can make a special night with a special dinner-try this place - you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Stephen R.
Ok. I hate whining. The only complaints about the Keei Cafe seem to be from people that did not get served fast enough. For them, there is a Mcdonalds less than 1 mile north on your left in Kealakekua. Four of us had dinner last Friday night at the cafe. Between us that makes about 6 or 7 visits in the past 8 years. Each and every one has been memorable. The environment is beautiful, the music is a perfect match for a quiet dinner and the food is exceptional for this price range. My wife and I often have different tastes in wine and wine by the glass at Keei was fresh and reasonably priced, i.e. $7-9 a glass rather than the recent trend toward $14-16 for the same level of wine. On this visit we had the seared Ahi steaks which were perfectly cooked along with very nicely seasoned red peppers and vegetables sauteed, a very well prepared roast chicken, seafood pasta and the super pork chops everyone loves. The desserts (mango cobbler and chocolate lava cake) were shared and enjoyed by all. Service was very good and timely. For us at least, on vacation in Hawaii, we want time to relax, have an appetizer (eggplant rolls were excellent) and talk with our friends. The pace, the music and the food at Keei Cafe are a perfect match. We will go again, no question.
(5)
Chris C.
This has got to be one of the best restaurants on the Kona side of the big island. The atmosphere is perfect, and the food is top notch. This is our go-to restaurant when we are looking to treat ourselves. Be sure to get a reservation, as it tends to fill up.
(5)
Tom L.
This place is a great place to go for lunch or dinner. It's not a great place to go if you are in a hurry, but if you want a good lunch or dinner for a very reasonable price and want a leisurely meal, it's a good choice. The place is clean, well appointed and wait staff friendly. The food is very good every time we have eaten here.
(5)
Amelia A.
I hate to give Keei Cafe only 4 stars because the food is fabulous but the service was less than stellar tonight, unlike our previous visits. The waiter was a bit slow, forgot the specials, served wine without showing us the bottle (the wine was not what we ordered) and it took forever to get our check. Despite that, I'm still giving 4 stars because of the food and ambience. They accommodated our daughter making pasta with butter and noodles, and chicken and broccoli on the side. hubby and I split the honaunau greens and each got the catch of the day, which we both enjoyed. he got spearfish with lemon caper sauce and I got seared ahi tuna with wasabi butter sauce. sooo good! mango cobbler ala mode was tasty too. expect good food, maybe some slow, unrushed service, and you'll have a great time!
(4)
Greg A.
A rare find! Friendly, casual atmosphere, and it's open to the west so you can see a beautiful sunset and enjoy fresh air. Although the menu has a wide selection, we tried the special (ahi tuna with mango sauce) and we were blown away. Perfectly done with an upscale presentation, but at a reasonable price. Our 4-year-old liked her food too. As if that weren't enough, there was live entertainment too: a guitarist/singer who sounded great, and wasn't too loud even though we were sitting right next to him. Next time we're on the island we'll be sure to return!
(5)
Matt M.
Best fish I have had on the island yet. Loved the mahi mahi with lemon butter and capers. It was cooked perfectly. The whipped potatoes with carmalized onions and the vegetables were great sides. In a relaxing enjoyable atmosphere you can enjoy dinner and drinks while watching the sunset.
(5)
Ross W.
Torn about this place. Food was quite good. We tried Spear Fish over Miso Peanut Salad, Sea Scallop & Shrimp Salad, and Mango Sorbet, but service was lukewarm in the beginning. The balcony table was cool, but you were practically next to the highway, so it was noisy. The ambience was nice, and there was even live Hawaiian music. 4 stars for food, but 3 for service.
(3)
A K.
Excellent choice for dinner. The Ahi over mashed potatoes and capers was outstanding. So was the seafood soup and the mango cobbler. Great ambiance, extremely well-cared-for interior, and very friendly service. Good view. Cash only (which they should reconsider).
(5)
Jay H.
Alas, we made reservations for lunch on Open Table. When we arrived, there was a sign on the door: "Sorry, we no longer serve lunch." It would have been preferable had management given us a heads up. We were disappointed.
(1)
Michael S.
Great meal and wonderful service. I can't comment on others' service experience, but ours was first rate. Everyone was on top of their games the entire time we were there - friendly, fast, accurate. We really liked the shrimp cocunut rice cake to start. Both the ahi and spearfish were cooked perfectly. Two mai tais each and mango cobbler to share made for a wonderful last night on the Big Island. Keep in mind, they only take cash or personal checks.
(5)
Chris B.
Dinner among our group of eight included drinks, appetizers, salads, entrees, sides & desserts. All were outstanding! Entrees included pastas, Ahi, Mahi Mahi, duck & pork chops. Wonderful! Service was outstanding, also. Nice live background music & lovely island furnishings. Look forward to returning to Keei!
(5)
Andree H.
We came to the big island without many plans and so relied on word of mouth for much of our experience. I also downloaded Yelp to my iPhone and had fun looking up various things, finding it handy. When Cafe Keei was recommended by the owner of the guitar shop (wonderful locally-made guitars mixed in with amazing vintage). I looked it up on Yelp and found totally mixed reviews. We stopped in and found a lovely place with beautiful art and furniture. The staff was very civilized and we sat on the small patio for a view of the water (granted it is across the highway). We ordered a mai tai, blue margarita, seafood bisque and cakes, scallops and prawn salad - delicious!
(4)
Christine C.
We hired Keei Cafe for our destination wedding in Kona, Hawaii. The food was exceptional and a highlight of the evening. Our menu consisted of 3 appetizers that included papaya and mango salad, grilled shrimp, chicken satay, and a fresh tomato, mozzerella and basil crustini. We had the most amazing seared ahi (best we've ever had), grilled chicken, brown rice, and green beens. Everything was local, fresh and healthy! I've heard that during most weddings, the bride and groom barely eat That was not the case for this wedding. The food was so good that we asked for seconds. We ate every last bite. Our guests raved about the food. The service and food were more then we can ever have hoped for. The value was outstanding. The presentation was gorgeous. They worked hard to give us what we had envisioned, even though it was a bit "outside of the box." Mahalo to Bob, Gina and your wonderful team!
(5)
ALEXANDRA L.
Best parts: Great staff/service and amazing homemade bread. We went for lunch (the only ones there on an overcast day at 11:30). Had a table with a view (and the highway grumble, but whatever). Ate gazpacho & caesar salad w/ fish & fish tacos. Everything was very fresh tasting and satisfying. Even took a piece of macadamia nut pie to go for later. This was a nice little escape from the Kona madness (with Iron Man approaching). Plus, can I say how nice the guy was? My honey got a mojito that was super tasty, and I drank tasty Kona coffee (different moods post-snorkel). Kind of eclectic menu with mushroom fettuccine, pastrami sandwich, burger, soba noodle dish, etc. But, frankly, if you're going with a group with varied tastes, I doubt anyone would walk away sad.
(4)
Bert S.
This was our 3rd trip to this restaurant. The food is consistently good. However, the service was extremely slow. We waited about an hour for our food with little attention from our server. We asked for some bread while we were waiting which arrived with our meals. We were annoyed to see a charge for the bread on our bill. It was removed when we questioned our waiter. I feel charging for bread when customers have to wait a long time for their meals is very poor customer service. If left a bad taste in our mouths. Not sure if we'll return.
(3)
J B.
I just love this restaurant. We tried it because so many people raved to us about the food, so we just had to give it a shot. It is located on the highway, but is upstairs with a lovely view and patio seating. Elegant island interior with an upscale atmosphere, excellent, friendly service and live music on the weekends. Their mango cobbler and pork chops are amazing. If you find yourself in South Kona, this restaurant is a real treat.
