South Kona Grindz

South Kona Grindz is a cozy, unassuming spot that delivers solid comfort food with a friendly, local vibe. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a casual meal. The staff here are exceptionally friendly and courteous, always ready with a smile and happy to help, which adds to the welcoming feel of the place. One of the standout dishes is their fish and chips. While it might not rival the classic British version (let’s be honest, few places outside the UK can), it’s still quite good by American standards. The fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the portion size is generous. It’s a satisfying option if you’re craving something fried and comforting, though purists might find it a bit different from the traditional British style. Overall, South Kona Grindz is a reliable spot for hearty, no-fuss meals. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere make it a great choice for a low-key dining experience. While the fish and chips might not transport you to a seaside town in England, they’re still a tasty option worth trying. If you’re in the area and looking for a casual meal with a side of aloha spirit, this place is worth a visit.

Authentic comfortable laid back Kona experience. Staff are always friendly and food is solid. The ube - pork tamales were seriously delicious, and I live part time in San Diego, right near the Mexico border. Prices are very fair. I come here often and definitely recommend 🙏🏼

We were on the way back to Kona from the Volcano National Park, which is a long and slow drive. We happened upon this place and decided to give it a shot. The atmosphere was nice, local, and very comfortably down to earth island style. The staff were very friendly and the food was great. The pineapple cilantro fish tacos were awesome. Great flavor without being too sweet like one would expect with pineapple. Also, the fresh wahoo was very tasty, both grilled and fried.

This might be my favorite meal I had in Hawaii- the atmosphere and decor was perfect, even some chickens and lizards around, server was great and food was amazing- great tamales, fish and chips and iced coffees! Definitely come here!

As others have said, this place serves up fresh, tasty fish (fried and grilled) in a fun, laid-back, and amusing atmosphere! Great food and good prices. We had the onion rings for an appetizer, the fish and chips, and an ono melt. So yummy and large enough portions for two smaller meals!

We had a good meal here. We wanted to get the grilled fish but it was out so we had the Pineapple Cilantro Ono Fish Tacos instead. With it we had the house salad, sweet potato fries, Pineapple Cole Slaw and a mango passion fruit smoothie. They were all tasty. Note: There is an extra 4% added to your bill if you use a credit card to charge it.

A great spot to stop for lunch and enjoy the lush vegetation and plants. It was a rainy day when we were there and it was so peaceful. My husband and I shared the 1.5 portion of fish and chips and it was plenty and delicious. We also ordered a side of the pineapple coleslaw and it was so good! So happy we chose to stop here.

I love this spot! The food was fresh and flavorful and not the same as every other restaurant throughout Kona. Everyone in my party was full and satisfied with their meal. The service was on point. We especially enjoyed the music who was playing during our lunch! Definitely will return! UPDATE: On my return I learned it actually ONLY GETS BETTER! 🤤🤤

Very good food and nice atmosphere. I had the poke nachos and my wife had the fish sandwich both were very delicious and so fresh.

This place is truly a hidden GEM I have driven by but when I normally pass through it's early before they are open. Last night we made a great decision to go here for dinner. They by far have the best onion rings I have had on the island. BREADED & SEASONED .... They also change their oil properly and regularly and you can taste the difference. We split a pizza and a cheesesteak sandwich with amazing fries Looking forward to going back and trying some more of the amazing things we saw BTW May is phenomenal....... She was working floor w about half a dozen tables with many people UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE We went back again tonight and I have to say I wish Yelp had more than 5 stars. Fish and chips are phenomenal and MARIKA & JoJo were just so amazing as well. JOJO is PHENOMENAL in the kitchen as welll.

Lovely outdoor seating area with abundant tropical plants in Kona coffee country. Food and service both average. Our server was pretty expressionless the whole time - not super welcoming but not rude. Panko-crusted fish and chips: Breading was nice and crispy, but fish pretty firm and a little chewy. Chips were fine. Ono tacos: Tacos were decent but portion size was small. Two tacos and not a lot of filling (I'm used to tacos in San Diego were everything just spills out hahaha). Tortilla chips were tasty (nicely seasoned) and the fruity salsa had a good kick as well.

