Places to Eat

15 Best Places To Eat In Hilo For Foodies

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Best places to eat in Hilo include Moon and Turtle, Paul's Place, Sweet Cane Cafe and more. They offer delectable tropical and international cuisines.

Hilo is a vibrant town on the Big Island that boasts a diverse culinary scene. You will find delicious food items ranging from seafood to international dishes.

The northern town on the Big Island has an array of dining choices to satisfy every palate. In this article, we have presented a list of the 15 eateries that you should visit for a fine dining experience.

1. Moon and Turtle

Best places to eat Hilo Moon and Turtle is a seafood restaurant located on Kalakaua Street. The eatery serves Asian fusion dishes prepared from locally sourced fresh ingredients. 

The most striking feature of the eatery is its ever-changing menu and family-style dishes. The items are primarily focused on seafood along with dairy items, cattle, pork, and farm produce also included in the menu.

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Moon and Turtle is one of the best restaurants in Big Island that welcomes walk-in guests and also offers Curbside pickup service for a grab-and-go. You can visit the place from 5:30 to 9 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

This exquisite dining place is located a few blocks north of the Hilo Farmer's Market and features an intimate interior with a capacity of about 40 guests.

2. Paul's Place

Hilo places to eat for an awesome breakfast experience is Paul's Place. The cozy cafe on Punahoa Street serves fresh cafe fare, coffee and smoothies.

If you are seeking a fine place to grab some breakfast to kickstart your day on the Big Island, then Paul's Place is a wise pick. The eggs benedict served here is the best you would ever find elsewhere.

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The Waffles just melt in your mouth and the delicious Fish Bowl will leave you mesmerized. You can't help but feel the urge to come back here every morning to start your day.

The eatery accepts reservations, so you can book a table and bring your friends and family to taste the delightful American cuisine. Furthermore, your dining experience is elevated by the warm and friendly gestures of the owner and the staff here.

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3. Sweet Cane Cafe

Best restaurants in Hilo for vegetarians is the Sweet Cane Cafe located on Kamana Street. The eatery serves vegetarian lunches & gluten-free items.

Dine-in is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm in this family-owned and operated restaurant. This casual place offers a farm-to-table experience to its guests by serving fresh and organic local foods.

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While you visit this dining place, you must not miss the chance to try the local favorite including kale chips, hot sauce, coconut yogurt, sauerkraut & dried tropical fruits.

The cane juice-based smoothies served at this place it simply out of this world. Elevate your dining experience by sipping cane juice, cane slushies, or elixirs.

4. Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine

Restaurants in Hilo Hawaii Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine offers lunch specials in a simple BYO setting. This family-friendly establishment is a decent place to enjoy exotic Thai dishes.

The dining place is located in Waiakea Kai Shopping Plaza and welcomes guests from 4 pm to 8 pm, Monday through Friday.

Visit the place with your loved ones and settle in for a delightful Asian dining experience. To begin with the Appetizers, you can get Fresh Basil Rolls or Chicken Satay for $12.95.

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The signature dish and a must-try item at Sombat's is the Pad Thai Noodles. The dish includes long rice noodles with bean sprouts, green onion and ground peanuts, which will leave a pleasant aftertaste.

The dining place also offers Vegetarian Specialties which are served with Jasmine or Brown Rice. Do try the yummy Veggie Yum, a boiled beanthread noodle with tofu, beansprouts and fresh vegetables.

5. Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine

Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine is a new American restaurant that serves island-inspired dishes. Enjoy a unique dining experience in this one and only open-air eatery in downtown Hilo.

As the name suggests, you will find a wide range of creative dishes that include pineapple. Try the delicious Pineapple Burger and mark our word that you will return for more.

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This modern eatery offers Happy Hours from 3 pm to 5 pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Enjoy an unmatched view of Hawaiian beauty as you feast on exquisite local cuisines and enjoy the live music.

Reserve a table now and enjoy the daily specials and exquisite cocktails in a laid-back environment. Some of the fan favorites on the menu are Pineapple Pow, Poke Tower, and Fresh Catch plate.

