We dined at Ray’s on the Bay at the Sheraton Kona a few times during our week-long stay on the Big Island. Having it on site was ideal when you want to have a few drinks and take your time, it’s just a quick stroll back to your room. The menu is family friendly (freshest local seafood, farm to table cooking, handmade artisan pizzas and fresh fruit from the mountains), the food divine, and it has amazing views that you’ll never forget!
Walking in the decor is striking with blue lights and bubbles adorning the wall. You feel you’re underwater and then see the spectacular manta ray mural on the wall, stunning!
The decor and colors mimic the lobby, hall, and room themes and it’s so gorgeous.
Our first night we were excited to get a spot in the fire-pit lounge with ocean-front seating. We were exhausted after a full day of flying and we had heard they had the best mai-tais on the island! Taking a sip, I knew they were great and was eager to try some appetizers. We started with a mai-tai, a Longboard ale, veggie rolls served with sweet chili, and manapua (steamed bbq pork buns). I’m in love with the pork that we have on the islands, its unique and delicious and I was eager for those most. The veggie rolls were crisp and fresh and were yummy with the chili sauce. The pork buns came in a basket with the same sauce and I found them to have too little meat, I craved more, and they were doughy but a lovely presentation. I ordered a second round of the veggie rolls (and beer) and awaited our main course that we were sharing. We had the Kalbi Style Short Ribs, boneless short rib “Kalbi Style”. Served with mango onion relish, wood fired local vegetables and signature coconut rice and the meat was so moist and flavorful it just melted in your mouth. I love that the islands cook with so much mango, I just love the sweet touch and the texture of the fruit, it pairs well with so much!
As the sun went down we were treated to a beautiful pastel view in the sky, our fire-pit was lit and we anticipated what we heard was to come. Hula Kai (a sister boat to the Fair Wind II) sends out a nightly boat in the waters just below the hotel and restaurant where divers and snorkelers can gather and feed manta rays! It’s so neat to see the water lit up by lanterns and imagine how thrilling the experience is!
We dined a second night at Ray’s and enjoyed the nightly entertainment of Olga Salvatore and her pianist sing classic songs and ballads and even take requests. She was amazing and we sat near the bar and enjoyed Lilikoi Pin-jitos, passion fruit rum, passion fruit puree, coconut, pineapple and a zip of mint and those were my favorite drink of the entire trip. The sweetness with just that kick of mint was the tropics in a glass, yum. We also dined on Portuguese Pizza, Portuguese sausage, tomato sauce, Maui onion, mozzarella cheese and fresh cilantro that was to die for!
Our view of the restaurant from our room was calm, it wasn’t too bright and it was just such a lovely place to dine, whether or not you are staying at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa. You must check it out!
Our meals were hosted, gratuity and opinions are all ours.