We were starving after visiting the national park and snorkeling next door. We wanted something simple so we chose to visit South Kona Grindz. I got the grilled fish sandwich with onion rings and my girlfriend got a grass fed burger with fries. It hit the spot! The onion rings were some of the best I've ever had. The service was excellent. There was a young woman with some very cool tattoos waiting on us and I can confidently say she was probably the most attentive server we had while we were on the island. It has a nice, casual ambiance where you can just relax and enjoy a good meal. Their outdoor patio is so nice and relaxing.

I thought we were going to try this place, but the prices seem to not be what is listed on yelp

Delicious food, amazing service, and a warm atmosphere that makes it feel like you're having a meal with family more than sitting at a restaurant table. The locally caught "world famous" fish & chips was stellar! We got the 1/2 fish that is a sharing portion and also the poke nachos - we were stuffed and happy! Their homemade tartar is dilly and delicious and their spicy tarter is SUCH a great add. The chips and pineapple salsa was the perfect way to start - fresh, hit chips and a sweet and spicy salsa! Yum!! Our servers were so kind and happy to have us, truly felt like a priceless experience.

Server was SO GREAT! Fast service and absolutely excellent food. We sat outside on the patio and it was so peaceful. We will definitely be coming back again.

We've driven past S. Kona Grindz for several years, thinking we should give it a try sometime. Finally we tried them for the 1st time back in February, and we got the Captains' Platter (two types of battered fish, plus grilled ahi, fries and slaw) for take-out, but ended up eating it at their back garden tables. It was around 5pm when we ordered, and we thought they would have their fryer up to temperature then but both of the battered fish types tasted like they had just been microwave re-heated. Definately not fresh and hot out of a fryer. We were disappointed, but still thought it might be worth another try, maybe at a later time when their fryers would definately be hot and ready to go. We gave them another try in mid-April ordering at about 6:00pm for a 6:45pm pick-up, and this time we both ordered their "World Famous" panko battered Fish and Chips for take-out. Unfortunately the fish again was clearly re-warmed, not hot, and the taste was so disappointing that we only ate a few bites and then had to throw the rest away. We could tell that at some point when fresh out of the grill, this could have been really tasty fish, but we've been disappointed twice because apparently the owners or operators don't feel they need to make fish and chips hot and fresh for their customers. We might consider trying it again, and would even consider changing our rating if the owner would publish a specific time of the week when they have their fryers ready to go and up to temperature for a fresh, hot Fish and Chips dinner. And of course if it actually tastes good when they do. Until then, it is 2-stars at best. We've heard that their tacos are pretty good, and maybe they should just focus on them rather than getting a bad reputation for serving food the staff can't manage to cook (heating up the fryer)?

STOP here! You will not be disappointed with the fresh ingredients, authentic atmosphere and friendly staff and owner. Cute little lizards in the greenery kept the kids entertained, everyone left full and happy! We even got some good recommendations for the best beaches. Check out the pictures for the delicious foods we received.

Initially drove past this place, but had to stop and turn around because it smelled so good! Was lucky enough to roll up in Taco Tuesday so I ordered the grilled fish tacos with pineapple cilantro salsa and pineapple coleslaw with a side of sweet potato fries. My friend got the loaded grindz burger. We are SO GLAD that we turned around because the food was DELICIOUS! A MUST TRY on the big island for sure! Honestly, we might be coming back tomorrow - best food we've had on the entire trip!

The jungle ambiance was casual and chill. We loved the resident chickens who were very well mannered. Our waitress was also very kind and friendly. If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere with decent food this is a great spot. I was especially happy I could try the fried fish with my shellfish allergy. This place offers locally caught fish, no shellfish to worry about!

We rarely go back to a place more than once while on vacation. We ate here twice in two days. Super laid back atmosphere, awesome food. The fish tacos made my eyes roll back in my head. Will probably be back again!

