Manta at Mauna Kea

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1. J

   Janey

   Los Angeles

   7 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall3food3service3ambience5

   The views & the manta viewing point are the highlights of this restaurant. The live music was great, but the food is mediocre. You're paying for the location and view.
   

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2. TO

   ToddO

   Los Angeles

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Branson our server was very professional. Food is terrific- but the atmosphere cannot be beat.
   

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3. M

   Matt

   Baltimore

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Stopped by for cocktails and desert , after a little “diffidence” by wait staff, “because that’s all we wanted”, service returned to what we are used to at Maunakea - friendly, informative, efficient. Superb late night stop
   

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4. K

   Kinley

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall2food2service4ambience4

   We ordered the chicken and it was the saltiest chicken we had ever had. Beautifully presented but horrible taste. The pork tacos were not the best and cost a lot for the quality and quantity of them. The best thing we got was the Bombe Alaska dessert.
   

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5. N

   Neumahn

   Los Angeles

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on May 28, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Tonight was fantastic! The food, service, music, and atmosphere are spot on at Manta, our favourite restaurant in all of Hawaii. Try the lamb and finish with the Baked Alaska, both are awesome. This is our last night in Hawaii but we know we will be back again real soon and dinner at Manta will be on the top of our list.
   

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6. CD

   CindyD

   London

   3 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 26, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   We had a wonderful dinner at Manta! Breathtaking view and lovely restaurant, delicious food and our server was delightful (as was our host). Thank you so much! Aloha 🌺
   

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7. N

   Neumahn

   Los Angeles

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on May 25, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This is our favorite restaurant in Hawaii. The food, service, and atmosphere are perfect. We love it here and have enjoyed this place often over the years.
   

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8. VW

   ValW

   Washington DC

   12 reviews

   4.0

   12 reviews

   Dined on May 24, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Beautiful sunsets with gorgeous views of the water. Service was wonderful. Price was as expected for a restaurant of this caliber. The food was good but not exceptional. We would go back.
   

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9. TF

   TimothyF

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall3food2service4ambience4

   Steak and seafood was over cooked. Appropriately Brought a replacement steak. Good service. Excellent view and ambience. Food was good but does not match the price point.
   

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10. G

    Gary

    Hawaii

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience5

    We had a 6:15 reservation so we showed up at 6 and we were asked to sit and wait because they were still seating the 5:45 people. At 6:20 I went to check on our seating and we were seated right away. I think they forgot about us. The ribeye i ordered medium rare came out medium. Paid over 300.00 for 2 people.
    

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11. TK

    TimK

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2

    Massively overpriced. The oxtail ragu over cornbread appetizer on the menu, priced at $23, fine. Switch out cornbread base for 7 flat noodles, it becomes a $58 “special of the day” appetizer. $58!!! And it had 4 bones in it. One was over an inch long. That never should have left the kitchen. Quality control is nonexistent. Pricing a regularly $23 app at $58 is a galactic ripoff. Requested my ribeye medium rare. It was medium at best. It also was the toughest ribeye I’ve ever eaten. Or mostly ate, since I didn’t eat 40% of my $70 steak. I’m not a fan of serrated knives for steak, but if you have them, they've got to be SHARP. I was ripping the steak apart with the dull blade, shreds of tough ripped steak flesh littered my plate and clung to the knife. With every rip I had to wipe the shreds off the knife. Lastly, we each had to constantly through the meal, use one arm to shew the plague of flys away from the table. Haven’t experienced this at any of the other outdoor restaurants we’ve been to this week here on the Big Island. Overall a VERY disappointing meal. Nice beach view, but that is it. Avoid Manta like a plague. Such a disappointment.
    

    Manta at Mauna KeaResponded on May 19, 2023Aloha, thank you for taking the time to address your concerns. They will be brought up with the team and we will look for resolution to those issues. Thank you for your time and we hope that you will give us another chance. If you ever have an issue with your experience at Manta, ask for Monte while you are there, and he will address all concerns. Mahalo.
    

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12. C

    Cara

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The view was fantastic, the food delicious, local and fresh and the service was friendly and professional.
    

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13. LT

    LongTransmitter

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience5

    As most reviews have said, this place is expensive. The food is above average but nothing to write home about… the atmosphere absolutely is though. The setting is amazing, overlooking the ocean and Manta Rays at night. Drinks were great
    

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14. DC

    DavidC

    Los Angeles

    25 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    I found food to be fresh a day well prepared, but way overpriced. Entrees all exceed $60. Lovely view, though sunset is blocked for 90% of diners. Service was exceptional, though be prepared for a slow dining experience.
    

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4

    Dissapointed in food. Prices exceed value. Been here at least six times before. Service was attentive.
    

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16. L

    Loupes

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience5

    Took unite a long time to get our food. Several tables piped up and a manager type came around and assuaged them with discounts. Watched without complaining but charged full price. I always over tip but obviously there was no concern about making us wait. Food was good. Person who served us was obviously stretched thin. Too bad - settin was gorgeous and food was good but - as a senior and been around the block- the manager didn't give a sh...! About my wife and I.
    

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17. MW

    MerW

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Our waitperson was so very lovely, warm and welcoming… plus adorable.
    

