We came here on 3/30 with 4 other friends. One of the better restaurants in Hilo. We ordered Smokey Sashimi, Mushroom Risotto, and Market Fish.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Smokey Sashimi
Randy Earl
We ate at the Moon and Turtle on recommendation of our travel guide. We were lucky to get a table, as they are small and have limited seating, but there was a cancellation just before we arrived. We are so grateful! The food is absolutely delicious! Their model is a little different, in that they have a limited menu and make the items in bunches, so they recommend you eat family style, sharing as the items come out, since they don’t wait until each person’s order is completely ready to serve the entire table. To me, that is part of the charm of this restaurant, so please give it a try even if that model doesn’t appeal to you. The waiter was very aware of Celiac needs and told me which menu items were gluten-free. This slightly disrupted the family sharing model, of course, but they and we accommodated and we all enjoyed the emal. I highly recommend Moon and Turle if you visit Hilo.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jensen Jones
Loved everything about this place. What a Hilo gem. The place was cute and clean. The owners Mark and Sunny were kind and the staff we're very friendly. Everyone in this restaurant helped each other out. Always water being poured, tablets being cleaned just really exceptional service (a well oiled machine). The food was absolutely fantastic. A new experience for the pallet. I would highly recommend if you are in Hilo... there's a reason it's been in business for 12 years. Make reservations ahead of time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Denis
Great dining option in downtown Hilo offering a blend of traditional flavors mixed with dinner international influences. Book a table in advance. Good to share dishes. Cocktails are worth a try, too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Malia Delapenia
It was my first time to this spot last weekend while I was visiting my ohana. My sister surprised me with reservations on a Friday night.
I'm an world traveling foodie, I love to dine out, eat well and be doted on. So I'm not easily impressed.
This placed rocked. From the quaint vintage Hilo atmosphere to the warm patient staff, and down to the epic dishes offered, my mind is blown.
Check it out, probably the best spot in Hilo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
aurelie voelker
If you want a gem in Hilo, you found it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish, Ceviche to Die
Kyle Wicomb
Everything at this restaurant comes from the big island of Hawaii! I have been here more times than I can count and have never had anything that tasted short of amazing! Every time someone visits me in Hilo, I have to take them here. Make sure to make a reservation before you go! It's a small restaurant and seating is limited.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Dooley
Great food with great service. Also really enjoyed the live music
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ben Blake
What a special restaurant! Our family spent the last 11 days split between Kauai and the Big Island, and this was our favorite restaurant. Was it perfect, no (if you order the Hello Darkness, ask for it up, I wish it came with a chunk of big ice !) Was it polished like some of the other places, no. It’s not supposed to be. It’s subtle, it’s small, it’s just good people with food that speaks for itself. They have 5 small plates and 3 plates that change from night to night so sure, there is a small chance that on any given night the menu isn’t for you, but their signature Ahi Tuna with the house smoked soy sauce is a bite I will dream about for a long time. Make a reservation. It’s not difficult to plan a night out. Moon and Turtle is worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anna Norland
If there is one thing more breathtaking than the landscape of the big island and the local people is The Moon and Turtle. From the moment you walk in, it's clear this isn't just another restaurant—every aspect was curated from the heart and soul of two loving people, Mark and Soni. You see and feel the deep love for the craft and the people they serve. The dishes on the menu embody their love for each other and the culture of the island. It takes a heartfelt, deep respect for the ingredients and passion for the craft to curate the flavors Mark does. This is so much more than a meal, it’s an experience, a moment to be treasured. It’s a place where you feel not just fed, but nourished. The kind of place where memories are made. The Moon and Turtle is a celebration of everything that makes sharing a meal special—authenticity, love, and a commitment to quality that’s felt in every detail. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat here, you’ll leave not just full, but grateful. Grateful for the food, for the big island, for those people you love most. You come to the Moon and Turtle as customers but you leave as friends. Aloha Mark and Soni!! With deep love and admiration, ♥️Anna
This place is delicious. Try the mushroom risotto. Their cocktails are delicious. They have an excellent happy hour. Definitely make a reservation as this is a beautiful cozy restaurant. You’ll be treated like a friend here. I can definitely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shelagh Arruda (Pandabear)
First experience. What an incredibly enjoyable meal. Excellent food. Impeccable service. Warm and inviting atmosphere. The only thing that bothers me is that I waited so long to dine here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smokey Sashimi, Cheesecake, Caesar Salad
Ava Garcia
Everything was absolutely delicious. The smoked sashimi is to die for, however after trying a few plates I realized everything was almost equally superb + felt inclined to try almost everything on the menu. Definitely check this place out if you get the chance. No matter what you order you will be pleasantly surprised.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Antonina Pavliuk
Absolutely incredible dining experience at Moon and Turtle in Hilo! Every single dish was insanely delicious — bursting with flavor and clearly made with so much care and creativity. The staff was exceptionally warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. Each plate not only met our expectations — it exceeded them by a hundred times. If you’re visiting Hilo, this place is an absolute must. Can’t wait to come back!
