The Best Restaurants in Hilo, Hawaii: Why Coco Cantina Tops the List
Hilo, Hawaii is a town with no shortage of charm—and no shortage of amazing food. From hidden gems to local legends, the dining scene in Hilo reflects the island’s rich culture, fresh ingredients, and love of community. Whether you’re a Big Island local or just passing through, one place that continues to rise above the rest is Coco Cantina.
🌮 A Hilo Favorite: Coco Cantina
At the top of our list is Coco Cantina, Hilo’s go-to destination for bold island flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and a laid-back vibe that’s as refreshing as the lilikoi margaritas they serve. Nestled in the heart of Hilo, Coco Cantina isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to gather, celebrate, and taste the best of Hawaii with a Latin-inspired twist.
What makes Coco Cantina so special? It starts with the menu: fresh-caught seafood, house-made sauces, and island-grown produce meet vibrant recipes that satisfy every craving. Think crispy fish tacos, slow-cooked pork, grilled street corn, and weekly specials that rotate with the seasons and the chef’s imagination.
But it’s not just the food. Coco Cantina offers a full bar with cocktails that are as carefully crafted as the meals. Enjoy tropical classics or unique Coco creations that blend local ingredients with mixology know-how. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, every meal here feels like a mini vacation.
🌺 More Local Favorites Worth Visiting
While Coco Cantina deserves the spotlight, we’d be remiss not to mention a few other restaurants that make Hilo a food-lover’s paradise. Whether you’re in the mood for casual bites or something more upscale, these spots are definitely worth checking out:
1. Pineapples Restaurant
Located in downtown Hilo, Pineapples is known for its open-air dining, live music, and farm-to-table flavors. Their signature pineapple fried rice and refreshing tropical drinks make it a great spot for lunch or dinner with friends.
2. Moon and Turtle
If you’re a foodie looking for something a little more adventurous, Moon and Turtle serves up inventive dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The ever-changing menu features Asian fusion cuisine with a Hawaiian twist—and the results are always memorable.
3. Cafe Pesto
For a reliable and delicious meal in a historic setting, Cafe Pesto offers Italian-inspired comfort food with Hawaiian flavors. Their wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes are crowd-pleasers, and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a local staple.
4. Suisan Fish Market
Looking for the freshest poke in town? Head to Suisan Fish Market, where you can build your own poke bowl from a selection of fresh-caught fish and toppings. It’s fast, affordable, and undeniably Hawaiian.
🍹 Why Locals and Visitors Love Coco Cantina
While there are plenty of great restaurants in Hilo, Coco Cantina brings something uniquely special to the table—a warm, welcoming vibe paired with consistently great food and service. It’s the kind of place where the staff knows your name, the playlist sets the mood, and the flavors stay with you long after the last bite.
Whether you’re coming in for Taco Tuesday, a sunny brunch, or a date night cocktail, Coco Cantina delivers the kind of experience that makes you want to come back again and again.
🌴 Come Taste What Hilo Is All About
The Big Island is known for its natural beauty, but Hilo’s culinary scene is just as worth exploring—and Coco Cantina is proud to be part of that story. We invite you to stop by, try something new, and discover why so many locals and travelers alike call us their favorite spot to eat in Hilo.
Ready to dig in? Visit us at Coco Cantina—where good food, good vibes, and aloha are always on the menu.