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Kailua-Kona › Kailua-Kona › Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Umekes Fish Market Bar & GrillB+Worth Trying
74-5599 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
· Restaurant, Caterer, Poke bar
· 4.4/5 Google (6353 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination for fresh poke and Hawaiian plates with generous portions, solid value, and inconsistent service; go for poke and tacos, temper expectations on service and surcharges.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong poke and fish quality that drives repeat visits and local loyalty. However, inconsistent execution—ranging from cold food to over-seasoning— and uneven service pacing prevent it from reaching higher territory. The convenient Kona location and warm bar atmosphere make it a reliable choice for fresh seafood, though not a destination standout.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with bar TVs and friendly energy, the kind of place coworkers and repeat visitors send you for your first Kona poke. Plates land generously and quickly off-peak, and one diner said, "the poke was the freshest of our trip." However, there are some review authenticity concerns - some review patterns are consistent with solicited or influenced feedback. The cooking leans Hawaiian comfort with seafood focus, more produce-driven island staples than showy technique. Poke flights, Ahi Katsu, and fish tacos headline, while big platters make sharing easy. When the kitchen hits, flavors are bright and balanced; on busy days, a few dishes skew salty or arrive cooler than ideal. For families, the Keiki menu is a real win for kids: sliders, nuggets, quesadilla, and simple sides. Poke, grilled chicken, and tacos give options for adventurous and cautious eaters, though MP items and surcharges can add up. If dining outdoors, expect occasional flies and plan accordingly for little ones.
At a Glance
- Fresh poke and generous portions win repeat visits
- Poke flight and fish tacos are crowd favorites
- Service inconsistency from slow pacing to order errors
- Credit card surcharges and occasional auto service charges
- Outdoor flies reported at times, especially during busy periods
What Sets It Apart
- poke_flight_sampler
- large_shareable_seafood_platters
- fish_market_component
What People Love
- Clean-tasting, ultra-fresh poke
- Generous portions that create leftovers
- Helpful suggestions from friendly bartenders and servers
- Variety of poke flavors and flights
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow or curt at peak times; a few reports of dismissive interactions
- Pricing includes MP items and credit card surcharges; some report auto gratuities for certain parties
- Outdoor seating can attract flies which impacts comfort
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (high five-star share, enthusiastic marketing-style phrasing) which may not reflect every diner's experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$62 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose Da Avo or Hawaiian poke for classic profiles
- Keiki sliders or quesadilla for children
- Consider Ahi Katsu or Pulehu Ahi Belly for cooked options
Perfect For
- Casual seafood night focused on poke
- Sharing platters with friends before a flight
- Vacation lunch with bar seating
- Family dinner with Keiki options
Location Insights
Area: Busy Kona commercial zone serving visitors and locals; casual island vibe near shops and services.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic tourist area; occasional cleanliness complaints about flies in outdoor seating.
Nearby: Near airport and tourist corridors; shops, coffee, and local retailers nearby attract pre- and post-activity diners.
Kailua-KonaThe dining scene in Kailua-Kona is diverse, featuring a mix of casual seafood spots, Hawaiian cuisine, and upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, catering to visitors seeking authentic island flavors as well as locals enjoying fresh, local ingredients.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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