We came here with friends who are Hilo locals, so I knew this place had to be good. The restaurant is located up a flight of stairs. The restaurant has a very open and relaxing vibe. We sat outside overlooking Hilo bay, and I felt I could have sat here all afternoon. The lunch menu includes various sushis, salads, and warm entrees. What we ordered: + Lihiwai Louie salad - this is a salad of butter lettuce, avocados, 5 large shrimps, and lots of cheese shavings. This was light and very tasty. + Fish and chips - the fish was very fresh and was quite yummy This is a great place to sit and relax and enjoy some drinks and good food. read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - lihiwai louie salad - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

See all

Big restaurant but doesn't feel that way. They accommodated our large party easily. It's up a big staircase but there is an elevator for those who need. Lovely view of the water. Drinks were okay, and they have mock tail options, too. I had the sage pineapple margarita and it was fine, not spectacular. The regular margarita seemed a bit nicer. Fish and chips was a generous portion, and the fish was meaty (I assume mahi mahi?) and came with a salad/slaw. I split a keiki sundae with someone which was the perfect bit of sweet to finish off the meal. read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Fish and chips - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

See all

So, made reservation for inside dining. They do have outdoor and bar and sushi bar dining as well. Weather didn't look like it was going to be nice @5:45 , so we chose inside. We did reservations because it can get busy! Plus it's Friday Ordered some apps zucchini frites and Brussels sprout special, tasted great! Mains were Eggplant Parm, French onion Short Ribs and Risotto and Hokkaido Scallops... all three mains were very flavorful !!! ONO! Wife & Me had two drinks Hanalei Old Fashion and a Mana Mai-Tai , they were jus' right! Atmosphere is casual, but some have collar shirts and nice dresses! Service is great! Finished with an iron skillet cookie and ice cream with 3 spoons to seal da deal! Highly recommend! We stay in Hilo often, in-laws live here, so we will be back to sample da rest of the menu items read more

See all

Hilo Bay Cafe has a beautiful setting with great views of the water and a really nice ambience inside. The host was welcoming and the bartender was wonderful, which set a great tone when we arrived. The lunch menu was a little on the lighter side but there were still several options to choose from. We started with the bread for an appetizer and that was excellent. My daughter enjoyed a couple of alcoholic beverages and really liked them. As usual, I went with tea, which I loved. Unfortunately, the food itself was a bit of a letdown. I ordered the flatbread, which honestly should be renamed because it was served on thick homemade focaccia. While the bread itself was good, it completely overpowered everything else. The cheese and tomato sauce were heavy and the pesto was barely noticeable, which was disappointing since I was hoping for a unique take on a margarita-style flatbread. The balance just wasn't there. My daughter's burger was okay but nothing memorable, especially considering the price. Overall, the experience was mixed. The service, drinks and atmosphere were great but the food didn't quite match the cost or the setting. read more

See all

This was one of my favorite meals in Hilo! My husband had the fresh catch which he loved and I had the garlic shrimp yakisoba. Many of the menu items have an Asian flare fusion to them. I loved the garlic shrimp yakisoba, it was perfectly flavorful, large portion with probably ~8 large shrimp & freshly cooked veggies. read more

Imagine dining atop a perch, overlooking Hilo Bay and the scenic Hilo coastline. Ordering dish after dish, one (at least) equally as good as the one before it. That's the experience that I had at the Hilo Bay Cafe. Let's start with their cocktails. An impressive list of tantalizing sounding drinks. With restraint, we were able to order just one and landed on the lilikoi mojito. This was the most perfect libation. Sweet with just a hint of sin. Our bar tender and waiter were both so inviting. After this experience, this will always be a must stop for me, and you may want to consider making it one for yourself as well. read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Great ambiance mixed with great food - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

No words needed... thank you hilo bay cafe...thank u chefs much needed dinner date.. it has been a while since we got to dine here and it has been delicious read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Rainbow & spider roll "Da chefs" - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Crab cake salad is good. Sushi is good. Lunch time beautiful views of the bay. Dinner has been uneven in my experience. Sometimes great and sometimes only so so. read more

I heard about Hilo Bay Cafe from a Triple D episode on the Food Network, so it appeared like a nice stop. Located near the Hilo Airport, this restaurant is nice inside and is two story, so you can take the elevator or stairs to the entrance. Their balcony seating could only seat six people, so our party of eight dined inside with a view of the bay. The main entree seemed to be Fish and Chips, while there was also several pasta dishes, sushi and kids meals too. I would stop here again if in Hilo, but with a smaller group, so I could sit on the balcony overlooking the large Hilo Bay. read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Fish& Chips - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

See all

Great food fresh, love the ambiance, and our server Halia was very knowledgeable, friendly and recommended the fish and chips ono fantastic lunch. Found new fav! read more

