Cafe Pesto offers creative and locally fresh Island cuisine in a casually elegant setting at truly affordable prices. It's menu draws from the diverse multicultural influences found throughout the Big Island and applies them to wood fired pizzas, ethnically inspired pastas, risottos, the freshest of seafood and organic salads.
"Visited many times and each time the food was consistent and tasty! Service is always excellent every visit we make. Overall dinning experience gets an A++++++."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Food was very good and consistent with past visits. They have a reputation of good food and Mother's Day was no exception. There were new servers this day and their service was attentive and very professional. Overall great experience on a very busy restaurant day."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"We had a 6:30pm Sat evening reservation. There was wonderful live music by Rupert Trip Jr. We ordered appetizers that came within 10 minutes;
I love their Caesar salad but was disappointed that they switched from romaine to butter lettuce, not the same, like eating air. Our waiter provided excellent attentive service. Our water glasses were constantly filled but no ice, so my water was at room temperature. Nice touch when the waiter wiped off the crumbs off the table (from son's bread) before his entree was served,
The little touches like ice water, good attentive service make the dining experience awesome. Overall excellent service (considering they were slamming!)."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Food was great! I had the crab cake & salad with lemongrass-lemonade. I just wish we had extra time to return for a second meal.
...living on Molokai we're deprive of good healthy food restaurants.
My husband and I first ate at Cafe Pesto about 10 yrs ago, we had the pizza that was good too. The online reservation is a great idea! Do you share recipes?"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"The short rib and shrimp special was sort of bland and the cut was more on the fatty side. I probably wouldn't order it again but usually everything else is good. I love their salads and lunches and regular dinner menu items are great! Still one of the best restaurants in Hilo!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, special occasion, great for lunch
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"As usual the food was great at Cafe Pesto. I did not get a window seat as requested and was to be seated at a wall bench seat. I have sat there in the past and was uncomfortable so asked for another table. Request was accepted with a smile."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We had a group of 10, celebrating my friend's birthday. The table was ready when we got there. Orders were taken and we were served in no time. Some of us didn't want to try anything new. Just wanted to stay with the usual because it was always good. One did try something different and now she has a new favorite! I love the tea, please keep the tea coming. You had gave the birthday girl a dessert and the other waiters and waitresses came together and sang to her. It was great. I think most everybody ate everything on their plate, that's how good it was. The whole experience was very enjoyable!!!:)"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Food was OK. Server was very nice and pleasant. Forgot our salad dressing type so brought two. Minor. Ordered two glasses of wine that we had to remind staff about. Arrived at the end of our entree. Ordered the truffled mashed potatoes vs garlic. They brought garlic. When we brought it to their attention, they brought us another side...of garlic mashed potatoes. Wife's fish didn't taste fresh so she didn't finish it. Didn't stay for dessert. Live music through first half of dinner was nice touch."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2004
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"This was our first time in Hilo and at this restaurant. The food is truly outstanding and under priced for what you get. It is very vibrant with many locals dining there. The table we had was great in a corner and next to the window. Although not much scenery other than the urban landscape and a view of the bay far in the distance. I had made reservations about six months prior and was treated very warmly on my arrival. The waiter we had was not attentive or professional and very slow. I don't want someone hovering over me but it would be nice to be checked on from time to time or just make an appearance. He was the only draw back on what otherwise was a great dining experience."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Still one of the 2 best restaurants in Hilo. Love it that we can reserve on-line even at short notice."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Cafe Pesto never disappoints. Its menu is interesting, the food ono-licious and the service is top rate. I'm a local so I go there often and take out-of-town guests there without fail."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We've been going to Cafe Pesto in Hilo since it opened. This place has it all: great food at a reasonable price, a friendly, casual atmosphere with an old 'Hilo Town' feel to it, exceptional service, and a nice view of Hilo Bay as well. It's our favorite place to eat in Hilo."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view
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"Consistent food quality keeps us coming back to Cafe Pesto. We take out-of-town guests here because it still retains an aura of specialness. Menu hasn't changed since we were last here, and the special pasta had just sold out, so went with a fresh catch sandwich. The portion was just right for lunch, not like a massive plate lunch. All in all another good experience at Cafe Pesto."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Cafe Pesto is a don't miss spot on any visit to Hilo. I always return to it. This time, I had a Caesar salad (the dressing was light and memorable and the baby romaine fresh from the farmers market) and made my own 9" pizza. Fabulous. I love going through Open Table, as I can be sure I'll get a table (this is a popular place even on a Sunday night)."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2004
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"My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit - from the specialty cocktails to the day's specials. The ono was done just perfectly for our taste. The meal was well timed by our server who was gracious, unobtrusive, and there with a beautiful smile every time we asked.
