Paul’s Place

Came here for brunch with a friend on a weekend and was wowed by the delicious food! The Belgian waffle was so fluffy on the inside and just the right amount of toasted-​ness on the outside! The Eggs Benedict isn’t your typical Benedict, but it’s so heavenly. I loved all their food that I’ve tried so far and I need to try more the next time I’m back home! Will definitely frequent this wonderful little hole-​in-​the-​wall as much as possible!
Just an FYI: the place is really small (just like 3 tables) so if you arrived during brunch, be prepared to wait. But don’t worry – it’s totally worth it!

The only thing that’s stopping me from giving this joint a 5-​star rating is the size of the restaurant. It has 3 tables & sits no more than 8 – 9 people! With that said, Paul’s waffle is MINDBLOWING!!! We also ordered the Fish Bowl. It takes you to Flavor Town and back. Did I mentioned that Paul, the owner, is there to greet you & cook your food? WE LOVE how personable he is. BTW, if you use your credit card, there’s no tipping option. This is probably the last restaurant on earth that tipping is TRULY OPTIONAL (cash only though)!!!

Our third visit on our short trip to the Big Island to try something new yet again at Paul’s Place!
We enjoyed Paul’s Caesar Salad, SS BLT Sandwich, Smoked Salmon Benedict and finished our lunch with a Banana Fosters-​srtyle ice cream parfait!
No words to describe how delicious everything was, except «yum heaven!» If you want a gastronomical treat, dine at Paul’s Place!!! Woo hoo!

Paul’s Place is a gem. My wife and I were able to squeak in without a reservation one weekday morning, but from what I understand you’d better get a reservation if you want to eat here. The food and hospitality was off the charts. My wife had the Belgian waffle (which was the best waffle either of us had ever had) and I had the off-​menu eggs benedict, which was more of an Italian flavor than the traditional. It featured cherry tomatoes, olives, basil, olive oil, garlic, bacon, and eggs on a crostini. This is a don’t miss place in Hilo.

I absolutely love everything about this place, from the intimate atmosphere, to the French press coffee served in quirky little mugs, to the friendly proprietor chef-​ing up the most delicious food! Seriously. Eating at Paul’s place basically feels like eating at the home of a friend who is truly passionate about cooking and entertaining.
Unfortunately for me, I live four islands away or I would probably eat here weekly. On my last week-​long trip to Hilo (when I finally discovered this gem), I tried to make up for lost time by going in three times. But even though that was almost three months ago, the Place is still frequently on my mind so I decided to finally write this review I’ve been mentally drafting since then.
I ate there three times in a week, so I tried a few things, but I just need to voice my feelings for Paul’s Caesar salad.
In general I’m not even a fan of Caesar salads, and when I saw that he had one on the chalkboard menu I initially just glanced right past it without bothering to read the ingredients because who goes to a place like this and orders a Caesar, right? But then I’m one of those indecisive people who sometimes chooses something out of left field right at the last minute. So on my first trip there when I couldn’t make up my mind between the eggs Benedict and a fish bowl (a pasta dish), I naturally went for the Caesar because I saw it had smoked salmon it. Usually this last minute shot in the dark approach I take leads me to disappointment, but this time it was the complete opposite. This salad was AMAZING and I fell in love.
Smoked salmon, bacon, blue cheese, Parmesan, and a poached egg served on a bed of probably-​local leaf lettuce tossed in an almost invisible but perfectly flavorful vinaigrette that I think he said was like a lemon anchovy? Overall, the salad didn’t really taste like a «traditional» Caesar (prob why I loved it), but I’ve scarcely stopped thinking about it since. It was just the perfect combination of flavors and textures — and that egg! Just wow.
I don’t know if the salad is regularly available or not, but if it is, and you go there, you should eat it. Or the eggs Benedict with the non-​traditional but super delicious hollandaise and accompanying mini-​smoothie, the perfectly-​crisp yet soft-​in-​the-​center waffles, or the fish bowl (Mediterranean-​esque pasta), or probably anything else this guy creates because like I said he is clearly passionate about what he does and you can literally taste it. I can’t wait to go back.

Paul’s Place is a breath of life to this otherwise gloomy little alley. It is situated on the lower level of the Pakalana Inn, next to the historical Koji’s lunch shop. If there is any business that fits the description of «hole in the wall», it really is this place. But this is no ordinary hole in the wall. Looking down the alley, you may be tempted to retreat. Don’t do it! Open the door and take a trot up the stairwell. I promise you will be pleasantly surprised (Unless you are claustrophobic).
The business consists of 3 — 2 seater tables and only has enough space to accommodate 6 people at a time. Paul does take walk-in’s but **reservations are highly recommended.** Unfortunately, Paul turns away the guests that he cannot accommodate. But he is very honest and professional about the structure of his little humble business so please respect his will. Paul is originally from Maui, born and bread in the kitchen and he is nothing short of amazing, as a chef and also as a person. His heart is in his cooking, which he reflects perfectly.
My best advice… If you are uncertain of what you would like to order, trust that Paul will make every effort to please you. There is nothing bad on the menu. The food is as delicious as it is pleasing to the eyes.
Fish Bowl — 5 stars ***** Fresh with a peppered kick.
Belgian Waffles — 5 stars ***** Light and delicious.
Eggs Benedict — 5 stars ***** Creamy and scrumptious!

