Eat

---

The good news is, people in Hilo like food. There are a number of excellent places to eat ranging from the local plate lunch, to a few passable upscale establishments.

Hilo is known for its locally-made ice cream. It's some of the best on earth and can be found several places, including Hilo Homemade Ice Cream downtown at 41 Waianuenue Avenue.

Blane's Drive-In, 150 Wiwoole St. and 217 Waianuenue Av. Falling into the category of "plate lunch" place, Blane's has a large, inexpensive menu. Perfect for a heavy lunch after surfing for a couple of hours. A plate lunch, for those who don't know, usually consists of 2 scoops of steamed rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and your choice of a variety of extremely fattening delicious goodness. For the less adventurous, they also serve up burgers, fries, chili, etc. They are famous for their loco mocos.

Cafe 100, 969 Kilauea Ave, Tel: 808-935-8683. In honor of the famed 100th Infantry Army Battallion, Mr. Miyashiro who served in the 100th during World War II, established this local restaurant with his wife in 1945. Destroyed twice by the devastating tsunamis, Cafe 100 offers good food at a great price. Known for their famous "Loco Moco" consisting of a bowl of rice with a hamburger patty, gravy and an egg, it is one of the best places to "grind" on the island and a local favorite.

Restaurant Miwas, 1261 Kilauea Av., Tel: 808-961-4454. An upscale Japanese restaurant, ask about their famous Chirashi bowls, you won't be disappointed. Located in the Hilo Shopping Center.

Seaside Restaurant, 1790 Kalanianaole Ave, Tel: 808-935-8825. One of the best places to be served an "ono" and fresh seafood lunch or dinner. Seaside can be found on Kalanianaole street. More upscale dining but worth the price with great service.

Cafe Pesto, 308 Kamehameha Av., Tel: 808-969-6640, . If you have a memory of coming to Hilo as a child, and eating in a reasonably nice restaurant with a view of the bay, chances are it was Cafe Pesto. They have a wide range of food, everything from pizzas to furikake-crusted ono. It's also open late, which is a definite plus in Hilo.

Francine Marie This deceptively titled restaurant serves some of the best Mexican food in Hilo featuring fresh, handmade corn tortillas. They're open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8-3. Save room for desserts like their luscious liliko'i and coconut cream puffs as well as scrumptious coconut macaroons. It's worth the effort if you are in the area.

The Hilo Bay Cafe, 315 Makaala Street, #109, Tel: 808-935-4939. This restaurant was started by the owners of a local health food store (Island Naturals) and features excellent cuisine, featuring local organic produce, etc. A great place for a date. Try a Mojito, you'll thank me. The name is somewhat misleading, since it's actually located in the Prince Kuhio Mall, close to Wall-Mart. Strange location, fabulous place. Reservations may be required on Friday or Saturday nights.

Ken's House of Pancakes, 1730 Kamehameha...