
Hilo Bay Cafe
Experience New American cuisine with a Pacific Rim twist, boasting stunning bay views and a sophisticated ambiance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Hilo Bay Cafe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience New American cuisine with a Pacific Rim twist, boasting stunning bay views and a sophisticated ambiance.
"Amazing food, unbelievable service, and a truly breathtaking view of the bay."
Reservations Recommended
Popular spot; book in advance, especially for prime times, to ensure a table.
Lunch for a Relaxed Vibe
Visit during lunch for a more tranquil dining experience and to savor your meal.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American, Pacific Rim
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Bay Views
Dine with breathtaking panoramic views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea from this waterfront gem.

Exquisite Fresh Sushi
Savor sushi made with the freshest catch from Hawaii, renowned for its delicate flavors.

Creative Pacific Rim Cuisine
Experience a unique fusion of New American and Pacific Rim flavors in artfully prepared dishes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Popular spot; book in advance, especially for prime times, to ensure a table.
Lunch for a Relaxed Vibe
Visit during lunch for a more tranquil dining experience and to savor your meal.
Explore Creative Cocktails
Don't miss their inventive cocktail menu; a perfect complement to the scenic views.
Try Signature Dishes
Be sure to sample their popular items like the Tiger Roll or Pesto Grilled Cheese.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Popular spot; book in advance, especially for prime times, to ensure a table.
Lunch for a Relaxed Vibe
Visit during lunch for a more tranquil dining experience and to savor your meal.
Explore Creative Cocktails
Don't miss their inventive cocktail menu; a perfect complement to the scenic views.
Try Signature Dishes
Be sure to sample their popular items like the Tiger Roll or Pesto Grilled Cheese.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hilo Bay Cafe is celebrated for its stunning bay views and consistently good food, particularly its fresh sushi and creative Pacific Rim dishes. While many praise the impeccable service and vibrant atmosphere, some diners have noted recent changes in sushi quality. Despite minor critiques, the overall experience is highly recommended for its unique flavors and picturesque setting.
"Best sushi I have ever had!!!
I ordered the tekka maki rolls and salmon nigeri and it was divine. Their sushi is caught fresh in Hawaii and it shows. The place has a beautiful balcony view of the island"
Dylan
"Restaurant close to hotel on water. We were seated immediately. The server was attentive, and we ordered drinks. A few minutes later, drinks arrived. We ordered the cheeseburger with bacon, medium rare with crispy fries. The burger arrived 5 minutes later. It was on the rare side, and the fries were not crispy as ordered. The burger had good taste otherwise. Good views from this clean restaurant. Prices are at market for Hilo."
Ronald Braun
"This has been my favorite restaurant in Hilo for years. We’ve celebrated many holidays and special occasions here, and the service is always excellent. The food overall is GREAT—but I have to be honest about the last sushi experience.
Since their amazing sushi chef retired, things have changed. They stopped serving sushi for a while, and when it finally came back, I was excited—until I tried it. For $20 a roll, it was mostly rice with barely any fish. Honestly, I could get better sushi at the grocery store for half the price."
Guseva Tatiana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
While reservations are not strictly required, they are highly recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.
Diners rave about the fresh sushi, the Tiger Roll, Pesto Grilled Cheese, and the unique cocktails.
The restaurant offers a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe with stunning waterfront views, perfect for various occasions.
The menu includes vegetarian options, such as pot pie and vegetarian dishes, catering to diverse preferences.
Yes, the outdoor patio offers a romantic setting with ultimate bay views, ideal for a special dining experience.
While historically praised for its sushi, some recent reviews suggest inconsistency. It's recommended to try it and form your own opinion.
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Overlooking Hilo Bay from its towering perch on the waterfront, this popular, upscale restaurant with great water views has a sophisticated second-floor dining room that looks like it's straight out of Manhattan. A sushi bar complements the excellent selection of fresh fish, pork, beef, and vegan options. Premium wines and sake are available.
