In early May my wife and I were over visiting my brother for the day, who lives in Hilo, while we were staying at the Hilton Waikaloa resort. We asked him to show us Volcano Nat'l. Park, the black sand beach farther south, and then we'd swing back to the lava flow viewing area near Pahoa at sunset after dinner. He took us to this small little place we would have missed if on our own. It is in a small (18-
20 ft. wide at streetfront) old wooden building that you wouldn't know is an Italian bistro, except for the small unlit painted sign out front. It is approx. across the street from the popular "mexican" restaurant in downtown Pahoa. The floors are worn and some wood boards had dents and pits a chair leg can sink into, but that seemed to just add to the charm. The wait staff was friendly, helpful explaining the specials, and prompt responding to requests.

My wife ordered the caprese salad (sliced tomato and soft mozzarella cheese with basil leaves drizzeled with olive oil and balsamic vineger) which was very good, while I enjoyed their small garden salad. My wife then had the Ahi stuffed black Ravioli (chefs special) which she discribed as "the best pasta I've had outside Tuscanny." I had their penne with a tomato sauce thick with diced tomatos...also very good.

While the portions are not large, they are fine when combined with a salad and the basket of bread, and the food was very fresh and flavorful. It sure is a "must stop here" kind of place if you are in the area and like excellent fresh Real Italian food, with a little Hawaiian flare.

This is a very nice restaurant in downtown Pahoa. Pahoa is a small downtown with limited parking and it took us 3 passes and a telephone call before we found the restaurant. They do not serve liquor, it's byob. Very very very good main courses, but it took 3 entrees to satisfy us 2 adults (no, we're not obese). I would pass on the desserts though. They're not bad, they just don't stand up to the love your taste buds will have from the main courses.