Moon and Turtle

Seafood restaurant · Hilo ·

Moon and Turtle

Seafood restaurant · Hilo ·

Asian-fusion cafe with frequently changing menu

Information

51 Kalakaua St, Hilo, HI 96720 Get directions

$20–30

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 16 Best Restaurants in Hilo, Hawai‘i | Eater

"In 2013, husband-and-wife duo Mark and Soni Pomaski (who operate as the head chef and front of house manager, respectively) bought Thai restaurant Full Moon Cafe, and after some rebuilding, rebranding, and fine-tuning, they opened Moon and Turtle the following year. Born and raised in Hilo, Mark traveled to the mainland for college and began working in the food industry, eventually cooking in restaurants like Nobu in New York and training with Roy Yamaguchi as part of the opening team for his restaurant Roy’s in Honolulu. At Moon and Turtle, Mark and Soni focus on an eclectic mix of dishes reflective of the numerous cultures and flavors found in Hawai‘i. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, drawing on sources like Suisan Fish Market and Adaptations, a Kona-based food hub that gathers products from local farms. The small menu changes frequently, depending on what’s fresh and in season, though you’ll often find the standout smoky sashimi; inspired by Mark’s time at Nobu, the combination of fresh local fish, smoked soy sauce, chile pepper water, extra-virgin olive oil, and shredded daikon is a simple plate with a wallop of flavor." - Maya-Lin Green

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-hilo-hawaii

Moon and Turtle

@bonappetit

5,326 Postcards · 1,008 Cities

Hawaiian Foodways Are Vanishing. Chef Brian Hirata Won't Let That Happen | Bon Appétit

"A local restaurant whose chef received a James Beard nomination, an uncommon recognition for the island that highlights a growing, if still rare, national spotlight on the region’s culinary talent." - ByRachel Ng

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/hawaii-chef-brian-hirata-foraging-native-ingredients

Moon and Turtle

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Savor Hilo's Most Interesting Menu Charming, with plenty of aloha, Moon and Turtle’s easy-breezy atmosphere is great for sipping a mint julep and enjoying wild boar fried rice. The interesting menu and fresh flavors welcome everyone to visit—in fact, it’s so popular that reservations are recommended to make sure you get a seat in the quaint quarters. The chef’s creative and thoughtful foods grab the most attention with items like smokey sashimi, eggplant pork, and even a delectable mac and cheese. The service is pretty amazing, too!"

Where to Eat on the Big Island, Hawaii

Photo by Olivia Grodzka

Moon & Turtle

John Z

Google

Need reservation to avoid waiting. They asked credit card for reservation. But if you call them for reservation, they will send a link to you to enter credit card. We felt uncomfortable with that and the reservation is still valid. This is a small restaurant that has about 10 tables and 7 bar seats. Food is good and the chef is definitely one of the best in the town. The food portion is small. They suggested us to order two large dishes and two small dishes. But they are not enough for 3 of us even we added one more small dish.

Adam H.

Google

Moon & Turtle is a food heaven. The menu is reasonably short yet innovative and inclusive. The dishes are delicious, full of flavours yet perfectly balanced. It’s wrapped in intimate and friendly atmosphere of boutique restaurant, yet you feel like eating at home. Highlight of our visit to the island. Mahalo !

Gabe M.

Google

Lovely spot in Hilo serving amazing seafood with a big smile. Standouts for me were the papaya ceviche, sashimi and ahi garlic belly.

Jensen J.

Google

Loved everything about this place. What a Hilo gem. The place was cute and clean. The owners Mark and Sunny were kind and the staff we're very friendly. Everyone in this restaurant helped each other out. Always water being poured, tablets being cleaned just really exceptional service (a well oiled machine). The food was absolutely fantastic. A new experience for the pallet. I would highly recommend if you are in Hilo... there's a reason it's been in business for 12 years. Make reservations ahead of time.

Aïssa G.

