Paul's Place
A cozy, out-of-this-world cafe experience with a passionate owner-chef serving locally sourced, delicious meals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Paul's Place
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy, out-of-this-world cafe experience with a passionate owner-chef serving locally sourced, delicious meals.
"Paul's Place: A must-visit hidden gem for an intimate dining experience and unforgettable flavors."
Book Ahead - Limited Seating
With only a few tables, reservations are essential to secure a spot. Call ahead!
Engage with Paul
The owner, Paul, loves describing his dishes. Chatting with him enhances the personalized dining experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe, American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(808) 280-8646
Address
132 Punahoa St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intimate & Cozy Ambiance
Experience a unique dining escape at this tiny cafe with only a few tables, offering a peaceful and personal atmosphere.
Owner-Chef Paul's Personal Touch
Interact with the friendly owner, Paul, who cooks meals with passion right in front of you, creating a memorable experience.
Signature Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Savor expertly prepared brunch dishes like the highly recommended smoked salmon eggs Benedict for a delightful start to your day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead - Limited Seating
With only a few tables, reservations are essential to secure a spot. Call ahead!
Engage with Paul
The owner, Paul, loves describing his dishes. Chatting with him enhances the personalized dining experience.
Try the Specialties
Don't miss unique dishes like the smoked salmon eggs Benedict or the flavorful Pasta de Marco.
Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early to find parking, as spaces are limited in the area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead - Limited Seating
With only a few tables, reservations are essential to secure a spot. Call ahead!
Engage with Paul
The owner, Paul, loves describing his dishes. Chatting with him enhances the personalized dining experience.
Try the Specialties
Don't miss unique dishes like the smoked salmon eggs Benedict or the flavorful Pasta de Marco.
Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early to find parking, as spaces are limited in the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paul's Place is lauded as a hidden gem with an intimate atmosphere and exceptional food, particularly its brunch offerings. Diners rave about the friendly owner, Paul, and his passion for cooking. While seating is very limited and reservations are highly recommended, the personalized experience and delicious, locally sourced ingredients make it a memorable stop.
"It’s an out of world experience in this little cozy place. The seatings are extremely limited. All the little feelings good collection and ambiance are nicely designed across the interior. The coffee and the food made by Paul a “skinny” cook and his helper and he can multitask and still have a positive effect on his audience 🤩"
Yun
"My review is below this post, but I forgot to post the food…..all I can say is WOW!!! The coffee is strong and will definitely wake you up! I just can’t say enough so I’ll let the pictures say the rest. Enjoy!"
Hope Hostutler
"Paul’s Place was a great little find!
Highly recommend making a reservation, although we were lucky to walk in on a random Thursday. We ordered the Belgian waffles, regular coffee, and the bacon Benedict — all were delicious! The chef was extremely friendly and accommodating. With only three tables (each seating two), the space feels quaint and peaceful — perfect for a quiet conversation and enjoying the cozy atmosphere and great food."
G W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant has very limited seating (only 2-3 tables).
Popular signature dishes include the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Pasta de Marco, and Belgian waffles.
Absolutely! Diners frequently praise the strong, delicious coffee and various espresso drinks available.
It's a cozy and intimate spot, described as 'out of this world' and feeling like a time capsule, perfect for quiet conversation.
Yes, Paul's Place offers special menu items for vegans and vegetarians.
Parking can be limited, so it's advisable to arrive early or consider securing a spot before heading to the restaurant.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
36 Hours in Hilo, Hawaii: Things to Do and See
Paul’s Place Cafe barely qualifies as a restaurant — just eight seats and a galley-size kitchen — but Paul Cubio serves the best brunch around.
11 Tasty Brunch Spots You Must Try On the Big Island
Paul’s Place is a cozy spot located in Hilo and offers an array of choices, including that special menu item for vegans and vegetarians. This is a smaller spot, so make sure you call and make reservations — you won’t want to miss an opportunity for truly exceptional service. Enjoy some breakfast caprese or some belgian waffles, the brunch at Paul’s Place is a must if you can grab a table.
20 Hilo Restaurants Where You Can Get an Amazing Meal
Another popular spot in Hilo is Paul’s Place, a cozy café that serves up delicious food and drink made from locally-sourced ingredients. While its most popular orders are smoothies and coffee, they also offer delicious food items. While their atmosphere won’t blow you away, that’s not, particularly what they’re going for.
Discover the Best Restaurants in Hilo
For a breakfast or brunch that feels like a personal invitation into someone’s home, visit Paul’s Place. This tiny spot serves an intimate menu of gourmet plates like Eggs Benedict with Lobster or Stuffed French Toast. Every dish is artfully prepared and bursting with flavor.
The Ultimate Big Island Bucket List: 40 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat! 🌋☀️
A tiny, hidden-gem café in downtown Hilo, Paul’s Place serves up some of the best breakfasts on the island. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, the menu includes fluffy Belgian waffles, eggs benedict, and perfectly brewed coffee.
Best Lunch in Hilo, HI (2024) — 15 Top Places!
132 Punahoa StHilo, HI 96720(808) 280-8646 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Paul’s Place is a quaint, popular cafe that serves locally produced meals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit