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    Cipriano's Kitchen

    4.7 (440 reviews)
    PriceyItalian, Peruvian
    Closed Closed
    Updated 1 month ago

    Cipriano's Kitchen Photos

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    CIPRIANO'S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Pasta Amatriciana
    Lisa P.

    On our last night on the island we were looking for dinner for our family of 7. They were so accommodating to get us beautiful food for take out. The lobster di Brontë was amazing, flavorful and not over cooked. The gnocchi was pillow soft with perfectly cooked shrimp. The salad and focaccia were fabulous. Beautiful presentation, and great food! We did take out but the restaurant was cozy and looked so inviting. Would definitely come back next time we are here.

    Warren V.

    Truly the best food on the island. I had an excellent experience throughout the meal. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the area. A bit pricy but if you want top quality ingredients, drinks, desserts and service this place will not disappoint. Top of my list for the next time I visit the island.

    Chef Gino! And their wonderful homemade pasta.
    Robert P.

    My wife and I changed our lunch plans on a whim when we saw Cipriano's Kitchen open during a drive by. We'd heard great things about their homemade pastas, but what we experienced was so much more. Cipriano's is best described as a torrid love affair between Italy and Peru, with unbelievably delicious results. Co-owner Claudia greeted and seated us as if we were old friends, and her husband Gino - who is also the chef - checked in during our meal with genuine warmth and curiosity. The hospitality alone was exceptional. We started with the lobster and fresh catch ceviche (Kona Kanpachi that day), which instantly became a new favorite. Claudia shared that the secret is "zero minutes" - citrus added only at the last moment - allowing the sushi-grade fish to transform right on the plate. It arrived perfectly garnished with microgreens, gourmet chips, avocado, and something akin to a grown-up corn nut. Delectable doesn't begin to cover it. After I joked about licking the plate, we learned that the leftover citrus juice is called Leche de Tigre - meant to be sipped by spoon. Bright, tart, and refreshing, it worked like a palate cleanser for what came next. Claudia then offered us a special off-menu item: ube gnocchi. Marcie ordered it immediately, and I went for the lobster ravioli. The sauces were divine. The ube gnocchi started firm and then melted away like a dream, while the lobster ravioli left me feeling fully satisfied - though of course I cleaned the plate. We finished with a scoop of lilikoi gelato and sat for a moment, stunned that we'd finally found the kind of family-run, soulfully-crafted restaurant we've been searching for on the Big Island. Run, don't walk ... and don't skip the ceviche.

    What's not in here is what you should be asking?!? It's everything you want and then some...all the best of the best seafood around!
    Danyelle M.

    Everything from the moment we arrived was top-tier!! Just do yourself a favor: get whatever Claudia tells you! She will Not be Wrong! So delicious!!!!

    The view
    Olga M.

    Terrible service. They refused to seat us at the table we requested and showed passive-aggressive behavior behind fake smiles. The seating was by the road with a view of a construction site and the place smell gross.

    Savannah W.

    This place is incredible. Authentic and delicious Italian food. Everything we tried was full of flavor and we couldn't help but ask for more. The service is genuine and Claudia was a great host, who knew everything about the food/menu and was very personable. Finally, the ambience was peaceful, unique, and had a great feel to it. We LOVED this place. What was a spur of the moment, "let's grab a quick bite", turned into an ultimate favorite restaurant, "We NEED to go back and try more!"

    Joel S.

    I can't say enough good things about Cipriano's! I've been here multiple times now--sometimes just to grab a coffee, other times for breakfast or lunch--and every single visit has been fantastic. The quality of the food is outstanding: everything feels fresh, from the house-made pasta and bread to the produce and seafood. You can really taste the care that goes into every dish. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is consistently excellent--friendly, attentive, and professional without ever feeling overbearing. It's the kind of place where you feel like a valued guest every time you walk in. I haven't had the chance to try dinner yet (since I work the nights they're open), but based on my experiences so far, I have no doubt it's just as exceptional. Cipriano's is truly a gem and one of my favorite spots on the island.

    Kauai Shrimp Puttanesca and Ravioli Three Ways
    Ly M.

    Absolutely loved Cipriano's -- a true hidden gem on the Big Island! The Kanpachi ceviche, ravioli three ways, and Kauai shrimp puttanesca were all delicious and a standout from our trip. Also run by a husband and wife made the experience homey with a great story. Definitely a must-visit when visiting!

    Yna Z.

    It's overrated. I can say that the food is okay, but a $70 per plate meal isn't worth it. I spent 400 dollars on dinner for two people.

    Cioppino with added squid. Amazing
    Melissa L.

    This is THE BEST Italian restaurant I've ever been to. We came a couple years ago when we visited the island. I'm visiting again and had to go see them. I stayed 1 month and I went 4 times. Gino and Claudia are the nicest people and their staff is amazing. The food is prepared fresh. IT is incredible. They definitely know what they're doing. I've enjoyed several of their dishes and they were all perfect. Hard to pick a favorite. Trust in their food. Today, I had Claudia pick for me and was not disappointed. Their cocktails are amazing. Everything is perfect. I'd give a million stars if I could. Thank you Gino and Claudia! I'll see you again when I return.

    I Italian
    Tami R.

    The food was amazing and the service was tremendous. Such a lovely experience and we can't wait to go back. Happy Birthday Tami!

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    2 years ago

    Outstanding restaurant and service. Remarkably creative and beautifully prepared. Two thumbs up. Les and Catherine

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    Business owner information

    Photo of Claudia C.

    Claudia C.

    I’m glad you guys enjoyed! Mahalo

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    2 years ago

    Delicious food. Delightful service. What a gem! We have found our favorite restaurant on our favorite island!

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    2 years ago

    Best Italian food in the state ! House made pasta, & focaccia, beautiful super fresh salads. Owned & run by fun & talented couple.