Google

Every aspect of our experience at Moon & Turtle was so lovely that my partner and I ended up booking a reservation for the next day! Editing my review to now say that both nights were phenomenal — night 1 we tried their market fish and appetizers which were to die for, and night 2 they set aside some wild boar pasta for us to try as we had called ahead for the reservation. Everything from the flavor to the presentation to the lovely spirits of each and every member of this staff make Moon and Turtle a place you cannot miss in Hilo! Looking forward to our next visit!

Randy E.

Google

We ate at the Moon and Turtle on recommendation of our travel guide. We were lucky to get a table, as they are small and have limited seating, but there was a cancellation just before we arrived. We are so grateful! The food is absolutely delicious! Their model is a little different, in that they have a limited menu and make the items in bunches, so they recommend you eat family style, sharing as the items come out, since they don’t wait until each person’s order is completely ready to serve the entire table. To me, that is part of the charm of this restaurant, so please give it a try even if that model doesn’t appeal to you. The waiter was very aware of Celiac needs and told me which menu items were gluten-free. This slightly disrupted the family sharing model, of course, but they and we accommodated and we all enjoyed the emal. I highly recommend Moon and Turle if you visit Hilo.

Kyle W.

Google

Everything at this restaurant comes from the big island of Hawaii! I have been here more times than I can count and have never had anything that tasted short of amazing! Every time someone visits me in Hilo, I have to take them here. Make sure to make a reservation before you go! It's a small restaurant and seating is limited.

A. M.

Google

I adore this place. I took a short trip from Maui and ended up having a lackluster experience at a sushi place nearby for my first meal, and stumbled into Moon and Turtle 30 min before close with my tummy still grumbling, and they did not disappoint. Wendy was my server at the bar and she was amazing, and she was also supported by the handsome young gentleman that greeted me at the door (who also had the best mullet I have ever seen). There was also another server (I didn't catch her name), but she shared my love of Albariño wines, which I so appreciated. All these people had such great energy and I could tell they were all also about getting the job done. To eat, I had the Garlic Butter Belly and the Mushroom Risotto. I watched from the bar as the chefs carefully prepared and TASTED each dish. Moon and Turtle exemplifies how a restaurant ought to be run, in my opinion. Between all of these rockstars, I had the best meal and experience in my short time on Big Island. I would go back here again and again, even if I had to wait an hour to do so. And next time I will take pictures! Other notes: their wine list is perfectly paired with their menu. You will not find a Cabernet or a Merlot, but they also do not currently have red meat on the menu. I love their attention to detail. Mahalo nui loa, my friends, and aloha from Maui. I cannot wait to visit you again! 🤙

Nicole I.

Yelp

Dined here last night with my husband and our experience was great from beginning to end. We ordered the Smokey Sashimi, Mushroom Risotto, and the Market Fish. Everything was prepared perfectly! The Smokey Sashimi had more of a kick to it than what I was expecting, but not in a bad way - just a warning if you're sensitive to spice! The fish we had was cooked perfectly and I really enjoyed the vegetables that was paired with it as well. Our favorite hands down was the Mushroom Risotto. I want to mention I appreciate our waiter letting us know that you can order a smaller size because the small size alone was a good portion especially since the flavor is very dense. The small size was big enough for my husband and I to share - I can't even imagine how big the normal portion size is! We ended our meal with their Peanut Butter dessert (I can't remember what it was called) and it had the perfect amount of peanut butter taste to it. It wasn't overpowering at all and the dessert was light and creamy. The restaurant is fairly small so I recommend making reservations which was really easy to do. The staff was extremely attentive and super kind which made our dinner experience even more enjoyable. My only complaint that I have is our table was extremely sticky. I'm not sure if it's due to the humidity and the finish of the table has just worn over time, but literally everything was getting stuck to it - we had to peel the menu off the table lol. It's nothing that would deter me from coming back though! 10/10 for not only the food, but the hospitality as well.

Joy N.

