Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

So happy we found this place. Some of the best food on our trip! The Big Island Burger was great and loved their garlic fries. Hubby said his Southwestern Chicken pizza may be one of the best he has ever had. The Korean cream cheese garlic bread is to die for! Great service and atmosphere.

Very expensive but great experience. Food was amazing and it was very fresh. I especially recommend the hot apple crisp which was even better than I expected. Service was great too, refilled our drinks often and checked in a lot. Atmosphere could’ve been better though, pretty loud and there was a 22 person group… But overall, if you want a big meal and celebrate something and still don’t mind the price then I recommend coming here.

Had 5pm Saturday reservations and there was no wait for my family of 4. Free parking was easy to find in the parking lot infront. The server was so nice and on it, food came out fast and DELICIOUS!! The freshly made custom topping salami and pepperoni pizza was so good (my kids favorite)! The seafood risotto was perfect and the desserts were the icing on the cake. The creme brulee had that nice caramel crunch on the top and creamy inside with a side of pineapple and their daily dessert special Triple chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce was so soft, chocolatey and just melts in your mouth. We had an amazing experience at Cafe Pesto and will definitely be back on our next trip.

Absolutely no complaints about this dining spot. From the menu to the atmosphere, it’s hard to find anything that doesn’t make you feel satisfied with your eating experience. The decor is simple and tasteful, and the restaurant is clean. We visited Pesto’s in 2016, returning because we were so pleased last time. We were again served with the best food and pizza on the island. We started with the Korean cream cheese garlic bread. It was pillowy and creamy, and sinful. Enough to give a good few bites to 4 people, but we wouldn’t have complained if the appetizer was double its size. (Ha ha!) For the entrees, my husband and I shared (fought over) the Thai chili shrimp and Luau pizzas. Both were so delicious! We also recommend the Greek pizza, which is loaded with fresh bites of vegetables and cheese. Our daughter tried the shrimp scampi and gave it a 5/5 (which is saying A-LOT)! Whatever you order, however, will undoubtedly be good, as will be the service you receive. Chefs kiss.

By far the best service I've had at any restaurant. I mean, I wouldn't get halfway through a drink before a refill would arrive. The perfect amount of attentive without being overbearing. The food was okay besides the amazing garlic bread. Id give it another try just for the service alone.

I live in Hilo and wanted to take my boss out for her Birthday! We made last minute reservations and although they were really busy they sat us at a nice table. Our server was very attentive and friendly . Food was delicious and they even brought out her desert with a candle and sang Happy Birthday! Thank you Pestos for making this a great experience for us!

What a great surprise and wonderful dining experience. The staff is friendly, the food delicious, and there was no wait when we went (around 2:30). We had the risotto and a sandwich and both of us agreed it was easily some of the best food we had on the island. Highly recommend giving it a try if you are in the area.

Super cute place. The food is interesting and delicious. The drinks are right on. Enjoy! We went with the coconut calamari, barn mi, risottos and pasta. Awesome.

2nd time in 2 days at Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay. Cafe had a jazz(y) duo providing entertainment this evening. We enjoyed their mushroom poke salad, pizza special and a hibachi chicken risotto today. Every dish was well prepared, well constructed and delicious! My only negative observation about the experience yesterday and today (I decided to mention this since it was the same experience both days with different staff persons) is that the bussing staff were over eager to take our plates (still with uneaten food) away. We were asked several times on both visits, whether they could take the plate away when it was obvious that we weren't done. Our experience was overall positive especially with the waitstaff. Service was fast, friendly and efficient.

My friends and I were here in Hilo for my sister's bachelorette trip. I booked a reservation two days in advance for a group of 7 for 10/25/25 at 7:15pm. During our trip it was raining quite a bit during the night so we wanted to push our reservation earlier that way we wouldn't be driving too late in the rain. Thank goodness a spot opened up and we were able to change our reservation to an hour earlier. The staff here is amazing. We had a few food restrictions and allergies in our group so the staff was very accommodating with them when it came to ordering. They noticed we were celebrating a bachelorette and so many of them congratulated my sister which was very sweet. They even helped us take our group pic together. We had the coconut calamari as our starter and it was delicious. You can definitely taste the coconut but it wasn't too overpowering which is good. For my main dish, I ordered the dynamite scallops and fish. The fish of the day was Ahi! Ahi and scallops are my two favorite things so I had to order it. I got my ahi cooked medium which was cooked perfectly in my opinion. Scallop was seared to perfection. Everything tasted amazing. I'm not even a huge veggie eater but the veggies they stir fried for this dish were delicious. I finished the entire thing. I definitely recommend trying this cute restaurant out if you're ever in the area! Great place to celebrate a special occasion.

