Food, Coffee & Drink

The Best Restaurants in Hilo: A Local's Guide to Where to Eat

Hilo's food scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Hawaiian flavors, fresh local ingredients, and global influences. Here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Hilo for every taste, from casual plate lunch spots to unforgettable fine dining.

July 5, 2026 • 10 min read • by Big Island Tours Editorial

Hilo might not have the sprawling resort restaurants of the Kohala Coast, but it boasts something far more authentic: a deeply local, unpretentious, and surprisingly diverse food scene. Fueled by the island's agricultural abundance and a rich history of immigration, dining in Hilo is a direct line to the heart of modern Hawaiian culture. Whether you're craving a world-class poke bowl by the bayfront, a legendary plate lunch, or an elegant dinner featuring island-grown ingredients, Hilo delivers.

Unlike the sunny, dry west side, Hilo's abundant rainfall creates a lush, green landscape that supports a thriving agricultural community. This means chefs have direct access to incredible produce, from exotic fruits to fresh hearts of palm, which you'll find showcased on menus across town. Let's explore the best places to eat in the real, rainy, and rewarding town of Hilo.

Understanding Hilo's Dining Scene

Hilo’s culinary landscape is defined by its history and location. It's a working town, a university town, and the gateway to the island's wild east side. The food reflects this identity: it’s practical, comforting, and deeply rooted in place.

Plate Lunch Culture: You can't talk about food in Hawaiʻi without talking about the plate lunch. Born on the sugar plantations, this iconic meal typically consists of an entrée (like teriyaki beef, chicken katsu, or kalua pork), two scoops of white rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. It's hearty, affordable, and a must-try experience.
Freshness is Key: Hilo's proximity to the ocean and fertile farms means freshness is paramount. The best spots get their fish daily from local fishermen and their produce from the Hilo Farmers Market or nearby farms.
Casual is King: While there are excellent options for a special night out, the majority of Hilo's best food is found in casual, unassuming eateries. Don't judge a restaurant by its storefront; some of the most delicious food comes from small, family-run spots.

Top Picks for Fine Dining & Special Occasions

When you're ready to celebrate or simply want a more elevated experience, Hilo offers a few standout restaurants that rival anthing on the island.

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo

A sister restaurant to the Kailua-Kona favorite, Jackie Rey's brings its beloved blend of upscale American cuisine and island flavors to Hilo. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, set in a beautifully restored historic bank building. The menu is extensive, with something for everyone.

What to Order: The Fresh Catch of the day, often prepared with a macadamia nut crust or a savory sauce, is always a winner. Their Kalbi-style Short Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender. Don't skip the Lilikoi (passion fruit) Crème Brûlée for dessert.
Vibe: Upscale but not stuffy. It's a popular spot for birthdays and anniversaries.
Pro-Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

Pescatore

For classic Italian-American fare with a touch of island flair, Pescatore is a longtime Hilo favorite. This cozy, candlelit restaurant on the corner of Haili and Keawe streets is perfect for a romantic dinner. They offer generous portions of pasta, fresh seafood, and traditional Italian entrees.

What to Order: The Cioppino is a standout, packed with fresh seafood in a rich tomato broth. Any of their fresh-made pasta dishes, like the Gnocchi or Lasagna, are deeply comforting.
Vibe: Old-school, romantic, and intimate.
Pro-Tip: The portions are large, so consider sharing an appetizer and an entree if you're not a big eater.

The Best Casual Restaurants for a Great Sit-Down Meal

These spots are the backbone of Hilo's dining scene, offering fantastic food in a relaxed setting.

The Moon and Turtle

Often cited by locals as the best restaurant in Hilo, The Moon and Turtle is a small, chef-driven establishment with a focus on creative, locally sourced seafood. The menu changes daily based on what the fishermen bring in and what's fresh at the market. It's an Asian-inspired culinary adventure.

What to Order: Whatever is on the specials board. Look for dishes like Smokey Sashimi, fried whole fish, or inventive noodle preparations. Trust the chef.
Vibe: Bustling, intimate, and food-focused. It's a small space, so it can get loud.
Pro-Tip: Go early or be prepared to wait. They do not take reservations, and demand is high.

Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine

Located in a historic open-air building in the heart of downtown Hilo, Pineapples is all about atmosphere. With live music most nights and a fun, tropical vibe, it's a great place to unwind with a cocktail and a good meal. The menu is a crowd-pleasing mix of burgers, salads, and island-style entrees.

What to Order: The Fresh Island Fish Tacos are a consistent favorite. Their signature Pineapple Pow! cocktail, served in a hollowed-out pineapple, is a photo-worthy treat.
Vibe: Fun, festive, and very tropical. Great for groups.

Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

Overlooking Hilo Bay from the historic S. Hata Building, Cafe Pesto has been a staple for decades. They are best known for their wood-fired gourmet pizzas with creative local toppings, but they also have a full menu of excellent pasta, salads, and fresh fish entrees.

