Restaurants in Hilo
Loading...
Best Restaurants
“We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary and the dining experience was outstanding! The food was flavorful, delicious and looked like a piece of art. The live music added to the fine dining experience. To top off the evening the desserts were rich and yummy-but the "Wow" factor was the coffee we ordered served in a french press coffee maker! We will be back and bring our friends and family!”
“Visiting the big Island, stopped at this restaurant because the recommendations on line. I must say it was the absolute best dinner we have had in Honolulu and here in the big island. Food is superb, service fabulous. If you like well executed dishes, fresh, exquisite and plated beautifully, this is the place!!!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Cute location! Love their dishes! Desserts are also ono! Would eat here as often as I can…”
“The chef welcomes you and personally comes to your table to tell you about the food and menu of the day. Then you you see him and his assistant prepare your food in a tiny cooking area behind the counter. A more personal experience you cannot find besides having a personal chef. We showed up without a reservation, got lucky getting a table, and came back in about an hour for a spot at one of only 3 tables in the whole place. And for the quality, presentation, and value of the food you cannot find a better dining experience in Hilo or anywhere else. It was great food.”
“I have consistently had positive experiences here, and it has long been one of my favorite spots on the island. Until this evening, I would not have had any negative feedback to share. Despite my experience tonight, I won’t rate this business poorly because I believe in the business, have always had great experiences with other staff members, and wish the owner success!
It was my first time being served by Sarah and while her attentiveness decreased as the bar became busier, we still received assistance from another server and ultimately had a good overall dining experience. We settled our tab in full and left a 20% tip.
As we were leaving, Sarah called out across the bar asking whether we had paid our tab. Her tone felt accusatory, and the question was asked loudly enough for other patrons to hear. Because we had already paid, the public nature of the question felt embarrassing and uncomfortable. A more discreet or private approach would have been more appropriate.
I briefly returned to provide my name, as I am not someone who would leave without paying. When I expressed how the situation made us feel, the response given was that “people walk out on their tabs all the time.” While that may be true, it did not address the concern about how the situation was handled.
As trans people of color, experiences like this can feel especially charged. Regardless of intent, the interaction left us feeling singled out and embarrassed. My hope is that in the future, situations like this are handled more discreetly and thoughtfully.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Visiting the big Island, stopped at this restaurant because the recommendations on line. I must say it was the absolute best dinner we have had in Honolulu and here in the big island. Food is superb, service fabulous. If you like well executed dishes, fresh, exquisite and plated beautifully, this is the place!!!”
“Mahalo nui au i nā wāhine o ka Papa'a Palaoa Bakery ma Hilo, Hawai'i. They assisted me in providing a whole lilikoi pie to bring home to San Francisco. They fully wrapped the box in plastic to keep the pie protected, so I could then place it in an insulated bag and surround the box with frozen ice packs. The pie (as well as a cinnamon roll) made it back home just as "hou" (fresh) as when I purchased it, me ka pilikia ole (with no problems), and the pie tastes 'ono loa. I am very grateful for their assistance, and especially their kindness. I highly recommend this bakery to everyone who wants fresh baked goods, but most of all, I am very grateful to the Aloha given by their employees. Mahalo nui loa!!”
“This is my new favorite eats in Hilo. I’m mostly vegan but the chicken was so good with the honey lilikoi sauce. We also got a tofu salad and it was the best tofu I ever had! I keep thinking about how good it was! The staff was very friendly which is a plus. We’ll be back!”
“True American sized portions. We could barely finished our meals! Fried chicken slightly soggy took a star off. Otherwise meal is okay.
Plenty of free parking available.”
“Okonomiyaki and sashimi omakase and miso salmon are my favs! Miso ramen is yummy.”
