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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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ThEATERY is a food and beverage experience with exciting Hawaiian ingredients in comfort food creations. We use a simple menu that has a seasonal run leaving you begging for an encore. The stage is set with a beautiful coastal backdrop while you dine or drink with us. We allow 50% of seats to be reserved and walk-ins are welcome!
Hours
| Sunday | 4–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–9 PM |
| Saturday | 4–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 79-7384 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd # B, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone: (808) 556-3556
Website: https://www.thetheatery.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: exploretock.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
The Theatery
… Theatery with usages of cacao in each dish, often … The Theatery – The Theater Eatery. 79-7384 Hawaii Belt Rd, Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750, United States.
The Theatery – Kealakekua, HI – Tock
… Theatery. Kealakekua, HI · American · $$$. New American fare influenced by French preparation and dominated by Hawaiian ingredients. Unique food, amazing …
The Theatery, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750, US
The Theatery in Kealakekua, HI, presents a unique dining experience blending New American cuisine with French techniques and a Hawaiian twist.
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Reviews
Ben Starr
What a treat to find a restaurant of this caliber and style in this part of the island. The theme is just brilliant, and often interwoven with whatever is playing at the historic theatre attached to it. It’s elegant, nostalgic, but still 100% quirky Big Island.
You may read other reviews from self-proclaimed “foodies” who critique Chef’s choices for salt and acidity and think a dish needs to be different in order to be “proper.” This kind of haughtiness doesn’t belong here. This is a chef who has worked in some of the most respected kitchens in the country, and what you are experiencing is his specific interpretation of a dish. If it’s not to your taste, it’s your fault…not his. Each dish here is executed exquisitely and purposefully, and my crew (I’m a chef, and my friends have accumulated HUNDREDS of Michelin stars when dining around the world) was deeply and profoundly impressed.
We arrived at happy hour to enjoy sunset drinks before our reservation, and the cocktail program here is strong and sophisticated. (The names are twists on cinematic tropes, and the drinks are exceptionally well balanced…a very welcome divergence from the uber-sweet woo-girl cocktails found in so many bars here.)
Since we were 4, we were able to order a good portion of the menu, so we could each experience 10 dishes. The menu will change by the time YOU read this, so it’s mostly irrelevant to discuss specific dishes, but it appears that some version of the Pounded Ahi dish is often on offer, and it was truly exceptional. An expertly crafted melange of textures, with the rich foie gras dusting delightfully contrasting the lean, smooth ahi, and crunchy cabbage rounding out the bottom.
The lamb shank, which also appears to be a perennial player, was the single best lamb dish I’ve had in my life. (One reviewer said it reminded them of a mainland winter dish and didn’t belong here, which is ludicrous. This isn’t a tourist restaurant, there’s not a resort for miles…this is a place for locals to experience fine dining without going to an overpriced resort and be surrounded by tourists.)
The signature tableside Bananas Foster was a must-order. My friend is a New Orleans native, and bartended there for 2 decades. She is LOATHE to offer praise for a New Orleans signature dish anywhere other than home, and she begrudgingly acknowledged that the Bananas Foster here was better than at Brennan’s…which is where the dish was invented. I still can’t believe she said that.
What also struck me was the pricing. By the time my group of 4 finished our 10 plates, had each had a cocktail, AND a bottle of wine, the tab was $75 each. I’m certain I’ve never had a meal of this caliber on the mainland for that cheap, and certainly not with this view, this laid-back ambience, and this whimsically themed.
I desperately hope this place gets patronized enough to stick around, as it will become our priority reservation each time we come to the Big Island. We normally stay in Puna which means we’ll be reworking our standard itinerary to accommodate a dinner here.)
TL/DR: This is the best restaurant on the island right now, and a dinner here will be one of the highlights of your trip. We’re still talking about it days later.
… moreYou may read other reviews from self-proclaimed “foodies” who critique Chef’s choices for salt and acidity and think a dish needs to be different in order to be “proper.” This kind of haughtiness doesn’t belong here. This is a chef who has worked in some of the most respected kitchens in the country, and what you are experiencing is his specific interpretation of a dish. If it’s not to your taste, it’s your fault…not his. Each dish here is executed exquisitely and purposefully, and my crew (I’m a chef, and my friends have accumulated HUNDREDS of Michelin stars when dining around the world) was deeply and profoundly impressed.
We arrived at happy hour to enjoy sunset drinks before our reservation, and the cocktail program here is strong and sophisticated. (The names are twists on cinematic tropes, and the drinks are exceptionally well balanced…a very welcome divergence from the uber-sweet woo-girl cocktails found in so many bars here.)
Since we were 4, we were able to order a good portion of the menu, so we could each experience 10 dishes. The menu will change by the time YOU read this, so it’s mostly irrelevant to discuss specific dishes, but it appears that some version of the Pounded Ahi dish is often on offer, and it was truly exceptional. An expertly crafted melange of textures, with the rich foie gras dusting delightfully contrasting the lean, smooth ahi, and crunchy cabbage rounding out the bottom.
