This tiny place came highly recommend by a friend. It's true, only 3 tables so make a reservation. We tried to walk in on a Tuesday but they were completely booked. Luckily they had an opening the following day. We planned our morning around the reservation time. There are only a few choices so we each tried something different. The Caprese was outstanding. My daughter loved the waffle with fruit. The Benedict was really good. Amazing how he wraps the bacon into s little flower. Paul is a great guy and takes such pride in his craft. read more

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After reading reviews my husband and I called to get a table. You may not get a seat if you don't call ahead as seating is limited. The food was great as well as the service. It was REAL FOOD and it was really good. Charming atmosphere. Delightful breakfast. read more

A gem of Hilo! This was the best breakfast we had on our entire trip to the big island. The very definition of a hole in the wall type place means exceptional, personalized service and unique and very tasty dishes. We will prioritize a breakfast here the next time we come to Hawaii! read more

A great place to have a meal. Paul's food is familiar with his twist - very delicious. It is small and quaint so make a reservation, only enough seats for six people total. His waffle batter is very tasty and topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream plus you can have bacon, yum. If you can get a table, it is well worth it. read more

Paul's Place - Bacon Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Cute place, very good food, excellent service from friendly staff. Reservations a MUST. Plan ahead and make a reservation.

We didn't realize that reservation is recommended for this restaurant. It's getting late in the morning and we were hungry. Despite all this, Paul accommodated and entertained us. The food here is wonderful and delicious! We definitely recommend this place. read more

Paul's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Dudes.... The food here is point! I was visiting Hilo for Christmas and my friend suggested this place. I read some Yelps and thought, why not...? First! You can't beat the price and the flavors just dance on your tongue as if to mimick how you feel inside! Second, I recognized the owner from when he was running the hot dog cart outside of Home Depot. Back then I ordered nachos and I thought that they were pretty good. And to think that this culinary artist was him! So glad he opened his own place! He's super nice and super accommodating! I think he and his wife are running this tiny place alone so the food does take some time to come out but honestly, it's Hilo, I got time to kill and stories to talk. Then... one by one the food started coming out... Belgian Waffles: Nice and not overly sweet with some fresh fruit! Refreshing! The Benedict: Not your typical hollandaise sauce but it was delicious! I especially like the ham they used, I don't care for the typical canadian bacon you find most other places. Nicoise Salad: I don't care for uncooked and unseasoned veggies but I will gladly eat this salad everyday! The dressing was soooo freakin delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fish Bowl (Pasta): Nice flavor, not heavy and good portion! Loved it! SBLT Sandwich: Smoked salmon BLT with a pesto sauce in it. It was really good! The sauce had a mustard flavor in it, which I don't like too much. But even considering that it was delicious! Baklava Ala Mode: Sugar, cinnamon, nuts and ice cream! How can you go wrong?! I went with 3 friends and our bill came out to about $50 with tip! How the heck can you beat that?! Especially if you want a quality breakfast?! Try it! TIP: Only enough seating inside for 6 and 2 outside. read more

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We met Paul having an espresso and followed him to his tiny restaurant. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE IF YOU ARE IN HILO!!! The waffle was unparalleled and the Benedict crazy good my yogurt parfait was light and beautiful. We couldn't resist the fish sandwich even though it was breakfast Fresh Ono. Unlike any food we've had on Hawaii we devoured it in seconds! Forget Roy's go to Paul's. Charming host and a sweet waitress and the best food I've had on Hawaii. I am a chef with 30 years experience and I'm telling the truth. read more

Paul's Place - Fresh Ono sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Possibly the best breakfast place in Hilo. Ok, I don't know since I haven't eaten at ALL the breakfast places in Hilo, but I can at least say that I had a GRAND experience at Paul's. First off, right when I walked up to the sidewalk I hear, "Good morning, Sunshine!" Me? Sunshine? Aw... thanks! Yes, good morning to you too Mr. Paul! Then, we found out he only has SIX seats. Yes, six. And we made the cut because we got there at 6:50 am for the 7:00 am opening. We sat down and ordered. I got the salmon eggs benedict. Yes, the eggs are suppose to be poached, but I asked for one hard and one soft. He was a bit confused, but he delivered! Thank you! My friend's egg slipped right off his place since the eggs were so perfectly cooked. Mr. Paul immediately made him a new one. Whew! Great service, great feelings, great way to start my morning in Hilo. Thank you Mr. Paul! read more

