I’ve had great risotto before. I actually really really love a good risotto and have made a few in my day. Ridiculously simple to make, it just doesn’t get the credit or attention it deserves, in my opinion.

Still, risotto isn’t something of an everyday thing for us and it only recently grabbed my attention when we ventured out to a wonderfully chill spot in Hawi called Bamboo. We’ve passed it many times before as Hawi is one of the most reknown stops during the North Kohala scenic mountain drive on the way to the beaches in North Kohala. This is our ‘hood’ or at least, it’s one of the charming little towns as we head to our favorite beaches. We stop for coffee, shaved ice, tacos (oh yea…tacos) and now we know just how special this little historic eatery is, too.

They have a house special that is served with the fresh-caught local ahi seared tuna, crispy tempura shrimp and seared scallops on a bed of lemon coconut risotto. I mean, wtf? How good does that sound. It is to die for. Inspiring, obviously.

Tsunami, my culinary partner in crime, had something equally awesome for his main but all throughout the meal he kept eyeing my dish somewhat longingly. I finally couldn’t take the sad eyes anymore and let him have the rest. And it’s all he’s talked about since.

Another treat was the little amuse bouche that one of the gals, may have even been the bartender, brought out just before dinner. A lovely, delicious cold gazpacho served in little iced shot glasses. So cute, but so dang good.

The banter of the wait staff was as amusing and charming; the atmostphere super local and oozing with history and character. Geisha umbrellas hung from the ceiling, with bamboo, naturally, the main kitschy decor. But the attached gallery was just stuffed with beautiful Aloha shirts, local crafts and most notably, strung with the most gorgeous handmade local quilts that just captivated me. Art, clothing, housewares, souvenirs and quilts. I was hooked and instantly smitten with the spot after only one visit.

Reasonably priced, with super friendly Hawai’ian ladies that run the show here, its easy to see why it is especially popular with the locals. But it must be even more of a treat for any tourist that may accidentally-on-purpose stumble upon this super relaxing spot during a trip to the Hawai’i Island. Every bit as awesome as it sounds, I assure you and worth a visit if you should be one of the lucky ducks swimming on by.

Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery
55-3415 Akoni Pule Hwy.
Hawi, HI – 96719
Phone: (808) 889-5555
Fax: (808) 889-6152