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.

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.

We spontaneously stopped by for a light meal. After a friendly welcome a nice table was assigned to our group of 4 adults. The waiter was very friendly too. We ordered crab cakes and they were cooked to perfection, delicicously yummy. A restaurant we can highly recommend when visiting the Hilo Bay.

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.

Everything I tried was absolutely amazing, I highly recommend the Rose cocktail named after the bartender Rose, who was also an absolute dream! The BLT Pizza is a real surprise, super tasty. The risottos were incredibly creamy, the Blue Caesar salad with blue cheese was an added flavor explosion I was not expecting but really enjoyed. The fish sandwich was absolutely perfect and I had a really hard time deciding whether I would get that or try something else on the menu every single time I visited. It was fresh perfectly cooked, all of the flavors were well balanced, it was a really well executed sandwich. Everything I tried was excellent.

Ordered the Korean cream cheese garlic bread, fish and scallops with mas potatoes, hibachi chicken risotto. Spot on, delicious. Would go here again.

We always make a stop in Hill to eat here. Their Bhan Mi with sweet potato side is amazing. My go to order. The place itself has a very cool retro vibe. The service is always friendly and fast.

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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!!

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

Cafe Pesto was an amazing experience for myself and my group. We visited the island from Houston, Texas and Café pesto was one of the places that we found because of all the good reviews. The shrimp nachos were awesome as were our dishes but the star of the night was the amazing garlic bread! I've never had anything like it. It was soft & gooey with a warm seasoned cream cheese center & garlic butter yumminess on the outside of the bread. It was so divine that every one in our party ended up ordering their very own loaf so they didn't have to share the sheer wonder that is this garlic bread. PLEASE order it! You won't be sorry. The other dishes were also very good & the service was stellar! Should we find ourself on the big island again, Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay will certainly be on our list of stops to make

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.

Mahalo Cafe Pesto for such a great lunch and dinner. So many great changes. Wish there was Oriental El Pesto and Pizzette. Yummmmm

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.

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!

Fantastic restaurant in Hilo! A family member recommended we eat here during our trip. We were tired, hungry and it was the weekend after Valentine's Day so very busy, but they found us a spot and we only had to wait about 20 minutes. The food was excellent and is very fresh. My pesto with bolognese was so good, I could have eaten another plate. Lots of cute shops to browse nearby too, so plenty of things to do while you wait for your table.

Food, services and ambiance are exceptional. Highly recommended for visitors. Interesting menu and food prices are fair. Parking is good. Security for the building is a plus.

I had a mix up the day prior with a take out order. Manager was very gracious to extend a credit, which we used for lunch later. Crab cake salad was delicious. Can't wait to go back

It was fabulous having lunch at Pesto Cafe with their authentic menu. We tried food that was delicious and beautifully presented. I have never been to a restaurant where the customer is king. What does this mean. After reading the entire menu (I usually do) i asked if they had chocolate milk for the kiddies. Just asked. He said no problem I can make it for you and split it into 2 glasses. The kids slurped it down leaving a clean glass. All our entrees came with salads or coleslaw (delicious) . Again not on the menu I asked do you have French fries? He asked would you like to switch it out for your coleslaw? No I just thought French fries are favorites with the kids. OMGee the French fry wedges came out hot covered in Parmesan cheese crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Us adults had to fight the kids for those fries. Delicious food. Bright clean interior. Parking on the street. Friendly staff that caters to your needs. Located in the historical old Hilo town. A Must place to eat if you're in Hilo. Then walk around to visit all the quaint little shops in restored Hilo town.

Great little cafe. The food was good, service was good & atmosphere was good. Got the seafood medley risotto and was happy. Also the Lilikoi drop martini was great, good amount of alcohol and balance of flavor.

This was recommended by a seatmate in the plane and it was worth it. Food was fantastic. Highly recommended.

Had a lovely dinner at Cafe Pesto my first night in Hilo. Cute little restaurant in the heart of downtown Hilo. We were seated immediately and everyone was very friendly. Initially we were seated at a table and when we requested to move to a booth, they were sweet enough to accommodate us. We ordered crab cakes to start. Yum! It's not on the menu as an appetizer, but since theres a crab cake salad, we asked for just the crab cakes. For the main course, we ordered the quattro formaggi pizza and salmon alfredo. My friend and i shared so we can try a little bit of everything and we loved it all. For dessert, our server recommended the apple crisp which is topped with macadamia crumble and vanilla icecream - no regrets. We pretty much inhaled that. Delicious food, lovely atmosphere, and friendly staff! Love that.