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Since moving to its current location overlooking Hilo Bay a decade ago, this hotspot has been one of the most popular and top Hilo restaurants. In addition to breathtaking views (get an outdoor patio table for the ultimate romantic setting), their menu features top-notch sushi and creatively-prepared dishes like miso butter garlic udon, Maui rum bbq ribs, and demi-glazed roasted duck. Build a sushi platter to rival any you’ll find on the Big Island from their nigiri, sashimi, and unique rolls like torched hamachi and salmon furikake.
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Family-owned and operated, Pineapples is a relative newcomer to the Hilo dining scene, but has certainly made its mark. Upbeat and exciting atmosphere set against a historic, open-air building in downtown Hilo, Pineapples’ commitment to their community shows in their choice of ingredients, vendors, and live entertainment – but let’s talk about the food!. Hawaiian traditions new and old come together with expertly-prepared comfort foods like cheeseburgers, BBQ sandwiches, and generous pupus to leave the whole table happy.
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Located in the charming town of Hilo, Hilo Bay Cafe offers a delightful culinary experience that merges New American flavors with a Pacific Rim twist, all against a backdrop of stunning bay views. With a reputation for impeccable service and a welcoming atmosphere, this wood-accented gem is a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. Dishes like the buttermilk fried chicken, rainbow roll, French Onion Short Ribs, and Crispy Brussels & Bacon have left diners raving about the exceptional flavors and presentation.
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Boasting awe-inspiring ocean views and surrounded by the sights and sounds of the historical downtown, Hilo Bay Café is located in the heart of Hilo, Hawaii, making it among the best places to eat in Hilo. While the real draw of the café is its views and atmosphere, it does offer curbside pickup and delivery for those who’d prefer to enjoy their offerings from the comfort of their own home. Whatever the case, Hilo Bay Café is as worthy a visit as any, café or restaurant!
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Don't let appearances deceive you � there are no burgers and fries at this unassuming strip mall restaurant and bar, but you will find dishes like stuffed chicken breast with bacon and pine nuts, and artichoke, garlic, and cream cheese ravioli. Lunch features salads, sandwiches, and comfort food entrees (try the vegetarian pot pie). An even balance of meat and meatless plates keeps everyone happy, and the waitstaff are happy to suggest wine pairings for your meal.
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The food menu at HBC has rich, fresh, flavorful food that is perfect for a date night, celebration, or relaxing lunch. HBC takes pride in serving delicious ingredients, only sourcing the freshest and finest for its patrons. A few of our favorites include the Parmesan Custard and tender Adobo Pork Lettuce Cups (two servings) for starters.The flavorful and perfectly executed Tiger Roll, and the savory Torched Hamachi with tangy mouth watering ponzu sauce.
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A staple since 2003, Hilo Bay Cafe highlights Pacific Rim cuisine with an edge. And with executive chef Joshua Ketner back at the helm, the menu features palatable dishes that showcase some of Hawaii’s best farmers, fisherman, and purveyors. The pastrami-cured pork chop is always a good idea when paired alongside the Big Island Chop (with delicious house made spam strips and locally grown hearts of palm) and a side of crispy Oahu onion rings.
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This 70-seat restaurant opened its doors right next to a Walmart inside of a strip mall back in 2003, and the restaurant has survived against all odds. That's because the owners and chefs are all food fanatics, and they lovingly prepare some of The Big Island's best dishes on a daily basis. The business has boomed, and now you can find the Hilo Bay Cafe in new digs right on the ocean in Hilo Bay.
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Located close to Liliuokalani Garden and fronting Hilo Bay, Hilo Bay Café is the local favorite fine dining spot. Not only are the craft cocktails, appetizers, sushi bar and Japanese/Hawaiian fusion food delicious, you’ll also get a gorgeous setting and attentive service at the restaurant in this casual but more upscale dining venue. Address: 123 Lihiwai Street
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It all started when a group of food enthusiasts decided to open their own café in a central Hilo strip mall in 2003. The eatery was an almost instant success and was soon attracting regular diners, both local and visiting. Ten years later they moved to their current location, right on the shores of beautiful Hilo Bay where they serve lunch and dinner.
