Ono Grindz - Hilo, Hawaii
If you're looking for some ono grindz (delicious food) in Hilo, then you're in the right place! For such a small town there are some really great restaurants. There isn’t much of a night life in Hilo, but in my opinion, the variety of food makes up for that.
Paul's Place $$
This is by far my favorite restaurant, EVER. You can't come to Hilo and not go to Paul's Place. They only serve breakfast and lunch. I recommend breakfast. Reservations are a must! There are only 3 tables that can fit 3 people max. Paul cooks right in front of you and every now and then sings along to whatever is playing in the background. Reservations aren't difficult to get a day or two in advance, but don't expect to walk in and be seated. It's intimate, the food is fantastic, and you will leave so happy. Tips are only accepted in cash. Don't miss this spot!
moon and turtle $$-$$$
We love this place not only for the AMAZING food, but also the unique dining experience. Their menu changes regularly and they serve all dishes family style. Obviously each person can order their own dish, but when we go, we like to order as a table. For us that means one appetizer and 2-3 entrees depending on how many people we’re with. They bring the food out as it’s ready, kind of like courses. Every dish we have ever ordered here has been unbelievable. Reservations are highly recommended.
Koji $
Hilo is littered with plate lunch shops. Plate lunches usually consist of 1-2 hot bar items, rice, and mac salad. Koji has some great plate lunch options, but their breakfast teri burger is where it’s at. Sweet bun with a teri burger, lettuce, onion, bacon, and an egg. At $4 you can’t beat it!
Conscious Culture $-$$
LOVE Conscious Culture! They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a kombucha bar that also has some really kick butt food. They do an awesome job of sourcing their ingredients locally and they even separate their trash and compost (so awesome). Their menu is more along the lines of sandwiches and salads. If you've never had kombucha before, I highly recommend ordering a flight so you can try several different flavors. Favorites: Casa Blanca Salad, Ruben with homemade sour kraut, beet kraut, and the Blue Green Dream Kombucha.
Pictured: flight of Kombucha, pitcher of Blue Green Dream, shots of Noni, Casa Blanca Salad, Vegan Nachos, and Super Ginger Tumeric Tonic Kombucha
Hilo Farmer's Market $
Open 7 days/week, but the most vendors set up on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is everything from produce and local jams to t-shirts and jewelry. Sometimes they even have chair massages and palm readers. There is plenty of food to choose from throughout the market and usually a couple food trucks. Even if you decide to eat somewhere else for lunch don't miss this market! There is always a great variety of produce and usually a live band on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Favorite food: Green Papaya Salad from Ou’s Thai Food.
Hilo Bay Cafe $$-$$$
This is one of our favorite dinner spot. The food is wonderful and the view is even better. If you're looking for a nice evening by the water, you'll want to make reservations here. They have a nice variety of food and utilize local ingredients. If you don't make reservations and just walk in expect to wait up to 20 minutes on a week night and 30-45 minutes or more on the weekend. The bar atmosphere is also great (we end up sitting at the bar most nights), and the bar tenders can mix up some EXCEPTIONAL drinks.
Ocean Sushi $
THE BEST SUSHI IN TOWN. The prices are very reasonable and they have a large variety to choose from. They do serve other dishes besides sushi if that’s not your thing. If amazing sushi wasn't enough, this place is also BYOB. So great. Favorite rolls: Big Island, Volcano, Ahi Mac Nut
Jackie Rey’s ohana grill $$$
They have a great Happy Hour and a beautiful bar! Open for lunch and dinner. We have only had a sit down dinner here once, but I've gone through the entire Happy Hour menu (which is pretty extensive) and the food is pretty dang good. While Happy Hour can be relatively affordable, their main dishes can be on the higher end.
Sombats $$
If you enjoy Thai food you'll want to stop here. It's a small restaurant but they do offer carry out. Food is served family style, so the portions are LARGE. All of the spices come straight form the cook's garden! Favorites: Pad Thai, Green Curry, Red Curry, Coconut Tapioca
Hawaiian Style Cafe $-$$
If you're looking for a Hawaiian style breakfast, then Hawaiian Style Cafe is your place. The food is pretty good and the portion sizes are HUGE. You could easily split a meal with 2 people or go home with a hearty plate of leftovers. Definitely the biggest bang for your buck in Hilo!
Have you visited Hilo and had AMAZING food somewhere on this list or elsewhere? Drop us a comment so our mouths can water as we dream about the food in Hilo.