“I went to the Hilo location with my mother last night and was treated in a very racist and disgusting manner by the FOH staff. There were many empty tables yet the host avoided talking to us for a half hour. Then when I asked one of the waiters if we can sit at one of the open tables he said, "He cant let us do that" Then when I finally was able to talk to the host. He said it would be a 40 min wait for food. Ok I get it, the kitchen is swamped. So I say can we just sit right there pointing at the table he just cleaned. He says "no". Keep in mind there were at least four more empty tables. So we decided to leave. On the way out the thought comes into my mind, that he is going to seat the people who walked in behind us. So I tell my mother to wait a second and I go back in to look and there goes the host immediately seating these people bringing them water and menus. So I head back in and ask him "Whats going on here? Can I talk to a manager?" He tells me there are no managers. Then the waiter at the bar who said he couldnt do anything to let us sit down, says "I am the manager" So they lied to my face. Then I go to the bartender she barely bothers to tall to me and says "we are all managers" and that then tries to defend this discriminatory behavior by saying they are not being prejudiced against us. Yet the people behind us are chilling and going over their menus. and here we are not able to even talk to a manager never the less receive service at this racist establishment. We were systemically blocked from sitting. Then some manager esque fellow comes out trying to do damage control after all of this ongoing nonsense. To little to late. Im not going to eat spit burger with some bigot lougies in it. Mind you both my 76 year old mother have hosted various business meet ups there over the yeara bringing them business supporting Ola Brew and they treat us like this. Do not support businesses like this in Hilo. black people of Hilo be aware. This place will treat you second class. Over priced too, for the worst kind of service. dont do it, dont eat there.”
Online Reservation Available
“We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary and the dining experience was outstanding! The food was flavorful, delicious and looked like a piece of art. The live music added to the fine dining experience. To top off the evening the desserts were rich and yummy-but the "Wow" factor was the coffee we ordered served in a french press coffee maker! We will be back and bring our friends and family!”
“Food 4/5 - Ordered a sakura boat and unagi don. The sashimi/nigiri in the sakura boat was high quality and fresh, as the texture was soft with no hints of being frozen. The roll was good, nothing to write home about. Unagi don was good, although slices for the unagi were on the thinner side. Miso soup was nice and hot.
Service 3/5 - Service is average, they did make a round to refill our drinks.
Atmosphere 4/5 - Interior is good with Japanese themed decor.
Overall - Had a pleasant experience and would visit again.”
“Had lunch here 2/3 days that we were in Hilo, everything was amazing. The Misoyaki Butterfish Salad was fresh and extremely flavorful without being heavy, and the fish melts like butter in your mouth. We also had a cold water scallop special, an eggplant /marinara/pesto/ricotta appetizer (forgot what it's called, oops!) and crab cakes. Everything was great, honestly one of the best places I've eaten at on the entire island. I like to sit at the bar, as I'm a former long time bartender. Sascha is one of the best around, cocktails were, again, among the best that I found on the island, including Kona. Service was top notch, no matter how busy he got, and he took extra time to modify one of the house cocktails so that an elderly gal with sensitive teeth sitting nearby could enjoy it. I would honestly make the drive from Waikoloa just for this, but Hilo has plenty of outdoor activities to offer as well.”
“We had one day in Hilo. We tried two restaurants. This was our choice for dinner. Walked in and two regulars were waiting for food. We asked for suggestions and they did not disappoint. The menu is HUGE. We ordered the grilled garlic mahi mahi and the crispy ginger chicken with fried rice. Both were spectacular. We took the food to go, and went down the street to watch the clouds and crazy ocean and ate in our vehicle overlooking the ocean at Carlsmith Beaxh. This was the perfect end to our one day in Hilo. The employees were friendly, the portions were perfect, and the price was the most budget friendly we’ve had on the island (also went to Volcano and Kona).”
“10/12/2024
Hawaii's BBQ Deli
111 E Puainako St Unit 570
Hilo, HI 96720
It's a stall in the Puainako Shopping Center. Aside from that I had a good bowl of vegetable saimin there. There is a menu board above the order counter where I placed my order with the attendant. She later brought it to me at my table. The setup is a cozy fast food style table and chair arrangement.
