Hilo is a town with a remarkable Japanese dining scene. There’s casual ramen shops for students, authentic izakayas for families seeking a relaxed meal, and elegant omakase counters for celebrating special occasions. Sushi, udon, tempura, and matcha desserts—this Big Island destination offers authentic flavors for every craving. Here are the best ones.
Kenichi Restaurant
$ | (808) 969-1776 | WEBSITE
This casual Japanese spot in Hilo serves generous portions at affordable prices, making it perfect for family gatherings. Kenichi does charred New York steak right, and the sizzling steak with mushrooms and onions remains a standout dish. But our favorite is the next-level ramen, which continues to impress diners alongside the Korean fried chicken. For those who enjoy spicy flavors, the tonkatsu is popular, while some have enjoyed the handmade cheeseburger and fries for its delicious flavor.
Disclaimer: the yuzu cake slice may be tiny for $5, but the friendly staff and excellent service with prompt seating even during busy times make Kenichi a worthwhile dining option. While the atmosphere may not be inviting for everyone, the great food and attentive service create a pleasant experience.
Ratana’s Green Papaya Salad
$ | (808) 987-3844 | WEBSITE
What sets Ratana’s Green Papaya Salad apart from other downtown spots is their collection of authentic family recipes. You can build your meal exactly how you like it, with choices like chicken skewers, massaman curry, or our top recommendation: the perfectly balanced green papaya salad. Though the salad is the star, they also offer heartier dishes like summer rolls with tofu and avocado, chicken satay with salad, and shrimp spring rolls.
With two small tables available, this bright, clean take-away spot works for quick solo lunches or casual meals with a friend. Plus, everything is priced under $15, which makes it easy to sample multiple dishes and find your new favorite.
Dragon Kitchen Brown Rice Sushi
$ | (808) 386-9153 | WEBSITE
Dragon Kitchen Brown Rice Sushi might be tucked away in a food court, but somehow this lunchtime gem feels like it’s been serving world-class sushi for decades. Simple counter service and quick preparation are complemented by incredibly sweet owners and made-to-order sushi that laughs in the face of high prices, like $12 for a generous spicy tuna hand roll, or a traditional brown rice nigiri platter for $18.
Ask for it with extra wasabi, or get the spicy tuna top—it has just the right amount of heat and a hint of sesame that pairs well with the nutty brown rice. And for more than just raw fish, there are vegetarian options, quick service, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re getting super fresh sushi without any fancy ambiance.
Hiro’s Place
$ | (808) 959-6665 | WEBSITE
Hiro’s Place is a consistently dependable choice for a quick weekday lunch or a satisfying takeout meal. The chicken katsu and fish tempura are both excellent, and bento boxes like the Nori Chicken make a perfect grab-and-go option. It’s affordable and has reasonably priced meals (most are around $12), so you won’t hesitate to order extra. Lunch hours can get crowded, so timing your visit helps.
But if you’re just stopping by on a random afternoon craving some hot local-style food, you’ll be in and out with a delicious meal.
Sakura Sushi & Grill
$$ | (808) 933-8788 | WEBSITE
There are five other Japanese restaurants on this guide, and two of them serve high-end sushi options. But Sakura Sushi & Grill, a welcoming spot with convenient parking, focuses on beautiful presentations with fresh, tasty items that are the perfect combo of traditional and inventive.
Get one of their outstanding spider rolls, or the excellent oysters on the half shell that come with just the right briny bite, a squeeze of lemon, and so much freshness their value probably equals a small island’s entire seafood haul. The ramen bowls run about $18, served in a serviceable but warm space where the friendly staff makes you feel right at home even if the building isn’t ideal.
While the katsu portion was a little small, every bite still delivered that good tasting satisfaction you come for.
Moms Hilo
$$ | (808) 969-1000 | WEBSITE
When we want a sit-down Japanese meal in this part of town, Moms Hilo is the move. The menu has a ton going on—but feel free to order anything, because it’s all good. We usually like to sample a bit of each section of the menu, making sure that includes the tan tan noodles. Bring cash, because it’s all they accept.
Kalbi Express
$ | (808) 935-8900 | WEBSITE
A food court gem serving Korean classics with housemade kimchi. Kalbi Express is the kind of place you have to know is there, because its location in Hilo’s food court will never be all up in your face. But now you know it’s there, and now you know to go if you’re ever near and in need of a quick, satisfying Korean meal.
Restaurant Osaka
$$ | (808) 961-6699 | WEBSITE
Restaurant Osaka is a cozy Japanese spot that has the atmosphere of a neighborhood hideaway. With generous portions of entree, salad, and rice, this place is filled with friends enjoying a late-night dinner together, or locals savoring a relaxing meal after a long day. Their menu has staples like sweet sour spareribs, delicious teriyaki chicken, or super crispy and moist mochiko chicken. But we also love their kimchi fried rice, a solid choice full of flavor and satisfaction.
At its busiest, the whole restaurant might have a lively hum of conversation and every table filled. But on a slower night, the intimate lighting and delicious food make it a great spot for a lowkey date or group dinner.
The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm
$$ | (808) 935-8825 | WEBSITE
The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm is very straightforward with their concept, because next to the aqua farm is the restaurant. It would be amusing if a seaside spot served mediocre fish, but that’s not the case. Come make a reservation and eat some fried Aholehole with butter noodles.