Fish tacos were great, they have sweet potato fries, rustic yet feels like you are sitting on a back porch in the jungle. Also had live music while we were there.

Great out of the way place. Delicious food. Tonya our waitress was very happy and attentive. So glad we found d this hidden gem

We stopped here on our way back from a day trip to Volcanoes NP. Looked cute from the road and their sign said Worlds Best Fish and Chips. Not sure what world they are talking about but these were close to the worst fish and chips we've ever eaten. Specifically you get dry, not flaky, tasteless fish nuggets. Not fish filets. It's way overpriced at $17.95. I will say they were nicely breaded and not greasy. But it took a full glass of water to wash them down. The Ono fish tacos weren't a lot better. Also dry with very little flavor. That could be because they were drowning in an over-onioned salsa. The service is good and the staff are friendly. Sadly though, the value for the quality of food isn't worth the stop again.

Unfortunately, South Kona Grindz was a big disappointment. The food was extremely salty, and nothing tasted authentic at all. I was especially let down by the ahi tuna -- it was not fresh and definitely not worth the price. For what they charge, you'd expect much better quality and flavor. Sorry, but I would not recommend stopping here. There are much better options around.

Exceptional. We came a few years ago and remembered this place being special. All three types of fish and chips were tasty today. Fish is very fresh and comes in perfect sized slabs. Service is nice, venue is beautiful.

South Kona Grindz is my favorite place to go when I'm on the big island! The food is all tremendously fresh and local. The fish and chips is my absolute favorite, the Ono is amazing and the panko breading is not too overpowering of the fish. The service is great and the owners are so so nice. The environment is cool and cozy with an outdoor area that is amazing if you want to bring the family. Prices are reasonable and food is great.

Ok, so I am admitting partial bias, I was really in the mood for local fresh seafood. This place was really really local style, and on the big island, that means kinda "country" style. It was just after dark on a Saturday night, and it was nice to be so far away from "civilization" down the road on the Kona side of the island.. The menu was certainly influenced by what could be sourced locally, which was also exactly what I was after. The grilled fish and chips were just the ticket. It was delicious. The service was perfect. The seating was secluded and nice. After dark, the frogs were amazing, sounded like were in the jungle of Jurassic Park having dinner. So nice to be different that the city grind. Food was simple and very very good.

Great place to stop over for lunch in the garden. They have selection of sauces if you order fish and chips. Our kids loved their chicken and fries here. They have cat at the restaurant too. If you are a cat lover then you'll love the cat. I'm not into cat's. We enjoyed their garden and they had 70's and 80's songs in the background. I would recommend this garden if you are looking for a relaxing place with breeze and music. We saw the cat trying to drink water from their water tank. Haha. Skip getting water from the tank. Just get bottle water or soda.

Popped in for lunch on a cold, rainy day and was delighted with the arty vibe and garden area. It was part of the SOKA art studio tour at the front, with art on display and the artists to talk to about their work. Then you walk to the back to the cafe and it opens up into a beautiful secret garden with eclectic seating in the dense greenery. We had local birdsong surrounding us and the rain pattering down and I was enchanted. My friend and I decided to share a larger sized fish and chips, panko, and it wascrunch, hot and finger licking good, especially in the cooler weather. Our server was literally running around the restaurant trying to keep up with everything, overworked and keeping it together with a smile, making sure he was updating people on their orders as he ran past piled high with plates. I would give him 100% for customer service. I live on Maui and we are severely short staffed in restaurants there too. This guy was amazing. So if they are short staffed during your visit give him a break and sit back and watch him. It is like watching someone on fast forward. We tipped him on mph and it was a good one:) I'm looking forward to returning to this cafe on my next visit to the Big Island as it is so charming and the food is great.

Best fish tacos on the island! We were out sight seeing and needed lunch, we came across Grindz and decided to try. We are so glad we did. We shared the fish and chips and fish tacos. Both excellent. You can choose your side and have fish fried or grilled. We went with grilled and had fries and onion rings. All excellent and the pineapple slaw on tacos was the best. Service excellent! Great vibe, seating outside with the chickens and rainforest feel. Clean restrooms.