We will all be back!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"My husband found Cafe Pesto online for our second trip to Hilo, this time with the in-law's in tow for a visit. We wanted to take them to a nice place for dinner after we landed so I scored us a reservation, and despite arriving early there, we were seated in a short period of time. Our server was great, very knowledgable about the menu, and gave us great recommendations. The food was phenomenal, everyone loved their meals and desserts. My mother in law still raves about their mango chicken as the best meal she ate while on her vacation - and they stayed with is in Oahu for 2 weeks! I had the chili lime shrimp pizza and added pineapple to it, what an amazing combo! Can't go wrong with any meal you choose though ;)"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Great spot downtown Hilo easy to get to. Service was great the food was great. Its in an old building with high ceilings so it can get a bit loud. Highly recommend."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find
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"Great food! Perfect dinner for a girlfriend's birthday! Very happy that she was given a complimentary dessert with a candle, and a song by the musician!
I am on a strict diet for health reasons. Would love to have more vegan and wheat free dishes to choose from."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: great for lunch
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"Great find! Food was very good, service good, and the live music great! We had reservations for Valentine's Day and got in very quickly. I highly recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
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"I visit Cafe Pesto in Hilo @ 6 times a year. I have always found the food, service, and atmosphere wonderful. I must say this visit was not up to my expectations. I had the seafood jambalaya special which was bland, lukewarm, and watery. I had the prosciutto wrapped chicken with strawberry/balsamic/vinegarrette reduction which was wonderful. My glass of Pinot Grigio tasted like it was from a bottle opened a few days ago. Our server looked hung over and scruffy. I watched our neighboring diners' server who was wonderful and wished I hadn't asked for the table I got since I would have been seated in his section. I will say the support staff was very good, unobtrusive yet prompt in removing dishes and filling glasses. I will return."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Poor food, small portions, vrry overpriced. Has captive customer base, due to location and tourism, so doesn't try very hard to get your food properly cooked --or even care."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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"The quality and portion sizes were right on. Don't expect "authentic" Italian coming here. What you will find is traditional flavors with a twist, prepared fresh with local produce and beef. I recommend the Toscana Calzone and Ganache Chocolate Torte. This is a perfect place for Hilo and I hope they stick around. This is not a Del Posto or Sarentos, so be humble. You will be generally satisfied and come back."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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"I tried the lunch pasta special again. It was interesting and tasty. Good bread is rare in Hilo, Cafe Pesto is a precious exception, the bread is really good."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Food was good. We were splitting a salad& waiter was to bring 2nd plate. Never came back. Also when our food was served he said he would come back to check if everything was ok. He never did The puff pastry under fish was burnt & had to be pushed aside as it tasted burnt throughout. After that fish & tosspot & vegs were very good. He had a big smile & tried hard to be nice( too hard) but never followed thru."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We love Cafe Pesto located in downtown Hilo, Hawai'i. The only negative thing I can say is the washrooms that are located in the common area of the commercial building rather within the restaurant itself."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We enjoyed having lunch at Cafe Pesto. The menu offered many choices for people that are not pasta lovers, and the service was very good. The food we ordered was cooked to our liking, and was very good also. Will be dining there again soon to try something else on their varied menu, and maybe have a drink or two then. Love it!"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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