From Kauai’s northern shore to Hawaii Island’s Kona Coast and everywhere in between, the Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of magnificent coastline — and countless coastal restaurants sure to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds. Let’s be honest, there’s truly nothing better than enjoying a magnificent meal and stellar ocean views at the same time, and nowhere will you find better cuisine and stunning beach vistas than at the stunning Hilo Bay Cafe.

With sweeping views of Hilo Bay, Mauna Kea, and the Pacific Ocean, as well as mouthwatering new American cuisine with a Pacific Rim twist, Hilo Bay Cafe deserves a spot on your Hawaii dining bucket list.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel right at home. This wood-accented hangout features a casual sophistication you won’t find elsewhere.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

And while the interior is sure to dazzle, most patrons gravitate towards the outdoor lanai, which features some pretty stellar views of Hilo Bay. Don’t worry if you can’t get a seat outside, though: nearly every seat has an expansive view.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

Your meal will begin with complimentary popcorn, house-popped and tossed in coconut oil, toasted coconut flakes, sea salt, and Hawaiian chili pepper flakes. Yum!

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

Utilizing fresh, local, and organic ingredients as much as possible, the innovative and eclectic menu features everything from gourmet versions of comfort food to fresh sushi. Will you order a cup of classic French onion soup, or a vibrant sashimi salad with generous slabs of ahi?

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

Like many oceanfront restaurants in Hawaii, seafood and sushi are highlighted here at Hilo Bay Cafe. From ahi poke to a dozen sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, as well as their cooked seafood preparations, seafood lovers will be in heaven here.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

Carnivores will love their braised beef short ribs and burgers, but this surf and turf chirashi brings together the best of both worlds with ahi poke and a kalbi beef skewer.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

There are also plenty of vegetarian options served at Hilo Bay Cafe, too, including a variety of salads, a quinoa-taro burger, and their to-die-for Hamakua mushroom pot pie.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

Don’t forget to save some room for dessert or a specialty cocktail. Classic mai tais, seasonal draft beers, and an extensive wine list are served alongside coconut donut holes, bananas foster cream pie, and warm macadamia nut bread pudding. Seriously, our mouths are watering just thinking about the ever-changing menu at Hilo Bay Cafe.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

What more could you ask for? Hilo Bay Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants on the east side of Hawaii Island, and we can’t recommend visiting enough. Just don’t forget to make a reservation beforehand.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

Hilo Bay Cafe is located at 123 Lihiwai St. , Hilo, HI 96720, and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. They are closed Sunday. For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

Hilo Bay Cafe/Website

Then, check out one of our other favorite oceanfront restaurants with affordable prices: Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina.

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