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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.
Restaurant was crowded so service was a tiny bit slow BUT the staff was very friendly and attentive and they all seemed to be working hard. I thought both the scampi and scallop risotto were yummy (maybe a tiny bit oily) but the portion sizes were generous and there was a good amount of seafood in each dish. Lava cake dessert was super yummy too and creative to make it look like a volcano
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.
Fantastic dinner with an amazing view of the bay! Service was fantastic - true Aloha experience with friendly smiles and warm greetings. Felt like we were honored guests. Food was delightfully delicious. Stay for dessert, if you have time to wait for the freshly baked cast iron cookie? Do so!! Fresh Kona coffee ice cream was amazing. Mahalo!
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
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.
Food was good here! Pasta was definitely my favorite here. The dining was unique but very dim light for sure if sitting outside, this place has live music and ocean views which my friends loved! Our experience here was great. Definitely loved the orange dream alcohol! Service was excellent lady was super helpful with ordering!
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.
I love Hilo Bay Cafe!! Visiting from O'ahu with a few friends and wanted to find a good place for dinner with a nice view and this was perfect. The lighting was nice and dark, low but in an intimate way. Our server was so nice, she was super attentive and made some good recommendations for us. We ended up getting a few things that stood out to us. The mushroom pot pie was so good and comforting, the flaky crust is what made it stand out for me. The shrimp scampi with pork belly was also really amazing, pork belly was crispy and the shrimp scampi itself was very flavorful. Last but not least, the drinks! The orange dreamsicle drink was very creamy and probably one of the best drinks I've ever had. Overall, I would definitely visit again
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.
Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the friendly, attentive service, bay views, and a diverse, creative menu. Drinks are also praised.
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1 year ago
1 year ago
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
2 years ago
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
6 months ago
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
7 months ago
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
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
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
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
9 months ago
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
3 years ago
On our visits to Hilo, we always stay on Banyan Drive and love walking around the gardens. I've passed by Hilo Bay Cafe (the building on stilts with HBC in big lit-up letters) countless times, and finally made an effort to eat there after a few people recommended it. It's a popular spot, so recommendations are a good idea and can easily be made online or over the phone. We arrived earlier than expected and met a friend; the friendly host greeted us and worked with our schedule to move up our seating time. We were given a beautiful table on the lanai overlooking Hilo Bay - the views are one of the main draws to eat here. Inside has many tables as well, which also overlook the ocean albeit through windows. The bar area has seating facing the same way. Our server Cayenne was attentive and friendly throughout our meal, always checking if we needed anything. My friend and I ordered a few local beers, they offer a bunch of draft selections from Big Island breweries as well as the staples. We ordered the house bread, a rotating selection, plus a number of entrees. I had the Thai peanut Udon, which I loved on a hot evening; my dining companions had the pot pie and house of the day fish. Everyone loved their food. It's a wonderful place to watch the sunset over Hilo. Prices are a little more than you might find elsewhere, but you're paying for the view and great service. Parking is free outside. They have a staircase or elevator if needed to get upstairs. read more
1 year ago
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
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
9 months ago
1 year ago
We were surprised at how modern the restaurant was and it's on the second story to take advantage of the beautiful day. I made the mistake of not going to their website first because we found as we got there we needed reservations. Oops! The hostess was very sweet and she asked if we would mind being seated at the bar. We said not at all since we were both famished after the long drive here from Kailua Kona. We were seated at the bar by a window overlooking the bay. Our bartender/waitress Jessica was like the Energizer bunny; just an awesome worker! She took our drink order of iced tea and asked if we wanted pineapple juice added. We thought that was different and she highly recommended it. She quickly served it and we agreed it was very good. It was aptly called "Plantation Tea." We ordered the fish & chips (fresh catch of the day--Ono fish). Hands down the BEST fish & chips we have had in a long time! The coating was tasty and crunchy and the fish was indeed very fresh, tender, and flaky! We savored every bite! It was accompanied by a fresh salad and the fries were crispy and delicious! For dessert we ordered the Butter Cake. It was perfection! The coffee was fantastic! This was a pricey meal but so well worth it! read more
1 year ago
Food, Ambiance, and service after making it past the hostess, was friggin amazing. Great price too. I absolutely loved it here and would return! read more
2 years ago
Every time we come to Hawaii, this is a must! The food is absolutely delicious, the service is very attentive, and the view from our table overlooking Halo Bay is picturesque. read more
3 years ago
Beautiful location, we ordered a salad, Chirashi, and a couple roll and lava cake for desert. Food and service were solid but darn the food took more than 29' and the restaurant wasn't even half full at the time. Four stars for food and views and service but deduction for crazy slow food. read more
1 year ago
