Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

Amazing food and a very welcoming atmosphere! I ordered the Greek pizza with artichokes, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were fresh and perfectly balanced, making it one of the best pizzas I’ve had. I also tried the apple crisp for dessert, and it was incredible—warm, flavorful, and the perfect way to end the meal. The overall experience was fantastic, and I will definitely be back if I’m in the area again!

Cafe Pesto was recommended by a local at Akaka Falls, and they steered us right. Nice easy access location in Hilo, really friendly and helpful staff, and the food is amazing. We tried the Loco Moco and Luau pizza -- both excellent, but the star of the lunch was the Coconut Calamari. Perfectly prepared tender strips with a mango mustard dipping sauce and kimchi. We have had some delicious calamari and this one just took the #1 spot, knocking our long time favorite at Jake's in Del Mar to #2. Don't miss it.

Really great food. We had the dynamite scallops/ahi and the volcano salad with ahi. We're not able to book a reservation on line today so took a chance and stopped by. Waited like 5min and were seated 530pm. Food came out quickly as well.

Ten out of ten — highly recommend! This has been one of our absolute favorite restaurants during the four years we’ve lived on the Big Island, and they have never disappointed us. Coming from someone married to a chef, this place is truly top tier. Rachel was our server again tonight, and my daughter and I immediately remembered her kindness. She has been working there for six years, which speaks volumes in the hospitality and food service industry. The devotion it takes to remain that present, welcoming, and genuinely kind says so much about the establishment itself. Her smile carried true aloha spirit. There was also someone outside playing music tonight, and honestly, they should hire him — he was incredible and added so much to the atmosphere. Tonight’s dinner was perfect. The steak was cooked beautifully, the sauces complemented the seasonings perfectly, and I loved the variety of mushrooms. Their specials are always amazing, and their Caesar dressing is seriously so good. This is the kind of restaurant you don’t just visit once — you keep coming back because it’s worth it every single time. They also honored a military discount and have always treated our family with so much kindness and respect. We will truly miss this restaurant and Hawai‘i. 🌺 Their location is beautiful and their flowers in the table local favorite and real! Truly beautiful how they support local with their dishes and ingredients! Also get their garlic stuffed bread so fire 🔥

This was one of the first places that my wife and I dined after being married on the Big Island 15 years ago. Part of me wondered if my memory of the atmosphere and food were a bit rose colored, however, after returning today my recollections have been vindicated. The menu is broad enough to satisfy everyone, while not forgetting its roots in the Hawaiian culture. Definitely recommend it if you are in the Hilo area.

One of the best meals I've ever had....the seafood saffron risotto was dreamy! My husband had the steak of the day with mashed potatoes and veggies, which was good. We each had a beer and shared the lilikoi macadamia nut crust cheesecake. There was a sax and bass duo playing which was the cherry on top for the ambiance!

Amazing flavors and a great location. I loved their Korean bread, which was definitely the highlight. Both of the main dishes were also decent. The atmosphere was great and the location in the Hilo downtown area was very convenient.

We only spent a few days in Hilo, but we actually went twice to the Cafe Pesto! It was so delicious the first time, we had to come back. Each time some of us took an evening special Risotto and a Pizza - the dishes were outstanding. Personally, the Chicken Mango Chutney, the Seafood Pizza Rolls and the Chicken Risotto were the best I have ever had. The service team was great and super attentive. Would definitely recommend and all around a great experience!