We had 5 people in our party, we were seated right away :) Ordering time was maybe slightly longer than expected but nothing horrible. We had no alcohol, four soft drinks and a tea. We ordered 4 apps and 5 entrees. About 45 minutes after we ordered, and the table directly behind us had sat (after us) ordered (after us) and were almost finished eating, we asked the waitress to check on our food. It took her quite a while but came back and said the kitchen assured her our apps would be the next out (they were not) Three of us had pizza and two ordered the shrimp nachos for meals . During this hour long wait for apps and food, there was no offer to refill our drinks (other than water) so we had watered down soda. The pizzas were not good, the four cheese pizza tasted like it had canned tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The pizzas were about frozen quality at best. The two who had shrimp nachos said they were horrible . We asked for refills on the sodas, it took quite a while to get those (we asked as the food came out) we were done eating by the time the sodas arrived. Service was poor at best and the food...184.00 for five people for frozen pizza quality food was too much.

This food may have been the best we had on the big island. It was certainly a million times better than what we had at the resort. We had the Korean garlic cheese bread, pizza, a burger, and dessert. They were all great choices. I cannot remember what exactly our drinks were, but they were delectable.

Great taste, service, & ambiance! If you love Italian cuisine, you'll die over this! Flavors explode in your mouth!

Visited Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay at peak time - Monday evening at the end of July right at 1830! There was a 25 minute wait for a party of two. Limited seating available outside so be prepared to stand, possibly - while you wait for a table. We started off with the Mango Chichi (vodka, pina colada, mango puree $12) and the Lychee Mule (Kai lychee vodka, fever tree ginger beer, squeeze of lime $13) ; and the Hamakua Caprese (truffled goat cheese, Kawamata tomato, basil pesto, balsamic citrus reduction, crispy tortilla $17). The drinks were enjoyable - perfect balance of flavors. The Hamakua Caprese was presented beautifully. The tomatoes, basil pesto and truffled goat cheese paired nicely with the balsamic citrus reduction - the tortilla chips I believe are for visual appeal. The dish overall could have used a dash more of salt! For dinner my sister and I decided on the Heritage Pork Bolognese (Kaunamano Farms pork and Island beef, Kai Cuisine fresh shell pasta, red wine marinara, basil pesto $26); and the Smoked Salmon Wood Fired Pizza (rosemary gorgonzola sauce, rainbow chard, sweet onion $20). The pork bolognese is shell pasta tossed in their basil pesto and topped with the red wine pork bolognese. Pasta was cooked to a slight state of firmness, or better known as, al dente! The dish overall was good and well-cooked but I feel it didn't reach its full potential. The smoked salmon wood fired pizza on the other hand is absolute perfection. It doesn't matter if I order this here at Hilo Bay location or the Kawaihae location, it never disappoints. This pizza is flavorful, and the dough is light and chewy. Overall, I would totally recommend visiting Cafe Pesto and I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy.

Lunch was so Ono! Had a flavored latte, it was good. Our server was nice and attentive. We had a nice window table. My crab cake salad was delicious best meal I've had in a while. My friend said her chicken sandwich was good as well going back for dinner tomorrow night

What a delightful café to stop by at for lunch or dinner. We came in there was plenty of seating and we got a little table by the window looking out into the street and the ocean. We got their specialty pizza which had steak and potatoes on it, it was absolutely delicious. Perfect for two people! We also got the Affogato And crème brûlée perfect way to polish off the meal for appetizer we had gotten the calamari which was perfectly crunchy. The service was quick and very friendly. They had nice music playing in the background and the food was delicious. Would definitely recommend the spot for any occasion!

Really great service and got seated fast despite busy night. The pizza crust was perfectly cooked and toppings tasted so fresh and local. The cilantro pasta was a hit!

Had 5pm Saturday reservations and there was no wait for my family of 4. Free parking was easy to find in the parking lot infront. The server was so nice and on it, food came out fast and DELICIOUS!! The freshly made custom topping salami and pepperoni pizza was so good (my kids favorite)! The seafood risotto was perfect and the desserts were the icing on the cake. The creme brulee had that nice caramel crunch on the top and creamy inside with a side of pineapple and their daily dessert special Triple chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce was so soft, chocolatey and just melts in your mouth. We had an amazing experience at Cafe Pesto and will definitely be back on our next trip.