The lamb shank, which also appears to be a perennial player, was the single best lamb dish I’ve had in my life. (One reviewer said it reminded them of a mainland winter dish and didn’t belong here, which is ludicrous. This isn’t a tourist restaurant, there’s not a resort for miles…this is a place for locals to experience fine dining without going to an overpriced resort and be surrounded by tourists.)
The signature tableside Bananas Foster was a must-order. My friend is a New Orleans native, and bartended there for 2 decades. She is LOATHE to offer praise for a New Orleans signature dish anywhere other than home, and she begrudgingly acknowledged that the Bananas Foster here was better than at Brennan’s…which is where the dish was invented. I still can’t believe she said that.
What also struck me was the pricing. By the time my group of 4 finished our 10 plates, had each had a cocktail, AND a bottle of wine, the tab was $75 each. I’m certain I’ve never had a meal of this caliber on the mainland for that cheap, and certainly not with this view, this laid-back ambience, and this whimsically themed.
I desperately hope this place gets patronized enough to stick around, as it will become our priority reservation each time we come to the Big Island. We normally stay in Puna which means we’ll be reworking our standard itinerary to accommodate a dinner here.)
TL/DR: This is the best restaurant on the island right now, and a dinner here will be one of the highlights of your trip. We’re still talking about it days later.
Karen shakapopolis
Exquisite dining experience! My husband had the pounded ahi tuna and it literally brought tears to his eyes, sharing it was by far the best dish he has ever eaten in his entire life. My short ribs and his kanpachi were amazing. We finished with a melon soup with basil oil that was incredible. We were tickled to find out we eating a meal prepared by legendary chef Stewart Woodman, the icing on the brulee! As lovely as out meal was, it was made even better by John, who provided exceptional service and was equally excited to serve this delicious food as we were to eat it!
… moreLoyce Arthur
Wonderful relaxed place next to the historic community theater. You can hear the actors warming up for the performance. Varied menu all locally sourced. Delightful place to watch the sunset while having a great dinner. Menu is à la carte so it can be pricey. Delicious coconut rice. Very cozy feel with everyone having a really good time.
… moreMarisa Ala
We loved everything about Theatery! The food was amazing, and we also loved our cocktails (espresso martini called the “Aloha” and an “Ethos” – a version of a margarita). We had garlic bread with miso paste, a bouquet salad with hearts of palm and a beet puree, and best of all, a braised lamb shank with coconut rice and a carrot puree. My only “complaint” is that the puree was so good I wanted much more of it… Bananas foster for dessert – the bananas come from the farm right next to the restaurant. We did a farm tour (mostly focused on cocoa and coffee beans) just before dinner, so it was sunset right when we arrived. Beautiful view!!
… moreMarissa Sterling
Let’s just start off with, this was one of the best steaks iv ever had sooo tender melt in your mouth! All local to the island. I been wanting to try them since they opened and it’s definitely I think one of the BEST restaurants on the island for sure! unique and different then all the other “fancy restaurants” that literally have the same exact sysco orderd food. The theatery has an amazing renowned chef who takes pride in their dishes, all fresh local ingredients. The views, the atmosphere, the service and of course the food is top notch! This is my now go to place for when I want to celebrate something special. My mom and I shared the bone marrow and the ulu dauphine both were fantastic!! I have been dreaming of that bone marrow ever since I saw they had it and it did not disappoint!!! We both got their dinner special steak filet with a lobster sauce and it was phenomenal!!! Melt in your mouth I savored every Bite! I also got an espresso martini which was delicious! We got a dessert to go the puna chocolate Panna cotta with ube…and it was also soooo good perfect for later after we were over our food coma …our server Gram was exceptional and extremely nice and attentive, couldn’t have asked for a better experience! will definitely be coming back and recommending to everyone!
… moreAmy Murray
We were excited to try this place. An experienced NYC Chef, an interesting menu, plenty of locals -not too touristy.
Our server was a bit behind the curve but the place was not full or busy. We waited a bit for a greeting and to give our drink order. I knew what I wanted when I saw Mai Tai on the menu—it was a Saturday night at sunset! They were out. I tried a vodka drink, that was spilled on me upon delivery. It would’ve been better hospitality if the server had replaced the drink and brought me soda water and a cloth napkin to rub it out of my dress (a red drink). He apologized and brought a paper napkin (disintegrates on fabric).
We tried the green bean salad with “crispy rice paper” and a beet salad. The portion size is a bit small for the price. The bean salad had maybe 3 green beans fillet’s in half, red bells, soggy fried rice paper and a dressing that was unpleasantly sweet. In Hawaii I would expect more of a a bounty of their great local produce and flavors. Like a mango ginger chopped salad or more tropical vibe like kale with coconut lime macadamia. I’d like to see the chef integrate more Hawai’i flavors.
The flavors felt a little too “winter on the mainland”.