(5)
Kirk J.
In the midst of a difficult night due to things out of their control, the dinner we were served was incredible. The service was top notch as well. Make reservations, have a bottle of wine, and no matter how full you are, order the mango cobbler for dessert. From appetizer to salad to entree to dessert we were at a loss for words to describe how delicious everything was.
(5)
Bob G.
Just had dinner.We always make Keei Cafe a stop when we come to the Big Island.Great food I had swordfish with a mango sauce the cheese cake was awesome
(5)
Michael N.
Am a foodie. Been coming to Kona for 25 years, sometimes more than twice a year. This is the best meal my wife and I have had on the Big Island. Really worth the trip to Kealakekua. Take the new Alii highway for fastest route.
(5)
Paul W.
Liked the casual atmosphere and brief menu. Food was good, not at all adventurous though.
(4)
william p.
Let me be the first to admit that the Island of Hawaii is, generally, a black hole for fine dining. Just accept it and then find the best that the island can offer. I think Kee'i Cafe is a very good restaurant. I have eaten there about about 10 time in nine years. The wine list is good compared to other BIg Island establishment. Nonetheless, it does not compare with SF, LA, or napa for selection. It's not gonna happen. The service in the past has been spotty, but this May it was very attentive. The food is mixture of hawaiian and brazilian. It's not Gary Danko, but it is fresh, tasty and not overly expensive for the Islands. I can appreciate some of the older criticism but I think those events have passed and those problems have been resolved. Still if you are looking a food and wine orgasism go to Oahu, you will not find it on the Big Island.
(4)
Jane F.
Ke'ei Cafe has good days and bad days. Mostly good, and a loyal local following. This was my third time at Ke'ei in the last year and a disappointing dinner experience. I ordered one of their specials - catch of the day (ahi tuna) with peanut miso salad and green papaya slivers. It consisted of two thin pieces of seared ahi on a bed of curly lettuce with a handful of green papaya slices and peanut miso sauce on the side. It took a long time to get the order and when it finally arrived, the lettuce wasn't well washed with dirt still visible in the wedges. The house red was mediocre and tasted like they left the bottle open the entire evening and it breathed too much. They weren't busy that night either, 4 or 5 tables filled at most and the waiter was mildly pleasant, but mentally checked out. Not worth the high price tag for a below par dining experience, but I'll chalk this up to one of their less than stellar nights.
(2)
Randy K.
My wife and I ate here for a special treat one night. We were looking for something off the main drag in Kona, and the drive down was a welcome break from town. We found the food to be creative and excellent, and the service even better. We'll definitely keep this on our "must do" list for future Kona trips!
(5)
Thomas G.
Wow what great food and service. We split an meal between us and that was great because we then had room for dessert. Only negative is they don't take credit cards. Even the vegetable were outstanding. It's obvious the chef can blend flavors together to great results.
(5)
Nancy Z.
We have been faithful patrons of Keei Cafe since they first opened in the old Sam's fish market location. We personally feel this is the best restaurant in South Kona and right up there with the best on the island. Keei Cafe is a small family owned and run business. It is not about speed, so know that coming in the door. At the same time, they are not pushing you to turn a table. It's island time - relax and enjoy. Their salads are generous and boast fresh, local, organic greens. We especially like the peanut miso salad. The fresh fish specials are always top drawer. Bobby must have an 'in' with the fishermen because he gets the freshest fish. If you like seared ahi, they do it to perfection, and the cut is exceptional. The special preparation and the lemon caper butter preparation are both excellent choices. The fresh catch served on a greek or peanut miso dinner salad is also a winner. When we aren't in the mood for fish, which isn't often, the rib eye steak is a favorite as is the New Zealand rack of lamb. They offer a nice, moderately priced wine selection. I think we've tried every dessert on the menu. When it's mango season, the fresh mango cobbler a la mode is a score. My husband adores the old fashioned sundae. I fell in love with flan when I worked with a Peruvian and until I had Keei Cafe's flan, no one else came close. Keei's coconut flan has a nice, light, tropical twist...the perfect way to end a meal. Keei Cafe is our go-to choice for all special occasions. Dress up or dress down....it all works at Keei Cafe. As others have noted, this is a cash only restaurant - no credit/debit cards. While you can walk in, I highly recommend reservations as they can get quite busy at times. I have to make special mention of Freddy. Freddy can often be found softly playing guitar and singing in the evenings. He helps to create a nice, local atmosphere....magic.
(5)
Sharon G.
Our first time here per a recommendation from friends. What a find! The service was excellent and friendly and the food was wonderful. Try the eggplant starter. We could have made a meal on that with a salad. The server convinced me to try the fresh swordfish and despite my hesitation, I ordered it and it was fabulous. Moist and flavorful, not the dry meaty fish I've had elsewhere. My partner had the duck special and loved it too. Not the Asian style you get served everywhere else in the islands, but European style; again, moist, flavorful and just yummy. Portions are generous so I had to pass on the Mango cobbler. Maybe I'll have that first next time. Full bar and good wine list and the prices are very good. Just be sure you take cash. For the two of us with a shared starter, two full meals and two glasses of wine each, the total was only $86. Find that anywhere else nearby! Oh, and great ambience too! We'll be back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Veronica P.
Located on the second floor of a small strip mall, this quaint restaurant is geared toward the locals. Located between Kona and Captain Cook, most tourists probably wouldn't make the trek here especially at night, when a streetlight is nowhere in sight. Unless you have ESP or GPS you will most likely drive by this place and never even know it. The restaurant has a warm feeling to it, with lots of wood tones and a tropical feel to it. There is a very small patio, but it overhangs the parking lot which is not the most ideal or romantic place to be seating. The Rib Eye was cooked to perfection and the herbs added a nice punch to the dish. The steak had the right amount of fat to help give it flavor. There wasn't a lot of fat or gristle; really an enjoyable piece of meat. The Seafood Chowder is a nice mix of seafood including shrimp, mussels, scallops and fish in a nice, rich broth. The chowder was very flavorful and the portion was more than adequate. I had heard that food quality had gone down and that people were usually not seated promptly, but we had no problems with either seating or food quality. We had no reservations and waited less than 10 minutes, and the food was very good.
(4)Anne W.
Ke'ei Cafe was the perfect restaurant to celebrate our last night in Hawaii, and our anniversary. It's beautiful inside, with views of the sunset, the food is wonderful, and I finally had the delicious MaiTai I had been searching for the whole trip. Beware, cash only!
(5)Jay D.
Aside from the cash only thing, this place is a 'must' to visit while on the big island. The service is friendly, decor is upper class and the food is wonderful. Parking is in the rear and you'll have to be careful of some narrow entrance and exits.... But it's nothing treacherous. Great place to go to with your significant other. A+
(4)Chuck D.