Food was great. Reservation through yelp worked perfectly. Great live music being played Service on the other hand ...... Two stars is being generous for service. Arc was our server he took our order. 2 cocktails, one soda, garlic bread and two entrees. The cocktails showed up pretty quick and were very good. The entrees showed up (no garlic bread or soda at this point). Halfway through the meal still no garlic bread or soda. We asked a busboy to send Arc over. Almost 10 min later he showed. We explained what was missing, he asked if we still wanted them. We said yes because we assumed it would be quick and easy to get the garlic bread. The soda he got right away. Another 15 minutes is slowly eating and no garlic bread. Finally he came by again and we said he could cancel the garlic bread because we were done. He said ok and left. A few minutes later he drops the bill off and takes off. Never asked if we wanted dessert which we did. But since he didn't seem to care what we wanted we paid the bill and left. We will visit again next time there but if the service is the same it will be the last time. His service was atrocious and uncaring.

Good service but the food was average at best. The lobster was overcooked and pizza didn't have enough basil pesto which made it bland.The rum cocktails was good. Chocolate ganache and crème brulee was good.

Cafe Pesto was my final dinner in Hilo, and a great way to end my stay. I've been here so many times and try to get something different. This time I tried the Hamakua mushroom salad. The ingredients were fresh, and I loved how generous they were with the mushrooms. No trip to cafe pesto is complete without their dessert. I got the creme brulee, and it was delicious as always. I never know when this place is going to be packed, so we made reservations online anyways. It was pretty empty on a Thursday night. The workers here are always super nice and attentive.

Super cute place to come right in downtown Hilo. I came for the Affogato. And was super happy with my meal. Pasta tasted fresh my veggies where cooked just right. The portions were good not too much. My friends both said they loved their food as well. The calamari was strips, which was my only disappointment. But they were still good. The Affogato was everything I heard, it would be. The espresso with it was so smooth and so good. I would've had it all if it wasn't too late . We enjoyed the live music in the back ground as we eat and visited. Service was excellent, my water stayed full and she was great at checking in with us. I see why they stay steadily busy.

I have the perfect plan! Start off with the coconut crusted calamari! The crunch was to perfection. The dipping sauce was good, but I liked them plain. Then, order the seafood medley! The bed roasted red pepper risotto made this meal! Everything was seasoned nicely. When your waitress/waiter asks if you want dessert, do not hesitate and order the affogato! You're welcome Our waitress was kind, kept checking on us and kept our waters full. Plenty of seating for a date night or large groups - they can easily push tables together. You can also sit at the bat. I would love to go back and try other things on the menu. Everything that passed by our table looked delicious. I don't think you can go wrong here. Enjoy!!

This little restaurant is unassuming in between some shops. We were seated immediately and our server was super efficient and friendly. This place is like a well oiled machine. None of the employees are ever sitting down. They are all helping each other. Do different tasks to accomplish one goal. Makes the service outstanding and food is out quickly. We started with the caprese salad that was so fresh and flavorful. Next we got the garlic bread. The squeeze of lemon was something I had not tried before but was a nice addition. I got the moco loco without egg and it was so good. The put two huge slices of bacon on top of the patties. It was honestly beginning to end one of the best meals I have ever had. Wish I lived close by and could eat there again soon.

My husband and I dined in for dinner. We got a table right away on a Friday night around 7pm, but it was the last table so go earlier! The restaurant was nice and busy, well lit! We had a wonderful waitress who had great recommendations. I ordered a biscuit French cocktail which consisted of Prosecco and Vodka with an edible hibiscus flower. It was really good and refreshing. For dinner I ordered the smoked salmon Alfredo and it was absolutely amazing. The flavors of the salmon, alfredo, sun dried tomatoes all were delicious and savory. Pesto's is a must try if you're in Hilo!

The menu rarely changes, and the food tends to be on the bland side. It's a decent option for visitors looking for classic American-Italian dishes, but nothing particularly memorable. The staff are friendly and the service is solid, though the prices feel a bit high for the quality.

The kalua pork pizza was very good and the crab cake salad was also excellent. The salad has a very light miso dressing. The coconut coated calamari was something I would go back for. The fish of the day was Ono and our friend ordered Ono fish sandwich and said the fish was very flaky and cooked just right.

Fresh flavors and generous portions. Great lunch spot! Nice air conditioning! Great service! The Greek pizza was loaded with capers, Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts! Crisp and light crust.

Our favorite stop every time we are in Hilo, it's more like a tradition really. Pizza: 5/5, calamari 6/5, shrimp scampi 5/5, Ono sandwich 10/5, salads 5/5, and the desserts are also great. Service is top-notch, sometimes there is a wait, but it's worth it. The place is lovely and the art on the walls is very Hawaiian. What's not to love?