Next we had short ribs and yellowtail in a lemongrass taro coconut red curry. The ribs were tender and in a thick gravy, the pomme puree perfect, but the set felt heavy handed for the summer weather. The fish was ok, but the flavors were not as described on the menu. The curry needed to be more bold, with more ginger, lime leaf, more spice, more acid, more herbs. It was a boring sauce which is surprising when you’re surrounded by so much vibrancy of nature.
For dessert we tried the mango soup with a lemongrass sorber(?) and fried ginger. This is a fun fine dining classic from back in the day. It was good, altho I’d have added more lime to punch up the soup and the fried ginger could have popped more with a dusting of ginger sugar and more tender young ginger —these were fibrous.
Overall this place does stand out on the Big Island as a must try. The interior is very pretty. The patio could use a bit more polishing to match the decor. Service could improve, this place is pricy. And with the Chef’s resume and pedigree, flavors should be better/bolder.
… moreOur server was a bit behind the curve but the place was not full or busy. We waited a bit for a greeting and to give our drink order. I knew what I wanted when I saw Mai Tai on the menu—it was a Saturday night at sunset! They were out. I tried a vodka drink, that was spilled on me upon delivery. It would’ve been better hospitality if the server had replaced the drink and brought me soda water and a cloth napkin to rub it out of my dress (a red drink). He apologized and brought a paper napkin (disintegrates on fabric).
We tried the green bean salad with “crispy rice paper” and a beet salad. The portion size is a bit small for the price. The bean salad had maybe 3 green beans fillet’s in half, red bells, soggy fried rice paper and a dressing that was unpleasantly sweet. In Hawaii I would expect more of a a bounty of their great local produce and flavors. Like a mango ginger chopped salad or more tropical vibe like kale with coconut lime macadamia. I’d like to see the chef integrate more Hawai’i flavors.
The flavors felt a little too “winter on the mainland”.
Next we had short ribs and yellowtail in a lemongrass taro coconut red curry. The ribs were tender and in a thick gravy, the pomme puree perfect, but the set felt heavy handed for the summer weather. The fish was ok, but the flavors were not as described on the menu. The curry needed to be more bold, with more ginger, lime leaf, more spice, more acid, more herbs. It was a boring sauce which is surprising when you’re surrounded by so much vibrancy of nature.
For dessert we tried the mango soup with a lemongrass sorber(?) and fried ginger. This is a fun fine dining classic from back in the day. It was good, altho I’d have added more lime to punch up the soup and the fried ginger could have popped more with a dusting of ginger sugar and more tender young ginger —these were fibrous.
Overall this place does stand out on the Big Island as a must try. The interior is very pretty. The patio could use a bit more polishing to match the decor. Service could improve, this place is pricy. And with the Chef’s resume and pedigree, flavors should be better/bolder.
Gigi Azmy
The seven course tasting was out of this world. Every dish was excellent! Please leave your preferences out the door and just enjoy every dish for what it is…and you will be very full by the end. Just trust the process. My husband booked this for our 10 year anniversary. We got to see the restuarant turn sunset colors as the sun went down. The 14 alcoholic drinks that came with the 7 tastings were way too much alcohol for us – -but it was fun to see the glasses pile up. We started asking only for one glass per tasting because we could not possibly finish them all. It was so nice to have the chef and staff come out and share a bit about the dishes. For 2 parents that hardly get to get out, that was a sweet social experience. Thanks to Hannah our server! We had a wonderful and tasty time.
Hannah also took the time to explain that even though they are upscale, they are also toddler friendly. She invited us to bring the toddlers for their banana fosters sundae and hit up the theatre next door when they have a kid friendly movie.
If the theatre could add more Rated G kid sensitive movies, we would definitely show up more often! <3 Thanks for the idea, we are always looking for more.
… moreHannah also took the time to explain that even though they are upscale, they are also toddler friendly. She invited us to bring the toddlers for their banana fosters sundae and hit up the theatre next door when they have a kid friendly movie.
If the theatre could add more Rated G kid sensitive movies, we would definitely show up more often! <3 Thanks for the idea, we are always looking for more.
Simon Dagger
Visiting from the UK party of 4. We came here and were not disappointed. Everything we had was cooked so well and the portions were huge. Had the Lamb for my main and it’s probably the biggest portion of lamb I’ve ever been served and it just fell off the bone. Our server was amazing too, full of energy and friendly. Great experience and we will visit again when we’re back in Hawaii ❤️
… moreCharlie Faure
What a treat finding this little gem was for us! We had gone to a jazz fest at the theater and stopped in for a drink. That then turned into pu pus. That then turned into a most delicious dinner! The food, the service and the ambiance were all wonderful! The chef has amazing credentials, and his foods speak volumes. What a treat! If you’re in Kona, this is worth finding.
… moreHeather Lewis-Lechner
An absolutely lovely meal. Preparation was perfect for each of our meals, presentation was beautiful and the service was lovely. Everyone was friendly and fun. The dessert – a mango soup – was a great light, refreshing end to the meal and unique. We also wanted a place with a good cocktail program and this definitely checked that box!!! One of our favorite meals while visiting the island and would highly recommend. Elevated food in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere.
… more