What to Order: You can't go wrong with a pizza. Try the Hamakua Mushroom or the Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese. Their Calamari Salad is also legendary.
Vibe: Classy casual, with beautiful bay views. It's a reliable choice for any occasion.

Quintessential Plate Lunch & Local Grinds

For a true taste of local Hilo, you have to hit up a plate lunch spot. Be prepared for simple surroundings and phenomenal food.

Cafe 100

The undisputed home of the Loco Moco. According to local lore, this dish—a hamburger patty over rice, topped with a fried egg and brown gravy—was invented here in 1949. Cafe 100 offers over 30 varieties of this iconic comfort food, alongside a massive menu of other plate lunch favorites. It's a Hilo institution.

What to Order: You have to try a Loco Moco! Start with the original, or get adventurous with the 'Super' version that includes spam and Portuguese sausage.
Vibe: Fast, busy, no-frills walk-up counter. There's an outdoor covered seating area. It's the definition of local kine grinds.

Hilo Lunch Shop

This tiny, cash-only spot is a local treasure. Known for their expertly prepared bentos and plate lunches, Hilo Lunch Shop often sells out early. Their fried chicken is crispy perfection, and their shoyu pork is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

What to Order: The Fried Chicken Plate or a mixed plate to sample a few things. Get there before noon for the best selection.
Vibe: Hole-in-the-wall with immense character. This is purely a takeaway spot.

Ken's House of Pancakes

Open 24/7, Ken's is Hilo's go-to diner for any meal at any time. While famous for its pancakes, Ken's serves up excellent local-style comfort food around the clock. It's where you go after a late flight into Hilo or for an early breakfast before heading to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

What to Order: Besides the obvious pancakes, their saimin is excellent, and their plate lunches are solid. The SUMO platters are massive and meant for sharing (or for the truly ravenous). For a more comprehensive travel plan, check out our guide on planning your Big Island trip.

Fresh Catches: Best Spots for Poke and Seafood

Hilo's bayfront location means you're never far from incredible fresh fish.

Suisan Fish Market

For over 100 years, Suisan has been the primary fish auction and market for East Hawaiʻi. Their retail counter is the absolute best place to get fresh, authentic poke. You buy it by the pound, just like the locals do. Choose from a dozen or so varieties, from classic shoyu ahi to spicy ahi or tako (octopus) poke.

What to Order: A half-pound of Shoyu Ahi Poke and a half-pound of Spicy Ahi Poke. Grab a bowl of rice and head to Liliʻuokalani Gardens across the street for a perfect picnic.
Vibe: A working fish market. It's all business, focused on the fish.
Pro-Tip: It's primarily a market, not a restaurant. Grab your poke and go.

Related Guides:

Your Complete Guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: /blog/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-guide
Hiking the Kīlauea Iki Trail: /blog/kilauea-iki-trail-hike
Discovering the Waterfalls of the Hāmākua Coast: /blog/big-island-waterfalls-hamakua-coast

Frequently asked questions

What food is Hilo famous for?

Hilo is famous for local-style comfort food, especially the Loco Moco, which was invented at Cafe 100. It's also renowned for incredibly fresh poke from places like Suisan Fish Market and its embrace of the classic Hawaiian plate lunch.

Do I need to make reservations at restaurants in Hilo?

For upscale restaurants like Jackie Rey's or Pescatore, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. For most casual eateries, plate lunch spots, and cafes, reservations are not necessary and often not accepted.

Is dining in Hilo expensive?

Hilo offers options for every budget. You can get a delicious and filling plate lunch for under $15 at many local spots. Fine dining will be more expensive, with entrees in the $30-$50 range, but it's generally more affordable than the resort areas on the west side of the island.

What is a 'plate lunch'?

A plate lunch is a classic meal in Hawaiʻi. It typically consists of an entrée (like teriyaki beef, chicken katsu, or kalua pork), two scoops of white rice, and one scoop of creamy macaroni salad. It’s a hearty and affordable taste of local food culture.

What is poke and where can I find the best in Hilo?

Poke (pronounced poh-keh) is a raw fish salad, usually made with cubed ahi tuna seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other ingredients. For the most authentic experience, go to a fish market like Suisan Fish Market, where you can buy it by the pound.

Is tipping customary in Hilo restaurants?

Yes, tipping is standard practice in Hilo, just as it is on the US mainland. For table service at a sit-down restaurant, a tip of 15-20% is customary. For counter service or takeaway, a small tip in the jar is appreciated but not required.

Are there many vegetarian or vegan options in Hilo?

Yes, while the traditional cuisine is meat and fish-heavy, many Hilo restaurants offer vegetarian options. Restaurants like Cafe Pesto and Pineapples have dedicated vegetarian dishes, and others are often happy to accommodate dietary requests.