Yelp

Moon & Turtle was the perfect way to end our trip before heading back to the airport. The staff were so friendly and the service was great!! Highly recommend making reservations as this place was packed! The highlight for sure was the mushroom risotto! It was so flavorful and the truffle was perfectly balanced. I also loved how they had so much mushrooms, too! Appetizers- highly recommend the smoked ahi dish. It had a nice kick to it and the fish was so fresh!! They also offered some kid options which we loved. The kids got the Mac and cheese and it was super yummy! Overall, highly recommend this place and we'll be back the next time on island!

T S.

Yelp

Great food and ambiance. Definitelyneed reservations. Parking can be difficult especially on Fridays, but not a deterrent.

Debbie C.

Yelp

This place is insanely good. The food was off-the-chart delicious, completely ruining our palates for dining anywhere else in the Hawaiian Islands. We started our meal with mezcalritas and the smokey sashimi, which was quickly followed with the mushroom risotto suggested by our very excellent server. We had the sizzling poke next and failed to get a photo before serving it quickly to maintain its rare center, as directed. Then, instead of a sweet dessert we opted for the garlic butter belly, which was a rich and rewarding end to our meal. We were delighted with the origami lamps made from old paper menus surrounding the room and the other decor in this comfortable restaurant that pays homage to its past as a dry cleaners. We will recommend this one to anyone seeking a delicious meal in Hilo.

Nolan A.

Yelp

It's best to make reservations, this place is popular. Small restaurant with chill local style vibes. It's like eating at your favorite autys house. Casual place without ac so shorts are fine. Great service, they explained everything well. Family style sharing plates for best experience. Bring friends so you can taste more things. If you come with 4 hungry friends you could probably get everything on the menu.

Rubio L.

Yelp

A nice, relaxing, artful decor. This quaint restaurant has excellent service with wait staff that seem to enjoy providing help and service with a smile. They have a happy hour with very reasonably priced HH offerings. Street parking is not too bad. Locals like this place - its not a tourist trap.

Hanson K.

Yelp

The best food I've had in Hawaii! Stayed in Hilo for two nights and a reservation at Moon & Turtle was a must. Every bite was amazing, albeit a bit salty overall. I was expecting the smoked ahi to be the star of the show, and it was as unique as I had expected it to be, but the mushroom risotto was the absolute highlight for me. Half portions are possible, and it is a must! The service was impeccable. Our waitress was beyond accommodating, and the corkage is reasonable. My next trip to Hilo will not be complete without another visit.

Bruce W.

Yelp

Great food and drinks, nice ambiance. Lots of local ingredients with a bit of flair! Sony and the rest of the staff take great care of their visitors!! Highly recommended!

Landon K.

Yelp

Check out Moon and Turtle if you're in Hilo! They be serving up some serious local-style grinds that'll make you pass on your mamas cooking. This small restaurant is all about showcasing Big Island ingredients with mad skills, turning fresh seafood and local produce into dishes that are straight-up ono. For me, the standout dishes were absolutely the smoked sashimi and the mushroom risotto - these two plates were total game changers. Although my dad said that all of the plates were a 10/10 here. The smoked sashimi had this incredible depth of flavor that just blew my mind, with a smokiness that complemented the fresh fish perfectly. And the mushroom risotto? Creamy, rich, and packed with local mushrooms that tasted like they were picked that morning. Sometimes they even sell their special smoked shoyu if you want to take a piece of this place with you home.

Sierra M.

Yelp

Yet another amazing experience at Moon & Turtle a few weeks ago when we visited family in Hilo. We lucked out by snagging very last minute reservations this time! I didn't think they could get any better but somehow, they did! They had their comforting classics like the smokey ahi sashimi & mushroom risotto, but also a few different items on the menu which were absolutely delish. - Ulu fritters w/ crispy prosciutto: I don't know how to explain this, but it was crispy, dense? and delicious. - Market fish: panko crusted Ono with a light tomato sauce & clams. Yes and yes. Service was as good as always - never intruding and letting us take our time to enjoy the experience. Thank you Moon & Turtle, don't change. Ever. lol.

Melinda J.

Yelp

A true foodie restaurant, one of the few on Big Island Limited menu, this is a good thing, dishes are based on local ingredients I believe, the risotto is delicious as well as other dishes. Fun to share family style. Service is fast and friendly. Well balanced cocktails are a bonus.

