A neighborhood gem in Waikoloa

Good Italian food is almost impossible to find on the Big Island. That is why when Pueo’s Osteria opened in the Village of Waikoloa a few months ago we immediately drove up to sample the fare. The name is partly local and partly Italian. Pueo is the indigenous owl in Hawaiʻi and an Osteria is a restaurant that originally was one that served wine and simple food. The restaurant, which is in the Waikoloa shopping center, is quite picturesque as you approach it. We were there recently and it was crowded so reservations are a must.

The appetizers and salads are excellent. We are particularly partial to the calamari fritti, the antipasto board, and the romaine, walnuts and gorgonzola salad. All are large enough to share and will whet your appetite for the main course.

Choosing a main course is difficult because they are all so good. When we first went there with friends each of us had something different and we all admired each other’s plate. We decided at that point we had to return and work our way through the menu. You can view their menu at pueososteria.com. Our favorites are the wild boar pappardelle, cannelloni al forno, rustichella rigatoni Bolognese, Barolo braised short ribs, and veal parmesan. All are excellent and if you take home a doggie bag a few seconds in the microwave will give you an excellent meal the next day.

Of course, dessert comes next. The tiramisu is excellent as is the lemon-cello torte and the crostata. All are typically finished to the last bite (even shared around the table) and the coffee is also very good. The wait staff is particularly friendly and remembers us from time to time. The last couple of times we ate there we had Courtney who is extremely nice and attentive.

As we normally do, we begin with a drink before dinner. At this point we must insert a negative, the only one. The single malt menu is sparse and the Macallan 12 is overpriced, being $4.00 more per pour than at Merriman’s, which is definitely an upper class restaurant.  Also the wine menu, while extensive, is also overpriced.

Overall the experience is well worth it despite the scotch and wine. If you are on the Big Island and have a hankering for Italian food, Pueo’s Osteria is definitely the place to go.