Kona - Love - Hate

[MichelleTO]

We ate at Kona Cafe for dinner as an adult only meal last weekend as we prepared for the Disney Marathon weekend. We had eaten at Kona numerous times before for dinner or breakfast and the food as with this time was great. As was the service.

We did however finally figure out what bothered us, the food does not match the atmosphere!
You eat top notch food - even better than California grill in some cases. It was like eating in a 5 star restaurant with the seating of a counter service.
The other couple we were with felt the same, as much as the food was amazing, it was hard to get in that feeling or mood - non linen table tops and the bustle of the diner style restaurant, too loud, too close tables etc. Which is unfortunate as I think this is one of the the most underated restaurants on property. I wish they could figure out how to make it some what more upcscale and keep great food for lunch and bfast!

 

[gobo2]

I agree completely. The dining room is just not separated enough from the hotel lobby.

 

[Pumbaa_]

where you sit makes such a huge difference here. those tables on the back wall are a different experience than the ones on the railing

i agree about the food thouhg - love it!

 

[Teddys~Mom]

We ate at Kona Cafe for dinner as an adult only meal last weekend as we prepared for the Disney Marathon weekend. We had eaten at Kona numerous times before for dinner or breakfast and the food as with this time was great. As was the service.

We did however finally figure out what bothered us, the food does not match the atmosphere!
You eat top notch food - even better than California grill in some cases. It was like eating in a 5 star restaurant with the seating of a counter service.
The other couple we were with felt the same, as much as the food was amazing, it was hard to get in that feeling or mood - non linen table tops and the bustle of the diner style restaurant, too loud, too close tables etc. Which is unfortunate as I think this is one of the the most underated restaurants on property. I wish they could figure out how to make it some what more upcscale and keep great food for lunch and bfast!

I guess I'm probably in the minority here but I sort of like the way this restaurant is situated. Every time I've eaten here though we've been at least seated in the middle of the restaurant if not further back. I love the lobby of the Poly and enjoy seeing it as I eat.

 

[Ladybugsy]

Kona is definately one of Disney's best kept secrets. I agree about it being "off". Maybe plants or some sort of barrier would help.

 

[darthtatty]

i know exactly what you mean op.

on our last trip 5 years ago we never made any ADR's (never knew DIS existed then) so after failing to get into O'hanas we went to the Kona Cafe.
it does look like its going to be a cheap style restaurant but the food was brilliant. dont think ive read any bad reviews about it at all.
def going to make sure we go again this trip

 

[onelilspark]

I'm glad to hear the food is top notch though We're heading for my birthday and I chose Kona because I wanted a place that would be tasty, but that we could go to right from the parks! Sounds like I hit the nail on the head! Can't wait!

 

[MomofCKJ]

We ate their last weekend too. It was fabulous! We did have a table in the back corner against the wall, it was nice. I have sat closer to the outside before and it is a different feel, you are right. We felt more private where we were. Everyone loved the food and the bread and butter, oh love it! Kona is a must do for me!

Allyson

 

[hammie59]

I totally agree! When we were there back in May, it was my first time so had no idea what it looked like and ended up getting in line for Ohana's by mistake. The place didn't look like a regular sit down restaurant and we must have gotten there right when it opened since no one else was there, yet there was about 50 people waiting for Ohana. After about 5 minutes I somehow caught a clue and got out of line! We checked in over by what looked like a deli counter (weird). We were seated right near the front and I almost felt like I was eating in a mall foodcourt. (noise from lobby is rather loud, everything echos). So I did find it really odd that the food was so good! I would eat there again in a heartbeat, but maybe next time ask to be seated closer to the back.

 

[hollyluvsdisney]

I agree with you 100%. The food is fantastic, but the atmosphere definitely leaves something to be desired. Although, after a few Lapu Lapus, I usually don't notice nearly as much.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

OP,
Thanks for the feedback. It's a shame they don't redo Kona to create an ambiance similar to The Wave. We haven't eaten at either, but The Wave looks like it has a great atmosphere.

where you sit makes such a huge difference here. those tables on the back wall are a different experience than the ones on the railing

i agree about the food thouhg - love it!

Is it quieter in the back? Can you request to be seated there, if you're willling to wait? (I know it's only a request, & not guaranteed.) Many people report how loud Kona is. That's what has kept us from going there.

 

[MichelleTO]

Well it seems we are all in agreement, so now don't tell anyone else about the great secret of this gem, and of course how could I forget about the bread and Macadamia Nut butter!!! That is a great suggestion about requesting a table at the back, we were closer to the rail by the lobby.
A great suggestion about adding some plants as screening, and would love to see some linen on the tables.

 

[CCCNSmom]

Glad to hear the food is good, we could not get into Ohana and decided to try Kona. Does anyone know if you can get the Backscratcher drink there? Delicious, but you only need one!

 

[SnwflkCts]

I'm pretty sure you can get any drink there. The bar is very close & I did get a drink that was also on the bar menu ... been so long I can't remember what it was ... or after two I can't remember where I was ... ha ha!

KONA is wonderful though I WILL miss the filet (grumble grumble cause I am not even on DDP!) ... but so loud. I think it is the acoustics rather than placement by the monorail/lobby. I thought the noise came from the adjacent tables and not beyond.

We have eaten there 5 times - LOVE IT!