My favorite place to eat at Kahala Mall. The rice bowls are so fresh and the closest thing to the chipotle bowls. I just wish they had shredded lettuce instead of the large chopped lettuce pieces, but still so tasty everytime I go. Workers are always young college looking kids that don't look happy to be there, but always return because of quality of food! read more

Paniolo is a relatively new spot at the Kahala Mall shopping center. I noticed them when I was walking around on one Sunday in late March 2020. They take their name from the Hawaiian word for cowboy. I was searching for dinner options here in the mall on a recent March 2020 evening. I saw this eatery that was taking someone's order and decided to check things out. Paniolo's is basically fast food counter service, but most of the food options already had been prepared fresh beforehand, so they just scoop it up in the serving trays in front of you / them. This set up reminds me of the handful of Korean Barbeque outlets that asks you for your choice of vegetables before they send it inside for the rice and the entrée of choice. Paniolo's, however, is different, where you are creating your own custom buritto, taco, or bowl. They just make it in front of you, like Subway sandwiches. The stuff they have is fresh to da max. Prices here average about $10-$11, depending on what you're getting.Comparable to other Mexican resutants, the buritto is quite sizable and maybe comparable to a Subway footlong sub sandwich in terms of length and price. You do get what you pay for, which is a wholesome customized burrito, taco, or a bowl to your liking. The overall experience here at Paniolo - Kahala Mall can be categorized as being a fast food ,but wholesome do it yourself Mexican fare, that's basically like Subway almost. You can see them prepare your meal right in front of you. The service here is friendly and typical, but fast and a good choice if you want a healthy meal. The total time spent here was around 10 minutes or less, depending on if there is a line for it. In this time of quarantine 2020, there is really no line at all. Just come as you are with a face mask and you'll be set. Paniolo - Kahala Mall is located next to the center stage area of the mall, next to Whole Foods, Aloha Salads, and Starbucks. They accept major credit cards, as well as cash. As far as parking goes, you are in luck, as there's plenty of parking in the mall and near that part of the mall with 3 sections of concrete covered parking. Quite a nice option for ya'll. If you are like me, the bus routes 1, 1L, 14, 22, 23, and 24 come through the area and stop off at various points around the shopping center. For the most part though, Paniolo - Kahala Mall is a new addition to the mall's options for anyone and everyone to try out wholesome, fresh, and a healthier version of Mexican cuisine. I would recommend coming here for your dining options, although times can be tough with the current quarantine going around on Oahu these days. I myself got a nice burrito that was stuffed with a lot of beans, meat, and vegetables. The burrito itself was pretty monstrous, compared to the industry stand of Taco Bell that comes to mind. These burittos are obscenely delicious and you can taste the healthy aspect of it. I dunno about you but having that clean refreshing taste without the fillers and stuff can really enhance your dining experience! You can customize your burrito, bowl, or tqco as how you see fit. I'd recommend getting the burrito though. The price tag might be worth it, comparable to the bowl and taco, but that's just me. Check them out if you are in the area! 4.0 stars for the overall experience. 4.5 stars for the food and service. 3.5 stars for the prices Support local! B read more

Staff was rude. I asked for half chicken and half steak on my burrito and they said "we don't do half/half on protein... if you want it it's going to be extra" .... I said no worries I'll pay extra (thinking it would just be a few $ more) then at the register it said my burrito was $10.95 and they charged me $5.95 for extra steak . Half the price of my burrito for half/half on the meat. Definitely was not THAT good of a burrito to pay $16.90 for it and get shitty service. Maybe the guy could have said 'it's $5.95 if you want half/half on protein" and I would have said no thank you. GO TO CRONIC TACOS... nicer/cleaner/faster/wayyyyy better food/oh and cheaper read more

This burrito really hit the spot. Food: 4/5 Service 3.5/5 It's like another chipotle equivalent. I would go again. The food came out speedy and it tasted alright. The rice was a little grainy and the tortilla was undercooked. Everything else tasted fine. I would rate the cleanliness pretty good too as I wasn't disgusted by any food remnants other places have on the counter. Only critique I would recommend is to ask them to mark the burritos. Our party ordered three and we couldn't tell the difference until the first bite. Hawaii needs more chipotle places like these! read more

These people Frl be rationing, they barely put any rice and beans it's unreal. Acting like their salary pays for the food . Like damn I'm paying near $15 give me some more rice and beans smfh off brand ahh chipotle ahh smfh read more

My kids and I love the food here. It's authentic, fresh, tasty, and healthy.  Online ordering is such a plus.  Our food is always ready when we arrive to pick it up.  The workers are always friendly and accommodating.  Paniolo's makes my life as a working mom so much easier. read more

