Hilo Area Restaurants
ilo isn’t a resort dining town, but it has a small number of consistently good, well-established restaurants that are worth seeking out. This list is intentionally short. These are places we recommend confidently, either because they deliver a genuinely elevated experience or because they’re reliable, enjoyable, and well suited to the pace of East Hawaiʻi.
Overview
1. Lehua at ʻIma Loa
(Top Fine Dining Recommendation)
Lehua at ʻIma Loa is, without question, the best fine dining restaurant in the Hilo area. If you’re looking for a truly elevated meal, this is the one to prioritize.
The menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, thoughtful technique, and presentation without unnecessary theatrics. The food feels intentional and grounded rather than showy. It’s the kind of restaurant where every course feels considered, and the overall experience is calm, polished, and unhurried.
Reservations are recommended, but same-day reservations are often possible if you plan ahead earlier in the day.
2. Hilo Bay Cafe
Hilo Bay Cafe offers one of the best waterfront dining experiences in town, with views across Hilo Bay that are especially nice in the evening. The menu leans toward modern American and Pacific-influenced dishes, and the atmosphere strikes a good balance between casual and refined.
This restaurant is very popular, and reservations well in advance are strongly recommended, especially for dinner. If you don’t plan ahead, it can be difficult to get a table.
Cafe Pesto
Cafe Pesto is a long-standing Hilo institution and remains one of the town’s most dependable restaurants. The menu is broadly Mediterranean and Italian-influenced, with pasta, seafood, and local ingredients featured throughout.
It’s centrally located, comfortable, and easy to recommend to a wide range of visitors. If you’re unsure where to eat and want something familiar but well executed, Cafe Pesto is a safe and satisfying choice.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill is one of the most popular restaurants in Hilo, and for good reason. The menu blends local ingredients with familiar flavors, offering something for almost everyone. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is lively, and it works well for groups.
This is a good option when you want a dependable meal in a social, upbeat setting without overthinking the choice.
Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
Pineapples is a casual, open-air restaurant that fits Hilo’s relaxed vibe well. The menu focuses on fresh, island-inspired dishes, and it’s an easy place to stop for lunch or dinner while exploring downtown.
It’s not formal, and it’s not trying to be. Pineapples works because it’s approachable, comfortable, and consistently enjoyable, especially if you want something unfussy after a day of exploring.