Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

One of the standout features of Cafe Pesto is its diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes. From fresh seafood dishes to mouth-watering pizzas and flavorful pasta options, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The ingredients used are sourced locally where possible, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience. The staff at Cafe Pesto are known for their friendly and attentive service, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

Overall, Cafe Pesto in Hilo Bay is a must-visit destination for those looking to enjoy delicious food in a beautiful setting. Whether you're craving a casual lunch or a special dinner, this restaurant is sure to impress with its fantastic food, welcoming atmosphere, and stunning views of Hilo Bay.

This restaurant is charming. The staff is warm and friendly like an island breeze. Even though we arrived at the end of the lunch rush, the waiting was brief and the service was spectacular.
It has a bar area with lots of wood and character. Every table had beautiful flowers on it. The menu was full of great choices which made It was difficult to decide on our meal. We shared appetizers, then settled on a meal- I wasn’t able to add dessert. Next time!

Great food. We ordered salmon pasta, surf and turf, loco moco and seafood medley saffron risotto. All we loved. We also tried beer flight, all of them were tasty and refreshing. Price was a bit on the higher side but we were happy trying this place.

Had lunch here. It was a friendly and classy eatery, that our group really enjoyed. There was a variety of choices, including the fish catch of the day. Fresh flowers really put it over the top!

We had the Korean cream cheese garlic bread and the seafood medley (which I totally forgot to take a picture of). All of it was super yummy. They had two gentleman playing music, saxophone and guitar, that was really enjoyable. Really liked the overall atmosphere of the place

Great dining experience. Food was great, the waitstaff were knowledgeable and attentive. The tuna special came overcooked and the waitress brought it back without issue (offered before we mentioned it). Cocktails were good. Overall very good experience, worth the try.

Very tasty food and fresh fish. Best pizza we had in the US so far as well. Pasta is very good as well. The coffee we had was incredible as well. Very friendly service. Certainly worth a visit.

Gem of a restaurant. Authentic Hawaiian cuisine, packed with juicy flavors, a true taste of the islands!

The gingerade is an absolute gamechanger! Nowhere else on this island can compare to the gingerade, complete with juices of freshly pressed guava.

This place is a must-visit.

Mahalo!

Enjoyable establishment. Had live music while we were there on a Wednesday evening. Nacho appetizer was unique and the pork pizza had just the right amount of sauce and toppings.

Title: A Culinary Odyssey at Café Pesto - A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Innovation

As I stepped into the inviting embrace of Café Pesto, it was evident that I was about to embark on a dining adventure unlike any other. The restaurant's comforting ambiance promised a feast for the senses, and it did not disappoint.

Kaliko, our server, was the quintessence of professional hospitality. He brought to our table not just dishes, but an engaging narrative of flavors and ingredients that enriched our dining experience. His recommendations were spot-on, reflecting a deep understanding of the menu and a passion for gastronomy. Kaliko's attentive service was seamless and personalized, ensuring that our evening was both enjoyable and memorable.

The star of the show, without a doubt, was the Thai chili pizza. Under Chef Casey's culinary artistry, a dish was born that redefined my concept of pizza. The crust was a study in contrasts: crunchy yet yielding, a perfect foundation for the innovative toppings. The Thai chili sauce was both sweet and fiery, a testament to Chef Casey's skill in balancing flavors and creating a pizza that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best I've tasted in Italy’s famed pizzerias.

Yet, amidst these bold flavors, the seafood combo risotto held its own as a standout dish. It was a harmonious blend of oceanic treasures and earthy, creamy rice, each spoonful more delightful than the last. The seafood was impeccably fresh, the risotto was cooked to precise al dente perfection, and every element on the plate came together under Chef Casey's deft hand to create a dish that was both comforting and luxurious.

Café Pesto's offerings were a tribute to its name, with pesto playing a subtle yet significant role across the menu, adding depth and freshness to each dish it graced. The quality of the ingredients shone through in every bite, a testament to the kitchen's high standards and Chef Casey's commitment to excellence.

As the evening drew to a close and the last bites were savored, it was clear that Café Pesto had provided more than just a meal—it had delivered an experience to be treasured. Kaliko's expert service and Chef Casey's culinary wizardry had combined to create an unforgettable evening. For those who seek a dining experience that is as much an adventure as a meal, Café Pesto stands out as a beacon of exceptional cuisine. I left with a sense of anticipation for my next visit, confident that it would be just as extraordinary as the last.

The BEST calamari! I've had it all over the world. The pizzas are wonderful too! This is my wife's favorite place for creme brulee.
The only down side is the homeless population literally outside the restaurant, I mean literally leaning against the restaurant front.

The food, drinks, staff...all are 5 star!
They have a great beer and wine collection.
The calamari gets 7 stars
The shrimp nachos...are so "couture"
The chipotle chicken pasta..out of this world
We has a pesti chicken pizza... omg!!! LOVVVE

Absolutely amazing. Best restaurant in Hilo. The waitress was so kind, the food delicious, and the atmosphere was really chill. Wish I went sooner!

The best food and perfectly located. This was a highlight of of some family visiting town with everyone stunned at how delicious each item we ordered was. Try it all!
The cocktails were decent.
Local jazz musicians to set a fun atmosphere.
The service was the best offered in Hilo.

Some of the best food I've had ever. I travel a lot and a big foodie. Ahi wontons and calamari were off the charts! Complexity of flavors were awesome.

Great find in Hilo, mushroom bisque soup was amazing! Wood fire pizza with lots of cheese and delicious crust. Friendly staff with generous drinks.

GREAT food. Great staff. Awesome beer. If you're looking for a dinner spot, stop looking and come here. Highly recommend any of the pastas. Also the best calamari I've ever had.

The simple pasta is SOOOOO good! Also their cocktails are 10/10 and so affordable?! Highly recommend the Moscow mule + classic margarita blended. Omg the salmon is SO GOOD on the pizza too!

We live on the West side of Big Island and heard Cafe Pesto was a spot to go and it was beyond our expectations. First, the ambiance is so sweet, welcoming, and we loved the tall ceilings, so it felt very open. Our server was so nice and attentive and they have all the staff needed to run such a smooth establishment. The food then, was absolutely delicious! The pizza being our favorite to where we each had one and ordered a 3rd! We will be back again and be suggestioning it to everyone we know. I am a 📸 photographer on island and have already suggested it to clients. Thank you for being such a great spot & for using local ingredients!

Always a great place for breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. We bring our family here. They have a kid friendly menu and we always all look forward to the Desserts! We've spent 2 Birthday dinners here during Covid. It's just a no brainer. What to expect when at Cafe Pesto for Dinner, good food, good service, nice environment, clean bathrooms, kid friendly, great drinks, fast service.

Update: March 21, 2024
"Hibiscus French Coacktail" was sooo.. good!