However, the quality of food as not altered with it’s setting change, nor have the crowds that continue to expand, spreading the word around town about one of the best keep secrets turned top seafood restaurant, giving other premiere island restaurants a run for their money, the Keei Café is popular spot for birthday dinners and romantic nights out. With local customers and flare it is a savory alternative to the commonly packed dining of Kailua-Kona or the overpriced resorts. Set high up on the mountain, the dinning room opens out to the lanai seating, overlooking Kealakekua Bay and the South Kona coastline. The deep wood décor with local artists painting on the walls and Hawaiiana decorations together with the open air seating give the restaurant an earthy, no frills, family atmosphere. The self-described creative Pacific Rim cuisine fuses Hawaiian, Asian and American food. Another newly added addition is the incorporation of lunch seatings, featuring a menu with midday meals such as Chicken and Tofu Warps, Fresh Fish, Eggplant or Pastrami Sandwiches, the Ke'ei Cafe Burger, Fresh Fish Tacos, Mushroom Fettucini, Soba Noodles, a favorite local dish with cold buckwheat soba noodles with a choice of chicken, tofu or sesame crusted fresh fish and served with oriental vegetables, cripsy won ton and sesame seed vinaigrette.

On the dinner menu, appetizers include favorites such as the Brazilian Seafood Chowder, Peanut Miso Salad, Fresh Honaunau Greens salad and the Eggplant Rolls; grilled strips of eggplant stuffed with herb couscous topped with homemade marinara sauce and shaved parmesan cheese.

The entree that draws the crowds and is most commonly ordered is the Nightly Fresh Catch, ranging from choices such as Ahi, Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opakapaka and other plentiful fish from Big Island waters, with preparation of fish choice ranging with selections such as a pan-seared finished with a caramelized onions and lemon caper butter sauce or the Café’s now famous Thai Curry Sauce. Other entrees include Pasta Primavera served with fresh herbs and vegetables and smothered with a choice of basil pesto or marinara sauce; Two Spicy Fajitas, served with chicken or tofu; a Roasted Pork Chop, in a choice of either peppercorn gravy or spiced pineapple glaze with vegetables, steamed rice or whipped potatoes; Pan Seared Rib Eye Steak, Roasted Half Chicken and Seafood Pasta round out the menu. To accompany the unique menu, there is an extensive gourmet wine; beer and liquor list as well as specialty drink options. Rounding out the meal is a delightful list of local style desserts. Including a homemade coconut flan with fresh lilikoi sauce, a tropical bread pudding made with fresh bananas and pineapples and a mango cobbler.

The clientele is almost majority locals with a few in-the-know tourists thrown in the mix. Reflective of that note, the dress is casual and restaurant accepts cash only. The charges are reasonable and it is not too over priced like most seafood restaurants around the Big Island. Seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended. Fairly notorious for their wait and perhaps apathetic attitude, a later reservation is encouraged to ensure punctual seating and a more enjoyable experience.

Written By: Hadley Catalano

Features
Beer and Wine  |  Catering  |  Dinner  |  Full Bar  |  Kid Friendly  |  Outdoor seating  |  Smoke-free  |  Take-Out  |  Takes Reservations  |  Wheelchair Accessible

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