K L.

Yelp

Service, food, ambiance. Maika'i loa‼ The attention to balancing your palate is second to none, seriously.

Coryna P.

Yelp

The risotto is to die for, trust me. The vibe is fun, and the food choices are unique and feature lots of local foods. Will be coming back.

Jordan T.

Yelp

I've heard many good things about this place from family and friends, and I had the opportunity to try it out during my staycation in Hilo. First, I recommend a reservation. The night my partner and I went, they had a sign saying they were completely booked for dinner service. This was a good sign of what was to come! Upon entering, the hostess greeted us kindly and seated us next to the window. To begin our dining experience, we ordered three of their small plates - smokey sashimi (fish of the day was Uku), Uku sashimi, and Sizzling Tetsuyaki Poke. All three dishes were a different experience, and I found them impressive, especially the smokey sashimi and Uku sashimi, since both were served raw. My preference ranking would be 1. Smokey Sashimi, 2. Sizzling Tetsuyaki Poke, and 3. Uku Sashimi. The smokey sashimi was the standout. The combination of soy sauce and Hawaiian chili pepper water gave it a unique and spicy flavor I had never quite tasted before. The Sizzling Tetsuyaki Poke was a close second. It was well-seasoned, and I enjoyed it, both seared and raw. The Uku sashimi was very refreshing, thanks to the tomato ponzu, starfruit, and calamansi. We then ordered a large plate of Portuguese Sausage Campanelle. I'm not the biggest pasta fan, but this dish makes me question why I'm not sometimes. It packed a lot of flavor, the pasta itself was perfection (handmade, not the store-bought BS), and the Portuguese Sausage was not overpowering; instead, it complemented the pasta. As you know, we all have that second stomach for dessert, and we got the Miso Besque Cheesecake. I was initially optimistic about how this would taste, but it was the perfect sweet and savory combination to finish the night. The interesting combination reminded me how fresh wasabi pairs well with vanilla ice cream. Overall, what a great experience! This restaurant lived up to the hype, and I believe it is the best of the best on the Hilo side. I highly recommend you try this place because I know I will be back!

mark y.

Yelp

This hidden gem was the best dinner we've had on any of the islands. The relaxed vibes, attentive waitstaff, interesting take on fusion, make this a do not miss place. You might have to judge for yourself but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Note that the menu changes based on local availability and freshness of ingredients. Make a reservation. Go.

Malia D.

Yelp

It was my first time to this spot last weekend while I was visiting my ohana. My sister surprised me with reservations on a Friday night. I'm an world traveling foodie, I love to dine out, eat well and be doted on. So I'm not easily impressed. This placed rocked. From the quaint vintage Hilo atmosphere to the warm patient staff, and down to the epic dishes offered, my mind is blown. Check it out, probably the best spot in Hilo.

Justin H.

Yelp

Amazing place to dine in, reservations are a must. The waitress Eva Marie was exceptional! Highly recommended to anyone looking for good food and great service.

Carson W.

Yelp

Best meal in Hilo hands down - everything is so well thought out and artfully prepared. Service is amazing - uses mainly local ingredients. I say best meal in Hilo but it's actually my favorite restaurant in the ENTIRE WORLD! Go eat here!

Junya G.

Yelp

Moon and turtle wow. What an experience . The Smokey sashimi was a 10/10 . My only regret was not ordering a 3rd plate of it. The ceviche and the cheesecake were also 10/10s. Great service and a homey atmosphere. Amazing . A must try

Erlynn T.