The breeze coming inside while you're eat is amazing. The food is unique and delicious. The owner was the best. Nice little relaxing place to stop and grab a bite

We are driving on the highway to the Green Sands Beach, everyone was hungry so this stop was a very good find for us. First off the location is a garden paradise. It is so lush and beautiful. My girls got the biggest kick out of seeing the green lizards. We met another 5 year old who was so excited to show my girls the lizard he had caught. Our server is one of the sisters here and she was so kind and generous. I loved the shirt she was wearing. Hehe wish I had taken a pic. We went with her recommendation of fish and chips both for us and for the kids. The fish and chips was piping hot and delicious. We all throughly enjoyed our meal. We had bought papaya at the fruit stand a few miles down. Our server was so kind to cut the papaya and scoop out the seeds for us. This place is a true gem. Highly recommend!

Great little spot of the 11 highway. Excellent fish and chips. The beer battered fish were our favorite, fresh and good portions. Great service too! Cute outdoor seating.

Yummy! I love that they play Hawaiian music. It makes it feel more authentic. We were visited on the patio by a friendly hen and rooster. Good food, good ambiance.

Food was amazing! Service and location was also great as well. Would highly recommend it if you're driving through or staying in the area.

Great food great ambiance fantastic music and nice chickens!!! We shared the beer battered cod and couldn't finish it.

Best Hamburger on the Island. As for the fish and chips - I thought the beer battered was pretty bad, but the panko fish was absolutely amazing. The outdoor area to eat is somewhat of a garden setting with tropical surroundings and even a wild rooster running around. (I think his name was Carlos) One thing I will recommend is to use the mosquito repellent that they have available. I didn't realize it was there until after the 100th bite someone pointed it out to me as I was furiously scratching my bitten legs. If the panko and hamburger wasn't so delicious this place would have easily gotten 1 star. My order was lost and I basically sat there for an hour starving. I watched others who came before me get their food and mixed with the hunger did not bode well. The waitress actually comped the hamburger for the inconvenience which was nice, but I'm still taking a star for that.

Stopped at this roadside restaurant after visiting the City of Refuge. It has a very, very beautiful outdoor garden in which you will dine. The inside of the facility doubles as a little shop where they sell locally made goodies. Though we didn't try any of their famous fish we did enjoy our choices. The onion rings and the sweet potato fries really are bomb. They have a cute chicken roaming around named "One Eyed Willy" and as a Goonies fan I appreciated him lol. The food was good. The hostess/server/owner? Was ridiculously sweet and lovely. And the playlist was absolutely EPIC!

Secret spot, it's all about location. You don't care what they serve it's in the rainforest overlooking some cool farm area. Came around 3pm place all to myself

Always very good fish and chips. We go back every time we're on the big island. Great outdoor seating in a garden setting

Before Honaunau Bakery. outside table But if weather nice, feel so nice. price bit expencive. Fish and tips so so. fos me, pine tree cafe one is more good (amount, price and tayst)

Tucked away on the side of the road between Kona and the road south to the volcanoes (much closer to Kona) is Keoki's. It's a quaint place that has outdoor seating in a small garden like setting and serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches and tacos. The day we went, it just happened to be raining in the area so the dining area was a bit wet. That didn't bode well for the bug situation which was pretty rampant (we got eaten just as much as we ate our meal). The food here is just average at best. The fish tacos were ok but I've never had them made of minced fish. Grindz burger was a bit better but was a tad sloppy to eat. Iced tea was not fresh but from a soda gun (which isn't usually the case on the Big Island). Atmosphere is unique but the bugs took away from our meal. Food was meh but the staff here is super nice and friendly. Not a bad meal but I've had better on the island.

This was our favorite discovery in the area. It's a little drive from Kona but totally worth it! The food was all super good. Fish and chips, grilled fish tacos, kalua pork, burgers, sweet potato fries were all excellent. Clean, high quality food with perfect flavors. The location looks industrial in front, but in back feels like you are in a friend's backyard who has a tropical ferry garden vibe. Super relaxing and private. It's family run and you can tell they love the food they serve. We all wanted to go back, but didn't end up making it to that area. Next trip!

