No. 12 of Must-Visit Restaurants in Hawaii island

Got seated right away, which was nice. The breakfast portions are huge and everything tasted fresh. The staff was really friendly and checked in just enough without being overbearing. Made for a very comfortable, easy meal.

No. 3 of Must-Visit Restaurants in Hawaii island

No. 4 of Must-Visit Restaurants in Hawaii island

Breakfast spot in Hilo. Paul and the crew were solid&mdash;friendly, on it. The Fish Bowl and that Pasta de Marco? Unique flavors, really tasty. Plating was nice too. Book ahead though, place is small.

Been coming here for years, always on Saturday mornings. The Frangipane Croissant is my go-to. It&#39;s that perfect, consistent flakiness and almond filling that keeps me coming back. Never had a bad one.

Sushi&#39;s super fresh, perfect for a quick lunch. Got the tekka maki and salmon nigiri, both were spot on. They get your order out fast, which I appreciate. A solid spot when you&#39;re in a hurry.

Cody was a great server, really friendly and attentive. The staff handled my dairy allergy easily, which made the whole meal so much more relaxing. A comfortable spot where you don&#39;t have to worry.

Loved the vibe in this old bank building! The vintage bar is so cool. Perfect for catching up with friends over drinks. 😊

The space is so cozy and inviting, like a little escape. I love the warm lighting and the wooden tables. It just feels nice to sit here, even before the food arrives.

Real fruit in the smoothies. Tastes fresh, not fake. Got the mango bowl, super vibrant. Just a bit pricey for the size.

Been coming here for years, feels like eating at a friend&#39;s place. The chicken soup tastes just like my grandma used to make. Street parking is a bit of a hassle, but that&#39;s how you know it&#39;s the real deal.

The croissantwich was a great start, but the real star was their white mocha frappe &ndash; a perfect balance of flavor.

Stopped in for lunch, it&rsquo;s a cozy family-run spot. The staff were so sweet, really made me feel at home. Had the daily special, simple but tasty. Just a nice, relaxed vibe.

Tried their Sunday special, the sweet bread French toast. It was fluffy and had this caramelized crust that was just right. A fun, creative spot for a lazy weekend bite.

Stopped in for lunch in Hilo. Their nitro cold brew is incredible, seriously the best I&#39;ve had. Food was clean and fresh, and my kid ate everything. A solid spot, not your typical tourist place.

This place has a real local vibe. The ahi was fresh and tasty, and the seafood platter was solid. Their house white wine was a surprisingly good match for the fish, crisp and not too sweet. The side salad was excellent. A bit cramped inside, but that&#39;s part of the charm.

The place is always spotless, which I really appreciate. The main dining area has these big windows that let in a ton of natural light. It just feels clean and bright. Makes grabbing a burger here a nice, simple break.

Service here is always so friendly and efficient. Our order arrived quickly, and the staff checked in just the right amount&mdash;never felt rushed or forgotten. Makes for a really relaxed meal.

Stopped by for lunch. The staff knew a bunch of regulars by name, which was cool. Felt like a real neighborhood spot. Food was solid, nothing crazy. Good for a quick bite.

I keep coming back for their ramen. The broth is so rich and flavorful, and the noodles have a perfect texture. The tonkatsu has a nice spicy kick too. It&#39;s a great spot for a simple, satisfying meal.

The Orange Dream drink is a solid choice. It&#39;s got that nice citrus hit, not too sweet. Really hits the spot when it&#39;s hot out. Just a good, straightforward refresher.

The lilikoi french toast is the move. Perfectly crisp outside, fluffy inside, and that passionfruit syrup is just the right amount of sweet. Got me ready for a full day of hiking.

Solid spot for a quick bite. The turkey avocado popover sandwich hit the spot. Coffee was decent. Got my order in under 10 minutes, which is key for a short lunch break.

Your ultimate guide to dining in Hilo. Discover top-rated restaurants and local favorites, based on authentic traveler ratings and reviews. ▸ See menus & photos ▸ Find hidden gems ▸ Plan your perfect trip.

The best restaurants in Hilo

Ponds Hilo

Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo

Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine

Paul's Place

Moonstruck

Hilo Bay Cafe

Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

Moon and Turtle

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo

Takenoko Sushi Llc

Naung Mai Thai Kitchen

Tina's Garden Cafe

Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack

Da Hawaiian Brain Freeze Shave Ice & Ice Cream

Kawamoto Store

Just Cruisin Coffee

Nori's | Saimin and Snacks

Short N Sweet Bakery & Cafe

The Booch Bar

Puka Puka Kitchen

Hilo Burger Joint

Cronies Bar & Grill

Miyo's Restaurant

Panda Express

Restaurant Kenichi

Jamba

Coconut Grill

Popover

Restaurant Miwa

Kuhio Grille