Soooooooooo good. You like chipotle? This is better! Had the tofu bowl. Bomb!! Added guacamole of course! Price was good! Chips are authentic. My friend has the burrito. No complaints. Loved the choices of salsa. Cilantro on everything! Loved that you could choose different rice and different beans. Many meats to choose from too. read more

Paniolos - Honolulu - Mexican Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

New location in kahala mall next to AlohA Salads. Assembly line production where you pick where you want a bowl, burrito or tacos. Vegans rejoice! They have a grilled veggies option that includes guacamole! Starch includes cilantro white or brown rice or romaine hearts. Beans include black, pinto or refried. Vegans pick black as the Other two have butter. Then you can add two types of salsa (I picked pico de Gallo and corn) and onions and cilantro. Perfect vegan bowl with delicious veggies and array of color. Taste is delicious. Service is fast and friendly. Cost is great! $10.21 for the veggie bowl and I couldn't finish the whole thing. This is the answer to my days when I want something fast, hearty and healthy. They also use compostable containers. read more

Paniolos - Honolulu - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I'm writing this review within the first three weeks they've been open - and nowhere is without its kinks in the first few weeks. I'll try again in a couple months and update this. As I was standing in 5 person line, the woman in front of me was giving the girl behind the counter a hard time - but I couldn't tell what it was about. When the girl got to me I asked for a Burrito Bowl with cilantro rice and she told me they're out of cilantro rice. I said brown rice was fine and she said they also don't have any and the only option was lettuce. It would have been helpful to announce that to the line. I ordered the bowl with lettuce and the girl was very apologetic and gave me extra steak. The person at the register was also really nice. When I sat down in the mall seating area and opened the bowl - the lettuce was really wilted, and overall it just didn't taste as good as their Kapolei and Kailua locations. Super disappointing. read more

This is absolutely one of my new go-to places to eat at Kahala Mall! One day I was cruising around with my fiance, and we came across Paniolos. For some reason the name sounded familiar, so we decided to check it out, however we both knew we have never tried it before. Come to find out, they had a location closer to my house in Kapolei. LOL. Going over the menu, we learned that they provide healthy options and BYOB (build your own bowl) taco bowls. I am a big "taco bowl" fanatic, so when I saw the different protein options I was obsessing! They even had organic chicken! I ended up ordering the organic chicken taco bowl with lettuce, tomato, beans and rice pilaf. The first time I ordered this bowl I did not ask for the guacamole because there was an additional charge. However, the second time I went I ordered the EXACT same thing EXCEPT I ordered the GUACAMOLE. TIP: ORDER the GUAC! You will not regret it. read more

Try their Ohana Meal! It's the perfect take home dinner for those late nights when you need something quick and delicious. My kids are happy campers when I roll through the door with Paniolos in hand! All their ingredients are so fresh and locally sourced. You can't go wrong with a burrito bowl or their yummy tacos either. Friendly staff committed to preparing every customer with a delicious meal. Paniolos is the best! read more

Great food, horrible customer service just horrible. I think they're all in high school or something not sure. Also, there was a guy falling asleep standing up in the front. I waited for him to take my order and another girl came instead. They put the wrong salsa, and I said I did not ask for that and the other young girl who rang us up insisted that I did (?) idk I'm confused bc I know I did not ask for some things and they still put it, and insisted that I was the one who asked for it. Anyway, I'm not one to pay for food people got wrong but I didn't want to start unnecessary problems. The two girls were also chatting about me in front of me about what they got wrong on my burrito ‍‍ read more

I am not sure why they do this almost every time. If you order a veggie bowl via UberEats, they will not put guacamole as advertised. Why call it "veggie & guacamole" if you're not going to put the guacamole? I wanted to believe that it was a mistake the first time but this is now the third.... read more

I just tried Poniolos Kahala for the 2nd time. My fault. I was unimpressed the first time but attributed it to my poor choice of ingredients. It donned on me that BOTH TIMES the entre was served at room temperature! Not even WARM. I have heard that the Kailua store is very good and i am sure i will not return to the Kahala Kitchen again for what was nothing more than "unrefrigerated leftovers." How can you screw up a basic like a warming table??? read more

I love this place! I would go more often if I didn't have to deal with the Kahala mall parking lot but I love the food, the friendly staff, and the prices aren't bad for the quality and portions of food you get. Love how healthy and fresh everything tastes! read more

One of my favorite healthy spots nearby! It's as close to Chipotle as we're going to get in Hawaii. Every time I go to this location, there's never a line. Their bowls are the highlight, along with the paniolo steak. My only complaint is the crazy high up charges for extra salsa (which should be free...). Salsa is very cheap to buy elsewhere lol read more

Love their food. They are generous in portion size. I usually get the burrito and tell them to add all the choices that come with the meat. I can stretch this into 2 meals. Very filling. read more

Wow. Waaaaay over priced. I also bought some chips and they were stale. I don't recommend this place unless they reduce ridiculous prices.

