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Rapa Nui Cucina

Captain Cook

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5/5

80 customer reviews

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11 December 2019

Rodrigo is an excellent chef and host. We spent an evening with him and his family when we were in Florence last month and look forward to seeing them for their latest venture.

Reviewed on Facebook

17 September 2019

I really wish to go there but you guys are telling me so much about it that i might ask my mom about it even if i am 9 but in 4 days 10 I hope you had a nice trip

Reviewed on Google Maps

15 August 2019

Found this place on Google, and by chance they had a table (reservation is required). The food was delicious, every plate was prepared with a mix of flavours that blew us away. Would definitely recommend for a special evening. The chef, Rodrigo, takes the time to serve every guest and caters to your individual needs. Loved it. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 July 2019

The food was outstanding. I don’t enjoy eggplant but the way it was cooked here made it taste good. Words don’t do just to how good the food is.

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 June 2019

Delicious food. Well prepared dish. Fresh ingredients

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 June 2019

The best California burrito you'll ever have. I recommend the chipotle sauce. The menu says it's spicy but it isn't that bad and has like a slight sweet and spicy flavor going on. The burrito itself is huge and you have enough portions for two meals in all honesty. I ended up with a chicken California burrito and it was incredible. Good luck finding parking though. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 June 2019

AWESOME food and and staff

Reviewed on Google Maps

20 April 2019

My husband and I had a delicious six course meal for dinner. There was one other table eating with us, a family of 5 with three kids ages ranging from 7 to 22. The chef, Rodrigo, greeted us, gave us a little background on what to expect and then went and prepared our first course. He went out of his way to accommodate for each guests' likes and dislikes by modifying the planned meal for the evening according to guests' requests. The next 3 hours were an awesome experience with the freshest food. We walked away stuffed, but very much content. RSVP'ing is a must. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

18 April 2019

Great restaurant fantastic food perfect place feels like home!

Reviewed on Facebook

22 January 2019

My wife and I decided to book a dinner here at the suggestion of the proprietors of the B&B. This was a more a dining experience than a dinner. Each plate was crafted to perfection by Chef Rodriquez and would highly recommend Rapa Nui to anyone looking for an excellent dinner in a relaxing atmosphere. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 January 2019

(Tradus de Google) i havent atein aud b4, dar vreau să vin la hawii(Original)i havent atein hear b4 but i want to come to hawii

Reviewed on Google Maps

20 January 2019

My wife and I decided to book a dinner here at the suggestion of the proprietors of the B&B. This was a more a dining experience than a dinner. Each plate was crafted to perfection by Chef Rodriquez and would highly recommend Rapa Nui to anyone looking for an excellent dinner in a relaxing atmosphere. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

17 January 2019

Coming here is so much more than just having a meal.  Chef Rodriquez Villaroel explains your dinner, and in the process elements of his character emerge.  His art adorns the walls.  He authors children's books.  And he is happy to interact with his patrons as the evening progresses.  Our dinner began with a board full of cheeses, olives, and salamis.  An organic honey and orange marmalade dipping sauce brought a nice depth of flavor with the cheese.  It paired nicely with a 2015 carmonere red Chilean wine called Casillero Del Diablo.   That means "gates of the devil."  It turns put that the wine workers were stealing wine from the owner.   So the owner made himself look like he had been mugged,  and the next times workers entered the wine storage area, he ran up to them and said the the devil had tried to destroy him.  The superstitious workers never stole wine after that, and the new carmonere red found a new name.Our second course was bruschetta on toast points, and I watched him go outside, to pluck the fresh basil in the dish.  This was followed by a lovely salad that distinguished itself by the aged balsamic, and by the blended fresh juices that were in the marinade.  Quality feta, and mozzarella further elevated the salad.  My entree was pasta with shrimp and lobster.  Certain seafoods were eliminated because my allergies. It had a light butter sauce, and was delicious.  My wife got steak and lobster.  The steak was tender, well seasoned, and complemented by a chimichurri sauce.  Both lobster were obtained locally, but brought from Maine and kept alive in holding tanks.  The best lobsters a long way from Maine, but totally fresh.  The sauce over the lobsters was cream based,  with butter, parm, and cognac.  So good.Dessert was a lovely passion fruit sorbet.This was some of the best eating in the island at any price. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

2 January 2019

Such a wonderful experience!! This is not micro-portion nouvelle cuisine. Come hungry, the portions are generous and Delicious! ! The main course was a grass-fed big island filet paired with a big island deep-water lobster tail. Heaven! Chef Rodrigo was very accommodating of my wife's Celiac (Gluten-Free) and crafted the menu as such.  Chef Rodrigo is a wonderful, engaging host and actually sat with us for a few minutes and spoke about his history, his vision, his art and his son's soccer success! Very nice. Be sure to make reservations. Will come again for sure. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

22 December 2018

(Tradus de Google) Experiență grozavă.(Original)Great experience.