Yelp

Moon and Turtle is a charming and cozy restaurant located in downtown Hilo with amazing food! The dining room is quite ambient with illuminated paper lanterns (made from their past menus), Japanese masks, and photographs of Hilo adorning the walls. Their menu changes daily so there's always something new to look forward to, but with a few of their top dishes kept in the rotation. It's recommended to make a reservation because they have a small, intimate dining room that can accommodate only a few groups at a time. The food is truly spectacular. Everything we tried was delicious and the portion sizes were small, yet enough to share. That's perfect, because you are going to want to try everything on the menu! For appetizers, we enjoyed their Smokey sashimi and fried Brussels sprouts. The ahi sashimi was so fresh and surrounded by a salty, umami, dark, smokey, and lightly fruity (from the olive oil) sauce. The fried Brussels sprouts were crispy and salty and the small fried fish on top had just the right amount of fish flavor. Even if you're not a fan of fish, I'd say to give this dish a try. The tiny fried fish add more of a crunchy texture, not a strong fish taste. :) Our main dishes were the Portuguese sausage campanelle and mushroom risotto. I love how the campanelle was a play on the Portuguese sausage and egg breakfast. It was salty, spicy, and had a bit of a pepperoni flavor (in a great way!). The mushroom risotto was lovely. So creamy, smooth, cheesy, rich, and comforting. We got a small portion, but could've gone for the regular size since it was so good! We ended our meal with the miso caramel basque cheesecake. The miso caramel was deep, toasty, and butterscotch-like. It was perfect with the creamy and sweet basque cheesecake. Just the right size so we didn't feel overly full after all the food! Moon and Turtle is a gem in downtown Hilo. We are so happy that we finally got to have dinner there. Highly recommend having a meal here at least once, but you'll probably want to go back again and again just like us!

Art C.

Yelp

Now starting the long and arduous process of catching up on reviews. Starting with a real winner. I really should have reviewed this place immediately after we went there- I mean the food at this little restaurant was so very good. And even the fact that we sat next to a couple of a**holes didn't even really ruin it for us (which it totally, normally would)... I'm sure the menu has changed since then (did I mention I'm way behind on reviews) but here's what we had in order of excellent to excellent: the snapper collar, mushroom risotto (and risotto isn't even my thing), the mahi entree with ube dumpling (wonderful), and the sausage pasta. Perfect meal from start to finish AND the best restaurant we experienced on the Big Island. Not to be missed...

Leona T.

Yelp

Probably one of the best restaurants in HILO, food wise. They have a revolving menu, but still have some other signature items. If you eat one thing on the menu, you must get the sizzling poke.

Stephanie B.

Yelp

Wow! I read about this restaurant in 2019 and, after my cancelled trip in 2020, I have been pining ever since. The small restaurant is an oasis in a bit of a depressed area of Hilo. The bright and colorful dining room reflects the sunny disposition of the staff. All are friendly and warm. Every bite is outstanding and INSANELY reasonable. For four people, we had 4 small plates and 1 large plate. It was a generous meal. With a few glasses of wine and a dessert, we had a meal for under $170 (including a 20% tip). The wines were fairly priced and delicious. Check out HH from 5:30 to 6:30. Each dish was delicious. I especially loved the shrimp and daikon cakes. They were perfectly smooth and harmonious and loaded with flavor. Frankly, there was not a bad bite. We loved the poke, the Caesar, the Brussels and the risotto as well, but those cakes sang. The chocolate pot de creme was a sweet ending to a fantastic meal. This is an absolute MUST in Hilo. Frankly, we made a day in Hilo from Kona just to come here, and it was so worth it.

Pua W.

Yelp

Everything about this place was amazing! From the service to the decor to the FOOD. Omg so good! We had the smoky sashimi, seared poke, the catch of the day (which was mahimahi and shrimp with a corn/ulu/squash/peppers salsa that was AMAZING) and the Portuguese sausage pasta. We pretty much licked those plates clean. Service was excellent, attentive and quick. Must GO!

Courtney C.

Yelp

Delicious little spot in Hilo! the restaurant is small so definitely make reservations. From the drinks to the food to the dessert, everything was super high quality and delicious! While the menu wasn't extensive, it was hard not to try everything on it as all items looked unique and delicious. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but would definitely recommend the Poke appetizer and the Lilikoi dessert! The staff was also incredibly helpful and friendly. Would highly recommend!

Whitaker S.

Yelp

Great people always super nice, the Brussel sprouts are a must have, and it has a great feel inside.

Olivia S.