Cafe Pesto is my favorite place when i go to Hilo! I order Mushroom Artichoke pizza and the martini expresso.

I came here with every intention of trying the ragu with local pork but I wound up not being that hungry and tried the Miloli sandwich again but it did not disappoint! Perfect portion for lunch and super yummy! The potato salad was pretty good too. My husband got the Loco Moco and enjoyed it as well. Service was fine, ambiance it cute and I think it probably gets pretty busy but we came in around 11:30-noon on a Saturday and were sat immediately.

Best cafe with healthy choices. Family loved each bites of ordered food. Each dish contains local vegetables and fresh seafoods. Per server, bread is made in house.

Going 30+ years strong with no signs of slowing down, Cafe Pesto is one of Hilo's favorites for date night or catching up with friends. When I was a kid, my favorite items were their huge chocolate chip cookies and their personal sized pizzas, still a classic favorite. However, now I'm a sucker for their risotto and pastas. Decided to branch out and try the beef filet the other night. Perfectly cooked, the vegetable medley was beautifully seasoned, and enjoyed the addition of arugula. However, I was slightly disappointed by the mashed potatoes. The texture was great, not much flavor, but my gripe with it was because the menu item listed "bacon and ulu fritters" and there was no explanation as to why it was mashed potatoes instead of the fritters. Other than that, the service was lovely, food tasted great, slightly loud but was expected the night prior to a holiday.

Located in a strip of stores across from Hilo Bay. Ate here for the second time, and found it to be about the same. There are not many vegan options (wish there were more) and went for pizza without cheese. The pizza is meh. The rest of the group that we were with wasn't super impressed either. We did have wonderful service, and she was accommodating to point out the few options that could be vegan on the menu.

This is my second time leaving a review for cafe pesto. Usually everything is great here but tonight my mom and daughter both ordered the salmon fettuccine and one was great and the other was really bad. My mom's salmon fettuccine was over cooked and the salmon was so dry she could not eat it and they also forgot to add the sauce for the noodles. Everything else was delicious. I was a little upset that we still had to pay for my mom's plate and they did not offer to give her a new dish.

Very weird experience. We arrived at the restaurant and tried to check in, but the hostess said there was no availability. However, the app allowed us to book a table for the exact same time and for the same number of people -- 4 total (2 adults and 2 kids). I guess we weren't dressed fancy enough for her standards! Shame on you. I hope you learn your lesson when customers stop showing up!

Absolutely get the Haupia pancake. You'll need to share it because it is MASSIVE.. like all the other portion sizes at this place. Out server was super sweet and attentive but it did take a bit of time for her to finish helping the other customers before she came to us. After that, she was quick and amazing! It's a simple place serving up bomb food. Decor is Hawaiian. 10/10

This visit was not good. I have been to Cafe Pesto many times, and the service and food have been very good. This time, the service was OK. It was the food that was not. We had to wait almost 25 minutes for our food. My loco moco was cold. The hamburger had probably been pre-cooked when the order went to the kitchen and left on the bed of rice while my wife's order was in line for cooking. I asked the server to return the dish for a hot one. She returned two minutes later. The hamburger was warm--not hot--but as tough as an Amazon shipping box. Microwaved food? No thank you.

CUte little date night spot in Hilo. Risotto was perfectly cooked with great flavor. Not too salty. The chicken was on the smaller portion size but overall great dish. Daughter got the pizza and it was thin enough that made you want to eat the crust. Over all great place. A few times I noticed the manager going out to tables that ordered the fried calamari, which I thought was interesting but she eventually came to our table as well. The server himself was a little shyer but still great service. I'd go back if I'm in Hilo again.

pretty average food. the korean garlic bread was burnt and the cream cheese was sparse. the "hawaiian" pizza had a special spin with the kalua pork, but the burger was nothing to shout about

Cafe Pesto has been around for decades and there is a reason for it. I remember it being at another location in downtown but this location is pretty nice too. Modern and semi-casual, it fits for all whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just having a casual date night. Service has always been friendly and food is top notch. I have never been disappointed each time I've went. Im partial to the shrimp nachos, I tend to get them each time I visit. They have Italian based dishes with local flair. I also like they have alcoholic drinks (beer and wine) and you can order a tap flight for variety. Desserts look so good but I end up too full to order them. Highly recommend!