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 December 2018

Went here with my wife for our 28th anniversary. Chef had a lovely place card with a congratulatory message for us....nice touch! What a fabulous dining experience! This is NOT micro-portion nouveau artistic food, the portion sizes are generous! Make sure you arrive hungry. After some truly wonderful appetizers and salads, the entree was a Kona grass fed sirloin with Chilean chimichurri and a good sized Kona deep water lobster tail. Just sublime! Chef Rodrigo was very creative with my wife's celiac issues. Chef actually sat a bit with us and chatted, which was very enjoyable. 100% recommend, be sure to call ahead More...

Reviewed on Facebook

22 November 2018

(Tradus de Google) Am găsit acest loc pe Google și, din întâmplare, aveau un tabel (este necesară rezervarea). Mâncarea a fost delicioasă, fiecare placă a fost pregătită cu un amestec de arome care ne-au aruncat în aer. Recomand cu siguranta pentru o seara speciala. Bucătarul, Rodrigo, acordă timp pentru a servi fiecare oaspete și pentru a satisface nevoile dvs. individuale. Mi-a plăcut.(Original)Found this place on Google, and by chance they had a table (reservation is required). The food was delicious, every plate was prepared with a mix of flavours that blew us away. Would definitely recommend for a special evening. The chef, Rodrigo, takes the time to serve every guest and caters to your individual needs. Loved it. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

17 November 2018

What can we say that hadn't been said.  What a nice evening with chef Rodrigo.  Absolutely the nicest dining experience on the Island.  Thanks so much.

Reviewed on Yelp

15 November 2018

There is a reason for the 5 star rating. Chef is phenomenal he is also the owner. With in minutes you feel like family. Most memorable evening.

Reviewed on Facebook

15 November 2018

Something I’ve been doing for awhile now is to look up the highest rated restaurants and make it a point to go there, whenever on vacation. Tonight was no exception. This place has a 5 star rating (which I have never seen before) and it definitely lived up to its rating. It’s reservations only, the meal is solely in the hands of Chef Rodrigo (trust him, phenomenal chef as well as an artist) and plan on it being the only thing you do for the evening. So worth it! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

22 September 2018

This place is fantastic, thanks to exquisite fresh food and warm welcome by chef Rodrigo. Don’t miss it!

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 September 2018

最高でした。前日予約必須ですが、たまたまキャンセルが出て入れました。イタリア出身のシェフのワンオペレーションで時間はかかりましたが、写真よりずっと美味しく、大満足です。4コースディナーで、メインがロブスターとステーキ両方だったので1人80ポンドほど。

Reviewed on Google Maps

15 September 2018

Its more than a meal, its an experience. I have to tell you it was nothing like I thought the name would bring me. He sat 2 tables (ours and one other) then put the "closed" sign up. He only sits a max of 5-6 tables, that night he decided on 2. Just an awesome 4 course meal where every dish is explained to you in detail, from what is in it, to where it came from, and what type of sauces are used to create it. Our night was Steak and Lobster, and it was perfect. It is pricey, but you will see me here many more times. Mahalo Chef Rodrigo!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

13 September 2018

Most likely the best dining experience on the Big Island! Custom tailored menus, world-class service, multi-course meal, great wine pairings, and even the possibility of an evening of private dining with the talented and authentic chef Rodrigo. We loved getting to know him and his cooking, and can't wait to come back! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

2 September 2018

A special place for an intimate dinner! Chef Rodrigo Villarroel surprised us with a private dinner menu for just 3 couples. Felt like we were old friends having a delicious dinner. It was a fun and scrumptious evening! We had lobster and steak, bolonaise,  salad, marinated steak tapas, an amazing coffee gelato with yummy biscotti. It's a must try for one of those special occasions. He also has a tapas dinner on Wednesday for $39. You have to make reservations. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

22 August 2018

One of the best dinners I've ever eaten! Lobster & Filet mignon was one of five courses. The chef describes each course in detail with history and passion. Off the charts! Treat someone to a special occasion. It's an experience you'll never forget. All of our guests here at Mermaid Dreams Bed & Breakfast continue to rave about it. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

Terrific great food, service and ambience loved it

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

Excellent service, exceptional food

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

What a fabulous place! Owner and chef, Rodrigo was absolutely charming and informative. He felt like our new best friend. Our lunch was delicious and we all agreed we need a return visit for dinner. Definitely recommend.

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

What a wonderful gem. Intimate dining focused on creating an unforgettable experience.

