How is Mi's Waterfront Bistro restaurant rated?

Name: Mi's Waterfront Bistro
Address: 75-5770 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI, United States, 96740-1782
Telephone: (808) 329-3880
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

Mi's Waterfront Bistro

4.4

734 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

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Mi's Waterfront Bistro, is a chef-owned restaurant. Chef-owner Morgan Starr and his team have been serving the community of the Big Island since 2007. Graduated from Culinary Institute of America, Chef Morgan Starr uses old world techniques combined with freshly made pastas, sauces, daily baked bread, local produce, fish and beef. Whether looking to relax on the water with friends after a day of sightseeing; or looking for an unparalleled waterfront dining experience on the Big Island, we invite you to join us in the heart of Kailua-Kona on the second floor of the Historic Waterfront Row Building.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary Italian, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch/Day Daily 12:00 pm–4:30 pm Happy Hour Drink Daily 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Bar Daily 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(808) 329-3880
Website
http://www.miswaterfrontbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Morgan Starr

Location
75-5770 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-1782
Neighborhood
Kailua-Kona
Cross street
Waterfront Row - 2nd Floor
Parking details
Covered Parking lot basement of building.
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Hawaii Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Crispy Herb, Cheese and Spinach Wontons$11.00
served with spicy mustard sauce
Fried Calamari$13.00
with sweet potato chips and roasted pepper aioli
Mi's Signature Shrimp Scampi$17.00
with a Meyers' lemon garlic butter sauce
Crab and Artichoke Dip$16.00
Atlantic blue crab with artichokes, capers, sweet onion, herbs and three cheeses baked to gooey perfection; served with thin sliced focaccia
Local Kabocha, Ulu and Sweet Corn Chowder
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$10.00
Caesar Salad*$9.00
with romaine lettuce, Parmesan Reggiano, anchovies, Kalamata olives and croutons
South Kona Green Salad$8.00
with tomatoes, cucumbers, marinated onions and roasted tomato with olive vinaigrette
Marinated Beets and Green Beans$14.00
local greens, arugula, Point Reyes blue cheese, and candied macadamia nuts with a beet-balsamic vinaigrette

Pasta Dishes

Spicy Fettuccine
Hamakua mushroom, roasted eggplant, sweet onions, tomato and bok choy, with a light Kabocha sauce
- Fresh Catch*$26.00
- Chicken$21.00
Crab Manicotti$25.00
three cheeses, green beans, tomato and green chilies baked in kabocha dill with Italian bread crumbs
Fresh Spaghetti$16.00
with local beef Bolognese
Mi's Fresh Lasagna$18.00
seasoned local beef, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers and black olives with mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan reggiano and tomato sauce
Rigatoni with Hamakua Mushroom$19.00
Hamakua mushrooms, red bell peppers, sweet onions, black olives and Feta in a rich tomato sauce over fresh rigatoni pasta
- With Sausage$24.00
Pappardelle of Beef$27.00
seared strips of tender beef with mushroom, onion, bell pepper, bok choy and snow peas; tossed with wide noodles in a rosemary scented chianti demi glaze
Herb & Cheese Ravioli$19.00
with broccoli florettes, toasted pine nuts and a blue cheese cream sauce

Entreés

Grilled Fresh Catch*$33.00
with risotto du jour and a chopped tomato vinaigrette
Mi's Grilled Steak*
with mushroom veal demi glaze, mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans
- 10oz Ribeye$31.00
- 'Grass Fed' 6oz Tenderloin$34.00
Baked Chicken Parmesan$22.00
tender breaded chicken layered with cheese and spinach and baked in marinara. Served with a side of Fettuccini
Porcini Crusted Pork Scallopini$28.00
with gnocchi and green beans in a creamy Hamakua mushroom sauce
Grilled Rack of Lamb*$39.00
Hamakua mushroom and sun-dried tomato polenta, sautéed green beans with a Chianti demi glaze
Island Style Cioppino$35.00
rich broth of tomato and local fennel simmered with fresh catch, scallops, finger prawns and blue crab; served with grilled garlic bread and pesto aioli

Sides

Extra Basket of Bread$5.00
Grilled Garlic Bread$5.00
Side of Marinara$5.00
Side of Mashed Potato$5.00
Side of Fettuccine or Spaghetti$8.00

Desserts

Root-Beer Float$8.00
with Tropical Dreams Vanilla Ice Cream
Banana Rum Flambe$12.00
with Mi's Special Vanilla Macadamia Nut Caramel over Tropical Dreams Vanilla Ice Cream and Banana Bread
Mi's Signature Tiramisu$12.00
Rich Flourless Chocolate Torte$10.00
with a Wailua Chocolate Ganache
Big Island Meyer Lemon Crème Brulee$8.00
White Pineapple Sorbet$6.00
Tropical Dreams Vanilla Ice Cream$6.00

What 734 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Quiet

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
19 reviews
1.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
Quite possibly the worst dinner I’ve ever had in Kailua Kona. “Chef” Morgan Starr is by no means a “star”. Things stayed bad and ended bad. Our server approached us in a timely manner and asked for our drink order, which we provided. I indicated we would like to order an appetizer while we decided on our mains. Our server stated, “You have to order everything at once. The chef will only allow one ticket per table.” Being a chef, I found that ridiculous! He went on to explain that they only had a six burner cooktop and it would overwhelm the kitchen if people ordered at different times. The dinner arrived. The food was unimaginative and overcooked. My spaghetti bolognese was so overcooked I sent it back. The beef was cremated. The worst part, when I sent it back, our server did not offer me a menu to select a replacement. So I sat there with no dinner as my family ate. Granted they did not finish their mains because it was so bad, so I didn’t have to wait long. The staff is very friendly. There are good restaurants all around town. Mi’s is not one of them. Keep looking.
FF
FoodFun
Phoenix
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Arthur was truly one of the best servers we have ever had the pleasure to interact with and the food was amazing. Thank you for making our anniversary dinner exceptional !
E
Ed1940
Phoenix
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always outstanding dining experience---delicious food no matter what we order--excellent service.
E
Eater
San Francisco
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2020
overall5food5service3ambience5
iOSooooiooo ok ô poolorpl O
JL
JLWe
Hawaii
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great view, great service and great food. What else is there to say. Reasonably price for an upscale restaurant in Kona.
J
Jenni
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always outstanding, Mi's is just excellent. Another beautiful meal and evening. Mahalo! And great staff!
q
qualicum1dawn
Hawaii
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
We totally enjoyed our food. The service was great, waiter was excellent and we would go back.
K
Krugs
Hawaii
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience5
Great location on the waterfront. Pasta is homemade. Food was excellent and service efficient. Nice wine list. We take our friends here.
JA
JackAMG
Hawaii
98 reviews
vip
5.0
98 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always excellent - best choice in Kona!
E
Eater
San Francisco
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best food in Kailua/Kona along with a great value plus they are great owner and their staff are friendly with great service !!
M
Marv
Omaha
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience3
The service and food were very good but 2 mice running around on the floor near our table was daunting!
C
Carmelguy
San Francisco
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Food was good but not as true Italian as I would like. Service was good and staff was very friendly.
JZ
JayZ
Calgary
78 reviews
vip
5.0
78 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was amazing.
JZ
JayZ
Calgary
78 reviews
vip
5.0
78 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing as always.
RG
RichardG
Seattle
81 reviews
vip
4.0
81 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2020
overall4food4service3ambience3
Food was good and everyone seemed to enjoy their choices. Table lighting on the terrace was terrible making it difficult to enjoy the visual the chef works so hard to present. Service could have been better as well.
TS
TimS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is wonderful! Awesome views! Will definitely return.
CM
CarolM
New Orleans
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience3
Food was ok but not exceptional...in fact we can’t remember what we ordered and it’s only been 3 days since we were there. We sat at the bar for a bit after we arrived as the greeter said our table wasn’t ready yet, but the table where we eventually were seated, was empty when we arrived....so not sure what that was about. We sat outside on the deck. Our server was very attentive.
E
Ed1940
Phoenix
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Service above and beyond and very friendly
PR
PaulR
New England
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall4food4service3ambience4
Nice location. It seems as though they do not take full advantage of the awesome sunset views as they may be able to. Service was ok but a bit slow. Food was very good with somewhat generous sizes but the part that left a bad vibe was the nickle and diming. They charge $5 for extra bread, an extra $2.25 for a "kitchen fee". Come on. Just add it to the total price of the meal upfront and be done with it. I don't like that. Seems cheap and unwelcoming.
BH
BrenH
San Francisco
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience4
I asked alot of people in a Big Island Facebook group where to eat for Valentine's Day and no one mentioned Mi's. Their loss!! Food was fabulous, view was amazing, it's a must do for italian food. We would definitely go again. Make sure you leave extra time when arriving for the current one lane traffic on Ali'I Dr and the very slow parking machine downstairs.
KL
KonaLiving
Hawaii
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ahi special over risotto was absolutely wonderful!
TD
TrunkesDad
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are locals. Mi's is our favorite for dinner when hosting someone special. Great views and ambiance. First rate food.
z
zacheryr
Los Angeles
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner was great, service was great, view was even better! Fantastic experience and price was more than fair- thank you!!!
V
Vince
Richmond
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
An outstanding find this trip. Great service, ambiance, and meal preparations.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food, waterfront setting and great drinks!
r
runningdad
Milwaukee
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good place
NY
NYCFoodie
New York Area
18 reviews
vip
2.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2020
overall2food2service4ambience1
We stopped in early and had lunch. The reviews were good but the food did not match it. Service was great and fun. That’s the only factor that made it ok. Maybe dinner is better. We won’t chance it.
d
doctorw
Portland
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2020
overall5food4service4ambience5
The location couldn't be better. We enjoyed our dinner, watching the sunset.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great as always, loved the Won Ton appetizer, also catch of the day Thanks Arthur (our waiter) for a perfect evening!
HC
HollyC
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
When I was at Mi's Waterfront I had the fresh fish and risotto. The dish was absolutely fabulous: the risotto was cooked perfectly and had wonderful flavor! It was the best risotto I've every had.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2020
overall2food4service1ambience2
Owners child was running around the restaurant while we were dining which was annoying. Understaffed so we waited an hour for our entree.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall2food3service1ambience4
Extremely slow and inattentive service. Never asked how our meals were. Waited 15 minutes after ordering for bread. Watched others wait and wait for service, too. View and location were spectacular, though. Check included an surprise 3% service charge for kitchen staff.
JO
JudithO
San Francisco
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful ocean front dining! Unlike some restaurants with great views, the food and service are fabulous as well.
M
Mandysu
Seattle
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were pleased with everything about our meal. Started with the calamari and the wontons. Both were excellent! Our group of four tried the fish special and two pasta dishes. All were delicious. The sauces were fresh and had tons of flavor. The pasta was cooked to perfection. We will be back in a few days. Our waiter was knowledgeable and gave us good advice. It was the best meal we have had on the island.
RK
RandyK
Milwaukee
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had the catch of the day special. Mahi-mahi on a bed of risotto with a salsa of fresh tomato, onion, capers and sweet corn. It was one of the most amazing meals of my life. The blend of complex flavors blended together in your mouth for an extraordinary savory finish. Views were great and Mauti provided great service. Don’t miss the restaurant when you are in Kona!!
JK
JohnK
Vancouver
127 reviews
vip
4.0
127 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience5
A great experience and lots of food - chef has very generous portions Our server Murthy took good care of us - a great waterfront experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall2food2service1ambience1
Was pretty disappointed in the view as we were stuffed in the back corner. Our server was not very attentive, seemed she had most of the restaurant to take care of. Food lacked flavor but the Lemon Creme Brûlée was amazing!
DL
DougL
Toronto
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Exceptional view overlooking the ocean. Service was a bit spotty but the food was fantastic. Seafood in the pastas was really fresh. Highly recommended.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2020
overall3food4service4ambience3
Terrible policies. We have been long term patrons and are do disappointed. 1. No one is happy or welcoming 2.No bread until entire meal is ordered. I guess hurry up and order as we’re more concerned about getting you in and out than creating a nice meal experience. 3. Can’t even order never mind receive your appetizers until you order the entire meal Shame of it is the food is quite good. But who wants to be dealing with so many off-putting policies that you don’t experience at pretty much any high end restaurant on the islands or on the mainland. We won’t be back unless policies change
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall4food4service2ambience5
Very good food and reasonably priced with very “meh”service.

