Pueo's Osteria, LLC

Reviews about Pueo's Osteria, LLC

• 2 / 5

  By J A
  Personal-sized pizzas at $25 and tiny side dishes of sautéed spinach for $9 overwhelm the fact that you also have to pay extra for any bread and oil you might like to have (standard fare, at no charge, in most Italian restaurants--in Italy or elsewhere in the free world). Our total cost was $230 for 2 kids, 2 adults (no alcohol, nothing fancy, 2 appetizers, 2 desserts). Reviews citing the affordability of this establishmetnt are a wonderment.
  
  Having traveled throughout Italy, I'd say the food was okay--but, honestly, not much beyond what you'd find in an Olive Garden's high-end selections. My pana cotta was bitter and there was no espresso (machine was out of service, they said). Regular coffee was quite nice. The roasted Brussel sprouts were overloaded with balsamic--way too sweet. The imported shrimp were overcooked (like rubber), but the imported clams were well done. (Local foods were somewhat lacking for a restaurant on an agriculturally focused island surrounded by seafood-filled waters.)
  
  The ambience, down to the high end bathrooms, begin to explain the exhorbitant cost of food, I suppose (location, the posh (by Big Island standards) Waikoloa, surely contributes to the bill). The heavily tattooed waitresses and waiter's sporting ear gauges give a Hawaii Island flare to the place, and the service was good. Listening to a large Polynesian looking gent spout out "Ciao Bella!' in the most horrendous accent provided some entertainment value. The entryway was littered with pictures of "famous" people who have eaten here, but they are all so obscure and unrecognizable, they have actually printed out descriptions of who these "stars" are.
  
  Sadly, this is still the best Italian food I have eaten anywhere on the Big Island (outside of my own kitchen), but keep in mind that this rock is notoriously lacking in selection and quality of ethnic foods and that spam and multi-colored sweet breads are dietary staples.
  April 21, 2017
• 5 / 5

  By John Pierce
  Italian food with the island influence. Excellent preparation and presentation at an affordable price, but as good as any five star restaurant.
  March 27, 2017
• 5 / 5

  By Jeffrey Britton
  How does one capture the essence of perfection? Hands down this is the absolute best place for creative Italian food and humble, super kind service. In all candor, don't come too often-- I'd like my regular seat at the bar. True aloha !
  March 09, 2017
• 4 / 5

  By Marje Simay
  Very good service. The food was good. The coffee was excellent, but somewhat over priced. The desserts were excellent.
  
  The atmosphere was very charming. The staff were friendly and professional. Overall, a great experience.
  November 20, 2016