Hilo Bay Cafe - Feedback

Great place to spend time with ohana, good food, excellent service and wonderful ambiance. read more Great place to spend time with ohana, good food, excellent service and wonderful ambiance.

The first place I was shown to was not good, so I asked to change to a seat on the lanai, but was told no. When I asked them why, they simply answered Reservati... read more The first place I was shown to was not good, so I asked to change to a seat on the lanai, but was told no. When I asked them why, they simply answered Reservation without checking to see if there were any seats available. The seats were extremely close to each other, making the air stagnant and uncomfortable. (See attached image) Looking back on it now, there was no point in saying anything to the guy who seemed to be a part-time worker who was just guiding me to the seat I was assigned, and I should have complained to the person in charge who gave me the instructions. This is a really disappointing restaurant, as the food was delicious. Hospitality needs to be improved.

Excellent food, beautiful view and atmosphere. Make a reservation for an outdoor spot. Highly recommend. read more Excellent food, beautiful view and atmosphere. Make a reservation for an outdoor spot. Highly recommend.

We have been long time customers from when they first opened at the previous location. I made lunch reservations for 2 a week ago. We arrived 7 minutes early. W... read more We have been long time customers from when they first opened at the previous location. I made lunch reservations for 2 a week ago. We arrived 7 minutes early. While waiting for 17 minutes they had seated a tourist family of four who had not made a reservation! The manager told me the waitress in our section was being overwhelmed. Shouldn’t you seat your guests and have the waitress tell us she’s overwhelmed which would not have been a problem for us. You could have also seated us in a different section. We are never spending our time or money there again.

Service outstanding, no complaints only compliments. First timer, Yakisoba.. Big portion, 3 instant packets of noodles. 1 packet of seasoning, And why did they... read more Service outstanding, no complaints only compliments. First timer, Yakisoba.. Big portion, 3 instant packets of noodles. 1 packet of seasoning, And why did they chop the noodles into bits? SMH Atmosphere.. Dined inside, no AC on a muggy rainy, Hilo afternoon. Lots to improve on. Bring back Nihon lol.

Service: Dine-in Price per person: $30–50 Food: 5 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 5 read more Service: Dine-in Price per person: $30–50 Food: 5 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 5

**Service:** Dine-in **Meal type:** Dinner **Price per person:** $20–30 **Food rating:** 4 **Service rating:** 5 **Atmosphere rating:** 5 read more **Service:** Dine-in **Meal type:** Dinner **Price per person:** $20–30 **Food rating:** 4 **Service rating:** 5 **Atmosphere rating:** 5

Service: Dine-in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 read more Service: Dine-in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

This used to be a great restaurant. Now no more sushi menu, fish and chips were hard as rocks. Overcooked ! Salad was old and fish was smashed on it. Awful. We... read more This used to be a great restaurant. Now no more sushi menu, fish and chips were hard as rocks. Overcooked ! Salad was old and fish was smashed on it. Awful. We waited over an hour for the meal and when asked what happened, they said they lost the ticket. Don’t bother, it’s not the place you knew before! Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $20–30 Food: 1 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 2

Our server hardly ever checked on us and never got us any drink refills, not even water and a couple people at our table wanted another drink but she never came... read more Our server hardly ever checked on us and never got us any drink refills, not even water and a couple people at our table wanted another drink but she never came by to ask. One of the meals was a burger that was ordered medium and it came out as ground beef, sent it back and the new one came out as a burnt rock. Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $20–30 Food: 1 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 4

Really nice views of the bay and when we told our waitress we were vegan, she knew just how to put in the order for the food so that everything would be good to... read more Really nice views of the bay and when we told our waitress we were vegan, she knew just how to put in the order for the food so that everything would be good to go. Food was fresh and delicious!

We ordered Taco-burger with hawaiian Cole slow. It was fantastic! Great service! read more We ordered Taco-burger with hawaiian Cole slow. It was fantastic! Great service!

Nice place to stop for lunch with a beautiful view. Had a really refreshing cucumber and soursop cocktail that I’ll definitely be ordering again. Vegan items on... read more Nice place to stop for lunch with a beautiful view. Had a really refreshing cucumber and soursop cocktail that I’ll definitely be ordering again. Vegan items on the menu are clearly marked, which is always appreciated. The ʻāina chirashizushi was really tasty, even if it was a little bit on the salty side. The warabi roll is nice too. Overall pleasant experiences each time I’ve been.