If I would have written this review the first time I went it would have been four stars. I hate to drop two stars on my second experience and thought about splitting the difference with three stars, but there are just some unforgivable things that happened and from other reviews it does not seem to be a one time thing - I think my first experience was more of a one time thing. Briefly, my first experience was a couple of years ago. My parents LOVE this place and wanted it to be the site of my brother's reception after their wedding on the beach. We rented the whole place out. The only thing I found odd is that when we first got there there were still people there for nearly an hour into our "renting the place out" I thought that wasn't super professional. I do have to say that this first time though we had a fish choice or a beef choice to keep thing simple. The steak was definitely delicious and the Mai Thais were phenomenal. Service was attentive but not annoying. I felt they had a decent wine selection for being on an island as well. We ordered a few bottles and I enjoyed every one I tasted. Second time we went was our last night on the island this time. While my parents were staying on for another week, we wanted to celebrate my mom's birthday before my sister, boyfriend, and I shipped back to the mainland. I thought this would be a great place because it is her favorite (my dad and her have been six times or so I think?). I made a reservation for 7 pm which already made me angry. On the phone they asked for my name and I said "Charlotte. C - H - A - R - L - O - T - T - E" and they were like " what?" I was like "Charlotte... C - H - A ... " they cut me off "Sheryl .. ok. we have you. 7:30." ... I corrected the time and he just replied with an ok and hung up the phone. When I arrived at honestly 6:59pm, I was actively ignored (no they were not busy, the guy simply felt like perhaps I deserved to watch him flit around and stare at a chart and do nothing for the first 10 minutes that I was there...when I was clearly trying to speak to him). We watched a 6 top get seated at the table I had assumed was waiting for our 5 top because WE HAD MADE A SEVEN PM RESERVATION and it was the last table open! Finally I got a curt "yeah. reservation for 5? Chandler?" I was like "uhm, we had a seven pm reservation under Charlotte for -- " cutoff. "Yes. sit down... it'll be ready in a bit." ... 25 minutes later... Ok. So they are busy. Lets just forget about it. The owner (my parents know him to be the owner since he helped them set up the reception before) came to wait on the table so it should be a great experience? nope. I'll briefly highlight: app we wanted unavailable, app we ordered with cheese on the side (mom and sister are vegan) came with cheese on it...they picked around it because there was no one coming by our table to check on us, empty drinks for 10 minutes before our food arrived with no offer to bring us more, sneer on the waiters face when I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu (failed to notice my boyfriend ordered one of the most expensive), and attitude when we didn't order dessert (yes I thought the person who wrote about this before had it all in their head, but they literally threw the menu down and walked away). Guess what Keei Cafe, we WANTED TO ORDER DESSERT. Know why we didn't ???? You're ATM was NOT WORKING and you only take cash!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Overall, NOT GREAT. Mom's birthday dinner was pretty much ruined. We wanted more drinks and a dessert but the insane no credit card policy with an ATM machine that was not working ruined our plans for that... also, here is what I find unforgivable, if you OWN A RESTAURANT you should know how to wait on the tables and create a fantastic experience for your guests. My parents go to the island once a year for about 3 weeks and always worked to bring people visiting (and a huge reception to your restaurant) I recommended this restaurant several times and would have frequented whenever back... but when the OWNER gives you attitude and doesn't want to even OFFER TO GET YOU MORE DRINKS (uhm, how much income does drinks add to a ticket??? come on!) and acts like it is an inconvenience to wait on you - I am not supporting Keei Cafe and I hope no one else does either. I don't know what happened Keei, but you lost lots of great customers. I hope that this serves as a warning that even if you might go when they are having a good night, they don't care about their customers and so why should we support them?? Why should I pay some of the highest prices on the island for a horrible experience? Never again Keei Cafe. You blew it! (sorry for the rant everyone... it had to happen...)
(2)Anuradha M.
Awesome as always
(5)Jack M.
Good food, quiet, there was entertainment, but still able to talk to your date, had the rib eye, wife had the duck, both were cooked to our liking. One of the better dining experiences in Kona.
(4)regina t.
Ke'ei Cafe has a great view. The food was amazing, I had the daily catch. Great wine selection too. We had a great organic wine that is was paired perfectly by our server. Sometimes it was a bit loud as a large group was in the same area as our table. But that can be expected with the all wood interior and decor. Overall it was a nice evening. The ony thing was at that elevation is got chilly after the sun had set, bring a sweater.
(4)Ian M.
My wife and I enjoyed our meals and found the service to be friendly and prompt. I believe that two factors helped to make the experience a positive one. First, we made reservations. Second, we made EARLY reservations. It probably helped that we were still (sorta) running on EST zone, but getting there right at 6pm for dinner helped us avoid the rush and get our food quickly, but not at an overwhelming pace. Remember - this isn't a "Duke's" or some other chain. It's a locally owned and run establishment. Sit down, relax, and enjoy their take on a meal. If that's not your style then this isn't the place (or island for that matter !) for you. Head to Maui for your slice of LA.
(4)Nancy W.
Words can't express how much we (my BF & I) loved this place. The portions are Cheesecake Factory sized but the taste is Michelin star worthy. The chicken with Thai curry was amazing! The chicken was perfectly cooked with nice crispy skin and moist, juicy meat. The ahi seared to perfection. There's a nice ambience. They also had a local musician serenading us all evening. I wasn't a big fan of that because given the intimate setting, it felt like he was singing at the next table. But, I am an old fart. It seems most people (including my BF) loved it. Fair warning! This establishment only accepts cash. Your credit cards are not welcome, much like most things plastic (at least in the new green era).
(5)Roberto P.
I had noticed this restaurant many times on our travels to and from the Bed and Breakfast in Captain Cook (Aloha Guest House) Bed and Breakfast). On our fourth night on the Island we decided to give Cafe Keei a try. Wow! It was the best meal we've had yet on the trip. The Roasted Half Chicken with curry was phenomenal. The Brazilian Seafood Chowder had a broth that was so tasty I wanted more! My partner had spearfish with lemon caper and it was cooked to perfection...oh and not to forget, the Rice And Seafood cake was so unique and delicious. If you a chance to try Cafe Keei, Do It!!
(5)Michelle C.
Keei is a great treat! After being on the Island for 8 days I was really in the mood for a good meal (hard to find on this island). I was thoroughly impressed, the food is spectacular. The ambiance is relaxing as it is located on the second floor and has a beautiful view of trees and the ocean. The staff was lovely and accommodating. I recommend the Baked Brie in Filo Dough... YUM. The lilikoi cheesecake was also delicious. I give this a 5 star rating my man says a he gives it a solid 4. Go here, it's good!
(4)Eric W.
This place was nice, nothing overly fantastic. The food was good and we didn't have a problem with service, as other reviewers mentioned. They moved us to a balcony seat when we requested, that was nice. THe cash only thing is a little annoying, but I get it. Overall, not a bad spot and would go back next time on the Big Island.
(4)Gina T.
We were here before and thought the food was good. Came back this year for the crispy skin chicken. --We've ordered brazilian chowder which was very soupy, few sprinkle of fish, 1 clam, 2 shrimps (these were tasty). --Fried Brie for appetizer: pretty good that's why the 3 stars --Rolled eggplant stuff with a whole bunch of garlic: ok for appetizer --Crispy skin chicken w/rice and curry sauce: chicken was moist skin was crunchy, but everything was tasteless, think they forgot to seasoned the chicken. Not enough curry sauce on the rice....common' why so skimpy on the sauce? --House special which cost about close to $29, so we thought the fish must be tasty so went ahead and ordered that. It came out with the "special" sweet and sour sauce. They forgot to tell us that the sauce was extremely sweet which killed all the taste on the fish. Fish was also not seasoned at all......not even salt & pepper. The fish was served w/mash potato an gravy. The mash potato seems like it came out from a box and undercooked, my daughter can make instant mash potato better than that. But common' for $29 a plate and we get instant mash potato? Must be kidding me! Needless to say we're not coming back here again.
(3)S V.
We happened to find this place when driving south from Kailua toward the volcano park. It's a very tastefully decorated restaurant with an amazing view. We ordered the eggplant and hummus sandwich, and pasta for the kids. We LOVED the food. The service was extremely good. This was one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island. Highly recommended.
(5)John T.
great ambience to the place and the food is delicious what more can you ask for?
(5)Matt H.
