Maria Bonita Restaurant — Restaurant in Honolulu

Delicious Mexican food hiding downtown Honolulu. Of all the times I am downtown I see the same old shops and the same old restaurants. Not long ago I was on my way home and I was hungry, didn't want to cook, and did not want the same ole fair I had been getting. Heading for my bus I noticed a hand made A frame sign standing on the sidewalk and decided to go see what it was about.

Walking in Mari Bonita restaurant It would be easy for some to assume there isn't much to it. The decors is plain and functional. The interior dated but clean.

I was surprised by the prices, I was expecting them to be much higher based solely on the restaurants in the same area, I decided on Chicken Street Tacos with Beans and Rice. The gentleman attending the counter that night (I assume the owner) took our orders with a smile, and in no time came out with a wonderful plate of food, despite the fact the was the only one there.

Since my initial visit I have been back and the food is as good as it was the first time.

If you are in the area, and are craving Mexican food. Don;t waste your money and some fast food chain. get a much better meal here for roughly the same price. and a far better selection.

You will...

My favorite Mexican restaurant in Hawaii! I was born & raised in California, so I've had my share of delicious Mexican food ... one of the things I missed most after moving to Hawaii in 1985. Maria Bonita reminds me of the simple, friendly, no-frills Mexican restaurants of my youth that consistently made spicy, tasty, inexpensive food that I'd savor & think about often until my next visit. My favorite dish is their Chile Verde Wet Burrito - big, tasty (with potatoes!) & so good that I always finish every last bite, even though I'm usually full about 2/3 of the way through. Good chips too, with the best salsa in town! And super friendly owner Diego is always so welcoming. My little taste of home!

Note: Maria Bonita is on Hotel Street near Nuuanu - an area that has a lot of new, trendy, good restaurants & bars, though it can be a bit gritty at night, so use...

I visited Honolulu over the summer (July 2018) and came to this place and swore that I was going to write a review because of how in awe I was. I never got around to it but I alway think about it so today I was like.... I’m going to do it. Anyway, the food here is so good. I am Mexican and when I tell you this food reminded me of back home, it was almost like my abuela was cooking in the kitchen for me. The meat was awesome, juicy and tender. I also had guacamole and chips and some reataurant put too little or too much of one ingredient, this one was just right. I also love that it looks like the inside of a lot of Mexican locales. Anyway.. if you are ever in Chinatown and stumble upon this...