Yelp

Truly fantastic menu, drinks and ambience! Went here on a romantic date night and it was the perfect end to the evening.

Andrew B.

Yelp

Consistently innovative and delicious food, genuine friendly service. Ask about the paper lanterns.

Sophie F.

Yelp

This place speaks for itself. It's been around for a minute and never disappoints. The menu changes often which I love because we get to return to the same excellent service which being able to try new things that the chef prepares. You will definitely need a reservation! This place is always booked! Just try it!

Kerry B.

Yelp

This place needs to be on your must try list when in Hilo. Unbelievably friendly customer service and the food is incredible. I devoured the Mushroom risotto. That's one of my favorite dishes and this restaurant may be the best I've ever had. The bartender, Sony, is one of the owners and she makes not only delicious cocktails but they're beautiful. This restaurant is a bit smaller so definitely plan to make a reservation. Enjoy!!!!

Rondelle L.

Yelp

Food was absolutely amazing. The mushroom risotto so delicious, my favorite. Every dish was delectable.

Cheryl L.

Yelp

The parking was great if you can find street parking. We went for dinner at 5:30 and worked out great- parking right in front! The ambiance was great- good for date night- the waitress was polite and brought out the food for the kids right away- we were impressed with the octopus and my Ahi entree

Erin O.

Yelp

The food was to die for! Very tasty and thoughtful! The service was on point and the drinks were well crafted. Can't wait to go back!

Marelle H.

Yelp

Wow... just wow. This was by far some of the cleanest food I've ever eaten. I say that because everything tasted like it was harvested at the exact moment of peak freshness, and then cooked to perfection with such care and respect. The menu is changed frequently, and we wanted to try everything, so we did! The dining room is small... maybe 6-8 tables, so it is very quiet and intimate. We actually met our server outside before the restaurant opened, so we were excited when she introduced herself at our table. The food came out a bit too fast for the size of our table, and could have been coursed out a little better, but that is my one and only critique. Wine and cocktails were great as well. Overall, fantastic experience!

Sophia W.

Yelp

The flavors of this place were super fun! I loved the combos of Easter and western! The portion size though are small so order more items than you would at other not pre fixe places. It was pretty convenient to add more dishes though.

Pamela G.

Yelp

This is fine dining! Fresh as can be, in an intimate, clean and friendly atmosphere. You can see the clean kitchen, and the service was wonderful. Everyone helps you, and it is family style, where sharing is encouraged. Quality food over quantity, here. We had a birthday, and 2 other locals were there for their birthday, as well. My favorite was the smoky sashimi, and we wound up ordering it twice! If you love mushrooms, the mushroom risotto is the best comfort food for the soul. The more food I tried, the more I felt like a happy, female, Anthony Bourdain! I found a winner! I will definitely be back and highly recommend.

Jonelle R.

Yelp

Wow Wow Wow! Moon & Turtle is amazing from the food, to the service, to the vibe... it felt like a truly elevated experience. It was pretty busy but our server made sure she spent time explaining the menu to us. It seemed like she was as excited for us to try the dishes as we were to try them! She had great energy. The food was top tier made with all local ingredients. I don't think you can go wrong with anything you pick. I do have to say the mushroom risotto was my absolute favorite. The creaminess was to die for. I'm just going to say it... this is the best risotto I have ever had & that includes many risottos in Italia! I will absolutely be back! No need to book a flight for great food when it's right here at Moon & Turtle.

Elaine M.

Yelp

Food was very tasty and the service impeccable. Portions are small so left feeling hungry. Market vegetables included corn and diced carrots making it resemble frozen veg.

Jess V.

Yelp

Beautiful food and a beautiful experience - I celebrated a birthday and they were lovely in sharing a party hat with me and a candle on my dessert. While we didn't have a bad bite, the smokey sashimi is a standout. I've never had anything like it. You must certainly make a reservation. Don't miss this place on your visit to Hilo.

Tony P.

