IZAKAYA SHIONO KONA

Very mediocre sushi. Was looking forward to trying this place out during our visit to Big Island based on previous reviews but it fell way short. Bland tastes, majority of the specialty rolls and sushi are tuna-based, and although the menu had a lot of dishes listed, unfortunately nothing stood out to be “wow”

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

Our family of five, plus a baby, had such a good dinner at Izakaya Shiono in Kona last night. The menu has plenty to choose from hot and cold dishes, lots of sushi, and a really big sake list too.

We went for the hamachi jalapeño, tuna tataki, oysters, and shrimp tempura to start, and everything came out fresh and ono. We also shared a few rolls, like the spider roll and tiger roll, and they all hit the spot. I had the spicy ahi katsu curry for my main, and that one was definitely a winner. We also tried the flavored yuzu sake, and it was super refreshing perfect with the meal.

The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, the staff took great care of us, and the location is super convenient. With plenty of options, great service, and solid food all around, Izakaya Shiono is one of those spots in Kona you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We lucked out and got there before a rush! I would have given them five stars, but my first piece of sushi has something hard and crunchy that wasn't supposed to be there -eggshell?- not the end of the world, and still highly recommend going. Free parking in the lot behind the building.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

The waitstaff was so sweet and none even batted an eye when I had to nurse my daughter! Granted i was covering her, but still! There was a bit of a wait, but the food was so good that it was completely worth it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place to eat up on local and Japanese cuisine. This place lives up to its Izakaya name. So many great small dishes and big plates. I am really impressed with their variety, quality, and the knowledge + friendliness of their staff. This is a must-stop place for us. I only managed to take one photo of our food because I was legitimately too busy enjoying my dinner instead of 'gramming it all.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The closet to being in Japan i have ever found! Amazing food and great people!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good meal and not an unreasonable price.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Freshest sashimi I’ve ever had 🐠
Literally melts in your mouth

Very busy place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The volcano roll and Godzilla roll were both fantastic. So happy with this sushi option!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The staff were so kind and the food all came out delicious and very quickly. We loved it so much we went three times during our stay on the island. Definitely recommend trying it if your in Kona!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing sushi and even more amazing staffing! We made reservations and we're seated right away on the patio. The atmosphere was great despite there being others around for a typical Saturday nite. We ordered appetizers, and several kinds of sushi. All were well crafted, super fresh ingredients and prepared with not too long of a wait! We will definitely visit again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The ramen and sushi are very good. It is a good place for families or larger parties too if you get there when they open. They do get busy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I rarely leave negative reviews, but we were extremely disappointed in the chirashi bowls we had last night. (8/1/2025) The fish was fine but the rice was terrible. Very dry, obviously not fresh. Literally the worst rice we've ever been served at a Japanese restaurant. If we were dining in we would have sent it back but we did take out so didn't discover the problem until we were home. We have been eating at Shiono for 20+ years. This is the first time something like this has happened. I am hoping the owner will see this review and have a talk with the sushi chef to find out what happened. I don't know if we can trust Shiono with take out food ever again. At $25 per bowl we expect fresh rice!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Incredible sushi and ramen!! Highly recommend the garlic ahi sushi and black garlic ramen! The fish is delectably soft, full of flavor, and very well prepared! The BEST ramen I've had maybe ever.

Service was also incredible, they were busy but we got started very fast and were perfectly attended to. Our server, Rachel, was super nice! She answered all our questions and had some stellar recommendations. You can be sure that at izakayas you will be in good hands

Outdoor seating was fantastic and perfect noise level

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We arrived 10 minutes early for a 6:00 reservation and were told to sit outside with the heat and bugs if we wanted to be seated at 6:00. If we wanted to sit inside after making a reservation 7 hours early in the morning, had to wait 30 minutes to be seated at a sticky unclean table. After waiting until 6:30 to sit down inside and 30 minutes to prepare we were served cold shrimp tempura and mediocre sushi that was only slightly better than gas station sushi. If gas station sushi is what you’re looking for then come here if you have the time.

Food: 2

Service: 1