Great pizza with an amazing, unique sauce. My wife thinks it had carrots in it. I don't know if I agree with that, but the the sauce definitely makes the pizza (IMO) and this place makes a solid pie. The mom and pop setting in a quaint Hawaiian town makes this place a winner. read more

Unfortunate there was only one waitress for the lunch rush because the food was good and so were our drinks. We were there for a total of 2.5 hours for lunch. And we had to ask for our second round of drinks, a take out box and check. So we may have been there longer if we hadn't pushed at the end. read more

Wonderful food! Simple, fresh ingredients - the calzones are humongous! Good sauce. Love the bread, too! It's a must for a pit-stop while driving around the island. read more

I've lived near Honokaa for 16 years. One of the first places we went out for dinner was for the pizza here. we've been semi-regular customers ever since. I'm happy to write that the restaurant has moved farther downtown, and the new place is gorgeous. plenty of seating, and a decent stage for music. They now take plastic, and you can purchase wine. best of all, the menu so far hasn't changed. congrats!! read more

Pizza was great!!!!! Would definitely order here again. The restaurant itself was super cute even though I did take out. The waitress and cook were very pleasant. read more

Love it!!!! Finally a great place that we can go to for lunch and dinner with wonderful food and ambience, without driving to Waimea!!! Had a Greek Salad with Lasagna that was delicious. Service was also friendly and efficient. A reviewer named Steve made some scathing remarks in an earlier post. I don't think he understands that when a restaurant; which just opened, usually always has glitches in service etc. but that is to be expected. I think he should come back after a few months and check it out again. read more

Cafe il Mondo - Pizza Near Me - Honokaa, Hawaii

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While backpacking in Hawaii, my boyfriend and I came across Cafe II Mondo when we just so happened to be craving pizza. Luckily, this place was in the unexpected town of Honoka'a. At a glance, the place seems like a typical hole-in-the-wall restaurant. A couple places to sit outside and several tables inside. It was a very intimate setting, which actually I tend to like when eating out. Service was fantastic. The waitress was attentive and on the ball. We noticed when other people came in they were able to bring their own bottles of wine. We thought that was very cool. The prices were intimidating at first, but we were adamant about getting pizza before spending a few days in Waipio Valley. Good thing that was the case. Like I said, we were at first a little weary of spending ~$10.00 on pizza, but when the food was served we were pleased, BIG-TIME. I forgot what we ordered because we actually ate here a few months ago, but the experience was timeless. It was definitely a vegetarian pizza. When the waitress brought our pizza to the table, she sat it down and the aroma filled our nostrils with sweet, rich flavors. To our surprise, it was obvious that the pizza had been made completely fresh and from scratch. I'm not kidding when I say that I had never tasted pizza this good in my entire life. Talk about a rush for your taste buds. A few weeks or so later, we were riding on the hele-on bus coming from Kona to Hilo. As the bus passed through Honoka'a, we saw Cafe II Mondo and were instantly brought back to the unforgettable quality of the pizza there. In a split second, we looked at each other and decided to forget about Hilo for the night. We got off the bus purely for the sake of eating at this place. We had no idea where we would sleep that night, but it was totally worth it to experience the kind of quality food this place offers. We ended up ordering the veggie calzone the second time and loved it just as much as the pizza. I still think about this pizza from time-to-time, and my boyfriend and I have found that no pizza can compare, unless, of course, we make it fresh ourselves ;) I recommend this place as something someone must experience when visiting the island. Really guys, it's just that good. read more

Delicious Food if you like Italian Food, everything from calzones to Pasta with amazing Appeitizers!!!! Not to mention the famous Back Door. If you don't know what that is you have to find out. I love it. That's why it's five stars. The ambience and the whole Restaurant Decor is full of elegant details from the ceiling to the floors. My family is defiantly going to be a regular. read more

Cafe il Mondo - This Martinis are to die for. I love love love it! - Pizza Near Me - Honokaa, Hawaii

