Johnnys-Waikoloa

Our visit began on an unfortunate note. After waiting approximately five minutes to be seated, we were approached by the hostess without a greeting or welcoming demeanor and told we would be seated “in a couple minutes.” With no visible line and only a handful of tables occupied, the interaction felt unnecessarily abrupt. A different server took our order and was noticeably more pleasant; however, service throughout the meal lacked attentiveness. The Manmosa cocktails did not meet expectations in balance or presentation. The 8 oz New York strip, ordered medium, arrived well done, unrested, and notably tough, with minimal seasoning and flavor. The vegetable omelet similarly lacked seasoning, and the eggs were overcooked. The scrambled eggs were excessively oily. The toast was served cold and very firm, and even the pre-applied butter had not melted, further indicating it had not been freshly prepared. The water was refreshing. Overall, the experience did not align with the restaurant’s rating and left much room for improvement in both hospitality and kitchen execution.

My dad and I aren’t great with phones — and I mean that literally. My dad doesn’t even own a cell phone. We were driving around using Maps and saw a spot labeled “Johnny’s Restaurant” and figured, why not? We pulled in and asked the woman there if this was the place to get authentic Hawaiian food. At first glance, I honestly wasn’t sure we were in the right spot. What happened next completely blew us away. The chef came out personally and made us a custom meal just for us. No rush, no attitude — just genuine care, kindness, and hospitality that you don’t see much anymore. It felt like we weren’t just customers, but guests. That kind of service goes way beyond expectations. It was warm, personal, and unforgettable. I’ve truly never experienced anything like it, and I felt like this moment deserved to be shared so others know how special this place really is. Thank you for treating us with such kindness — we won’t forget it.

We experienced great food on Wednesday. The specials change regularly and we were lucky enough to hit a night where we could order seafood linguine and salmon stuffed with lobster. Both dishes were rich and delicious.

Johnny's a wonderful place to go to for breakfast! It looks out over the golf course and has a large, covered outdoor dining area. Our server was Tiffany and she was particularly friendly and efficient! My breakfast was the eggs and ricotta. I have never heard of that combination before and I had to try it. It was so delicious, we are going to try to replicate it at home! Johnny's was a great experience!

One of my family's favorite places to eat! Friday night is prime rib night, and you will not be disappointed! Open air design, letting the breeze blow through the bar. Large seating area overlooking the driving range, and a nice bar area perfect for watching your choice of sports. The food and drinks are fantastic, highly recommend the Hummus Platter Pupu, and the Onion Rings are crispiness perfection!