Update from 2nd visit on Feb 11: the Chirashizushi continues to be amazing. They’ve deleted a few items from last year but added an Udon noodle bowl which was d... read more Update from 2nd visit on Feb 11: the Chirashizushi continues to be amazing. They’ve deleted a few items from last year but added an Udon noodle bowl which was downright delightful. Onion rings were the best I’ve ever had. My husband and I went for dinner. I ordered dishes I don’t normally find in typical vegan restaurants. My husband ordered everything else. Everything. Else. Items are clearly marked and there are plenty of options: Grilled Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and Mushrooms, Warabi sushi, Chirashizushi, the Taro burger, and all the vegan sides. All. Of. Them. The Chirashizushi, Broccoli, and one of the sides, the sautéed mushrooms/kale/farro, were all delicious. Oh and the cobbler was great for dessert (opt out of the ice cream). I would skip the burger, the side of pickles, and the jicama slaw. Updated from previous review on 2021-11-29

I've only been once but I look forward to returning soon. The menu had a good number of vegetarian options and the dish I picked tasted fantastic! The pupus to... read more I've only been once but I look forward to returning soon. The menu had a good number of vegetarian options and the dish I picked tasted fantastic! The pupus to start sounded simple enough but really blew all of us (veg and omnivores away. The cocktails went down pretty easy too ;

I was just once, but I'm looking forward to coming back soon. the menu had a good number of vegetarian options and the dish I chose tasted fantastic! the pupus... read more I was just once, but I'm looking forward to coming back soon. the menu had a good number of vegetarian options and the dish I chose tasted fantastic! the pupus to begin sounded simply enough, but really bleeding us all (veg and omnivores away. the cocktails also went down quite simply.

My man and I went to eat. I ordered dishes that I usually do not find in typical vegan restaurants. my man ordered everything else. all. else. articles are clea... read more My man and I went to eat. I ordered dishes that I usually do not find in typical vegan restaurants. my man ordered everything else. all. else. articles are clearly marked and there are many options: grilled broccoli, nuts sprouts and mushrooms, warabi sushi, chirashizushi, the taro burger and all vegan sides. all. of them. the chirashizushi, broccoli and one of the sides, the sautéed mushrooms/kale/farro, were all delicious. oh and the cobbler was great for dessert (out of the ice) I would skip the burger, the side of the pickles, and the Jicama claw. updated by previous review on 2021-11-29

Hilo has a surprisingly high number of casual vegan options for lunch, dinner and dessert, but it can be difficult to find something more uplifted for a date ni... read more Hilo has a surprisingly high number of casual vegan options for lunch, dinner and dessert, but it can be difficult to find something more uplifted for a date night party. hilo bay cafe to rettung! we were in hilo for two nights at the end of a fantastic holiday, and we have a reservation for our second to last night. as others mentioned, the cocktails are fantastic. I especially recommend the smoked dahlia, if they can tolerate a little spicy. we shared some brot that came with olive oil and balsam for diving, followed by the 'aina chirashizushi (essentially vegan poke) and taro-quinoa veggie burger. to our happy surprise they also offer vegan ice cream from Hawaiian licks, which was too tempting to turn. each dish was fantastic, and the service was truly spectacular. we enjoyed so much that we showed up the next night, shortly after the opening, without reservation. even if it was already packed, the manager worked her magie to impress us, and we had another fantastic night. this time we have tried to make the brussels sprouts mushroom appetizer vegan, and repeated the 'aina chirashizushi. once again the service was over and beyond. bottom line: although the vegan options are not as extensive as they 'll find elsewhere in the city, this is the only place we know for an upscale dinner experience with beautiful views, creative cocktails and excellent service. highly recommended.

The cocktails here deserve a star on their own – we had the mai tais (strong as the classic, with a twist – pineapple sausage and the tiny bubbles (vodka, elder... read more The cocktails here deserve a star on their own – we had the mai tais (strong as the classic, with a twist – pineapple sausage and the tiny bubbles (vodka, elderflower sirup, rose, soda, grapefruit.) they made the crisp vegan for us, and that was our favourite dish from far – very well prepared, fresh, inspired. also it was good to eat. the mushroom poke had beautiful texture taste. edamame was quite oily. veggie burger was somehow boring in simple brot, not much going on when they remove the non-veg fabric. (I always say: what would your veg burger not be vegan?! friendly server.

We made a reservation for a bay view table, and when we arrived, our table was set up with everything we needed for our kids (coloring supplies, kids water cups... read more We made a reservation for a bay view table, and when we arrived, our table was set up with everything we needed for our kids (coloring supplies, kids water cups, high chair, popcorn, etc). The view was wonderful! Our server was vegan herself and incredibly helpful. We started with the mushroom and veggie stuffed bao buns. I had the deconstructed vegan sushi bowl and it was fabulous! My husband had the veggie burger, which was really good too. Even the kids menu had vegan options. They loved the coconut limeade and the adults enjoyed the tropical themed cocktails.

Hilo Bay doesn’t disappoint! My husband I have been there twice, staff is friendly, polite and they don’t rush you. Food is delicious, fresh and makes you want... read more Hilo Bay doesn’t disappoint! My husband I have been there twice, staff is friendly, polite and they don’t rush you. Food is delicious, fresh and makes you want to come back again to try something new. We will definitely be back!