There was a large quantity of al dente vegetables with authentic tasting noodles in a lightly salted broth, not like the instant noodle sodium bombs.
Very satisfying and a repeat.”
“On June 16, 2021, my mom, husband, and I decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Izakaya Miyo after a long, stressful year. It's a prix fixe menu ($99 per person at the time). I highly recommend this restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or just to treat yourself. Chef Louis Pauole is very warm and friendly and explains each dish to you. This is not just a meal, but it is a memorable experience for the senses. Every dish is both beautiful and delicious! Standing ovation!”
“I have there 4 times and never disappointed. I’ve tried different dishes and they are the best Thai food. The chef even came to my table and asked if my dish was to my satisfaction as they made a special sauce as I was a vegan.”
“I especially like the ground Beef. makes a yummy anything, not all watered down, and tastes fresh too!”
Takeout Restaurants
“Fantastic pho. Some of the best I’ve had!!
Note to the owner: please don’t use bleach to clean the tables. Some bleach dripped on my seat, and when I sat down it stained my shirt and pants. A non-bleach cleaner would be better for customers’ clothing! Thank you.”
“Antics ROCKS! Artwork throughout. Scrumptious pizza. My favorites are the slices, which are perfect for solitary diners stopping in for lunch or dinner but unable to take a whole pizza home for later. But they also offer carryout and dine-in for whole pizzas. And birthday-party/graduation/ho'olaulea (celebrations) accommodations. Staff are superb, checking to make sure you're doing okay. And kids adore the games (free, with purchase). Amazing Antics opened DURING the pandemic & has succeeded so well! One of my favorite places to eat, especially because slices are quick & fit within my limited budget. Well-done, Antics ownership, staff, leaders and lenders! 💚”
“They always have really friendly service, delicious food and refreshing drinks, 10/10 recommend. And if you're like me and don't care for boba, you have to request it, its an add on not default.☺ Though i would recommend the popping boba or rainbow jelly. Cafe Boba, keep doing what y'all are doing.💖”
“Food 4/5 - Ordered a sakura boat and unagi don. The sashimi/nigiri in the sakura boat was high quality and fresh, as the texture was soft with no hints of being frozen. The roll was good, nothing to write home about. Unagi don was good, although slices for the unagi were on the thinner side. Miso soup was nice and hot.
Service 3/5 - Service is average, they did make a round to refill our drinks.
Atmosphere 4/5 - Interior is good with Japanese themed decor.
Overall - Had a pleasant experience and would visit again.”
“Drinks and everything we got were soo delicious!! Husband got the chinese fish which is the snapper as of right now and I got the pan seared duck. Also got the soup of the day which is the potato soup and got a sushi roll. Will definitely be back here if we ever come back to The Big Island!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Tried Chillville for the first time today. It was so good. The regular size was $12.50+Tax. My husband thought it was a bit much but considering how much ice cream we got plus the fact you can add mix ins, toppings, and sauce, I think it was totally worth it. Plus they gave me a foil to wrap my cup in so I could take the rest home. It's now sitting in my freezer for later.
I don't remember what my husband got, but I got the chocolate ice cream with strawberries and fruity pebbles mix in, topped with oreos and fruity pebbles and drizzled in chocolate sauce. My god was it amazing. It didn't taste overly sweet. They put a generous amount of toppings and sauce. And I could taste the strawberries in the chocolate ice cream. I would've had toppings with nuts but I was expecting to share it with my son and he has a nut allergy. Next time I will not be sharing and will get nuts lol.
Inside had benches and lots of sitting room. There was a play area for kids and my son was busy over there most of the time. There was even a little kids table he sat at and played with toys. Nice big windows out on the street with windows benches. And a great big trash can in case you eat your Sushi HI bowls in there too.