Also Check Out: Restaurants In Lahaina Maui

6. Suisan Fish Market

Best restaurants in Hilo Hawaii Suisan Fish Market serves the freshest poke on the Big Island. The dining place offers the largest variety of reef fish and other great side dishes.

The seafood market is located on Lihiwai Street and provides fresh daily catch to wholesale and retail customers. They supply up to fifty varieties of fish with the most notable being ahi, mahi-mahi, ono and salmon.

Takeout is the best option when it comes to buying an item from Suisan Fish Market. Stop by, choose your pick, and grab a bite on the go.

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The proud member of the Hawaiian fishing community, Suisan offers classic flavors such as Hawaiian Style, Spicy Ahi and Shoyu Ahi. You are in for a real treat if you happen to taste the signature pokes including the Mix Plate, Cali Roll and Kimchee Tako.

All Bowls and Plates come with a choice of Brown or White rice which includes a Small Kine Bowl, 1 Choice Bowl, 2 Choice Bowl and a Plate.

7. Hilo Burger Joint

Best restaurants Hilo Hawaii to grab a bite of a delicious hamburger is Hilo Burger Joint. This relaxed parlor prepares its signature burger with locally-sourced beef.

The elegant eatery has more than twenty signature burgers which are all handmade fresh daily. Visit the place for a dine-in, or simply make a delivery request and enjoy your favorite burger.

Some of the must-try delicious signature options include the Lava Burger and Greek Burger. Their basic burgers start at only $900 and the place also provides a free Birthday Burger.

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This is a family-friendly restaurant that emits a local pub feel. They proudly serve delicious Kulana Foodsʻ Burgers, Draft Beers and more to local Big Island kamaaina and visitors.

During your visit to Hilo Burger Joint, start off your culinary adventure with Fire & Ice Fries which goes great with a beer. Then try the 6 oz California Burger prepared with Kulana Beef that comes with your choice of side salad.

8. Hawaiian Style Cafe

Hawaiian Style Cafe is a classic Hawaiian restaurant with a cheerful atmosphere. The eatery serves quality rich homemade comfort food.

One of the favorite cafes among locals and tourists, Hawaiian Style Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This place is particularly famous for its big portions and bigger flavor.

Enjoy a gourmet meal with your family at this elegant eatery at an affordable rate regardless of the dishes you pick. From the world-famous massive Pancakes and Kalua Pork Hash to lighter fare, the place has something for everyone.

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The breakfast menu also includes items that your kids will love such as french toast and loco moco. Let the young ones enjoy their fare as you savor the gourmet steak or pasta dinner specials.

The restaurant welcomes walk-in guests and also offers a Takeout menu. Furthermore, you can place your order online and enjoy your meal in the comfort of your home.

9. Miyo’s Restaurant

Miyo’s Restaurant is a premium Japanese restaurant located in Manono Street Marketplace. The establishment offers services including dine-in, curbside pickup and delivery.

This elegant eatery, ever since it was opened to the public in 1987, has been creating dishes that showcase the local seafood and abundant fresh produce that the Big Island has to offer.

The cozy Japanese restaurant serves high-quality items in an inviting and casual ambiance which has made it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

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Visit the place and immerse yourself in a culinary experience that will delight your taste buds. Begin your food adventure here with entrees such as Hot Pots, Curry, Teriyaki, Tempura or Seafood.

As you wait for your meal, sip on a handcrafted cocktail at the Izakaya Bar. The newest hotspot of Hilo, this is a full bar with twelve beers on tap.

10. Ponds Hilo

Best Hilo restaurants in Hawaii Ponds Hilo serves upscale American cuisine in a refined ambiance. Enjoy your meal as you take in the beautiful view of Ice & Koi ponds.

This premium eatery is located in Reeds Bay Beach Park and offers both dine-in and takeout services to its customers. The live music that happens often will elevate your dining experience.

As soon as you enter the place, you will be greeted by friendly staff who will proudly serve delectables like rib-eye, prime rib, top sirloin, scallops, and fresh salmon

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The expansive menu at Ponds Hilo has options for every foodie. Furthermore, the eatery also has foodie-themed nights such as Sturgeon Sundays, Fiesta Mondays, Wack-0-Lamb Wednesdays and Lobster Lovers Thursdays.