Disappointed. When the coffee isn't good in Hawaii at a restaurant that's supposed to be great, you know it's not going to be good. Service was slow. The steak was thin and not cooked right. The French fries were soggy. The shrimp garlic noodles was too sweet, and lacked salt, spices, and herbs. It literally had no flavor. Try cumin, coriander, nutmeg. And fresh ginger!!! Try marinating the shrimp before you cook them, try adding fresh cilantro. And it needs more vegetables. Barely edible. The shrimp were good. That's about it. Do less, and make it better. I should have ordered sashimi. read more

We were able to call an hour before our reservation to make a reservation. Somehow the host had some difficulty finding my husband's name. After we were seated, we were greeted by our server, Perez. He took our drink order and then came back after a few minutes to take our food order. I ordered the bread du jour which came with a side of whipped butter and a side of balsamic vinegar with oil and I also ordered the seafood boil which had clams, mussels, Portuguese sausage and corn with a grilled slice of bread. My husband ordered the ocean special which was ono with rice and sauteed veggies. He also ordered the ginger-garlic shrimp and the tiger roll. It would've been nice if we got to sit on the balcony outside but the seats were all taken. The view of Hilo Bay was beautiful especially at sunset. I would definitely give it another try.. the prices were a little more than we expected but the food was great and so was the service. read more

See all

If you are looking for a nice comfortable restaurant with great food and with great views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea, Hilo Bay Cafe is your place. Six or seven beers on tap, great wine list and delicious ono fish tacos with pickled onions plus jicama, passion fruit slaw. Great friendly service and a nice quiet comfortable modern space. read more

See all

Wanted to give this place a try and stopped by for lunch. We arrived and were seated. At first, they seated us inside, but the fiancé wanted to see if we could get a seat outside (it is called Hilo Bay Cafe). They were able to accommodate us. Our waitress brought us water and we asked for a few recommendations on what to order. We placed our order, and food was brought out in a timely fashion. We ordered their miso butterfish salad, which was very tasty, with a good mix of greens as well as a nice portion on butterfish. I ordered the mushroom potpie with chicken. It was cooked nicely, with a nice yellow curry inside. After reading some of the reviews, I'm assuming we got lucky on the service and food. We noticed that other diners were being taken care of. Overall, the restaurant has a nice feel and ambiance, with a great view. Prices are not too bad, may a little more than some people would like to spend for lunch, but, hey, we are on vacation. We would dine here again. read more

See all

I was recommended to try this restaurant while visiting Hilo for my business trip. After reading the great reviews and having someone recommend me this establishment, I had high expectations. A few things lacked - from their yelp page, I saw that they had sushi but was told from the server that they currently DO NOT SERVE SUSHI. They opted that I try the ahi poke instead which a few minutes later said that they were out of. Being in Hawai'i and an Oahu girl, majority of the restaurants always serve white steamed rice. But to my surprise, they also DID NOT have rice. The menu was very limited. So upon looking again on the yelp popular items I went for the French braised short ribs. Which really lacked A LOT of flavor. But the other entrees my party ordered was pretty seasoned well. The crab cakes were amazing but a smaller size of crab cakes, mini crab cakes I would say. The ribeye was cooked perfectly and the pork chops was great as well. Service was amazing hence the stars and the restaurant was very nice. Overall, it was a pretty cute restaurant with the view of the ocean. read more

See all

We really enjoyed our meal. Hubby got the yakisoba and shrimp and I got fish and chips. We sat at the bar since we didn't have reservations. Our bar server was very nice and attentive. read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Shrimp and yakosabi noodles. - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Service is okay at best. I've noticed prices have increased on alcohol and less portions with dinners. A customer for many years. Will still support! read more

Update: We went in again for dinner and had Garlic Shrimp Yakisoba. Still great and recommend!!! Went to Hilo to explore the town and couldn't resist this charming little restaurant on the bay. We sat at the bar and were waited on by Bella. She was so helpful and full of suggestions. We had Fish & Chips with Ono fish, Poke Ahi with sweet potato chips and a side of Jicama-Lilikoi slaw. I also had a tasty lilikoi drink. For dessert we had Goey Butter Cake and a scoop of Ice Cream. Every bite of everything we ordered was exquisite and fresh!!! I highly recommend. read more

See all

We had reservations on Nov. 7th at 7:00 for a party of 6, my son's birthday. Arrived on time and were promptly seated. We ordered some appetizers and drinks before ordering our meals. The food here is decent, not outstanding. The scallop risotto was enjoyable, the chicken potpie was also a hit and our appetizers were delicious. My problem was the slow service. We got our meals just over an hour after we were seated and since we had a later reservation were all hungry. It did not help that tables seated after us were served before us. We asked for the check while we ordered desserts so we wouldn't have to wait for the server to notice us. Also, this was the first time I dined in an upscale restaurant that didn't offer a complimentary dessert for someone's birthday. I don't live in Hilo but dine out regularly when I visit, but I probably won't come back here again due to the slow service we received. read more