Genki Sushi
$$ | (808) 491-2222 | WEBSITE
Given that most of the sushi spots in Hilo are traditional sit-down restaurants or grab-and-go counters, Genki Sushi is a refreshing change. It’s a modern eatery with an affordable, tech-driven ordering system. Bring the family, order from your phone, and watch as your dishes arrive on the bullet train conveyor belt right to your table.
Poke Market, LLC
$ | (808) 961-5915 | WEBSITE
Skip the fancy sushi spots with the elaborate omakase menus and the overpriced toro. Instead, hit up Poke Market, a window-service place that looks more like a takeout counter than a restaurant. But this takeout counter happens to have some of the best poke around. Post up at one of the two small sidewalk tables, have a couple of their meticulously crafted dishes, and keep both the 20 Piece Oshizushi box and the average Joe poke bowl coming until you’re full.
Kawamoto Store
$ | (808) 935-8209 | WEBSITE
This is a real community-friendly place that serves a lot of needs. Kawamoto Store is ideal for when you want to head out and grab a comfortable takeout meal without it being a big ordeal. There’s something for everyone and a giant display case of fresh options that everyone should try.
Tenkatori Hilo
$ | (808) 990-5051 | WEBSITE
If you’re a regular Hilo foodie, then you know what we’re about to say. If you’re new here, welcome. Settle in, because we have some great news. Tenkatori Hilo is one of the best Japanese fried chicken spots in Hilo. A side of crispy karaage wings is a must.
Takenoko Sushi Llc
$$$ | (808) 933-3939 | WEBSITE
Takenoko Sushi is a small, intimate destination for a reason. Everything at the sushi bar is fresh and authentic, with only eight seats, so it’s a great place to go when you want to avoid the crowds. There are sure things like toro and salmon and more adventurous moves like anago or hotaru ika, but no matter what, you should order the omakase while you’re here.
Nori’s Saimin and Snacks
$ | (808) 935-9133 | WEBSITE
Can a saimin spot conquer Hilo? Maybe not the world, but Nori’s has certainly captured the island. What began as a humble local eatery has evolved into a takeout-only destination. But you can’t argue with success, because the lineup of Hawaiian-Japanese comfort dishes is fantastic, from the classic Hilo style saimin to the inventive garlic fry saimin with teriyaki beef. The portions are massive but only around $12-15 per bowl, so make sure to bring a friend or two.
Ebisuya Sushi
$ | (808) 961-6840 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a casual spot where you can debate the merits of different soy sauces, or discuss important topics like the best fish for beginners, head to Ebisuya Sushi. This local favorite in Hilo serves fresh sushi like the popular Akebono roll, eel rolls, and nigiri options, and a friendly staff who will suggest trying squid if you’re feeling adventurous while letting you enjoy the fresh air on the bench outside.
In other words, it’s exactly the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time savoring every piece of that reasonably priced 30-piece sushi deal for $22.
Izakaya Miyo
$$$ | (808) 935-2273 | WEBSITE
One thousand times more serene than a typical patio, Izakaya Miyo takes on the task of serving Japanese cuisine in a space overlooking Big Island Candies and the surrounding greenery. Simple small plates shine here, and it’s a great place to come for light bites at the bar or on a weeknight dinner. The outdoor seating provides a calming ambiance, with the Combination A offering a satisfying blend of flavors at around $25.
The staff’s attentiveness and the chef’s attention to detail make every visit stellar, full of energy and Aloha.
Kandi’s Drive Inn
$ | (808) 959-8461 | WEBSITE
Kandi’s Drive Inn is the type of roadside spot you wish you could pull into every day. And if you work an early shift in Hilo, this might be possible. This simple, cash-only spot specializes in local favorites and classic burgers, and serves fantastic food packed with flavor and value. Besides being a great takeout option for staples like the Loco Moco and those perfect French fries, grabbing one of the outside tables on a weekday morning isn’t too difficult.
The restaurant manages to stay unpretentious even when the line forms at the walk-up window, but you might have to wait a bit for your order as it’s made fresh. That just provides more time to decide whether to add another burger to the meal.
Kitchen Umeko, LLC
$ | (808) 437-3483 | WEBSITE
Kitchen Umeko, LLC began as a humble take-out shop, but has established itself as a go-to spot for authentic Japanese fare. Like a perfectly seasoned chicken yakisoba that hits all the right notes, or a sushi roll praised for its fresh, flavorful ingredients. And if you want something truly impressive, their poke bowl loaded with generous amounts of tuna offers a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
The sashimi set, sourced directly from Japan, and the Inari poke round out the selection with quality that makes this quick, affordable lunch a standout.
Sunlight Café
$ | (808) 934-8833 | WEBSITE
Sunlight Café delivers exactly what you would expect from a top Japanese spot in Hilo. There’s a variety of comforting dishes, ranging from a classic tonkatsu to a chicken curry praised as the best Japanese-style curry on the Big Island, and it’s a very cozy, intimate atmosphere. It’s full of quiet elegance, with relaxing music and friendly, efficient service. The miso soup is also great, so make sure to enjoy a bowl of that.