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    2 years ago

    Wonderful staff. Food was beautiful. Best on the island. Had lobster ravioli with octopus & salad. Will be back for more.

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    Page 7 of 11

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    James Angelo's Underground Pizza

    4.4
    (287 reviews)
    11.3 mi
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    We stopped at James Angelo's Underground Pizza while visiting the Big Island and had the pepperoni…read morepizza, garlic knots, and a salad. Everything was outstanding. The pepperoni pizza was excellent. The crust had a great texture with a light crisp on the outside and just the right amount of chew. The sauce was flavorful without overpowering the toppings, and the pepperoni was generous and cooked perfectly. It tasted fresh and homemade from the first bite to the last. The garlic knots were fantastic. Soft, warm, and loaded with garlic flavor, they were easily some of the best we've had. The salad was fresh, crisp, and a great complement to the meal. What really stood out was James himself. You can immediately tell that he loves what he does and takes pride in his restaurant. He was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely interested in making sure guests had a great experience. It is refreshing to visit a place where the owner is so invested in both the food and the people walking through the door. The atmosphere was comfortable and relaxed, and the entire experience felt personal rather than rushed. Places like this are becoming harder to find. One thing visitors should know is that the restaurant is cash only. That wasn't a problem for us, and there is an ATM available at a nearby gas station if needed. Just come prepared so you can focus on enjoying the food. This was one of our favorite meals during our time on the Big Island. Great food, great service, and a restaurant that clearly reflects the passion of its owner. We will definitely be back on a future visit.

    Best pizza on the big island, hands down!! James does an amazing job with his business... always…read morefriendly, cozy space and the food is always on point! Fresh ingredients and the most flavorful pizza sauce, the best. A fan from the beginning, and I will forever be.

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    James
    James Angelo's Underground Pizza
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    Meridia

    Meridia

    4.0
    (328 reviews)
    2.9 mi
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    Let's just start by taking them first recognizing us by name when we arrived for our reservation…read more The staff, from the valet parking young men to our hostess and beyond, were as polite as we wish to be hosted. Our server, Indana is a lovely young lady. Kind, polite, helpful, and knowledgeable of her treats and establishment food menu as well as beverage. She suggested wine from Croatia that was delicious. The food was delicious, we ordered grilled octopus for appetizer , a local beet and tomatoes salad and a paella with shrimp and clams. Everything was delicious, but.... The smoked paprika added and the caramelized rice gave to the paella a whole new take on the traditional one. Thank you Chef Soto for your creation and for taking the time to talk with us. Wonderful experience!

    Rome Meets the Pacific: A Revelation at Meridia…read more There is a specific kind of bravery required to order Carbonara on a tropical island, especially when you are dining with your mother-in-law and your palate is still vibrating from a trip to Italy just a month ago. We had recently dined at a prestigious "Tre Gamberi" trattoria in Rome, so our skepticism was high. We expected a heavy, cream-laden resort interpretation. We were wrong. Under the guidance of Chef Soto, the Carbonara here is not just an imitation; it is an act of alchemy. It is a Roman-meets-Norcia masterpiece--a glossy, golden emulsion of egg, cheese, and guanciale/pancetta, elevated by the earthy whisper of truffle. We were seated at a gorgeous table near the cove often frequented by sea turtles (tartarughe), making this a perfect moment of enjoying a tartufata near the tartarughe. It was, without hyperbole, as good as what we had in Italy. The rest of the meal followed suit in a dizzying display of technique. The Japanese scallops were silken and precise, tasting of the clean, cold ocean. And do not let the whimsical name of the "Poi-cotta" deter you. What sounds like a kitschy pun is actually a dessert of haunting texture and depth--far more compelling and sophisticated than its charming title suggests. Chef Soto visited our table after the meal, his passion for these ingredients palpable. Meridia has always had the view; now, finally, it has the soul to match.

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    Inside
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    Seared Scallops
    Seared Scallops
    Dining on the lanai.

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    Dining on the lanai.
    CanoeHouse

    CanoeHouse

    4.1
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    6.8 mi
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    Chef Rhoda from Top Chef iykyk!…read more Had a Mai Tai, glass of red wine, 8oz Prime Tenderloin, and mango sticky rice. Everything was delicious! Exquisite!! Definitely pricey as it's located in the Mauna Lani resort and primarily caters to tourists in the area but the food was to die for, service was attentive when needed but not over-bearing, and it's situated right on the beach. Open air concept and overall beach vibes/ The White Lotus season 1 decor very similar to other restaurants in the nearby. Lol. There also seems to be a house cat named Grumbles that freely roams around. Tell him I said "Hi!"

    Amazing food and wonderful experience. We were staying at the Mauna Lani, and had to try its…read moresignature restaurant (especially since a few in our party were big fans of Chef Rhoda in Top Chef). Each dish we tried had an amazing mix of flavors. Everything was fresh, even the pull apart bread. I opted for the Ahi Tuna, and it was cooked to perfection. The oysters were excellent as well. We also LOVED the ambiance. It seems most tables, whether indoors or outside, faced the ocean with an open concept. Therefore, even the indoor tables are technically outdoors. This was the perfect set up to watch an amazing Hawaiian sunset during dinner. As expected the service was very friendly and attentive. This is one of those must visit spots on the big island. Even if we don't stay at the Mauna Lani next visit, we're definitely going to still visit this place.

    Photos
    Lobby area
    Lobby area
    KONA KANPACHI with yuzu kosho, dashi, lime, mitsuba, ali'i mushroom
    KONA KANPACHI with yuzu kosho, dashi, lime, mitsuba, ali'i mushroom
    CanoeHouse

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    Cipriano's Kitchen - italian - Updated June 2026

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