Verified Dish
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Delivery
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Takeout
🍽️
Dine-in
🍺
Alcohol
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Cocktails
🍷
Wine
📅
Reservations
♿
Wheelchair accessible
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Accessible restroom
😊
Casual
🛋️
Cozy
👥
Good for groups
📊 Popular Times
Not busy
Moderate
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📷 Photos (10+)
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Photo 1 / 10
100%
Google Reviews (10)
Great dining experience. Food was great, the waitstaff were knowledgeable and attentive. The tuna special came overcooked and the waitress brought it back without issue (offered before we mentioned it). Cocktails were good. Overall very good experience, worth the try.
Google
This restaurant is charming. The staff is warm and friendly like an island breeze. Even though we arrived at the end of the lunch rush, the waiting was brief and the service was spectacular.
It has a bar area with lots of wood and character. Every table had beautiful flowers on it. The menu was full of great choices which made It was difficult to decide on our meal. We shared appetizers, then settled on a meal- I wasn’t able to add dessert. Next time!
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Google
Really enjoyed my meal and dessert.
I had a seafood special, and it was amazing.
Dessert was an apple crumble with ice cream, and it was almost as good as my Mom's. Will be back next time I'm in Hilo.
Google
Stopped by for lunch when my mom was visiting and had a great time. Everything we ordered came out at the same time and was still hot, the plating was well done, and everything tasted amazing. Pizza was really solid, burger was cooked great, fries were crispy, and my Shrimp and lump crab with pesto and cheese on a baguette was incredible. Bread had a nice crisp outside and very soft interior. The ube sweet potato salad was also very good, but I would probably request no coconut shavings next time as it was a little sweeter than I prefer.
The location is great, but finding parking can be difficult if you're there at a busy time. The inside is reminiscent of an older seaside cafe that has been well maintained. Photos on their website are an accurate depiction of the building. Unfortunately I didn't take any photos myself.
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Google
Walking along Hilo Bay I was drawn in by the aroma while the name Cafe Pesto caught my eye. I love to grow basil and even more so, I love pesto. As I walked into the cafe the atmosphere was inviting and warm with dark wood tables, a high ceiling, and plenty of space. The bar looked inviting since I was traveling solo, but decided to sit by the window and enjoy the traveling view.
I was carving a good burger and as soon as I opened up the menu, there is was their signature Big Island Cafe Pesto Cheeseburger.
A savory and hearty Island beef, toasted garlic butter bun, smoked mozzarella, crispy onions, tomato, and lettuce gourmet burger, served with garlic large cut fries topped with parmesan formaggio. OMG, delicious!
When Steph arrived with an Aloha smile I was prompt to place my order and asked for a recommendation on a dark draft beer on tap. She suggested the coconut porter. The beer was smooth like Guinness with a subtle hint of coconut. It was a perfect pairing.
Mahalo for the savory experience.
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Google
GREAT food. Great staff. Awesome beer. If you're looking for a dinner spot, stop looking and come here. Highly recommend any of the pastas. Also the best calamari I've ever had.
Google
My sister & I dined here back on 9/30 when we were in Hilo! I had the artichoke pizza(can’t remember the official name) and my sis had a salad. And I had a Pina Colada! Delish! And our server was very helpful w where to go and visit while in the area! I wish I would’ve taken pix of the food but it was delicious!
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Google
The BEST calamari! I've had it all over the world. The pizzas are wonderful too! This is my wife's favorite place for creme brulee.
The only down side is the homeless population literally outside the restaurant, I mean literally leaning against the restaurant front.
Google
Delicious pasta and one of the best loco mocos we’ve had in Hawaii. Great way to start our holiday on Big Island
Google
We ordered the Chicken pizza with pesto and goat cheese and it was amazing! We saw other people with Pizza so that’s what we ordered. Highly recommend. On top of that we had the Pina colada and mango smoothie. What a treat! We loved it! Will go again. First time in Hilo and yum!!
Google
📊 Compare with Other Restaurants
| Restaurant | Score | Tripadvisor | Reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | 70% | 4.1/5 | 1.0/5 | 74 |
| Ding Tea | 80% | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 148 |
| Hilo Drive Inn | 70% | 4.2/5 | 2.5/5 | 478 |
| Zippy’s Restaurant | 71% | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 | 1,023 |
| Coffee Girl | 70% | - | - | 0 |
| Elevation Cafe | 70% | - | - | 0 |