The review posted below is from my wife. We have been eating all over from Captain Cook to Kona for the past several days, from run-down BBQ shacks to expensive fancy meals... and the Keei Cafe went down as both of our favorites. For a great view, sit on the balcony to watch the sunset. Even with the road noise right below, which usually bothers me, I was able to ignore it. Excellent food, from appetizer (brie cheese) to main course (fajitas) to dessert (bread pudding). The Sunset Breeze drink is excellent too, but it is better if Greg makes it. The service can be slow at times, but probably because the small crew makes it a point to talk with every customer they have, and they can't be everywhere at once. Sit back and enjoy the amazing artwork on the walls while you wait.
(5)Nichole B.
We've been coming here for years. My folks fav spot on the island. Yes, service can be in the slow side...but just relax and enjoy the Aloha. Great Curry house special - try with brown rice and fish. Their salads are always local and fresh. Mango bread pudding is a must; lava cake can be skipped.
(4)R.J. R.
Best restaurant in South Kona. Good enough that we ate there twice while in Kona. Everything we tried on the menu was superb. Make a reservation, place is not that big. Don't take credit cards, but there is an ATM machine in the hall, or plan accordingly. Tricky to find.. Park in back, up the hill. Well worth the adventure. Try to get a table on the lanei. Not open every day.
(5)monica w.
Amazing meals and ambiance. If you had choose one place to have dinner on the island, choose keei cafe.
(5)Sahra H.
This place epitomizes the kind of bad cooking that I abhor: Take an average cut of fish or meat (or tofu, if you swing that way), cook it in an unseasoned pan, and top it with some sauce. In other words, use absolutely no art in your cooking. The fish we had at this supposedly above-average cafe was sorely disappointing. The sauce wasn't even good; it was bland. The service was terrible, not only because the waiter had no facial expression, but also because we did not put a morsel of food into our hungry mouths until well over an hour after our reservation. The wine was overly sweet (there wasn't a good selection, even). Don't go. Oh! And! And, we were seated out on the "balcony," i.e. the overflow seating directly above a busy parking lot and feet away from a well-used street. The inside of the cafe was nice, though: warm and cozy.
(2)Becky w.
The service was horrible!! My husband and I both look very young and I feel this may have had an impact on the service. The guy that was serving us didn't tell us all the specials and was a bit rude. It took us almost twice as long to get served as the other guests and we had to get his attention for everything. Just to give you an idea of how slow our service was a couple that walked in twenty minuets after us was served their food and dessert before he even picked up our dinner plates which had been sitting in front of us for a very long time. The food was ok but the service was so bad I would never go back.
(1)Leslie T.
I had stopped in at this place twice during my visit to Hawaii, and it was closed both times. Undaunted, I made dinner reservations (recommended to us and I'm recommending it right on forward, folks! We were told on the phone at the time I made the reservation that they only took cash for payment) for our last night on the island and had a truly beautiful experience. To begin with, the place on the inside looks nothing like you expect it to look like when you see it from the outside. Once I stepped through the door, I felt like I might be in someone's home, surrounded by beautiful art and sculpture,w/live quiet local musician, interesting "tropical" furniture, nice lighting, airy....sweet! We started with a nice Granacha from Spain for only $24, and since we had been eating fresh fish or Kalua pig for most of our stay, I had the rack of lamb and my husband had one of the night's specials and I believe that was a killer rib-eye steak. We shared bites and they were both perfectly done and very tasty, as were the vegetables served with the meat. I got "all veggies and no starch" with my lamb and the locally grown seasonal veggies were to die for! (when we first walked into the Keei Cafe, a waiter passed us with two large plates of food and displayed them to us - proud of what he was taking out and it was he who pointed out to me that I could get all veggies and no potatoes as I commented on how incredible the veggies looked) All in all, we had wonderful service (the Asian owner waited on us and was very sweet and relaxed) and excellent food in a lovely setting. I would go back in a heartbeat! It is also a very romantic place.....
(4)Mike G.
Best mai tai we had in the Hawaiian islands. Food is very good -- stick with the catch of the day. Get french-press coffee with dessert -- you won't regret it. Service is a little slow -- but what's your hurry? Soak in the gorgeous atmosphere and savor your cocktail (did I mention the mai tais are crazy good?)
(4)Adore P.
We arrived pretty late - after 8 - and were promptly seated. Scallops & shrimp salad, the special of the day with butter fish and the coconut flan were all really tasty. We did not have any issues with the service, quite the opposite. Plan on going there again before this vacation is over.
(5)Mae S.
Return visit for lunch again, highly satisfactory.
(4)Marty C.
One of the best restaurants in Kona. A must visit. Just bring cash! No credit cards accepted. There is a cash machine inside.
(5)Laura V.
Best food we had on the Big Island - the pineapple pork chop entree was GREAT Good wine selection, excellent dessert menu with splendid French press coffee from local coffee growers So glad out B&B hosts recommended this place to is. ***the only thing bad thing I can honestly say is that it was cash only, with some of the entrees being $20 or more this made no sense to me. I live on NS Oahu and even the food trucks have switched to the CC iPad option in order to allow customers to use cards!***
(4)Earl H.
The food was good but the service was not good. We ordered an appetizer that didn't arrive before the main course.
(3)Kione E.
Decent parking. Nice place in a fake Hawai'ian decor. Pretentious. The host / manager ( who was about 45 ) wore tacky ass bling. Straight from Compton. Seriously. The cocktails were at best amateur. My next drink was a scotch over rocks. The sashimi appetizer was pretty good, but minuscule in portion. What? The night before if purchased about 10oz. of Sushi grade, fresh Ahi Poke for about 10$. And now I had about 1oz of Ahi for the about the same amount. Ridiculous! I vaguely remember my salad. It was fresh, local grown spring mix, but the dressing barely existed. My pan seared rib-eye tasted as if the oil was old or burnt before the steak hit the pan. Ruined, but I was too damned hungry. Oh well. Service lacked. We were being served by the pimp. And some idiot, who might have been his son. We refused desert and the ass made a remark, as if we were missing out on something special. If desert is anything like dinner, then..NO THANKS! The cost of dinner was way too high for what it was really worth. From now on, I was sticking to local people food.
(1)Zachary K.
Food was excellent in taste, serving size and presentation. The bread pudding dessert was also fantastic. Service started out OK, but our waiters got switched mid-meal somehow and it took forever to get out of there. A bit pricey, pretty much worth it.
(4)LyraM45 H.
We just made a return trip back to Kona, and still love the Keei Cafe! We were staying a little further south this trip, so we didn't come for dinner as often, but still stopped a few times during our week, including the night of my bday. The owner and his friend are still serving and running the place. They brought me a dessert and had the live musician sing to me. It was super sweet and appreciated. Still in love with the brie appetizer here. The tomato and pesto sauce they use is done really well and even in it's small amount as a garnish, is one of our favorite parts of the dish. The brie is baked so perfectly-- crips on the outside, gooey on the inside. Still one of our favorite spots to stop by after a long day of diving and have a cocktail and some food on the patio where you can watch the sunset. And the owner and his friend who run the place are just so nice and the service is always great from them. Looking forward to coming back on our next voyage out to Kona!
(5)Sarah D.
We were not satisfied. Although there are definitely good points, there is a lot of room for improvement. Good: - Small, traditional, moderately priced menu. - Veggies and mashed potatoes very well executed, well seasoned. - Nice cut of Ahi. - Yummie cheesecake! - Live music. Not good: - Waited 20min before they took our order (place wasn't that busy - about 5 tables occupied) - After ordering we waited another 30min for the food, drinks (glass of wine and a lemonade) came even later. - We asked for seared Ahi, it was well done. - The glass of wine came with 2 flies. - After mentioning the above to the waitress, she apologized and offered desserts on the house. Yet one dessert still found its way to the bill... - They don't take credit cards, which is fine if you have a working atm nearby. They have an atm, but it wasn't working, so my husband had to drive to the nearest bank. The food was ok, restaurant has a lot of potential. We were looking for a good restaurant to end our vacation, unfortunately expectations weren't met.
