23 Best Japanese Restaurants in Hilo

“Food is absolutely delicious and fresh. We can't say how convenient it was to make a phone order and have it ready to go when you pick it up. Everyone there has a welcome mentality and work so hard to make sure they got your order correctly.
Aloha, you guys rock!!!!“

“Okonomiyaki and sashimi omakase and miso salmon are my favs! Miso ramen is yummy.“

“If you are japanese food lover, you definitely need to stop by here. I tried the Karaage Bento, it worth the price. One thing I am a little bit disappointed is that we need to buy sauces separately and it quite expensive(around 2USD per tiny sauce)“

“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“

“This place is fast and the service and taste are consistently good. Some of my favorites are the fried tofu curry, spicy ramen, teriyaki chicken, mushroom skewers, miso eggplant, and potstickers. They make a pretty brownie sundae for dessert. There is an ice cream place next door that is open during the day too. They are open on Mondays which is notable in Hilo. We like to make reservations here for family parties, but there are usually tables available for walk-ins. You can definitely eat here during your lunch hour. This place is very clean and quiet with pleasant instrumental music.“

“Good food.. perfect noodle soup..“

“The food is always excellent - the ceviche is amazing! Reservations are a must - staff is friendly and knowledgeable.“

“Poke cake Best ever Ever“

“One of the best places in Hilo to dine. Loved coming here in my childhood and I intend to keep going.“

“Kitchen Umeko is a take out restaurant, serving Japanese bento, sushi rolls, poke bowls and sides. Will take orders for large amounts or for party platters.
After hours, they will remain open to sell what is left for the day.
Sorry you came in after they were closed and only got what was left. (They close at 2:30pm)“

“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.“

“Such good food!
We tried their combo salad, Penang curry and basil fried rice (fried rice was off the menu but the owner was very nice and friendly to accommodate our request). Large portion size and such fresh, hearty food! Highly recommend if you are in Hilo area!“

“This is the best sushi I have ever had in my life. The staff was so nice. they recommended me squid to try which i never had before, but it was awesome. Atmosphere is so nice because you get to go out and joy the fresh air. If you are in Hilo, I recommend stopping here.“

“Brown rice sushi Intricate sauces Fresh“

“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!“

“Finally stopped in at this great little drive-in. First off Miko (sp) at the counter is super friendly and made some great recommendations including the lasagna and she was not wrong! Garlic toasts, big piece of lasagna and fresh salad. Also got two breakfast burgers with ham, 2 for $8 on Monday, and everyday they have an $8 special! They also have an afternoon fry and burger special for $3.99.“

“We decided to go here as one of the only Saimin places near Hilo. We were not disappointed. We were greeted with a kind woman who spent time taking our order and explaining things to us. After ordering, we spent some time talking with her, to which she discovered we had driven 2 hours to visit her restaurant. She happily provided us with sushi and dessert in addition to our meals, and some delicious elderberry tea. The food was delicious!! We recommend the garlic Saimin and Mochi cake!

Things to note:
- You cannot eat in, only carryout.
- Note the hours before going.
- Paying for the local cuisine, not the design of the place...“

“The bentos and staff are excellent
update: May 2025
OMG. lick ur plate action. I ate a one choice (blk belt chicken (my daughter's name for it), aka Nori Chicken with fried rice from the line. the food was yummy (ONO) the amount of food I wasnt able to finish (picture is left over - sorry should have taken b4 i ate).. this place is awesome for a quick bite..“

“Delicious 😋 & generous portions of entre, salad & rice served. Friendly, patient, & helpful waitress. Short wait time for food & waitress checks, & replenishs water without requesting.
Prices above average, would recommend to family & friends.“

“Amazing food. Had the chirashi chefs choice. Great service. Tea was tastey. Only eight spots to sit around in a sushi bar set up. Reservations required. Had a ring a bell to get in.

Parking: Parking stalls directly in front. Lots of stalls in the lots bit it is a bit chaotic.“

“I found my favorite restaurant in Hilo on the Big Island.I recommend the ribs & spice chicken combo. Of the 4 side dishes, I don't recommend the japchae because it's too spicy.Noodles are also good when you're craving hot soup.You can order without tip and eat in the common area or To Go.“

“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!“

“We enjoyed this for a quick lunch. Sushi was decent for the price. Order using a digital menu and your food comes on a boat conveyor belt right to you.
Atmosphere is where this place gets lower points as it had a cafeteria feel to it- something the location in Kona does feel like.“