We came here on 3/30 with 4 other friends. One of the better restaurants in Hilo. We ordered Smokey Sashimi, Mushroom Risotto, and Market Fish.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Smokey Sashimi
We ate at the Moon and Turtle on recommendation of our travel guide. We were lucky to get a table, as they are small and have limited seating, but there was a cancellation just before we arrived. We are so grateful! The food is absolutely delicious! Their model is a little different, in that they have a limited menu and make the items in bunches, so they recommend you eat family style, sharing as the items come out, since they don’t wait until each person’s order is completely ready to serve the entire table. To me, that is part of the charm of this restaurant, so please give it a try even if that model doesn’t appeal to you. The waiter was very aware of Celiac needs and told me which menu items were gluten-free. This slightly disrupted the family sharing model, of course, but they and we accommodated and we all enjoyed the emal. I highly recommend Moon and Turle if you visit Hilo.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved everything about this place. What a Hilo gem. The place was cute and clean. The owners Mark and Sunny were kind and the staff we're very friendly. Everyone in this restaurant helped each other out. Always water being poured, tablets being cleaned just really exceptional service (a well oiled machine). The food was absolutely fantastic. A new experience for the pallet. I would highly recommend if you are in Hilo... there's a reason it's been in business for 12 years. Make reservations ahead of time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great dining option in downtown Hilo offering a blend of traditional flavors mixed with dinner international influences.
Book a table in advance.
Good to share dishes. Cocktails are worth a try, too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was my first time to this spot last weekend while I was visiting my ohana. My sister surprised me with reservations on a Friday night.
I'm an world traveling foodie, I love to dine out, eat well and be doted on. So I'm not easily impressed.
This placed rocked.
From the quaint vintage Hilo atmosphere to the warm patient staff, and down to the epic dishes offered, my mind is blown.
Check it out, probably the best spot in Hilo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you want a gem in Hilo, you found it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish, Ceviche to Die
Everything at this restaurant comes from the big island of Hawaii! I have been here more times than I can count and have never had anything that tasted short of amazing! Every time someone visits me in Hilo, I have to take them here. Make sure to make a reservation before you go! It's a small restaurant and seating is limited.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food with great service. Also really enjoyed the live music
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a special restaurant! Our family spent the last 11 days split between Kauai and the Big Island, and this was our favorite restaurant. Was it perfect, no (if you order the Hello Darkness, ask for it up, I wish it came with a chunk of big ice !) Was it polished like some of the other places, no. It’s not supposed to be. It’s subtle, it’s small, it’s just good people with food that speaks for itself. They have 5 small plates and 3 plates that change from night to night so sure, there is a small chance that on any given night the menu isn’t for you, but their signature Ahi Tuna with the house smoked soy sauce is a bite I will dream about for a long time. Make a reservation. It’s not difficult to plan a night out. Moon and Turtle is worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If there is one thing more breathtaking than the landscape of the big island and the local people is The Moon and Turtle. From the moment you walk in, it's clear this isn't just another restaurant—every aspect was curated from the heart and soul of two loving people, Mark and Soni. You see and feel the deep love for the craft and the people they serve.
The dishes on the menu embody their love for each other and the culture of the island. It takes a heartfelt, deep respect for the ingredients and passion for the craft to curate the flavors Mark does.
This is so much more than a meal, it’s an experience, a moment to be treasured. It’s a place where you feel not just fed, but nourished. The kind of place where memories are made.
The Moon and Turtle is a celebration of everything that makes sharing a meal special—authenticity, love, and a commitment to quality that’s felt in every detail. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat here, you’ll leave not just full, but grateful. Grateful for the food, for the big island, for those people you love most. You come to the Moon and Turtle as customers but you leave as friends.
Aloha Mark and Soni!!
With deep love and admiration,
♥️Anna
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is delicious. Try the mushroom risotto. Their cocktails are delicious. They have an excellent happy hour. Definitely make a reservation as this is a beautiful cozy restaurant. You’ll be treated like a friend here. I can definitely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First experience. What an incredibly enjoyable meal. Excellent food. Impeccable service. Warm and inviting atmosphere. The only thing that bothers me is that I waited so long to dine here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smokey Sashimi, Cheesecake, Caesar Salad
Everything was absolutely delicious. The smoked sashimi is to die for, however after trying a few plates I realized everything was almost equally superb + felt inclined to try almost everything on the menu. Definitely check this place out if you get the chance. No matter what you order you will be pleasantly surprised.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely incredible dining experience at Moon and Turtle in Hilo! Every single dish was insanely delicious — bursting with flavor and clearly made with so much care and creativity. The staff was exceptionally warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we walked in.
Each plate not only met our expectations — it exceeded them by a hundred times. If you’re visiting Hilo, this place is an absolute must. Can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smokey Sashimi, Sizzling Poke
Fantastic food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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