FAQs

Mi's Waterfront Bistro is rated 4.4 stars by 734 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Cross street
Waterfront Row - 2nd Floor
Neighborhood
Kailua-Kona
Hours of operation
Lunch/Day Daily 12:00 pm–4:30 pm Happy Hour Drink Daily 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Bar Daily 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Italian, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Covered Parking lot basement of building.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Morgan Starr
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.miswaterfrontbistro.com/
Phone number
(808) 329-3880

Featured in

100 Hawaii Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Mi's Waterfront Bistro

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

100 Hawaii Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Mi's Fresh Lasagna

Island Style Cioppino

Fried Calamari

Appetizers

Crispy Herb, Cheese and Spinach Wontons$11.00

Fried Calamari$13.00

Mi's Signature Shrimp Scampi$17.00

Crab and Artichoke Dip$16.00

Local Kabocha, Ulu and Sweet Corn Chowder

Caesar Salad*$9.00

South Kona Green Salad$8.00

Marinated Beets and Green Beans$14.00

Pasta Dishes

Spicy Fettuccine

Crab Manicotti$25.00

Fresh Spaghetti$16.00

Mi's Fresh Lasagna$18.00

Rigatoni with Hamakua Mushroom$19.00

Pappardelle of Beef$27.00

Herb & Cheese Ravioli$19.00

Entreés

Grilled Fresh Catch*$33.00

Mi's Grilled Steak*

Baked Chicken Parmesan$22.00

Porcini Crusted Pork Scallopini$28.00

Grilled Rack of Lamb*$39.00

Island Style Cioppino$35.00

Sides

Extra Basket of Bread$5.00

Grilled Garlic Bread$5.00

Side of Marinara$5.00

Side of Mashed Potato$5.00

Side of Fettuccine or Spaghetti$8.00

Desserts

Root-Beer Float$8.00

Banana Rum Flambe$12.00

Mi's Signature Tiramisu$12.00

Rich Flourless Chocolate Torte$10.00

Big Island Meyer Lemon Crème Brulee$8.00

White Pineapple Sorbet$6.00

Tropical Dreams Vanilla Ice Cream$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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FAQs

How is Mi's Waterfront Bistro restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Featured in

100 Hawaii Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day