Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

. For lunch, I had the rosemary chicken special with a red wine reduction. The chicken was perfectly tender, and the sauce added just the right amount of depth without feeling heavy. Despite the bold flavors, I felt no discomfort just light, energized, and fully satisfied. Dinner was equally impressive: the dynamite fish sauce and scallops. This dish was vibrant and flavorful with a creamy tang, but again, no pain, no bloating, no sluggishness. If anything, I felt more awake and clear-headed afterward. Both meals were beautifully balanced not just in taste, but in how they made me feel. For someone navigating gallbladder and liver issues, this was a rare and very welcome experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for food that nourishes without compromise.

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.

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!

I love Cafe Pesto. They have kept their prices reasonable even after Covid. Their individual pizzas are the best to me. Hand thrown and baked to perfectnes. Any choice if topping you could dream off. My favorite is artist choke hearts and hanakua mushrooms. Their salad has the flavor of being picked 5 minutes earlier. The waitstaff makes this all a wonderful place to eat. They are as good as the food. 5 stars.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Let's start with excellent service. We will then move on to really good food. I have been in Hilo for over a year and eat out all the time. I personally find Cafe Pesto to be one of the best places to eat on the island. When I have visitors I always take them there.

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

3 out of 4. 3 dishes have been excellent and one was missing some spices. Catch of the day was ahi tuna and it was excellent. We can also recommend the shrimp pasta. The specials were very intersting and the tuna stromboli was delicious. I loved the ambiente. Classic 60s sea resort style. Service was great as well. Stay away from the burger.

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.

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!

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.

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!!

Lovely place and location for this restaurant. Upon entering, the hostess appeared to be completely ignorant of our presence, took the number in our party and then went to the bar. We stood there for about 5" with no assistance (or information on wait time as they were not busy at all) while the hostess chatted it up at the bar. Definitely not a good impression from the get go. A different hostess came, sat us, and we were provided ice water quickly. Waiter was pleasant and attentive. Food was esthetically pleasing and nice on the palette.

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

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.

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!

Amazing food, great service. Delicious drinks. Quiet environment Apple crisp was so yummy

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.

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!

Unbelievable amazing food. I be dreaming of the Seafood Medley Risotto. Blew me away

Been here a few times now. Their loco moco is okay, though I really am not a fan of any loco moco. I would recommend the Heritage Pork Bolognese though, that's fantastic! Portions might be a little on the small side, but they are appropriate if you don't show up completely starving as I tend to do. Drinks are quite tasty, and I'm a fan of the interior although it's a bit loud as I consequence. Service is pretty average, which is just fine.

I went for the ceaser salad and got so much more! Fire smokey salmon Alfredo was so Ono! My husband got the lunch special it was a fish stromboli with crab and fried calamari it was so good with the pesto!!! The salad was great with the lunch special it was a wasabi ceaser! My husband loved how airy it was, soft on the inside and crispy bread on the outside! My kids got the Alfredo keiki meals we don't eat chicken or pork so we sub for fish and was so yummy! We finished it off with dessert with the creme brulee it was topped with strawberries! Was all delicious filled with so much flavor! The service was the best our waters were never empty! Emily was so kind and understanding! All the employees worked together smoothly as a team! The plates were hot which meant clean!! Silverware was streak free and the decor was cafe meets Rustic with a touch or local hawaiian culture and history in the beautiful images on the walls to the flowers on the table with the views of the Hilo bay! I loved it my kids favorite was the different lighting! I loved the booth and how welcomed we felt with the bench and chair seating with room for our stroller I did not feel like we were in the way or rushed to eat and leave I loved the vibe and everything we ordered! We decided before the main courses came we wanted to come back! The check came and I was not shocked by the price as the amount of food filled our tummies up! Left happy and can't wait to come back!

We had the calamari, seafood risotto, and the daily special Cioppino! All were delicious. The starts of the night were dessert, affogato and cheesecake with passion fruit!!!! Our server was friendly, fast, and consistent from table to table. The restaurant is located in downtown hilo in a historic building facing the north coast!

Over-rated in my opinion. Service was friendly and attentive but food was only ok. Had a luau pizza. The pizza crust was excellent but barely any pineapple and the pizza had little flavor. Also had a seafood risotto plate for $36. Not enough seafood for that price. And the taste was somewhat bland.

One of the very best casual meals I've ever had! Ono was the FotD, my fave. The sandwich came with creamy pesto sauce, local greens and a perfectly ripe slice of tomato, on an incredibly fresh roll. The side of purple sweet potato salad was just right, with not too much mayo. The service was excellent as well. The only problem? I was too hungry to take a picture for the review!!

A group of us came here for dinner. The atmosphere is a little loud as the acoustics in this place bounces all the sounds . So it was hard to hear one another while dining. The prices are what I expected it to be. But all places I feel are pricy now days. I really like my pasta dish but my husband said the pizza wasn't good. I don't think this is a place we would go to again on our next visit as we have other spots we want to check out. But don't let my review stop you for trying it and making your own opinion.

During our day trip to Hilo, my bf and I decided to check out Cafe Pesto which is located near Hilo Bay. Our server was friendly and helpful and gave some suggestions on food. I ordered the mushroom poke and added rosemary chicken and he ordered the volcano mist salad with rosemary chicken. I've never had a mushroom poke and I have to say, it was pretty good. Mushrooms were Hamakua mushrooms so you know it's gonna be good. The dressing complimented the salad well and the rosemary chicken was flavorful and not dry. For dessert we got the apple crisp with a scoop of ice cream. Came out hot and bubbly and it was delicious.

This came highly recommended from a friend in the island. Stopped in for a late lunch with a party of 8 and was seated promptly. Dining area is open and looks out onto the street across from the ocean. Our server was wonderful and attentive. Food was absolutely delicious, not one thing that we ordered didn't hit the spot. They started bringing the food out as things were ready, so everything wasn't carried out on one tray and things weren't sitting on the warmer getting soggy or hard which was a nice concept. Would definitely recommend this spot.

The service was amazing. The food was incredible. Highly recommend as the atmosphere is fun to be apart of.

Good pesto fish sandwich a little over priced at $26 didn't think portion fit price small portions

This place was recommended to me by a fellow airline flyer and it didn't disappoint. The service was quick, effluent and friendly. The food was amazing! Fresh and tasty. And worth the money!