Harrington's Restaurant 135 Kalanianaole Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-961-4966, This open air restaurant perches on the shores of scenic Reed's Bay and serves a delectable menu of American cuisine and mouthwatering steaks. The house specialty is thinly sliced Slavic steak and you'll find fresh island fish, roasted duck confit, New York style peppercorn steak, and much more on the menu. They are open nightly for dinner plus serve lunch Monday through Friday. Reservations are recommended. 

Nori's Saimin & Snacks 688 Kinoole Street, #124, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-935-9133, This out-of-the-way, unmarked eatery requires some looking to find it, but it is well worth it. Some of the more inventive sushi offerings on Big Island is served here, as well as special furikake scallops, consummate saimin of every stripe, chicken and beef sticks, homemade soups, and superb fried noodles. They are open daily for lunch and dinner. 

Canoes Cafe 14 Furneaux Lane, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-935-4070, Open daily for lunch only, you can enjoy great sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastas, pizzas, potatoes, and paninis while at this cafe that provides traditional Hawaiian and jazz music while you dine.  more... 

Ken's House of Pancakes 1730 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-935-8711, A Hilo landmark since 1971, this 24 hour coffee shop is popular with both residents and visitors and features one of the largest menus in Hawaii with almost 180 tasty breakfast, lunch, dinner, and daily chef's specials available.  

Banyan Hibachi 11111 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-934-9188, Known for their large salad bar and some of the best soups in the area, this casual dining restaurant is filled with fine artwork by famous local artists and serves an extensive menu of international cuisine in a warm Hawaiian atmosphere with Black Angus beef, live lobster, and crab on the menu. more...

Pescatore 235 Keawe Street, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-969-9090, Filled with warm woodwork decor, this formal dining restaurant specializes in genuine Sicilian style Italian cuisine with items on the menu including tasty soups, creative seafood, chicken, veal, vegetarian, and pasta dishes, great pizzas, homemade breads, and delectable desserts. They are open daily for lunch and dinner.  

Honu's Nest 270 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-935-9321, Overlooking Hilo Bay, this tiny restaurant is a local favorite that specializes in Japanese cuisine with a contemporary local twist. Spicy tempura dishes, homemade ginger and teriyaki sauces, donburi, teishaku, and fragrant miso soup are just some of the items available on the menu. They are open Monday through Saturday for lunch only; closed on Sundays. 

Tsunami Grill and Tempura 250 Keawe Street, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-961-6789, This restaurant is known for serving delicious Japanese cuisine such as appetizers of gyoza and steamed clams and entrees that include chicken yakitori, mahimahi, beef teriyaki, and Japanese curries and tempura. They are open nightly for dinner plus serve lunch Monday through Saturday. The Sunday seafood buffet includes sushi from the Ocean Sushi Deli.  

Reuben's Mexican Food 336 Kamehamcha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-961-2552, A huge menu of traditional and authentic Mexican dishes such as combination plates, chile rellenos, and chicken flautas, all served with beans and rice, is featured at this festive restaurant that is open Monday through Friday for late breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. They are closed on Sundays. more... 

Cafe Pesto 308 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-969-6640, Specializing in wood-fired pizzas scented with native ohia and guava hardwoods, this restaurant offers a full menu of creative island cuisine with colorful salads, rich desserts, espresso drinks, local fresh seafood, and Asian inspired pastas on the menu. They are open daily for lunch and dinner. more... 

Kuhio Grille 111 East Puainako Street, #A106, Hilo, HI 96720, Located at Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza, 808-959-2336, Home of the one pound laulau, a ti-leaf steamed dish, this cafeterialike restaurant is known for their home style local dishes. Fresh baked goods, poi, kalua pork, lomi salmon, and poke are also on the menu and they are open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are open 24 hours on the weekends. 

Seaside Restaurant 1790 Kalanianaole Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-935-8825, Noted for their steamed fish dishes and great calamari, this family owned and operated restaurant was established in 1921 and is surrounded by fish ponds which provide many of the fish used in the restaurant's dishes. Local island fish, imported salmon, prime rib, steak, and chicken dishes are also on the menu. They are open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner only; closed on Mondays. 

Ocean Sushi Deli 239 Keawe Street, Hilo, HI 96720, 808-961-6625, This popular sushi spot offers dozens of delicious sushi rolls, as well as creatively prepared Japanese dishes, local cuisine, and fresh seafood dishes. Favorites on the menu include the 'Ahi poke, fried limpets, chewy taco salad, and sake-steamed scallops. They are open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner; closed on Sundays.