Overall, the environment was so friendly and great. Staff was super nice and accommodating and the ice cream was 🔥 I'll definitely be going back when I get the chance. P.S. today was not ice cream weather but it was still a great treat 😋 wish I had pictures.”
“OMG! I want to so bad not to review this place because it will only make it more popular and I just want it all for myself. Would that be selfish of me? I mean, this place, omg the pho, the banh mi, and I've only been here once. I want to melt when I walk in. Thank you for being here.”
“The chef welcomes you and personally comes to your table to tell you about the food and menu of the day. Then you you see him and his assistant prepare your food in a tiny cooking area behind the counter. A more personal experience you cannot find besides having a personal chef. We showed up without a reservation, got lucky getting a table, and came back in about an hour for a spot at one of only 3 tables in the whole place. And for the quality, presentation, and value of the food you cannot find a better dining experience in Hilo or anywhere else. It was great food.”
“I have consistently had positive experiences here, and it has long been one of my favorite spots on the island. Until this evening, I would not have had any negative feedback to share. Despite my experience tonight, I won’t rate this business poorly because I believe in the business, have always had great experiences with other staff members, and wish the owner success!
It was my first time being served by Sarah and while her attentiveness decreased as the bar became busier, we still received assistance from another server and ultimately had a good overall dining experience. We settled our tab in full and left a 20% tip.
As we were leaving, Sarah called out across the bar asking whether we had paid our tab. Her tone felt accusatory, and the question was asked loudly enough for other patrons to hear. Because we had already paid, the public nature of the question felt embarrassing and uncomfortable. A more discreet or private approach would have been more appropriate.
I briefly returned to provide my name, as I am not someone who would leave without paying. When I expressed how the situation made us feel, the response given was that “people walk out on their tabs all the time.” While that may be true, it did not address the concern about how the situation was handled.
As trans people of color, experiences like this can feel especially charged. Regardless of intent, the interaction left us feeling singled out and embarrassed. My hope is that in the future, situations like this are handled more discreetly and thoughtfully.”
“Great food at a great price! Wailoa Grill is a small local grill with outside protected seating. We shared their grilled salmon platter, opting for their asian flavored slaw vs macaroni and boy are we glad we did. As you might be able to see rhe portion was enough for two. We'll definitely be back before leaving! This is a hidden gem of a place! 🥰”
“I went to the Hilo location with my mother last night and was treated in a very racist and disgusting manner by the FOH staff. There were many empty tables yet the host avoided talking to us for a half hour. Then when I asked one of the waiters if we can sit at one of the open tables he said, "He cant let us do that" Then when I finally was able to talk to the host. He said it would be a 40 min wait for food. Ok I get it, the kitchen is swamped. So I say can we just sit right there pointing at the table he just cleaned. He says "no". Keep in mind there were at least four more empty tables. So we decided to leave. On the way out the thought comes into my mind, that he is going to seat the people who walked in behind us. So I tell my mother to wait a second and I go back in to look and there goes the host immediately seating these people bringing them water and menus. So I head back in and ask him "Whats going on here? Can I talk to a manager?" He tells me there are no managers. Then the waiter at the bar who said he couldnt do anything to let us sit down, says "I am the manager" So they lied to my face. Then I go to the bartender she barely bothers to tall to me and says "we are all managers" and that then tries to defend this discriminatory behavior by saying they are not being prejudiced against us. Yet the people behind us are chilling and going over their menus. and here we are not able to even talk to a manager never the less receive service at this racist establishment. We were systemically blocked from sitting. Then some manager esque fellow comes out trying to do damage control after all of this ongoing nonsense. To little to late. Im not going to eat spit burger with some bigot lougies in it. Mind you both my 76 year old mother have hosted various business meet ups there over the yeara bringing them business supporting Ola Brew and they treat us like this. Do not support businesses like this in Hilo. black people of Hilo be aware. This place will treat you second class. Over priced too, for the worst kind of service. dont do it, dont eat there.”
