Hilo Lunch Shop
Tucked away at 421 Kalanikoa St in Hilo, Hawaii, Hilo Lunch Shop has become a staple for locals and visitors seeking delicious, affordable meals on the go. Known for its traditional okazuya-style menu, this casual eatery offers a diverse selection of dishes that blend local flavors with comfort food favorites. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch, a family meal, or simply craving some authentic Hawaiian food, Hilo Lunch Shop delivers an experience that's both satisfying and uniquely local.
Menu Highlights: A Tasty Snapshot
The menu at Hilo Lunch Shop is a reflection of the island's culinary influences, showcasing a blend of seafood, meats, and fresh salads that locals love. For those with a penchant for crispy and flavorful bites, the tempura section is a standout. Offerings like fishcake, vegetable tempura, and ono shrimp are popular for their light batter and fresh ingredients. Vegetarians will appreciate the eggplant tempura and other vegetable options that offer both flavor and texture.
For a heartier meal, the shop serves Ni Shime and Long Rice, two comforting dishes that pair well with the restaurant's fried chicken, shoyu chicken, or yakitori options. If you're in the mood for a refreshing side, the Mac Potato Salad, Warabi Salad, and Namasu Beansprout offer a tangy, crisp complement to the main course.
The Convenience and Atmosphere of Hilo Lunch Shop
Hilo Lunch Shop has built a reputation not just for its food, but for its convenience and accessibility. The restaurant caters to the needs of the modern diner by offering delivery, takeout, and the option to reserve a table. It's ideal for those in a rush, but also provides a welcoming spot for those who prefer to eat in. The restaurant accepts credit cards, Android Pay, and Apple Pay, making payment hassle-free.
For customers looking for a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of convenience, Hilo Lunch Shop checks all the boxes. It's perfect for families, as it is good for kids and has bike parking for those who enjoy a leisurely ride to lunch. Despite the casual setting, there’s a TV to keep you entertained while you dine, and Wi-Fi is available for those who need to stay connected. The private lot parking is a bonus in the busy area, ensuring that your visit is hassle-free.
What Makes Hilo Lunch Shop So Beloved
As with many local gems, Hilo Lunch Shop is known for its loyal customer base and reputation for serving up great food. Customers rave about the fish cake and warabi salad, with one reviewer noting, "They make the BEST fish cake and warabi salad! Love all the flavors of everything I've ordered." It's clear that the fresh and flavorful offerings have earned this shop its reputation as a go-to lunch spot in Hilo.
Another frequent customer shared their experience of how the shop draws in locals with its unbeatable food and quick service. "The place to go for locals, so you know it's good. Go early because they say they are open till 1:00, but once they run out of stuff, they are out." This highlights the shop's popularity and the need to arrive early if you want to get your favorite dish before it runs out. The quick service ensures that even with a line out the door, your meal will be ready before you know it.
Finally, Hilo Lunch Shop's affordability stands out in a town where great meals can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. One satisfied customer mentioned, "We got all that food for $17; it's such a steal!" For those seeking an affordable, filling meal, this spot is hard to beat.
Reviews
The place to go for locals - so you know it's good. Go early because they say they are open til 1:00 - but once they run out of stuff, they are out. You can order a bento or a box of items. Everything is "to go". They pack chopsticks or forks and napkins for you. Be prepared to wait in line. It goes pretty quickly. I could tell I wasn't a local because they were all there in their zoris. Service is efficient and nice. You order at the counter as they fill your box. We had 7 pieces of chicken, 6 pieces of sushi and macaroni salad for a total of $23. We ate it for lunch and dinner. You can't beat it! I would call to make sure they are open, because they close for catering done days. We got lucky!
Long time established business to get okazuya . Hilo Lunch Shop has been a local's favorite place that to this day, the line is still out the door. The fact that we got all that food for $17 is such a steal! Come here early or plan accordingly. Parking lot is quite small. Despite the line, service can go by fast as long as you know what to order before you get to the front.
Time to update my review of da world FAMOUS - Hilo Lunch Shop in sleepy Hilo town. Whenever I eat okazuya, I can't but help to think about my Yelp buddy - Bruddah Dan O., as he is da KING of okazuya! Lol! While working in Hilo two weeks ago, I made it appoint to stop by one of my old favorite stomping grounds, as you never can go wrong by coming to the Hilo Lunch Shop. The okazuya selection is pretty immense, and while I was waiting in that long line to place my food order, one can just go nuts thinking about what to order when you see all that deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicous food! At the end, I ended up getting - 1. Korean Chicken 2. Egg Omlet or Egg Foo Young 3. Nori Chicken (I got 2 pieces) 4. Shrimp Tempura (I got 2 pieces) 5. Vegetable Tempura 6. Nori Musubi Outstanding prices for all this food, as it was just $12.00 bucks & some change. Can we say - DEALAGES Yo!!!! Parking is easy, as there is a pretty large private parking lot. There is no inside or outside seating at this place. It's basically a grab & go kinda joint. A very POPULAR eatery, as da locals really dig it! If you like ono kine GRINDZ, this is definitely a place you should check out!
We've been here a couple of times when we were cruising Hilo side. Prices are good and the food is pretty good too... (except my fried chicken was super dry like jerky) other than that, food is tasty. Workers are pretty nice too. Lines are long depending on the day and time you go but be patient, it's worth it. We will be back!
They make the BEST fish cake and warabi salad! Love all the flavors of everything I've ordered.