Nice "chipotle" style option. Wish had a few more options and service could be better. Prices are reasonable. Sizes varied from burrito to bowl, didn't make much since as only difference was tortilla vs bowl. Tasted great. Mall parking, enough said about that. Definitely return. read more

I come here very often. The food is really good. The consistency of the portions kind of varies but that's to be expected when you go to a Chipotle-like place like this. However, the service you get here EXTREMELY varies. The workers are either decently nice or extremely rude. It's almost always the same 5-7 workers too. Not sure if they're overworked or working conditions are bad but the older local lady at the front is either somewhat friendly or VERY rude, no in-between. She either asks how your day was or be on the verge of cursing you out for no reason. read more

This spot has potential to be great. The only advice I have... its major too, would be to step up the flavor on the meat. The Paniolo Steak tasted like a moist beef jerky and it was shredded. [[ All steak is beef but not all beef is steak. ]] I feel like just because you're covering the meat with all these veggies, rice & beans? That doesn't mean to slack off on the meat. When I have a full fork of veggies? I'm searching for the meat, rice & beans to get all the flavors. The meat just didn't do it for me. All other items on the bowl were great and fresh. Another thing? It should not be $2.25 for Guac unless you want extra. read more

Paniolos - Honolulu - Bowl with white lime rice, black beans, Paniolo Steak, all the toppings, corn and tomato salsa and added the guac. - Mexican Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I absolutely love this place! The food is so good. The people that work here are really aiming to please.

This is no Chipotle . Food quality is fine but stingy servings and rude service. Won't be back.

I love Mexican food but this place was just ok. This place is similar to Chipotle where you pick what you want on the inside of your burrito. Kind of like Subway but with Mexican food. I've tried their Kailua location and that place was better. read more

I really enjoy the food, love the tofu protein option. But can't get over the inconsistency in service and portion control. You might be lucky to get a friendly server or you might get the one with no personality whatsoever. I've been there multiple times and every time I get a different amount of food. I always order the bowl, and sometimes they give a fair serving and sometimes they give you really small scoops of each item you choose. For $12 I feel that you should get a decent meal however you won't get what you pay for at Paniolos. So sad. read more

There is no Chipotle in Hawaii. Wonder if it's because it's all fresh and local so that's expensive for them to do here? Anyway we found this place and it was so yummy!! I had a barbacoa type meat on my burrito and my husband tried the steak--we ate our entire burritos lol! Very good and fresh. read more

Kahala Mall location Sad that this is considered Tex-Mex. Food is sub-par to bad. Gave these guys the benefit of the doubt by coming here a few times. Three strikes your out they say, but I'm optimistic and was hoping for a third time's the charm. Unfortunately that want the case. Buy ingredients next door at Whole Foods and go home and make your own homemade Tex-Mex you won't regret it. What you will regret is overpaying for below average food. I know times are tough but $2.25 extra for a scoop of guacamole???!!??? Ridiculous!!! I live down the road and went I got home the meat and rice in my food was ice cold it was really a let down. I love Chipotle everything from their service to the food is top notch. These guys however don't match that same quality. The burrito and bowls I ordered were bland and the grilled vegetables in them were closer to raw than grilled. What a disappointment especially because I had high expectations for these guys being a copy cat of Chipotle. The guy who took my order acknowledged the white people in front of us who were ordering. When it was our turn he just stared at us like we were criminals inconveniencing him. The girl who was the cashier had no personality and didn't say a word besides how much our total was. No smile no Aloha. Customer Service and food were alike, bland. Maybe they can add some spices and Aloha to the food and service and I might come back. I hope Chipotle comes to Oahu soon so that these guys can raise their standards or face doom. I'd hate for a local business to lose out to a corporate leader, but these guys need to perform better. Like I said go buy the ingredients next door and make your own homemade Tex-Mex. You'll miss the lack luster customer service and the outrageous prices. I don't recommend going here and wasting your time and money. I'd give them no star if I could. Keep your sanity and go elsewhere. Heed the warnings. Lots of really good plate lunch places around that'll be worth your time and money. read more

I love paniolos food so much and I seriously have never written a bad review on any business. But I tried to just get tacos and they will not allow me to put beans on my taco. I am a vegetarian and have been for over a decade and beans are the only protein option i can eat (I can't have tofu) so beans are what I was hoping to get. I've been told in the past that I can't have rice on the tacos so i ask for rice on the side and i'll just put the rice in there myself I guess but to literally refuse to put beans in my taco? I dont understand the logic and I am extremely disappointed. I didn't end up getting any food from them and went to Oahu Mexican grill after instead. had no issues there. read more