Yelp

Absolutely amazing experience. Must dine here. Better than all the fancy resort restaurants we tried in Kona. Moon and Turtle is a downtown Hilo establishment. The restaurant is located in what appears to be a historic storefront with a modern and tasteful, (but not kitschy) hawaiian vibe. The service is excellent and the servers are all extremely friendly and accommodating. The food is absolutely amazing. We had the smokey sashimi, seared ahi belly, house caesar salad (made with ahi dressing and cured egg yolk) and ono ceviche (speciality off-menu item for the night) and a hawaiian chocolate cup for dessert. All the dishes were a culinary delight. Prepared amazingly and each had their own unique delicious taste. Portion size of the small plates were not that small, but more of a small medium. (4 plates was enough for two people). Plus they have a great selection of mixed drinks. The bill for 2 drinks, 4 small plates and a dessert was about $100. Phenomenal! If you are on the Big Island of Hawaii you MUST dine at Moon and Turtle. This is the BEST restaurant on the island. Even if you're staying in Kona, take a drive to Hilo for dinner or you'll regret it. Definitely make sure to get reservations in advance.

Kristin B.

Yelp

Amazing Toro, relaxed and calm atmosphere.... Wish we were staying near Hilo and could repeat the experience

Gaz H.

Yelp

Nice folks and talented kitchen but perhaps not so so talented as they think. It's all good--and that risotto is deeply satisfying--but the other dishes are good without knocking your socks off. Getting a reservation is more difficult than expected. Walking around downtown waiting for a later reservation is less fun than you might imagine.

Orion S.

Yelp

Quick and friendly service, on what was almost a walk-in. Everything was so great we couldn't help but not have leftovers.

Y M.

Yelp

Everything was excellent! Food, service and atmosphere... so glad we made reservations ahead of time.

Brenda A.

Yelp

First of all the service was tops! We were greeted kindly and taken to our seat within a minute of arrival. The restaurant was quaint, cozy, and cute. I loved the overall look and feeling of this place. We sat at the bar and although I wasn't too thrilled about that at first, it turned out to be the best . We engaged in conversation with the bartender who was also an owner of the restaurant. She gave us a little history of the restaurant. She was very friendly, and we met her husband as well who was the chef. He was also very nice and friendly. The food was delicious, and the presentation lovely. We enjoyed our dinner as well as everything about the restaurant. We most definitely will return again to Moon and Turtle.

Aiden Y.

Yelp

I was going to keep this one a secret because I want to be able to go whenever I want without booking weeks in advance but it's too good not to share. Their Portuguese Sausage Puttanesca is food for the gods. Hands down the best pasta I've ever eaten and I've eaten A LOT of pasta. Their Mushroom Risotto is also divine. During lychee season, their lychee cocktails are a must if you partake in alcohol. Service makes you feel like family and the ambiance is elegant, cozy and friendly. Kudos to one of my all-time fave restaurants!

Jeracah L.

Yelp

Absolutely phenomenal! Every visit to this restaurant is a treat--food, drinks, and service are all top-notch. The chef makes creative and delicious dishes using the freshest local ingredients, and the flavors never disappoint. The smoked sashimi is an absolute must-try, and the lemon peel lemonade is a fun and refreshing adult beverage. I've been here countless times and have never had a dish I didn't love. My favorite way to dine? Going with a group, ordering one of everything, and sharing it family-style. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out!

Shelagh A.

Yelp

My first time having dinner here. It had been on my list of places to go for quite a while but the timing just never worked out. So, better late than never, and what a fantastic dining experience it was. Certainly exceeded expectation in terms of ambience, service, and menu.

Donna N.

Yelp

Place is great! One of a kind. Awesome chef with great ideas on fish and local foods and vegis.

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 16 Best Restaurants in Hilo, Hawai‘i | Eater

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-hilo-hawaii

Moon and Turtle

@bonappetit

5,326 Postcards · 1,008 Cities

Hawaiian Foodways Are Vanishing. Chef Brian Hirata Won't Let That Happen | Bon Appétit

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/hawaii-chef-brian-hirata-foraging-native-ingredients

Moon and Turtle

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Where to Eat on the Big Island, Hawaii

Photo by Olivia Grodzka

Moon & Turtle

John Z

Google

Adam H.