(2)Grace H.
Although this place is call 'Cafe', like many places in Hawaii, a cafe sometimes is more like a bistro. This one is a Brazilian Hawaiian fusion restaurant. Owner Bob and his wife (the one who has the Brazilian connection) created a casual chic ambiance with a colorful menu. This was my favorite restaurant in Captain Cook. It also has a veranda where you can get more fresh air. There is also a Hawaiian gentleman at night in the weekend who play guitar and sing mellow songs. The food is very good and generous portion, I had the most wonder Shrimp Coconut Rice Cake, is like a crab cake, but with shrimp and coconut.. The Tuna Sashimi was so fresh that I can still taste the sea. The organic green salad comes with a fruity dressing. The Grilled Chicken was as big as the plate (as you can see in the photo), and my seared Ahi Tuna with Rice and Vegetable was light, fresh, seasoned well and cooked well. It is more pricey than other place in Captain Cook, but it is well worth it.
(4)Bob M.
This was a tough one. The facility i wld gve a 5 . The service 4.8. The music a 7. The menu is upscale hawaii. However the product on the beef was bad. Should have been ground for hamburger. Very grissly. That makes me question the QC. The cash only is announced on the door and on the menu and there is an atm in the lobby. I would go back. Maybe ask the chef if the items have been sampled. Other wise i would give it a 5
(3)Stefanie W.
Lovely atmosphere with a great view of the sunset if you get there early enough. When we went, they had live Hawaiian music, played at just the right noise level- really lovely. The food was awesome!! The only reason I didn't do 5 stars was because the night we were there, they must have been short staffed. Although the staff that was there did a great job running like crazy to get everyone served, we did not get the attentive type of service you expect when paying for fine dining.
(4)Rebecca H.
This is our go to restaurant for special get-togethers. Yes the service can be slow but honestly that is one of the reasons we dine there, to relax and enjoy the food, wine & company of whoever we are having dinner with. You can bring your own wine (there may be a small corking fee) and the food has always been very fresh and consistent. The ribeye portion is large enough to share and is some of the best I have had. I can not resisit the Coconut Flan that comes with a delicate lilikoi sauce...AMAZING! Bring cash and they do accept our local check when we have large parties.
(5)Jessica G.
Great food, fun creative and delish! They have definitely improved since I last went in, 2 years ago. The dishes were all reasonably priced, portions are good and the flavored are spot on. We had duck, catch of the day spear fish in a lemon caper sauce and pork chops in a peppercorn sauce. Along with the baked Brie a coup of soup and a salad with a fantastic vinaigrette. Patrons beware this café only accepts cash and it is a fairly small seating area so I would advise making reservations. The cafe could use another waitress. We went in on a Wednesday night and our apps did not come out at the same time, we had to remind the waitress we had ordered the soup. Also the waitress needed reminding about our drinks. The last thing that bothered me was the salad plate along with other dirty dishes were left on the table when out entrees were brought out, that is a pet peeve of mine. Overall dinner was nice!
(4)John D.
This is a really comfortable, quiet place to enjoy a fine dinner in Captain Cook. We ate here twice on our visit and I would definitely return. I ate a regular menu item one night and the special on the next visit and both were wonderful. Dessert both nights... couldn't resist! The staff is friendly, the service is great and there's even some unobtrusive live entertainment, or you can eat on the outdoor balcony for a more intimate experience with the wild sounds of the Big Island.
(4)Yvette K.
I had a very good dinner a couple of months ago at Keei Cafe and have been meaning to go back. The food is good, the decor is beautiful and the service is good. The male singer/guitar player was actually very talented performing jazz and Hawaiian music. He was my favorite part of the experience. We had the eggplant rolls, the pasta primavera and the lamb chops (which were done to perfection) over yummy mash potatoes. Keei is good for the Kona area, but it does not compete with fine dining elsewhere. If you are a "foody" you will like this place, but you will not be inspired or crave any of the dishes afterwards. The best part about Keei Cafe is the music and the decor.
(4)Kristin B.
We were trying so hard to like this place! First of all, it's cash only. That's fine, but the only indication is a tiny sign near the door. The ambiance is nice, but the service is so slow. There was only one server for the entire place on a busy Friday evening. She was very kind, but we spent a lot of time waiting around. Our appetizer arrived with our main course and I'm not sure if that was because of the kitchen or the over extended server. The food was hit or miss. I had the bean soup and it was terrible. It tasted like someone dumped a can of black beans into a bowl, microwaved it, and then let it sit for a long time. It had no seasoning. It was supposed to come with salsa, sour cream, and a tortilla, but arrived with nothing. I had requested no salsa, but was counting on the sour cream and tortilla. The peanut miso salad, however, was good. Of the other items ordered at my table, the French onion soup was barely room temperature and the cheese was not at all melted - it was just a brick of cheese floating at the top. The fish was significantly under cooked, but once it came back fully cooked, was good. The pasta primavera (with chicken and pesto) was bland at best. The pork chops were good, though. For what was paid for our meal and drinks, we all left severely disappointed. I would not recommend this place.
(2)Vv V.
The food was just OK and the service was pretty bad. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also just OK. The average age of the diners was around ~70 when we dined there and we did not feel like we were quite welcome. Also, it seems best to stick with the fish special as the other things we ordered were quite disappointing. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a romantic dinner.
(2)Liz L.
Ke'ei cafe was really hit-or-miss. I would give this 3.5 stars if we could do 1/2 stars. I hadn't been here in years, but I remember it from when it was a BYOB hole-in-the-wall in Kona's old industrial area with plastic patio chairs and amazing food. The new location, where it has been for many years, is beautiful; the decor and furniture are great, and the lighting and volume of music are also perfect for a wonderful dining experience. The service can be a bit slow, but I prefer this to being rushed through my meal, so it was perfect for me. Also, if you go here you should know they don't take credit cards. We started with two appetizers, the eggplant rolls and the crab cakes, which were both very good. They also have a nice wine list with some thoughtful selections, but not an overwhelming long "everything but the kitchen sink list," which I don't like. Then, I ordered the Brazilian seafood chowder. This chowder was the main reason I wanted to come back to Ke'ei cafe. I remember it from years ago as being the best tomato-based seafood chowder I'd ever had. Unfortunately, either the chef or the recipe had changed. The soup came with a layer of oil floating on top, along with a big dollop of pesto (WHY do people ruin/muddle soups by insisting on putting pesto on top?? Pesto does NOT go with everything; especially not seafood chowder!) The broth was relatively flavorless, and the vegetable chunks in the soup were oddly crunchy and out of place. There were so clams and chunks of fish and a shrimp in my soup, but, despite this, the seafood flavor was lacking. Here's how I remember the soup: It used to have a much clearer, lighter tomato broth, with a nice fishy flavor, and came with clams and mussels along with maybe a chunk of fish or a scallop as well. It wasn't confused with so much oil, pesto, and chopped veggies added in. It was much simpler, but the flavors were infinitely brighter and cleaner and more delicious. If the chef or anyone who knows the chef is reading this PLEASE reconsider that dreadful soup recipe and bring back the old one! So, on to entrees: there were three of us so between us we tried the seared ahi with the thai curry preparation, the lamb chops, and ono with the preparation of salad with peanut dressing. The seared ahi/thai curry and the lamb chops were both EXCELLENT and I highly recommend trying them. The Ono, on the other hand, was overcooked, chewy, and salty, but otherwise unseasoned. It came on a bed of undressed lettuce (Not sure one would really call that a salad as there was ONLY lettuce--only one kind of greens--and nothing else.) The peanut dressing came on the side and was also remarkable salty. Overall, the Ono dish was pretty terrible. Even if the fish had been properly cooked, the preparation was still to toss it on a bed of undressed bland lettuce with some salty peanut sauce on the side--really not worth the catch-of-the day entree price of around $30. The contrast between how good the other two entrees we ordered were, and how bad this one was, was shocking. I felt really sad for my friend who made the mistake of ordering the ono. So, there you have it. Ke'ei cafe has a gorgeous setting and ambiance, but is very hit-or-miss on the quality of the food. Still, it's worth taking a chance on. The dishes that were good were superb. Hopefully, you'll order one of those.