If I could give 5 stars, I would! Excellent service and excellent food, probably one of the best meals we've had on the island. I loved the Christmas cozy vibes of the restaurant. The toast was so crispy with the cream cheese a perfect addition. My surf and turf amazing and soooo flavorful. Also probably one of the best caesar salads I have had in my life. If you are passing through, check this place out!!

Didnt have to wait long at all. service was respectful and quick and on top of that the food tasted really well!

Had a pesto Greek pizza and coffee . Pizza was meh . Coudnt taste much pesto even tho it's suppose to be pesto pizza. It's overpriced . Service was fine overall.

First time visiting here, we are from the mainland (Georgia ). Went to this place twice because the first time was so good and our waitress was exceptional. Food was very fresh and delicious... place was crowded and I can see why, but still service was on queue.

The cafes atmosphere and overall look is very cute. The checkered floor is the best part of the cafe look. The garlic bread with cream cheese was delicious, I've never had garlic bread with cream cheese so it was very enticing. We ordered the salmon fettuccine, it was just okay. It could've been warmer, I'm not sure if it sat there for a while before being served as our noodles were room temperature and cooled off very quickly. That's my only downfall. The capers were the cherry on top of this meal. So salty and so yummy. I would definitely come back to Cafe Pesto for a cute lunch date!

Best restaurant in Hilo! We had the opportunity to go while the chef was in and it was amazing! The decor, the service, the views, and the food were fantastic. I fully recommend the bolognese and smoked salmon Alfredo. My only gripe was extremely minor and was about the Korean cream cheese garlic bread. Not entirely sure what makes it Korean as it was basically just garlic bread with cream cheese. Again, it's the best restaurant in Hilo imo and highly recommend everyone gets the chance to visit! Also Urban says hi!

waited over an hour for food....for loco moco and pasta AND we had reservations. Don't go if you're hungry, maybe go when you have time to kill or are just a little hungry

Had lunch here and had one of the best burgers I've ever had in my life. The meat was super fresh and delicious. They had onion straws on it. I don't understand how it was so delicious but honestly it's been burned into my brain as best ever. Service was great the waitress told us all the locally sourced options (like the burger). The restaurant itself is nice and classically styled with clean on site restrooms. Dining options in Hilo are more limited so I'm thrilled I ate here and will be returning.

The interior is nice. I ordered hamburger with fries (without Parmesan) . The hamburger smelled off. The waitress did not come back, except to bring the check. I ate the fries. I told her about the meat. She did not believe me or apologies. I was charged for the fries. I need to remember to ask for fresh meat.

Service was great and the food was delicious especially the Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread. Will definitely visit next time on island.

Came here to get a Hawaiian pizza slice. It came out with less pineapples that we would have liked. The caprese and cheese cake were delicious though!

A very pleasant surprise! I received a gift card as a birthday present and went there yesterday for the first time. The service and food were excellent! I got the steak and it was perfect along with the tasty potatoes. We love crab cakes and try them wherever we go and these were some of the BEST! Crunchy outside and very tasty crab inside-and the included salad was excellent. I was skeptical about the Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread but I'm so glad we got it, Delicious! There was a smell of a wood fired pizza oven in the air so I'll definitely go back and try the pizza.

We came here in a group. Our group got a fish sandwich, pizza and pasta. Everything was good. I really liked their Passion Fruit Iced Tea.

I wouldn't eat here again. service was great but the food was below mediocre. I had seafood risotto and it had no flavor. my son had a burger and the bottom bun was rock hard. maybe an off day for them but I won't go back to find out.

So glad we found this place. Came here for dinner on our day trip to the area. I love the atmosphere with the high ceilings and checkered floors. And the food was delicious! My husband got the pasta carbonara and I requested fettuccine Alfredo with sun dried tomatoes (not on the menu exactly but they were happy to accommodate). They also made plain pasta with butter for my son. And I had a yummy lilikoi martini. We had a really tasty meal and the prices were very reasonable I felt. Would happily go back if I'm in the area again.

The menu is so extensive and highlights many local ingredients! It was so hard to choose, but I had to go with the seafood medley risotto. The balsamic reduction was fantastic and just enhanced the dish. Shrimp were plump and fresh, fish was ono (delicious, and that was its name haha) the tortilla chip on top was a nice touch, and the risotto was the perfect texture. I am a tough critic and have had some mushy risotto and some crunchy risotto...this one was just right! Had a bit of texture but was not undercooked. Well done chefs! I also tried my friend's mushroom poke (the sauce on there was amazing), classico pizza (server said most popular: the cheese was so rich and gooey, totally bomb), and bolognese (pesto on point, pasta divine and sauce made with local meat was yum). Can't wait to come back and bring the team!