“I ate here at least once a week when I lived in Hilo. The chicken pho is some of the best I've ever had (including my travels to Vietnam). Also, the sate noodle soup is insanely flavorful.
Could use more ambience. But the delicious food and friendly staff more than make up for any shortcomings in the decor department.”
“I’m a lover of hamburger steak and have tried the hamburger steak at every restaurant and drive-in in Hilo. The Liko Lehua hamburger steak is absolutely the best tasting. The secret to a good hamburger steak is the gravy and their gravy is rich, tasty and homemade. No instant or canned gravy here. It also helps that their hamburger patties are hand made. Kudos to the chef and staff at Liko Lehua.”
“This is, without a doubt, the best fish and chips we’ve EVER had in our lives. We wish we lived here - we’d come every week!!!!
Dave + Ben
On a father and son holiday from Australia
👏🇦🇺👊”
Cheap Eats
“What a hidden gem on Banyan drive! The place looks very low key and unassuming, but serves great fruit ice cream bars of various flavors, all made with real fruits. The staff members are super friendly and even gave us fancy ice to keep our bars frozen. For anyone who visits there, make sure to order their malt milk shake, which for some reason isnt listed on the menu. If the fruit pops were 8/10, the malt milk shake would be 11/10. Yes it is that good!”
“I must be perfectly honest with everyone. I've been inside Hilo Lunch Shop but i have not eaten their food. However, if you like local food, you'll love this place. I've, never heard a negative thing about this place except they might run out of certain favorites if you don't get there early enough.
My fiance was picking up food for her work and I went with her. There was a long line which moved quickly. I observed those waiting in line as well as the staff. EVERYBODY in the establishment were upbeat and there was just a positive vibe flowing throughout. I could tell the customers were eagerly anticipating and being excited about getting there favorite dishes. Totally cool vibe in there. Im going back to get what I missed out on. Check it out”
“Two locals were here during out visit letting us know this was the place to be for shaved ice. The keiki was very good sized. Don't miss the specials on the board in the back, they are special for a reason. We ordered 8 different combos. All were so good, the coconut add on for $1 is totally worth it, though opt out if you want a less rich and more refreshing version. The lady at the counter was the kindest lady with a pleasant genuine smile that never flinched while the 8 of us lined up calling out our 24 flavors and toppings. She made the whole experience that much nicer and all for under $40.”
“Had their Waip'io Taro special, my husband had their wintermelon milk tea and my girls had strawberry and chocolate smoothies. Amazing service and wonderful tasting drinks and food. We got their Taiwanese sandwiches and egg waffles and they were delicious. Definitely a fantastic boba shop worth going out of the way for! Staff is very kind, attentive, and helped us choose our food and drinks and answered all our questions. Definitely recommend!”
“I love fresh pasta and now there's a wonderful pasta shop in Hilo! I stopped in and picked up a package of FRESH Kabocha and Nutmeg Pasta, homemade Pesto, homemade Garlic Butter and Foccashia Bread. What an amazing dinner my wife Miriam and I had! The first of many... Mahalo Kai(n) - Kai Cuisine!”
“For over 15 years my family and I loved this place. Whether u need one good plate lunch or a solid bento to start your day off this place was and continues to be the shit. From good variety on the bento choice, solid value on the portions and price and especially taste this place always hit the spot. The only thing keeping me from coming daily like I used to is the lack of the custom bento. Don't get me wrong you won't be disappointed at the offering but I'm sure we all crave some different combos at least id like to see back at some point. Love this place and outside that never change!”
“Breakfast/lunch spot. Kawamoto was closed so we found this place nearby. I'm glad that we discovered this place as well. Since it was our first time, I asked the server to pick whatever for us and she took her time and listed each item and explained what it was. We went later in the day so it wasn't as fresh but still very delicious.”
