The Temple Bar Kona — Restaurant in Hawaii

⸻

🌅 Evening Review – The Temple Bar, Kailua‑Kona

Nestled along Ali‘i Drive with a stunning sunset as its backdrop, The Temple Bar delivers a culinary journey that artfully balances local sourcing, thoughtful execution, and an inviting island vibe.

We kicked off with the Backyard Pumpkin Salad — a beautifully composed dish of roasted seasonal pumpkin, peppery greens, and a bright, acid-forward vinaigrette. This introduction set an elegant tone, showcasing how humble produce can be elevated. The collard greens side ($14) was equally impressive—braised to silky perfection and seasoned with finesse, straddling the line between soul-food comfort and refined execution .

From the ocean pupus, the Kona Kampachi Ceviche ($28) made a splash: impeccably fresh fish, zesty citrus, and crisp garnishes coalesced into a palate-cleanser with serious depth . Alongside, the seared oyster mushrooms ($12) showcased deep umami and a clean sear — a vegan delight that demonstrated the kitchen’s attention to plant-forward flavor .

The Local Grass-Fed Beef Sliders ($36 for three) were juicy and expertly cooked. Each slider came nestled in a soft, pillowy bun and accented by a creamy aioli—simple yet indulgent. The Vegan Flatbread ($22) merits calling out: a crisp, artisanal crust topped with a rich mushroom medley that resonated with earthy intensity and smart seasoning .

Accompanying our savory selections was the scratch-made sourdough ($12 for a full order)—served warm with a crackling crust and tangy crumb, it was the kind of elevated bread service reminiscent of boutique bakeries.

On the cocktail front, the Cucumber Mojito arrived vibrant, herbaceous, and effortlessly refreshing. A playful counterpart, the “Coco Bombs,” delivered a tropical burst with layered textures—like a fine cocktail version of island dessert.

For dessert, the Bourbon Bread Pudding ($12) was a showstopper. Plush, warmly spiced, and imbued with a gentle boozy sweetness, it carried both comfort and sophistication—our evening’s perfect crescendo.

Service throughout our visit was exceptional—attentive, informed, and genuine, enhancing rather than distracting from the dining experience.

Beyond the food, this is a place where ambiance and attention to detail converge. The oceanfront view at sunset adds cinematic flair to every course, making it feel curated and unforgettable.

⸻

Why You’ll Love It • Local, elevated ingredients like kampachi, heirloom vegetables, and grass-fed beef—all treated with finesse. • Standout dishes: seared oyster mushrooms, vegan mushroom flatbread, and pumpkin salad. • Craft cocktails to match the food’s mood—from refreshing to indulgent. • Atmosphere & service that feels both polished and...

Google reviews prompted our visit to Templar and I cannot fully express my disappointment. This establishment was the only blemish on an absolutely perfect vacation to Kona. After being seated for our reservation, our party of eight was given 3 menus. The drinks were watery and we waited an hour and a half for our food. The presentation of my chicken/eggplant Parmesan was wonderful. Unfortunately, you would do better to visit an Olive Garden for some flavor. The sliders were raw and cold in the center, the BLT salad was limp and the dressing and cheese were dumped on top. As for the steaks, the medium was cold and the medium rare (served to the table by the manager Phil) was obviously overdone. After the food was served to the table, we had to request silverware!!!! At no point did our waitress or anyone offer to refill the waters. The night we visited the restaurant was only half full. It saddens me that the customer service at the restaurant is nonexistent! Beware, if you are on your dream vacation to the area, steer clear of this mediocre place. The following morning my son-in-law reached out to the owner and he refunded the $400+. Realistically I will never visit this beautiful island again or get back the 2+ hours with my daughters, their spouses and my grandkids which should have been a great memory...

Plant-Based Options: Vegan flatbread - black garlic, caramelized onions, house-made nut cheese Temple Baba Ganoush - served with pita Vegan Salad Base Options Available Backyard Pumpkin Salad

Highlights: Kitchen treats plant-based dishes with same precision as other menu items Nut cheese is house-made, excellent texture Baba ganoush has perfect consistency Portions are appropriate for price point Separate prep areas confirmed by staff Staff knowledgeable about ingredients and modifications Can accommodate other dietary restrictions Full-size portions (not reduced for vegan versions)

Service: Clear understanding of vegan requirements No cross-contamination concerns Willing to modify other menu items Staff checks with kitchen on ingredients when unsure

Atmosphere: Upscale beachfront Clean Good for special occasions Reservation unnecessary

Price: lower than expected ($22-24 for main items)

Bottom Line: Premium vegan options that hold their own against any fine dining establishment. Worth the price for quality ingredients and...