This was so disappointing. When I first found this joint in Kailua it was my go-to. But ever since they changed management and staff the food, portion, and overall standard has gone downhill. I gave this location a try in hopes they revived, but sad to say my food was skimpy and the only thing that made the weight of my food worth the price point was the BEANS. No flavor whatsoever. Just drenched in beans... read more

Sadly I won't be returning to what used to be one of my favorites. The past 2 times I've been here my bowls literally taste like nothing, despite having lots of toppings. Very disappointing. read more

Who needs Chipotle when you have Paniolos? The juiciest chicken burritos around. These guys really know how to make an authentic burrito. Get it customized the way you like. Portions are huge. Dishes are extremely healthy as you customize it to only include ingredients that you want. Freshly made pico and salsa like I remember having in the southwest. So good I feel like I'm back in Texas eating at my local Mexican restaurants. read more

Enjoyed the tacos. Woman was rude and impatient as we made our selection. There wasn't anyone else in line, not that it should have mattered. read more

Soooooooooo stingy!!!!!!!! They have the smallest portions ever! The girl kept tapping the spoon till practically everything fell out of it and then said any more is extra. My 4 year old finished her food in minutes and was still very hungry, we had to go get food right after. The only one satisfied was my 1 year old. I was warned about this location, I should have listened so in a way it's my fault.. I guess? Not a bad place if you go to the other location read more

I came here recently for the first time on random Saturday night finding dinner/somewhere to eat when my fiancee and I found out Paniolos. It is a Mexican food place and found out that they serve some pretty healthy oriented tacos, bowls, and burritos. It is located inside the Kahala Mall main food area, closer to Whole Foods, Starbucks, etc. You cannot really miss it because it is also right across from the center-stage area! Anyways, the prices for the food items are not too bad and decent. You get to choose your meats such as steak, kalua pig, etc. As well as toppings, such as various greens, veggies, salsas, etc. For my first time, I tried the bowl and it was pretty good. Next time, I should for sure try either the taco or burrito ones. The staff and customer service is pretty good and they answered most of my questions that I had about the food. Will be coming back for sure for a meal. The menu selection itself is pretty simple and self-explanatory. read more

Paniolos - Honolulu - Mexican Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

don't really understand why this place has such bad reviews..we're regulars and love getting a burrito from this place! customer service is great and all food is fresh and yummy! burritos with steak are good :) read more

Would definitely eat here again! The Kalua pork was really good. I'm happy that there's a location in town!!!

We eat at Paniolos almost on a weekly basis. I'm addicted to their chicken bowls with white rice, black beans, extra lettuce and double corn salsa. Super generous and fresh every time. Don't overlook their chips! Cooked fresh, they are the perfect mix ox of crunch and saltiness. read more

I've never felt unappreciated as I did yesterday when I was at Paniolos Kahala Mall. It was not very clear how to order from right to left. Usually, it's left to right at most places. My wife and I got dirty looks from the counter girls and they weren't friendly or patient at all. They didn't have the time to explain the different toppings or difference between a bowl or a burrito. I felt like I was wasting their time. After I paid over $25 for two burritos. I went over to apologize for not understanding how to order using their system. They just ignored me and said "yeah okay". Talk about minimum wage earners! The food wasn't even good. Not worth the price. I'll never go back there. I can't wait for Chipotle to come to Hawaii! Much better service on the mainland! read more

My review mirrors a couple of the others. Bottom line is that the food is great, but the portions sizes are small. The first time I went I had burrito bowl with chicken and it was so good I went back a couple days later and ordered the same thing. This time, I was only given a tiny scoop of chicken. I was so confused because it was so small in comparison with the regular scoop I got 2 days prior. I said something to the worker and she looked at me like I was crazy, but I'm telling you, I know what I had first time I was there and I was expecting the same when I came back again. Aside from the disappointing portion size, the food is fantastic. The ingredients are very fresh and tasty. The cashier is super friendly too. Kahala mall really needed something like this. For what it's worth, I've eaten at their Kailua location a couple times and the portion size was never a question in my mind those times. I'm not sure if I'm going to go back though. I'm sad, because I really want to go back, but I want to get my moneys worth and if what I experienced the second time i was there is what they continue to serve I'll just go to another vendor in the mall or to Whole Foods. It's such a bummer. I do wish them the best of success. read more

Decent portion, okay taste, good concept but still hard to find a good Mexican restaurant in Hawaii