Needed to come to Hilo from Waikoloa to pick up some Hawaii famous moichi from Two Ladies so thought I would look for a new breakfast place in Hilo.
Paul’s definitely lives up to and deserves it’s reputation. Had the Eggs Benedict. One of the most flavorful meals I have ever had the good fortune to eat.
Non– tradtional sauce: lemon, dill rosemary aoli sauce over perfectly poached eggs, sweet local tomatoes, crisp flavor packed but not dry bacon all on a bed of toasted english muffin.
Believe or not, reservations recommended because it’s only three tables. Owner is the head chef and the food server Koa (you can call me Freckles) offered a relaxed, non rushed service with a lot of Aloha.
Very clean, comfortable ambience. On my visit, Tony Bennett/​Lady Gaga collaboration of old school ballads were playing.
Paul obviously takes great pride in the preparation and presentation of his food. What a treat to find a restaurant that lives up to its many 5 star reviews.
Don’t forget to call for reservations.
Word of caution… this is not diner grub. Nothing wrong with that. Ken’s Pancake House for that type of fare.

You know that I just had to try Paul’s after just flying in. Small little cozy Café with three tables for two inside. Located in Hilo town, it was real easy to find and parking was available behind the building.
Nice healthy appetizing options are available as far as sandwiches and salads are concerned, but I was here for Brekkie and read that his benedicts and waffles were bomb.
Ordered up «The Benedict» which a lot of Yeeps raved about. Beautiful presentation and loved the freshness of the ingredients he uses. It was a nice change up from a traditional benedict, because Paul makes his with bacon. Verdict, being a Benny dude. Ono Stuff!
Note that if you’re in a rush this Quaint little Café is not for you, but if you want to really treat yourself to a relaxing enjoyable meal. Then this is the place! This is what Unilocal is about, helping you find local Gems like this, Great job and service Paul!

OMG this is a gem!!! It’s a small café in Hilo town. If you want fast grab and go food this place is NOT for you.
This cozy café has only 3 tables inside and 1 outside. Not only is it charming but so is the owner and 1 man staff.
I had the Benedict and let me tell you this is THE BEST I have ever had. From the English muffin toasted to perfection the bacon (yes bacon) perfectly cooked egg local greens and topped with his heavenly twist on hollandaise sauce! Sweet local fruit on the side just to clean the pallet afterwards.
My husband had the Belgian waffle another WINNER! This crispy light delight was so delicious I only got to sample a bite.
Parking is street only but if you are looking for that something special and to remember this is the place to be. We will forever come here every time we come to Big Island.
Mahalo for such an amazing breakfast.

I have had some of the best food of my life in this café.
Everything is fresh, and local! Try the ahi benedict or the fruit parfait with local honey, and fresh local fruit.
The waffle with fruit is also very good.

Paul’s Place is a tiny little breakfast/​brunch join located at the edge of downtown Hilo. There are literally 3 tables that fit 2 to 3 people each. I came at about 8am and was lucky enough to get a table as I saw the other two tables had already been previously reserved.
The kitchen is stationed behind a counter right next to the tables and you can smell the delicious aromas wafting over as Paul cooks.
The interior is clean and homey, with white table clothes on the tables paired with shiny silverware. The menu is relatively basic, but all its items are freshly bought that morning. I learned that sometimes some of his lunch items aren’t available before noon because he hasn’t gone out and bought the supplies yet.
I got the Belgian Waffle and it certainly is special as many of the other Unilocal reviews state. My first impression seeing it on the menu was more of indifference as I’ve eaten many waffles in my life so I wondered what could be so special about another waffle. However, at the behest of my friends, I ordered it and I was glad I did. The waffle was crispy, light, and fluffy. Topped with fresh bananas, berries, and a small slice of salted butter it was the perfect balance of sweet and hearty. It also came with warmed maple syrup that easily drizzled into the nooks and crannies of the waffle. I finished it easily without feeling heavy or unsatisfied.
This tiny restaurant is probably one of the best examples of Hawaiian hospitality. The owner and worker are warm and attentive and they just seem to know everyone that steps through their doors. The food is cooked with care and overall you leave with all the warm and fuzzy vibes of eating at your parent’s place.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a reservation or drop-​in, you won’t be disappointed.