Excellent as usual. Outstanding menu additions for Mother’s Day weekend menu. read more Excellent as usual. Outstanding menu additions for Mother’s Day weekend menu.

As usual, it was a great dining experience! Our Mainland guests loved it. read more As usual, it was a great dining experience! Our Mainland guests loved it.

Great views! Food was good. Drinks were good. Service was good. I would recommend it, but we did go to another restaurant in Hilo that we liked even more and it... read more Great views! Food was good. Drinks were good. Service was good. I would recommend it, but we did go to another restaurant in Hilo that we liked even more and it was a bit less expensive.

The Mai Tai was incredible! We also absolutely loved the fish; it was incredibly fresh. The Parmesan custard was out of this world! Highly recommended! read more The Mai Tai was incredible! We also absolutely loved the fish; it was incredibly fresh. The Parmesan custard was out of this world! Highly recommended!

Best place in town! You can't beat the quality of the food or the atmosphere, all at an unexpectedly great price. We're already thinking about how soon we can r... read more Best place in town! You can't beat the quality of the food or the atmosphere, all at an unexpectedly great price. We're already thinking about how soon we can return, haha! Keep in mind that reservations are sometimes necessary. They didn't used to require them, but they've been getting busier lately, and it might depend on whether you're going for lunch or dinner on a weekday or weekend. We weren't sure about this, but they were kind enough to accommodate us last minute on a Saturday night.

This is still the best restaurant in Hilo. You won't find a better combination of delicious food, stunning views, and excellent service anywhere else in town. I... read more This is still the best restaurant in Hilo. You won't find a better combination of delicious food, stunning views, and excellent service anywhere else in town. I highly recommend it! Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as walk-ins often struggle to find a spot at the bar, let alone a table. The sushi is a must-try!

The food was excellent, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the staff were very friendly. I ordered the parmesan custard, a torched hamachi roll, and a mixed gree... read more The food was excellent, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the staff were very friendly. I ordered the parmesan custard, a torched hamachi roll, and a mixed green salad, and everything was delicious. They are fully booked for a month, but if you arrive near opening time, you might be able to snag a seat at the bar. I would definitely return when I'm back in Hilo.

Fresh catch swordfish was amazing. Generous portions. Cocktails well-curated. Lava cake for an obvious choice with option of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Waitst... read more Fresh catch swordfish was amazing. Generous portions. Cocktails well-curated. Lava cake for an obvious choice with option of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Waitstaff terrific!!

Amazing views of Hilo Bay paired with great food. Come early if you want to sit on the open deck. We particularly loved the inventive rolls, but loved all the f... read more Amazing views of Hilo Bay paired with great food. Come early if you want to sit on the open deck. We particularly loved the inventive rolls, but loved all the food we ate. Service was prompt and attentive. Too many great things on the menu, will haveto come back to try them all.

The food here has never been better. I absolutely love the unique twists on classic dishes. While I can find a fried chicken sandwich at many places, a Korean-s... read more The food here has never been better. I absolutely love the unique twists on classic dishes. While I can find a fried chicken sandwich at many places, a Korean-style chicken sandwich? I’m all in! The peanut udon is my husband's absolute favorite, and I can't even begin to describe how amazing the pork chop is. That rice should really be sold by the bucket! There's never a boring plate in sight. Unfortunately, the service has been somewhat inconsistent lately. We used to have a consistently exceptional server, but over the past year or so, it's been a mixed experience. I hope they can improve that soon. They've even switched to paper napkins, which isn't exactly what we want for a date night or for the environment. Nevertheless, the food mostly makes up for these shortcomings.

If you're in Hilo and searching for a fantastic dining experience with a stunning view, look no further than Hilo Bay Cafe! Finding a good place to eat in a new... read more If you're in Hilo and searching for a fantastic dining experience with a stunning view, look no further than Hilo Bay Cafe! Finding a good place to eat in a new city can be a challenge while on vacation, but this restaurant offers both beautiful surroundings and exceptional food. The sushi was incredible, the entrees were delightful, and the service was outstanding. If you're looking for an upscale meal in Hilo, this is the perfect spot. Enjoy your visit!

The experience was rather underwhelming. The flavors were decent, but we were hoping for more. The seafood options for main courses were limited, with only one... read more The experience was rather underwhelming. The flavors were decent, but we were hoping for more. The seafood options for main courses were limited, with only one special offered. The salad choices included crab cakes or misoyaki fish. On a positive note, the service was outstanding; our server was attentive and very pleasant. The ambiance featured lovely views of Hilo Bay and Maunakea. However, it was a muggy evening, and without air conditioning, we felt a bit uncomfortable in the heat.

Great way to spend a read more Great way to spend a

Super food and view! read more Super food and view!