Hilo Restaurants

Ohana Cafe used to be known as Elsie's Fountain back in the 50's. The original decor is still there making this place look extremely dated. The restaurant is located right next to the Flipside Too bar in the corner. The restaurant is opened up on one side. The food wasn't bad at all but honestly, I've had better. The hosts were very curtious and yes, they are Chinese! My gripe here is that they didn't vacuum the floor regularly or at least didn't change it out to tile. Asthetic improvements can surely fix up the place.

Favorite Dish: I've only eaten the swiss burger which was actually very good! They have homemade patties which gives it a nice touch. Their onion rings were good with the korean dipping sauce it came with.

Sunshine Cafe is fairly new on the block. The owners are Chinese who specialize in American cuisine. Their breakfast foods are great but a little small on the portion. What you first notice is how clean and sleak the place is. I love the design. It feels like a Starbucks almost.

Favorite Dish: They have very good omlettes. It's been a while since I went there but they give you different choices. Aside from the regular menu items, they have some off color things to choose from.

Price wise, I wouldn't recommend it but it's a nice little place to eat.

Miyo's always makes me feel like I'm in Japan or something. The decor and surroundings on the Wailoa State Park gives it a very oriental feel. Though some reviews are negative about this place just think of it as authentic. They do not have any local stuff here besides the odd few things but no major food items. The restaurant is opened until 2pm for lunch and opens later for dinner. Their food is some of the best you'll try here.

Favorite Dish: Their chicken katsu plater comes with loads of fresh vegitables. They're known for their healthy style of Japanese cooking. The tempura plater is great for large groups stopping in for a meeting.

Don's Grill is one of the top restaurants to go to in Hilo. In a place full of local cuisine, Don's Grill rises above with nothing of the sort on the menu. You'll find mostly American cuisine and favorites such as shrimp, steak, all that stuff. Don's is a good place to take your family if you're visiting Hilo for the day. Arrive early because the place can get busy really quick.

Favorite Dish: Their pasta dishes are excellent especially their clam linguini. I don't like seafood at all but for this I'll eat it. Their vegitable pasta medley is good as well.

Freddy's and Manono Mini Mart are in opperation together. Freddy's is the restaurant portion which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most of the restaurant is closed until dinner time. The prices are a little high but the portions are large and can last you two meals. They've got good breakfast foods, most of them local favorites including spam, yes spam! Remember, it's popular here.

Favorite Dish: Cafe 100 may have created it but Freddy's does it better when it comes to loco moco. What makes theirs so good is the gravy and fried rice addition.

Manono Mini Mart is a great little stop off before heading off to Kona or the beach. This isn't really a restaurant but they are connected to one. This is a convenient store that serves things on the go. They are best known for their sandwich variety and other quick local favorites.

The mini mart is connected to Freddie's right next door and is under the same ownership.

Favorite Dish: Their chicken salad sandwich is one of the best I've ever tasted. Not only is it affordable but they serve a nice portion.

Kow's is best known for holding family functions. Asian tradition usually involves hundreds of friends and family meeting together in celebration. Kow's normally accomidates up to about 155 pax. Even if you're there for a family dinner, you'll find a wide variety. They serve both Chinese-American cuisine and authentic stuff.

Favorite Dish: I am not a lover of Chinese food really but I do like their cake noodles and vegitable medley.

Their Chinese almond cookies are awesome as well!

Five Spice is another local seed shop favorite. Like Kawate's, Five Spice's longevity has placed them at the top in the Puainako Town Center. Many stores and shops come and go in this complex but maybe two or three places (one being Five Spice) have been there from the opening.

Five Spice offers the same options as Kawate but the service is much friendlier and the store is extremely neat. The store is run by Sue, an older Chinese woman. Her Kids and grand kids are usually there to help her out. I only wish she had never stopped serving the prized chilli! Until today, she has never said why they stopped making it. One constant in the store is their shaved ice machine which is opperated by hand crank which is rare today. They have a wider variety than most other seed shops in Hilo.

Favorite Dish: If they still had it, their chilli bowl!