Fine dining in paradise

In Hilo, the local chefs always think big

Whether it’s the rib-sticking local specialties or the tourist-pleasing gourmet plates, Hilo-area restaurants have much to offer hungry visitors.

Follow the locals to an outdoor patio place or settle in at a romantic restaurant overlooking Hilo Bay. Or dig into seafood and chops as you feel the heat from a live volcano.

Fish doesn’t get much fresher, out here in the Pacific. (Especially if you dine at the aqua farm!) Meat dishes range from island favorite Spam to kalua pig to grass-fed, pasture-raised Big Island beef.

Remember, dressing for dinner is a loose concept in this part of the Big Island. Restaurant dress codes are either nonexistent or quite casual. The aloha spirit keeps the service friendly and welcoming.

Here are some of the best restaurants in the Hilo area:

Ken’s House of Pancakes: A 24-hour diner serving everything from macadamia-nut pancakes to tripe stew. Bargain diners go for the Loco Moco, a rice, beef, gravy and egg dish invented here in Hilo. Moco protein variations include Spam and mahi-mahi. None but the brave go for the belly-busting Sumo Moco. You could kill the morning just reading the menu. Wednesday is the big night for prime rib. (Restaurant map) (808) 935-8711

Hilo Bay Cafe: Considered one of the better dining experiences in town, despite the strip mall location. Sierra Nevada on tap, warm bacon on the salads and gorgonzola on the burgers. Tasteful ambience but no need to dress up. Californians will feel right at home. (Map) (808) 935-4939 (Hilo restaurant review)

Cafe 100: Locals, surfers and adventurous eaters come for the Loco Moco, “an artery-clogging delight.” You order at the window and sit in a patio dining area. Those on a diet should look elsewhere: this is hearty fare done to excess. Getting spammed here is a good thing. All of the local favorites at friendly prices. Some claim the Loco Moco was invented here, but the old timers know better. (Map) (808) 935-8683

Cafe Pesto: Excellent downtown location on Hilo Bay. Asian, Italian and local influences. Known for its designer pizzas, Asian nachos and shrimp-crab sandwiches. Local seafood and ingredients. Thoughtful selection of salads, including seared poke on spinach. Some complaints about price, but not the food. Located in the S. Hata Building, which dates back to 1912. (Map) (808) 969-6640

Seaside Restaurant: The dining annex of a local aqua farm that raises tilapia, catfish, rainbow trout, carp, papio and more. Favorite Seaside menu selections are steamed mullet and fried aholehole. Locals say to preorder your fish before coming, since they’re taken from the ponds and cooked earlier in the day. (808) 935-8825 (Map to Seaside Restaurant)

Naung Mai Thai Kitchen: A much-needed face-lift brings this “hole in the wall’s” decor in line with its often-praised food. Diners like the “great tasting Thai food that won’t damage your pocket book.” Near the local farmers market, where the Thai chefs find their organic produce. Cool off afterwards with the Hilo homemade ice cream. (Map) (808) 934-7540

Also of note:

Kuhio Grille: Try the fried rice Loco Moco. (808) 959-2336

Don’s Grill: Locals crowd in for the budget-minded eats. (808) 935-9099

Blane’s Drive-Ins: Four locations, all serving up loco moco bowls and plates. (808) 935-3359

Sombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine: Another contender for top Thai in town. (808) 969-9336

Jimmy’s Drive Inn: Sturdy Korean barbecue. Go for the Ozen bento. (808) 935-5571

Have a favorite restaurant in and around Hilo that we missed? Please leave a comment or brief review below.