(3)Dan B.
Tonight after having a great massage and hot tub experience up the road at Mamalahoa Hot Tubs and Massage (see separate review) my wife and I came to Keei Cafe looking for a nice fish dinner. We definitely found that and more. This cool little place serves up great food and a nice atmosphere. We enjoyed the catch of the day special (monchong in a lillikoi sauce). For a little "cafe" we were blown away. It was delicious. The night was enhanced by a cheesy crooner named "Freddie Aloha" who performs a live solo act of Hawaiian and popular lounge songs. He keeps it to a mellow background volume and he's actually pretty fun. By the end of the evening he had everyone smiling and singing along. The wait staff was really friendly and the place has a chef who could hold stand up against any of the fancy restaurant chefs on the island. If you're on the Big Island, it's well worth leaving the tourist trap restaurants and giving this place a try.
(5)Sandy S.
Although on the main highway, we never would have found this place without a recommendation from our innkeeper. The décor is lovely --- spacious with lots of wood. Service was friendly and prompt for our Saturday night meal. During the meal, we were very quietly serenaded, by two musicians playing a mixture of traditional Hawaiian music with classic oldies from Hank Williams and others -- added to the ambiance without being disruptive to conversation. We shared a delicious rolled eggplant app with quinoa and tasty tomato sauce - - delicious and much lighter than the equivalent dish would have been in a mainland Italian restaurant. They were out of their popular ahi tuna dishes, so we tried spearfish for the first time and it was great. Would recommend and return; bring cash - NO CREDIT CARDS.
(4)Frank F.
Service was very slow. Only one waiter for the entire place. Pork chops were good when they finally arrived , On top of the slow service we were shorted $10 on our change Which the waiter corrected when I brought it to his attention.
(2)Karen L.
Excellent dinner, fresh fish, great service. The restaurant is beautiful inside. Love all the local wood. So nice to be able to go to a beautiful restaurant in Hawaii and have fabulous food with out it being over priced and pretentious. I had the spearfish special and everything was perfect. The green salad was yummy, fish was done perfect and the lillikoi pudding at the end was perfect! If this place was seaside it would be the absolute all around best restaurant on the island. But it's not so us regular folks get to enjoy perfect food at a good price.
(5)Darrell B.
This is my second review of this place. The food is great. The drinks are good and very reasonably priced. I had the pork chops and they were flat out the best pork chops that I have ever had. Everyone else loved their food too. The drinks were great. No one had room for dessert. It doesn't have a few but it is a nice atmosphere. Highly recommended for those who love good good.
(5)Laurence W.
Keei Cafe seems like a neighborhood favorite -- it's crowded, and a lot of the guests seem to be locals though I'm sure they do a solid tourist business, too. The menu is all over the map (greek salad, eggplant rolls, pasta primavera, and fajitas?!?), but your best bet is to ignore all of that and head straight for the fish, which is prepared in one of three ways. I recommend the preparation with lemon butter sauce. It was cooked perfectly and was delicious. Unfortunately, the quality of the food is undone by the quality of the service experience. It's bad -- really, really bad. And it's such a shame because the food was good. But the waiter sort of came and went as he pleased, without apology -- I'm not even sure there was a dedicated waiter for the table, now that I think about it. I saw various versions of the same thing play out across different tables around the room. Maybe this works for them... it certainly doesn't work for me when I'm paying white-table-cloth prices. It also doesn't help when you lose my reservation. Read the other reviews and you'll see that this isn't a unique experience... So take care with Keei Cafe. Order the fish, bring a heaping tablespoon of patience, and pray you get good service.
(3)Kate P.
I ate here several months ago and I still think about how great it was! An upscale experience at really reasonable prices. Is it weird to say that the dinner salad I had here had the best tasting lettuce I have ever had? Oh well it did! A great little spot out of the touristy hubub of Kona - do yourself a favor and stop in!
(5)Nat W.
Great food and atmosphere! You can taste the freshness of their seafood and vegetable. My mom and I had the special of the day (Mahi with mango sauce), green salad and coconut pudding. We were expecting it to be crowded but the night was slow, which was great for us. I loved their taste of the decor too. Great place to have a nice dinner.
(4)Ashley L.
We love Ke'ei Cafe! The last time we were in the Big Island we visited this place twice. We had the stuffed eggplant roles with cous cous which were amazing. We also shared a curry dish and amazing black bean soup. Topped the night off with an incredible mango cobbler. Don't miss this place! Atmosphere is gorgeous and service was great!
(4)Lisa M.
We have eaten at the Keei for many years, and have always enjoyed our meals here. The fresh ahi sashimi is wonderful. We also love the eggplant rolls and the shrimp cakes. Admittedly, I almost always order the fresh fish with curry and rice for dinner. The fish is sometimes ahi (which they properly sear rare) or maybe Ono - both delicious. They used to have a "secret" wine list that contained hidden treasures at reasonable prices. That list is gone, but corkage here is a very reasonable $9, so we bring bottles now. Stick with the house-made desserts - mango cobbler and coconut flan are terrific!
(4)Paolo A.
Very imaginative menu. Very quite. Live music fine. Clean and healthy food. Food came out hot. My wife had the seared scallop salad. Not a big sized salad but if you want to eat light- it was fine. I had the Tortillas and with black bean sauce and they were good. We were tired and didn't want to eat too much as we travelled many hours that day, and this restaurant was easy to order, eat and relax without too much hassle. Service was fine.
(4)Tom S.
We ate here with some local friends while on vacation. I had the pork chops and my wife had the fajita taco. The food was fabulous. They lack a kid's menu but serve half portions of menu items for kids. If your kids are picky eaters or are used to chicken tenders this may not be the place for you. Be aware that they only take cash. There is, however, an ATM inside.
(4)Kathleen W.
Cash only. With lunch entrees around $10-$14. The cocktails are served fast and are made with fresh ingredients. I got the caprinhihna that I'm still puckering from - I recommend something else unless you are 1) on a miracle fruit tablet or 2) enjoy sucking on limes. The pastrami sandwich is incredibly good, but the fettuccini my sister ordered was meh. Fred and I shared a pastrami sandwich just so we could each order dessert - only to find out that they didn't have the mango cobbler I was so hoping to try. So be sure to ask first next time. Fred had the mac nut pie which was pretty good and Corey had the chocolate mousse which was not so much a mousse as a dense chocolate cake. Service was friendly and décor was some of the nicest I've seen outside of town.
(3)Michael T.
This restaurant has it all ... terrific food, great staff and an incredible laid back ambiance. Swordfish with lilikoi reduction was WOW!
(5)Todd C.
A hidden gem. Appetizers and entrees were very good with a wide range of selection to satisfy anyone's cravings. The night we visited there were several special entrees offered as well. Open air seating on balcony is a cozy spot (just ignore the traffic noise). With limited dining options in the area, you cannot afford to pass up a satisfying dining experience at Keei Cafe.