See all

The reason we haven't eaten there nearly three years. Because ownership had change and many of the good chefs left and I heard negative reviews about this place. Since then we've completely stop going there. However, Whether it was a moment of weakness or lapse in judgment, We decided going there again after long time. My husband kept say "Are you sure ?" "You really serious ?" and seemed bit nervous. There were only few familiar faces still work there but most of them I didn't recognized. Nancy was taking care of our table who I remembered. Also, she remembered us and she was welcomed us kindly and warmly. We both got non-alcoholic drinks which she recommended and we ordered "Hamakua Mushroom Lettuce Cup" for sharing appetizer. It was pretty good. (So far) My husband had "Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich" for entree and I had "Eggplant Parmesan" The Philly Cheese came out just normal and bland. I would say wish more added meat and onions. The Eggplant Parmesan I ordered was both surprising and shocking. It was pitch black, simply a soiled mass black charcoal The surface was completely burnt and hardened, and when I tap it with a fork, it makes a resonant clicking sound But, I wasn't surprised. It was what I expected... Tomato sauce was tasty but Eggplant was no flavor and bitter burnt taste and hard as rocks. I told Nancy about it, She apologized me and offered to remake it but I said "No thanks" because it would have been too much trouble... Oh well, I realized many people were speaking negatively and I felt ashamed myself for having had expectations in the first place. Two of us had two non-alcohol drinks, one appetizer and two entrees came up $97.... Waaaaooo... I gave them two stars. That's because the food was terrible but her service was good. HBC was lucky to have her working there, otherwise it would have only gotten one star. read more

See all

Excellent service and menu. Thank you for an amazing experience. I will come again, again and again.

This place was close to our hotel at Hilton. I had Fish and chips cooked with local fresh fish. It was good with lots of malt vinegar. The plate was filled with a good portion of chips and fish. Wife rellay liked her Lemon Drop martini 5 star for the bartender! Happy wife happy life- /Socrates read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Fish and chips - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

My parents and I had the opportunity to dine here for Mother's Day, and we had an enjoyable experience. The menu has changed since I last ate here, almost 10 years ago... I still saw some of the classics, which was nice. The service was good. Our waiter consistently checked in with us, had a positive attitude, and kept our water glasses full. I recall that we ordered two appetizers. The one from that day's special menu was a seared/torched salmon roll. I won't lie, but I am not the biggest fan of rolls (I prefer traditional). However, this roll was solid. There was no skimping on the fish, and the roll was not falling apart. The other was a parmesan custard. That was just "okay" to me, but my parents both enjoyed it. For our main entrees, my mom got the chirashi bowl, my dad got the burger, and I got the ocean special, which came with Ono and shrimp. The portions were significant, flavorful, and filling. We all enjoyed our entrees and agreed to order them again when dining here. The food was good (for the price point). However, there was a service mishap with my parents' passion liliko'i iced tea. Their first round came strictly as iced tea. It is not a blaring issue, but it is one nonetheless. Overall, for the price point, Hilo Bay Cafe is a solid option in the small town of Hilo when looking for a "fancier" dining option. We will be back to try other appetizers and entrees. read more

I attend many events at Hilo Bay Cafe, so have become somewhat of a regular customer. The biggest downside to the restaurant is their lack of air conditioning. On a hot, sunny, humid day it can be quite miserable in there. It overlooks Hilo bay, which is nice...however, if you're there during sunset and are in seats facing the ocean, it's pretty miserable being blasted by the direct sunlight during your meal. Their food overall is pretty good, but can be a little on the salty side. I love their shaved Brussels sprout salad and crab cake salad. I most recently got the ribeye steak and it was very tender and juicy, cooked perfectly, and well-seasoned. I also have always loved their lava cake ever since I was a kid. Their menu does change every now and then, so it's nice to be able to try different dishes. read more

I have been to HBC several times. I love the openness of the space and the view from the lanai is perfect, the ocean and mountains. But all the seating feels open and there is a sushi bar. The food never disappoints. So when my friends wanted to take me for a belated birthday lunch I knew where I wanted to go. We started with the hamachi roll, it was amazing, citrus kosho and watercress wow. I had the crab Po' Boy which was spot on flavor and texture. My friends had the special and the ribeye and they were beyond satisfied. Halia was our server. She knew the menu guided us to the hamachi roll and made it really easy to visit and enjoy. Thanks to all. Mahalo nui nui read more

