Judy C.
Yelp
Wow, super excited and happy, to get to dine here at Manago Hotel Restaurant for the very first time, after reading that Manago received The James Beard America's Classic 2023. CONGRATS!!
It was finally time for another neighbor island getaway for the day so its off to Kona! On the day I read that they got the award, I called to make reservations ahead, I was worried and didn't want to fly in to Kona and miss dining here due to the crowd and being busy!
Note, as the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover, if you are expecting something fancy, updated, renovated restaurant, this place is not for you. They are the oldest restaurant, over 100 years. You can feel it, the nostalgic-ness here. No fancy silver ware and plates either, just plastic the kine you use at your good friend's grandma's or Hanai aunty's house. Mom and pop, hole in the wall, comfort kine foods!
We parked across the street at the park, * there is a sign, park at your own risk and remember don't leave valuables in the car. The entrance is the where the hotel's front desk is, go pass the stairs, watch your step. There is no menu, its posted on the wall. The menu including breakfast is super simple. I already had the pork chops in mind and butterfish but decided to go with the Opakapaka special. The pork chops comes in 2 sizes, we got the small 10 oz with onions and gravy ( $1.25 extra charge for onions and gravy) got the Opakapaka in butter garlic/ The entree comes with 3 sides along with a huge bowl of rice! which was still not enough and we needed more rice and ended getting another scoop, which is $1.50 per scoop.
The Verdict- The sides we got on a Saturday, were chicken long rice, mac salad, and ogo.
I loved the sides but not a fan of ogo. The pork chops was good with the gravy and onions, but it wasn't tender. I had a hard time chewing and just gave up after 2 pieces. The Opakapaka fish was fresh and cooked to perfection. The 2 pieces were tiny. We enjoyed our meal but decided next time we visit we will order all fish instead. Need to try the liver next visit.
All in all it was a wonderful first time experience, real comfort food. I would love to come back here again. 5 Stars!! Even though this restaurant is over 100 years old, they do take credit cards. Closed on Mondays!