Coco Cantina — Restaurant in Hawaii

Having dined at Coco Cantina in Hilo for the fifth time, I'm thrilled to report that their exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and the vibrant atmosphere have not only remained consistent but have somehow managed to exceed my already high expectations. It's not often that a restaurant continually charms and surprises you on each visit, but Coco Cantina does just that.

From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with the kind of warmth and hospitality that makes you feel right at home. The staff, with their unwavering attention to detail and impeccable service, ensures every dining experience is seamless. And yet again, Blake, our server, managed to elevate our evening with his intuitive service and expert recommendations. His knack for anticipating our needs without a word and his thoughtful suggestions have become something we look forward to each time we visit.

The food, as always, was a spectacle for the senses. Each dish, a familiar favorite or a new culinary adventure recommended by Blake, was prepared to perfection. It's fascinating to see how the kitchen continues to innovate and elevate their offerings, making each visit a unique experience. The attention to detail, from the presentation to the combination of flavors, is nothing short of culinary artistry.

What stands out the most, perhaps, is the consistency of excellence Coco Cantina achieves. It's a rare gem that manages to maintain such high standards while continuously evolving. The ambiance, too, remains inviting and lively, making every dinner feel like a special occasion.

In conclusion, my fifth visit to Coco Cantina was as memorable as the first, if not more so. This isn't just dining; it's an experience—a celebration of food, service, and atmosphere that you won't find just anywhere. Coco Cantina, with its unparalleled dedication to creating the perfect dining experience, has solidified its place as my go-to restaurant in Hilo. Here's to many...

I had intended to give them 4 stars, but as I was writing this review I started to have an allergic reaction (I have a severe dairy allergy) and had to take some Benadryl. To their credit, our waitress took careful notes on my allergy. I’m guessing it was some sort of cross-contamination with the fryer oil, or some small amount of butter in something.

I ordered the carne asada protein bowl and some sort of rum cocktail, and my friend got the carne asada burrito.

The pros: a lovely design + interior, personable service, excellent fresh chips and good salsa, a diverse bar menu with local drink options, and some innovative cocktails.

The cons: the food, as my friend said, was serviceable, but tasted like store-bought foods combined on a plate. That’s not bad, per-say, but it wasn’t striking, either. We were asked how we wanted our carne asada cooked and said medium rare, and yet the meat came out in small, well done steak-um-like shreds…again, not a problem per-say, but I thought it odd to ask about done-ness.

Overall: Friendly service and the atmosphere were big pros! The carne asada was ok, the beans were good, the lettuce tasted bagged but serviceable, and the guac, pico de gallo, and the Mexican rice were pretty standard. I think this place has a lot of potential, but I think they would benefit from using more local ingredients, less ice in the mixed drinks (to prevent watering down; maybe use smaller glasses?) and I wish I hadn’t had an allergic reaction. My friend will certainly be back to try more; given that I’m not feeling well, I might just stick to the...

III years ago, I moved from Cali to Hilo & it was da best decision of my "La Vita Loca", but I gotta' admit I do miss the "Caliente Cuisine"...

I'm not jus' talkin' about "Miami Heat"... I'm talkin' about seducing, sizzling, savory favors...

Imagine my surprise when I casually & curiously "two-stepped" into Da Coco Cantina & found myself in "Margaritaville" ...

Let's begin with the open-space ambiance where the "waiting area" tempts you into da cocktail lounge hosted by a seasoned "Barista"... & I'm not talkin' about a "frappuccino"... these are real blended, shaken, & stirred drinks!

If you have any, "Faith in La Vita", then have faith in Da Coco Cantina Crew (DCCC)... they will guide your platte into an "Endless Summer"...

My Faith took me towards a Jalapeño Margarita, a splash of Hawaiian Ono, accompanied with tres amigos soft-taco carnitas... all the flavors well balanced, the carnitas juicy and tender, and healthy hearty portions...

Walking out, I saw a sign "off the wall", I did a "double-take"... #Espresso_Martini ? Now that's got me curious about their desserts...

Oh, Coco Cantina... you've got a way to entice da locals to get a little Coco...