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18. JG

    JillG

    Hawaii

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We shared a sashimi appetizer that was wonderful! I had lamb and my husband had scallops as entrees! Both dishes were delicious! We both had strawberry cheesecake for dessert, to top off a great meal! The view and atmosphere can't be beat!
    

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19. LP

    LaurieP

    Los Angeles

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent location, excellent view, excellent food, excellent service. Love Manta!
    

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20. DR

    DanR

    Hawaii

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5

    The good - Beautiful location, not overly crowded. Good cocktails. The bad - Overpriced based on the quality of the food. Incredibly slow service. We ordered the Sashimi (poor quality Ahi) and the Beet Root salad (very good). Our mains were the Filet and the Rib Eye. Both steaks were prepared well but again, the quality of the meal was not worth the price $70 and $78. The filet was a "choice" cut of meat, certainly not "prime" quality. The Rib Eye was just ok. Both lacked any real flavor - this is a common complaint with many of the reviews. We did order the Chocolate Soufflé for desert. Our waitress said it would take 10-15 minutes to arrive. An HOUR later it showed up. It was very good but not worth the wait. Our waitress went missing for 30 minutes, when she showed up and I was about to ask for the bill I was given the "one minute" finger from our waitress while she explained the menu and answered all the questions from a table next to us. Then she stopped by to tell us she was getting the check but first had to take an order from another table. Long story short after waiting 45 minutes to get the bill, I ended up going up to the bar and asking to pay my bill. HORRIBLE SERVICE! Bottom line - fabulous location, disappointing food for the price, terrible service.
    

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21. C

    Chiebear

    New York Area

    29 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4

    Strange menu Seems like local themed food but not very well executed Very expensive Limited menu options and generally unimpressive plating Food at Mauna Kea ressort was once the best on Big Island but no more - now just very boring bland resort good that one would get at your local Hilton
    

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22. RS

    RichS

    Philadelphia

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Third time dining here. A must when on the Big Island.
    

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience5

    Deeply disappointed by this place. We’ve been many times, and the quality has gone downhill. Yes, the location is stunning and the views, wonderful, but my food was not even edible, under cooked vegetables and over cooked rice. Flavors were bland or nonexistent. Very long delays and a waitress who is kind and pleasant, but had no understanding of the menu. I won’t be back
    

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24. k

    kevinc

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    We have been coming to Mauna Kea for 43 years. We have seen the restaurants change over the years, some good changes some not so good. The food is always good, the service always good, the setting is outstanding. One thing I would like to say, PLEASE bring back the dessert souffle!
    

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best dinner on the Island, and seeing the manta rays after was awesome!
    

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26. LD

    LeoD

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Manta is my favorite restaurant on the Island! The food, service, and views are absolutely the best!
    

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27. GB

    GlendaB

    Alabama

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Beautiful setting on the coast. The food was delicious and outstanding service! We even saw a manta ray at night under the lights. Very pricey, but wonderful.
    

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28. T

    Terence

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Was ok. Portions are small food was tasty. Service was good. Staff was very nice
    

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29. CB

    CaseB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Food, service, ambience was great. The only reason that I didn’t give them 5 stars is because the pricing is outrageous.
    

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5

    Truly amazing view! Beautiful sunset! Quiet and kid friendly.
    

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31. EK

    EhK8

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kayla made our anniversary dinner at Manta extra special. She seemed genuinely joyous and caring about our milestone celebration - 17 yrs together - and arranged for a beautiful dessert souffle with a personalized message. Thank you so much, Kayla! We were a bit hesitant as some of the past reviews noted the food not being good and also overpriced, but this pair of foodies found it delicious and beautifully presented. Complete bonus is the wild manta viewing at the point and visible fm our table - gorgeous!
    

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32. JB

    JohnB

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5

    Awful service. Our daughter got sick at the table and had to go back to the room with my wife. our server basically ignored us from that point on even though we were extremely apologetic. Food is mediocre. Ambiance is incredible. So overall great spot for a drink and maybe an appetizer but you would be wasting your money to pay 60+ for main courses that are very mediocre and poor service.
    

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33. C

    Cass

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience5

    for the price the food is absolutely not worth it. service was bizarre. wouldn’t recommend or go again.
    

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34. t

    techjock

    Seattle

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Sylvia was our server and she was awesome. Made excellent recommendations based on things that we liked and everything turned out perfectly.
    

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5

    Food server was very grumpy. When spending $800 on a dinner for 6 people at a high end restaurant, I expect a much better service experience.
    

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36. MK

    MarcK

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    You sit outside overlooking the ocean. Food excellent. Server was great and willingly and quite expertly took a bunch of photos for us. It is very expensive but certainly in line with all the other high end restaurants anywhere on the island.
    

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37. AS

    AvidShopper

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was definitely very tasty! Feeling of contentment after a good meal pleasurable!
    

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38. C

    Catccb

    Los Angeles

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service, setting and food. Beautiful sunset.
    

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39. KC

    KenC

    Washington DC

    108 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    108 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    A favorite for special dinners for its amazing location with a serene ambience, attentive service without fuss, consistently well prepared food presented attractively and an extensive selection of beverages. The price point has gotten quite high reducing the value proposition. Noticed that a table near us brought their own wine which was understandable given the price of most of the wine offering.
    

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40. E

    Elizabeth

    St. Louis

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Family reunion. So so special for us! Gorgeous restaurant outstanding food wonderful server.
    

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