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Featured on the “Cooking from Scratch” episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Hilo Bay Café already boasts impressive credentials. With a sweeping ocean view and a menu of comfort-style food favorites — such as hāmākua mushroom pot pie, buttermilk fried chicken, and French onion short rib pasta — Hilo Bay Café is a must-visit in Hilo.
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7) Haleiwa Joe's, Kaneohe Kim L/Yelp Hilo Bay Cafe: delicious food with a view - See 1,541 traveler reviews, 446 candid photos, and great deals for Hilo, HI, at Tripadvisor. The heart and soul of dining at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is the revered WSW The Steakhouse Restaurant. Try one of their specialty tropical cocktails.
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Located at 123 Lihiwai Street in Hilo, Hilo Bay Cafe is a must-visit for fans of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Since 2003, this beloved restaurant has been serving fresh, contemporary, and locally inspired dishes. Famous for their chicken pot pie, the cafe offers stunning views of Hilo Bay, Mauna Kea, and downtown Hilo.
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Best view in Hilo, be sure to get an outdoor table overlooking the water, especially if you’re going to be there at sunset. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of Mauna Kea on a clear day. Hilo Bay Cafe serves Pacific Rim cuisine with a local twist and using organic ingredients where possible.
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One of the best restaurants in Hilo is the Hilo Bay Cafe, which has been in business for over 30 years. They have a wide variety of food and drinks, including a Keiki menu for children under 12 years old. Choose from sashimi, pasta, fresh fish, lamb chops, BBQ ribs, and so much more.
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This was another favorite meal for both myself and Ryan—and a large part was, of course, the setting: our table overlooked Hilo Bay as the sun was going down. But I will say that their quinoa and taro burger was one of the best, crispiest veggie burgers I’ve had in my whole life.
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Take in a spectacular ocean view and the surrounding historic downtown area at Hilo Bay Cafe. You can eat out on the beautiful lanai or inside, within the dining room. There are lunch, dinner, dessert, and beverage menus here, all of them impressive and full of tasty treats.
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The fare is Pacific fusion and the majority of their ingredients are locally sourced and organic. Wonderful cocktails, great sushi rolls, plenty of great veggie options but also an incredible pulled pork. Most importantly, the views of Hilo Bay are just stunning!
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A post shared by Hilo Bay Cafe (@hilobaycafe) on Apr 5, 2017 at 10:16pm PDT. This casual restaurant had great food and a great view of Hilo Bay over looking the water. It is located next to Suisan’s on the loop where Hilo’s major hotels are situated.
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Sit on the patio to soak in the views of Mauna Kea as you eat. Serving seasonal, organic, locally inspired dishes, and artisan sushi, there is something for everyone here. An expansive range of drinks and wines complement the great food.
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This is a great place to celebrate or have dinner with friends. The view of Hilo Bay is beautiful and the food is good. They have several yummy vegan options on the menu, and the servers are helpful when you’re deciding on what to order.
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Hilo Bay Cafe was probably my favorite place and one of the best places to eat in Hilo. If you want a nice dinner, the Hilo Bay Cafe is one of the nicest places in town. It overlooks Hilo Bay and is a perfect place to catch the sunset.
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The food at Hilo Bay Cafe is innovative and fresh following contemporary American, French and Asian styles. The ambiance was peaceful with views overlooking beautiful Hilo Bay, old Hilo Town, and the slopes of Mauna Kea.
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Many sushi offerings plus great salads, fish & chips and other seafood options, as well as standard fare like burgers, ribs and pot pie. Made with largely local and organic ingredients.
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123 Lihiwai StHilo, HI 96720(808) 935-4939 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Hilo Bay Cafe is a wood-accented cafe with a Pacific Rim-inspired New American menu.
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After 3 or 4 visits, getting tiny portions of overpriced cold food, I learned my lesson. One of the worst places in Hilo to eat, IMO.
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Look no further than Hilo Bay Cafe on the eastern side of the island and Merriman's Waimea on the northern part of the island.
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For an informal lunch and relaxing dinner, head to Hilo Bay Cafe. Make sure you leave some room for dessert!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit