Business Details
23 Years
experience
Contemporary Hawaiian Cuisine with Ocean Views
Hilo Bay Cafe has been a cornerstone of Hilo's dining scene since 2003, dedicated to serving contemporary cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Our journey began in a modest strip mall location, where we cultivated a loyal following among locals and visitors alike with our seasonal menus and relaxed atmosphere. In 2013, we expanded to our current waterfront location on Hilo Bay, offering panoramic views of the ocean and historic downtown Hilo. Our menu features locally inspired dishes paired with an extensive beverage selection, all served in a welcoming environment that embraces Hawaii's 'come as you are' spirit. With a team of experienced professionals including Chef Mitchell McGee and Owner Tantra Bates, we continue to prioritize quality, sustainability, and exceptional service.Our covered lanai provides an unforgettable dining experience overlooking Hilo Bay, while our take-away service ensures our culinary creations remain accessible to all. We celebrate Hawaii's culture through our food and hospitality, sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers whenever possible. Our commitment to excellence has made us a beloved destination for both casual meals and special occasions. From our handcrafted sushi to our house-made desserts, every dish reflects our passion for culinary innovation and respect for local traditions. Whether you're joining us for lunch, dinner, or curbside pickup, Hilo Bay Cafe promises a memorable experience rooted in Hawaii's aloha spirit.
Services
Lunch
Dinner
Take Away
Gift Cards
Desserts
Beverages
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We've served Hilo's community with fresh local cuisine since 2003
- Our waterfront location offers unparalleled views of Hilo Bay
- We source ingredients from local farmers and producers
- We offer convenient curbside pickup with online ordering
- Our team includes award-winning culinary professionals
Services
Lunch Service
Our lunch service features a curated menu of contemporary Hawaiian dishes served daily from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Guests enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere with stunning bay views. The menu includes rotating seasonal offerings that highlight the island's best produce and seafood.
Dinner Service
Evening dining showcases our culinary expertise through an elevated menu of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine served nightly from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The experience combines sophisticated dishes with casual island ambiance, featuring both signature favorites and innovative seasonal creations in our waterfront setting.
Take Away
Our convenient take-away service allows customers to order complete meals online for curbside pickup during regular business hours. The full menu is available for pickup, with designated parking spaces and prompt service ensuring a seamless experience for enjoying our food anywhere.
Gift Cards
Digital gift cards provide a perfect Hawaiian gift option, available for purchase online and instantly delivered via email. Recipients can redeem them for any menu items or services, making it easy to share the Hilo Bay Cafe experience with friends and family.
Beverage Program
Our comprehensive beverage program features carefully selected wines, craft cocktails, and local brews that complement our Hawaiian cuisine. The menu includes tropical-inspired creations and classic favorites, with expert recommendations available to enhance each dining experience.
People
Tantra Bates
Owner + General Manager
Tantra Bates leads Hilo Bay Cafe's operations with over 20 years of hospitality experience, maintaining the restaurant's commitment to quality and community since its founding in 2003.
Mitchell McGee
Chef
Chef Mitchell McGee crafts our Hawaiian-inspired menus using local ingredients, bringing culinary innovation to our kitchen while maintaining the restaurant's tradition of excellence since 2013.
Lucious Alzamora
Sous Chef
Sous Chef Lucious Alzamora supports our kitchen operations with extensive experience in island cuisine, ensuring consistent quality across all menu offerings while mentoring junior culinary staff.
Isabella Archer
Sushi Manager
Isabella Archer oversees our sushi program with specialized expertise in Japanese-Hawaiian fusion cuisine, maintaining high standards for freshness and technique in our popular sushi offerings.
Alexandra Hanzlik
FOH Supervisor
Alexandra Hanzlik manages front-of-house operations with a focus on hospitality, ensuring exceptional service standards and guest satisfaction in our dining room and lanai seating areas.
Questions
What are Hilo Bay Cafe's current operating hours?
We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM for dinner.
Do you offer take-away dining options?
Yes, we provide curbside pickup with online ordering available through our website for all menu items during regular business hours.
What makes your restaurant unique?
Our waterfront location on Hilo Bay offers panoramic ocean views and historic town vistas, combined with contemporary Hawaiian cuisine made from local ingredients.
Are gift cards available for purchase?
Yes, we offer digital gift cards that can be purchased online and instantly delivered via email for any occasion.
How can I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made through our website for dining in our restaurant or on our covered lanai during regular operating hours.
Where are you located?
We're located at 123 Lihiwai Street, Hilo, HI 96720, next to Queen Liliuokalani Gardens with easy access to downtown attractions.
Reviews (5)
Paul W.
Jan 29, 2022
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During the three days we stayed in Hilo we went to Hilo Bay Cafe twice for dinner! This is a beautiful restaurant with incredibly friendly service and delicious flavorful food. They have a fair number of plant based options so there is food for everyone to eat. The vegan sushi and poke were delicious, but my favorite was the Brussels and mushroom dish. There is also a farro/kale/mushroom side that was delicious. Portion sizes are substantial and there is also a decent wine list. Obviously I will be back next time in Hilo!
Alexandra O.
Jan 22, 2022
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I do not understand why this restaurant doesn't have 10/5 stars. Our dining experience was fantastic. From booking a table for dinner same day with their friendly staff, to the expert hostess who knew how to create a welcoming experience, our amazing waitress who knew when to check in or give us more time, to the DELICIOUS food, and authentic drinks to our drunken sharing of how this was the best dining experience we have had since this whole pandemic started - they were PRO. The sushi was delicious (we are from Cali and are spoiled with our sushi options - ain't no gas station sushi
Grant Williams
Jan 20, 2022
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Year 2022 - Yes! As awesome as always. You wont get a better meal on the Island at this price, or maybe not at all. This jewel remains our familys favorite restaurant on the Island. Sushi, entrees and the cookie dessert. Local coffee is a winner, too. Fish and chips are 100% as wonderful as always. Thanks for always delivering a fantastic experience. Year 2018 - Wonderful meals, consistently one of our favorites on the island. We have been dining at HBC since it was a tiny jewel tucked away in a strip mall near the WalMart, for more than 10 years. The quality and value remains excellent
KaiAnne P.
Jan 16, 2022
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No Stars today, Saturday, Jan 15, 2022. The "non Hawaiian" host was very rude to customers who were dining for lunch & 2 friends stopped in. We were unaware they were closing however, guest were still inside eating. We were asked leave. This was not a very Hawaiian gesture. And this was our second visit to Hilo Bay Cafe. There are polite & kinds way of communicating with repeat customers. The actions/statements were offense to other patrons. This hostess implied that he was the manager and if that is the case, the Hilo Bay Cafe should be removed as a preferred cafe of Hilo.
Martina Nkeiruka Okeke
Jan 11, 2022
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