The Skinny: amazing what one can achieve with 1 small convection stove top, the eats are solid and fresh (4) Service: call ahead, make reservations - this is a small joint and they have 3 tables inside, 1 table outside. Your food is made to order by the chef himself - you literally watch him make it (5) Value: home cooked meal in a cozy setting (4.5). Prior to heading up to Mauna Kea, we stopped by Paul's Place to grab breakfast. We didn't have a reservation (this place is really small - seating for maybe 9 people) but we put our name on the list and waited about 15-20 minutes. This worked out actually because we were able to amble along the Farmer's Market. I ordered the eggs benedict and the hubs ordered to mahi mahi fish bowl. The eggs benedict is not your traditional eggs benedict per se. Lighter and fresher, the eggs benedict had slices of thick ham, lettuce and tomato accompanying the perfectly poached egg. He also uses a rosemary/lemon aioli instead of a hollandaise. (I think perhaps his creation was due to necessity owing to the fact he only has 1 burner to create his dishes.) Regardless, this dish was really well prepared and balanced. Given the warm and tropical environment in Hilo, the lighter dollop of aioli is a better choice than a super heavy hollandaise. The lemon brightened the flavors, adding much needed acidity and highlighting the fresh ingredients he uses. The mahi mahi fish bowl consisted of a good piece of sautéed fish in a tomato, basil?, olive/caper sauce with angel haired pasta. Served with some toast points, it was wonderful. The flavors overall married well with the other ingredients - again really well balanced. From the first bite, you knew that Paul is passionate about his business. You watch him prep/cook your meal a la minute with his solitary convection stove top with loving care. His attention to details is what I think impressed me the most given how busy he is filling orders and he happily checks in on you to make sure you are happy with the food. Overall, I'd give this place 4.5 stars. It's good, deceptively simple food from a great chef. read more

Paul's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Paul's place is amazing! We didn't have a reservation and our number was taken down so they could call us when a table was ready. My number was taken down wrong and Paul went to the farmers market/ downtown area to look for me and my boyfriend to let us know that they had a table for us. Who does that?! Omg Paul went above and beyond for us once he found me he opened up his arms and called my name as if he had known me for years and was so happy to see me. He made us feel right at home. Now to the food. The food was delicious and this is the most memorable place I ate at while in Hilo. Just remember to try to make a reservation as Paul's place only has 3 tables but it's sooo worth it the food and hospitality is amazing! read more

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Paul's Place is a tiny little breakfast/brunch join located at the edge of downtown Hilo. There are literally 3 tables that fit 2 to 3 people each. I came at about 8am and was lucky enough to get a table as I saw the other two tables had already been previously reserved. The kitchen is stationed behind a counter right next to the tables and you can smell the delicious aromas wafting over as Paul cooks. The interior is clean and homey, with white table clothes on the tables paired with shiny silverware. The menu is relatively basic, but all its items are freshly bought that morning. I learned that sometimes some of his lunch items aren't available before noon because he hasn't gone out and bought the supplies yet. I got the Belgian Waffle and it certainly is special as many of the other yelp reviews state. My first impression seeing it on the menu was more of indifference as I've eaten many waffles in my life so I wondered what could be so special about another waffle. However, at the behest of my friends, I ordered it and I was glad I did. The waffle was crispy, light, and fluffy. Topped with fresh bananas, berries, and a small slice of salted butter it was the perfect balance of sweet and hearty. It also came with warmed maple syrup that easily drizzled into the nooks and crannies of the waffle. I finished it easily without feeling heavy or unsatisfied. This tiny restaurant is probably one of the best examples of Hawaiian hospitality. The owner and worker are warm and attentive and they just seem to know everyone that steps through their doors. The food is cooked with care and overall you leave with all the warm and fuzzy vibes of eating at your parent's place. If you're lucky enough to catch a reservation or drop-in, you won't be disappointed. read more