Great food & service. Beautiful outdoor seating. Yummy fresh made smoothies. We had Chicken sandwich, Ono fish sandwich panko crispy & a beer battered, & Ono melt hoagie, all were soooo yummy! Excellent service & prices too

Decent place to eat, not gourmet or anything outstanding. Good variety, nice outdoor seating in a jungle like environment.

Beautiful scenery with ocean view and live chickens roaming by your table. Food was really tasty and fresh and staff was very friendly. Only reason it's not 5 stars is the amount of food was small and we left a little hungry.

It's a bit of a hit or miss to catch Keoki's open. Which is kinda sad because they are one of those little south kona gems that is foodies crave! It's a nice big space, definitely undergoing a long lasting interior remodel, but welcoming just the same. Their outdoor seating is great, covered and is at back of facility, so nice privacy from mamalahoa hwy. Staff was good. I ordered the keiki sized ono and chips and my only regret was not ordering a full size. I have tried fish and chips everywhere and these babies were amazing! A unique and delicate perfect thickness batter, with the most moist melt in your mouth fish! I mean I sent pics to family members you guys.. they are that freaking goodies. Also I'm not typically a die hard tartar fan but they're is unique creamy texture and FRESH! Thank you for the ono food fam!

Lovely restaurant. Had the fish and chips. Came with 3 pieces of Ono, wasn't familiar with this fish. Ono is a white flakey fish more cod like than Mahi. Food was delicious.

Lawwwwd this place was ! Be sure to check in when you get there because they might offer a discount. The food was delicious. We waited at least 30 minutes and I would have waited another 30 minutes in the end. I think it might be the best burger I have ever had. It's a super mom and pop vibe.

The service was very good, but the food was not good. The food was not terrible, but it was a huge let down from the reviews I read. How do I put this nicely... the presentation and the quality was less than I produce at home. The cost is not represented in the presentation of the food. I regret stopping here for lunch. My wife and I agree, this was our worst food experience in Hawaii. I do not recommend.

Great fish and chips place! We stopped by twice, it works all week for long hours, which makes visiting it so much more convenient than places that close at 2 pm or require tracking which day of the week it is. Fantastic ambiance, the outdoor seating in the back is the nicest place I've seen during this trip, shady and cool even when it's midday hot outside. We had breaded panko fish and grilled fish both times, I preferred the former and husband the latter, but both were very good.

Great simple food (fish tacos, pizza and sandwiches) and super friendly staff with beautiful surroundings. They also have a kids menu.

Restaurant was open late and the staff was extremely friendly. There was also a cat, and I really appreciated the free mosquito repellent that allowed us to use the outside seating. We ordered the ono tacos, and they were good. But they were a bit bland. Still worth the visit.

Came here with three other friends for lunch. The inside had a lot of cool items to browse and buy. We were quickly seated and also greeted by the one eye Willy rooster. I ordered the basic fish n chips. The fish is ono, and it was my first time trying it. The batter was pretty thin, making the fish nugget very meaty-which is the way I like it. I chose the pineapple coleslaw for the side and it was very refreshing and delicious. Honestly this is some of the best fish n chips I ever had. We also got some pies for dessert including the ube one, macadamia nut, and key lime one. They were all sooo good. Definitely a place I would recommend visiting!

I don't like the fact that they hid the sign of tip included for party of 5 or more. I don't come from a culture where we "Tip". In any case. The cat is as drinking from the water fountain where you are supposed to drink from. The food was tasty. But the part where the cat was drinking the water for the guest leaves you wondering about the food preparation.

Always good FRESH food and always top notch service!! The outdoor seating is so beautiful. 10/10 everytime we go.

This restaurant has an amazing environment, very chilled and relaxed. The whole outside area is very zen and green, great for toddlers wanting to walk around. Their menu has a something on it for everyone to eat. the service was amazing as well! I would definitely go back!