My family have been going to Pesto's in Hilo, for so long I don't even remember first time we went . We used to go, for many of our special occasions, birthdays, family reunions and so on. We were such a fixture that, management used to often come out and say hi to us. This is why I made a reservation for mother's Day. But I was very disappointed. They changed the menu. I'm 100% vegetarian, my family has been vegetarian for generations . There wasn't very many vegetarian options. And the menu for the mother's Day , didn't have any vegetarian or vegan options either. (Hello this is the puna side of the Big Island, the headquarters, of hippie internationa,l kind of joking but just saying) they also didn't have any soups on the menu, when asking about the soup of the day, wail they did have one soup, they didn't, have a vegan or vegetarian option. But we did go ahead and order. I had the volcano salad which is something that was on the old menu and this was good. Everything else was not. Everything tasted like they put sugar in it. Even the pizza crust tasted like a semi-sweet biscuit. In hindsight I should have returned everything to the kitchen. But I'm a polite person, and don't like making scenes in public, that would embarrass my family. You know, if you have a good menu, something's working, you should leave it that way. One of the things pesto had going for them, which they are not doing anymore. Is the complimentary fresh baked bread with whipped butter. We often come in with a lot of children, this time we didn't, but when we do, this is really helpful, while the kids are waiting for the food they have something to eat. And while it's a simple, little thing, having someone come out and grade parmesan over here food, makes your customers feel special. And that should be the aim of any good business. Instead they brought out little plastic containers of parmesan. This is supposed to be a gourmet restaurant, people dress nice to go there and we pay a lot of money. And to make matters worse, it was mother's Day I was there with my two sons and their father. And when thay, gave us the bill, she reached over my grown sons and handed it to me. On mother's Day the only woman present and she gives the bill to me. But that is the last time we are going there. Anyone making a gourmet restaurant in Hilo with some vegetarian items. Here we come there's a lot of us.

Recommended by the bartender at the Doubletree in Hilo. The large dining room was nice, but the acoustics of the high ceilings made it seem noisy. The service was great and there was live music that added to the lovely dinner experience. Food was excellent! My wife had the veggie pasta and I the bolognese - both were terrific, nice portions - we could have licked the plates! Highly recommended and I'd add very reasonably priced for Hilo.

uhhhh the menu is really small BUT the food is good... prices meh. UM! THE SHRIMP NACHOS ARE BOMB OMG. their pizzas are pretty good the DOUGH IS SOYUMMY YUM YUMMMM. one time there was this special and it was these bread rolls on a plate and it had filling and they were sticking on a plate of pesto AND I TRIED IT ONCE. i fell in love w it and now all of the sudden theres no more chef specials

Food was very good, Nice location in town, make reservations. We had a table for two at window which was good.

The menu isn't the same as precovid and the dishes seem a little different, but still good. Our server Rachel was awesome

The food, service, and the lovely Jazz of the Times Two duo made for a perfect evening.

The Hilo Bayfront is famed for preserving the traits and characteristics of yesteryear, flaunting art shops, theaters, snack shops and kitchenware emporia selling new goods and antiques. Cafe Pesto fits in perfectly, boasting old-timey excellent service, bartending, quality & locally-sourced ingredients, and excellent Art Deco architecture and decor in the famous S. Hata Building. My date and I came here for her birthday for the first time all the way from Kauai, and the restaurant did not disappoint. We started with the Hāmākua caprese (truffled goat cheese and Kawamata Farms tomatoes are to die for!) and the Korean cream cheese garlic bread (toasted in garlic butter!), which made us nervous for the main courses, because how were they gonna top these appetizers?! My smoked salmon Alfredo was pure magic. The rainbow chard was a nice touch to the flavors. My date has the Blue Caesar, which paired blue cheese and anchovies better than I thought they could be paired. The chef knocked it out of the park with the apple crisp and Tahitian vanilla ice cream. The gentleness and confidence of the vanilla ice cream offset the brash apple crisp filled with big slices of apple mixed in with macadamia nuts under that decadent crispy topping. Just an amazing restaurant with equally amazing staff and setting.

Service was great! Food came out quickly, and was honestly very reasonably priced for the quality. Our waiter...amazing.