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

A small restaurant with a very dedicated chef, who has a great passion for food and insists on using only the freshest ingredients.

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

Chef Rodrigo was nothing short of superb! My wife and I visited during our honeymoon and Chef pulled out all of the stops during our five course dinner to ensure we had a wonderful experience. You can tell Chef takes pride in his craft. From the locally sourced ingredients to the simple preparation of the food, Chef allows the ingredients to shine and presents them in beautifully artistic way. Oh, and every dish tasted even better than it looked! Jimmy, our server, was equally as wonderful. He was knowledgeable about the ingredients and wines, and kept us entertained throughout our evening. This was our favorite dinner spot on the island and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Rapa Nui Cucina if you're in the Kona area. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

An amazing experience to be able to converse with the chef between courses. He would explain the courses, the inspiration for each and ingredients. A unique chance to get to know a someone who is passionate in the culinary arts. Needless to say but the food was delicious!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

Wonderful food. Thanks for the amazing dining experience!

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 August 2018

The best restaurant experience I have ever had. I went with my wife on our homeymoom and it was our favorite spot on the big island. I recieve a call 7 hours in advance to our reservation (from owner) to make sure we dididn have any allergies and to go over the menu. After arriving and orsering, the food was excellent and the customer service by James and Rodrigo was unmatched by any that I have ever had. Do not expect a standard restaurant feel because it is much more than that. Go experience this food for yourself! Very reasonably priced for the quality of food and service. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

18 August 2018

Fresh, creative, authentic and incredibly good! Highly recommend! Chef Rodrigo is gracious, passionate, knowledgeable, charming and extremely talented.

Reviewed on Facebook

9 June 2018

We got the same one-on-one service as last year, even though Chef Rodrigo has moved to a much more accessible location. Sadly media reports of lava flows are keeping people away even from the Kona side. But the chef just turned it into an opportunity to give us extra special attention. We had already requested his special five-course meal. His joy of cooking and meeting the diners made it a wonderful evening of great food and vibrant conversation. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

21 April 2018

Wow‼Delightful & Delicious. Wonderful fine dining experience. Nestled in a hole in the wall in South Kona, this restaurant is a treasure not to be missed. The menu is very creative using the fresh local ingredients with a twist!  Portions seem a little bit small but maybe the food is just so good that you are a member of the clean plate club before you know it! Be prepared to sit back and enjoy a wonderful meal. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

30 March 2018

Six of us were celebrating a special birthday. The chef talked with us the day before and customized the 5 course dinner for our needs - including one guest who was gluten free. The meal was outstanding and the service was great. The chef checked in with us through out the meal to ensure all was going well and to give us information about our dishes. We have a great time, and wonderful meal, and a fabulous celebration. Don't miss the steak and lobster - sounds so simple, but was soooo delicious! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

27 March 2018

A small restaurant with a very dedicated chef, who has a great passion for food and insists on using only the freshest ingredients. On a place like the Big Island, a restaurant like this is treasurable.Make a reservation if you can, so that you may witness  the chef at his best. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

25 March 2018

We called this restaurant after a long day of hiking Captain Cook and they graciously agreed to seat us at 7:30 PM instead of closing for the night. We had the whole restaurant to ourselves and Chef Rodrigo and Jimmy made us feel right at home. Fine dining with all the personal touches of farm-to-table cooking. We are used to this back home coming from Boulder and Denver (where boutique food is king) so we really appreciated the time and hospitality that Rapa Nui put into our visit. We ate at Kona brewing two nights later and spent MORE money on a less fancy meal. I will be coming back to Rapa Nui next time I am in town. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

9 March 2018

My family and I were fortunate enough to experience Chef Rodrigo's 5 course meal tonight. And all I can say is--WOW! We were able to taste seared ono covered in a fondue sauce along with roasted tomatoes and spinach, a minestrone with sourdough bread, a Grecian inspired salad along with tomato/basil/mozzarella, lobster covered in a fondue sauce + Pastel de choclo + New York strip,  and finally a flan-like bread pudding + gelato.  Everything was cooked to perfection and PACKED with delicious flavors!With every course, Chef came out and described what we were eating, the ingredients used and where they came from. It's this type of courtesy and treatment that makes dining all the more enjoyable. Not to mention, our waiter was absolutely superb--especially when it came to wines that would pair well with our various courses! This was such a special experience. I honestly can't wait to come back the next time I'm on the island! I would recommend this restaurant to absolutely anyone and everyone. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

17 February 2018

Interesting place with a small menu and a small but good quality wine list, most wines are from South America. The chef comes out to say hello frequently during the meal, and it's a small place with only one sitting per night, so service is attentive. We had pastas which were all good, and a lovely salad. It is best to reserve a table. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

16 February 2018

A great combo of good food, music, pleasant relaxing surroundings .. nicely decorated (painting to perfection by chef Rodrigo ). . and Karina is a fabulous hostess and keeps things rolling along with great conversation and energy! Loved it and definitely coming back !❤️ Mike and Marla Godfrey More...