Paul's Place - Belgian waffle in all its glory - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

An absolute must try when in Hilo! *highly recommend!* There are only three, tables set for two, so suggest you make reservations. Been here a few times & it is our goal to eat everything on the menu at least once. So far, everything has been extremely satisfying - from the service to the food. Paul himself is always there cooking, singing, waiting on you (there is other staff). Don't know how he does it, but boy does he have a finesse for cooking (and presenting) the dishes he serves! So far we've had the yogurt parfait, smoked salmon benedict, fish (mahi) bowl, fish (mahi) sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, smoke salmon blt - yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, and....oh yah....YUM!!!! Very nice atmosphere, nice decor, just a little small (cozy). LOVE this place! *highly recommend!* read more

Paul's Place - Fish (mahi) bowl *yum!* - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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This place was the highlight of our trip ! I'm so glad I came across Paul's place . He's reservations only and I wasn't aware. So when I got there with my husband and toddlers he said he was booked since he only has three tables and he personally makes the food himself . When he told us he was booked I was so bummed . We walked out then he came back after us to let us know he rescheduled his last reservation. Oh wow I was so happy ! The food was amazing and although you have to wait for him to make everything one by one he does it pretty quick and it's so worth it ! We ordered the waffles ( melts in your mouth ) we ordered smoked salmon Benedict , and the caprese Benedict . Everything was beyond delicious and i wish I could come back just to visit Paul's ! read more

I'm very hesitant about leaving a review, because I kind of wanna keep this place to myself! It is so charming, and Paul is also equally as charming. Boy, can he cook! The Benedict is to die for. He does something special with that that makes it better than any hollandaise I've ever had in my life. Enjoy! read more

I have eaten there numerous times. The food and service have always been excellent. It is a very small restaurant and you must make reservations. Don't think you can just drop in and get a table. I always recommend Paul's Place to friends and family who are visiting Hilo. read more

0730, stopped at a different place in Hilo for breakfast but they were not open yet. Wanted to go some where different, so looked on Yelp :) Saw Paul's Place within a 10 minute walk, so we went for it. Paul was outside tending to flowers and greeted us. Would you like coffee? What a pleasant and inviting restaurant. From the moment we first saw the sign (coming from the farmers market side) Paul's Place drew us in. We had coffee and water. The water had pineapple and orange sections swimming in the pitcher. It was a very delicate flavor that made you smile. The coffee was tasty. I'm a pushover for a good latte, not available. The meal is perfection. Paul handcrafted each of our plates. I was grateful for the fresh ingredients and Paul's culinary abilities. We had the Benedict and a variation with smoked salmon. We each shared so we could sample both. See pictures attached. I can't wait to see Paul again to sample the lunch offerings. This is by far a true gem of the Hilo bay front. Will we go again? Definitely! read more

Paul's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Best waffles ever! I eat this almost every time I visit here- next fave is the lox & bagel. Make a reservation or you may disappointed when there isn't room for you. The owner, Paul, is not only a great chef, but also a really friendly and outgoing guy! Get there soon! read more

Paul's Place - Belgian waffles with a side of bacon! So tasty it doesn't even need syrup! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Came here for brunch with a friend on a weekend and was wowed by the delicious food! The Belgian waffle was so fluffy on the inside and just the right amount of toasted-ness on the outside! The Eggs Benedict isn't your typical Benedict, but it's so heavenly. I loved all their food that I've tried so far and I need to try more the next time I'm back home! Will definitely frequent this wonderful little hole-in-the-wall as much as possible! Just an FYI: the place is really small (just like 3 tables) so if you arrive during brunch, be prepared to wait. But don't worry--it's totally worth it! read more

You know how some places have huge menus but everything is kinda mediocre? This place is the exact opposite. It has a tiny menu, but everything on it looks delicious. For what it is intended to be, it gets 5 stars. I've noticed some other reviewers marked it down because of the small menu and tiny location. Seems silly to me. For parties of one or two, this place is PERFECT. I had the Eggs Benedict with bacon and it was incredible. I didn't want to put my fork down. Replacing the traditional hollandaise sauce for a dollop of mayo-based lemon and rosemary aioli was sheer genius. It was light, fresh and addicting. Presentation was beautiful, ingredients were fresh, service was friendly and personal (I was the only one in there on a Thursday at around 1pm), and prices were very fair. Give this place a try. You won't regret it! read more

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Paul's Place is a quaint breakfast and lunch spot located just beneath the Pakalana Inn. With just three tables, Paul makes sure that every person who walks through his doors has his full attention. On top of the cute, quiet vibe and the attentive service, the food is BEYOND quality. Paul hand-picks all the fruits and vegetables that go into every dish from the fresh market down the street. We ordered the yogurt parfait, the BLT and belgian waffle. I kid you not, every. single. bite was amazing. I'd come back to Hilo purely for the waffle. Light and crunchy on the outside and incredibly sweet and dense on the inside - just how a belgian waffle should be. Bonus points for the insanely beautiful presentation. Can't wait to come back! read more

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I don't really write reviews but I had to for this place after going with my wife. First off, those reviews giving one star reviews because they didn't have a reservation should get removed. They should have looked up reviews or made a call. This is a tourist town with a chance that good restaurants are going to have a wait time. So, if you see a review here saying they couldn't get in without a reservation, ignore it. That's their own fault for not researching and has nothing to do with the business itself. BRING CASH FOR TIPPING! They accept credit cards but does not have the option to tip. There is a shell gas station a block away and a farmer's market 2 blocks away with ATMs. Now on to the actual experience: This breakfast/brunch is a gem. It wasn't easy to find even knowing the general location as it's on a side street and not obvious to spot. However, the atmosphere was delightful. Walking in you get the feeling you are in a bed and breakfast type of setting where the tables and layout are tight and personal, but clean and comfortable. There were only 3, two-person tables, one near the stairs, another on the opposing wall and one next to the exterior wall with an open door/window with a great view. Our waitress sat us near the open door. It was raining very hard and even with the door open the rain had no effect on us and we enjoyed the breeze as well. I was going to order the Smoked Salmon Benedict but changed my mind upon seeing another patron's Belgium waffle. My wife ordered the same. The service was very quick. In fact, we received our plates within 10 mins with wonderful presentation. The Belgium waffle plate had two waffles stacked with strawberries, blueberries, sliced bananas and topped with a little bit of whipped cream. We ordered with a side of bacon. The waffles were extremely easy to cut but were fluffy, crispy and full of flavor. The fruit fresh and the whipped cream was fluffy and rich. I can't say that I was impressed with the bacon but still worth it. We were in and out within 30 minutes. We left extremely satisfied and were impressed with how welcoming this tiny place was. No wonder it has such great reviews. If I come back this will likely be visited several times again. read more

We drove all the way from Kailua-Kona to eat at our favorite local Hilo restaurant: Paul's Place. Due to unexpected bad traffic, we arrived later than planned @ 2:10pm. And then, as usual for Hilo downtown, we really struggled to find parking... We finally made it to the restaurant door around 2:25pm.. Their lunch working hours (according also to the front door sign) are till 3pm- but Chef Paul said: "we are already closed". I was starving, so I couldn't help but feel kinda disappointed. How would you feel if you were in my shoes? (Update 08/07/15) I got a message from another Yelper stating that Paul changed his business hours many months ago, but Yelp & other online listings are taking time to update.. Guess that clarifies it a bit. But Paul should fix also his front door sign. ;-) read more

I have had some of the best food of my life in this cafe. Everything is fresh, and local! Try the ahi benedict or the fruit parfait with local honey, and fresh local fruit. The waffle with fruit is also very good. read more