You'll want to come for drinks and the view. We come for sushi chef Roy from the long gone Nihon (RIP). What you need to know in a run on sentence: Contemporary American NOT Hawaiian cuisine with some but not all of the sushi and a little fusion and more importantly one of few fine dining restaurants in Hilo. Ambiance: Moderny, classy-casual, reason for my rating. Where to sit: @ the bar. Would return for: See go to orders: -Parmesan Custard -Hawaiian Poke -Nigiri Sushi -Warabi Roll -Lettuce cups -Hamakua Mushroom Pot Pie -Taro-Quinoa Veggie Burger -Please bring back the sashimi salad! Pro tips: make reservations online through their website; elevator located at the back of the building. read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
6 months ago
Hilo Bay Cafe~ this time we only stopped in for drinks & a snack, but we've gone before for dinner & lunch, and enjoyed it as well. First of all.. I absolutely love the restaurant ambiance. The view from the dining room overlooking Hilo Bay during sunset is just perfect. We were seated outside on the patio so we got to soak in allll of the views during our dinner. Our server was really sweet - we were very indecisive and took a long time to order, but she was so kind & let us take our time in ordering (thank you!) So we only did drinks, I had a lychee margarita which was really good! I 'm not a huge tequila gal but it didn't taste too strongly of liquor. Other members of our group did have some food, and they seemed to enjoy everything. Except the french fries - they said they were a bit soggy lol. but everything else was fine! Next time in Hilo will definitely go back for their full menu! read more
2 years ago
Wonderful view if sitting on the deck. Lots of good options, if ordering the chicken, ask for extra sauce. Service was good, although a bit slow at times. read more
2 years ago
The views overlooking Hilo bay are beautiful. The decor inside is clean and modern. The staff was friendly and service was surprisingly quick. The food was also excellent. read more
1 year ago
I was told that I should make time and go to this restaurant. This place is great! They have a great ambiance as everyone is very relaxed and not rushing you. They bartender went over the menu and took the time to explain everything and she even suggested a fee plates that are her favorite. I started with sushi and you could tell that it was fresh! I was still hungry so I ordered the beef rib. Both were succulent and very well done! The presentation of the meal is top notch and it reminds me of the restaurants in Atlanta. I closed with the Mai Tai and the chocolate cake which they were awesome! If you are in Hilo, you should stop by. If you want to sit outside, get there early because it fills up. I sat at the bar and got there early and by the time that I was leaving, there was a wait. Make reservations or get there early! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
This was a beautiful dining experience for my family and I! We had Megan as a server and she was so sweet, impressive memory and answered a lot of touristy questions for us. The view was perfect and we didn't need a jacket once the sun went down. We got an appetizer, drinks, a bottle of wine, dessert and ice cream and our bill was roughly $350 which isn't bad for less than $100 per person! Took almost 2 hours which was perfect because we were on island time I got the ocean NYE special dish and it was PHENOMENAL. Handmade pasta, white wine, and a big piece of marlin! Checkout more on IG: madisoninmt read more
4 years ago
I saw this place on the Food Network and bookmarked it for when I knew we would be in Hilo. I remember the show made the restaurant look exceptionally good so I was excited to try it. I must say that our experience was a total disappointment. The first bad meal we had during our vacation. Based on all of the 5 star reviews HBC has received, we obviously ordered incorrectly. The ambience is 5 stars. The service is 4.5 stars. The food 1-2 stars. We started with the ceviche tostados and they were not good. The tostado was stale, not crispy. The ceviche needed salt and had zero flavor. It was the first ceviche in my life that had no flavor. About one half of the menu is comprised of sashimi and sushi. You would think that based on that, they would know what they are doing and would offer top notch sushi. You would be wrong. For our entrees, the wife and I split 3 different sushi rolls: spicy tuna, lobster, and rainbow. They were not just bad, they were horrible. The worst sushi we have ever had. We have eaten sushi in almost every large city in the US and in Japan. If a Japanese restaurant served this sushi they would be out of business in a week. To say it was substandard is generous The avocado was spoiled and yet they served it anyway. Why? Does the chef just not care? I tried to pick off most of the black parts. The rice was old. The fish was not fresh. The sushi was obviously not made to order. It was as if the rolls were made far in advance (days in advance?) and sat in a refrigerator, waiting for the naive to think that just because it is Hawaii the sushi should be good. It was a struggle to finish the rolls because the experience was just unpleasant. Neither one of us wanted to eat it but we did not want to waste the food. I would never recommend sushi at this place. If they can't do better, they should take sushi from the menu. The beers were good. So for our $120 dinner we had two good beers. The meal was a total waste of money and the more I think about it, the more annoyed I become. Although other reviewers sing the praises for some of the dishes at this restaurant, I would not consider returning under any circumstances. read more
10 months ago
More info about Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai St
Hilo, HI 96720
Directions
(808) 935-4939
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Visit Website
http://www.hilobaycafe.com/
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Ask the Community - Hilo Bay Cafe
Is there an elevator to access the dining area?
Yes, there is an elevator and full wheelchair access.
Is there a dress code?
Do they allow outside food (celebrating a birthday - can we bring our own cake?)
Aloha! For reservations in our restaurant (not private events) we allow outside birthday cakes. There is a small fee, and you are welcome to have the cake delivered early the day of the reservation.If you have further questions, please call us (808)…
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