The place is open to the public daily from 11 am to 10 pm so, come visit at your convenience, then relax and enjoy Dining On The Edge. You can also make advance reservations.

Take A Look At: Best Places To Eat In Kauai

11. Hilo Bay Cafe

Best Hilo Hawaii restaurants Hilo Bay Cafe serves island-inspired cuisines with a Pacific Rim twist. Reserve a table for your family via opentable.com.

The wood-accented hangout offers a spectacular view of the bay which helps to elevate your overall dining experience. This elegant eatery is open Tuesday through Saturday and serves lunch and dinner.

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Lunch is served from 11 am to 2:30 pm while the dinner time is set from 5 to 8:30 pm. This dining place has vast options on the menu including specialty sushi rolls, chirashizushi, and nigiri + sashimi.

For those of you, looking for a grab-and-go, this cafe provides a takeaway menu. Simply order your favorites for curbside pickup through the HBC Take Away service and ring them up.

12. Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

Best Hawaii Hilo restaurants Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay is famous for exquisite pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. This premium eatery uses local produce to craft comfort foods with a creative twist.

You can choose the way you want to savor the delicious delectable offered here. Reserve a table and visit the place with your friends and families, order a pickup or order delivery.

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Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay is a multiple award-winning restaurant that offers world-class pizzas and pastas. Some of the favorites among the visitors are Luau Pizza, Classic Pasta, and Big Island Burger.

Enjoy a culinary delight as you feast on the timeless classics prepared with a creative Hawaiian flair. The meal is further complemented by scrumptious cocktails and local beer.

13. Puka Puka Kitchen

Puka Puka Kitchen is a casual eatery that serves pita sandwiches and curry. The dining place is located on the Kamehameha Ave in Hilo.

This is a small, locally operated business that welcomes walk-in guests with a tropical ambiance and also offers takeout service. You can visit the place from 11 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Saturday.

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Despite the relatively smaller size of the establishment, it maintains the quality of the food and service like a champ. The fried seafood and Ahi plates with fried rice and fresh salad will leave you spellbound.

Puka Puka Kitchen offers both lunch and dinner so you can visit any time of the day and enjoy a hearty meal. Treat yourself to the chicken katsu or shrimp platter and immerse yourself in the craftsmanship of the chefs here.

14. Dragon Kitchen Hilo

Dragon Kitchen Hilo is an elegant restaurant in Hilo famous for sushi. The eatery also offers takeout menu and delivery service along with walk-ins.

This little dining place is located on Kamehameha Avenue and welcomes guests from 11 am to 3 pm, days a week. It remains closed on Sunday and Thursday. 

A little glimpse into the menu of the restaurant:

  • Ahi (Tekka) - $5
  • Salmon - $5.25
  • Spicy Ahi Bowl - $12.50
  • Ahi Poke (Shoyu) - $12.50

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Dragon Kitchen Hilo is a Japanese restaurant that basically serves lunch and dinner including vegetarian options. Sushi is the signature dish which is one of the best you will ever taste elsewhere.

The atmosphere at the eatery is very casual and trendy where you can feel relaxed as you enjoy your meal. The place offers various comfort foods, quick bites, smaller plates and healthy options.

15. Hilo Town Tavern

Best Hawaii restaurants in Hilo to enjoy a delicious meal amidst live music is Hilo Town Tavern. This modern eatery offers great food and drinks for a reasonable price.

The lively atmosphere at this elegant restaurant draws locals and visitors alike. Here you will find pool tables to play a quick round as you wait for your order to arrive.

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The establishment features a phenomenal Wings & Things menu with sweet, spicy and savory options. Order yourself a Tavern Chicken Tenders or Hot Wings for just $12 which will leave you delighted throughout the day.

This is not all, here you will find multiple options for Burgers, Sandwiches, and Salads with add-ons and sides. The eatery is open from 11:30 to 12 am, Monday through Saturday.