...and it was worth it. Lunch was great, service was terrific, and the ambiance is charming. This, and its sister restaurant on the west side of the island, have long been favorites of mine when I visit the Big Island. While the sister restaurant missed the mark for me a little on this trip, the Hilo restaurant did not. Everything is good, but try a smoothie for a treat.

This was out first visit to Cafe Pesto and we can't wait to eat here again. We were immediately seated when we arrived. We ordered calamari, crab cake salad, linguini, and spinach/dried tomato pizza. ALL delicious. Everything tasted fresh. Service was immaculate. Server came often to refill our water and replenish our bread basket. For the three of us, meal and drinks cost was about $80. The night we visited had live music too.

It was my first full day in Hilo, I was jet lagged and looking for a fresh and tasty salad. The gentleman in the visitor center recommended Cafe Pesto and he was right. The salad of the day had fresh shrimp that tasted like shrimp (not the watery kind) and the greens were crisp and tasty. Table service was friendly and attentive and they sat me near a window where I could watch the people strolling by and nowhere near the kitchen, the latter which is often where solo eaters are relegated. Prices were in line with other restaurants like Pesto in Hilo.

Great lunch. View of waterfront. Friendly people and nice environment. Good menu selection. They have an amazing sauce they make each day We put it on our Burger and fish wonderful.