Reviewed on Facebook

6 January 2018

Celebrated our honeymoon here and loved it so much! Rodrigo and Karina are wonderful hosts and treat you like family. We enjoyed the 5 course dinner all thoughtfully prepared with a glass of the Italian Merlot and Italian Prosseco. The main dish was their famous surf and turf with special herbs and sauce. We had the fresh catch of the day which was seared ono with sautéed vegetables and another sauce. Everything they prepare is fresh! We felt so loved! �� More...

Reviewed on Facebook

21 December 2017

What a memorable evening! The food was unique, flavorful, delicious, beautiful and fresh! Each ingredient was obviously picked with care, not only for the recipe, but for the client/diner/customer as well. This is a family business/restaurant and there is clearly creativity and kindness stirred into every dish. If you can get a reservation here, you should go - and skip the resorts....this is a gem. Mahalo Karina and Rodrigo. We hope to dine with you again the next time we visit the island. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

8 December 2017

We went to Rapa Nui's new location (old Mi's in Captain Cook).  Nicely done interior, spacious design, and INCREDIBLE food.  The Chef called us a few days before our reservation and we customized the menu to deal with food preferences.  Every course had unique twists.  We went for the Five Course dinner and were not disappointed!For example, the steak and lobster: the steak had an incredible rub of oregano, lemon, and other spices, perfectly cooked.  The lobster was with an incredible sauce (I think it was butter, cream, garlic, and a hint of cheese; he called it a fondue sauce); I normally am not a fan of lobster but it was sweet and perfectly cooked and the sauce made it stand out as a winner.  The minestrone soup came with squash, bacon, and a beautiful crouton, not to mention a hot sauce that really enhanced the flavors.  Unlike any minestrone soup I've ever had.  The salad dressing had a wonderful drizzle of excellent Extra Virgin Olive Oil along with a reduction of balsamic vinegar, papaya, orange, and herbs.I'll miss the view of the old location but with the new resaurant's expanded hours, I'm glad they moved.Watch for the grand opening next week, Chef told us about lunch, appetizer and take out specials.  We are looking forward to a great addition from Chef Rodrigo and his wife in South Kona. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

8 December 2017

Best new thing in South Kona - everything is perfect.

Reviewed on Facebook

7 December 2017

Tried Rapa Nui, last night. My party of 3 all decided on the freshly made pasta & salad. Our dining experience was enhanced by chef, Rodrigo's interest in our time at his table. He went into his kitchen, brought out a tray & showed us his little piles of just created pasta, fettuccine grosso, that would later be presented as our main course. But FIRST! A small bite of avocado toast accompanied with a side of pickled onion. Every morsel was gone as the arrival of our salad appeared. Mind you, we just ordered salad. What appeared was a beautiful plate with a Greek salad (kalamatas, feta, etc) in one corner & a small Caprese in the other, with beautiful drips of a balsamic/papaya reduction. Chef Rodrigo asked us if we had noticed the papaya, we confessed we thought it was a balsamic reduction, into the kitchen he went, returning with his reduction & poured a bit onto a small piece of our lettuce for us to taste the complexity! Our pasta arrived. Perfectly cooked pasta with a Putenesca sauce, so comforting! As we were enjoying this, another small plate arrived from the kitchen, nicely prepared veggies with carmelized onion, a tasty surprise. We settled on a single dessert with 3 spoons as we hadn't left a single morsel on any of the previous dishes. We chose a Venezuelan family recipe of a flan/bread pudding combo. It arrived beautifully presented topped with a bit of dulce con Leche & surrounded with a berry & red wine reduction. OMG! After finishing our bite of dessert, we POURED the balance of this marvelous sauce into our spoons to get all of it. Chef Rodrigo asked how we liked it & I responded, I wanted a glass of that sauce! Into his kitchen he goes, returning with the pan it was made in & 3 fresh spoons of just that sauce with berries for another taste. RAPA NUI is brand new. This place needs a following. It is more than dinner. It's a civilized, dining experience with a focus on farm to table freshness with an eye toward your entire dining experience. GO HERE! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

28 November 2017

Checked out Rapa Nui's new location in the old Mi's.  Chef Rodrigo, his wife, and all the staff are just amazing!  Its more like an event than a meal.  We are so lucky to have this enjoyable of a restaurant up Mauka. More...

Reviewed on Yelp