Google

Gabe M.

Google

Lovely spot in Hilo serving amazing seafood with a big smile. Standouts for me were the papaya ceviche, sashimi and ahi garlic belly.

Jensen J.

Google

Aïssa G.

Google

Randy E.

Google

Kyle W.

Google

A. M.

Google

Nicole I.

Yelp

Joy N.

Yelp

T S.

Yelp

Great food and ambiance. Definitelyneed reservations. Parking can be difficult especially on Fridays, but not a deterrent.

Debbie C.

Yelp

Nolan A.

Yelp

Rubio L.

Yelp

Hanson K.

Yelp

Bruce W.

Yelp

Great food and drinks, nice ambiance. Lots of local ingredients with a bit of flair! Sony and the rest of the staff take great care of their visitors!! Highly recommended!

Landon K.

Yelp

Sierra M.

Yelp

Melinda J.

Yelp

K L.

Yelp

Service, food, ambiance. Maika'i loa‼ The attention to balancing your palate is second to none, seriously.

Coryna P.

Yelp

The risotto is to die for, trust me. The vibe is fun, and the food choices are unique and feature lots of local foods. Will be coming back.

Jordan T.

Yelp

mark y.

Yelp

Malia D.

Yelp

Justin H.

Yelp

Amazing place to dine in, reservations are a must. The waitress Eva Marie was exceptional! Highly recommended to anyone looking for good food and great service.

Carson W.

Yelp

Junya G.

Yelp

Erlynn T.

Yelp

Art C.

Yelp

Leona T.

Yelp

Probably one of the best restaurants in HILO, food wise. They have a revolving menu, but still have some other signature items. If you eat one thing on the menu, you must get the sizzling poke.

Stephanie B.

Yelp

Pua W.

Yelp

Courtney C.

Yelp

Whitaker S.

Yelp

Great people always super nice, the Brussel sprouts are a must have, and it has a great feel inside.

Olivia S.

Yelp

Truly fantastic menu, drinks and ambience! Went here on a romantic date night and it was the perfect end to the evening.

Andrew B.

Yelp

Consistently innovative and delicious food, genuine friendly service. Ask about the paper lanterns.

Sophie F.

Yelp

Kerry B.

Yelp

Rondelle L.

Yelp

Food was absolutely amazing. The mushroom risotto so delicious, my favorite. Every dish was delectable.

Cheryl L.

Yelp

Erin O.

Yelp

The food was to die for! Very tasty and thoughtful! The service was on point and the drinks were well crafted. Can't wait to go back!

Marelle H.

Yelp

Sophia W.

Yelp

Pamela G.

Yelp

Jonelle R.

Yelp

Elaine M.

Yelp

Food was very tasty and the service impeccable. Portions are small so left feeling hungry. Market vegetables included corn and diced carrots making it resemble frozen veg.

Jess V.

Yelp

Tony P.

Yelp

Kristin B.

Yelp

Amazing Toro, relaxed and calm atmosphere.... Wish we were staying near Hilo and could repeat the experience

Gaz H.

Yelp

Orion S.

Yelp

Quick and friendly service, on what was almost a walk-in. Everything was so great we couldn't help but not have leftovers.

Y M.

Yelp

Everything was excellent! Food, service and atmosphere... so glad we made reservations ahead of time.

Brenda A.

Yelp

Aiden Y.

Yelp

Jeracah L.

Yelp

Shelagh A.

Yelp

Donna N.

Yelp

Place is great! One of a kind. Awesome chef with great ideas on fish and local foods and vegis.

Moon and Turtle

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The 16 Best Restaurants in Hilo, Hawai‘i | Eater

Hawaiian Foodways Are Vanishing. Chef Brian Hirata Won't Let That Happen | Bon Appétit

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The 16 Best Restaurants in Hilo, Hawai‘i | Eater

Hawaiian Foodways Are Vanishing. Chef Brian Hirata Won't Let That Happen | Bon Appétit