“Definitely a puka in the wall type place. Only a couple of tables, we got lucky and didn't have to wait when we showed up. I was blown away by one of the best chicken katsu I've ever had outside of Japan!”
“Had lunch here 2/3 days that we were in Hilo, everything was amazing. The Misoyaki Butterfish Salad was fresh and extremely flavorful without being heavy, and the fish melts like butter in your mouth. We also had a cold water scallop special, an eggplant /marinara/pesto/ricotta appetizer (forgot what it's called, oops!) and crab cakes. Everything was great, honestly one of the best places I've eaten at on the entire island. I like to sit at the bar, as I'm a former long time bartender. Sascha is one of the best around, cocktails were, again, among the best that I found on the island, including Kona. Service was top notch, no matter how busy he got, and he took extra time to modify one of the house cocktails so that an elderly gal with sensitive teeth sitting nearby could enjoy it. I would honestly make the drive from Waikoloa just for this, but Hilo has plenty of outdoor activities to offer as well.”
“Pamela was our waitress. She was such a pleasant person and gave absolutely perfect service! She is an asset to IHOP. Thank you, Pam!!”
“We had delicious summer rolls with avocado and fresh veggies with yummy peanut sauce. We also had a fresh basil and eggplant stir fry with tofu and veggies. All food was fresh and scrumptious! Cute restaurant with Hawaiian vibe music. Went to a different Thai place two days ago that did not come close to the quality I experienced here. Thank you!”
“I really enjoyed stopping by here for a refreshing drink! The variety they offer is fantastic, and everything tasted super fresh and high quality. It’s a great spot to grab a tea or a quick snack if you’re looking for something different and delicious. The service was quick and friendly, making it a perfect little break during the day. I’m definitely looking forward to trying more of their menu next time I’m nearby.”
Latest Reviews
Most Popular Restaurants
“This place is amazing! The buns are fresh and handmade, the burgers are made from extremely good meat, and the on tap beer selection is vast. If it's a nice day, don't miss out on the outside seating. The place has a lot of character but everything is well cleaned and maintained.”
“My husband and I had breakfast here and let me tell ya, we wont go anywhere else now. The service and staff were amazing super friendly and the atmosphere was so clean and homey. The food was just as we ordered it hot and lots of flavor. I have no complaints on anything what so ever but I would highly recommend going and trying it yourself if you haven't yet. You wont be disappointed.”
“Antics ROCKS! Artwork throughout. Scrumptious pizza. My favorites are the slices, which are perfect for solitary diners stopping in for lunch or dinner but unable to take a whole pizza home for later. But they also offer carryout and dine-in for whole pizzas. And birthday-party/graduation/ho'olaulea (celebrations) accommodations. Staff are superb, checking to make sure you're doing okay. And kids adore the games (free, with purchase). Amazing Antics opened DURING the pandemic & has succeeded so well! One of my favorite places to eat, especially because slices are quick & fit within my limited budget. Well-done, Antics ownership, staff, leaders and lenders! 💚”
“OMG! I want to so bad not to review this place because it will only make it more popular and I just want it all for myself. Would that be selfish of me? I mean, this place, omg the pho, the banh mi, and I've only been here once. I want to melt when I walk in. Thank you for being here.”
New Restaurants
“Okay used to be Rattana’s Thai Kitchen and the sign is still outside. It’s now Oy’s. Just the Thai hospitality makes me feel right at home. There is a sit down area inside that I heard opened a week ago, where I had my lunch. The Pad Thai with tofu was awesome; just the right flavors popping out here and there out of the noodles. The tofu was fresh. Even the drinking water was set on the table with a fresh lemon and herb and a straw which I didn’t use and returned. I am coming back for sure to visit Oy’s. Was asked as in traditions Thai restaurants do I like spicey. Not a big menu , just food done right, fresh, tasty and made to order. Khap Khun Krap. PS the order portion was huge !!!”
“Wow! Loved this! Beautiful atmosphere, excellent service and really delicious food!”