Dine in Hilo – Top Hilo Restaurants For Delicious Seafood, Ohana Spirit, and Island Ambiance
Although smaller than other Hawaiian cities (Honolulu has seven times the population), Hilo has a diverse and exciting restaurant scene. These top Hilo restaurants showcase the best Big Island cuisine and are family-operated in the true Hawaiian spirit of “ohana.” Their locations are also beautiful, many in historic buildings and with captivating views of Hilo Bay. Seafood lovers will be in heaven – you won’t find fish anywhere in the world that is more fresh or flavorful – but all these restaurants also have non-seafood options, accommodating every palate and all food sensitivities. And these restaurants are less than 40 minutes away from your boutique hotel room in Volcano, so adding lunch excursions and dinner dates to your island itinerary is convenient and easy.
Cafe Pesto
Although their menu has expanded significantly over the years, this anchor of the Hilo dining scene still carries the torch of their Italian roots, with nine wood-fired pizzas and five kinds of pasta among their kitchen’s specialties. The enticing smell of the pizza oven, soft lighting, and massive windows set the mood, whether you come in for a casual lunch or a special dinner (they’re open every day from 11 am until 8:30 pm). Choose from appetizers like traditional pork lumpia or mushroom poke salad, both sourced from local farms, or try one of their three delicious risottos made with either chicken, fresh veggies, or seafood (including crab and shrimp in addition to fish). Their most famous dish is the Loco Moco, which exemplifies their “creative island cuisine” philosophy and features an egg ringed by fried onions and served on a bed of rice, with thick bacon and a rich demi glaze. None other than celebrity chef Guy Fieri sang the praises of the Loco Moco in a 2021 episode of his always-popular show Diners, Dives, and Drive-Ins. If you want to make an evening of it, plan to go to the Jungle Mystery Escape Room after dinner at Cafe Pesto, as the Big Island-themed escape room is directly next door in the historic 100-plus-year-old S. Hata Building.
Ponds
One of the more unique restaurants in Hilo, this longtime local favorite lives up to its motto (“dining on the edge”), as the tropical-themed dining room is perched right at the serene waters of Reed Bay. The wood-paneled interior is cozy, like an island boathouse, and the menu is comfort food with a twist. Seafood enthusiasts will be hard-pressed to choose between lobster tails, panko crispy salmon, shrimp linguine, or fish & ships made with traditional Hawaiian snapper. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, don’t worry – they have you covered between the made-from-a-family-recipe Mama’s meatloaf, braised short ribs, teriyaki steak, and various vegetarian dishes. Grab a seat at a window-side table, where you can watch massive koi fish swim below in the ponds (ask your server for fish food to serve the koi) and enjoy the sounds of live music from local musicians who take the dining room stage on most evenings.
Suisan Fish Market
A trip to the Big Island is not complete without having poke, the quintessential Hawaiian-style preparation of fresh fish, often caught that same day. Look no further than this legendary fish market on the calm waters of Hilo Bay, where families of fishermen and women have been serving and selling all types of seafood for over a century. Their four primary fish are ahi, mahi-mahi, ono, and salmon, all available most days, plus a wide range of other delicacies like lobster and octopus. Choose whatever fish sounds best (including special preparations like honey garlic or spicy ahi) and build your poke plate around that, with heaping scoops of rice and sides ranging from pineapple to seaweed salad. After getting your poke plate to go (it’s solely a market and not a full-service restaurant), head to the waterfront picnic tables at the Hilo Beach Bayfront Beach Park right next door. Savor the best poke bowl you’ve ever had while watching the kite surfers, sailboats, and sometimes even migrating whales breaching past the breakwater. Note: the fish market is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Hilo Bay Cafe
Since moving to its current location overlooking Hilo Bay a decade ago, this hotspot has been one of the most popular and top Hilo restaurants. In addition to breathtaking views (get an outdoor patio table for the ultimate romantic setting), their menu features top-notch sushi and creatively-prepared dishes like miso butter garlic udon, Maui rum bbq ribs, and demi-glazed roasted duck. Build a sushi platter to rival any you’ll find on the Big Island from their nigiri, sashimi, and unique rolls like torched hamachi and salmon furikake. They are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and take walk-ins, but it’s worth making a reservation, especially if you plan to visit on a Saturday evening. But if you can’t get a table, sidle up to their bar for one of their specialty cocktails, like a jasmine whisky sour or pineapple-ginger mojito, and take in the views of the bay while catching an elegant buzz.
Jackie Rey’s
Although relatively new to the eastern side of the Big Island (their sister restaurant in Kona has been open for a decade longer), this family-run dinner joint has quickly established itself as one of the classiest places for a meal out in Hilo. The dining room was once a bank lobby, with relics of its past shown in the high ceilings, white pillars, and even an exposed vault, adding to the historic charm. And like other restaurants in town, seafood takes center stage, from sizzling Kona prawns to crusted ahi and crab cakes prepared with a Thai red curry. But equally delicious are their kalua pork spring rolls, guava glazed ribs, and New York strip steak, all locally sourced and “served with aloha.” Dinner service starts daily at 4 pm, and from 4-5 pm, their happy hour features deals on small plates and a choice of entrees. Their extensive wine list garnered an award from Wine Spectator, while the cocktails are distinctly Hawaiian, like the margaritas and martinis made with lilikoi (Hawaiian passionfruit). Plan for an earlier dinner on a Saturday, when a table is easier to come by, and catch the live music from 4-6 pm.
Plan your stay with us at our Big Island bed & breakfast and dive into the best of Hilo’s dining scene!