Paul's Place - Fresh fruit parfait with homemade granola, local honey, and Greek yogurt. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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OMG this is a gem!!! It's a small cafe in Hilo town. If you want fast grab and go food this place is NOT for you. This cozy cafe has only 3 tables inside and 1 outside. Not only is it charming but so is the owner and 1 man staff. I had the Benedict and let me tell you this is THE BEST I have ever had. From the English muffin toasted to perfection the bacon (yes bacon) perfectly cooked egg local greens and topped with his heavenly twist on hollandaise sauce! Sweet local fruit on the side just to clean the pallet afterwards. My husband had the Belgian waffle another WINNER! This crispy light delight was so delicious I only got to sample a bite. Parking is street only but if you are looking for that something special and to remember this is the place to be. We will forever come here every time we come to Big Island. Mahalo for such an amazing breakfast. read more

Paul's Place - Belgian Waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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This is such a cute place. An intimate local cafe with Rod Stewart playing in the background and you can hear uncle Paul singing along now and then. The place only seats 6 people, three tables of two. Reservations is a must!!! I ordered the Belgian waffle per the many mentioned reviews, and it did not disappoint! I usually don't order waffles because I don't care for them. But the waffles here, I would have it again and again. It's light and fluffy on the inside, with a thin noticeable crispy outside. It was perfect. Accompanied by fresh berries and fruits. OMG. Service was very friendly, they are on a first name basis with their customers. It just gives a whole different experience, kind of homey, very welcoming. I'll be back here for sure read more

Paul's Place - Belgian waffle, the best I've ever had! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

If you're debating on going here, just go!! Remember to make a reservation! Great service, great food! read more

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WOW! What a great little find. First off Paul, the namesake chef, host, waiter, everything was the most welcoming experience I've had in a restaurant in a long while. The space, layout, decor, its just awesome and you totally feel like it's YOURS and that you really are appreciated. Then, the food, simply outstanding in its freshness, promptness, presentation, everything. My favorite eggs benedict was handled so well by Chef Paul, the perfectly poached eggs popping open to evenly spread a gorgeous healthy yellow/orange yolk over the fresh as fresh can be local tomato, lettuce and thick ham slice. The muffin foundation for it all super soft; the 'proprietary' sauce on top a nice slight diversion from a standard Hollandaise. Overall i just can't recommend it enough! read more

Paul's Place - making the utmost of a cool small space - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Five+ star food and service! Although we walked in (without reading fellow Yelper reviews) and they were able to accommodate us, make a reservation just to be sure (and it's definitely worth it). The staff are friendly and fun to chat with. All dishes we ordered look fantastic to start with. Belgian waffle is the best I've ever had (so good that I couldn't event wait to take a picture). Salmon Benedict is also very delicious. Even though we went for breakfast, after looking at the menu, we decided to also order a fish bowl for lunch. Glad we did. It is also very delicious and chef even split it in two bowls for easy sharing! read more

Paul's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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What a gem!!! I've never been to such a unique spot. It's small and cozy. Make a reservation! There are three tables and an open kitchen. The owner/Chef Paul is so detailed and creative with his recipes. You'll try and fall in love with a dish that you hadn't planned on ordering. My Husband had the breakfast caprese. The first bite caught him by surprise saying out loud (he's normally a very quiet guy) "wow this is so good!" The waffles were fantastic, my daughter devoured her BLT and smoothie. I did not plan on ordering the "Pasta De Marco" but Paul said it's his favorite to make. Of course I'm going to order the chef's dish. It was fantastic!! Sure, you may have seen some of the items on the menu other places but you haven't had them with Paul's personal twist. Paul even tells you how he came up with his unique twists to his recipes. The setting and vibe is like nothing I've seen or experienced before. It's like visiting a friend's house for dinner. He's talking, cooking, and sharing stories right from his kitchen. Paul is a great chef and a pretty cool guy. And yes, the surfer in the picture is him. read more

Paul's is so popular, that it is basically reservation only. So, since there are only 3 tables I would strongly advise to call in advance. It opens at 7, so you may even call the same morning. I have eaten here several times and just noticed I hadn't written a review. I strongly recommend the Eggs Benedict. The eggs are cooked to perfection with a nice running yoke, fresh veggies, crisp bacon...and my husbands favorite hollandaise sauce. 5 stars! read more

Amazing little place! Super friendly service, delicious food (we had the Belgian waffle and smoked salmon Benedict.) Hugely recommended. Definitely make a reservation as there are only three tables read more

Came in during breakfast, didn't know I could order from the breakfast menu only so I ordered the Best Ever Veggie Sandwich. The waitress talked to Paul and he was willing to make it an exception! The sandwich was delicious! Tomato, lettuce, sprouts, a basil leaf, mozzarella, and green apple with a very yummy avo spread. I was surprised about the green apple but it was so good. Who knew that would work? It added a little sweetness with the spread. The deco is cute-cafe style. Water was infused. Staff was friendly and caring. I will definitely try to return. read more

Paul's Place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

We went for the first time today. Wanted to try something new. The food was very tasty! But I finished my meal before my husband even got his, and I ate very slowly. There is only one hot plate that they cook on, so be prepared for someone to wait. This guy really is a good cook, but could sure use a larger restaurant to cook it in! read more

OMG went for breakfast and was so completely thrown off guard on how wonderful the food was and the atmosphere. Yes, it is a very small place but Paul takes such good care preparing your food down to plating where your eyes just feast on the beauty of the dish before you even try it . Its like watching a painter paint. He gets in the zone and is just so meticulous. And he watches to ensure that his customers are satisfied. The staff is also friendly and genuine and attentive. Can't wait to go back! read more

Paul's Place is AMAZING! First time here and all the food was great. Coffee was fresh, all home grown ingredients, berries tasted hand picked, and the menu was simple. Definitely something different for Hilo, but clearly a must if you're in the area. They are so friendly and the serviced is unmatched. Would definitely call in for a reservation though because they only have three tables in their cafe and because they're so popular they book up really quick. Definitely a charming place and it'll make you remember how it feels to have a well crafted meal. Breakfast is a must here! read more

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This place used to be a hidden gem in downtown Hilo, but now, you need a reservation at least a couple days in advance. There's only three tables in here, so it's only good for small groups. The Belgian waffles are the best. The batter is different from other places. It's not as dense. Also, all of the fruits are fresh and everything is made to order. There's tons of free street parking on the main road fronting the restaurant. read more

Paul's Place - Belgian waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Hold in the wall vibe. Food is okay. Chef makes food in same room as you and a few other tables. Sometimes he talks too much and sometimes the food is not good. FYI-out of the handful of times I've been here, it's been hit or miss. Sometimes I go because it's available/open. Other times I went was because I was so hoping for a better experience. I've decided to stop trying. read more

One of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time. Both food and atmosphere were phenomenal and the owner was a specialty in himself. I felt like I was having a special gourmet breakfast made specifically for me. If you ever get to Hilo Paul's Place is a must do!!! read more

Please know that this place "requires" reservations. Even though you can walk in, reservations can fill up for the whole day. During our stay one family twice was unable to set a seating. But to their fault, they should've called ahead. The service that you get from Paul and his staff is warm and caring. The small seating does help with receiving the attention and excellent service. What amazed me was that customers that were there earlier this morning were back for their lunch from Paul. That's how good it is! My food for today was the waffles and salmon benedict. The waffles were nice and light and the syrup nicely complimented the fruits and waffles. Neither one overpowered the taste. The salmon benedict was delicious as well. Instead of an English muffin, he uses a toasted baguette, asparagus, smoked salmon, tomato with the poached egg. His sauce on top of it is a creamy dill sauce that really ties it altogether. On top of that, he made a smoothie that contained green grapes, orange juice, ice and some veggies that had a nice refreshing feel as I drank it. Thank you Paul for your wonderful food and service. Looking forward to coming back to Hilo for your food! read more

Paul's Place - Light waffles with lots of fruit - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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