Visit Big Island: Pueo's Osteria

I've been wanting to try Pueo's Osteria for a long time, and I finally had the chance while staying in Waikoloa Village for work recently.

I made reservations for 730pm.  It was pretty crowded with lots of people waiting to be seated.  At first I thought they were walk-ins, but many of them had reservations as well.  I checked in with the host a few minutes before 730pm, and we did not get seated until 752pm.  

I did overhear the host tell another waiting guest that they weren't expecting such a big crowd, but I feel like they could have managed the tables better to prevent those with reservations from waiting so long.

And then, once seated, we were not acknowledged by our server until 12 minutes later!  A simple "I'll be right with you," would've sufficed, but to be ignored for 12 minutes was quite frustrating.

I was ready to walk out, but we didn't know where else we would eat in the area after 8pm, so I just waited it out.

Fortunately, our server was very friendly and apologetic.

House Made Brick Oven Focaccia

I loved the texture of the Focaccia, but they added a little too much salt, in my opinion.  Even my friend, who loves salty foods, agreed that they added to much salt.

Big Island Baby Romaine Salad

My friend loved the salad, and said he appreciated how he could taste the anchovy in the dressing.

Mushroom Soup

The Mushroom Soup was a soup of the day.  It was a little too grainy in our opinion, but I loved the earthiness of the soup.  

Tagliatelle alla ragu Bolognese

The sauce was delicious and full of veal, beef, and pork, but the pasta was overcooked and not al dente.  

Spaghetti Carbonara

The Carbonara was delicious - nice and creamy, with saltiness from the pancetta and guanciale. 

We ended up being seated next to the window that looks into the kitchen, and the chef had said that table comes with perks, so he gave us a lovely crudo with bright flavors. 

Portions are huge and the vibe is much livelier than I had expected.

Despite the poor first impression, the night ended better than it began, and I would definitely give the place a second try.

Pueo's Osteria
68-1820 Waikoloa Rd Suite 1201

Waikoloa Village, HI 96738