(4)Rosemarie P.
This is a hidden treasure. As many of the reviews have stated, the food is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. It is second floor, open air, with many sunset views. It is a great place for a special dinner. Even the wines are priced reasonably. The live entertainment is fun and a wonderful addition to the evening. If you are in a rush and don't want to enjoy the ambiance, this is not your place. Everything we have ordered has been delicious. Even the appetizers and desserts are creative. It is anything but the usual. We have been there twice on this vacation and we enjoy eating on our annual Hawaiian vacations. We may go back one more time before going home this time. We are so happy to have this special Cafe to enjoy!!!! Rosemarie P.
(4)Diana S.
Amazing caprese salad with Maui onions. The seared ahi in curry with brown rice was phenomenal. Must-go restaurant if on the Kona coast.
(5)M D.
I dinned at Keei's this evening and was impressed. Being a part time resident in Kona for the past 4 years we have dinned at most of the nice restraints up and down the west side of the island. The Keei Cafe rates among the top of the list for the appetizers and man courses. The quality of the ingredients and preparation was excellent. We were a little split on rating of the deserts. The bread pudding was very light and delicious. the cheese cake was not a match with the chocolate crust and granauce. As some of the other reviews have mentioned the service is a little young but they are very nice, hard working and want to accommodate the guests. We started out a little rough on seating but our server Sean worked very hard to make our evening enjoyable. I included his name in the review because he deserved the recognition for his service and concern for his customers. It was a wonderful experience and will make it a regular spot for a quality meal.
(4)Jennifer H.
I needed dinner after a day in the ocean so I called them at 8:45 pm and asked them when they closed to which they said "9". When I arrived, they Saud they closed at 830(though even their door said "9". I told them I just called and the waiter completly denied it. Not cool.
(1)Phil H.
This was an amazing meal. We started with Ahi, Brie, and eggplant rolls. Each and everyone of these were fabulous. As a matter of fact, we ordered a second Ahi. The ahi was the freshest I've ever had -and this was truly the filet mignon of the sea. We had Brazilian seafood soup - amazing, flavorful, hearty, delicious. For dinner, we had pork chops, lamb, and the pan seared rib eye. For dessert, we had the Mango Cobbler, the flan, And passion fruit cheesecake. The Cobbler was delicious-the cheesecake was wondrous, and the flan was just phenomenal. If you can make a special night with a special dinner-try this place - you won't be disappointed.
(5)Stephen R.
Ok. I hate whining. The only complaints about the Keei Cafe seem to be from people that did not get served fast enough. For them, there is a Mcdonalds less than 1 mile north on your left in Kealakekua. Four of us had dinner last Friday night at the cafe. Between us that makes about 6 or 7 visits in the past 8 years. Each and every one has been memorable. The environment is beautiful, the music is a perfect match for a quiet dinner and the food is exceptional for this price range. My wife and I often have different tastes in wine and wine by the glass at Keei was fresh and reasonably priced, i.e. $7-9 a glass rather than the recent trend toward $14-16 for the same level of wine. On this visit we had the seared Ahi steaks which were perfectly cooked along with very nicely seasoned red peppers and vegetables sauteed, a very well prepared roast chicken, seafood pasta and the super pork chops everyone loves. The desserts (mango cobbler and chocolate lava cake) were shared and enjoyed by all. Service was very good and timely. For us at least, on vacation in Hawaii, we want time to relax, have an appetizer (eggplant rolls were excellent) and talk with our friends. The pace, the music and the food at Keei Cafe are a perfect match. We will go again, no question.
(5)Chris C.
This has got to be one of the best restaurants on the Kona side of the big island. The atmosphere is perfect, and the food is top notch. This is our go-to restaurant when we are looking to treat ourselves. Be sure to get a reservation, as it tends to fill up.
(5)Tom L.
This place is a great place to go for lunch or dinner. It's not a great place to go if you are in a hurry, but if you want a good lunch or dinner for a very reasonable price and want a leisurely meal, it's a good choice. The place is clean, well appointed and wait staff friendly. The food is very good every time we have eaten here.
(5)Amelia A.
I hate to give Keei Cafe only 4 stars because the food is fabulous but the service was less than stellar tonight, unlike our previous visits. The waiter was a bit slow, forgot the specials, served wine without showing us the bottle (the wine was not what we ordered) and it took forever to get our check. Despite that, I'm still giving 4 stars because of the food and ambience. They accommodated our daughter making pasta with butter and noodles, and chicken and broccoli on the side. hubby and I split the honaunau greens and each got the catch of the day, which we both enjoyed. he got spearfish with lemon caper sauce and I got seared ahi tuna with wasabi butter sauce. sooo good! mango cobbler ala mode was tasty too. expect good food, maybe some slow, unrushed service, and you'll have a great time!
(4)Greg A.
A rare find! Friendly, casual atmosphere, and it's open to the west so you can see a beautiful sunset and enjoy fresh air. Although the menu has a wide selection, we tried the special (ahi tuna with mango sauce) and we were blown away. Perfectly done with an upscale presentation, but at a reasonable price. Our 4-year-old liked her food too. As if that weren't enough, there was live entertainment too: a guitarist/singer who sounded great, and wasn't too loud even though we were sitting right next to him. Next time we're on the island we'll be sure to return!
(5)Matt M.
Best fish I have had on the island yet. Loved the mahi mahi with lemon butter and capers. It was cooked perfectly. The whipped potatoes with carmalized onions and the vegetables were great sides. In a relaxing enjoyable atmosphere you can enjoy dinner and drinks while watching the sunset.
(5)Ross W.
Torn about this place. Food was quite good. We tried Spear Fish over Miso Peanut Salad, Sea Scallop & Shrimp Salad, and Mango Sorbet, but service was lukewarm in the beginning. The balcony table was cool, but you were practically next to the highway, so it was noisy. The ambience was nice, and there was even live Hawaiian music. 4 stars for food, but 3 for service.
(3)A K.
Excellent choice for dinner. The Ahi over mashed potatoes and capers was outstanding. So was the seafood soup and the mango cobbler. Great ambiance, extremely well-cared-for interior, and very friendly service. Good view. Cash only (which they should reconsider).
(5)Jay H.
Alas, we made reservations for lunch on Open Table. When we arrived, there was a sign on the door: "Sorry, we no longer serve lunch." It would have been preferable had management given us a heads up. We were disappointed.
(1)Michael S.
Great meal and wonderful service. I can't comment on others' service experience, but ours was first rate. Everyone was on top of their games the entire time we were there - friendly, fast, accurate. We really liked the shrimp cocunut rice cake to start. Both the ahi and spearfish were cooked perfectly. Two mai tais each and mango cobbler to share made for a wonderful last night on the Big Island. Keep in mind, they only take cash or personal checks.
(5)Chris B.
Dinner among our group of eight included drinks, appetizers, salads, entrees, sides & desserts. All were outstanding! Entrees included pastas, Ahi, Mahi Mahi, duck & pork chops. Wonderful! Service was outstanding, also. Nice live background music & lovely island furnishings. Look forward to returning to Keei!
(5)Andree H.
We came to the big island without many plans and so relied on word of mouth for much of our experience. I also downloaded Yelp to my iPhone and had fun looking up various things, finding it handy. When Cafe Keei was recommended by the owner of the guitar shop (wonderful locally-made guitars mixed in with amazing vintage). I looked it up on Yelp and found totally mixed reviews. We stopped in and found a lovely place with beautiful art and furniture. The staff was very civilized and we sat on the small patio for a view of the water (granted it is across the highway). We ordered a mai tai, blue margarita, seafood bisque and cakes, scallops and prawn salad - delicious!