Dinner last night was amazing! Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. I got the French onion soup and the California crab roll. My friend got the short ribs and a side of the brussel sprouts, both so delicious. Make sure to make reservations as this place gets filled up fast! read more

See all

We were recently in Hilo for work and visited Hilo Bay Cafe for lunch. We did not have reservations so opted to sit at the bar. We each ordered a cocktail, Pineapple Margarita and Purple Ohia. Both were exceptional. We then order the crab cake salad and fish and chips. The flavors were excellent. The fish was moist and the dressing on the salad complemented the crab cake perfectly. We enjoyed our lunch so much that we can back the next day. We ordered the same drinks because why try and improve perfection? This time we shared the Seafood Po Boy sandwich with the jicama slaw. Again, exceptional. We finished with the Buttery Cake and and espresso martini and the only thing that we didn't like both days was the espresso martini. Well done Hilo Bay Cafe. We will be back! read more

See all

we arrived in hilo today and stumbled upon this place after walking in the Liliʻuokalani Gardens and I'm glad we did! the views were great we watched the sunset from our seats outside. the wait staff was very friendly and Cayenne helped us decide on a dessert option (cookie skillet). the food was delicious and we barely waited for a table (5 min) but the place was full and highly active. I'm not a big drinker so i went with a mocktail and it was so good as well! read more

See all

Amazing view and surroundings, impeccable service, great cocktail menu and food options, classy and romantic ambiance...what's more to ask? Thoroughly enjoyed my time here. read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

See all

Such a cute place, I need to see the view during lunch. Service is nice and attentive. It's definitely a whole experience, if you're looking for a quick bite to eat this isn't the place for you. The miso butterfish salad was yummy and I'd order it again. Fries were a hit, a must get appetizer. read more

See all

Lovely sunset views from the dining room looking out across the bay. Service was friendly and attentive. Overall, everyone generally enjoyed their meals. The mocktails were a big hit! The zucchini appetizer ate a little on the greasy side but the sauce was tangy and bright. The crab cake california roll was a bit disappointing - my daughter got a side of crab cakes and they just didn't seem homemade. My son really enjoyed his shrimp yakisoba. My daughter's edamame was unfortunately entirely over drenched in sesame oil. Despite a few nit picks, I'd return for the vibes and views. read more

Ever dish here is equally amazing I ordered the crab cake salad as my entree and had enough to take home for lunch the next day. Service was friendly and helpful. Ambiance was very pleasant sitting high above Hilo bay, even our table of 5 in the back of the restaurant had a view. I will definitely be back again and looking forward to it read more

One of our best dinners on our trip. Great drinks, fresh fish and various types of menu items. We did not have a reservation and they were happy to accommodate our party of eight. I had the ocean special. Others had the ribs, sushi and a fried chicken dish. All were really fresh and tasty. read more

This was our first time visiting the Hilo Bay Cafe, and the atmosphere, service, food, and view were wonderful! We loved the molten lava cake for dessert. It was so tasty and delicious, and what a presentation! They have a lovely variety of dishes, including sushi, and the location right on the Bay can't be beat. We will definitely be going back next time we are on the Big Island! read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Molten Chocolate Lava Cake - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

See all

Lunch with a view, the crab cake salad and pineapple margarita was great, husband had fresh fish and chips were also very good.

Was our first stop after the flight in and leaving the airport , based entirely on yelp reviews Great service beautiful food and sitting out in the deck with water views and the island breeze it was a perfect start to our Hawaiian get away Modern feel , casual atmosphere and reasonably priced Private carousel with a lift up to the restaurant or the mate the stairs of course We had a nice walk in the park across the road which had some amazing banyans growing there as well Can recommend read more

Hilo Bay Cafe is a must. Reservations are highly recommended. The food and service are both incredible. The view from the lanai is wonderful. read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Bay view from the parking area under the Lani - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Great restaurant looking over Hilo bay. We took out two items as we couldn't get a reservation. Hilo sunset sushi was so good with poached shrimp, spicy salmon, gochujang aioli,cucumber,sesame, sweet potato chips and tempura crisps. We also ordered side of crab cakes: it came with nice fresh salad and tasty salad dressings. We loved that too. Next time we would like to sit in the restaurant and enjoy the foods over a good view. read more

See all

Are here because it was near my hotel and also near the water, and I was so hungry. The menu was mostly chicken and fish, which I'm not complaining about I just can't eat either of those things at the moment ‍. They suggested I eat at the bar, but would have felt better at a table or outside. The bartender offered good enough service, so no complaints. read more

See all

Great food with a great view. The staff is super nice too. What a winning combination. read more

Hilo Bay Cafe - Chirashi - New American Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

See all