At Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery, they go above and beyond in serving delightfully delicious Pacific Rim cuisine with endless aloha. Set in a historic Hawi plantation hotel, this popular eatery lets you soak in the island spirit while fueling up for all your Big Island adventures. Their beautiful Hawaiian décor sets the stage for an amazing meal, while their chill atmosphere encourages you to kick back and stay awhile.
Plus, with so many tasty items on the menu, you’ll want to start with a leisurely appetizer, and then keep the deliciousness going all the way through dessert. They make all their dishes with fresh, local ingredients and the time-honored recipes to match. All the local classics are on tap as a result, including Kalua Pork and Cabbage. But they don’t stop there. You can also find fusion favorites while browsing the menu, like their delightful Aloha Vietnam Sandwich.
Once you’re done enjoying all their offerings, climb the stairs to the art gallery and check out local artwork and artisan goods. You can even head up there while still enjoying your drinks. Heading up the stairs and beyond, they have phenomenal pieces on display, showcasing all the amazing talent on the island. Gorgeous quilts, paintings, koa furniture, silk leis, jewelry, and so much more all await your arrival. If you fall in love with any of their stunning pieces, you’re welcome to purchase them for your home or as gifts for friends and family.
Before you leave, check out the beauty of the historic building as well. Built in the early 1900s, this building once served as a quaint hotel, mostly serving workers on their way to local sugar cane plantations. A decade later, the Takata family bought the place and transformed it into a dry goods and grocery store. Many of the renovations completed at that time still stand today, including the exquisite flooring.
Don’t miss out on the:
Lilikoi Daquiri
A classic through and through, the Lilikoi Daquiri treats you to all the best tropical flavors in every sip. They make this drink by taking your favorite tequila or rum, and then transforming it into a drink to remember. Rich lilikoi syrup takes the spirits to the next level, while the blended ice adds even more decadence.
Calamari Strips
Always made fresh from scratch, the Calamari Strips never fail to delight your tastebuds. The chef makes this popular appetizer by rolling fresh calamari in panko breading, and then frying it golden brown. After that, they pile it on the plate alongside either pickled ginger tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.
Macadamia Nut Chicken
The Macadamia Nut Chicken offers pure home cooked goodness in every bite, promising to satisfy all your cravings in an instant. This entrée begins with an organic chicken breast stuffed with kalua pork, garlic, and cheese. Then, they pop it in the oven until perfectly cooked before drizzling their stunningly good lilikoi Dijon glaze over the top.
Although they do not maintain a set entertainment schedule, the restaurant often brings in musicians to play live for their patrons. When that happens, the price of drinks increases to serve as a cover charge. So, if you want to avoid that, call before you come in to see if they’ll be playing live music during your visit.
Insider Tips:
-Walk-ins are welcome during the lunch hour. But you must call for reservations if you want to dine here at dinnertime.
-They only offer takeout at lunchtime. If you want to skip the wait, call in your order ahead of time.
-Their restaurant shuts down for about three and a half hours between dinner and lunch.
-When dining with six or more, expect a 20% gratuity automatically added to the check.
-Their parking lot is hidden behind the building. To find it, just head down the driveway along the east side of the building.