(4)Christine C.
We hired Keei Cafe for our destination wedding in Kona, Hawaii. The food was exceptional and a highlight of the evening. Our menu consisted of 3 appetizers that included papaya and mango salad, grilled shrimp, chicken satay, and a fresh tomato, mozzerella and basil crustini. We had the most amazing seared ahi (best we've ever had), grilled chicken, brown rice, and green beens. Everything was local, fresh and healthy! I've heard that during most weddings, the bride and groom barely eat That was not the case for this wedding. The food was so good that we asked for seconds. We ate every last bite. Our guests raved about the food. The service and food were more then we can ever have hoped for. The value was outstanding. The presentation was gorgeous. They worked hard to give us what we had envisioned, even though it was a bit "outside of the box." Mahalo to Bob, Gina and your wonderful team!
(5)ALEXANDRA L.
Best parts: Great staff/service and amazing homemade bread. We went for lunch (the only ones there on an overcast day at 11:30). Had a table with a view (and the highway grumble, but whatever). Ate gazpacho & caesar salad w/ fish & fish tacos. Everything was very fresh tasting and satisfying. Even took a piece of macadamia nut pie to go for later. This was a nice little escape from the Kona madness (with Iron Man approaching). Plus, can I say how nice the guy was? My honey got a mojito that was super tasty, and I drank tasty Kona coffee (different moods post-snorkel). Kind of eclectic menu with mushroom fettuccine, pastrami sandwich, burger, soba noodle dish, etc. But, frankly, if you're going with a group with varied tastes, I doubt anyone would walk away sad.
(4)Bert S.
This was our 3rd trip to this restaurant. The food is consistently good. However, the service was extremely slow. We waited about an hour for our food with little attention from our server. We asked for some bread while we were waiting which arrived with our meals. We were annoyed to see a charge for the bread on our bill. It was removed when we questioned our waiter. I feel charging for bread when customers have to wait a long time for their meals is very poor customer service. If left a bad taste in our mouths. Not sure if we'll return.
(3)J B.
I just love this restaurant. We tried it because so many people raved to us about the food, so we just had to give it a shot. It is located on the highway, but is upstairs with a lovely view and patio seating. Elegant island interior with an upscale atmosphere, excellent, friendly service and live music on the weekends. Their mango cobbler and pork chops are amazing. If you find yourself in South Kona, this restaurant is a real treat.
(5)Kirk J.
In the midst of a difficult night due to things out of their control, the dinner we were served was incredible. The service was top notch as well. Make reservations, have a bottle of wine, and no matter how full you are, order the mango cobbler for dessert. From appetizer to salad to entree to dessert we were at a loss for words to describe how delicious everything was.
(5)Bob G.
Just had dinner.We always make Keei Cafe a stop when we come to the Big Island.Great food I had swordfish with a mango sauce the cheese cake was awesome
(5)Michael N.
Am a foodie. Been coming to Kona for 25 years, sometimes more than twice a year. This is the best meal my wife and I have had on the Big Island. Really worth the trip to Kealakekua. Take the new Alii highway for fastest route.
(5)Paul W.
Liked the casual atmosphere and brief menu. Food was good, not at all adventurous though.
(4)william p.
Let me be the first to admit that the Island of Hawaii is, generally, a black hole for fine dining. Just accept it and then find the best that the island can offer. I think Kee'i Cafe is a very good restaurant. I have eaten there about about 10 time in nine years. The wine list is good compared to other BIg Island establishment. Nonetheless, it does not compare with SF, LA, or napa for selection. It's not gonna happen. The service in the past has been spotty, but this May it was very attentive. The food is mixture of hawaiian and brazilian. It's not Gary Danko, but it is fresh, tasty and not overly expensive for the Islands. I can appreciate some of the older criticism but I think those events have passed and those problems have been resolved. Still if you are looking a food and wine orgasism go to Oahu, you will not find it on the Big Island.
(4)Jane F.
Ke'ei Cafe has good days and bad days. Mostly good, and a loyal local following. This was my third time at Ke'ei in the last year and a disappointing dinner experience. I ordered one of their specials - catch of the day (ahi tuna) with peanut miso salad and green papaya slivers. It consisted of two thin pieces of seared ahi on a bed of curly lettuce with a handful of green papaya slices and peanut miso sauce on the side. It took a long time to get the order and when it finally arrived, the lettuce wasn't well washed with dirt still visible in the wedges. The house red was mediocre and tasted like they left the bottle open the entire evening and it breathed too much. They weren't busy that night either, 4 or 5 tables filled at most and the waiter was mildly pleasant, but mentally checked out. Not worth the high price tag for a below par dining experience, but I'll chalk this up to one of their less than stellar nights.
(2)Randy K.
My wife and I ate here for a special treat one night. We were looking for something off the main drag in Kona, and the drive down was a welcome break from town. We found the food to be creative and excellent, and the service even better. We'll definitely keep this on our "must do" list for future Kona trips!
(5)Thomas G.
Wow what great food and service. We split an meal between us and that was great because we then had room for dessert. Only negative is they don't take credit cards. Even the vegetable were outstanding. It's obvious the chef can blend flavors together to great results.
(5)Nancy Z.
We have been faithful patrons of Keei Cafe since they first opened in the old Sam's fish market location. We personally feel this is the best restaurant in South Kona and right up there with the best on the island. Keei Cafe is a small family owned and run business. It is not about speed, so know that coming in the door. At the same time, they are not pushing you to turn a table. It's island time - relax and enjoy. Their salads are generous and boast fresh, local, organic greens. We especially like the peanut miso salad. The fresh fish specials are always top drawer. Bobby must have an 'in' with the fishermen because he gets the freshest fish. If you like seared ahi, they do it to perfection, and the cut is exceptional. The special preparation and the lemon caper butter preparation are both excellent choices. The fresh catch served on a greek or peanut miso dinner salad is also a winner. When we aren't in the mood for fish, which isn't often, the rib eye steak is a favorite as is the New Zealand rack of lamb. They offer a nice, moderately priced wine selection. I think we've tried every dessert on the menu. When it's mango season, the fresh mango cobbler a la mode is a score. My husband adores the old fashioned sundae. I fell in love with flan when I worked with a Peruvian and until I had Keei Cafe's flan, no one else came close. Keei's coconut flan has a nice, light, tropical twist...the perfect way to end a meal. Keei Cafe is our go-to choice for all special occasions. Dress up or dress down....it all works at Keei Cafe. As others have noted, this is a cash only restaurant - no credit/debit cards. While you can walk in, I highly recommend reservations as they can get quite busy at times. I have to make special mention of Freddy. Freddy can often be found softly playing guitar and singing in the evenings. He helps to create a nice, local atmosphere....magic.
(5)Sharon G.
Our first time here per a recommendation from friends. What a find! The service was excellent and friendly and the food was wonderful. Try the eggplant starter. We could have made a meal on that with a salad. The server convinced me to try the fresh swordfish and despite my hesitation, I ordered it and it was fabulous. Moist and flavorful, not the dry meaty fish I've had elsewhere. My partner had the duck special and loved it too. Not the Asian style you get served everywhere else in the islands, but European style; again, moist, flavorful and just yummy. Portions are generous so I had to pass on the Mango cobbler. Maybe I'll have that first next time. Full bar and good wine list and the prices are very good. Just be sure you take cash. For the two of us with a shared starter, two full meals and two glasses of wine each, the total was only $86. Find that anywhere else nearby! Oh, and great ambience too! We'll be back.
(5)