Best Fine Dining in Hilo 2023 [Avoid Tourist Traps]
The tastiest fine dining in Hilo. (Check out these mouthwatering options)
This year we decided to have an active summer vacation! We carefully planned several spots on the Big Island (including my boyfriend’s family reunion!)
Needless to say, I was looking for a few days of alone time after the family reunion and a little romance! We spent four beautiful days in Hilo.
This was, by far, my favorite part of the trip. Hilo had some beautiful hikes and sunsets.
But the best part was the food! Let me tell you; this is a drool-worthy destination!
The food is fresh, locally sourced, cleverly prepared, and garnished with exotic and traditional tastes.
The fine dining scene is amazing, with so many options to choose from.
So give yourself a reason to dress up, strap on some heels and enjoy an amazing night out.
Here are my top 3 favorite spots you will love. I based my choices on the freshness and sourcing of produce and meat, atmosphere and service, presentation, and of course, taste!
This list is guaranteed to make you hungry, so let’s get started!
#1. WSW The Steakhouse – Best Steakhouse and Seafood in Hilo with a View
I loved this place! It has it all!
They serve breakfast and dinner and have a business casual dress code. We dressed up and made it a romantic night out.
The outside view is of a rocky shore, grassy yard, and palm trees (very romantic!) The inside space is cozy and large. The tables were spread apart, and we had great privacy. I liked the wine bar displayed in the glass. Overall great views and ambiance.
We made dinner reservations and didn’t wait to be seated. Our waiter offered drinks immediately and didn’t rush us with our meal. The mussels pan was the first course of our meal. The taste was rich and the black mussels were fresh. They had a tomato, garlic, onion, and white wine sauce, which I enjoyed.
I also loved my coconut-crusted Ahi tuna with rice and veggies. The portion was very tasty, and the seasoning was just right! My boyfriend also really enjoyed his New York strip and baked potato. The meat was perfectly cooked and very juicy.
They have a very extensive wine and whiskey card with options from all around the world. Also a great cocktail menu. I tried the Pena Coladas, which were very fun, with lychee, strawberry, and guava flavors.
I would love to visit for breakfast on our next trip.
Here’s why it is my number one pick:
- The restaurant is elegant with a beautiful view and ambiance.
- The food is fresh and delicious, and there are many choices.
- They have something for everyone, including seafood, steak, pasta, and vegetarian options.
- The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their menu and drinks.
Address: 71 Banyan Dr Hilo, HI 96720
This is a staple restaurant in the region, and many locals recommend it. For my boyfriend, this was the best meal on our vacation! The restaurant doesn’t have outside seating, but we got a beautiful table next to a large glass window. The decor is elegant with some local details.
After being seated, our drink order came quickly, and our waiter was friendly and attentive. The menu is small but well planned and changes daily (so every time, a different experience!). Even with few dinner choices, we ordered way too much food! The food is served family style, so we got to share some excellent combinations.
Smokey sashimi, fish tacos, and crispy Brussels sprouts with garlic fish sauce were my favorites. The best meal (for my boyfriend) was the Vermicelli bowl with caramelized pork belly, prawns, and toasted onions and vegetables. The pork was done perfectly (rich and satisfying), and the sauce was refreshing and flavorful.
They have plenty of vegetarian options and are willing to substitute ingredients. A changing menu means that the food options are super high quality and well done. I loved that the food was high class but served family style.
Ask for the Lilikoi cream tart – and don’t share!
It is a top restaurant to visit when in Hilo because:
- The menu is impeccable and custom-made with the highest quality and freshest ingredients of that day!
- The portions are large, beautifully presented, and served family style.
- The service is friendly and attentive without making you feel rushed or neglected.
- The ingredients are locally sourced and organic.
- There are many options for vegetarians.
- They have happy hour and a nice bar.
Address: 51 Kalakaua St, Hilo, HI 96720
#3. The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm – Dinner at the lake house with seafood Hilo, Hawaii
This restaurant reminds me of a lakeside house. It is warm and inviting, and the decoration is simple. The tables are large, and there is nice privacy. The big glass windows, well-manicured garden, and water look out onto the deck.
We had dinner reservations and found parking right in front. Our waitress was friendly and seated us right away. They have a large selection of steak and seafood. We first had the Blackened Ahi Salad, and it was perfect. The portion was large, and the fish was buttery and fresh. The vinaigrette was perfect and not overpowering.
I had Teriyaki Chicken with grilled vegetables and noodles for our main meal.
My boyfriend had the Mac Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with a side salad and pasta.
The waitress recommended a bottle of cabernet sauvignon, which perfectly complimented the dinner. All the food had a homemade taste, and the sauces were amazing. My teriyaki chicken was perfectly marinated and cooked (I couldn’t get enough!)
I recommend the Kona Coffee Mud Pie (if you have any room left for dessert!). It’s a large desert that’s very rich and creamy. There is also a lighter version of Mango Lychee, Raspberry, and Pineapple sorbet. There is also a kid’s menu for those dining with little ones.
Choose a wonderful dinner here because:
- The food is very well prepared in a homemade style.
- The menu is large, with fresh fish, sushi, and barbeque options.
- The servers are friendly and helpful.
- The view and garden are beautiful areas to visit and take pictures at.
- This is a family-friendly restaurant with accommodations for kids.
Address: 1790 Kalanianaole Ave Hilo, HI 96720
Conclusion for the best fine dining in Hilo
Hilo is a great vacation spot. If you love active vacations, this place has everything you can think of. Add some of the best food you have ever eaten and get a flawless vacation!
I mostly enjoyed the fine dining in Hilo because there are soo many diverse options with high-quality food and service.
If you want the perfect date night, WSW the Steakhouse is your can’t-miss spot.
If you want high-quality food and service with a friendly atmosphere, then visit The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm,
Local family-style food is best at Moon and Turtle.
You won’t be disappointed with any or all of these choices, so enjoy!
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Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Brigitte