Yes, Hilo Ponds is good. Great service. Very good food. Not quite as innovative as Hilo Bay Cafe, but the ambiance and service are much better. Hilo Bay Cafe has the best food in Hilo (this food writer's opinion) but the service screws up the over all experience
sometimes (not always.) If you make a reservation you are more likely to get better service. It would be my first choice because of the top quality local ingredients done creatively.
We love Kaleos too, the food is very good, but they seem to have a difficult time keeping help. There is almost always an ad in the paper for a cook or server. And I have been there when service was very slow, though the food is good and if you are in Puna, it is great to have a nice restaurant so close.
Nihon is very good, and ambiance is better than many places in Hilo. It is a great place to go with a group. Service is also very consistent there. We were there with a large group and our server remembered everyone's order without writing anything down and that included a variety of cocktails and wines.
I have to agree with Carol on Pescatore. We have found it hit or miss and since I went to cooking school in Italy I am kind of picky when it comes to Italian. I have not gone to the Magic Pan yet, however, I have two foodie friends who tried it and felt exactly like Carol about it... too rich.
Prices are about the same at Coconut Grill, Hilo Bay Cafe, Hilo Ponds, Nihon, Cafe Pesto and Kaleo's. I would choose one of those since it is a special dinner.
We LOVE Miyos, it is next to Wes' office and we go there for lunch a lot, but I would not put it in the special occasion category. It is also BYOB. We also like Garden Snack Club a lot, really great fresh Thai inspired food for great prices. Also BYOB, but also not "Special Occasion."
I am sure any place that you take your friends will be special because you are treating them!
Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany
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