We were excited to eat here, given the rave reviews and pretty photos posted by other Yelpers. After a long day, we were also looking forward to having a beer with dinner. Because I'm pregnant, I don't really need more than a sip, so my husband brought one 12 ounce bottled beer into the restaurant after we read that it was BYOB. The waitress promptly brought us a bottle opener and 2 glasses. The calzones were okay. Just okay. Pretty to look at but kind of light and doughy, and not particularly substantial. We shared a decent salad that was on the very spendy side for some greenery. An order of cheesy potatoes was just that - spears of potatoes with some cheese slapped upon them. Then came the bill. We were charged, without warning, $3.75 corkage fee for sharing the bottle of beer. After protesting, she told us it would've been $2.00 but because the pregnant lady (me) took a sip, it cost $3.75. Apparently the corkage fee is listed on the back side of the menu on the beverage side, where you wouldn't look if there was no beer to order! A simple apology, or waiver of the fee (in a cash-only establishment where they clearly weren't going to report this) would have remedied the situation. Instead, we were left feeling grumpy and pissed off on our otherwise stellar vacation. And of course, it would've helped sooth our annoyance if the calzones were better. read more

First of all, let me begin by saying that Honokaa was my favorite of all the towns we visited on the Big Island. It was my favorited because it was filled with glorious treasures for the tastebuds. After driving from Kona to Waipio Valley, we were hungry for some lunch and we wanted to stop by this town to explore and eat. I was so stoked to see photos of calzones on Yelp, that I rushed over to order one. Being a New Yorker, I am always appreciative of a delicious calzone. This one was really good. I have lived in Hawaii for a few years now, and a calzone is hard to come by, no less a good one. I was really excited about this. I went into their cute restaurant and chatted with the friendly girl behind the counter who happily told me to come back in about 20 minutes to pick up my pepperoni calzone. It was so worth the wait. The outside of the calzone was crispy and the cheese inside was gooey. My marinara sauce was also delicious. It was so yummy. I shared it with my pops and he agreed it was really good. Thank you, Cafe Il Mondo, for making me feel nostalgic that afternoon. That calzone took me back. It was such a pleasant surprise to find this place in this small town, but it was awesome. read more

Yum, yum! We had a Calzone (huge!) and a Greek salad. Both were well prepared with good flavor. Service was great, too. Very nice atmosphere. The only issue was that there was construction going on at the entry to the restaurant and it was pretty distracting. Other than that would recommend this place. read more

Great lunch, service & atmosphere! We ordered 2 pizzas for lunch the Honakaa & Pauillo the best on the Hamakua coast. The crust was perfect & over all the pizza very tasty. Salad very fresh, drinks are great with a cool bar. read more

Never thought I'd have to do this. Fabulous food but while reconciling my cc statement I saw this restaurant added $4.00 to my cc receipt! I gave a 20% tip so I don't think the server did it. Must be management. Hope they are not doing it to everyone. We live here and we won't be going back. read more

Finding this restaurant in the middle of nowhere is another example of why I love Yelp. While checking out the Waipioo lookout point with my family, we realized it was 1pm and we were starving. Pulled out the iPhone Yelp app and this place came up with 24reviews and 4.5 stars so why even bother looking at other places. We ordered the pastrami sandwich and turkey sandwich which were terrific! The sandwich was toasted which was a nice touch and it was big and only 7.50. We held the mayo and it was still very moist and the bread was super fresh. We also ordered the big island pizza for the boys (cheese, ham (great smoked flavor) and fresh sweet pineapple. They make the thin crust dough fresh and a hefty portion of cheese (which I liked) that had a nice flavor. I could wait to eat the leftovers for dinner:) The staff was super friendly, even after my 5 yo dumped water everywhere. I loved the small town charm of this place. We will def be back if ever in the area again. read more

We stopped in here on our way around the island. We tried going to another place, but there were 8 of us and they couldn't accommodate us so we popped in here. So glad we did. The place is small and didn't seem like much but we ordered the owner's namesake pizza, Sergio's, with pesto and it was seriously fantastic. read more

Stopped in just before going to Waipio, only had a few minutes to grab a bite. The young waitress was extremely friendly and accommodating with our time crunch. We ordered the big island pizza, grabbed some water, she put our pie in a box and we were out. Pizza is a bit pricy, but it was worth it. Sauce was great and lots of toppings. Also bring cash like many mom and pop shops they don't take credit cards. read more

Cute little pizza place in downtown Honokaa. It was first Friday and we were going to go to Gandmas across the street but it was busy so we came here. We got a nice side table for the two of us. In the center of the dining room there is a large "community" table..I glad we got our own table as I feel that could feel a little cramped. We got the Waipio pizza and a side salad..both were very good! They had a lot of people picking up to-go orders so it was just a little slow getting to the table. They don't serve alcohol but you can bring your own. They provide the glasses if needed but do charge a 3$ and change corking fee. Still a good deal to me as we bought a bottle for as much as a glass is anyway. My husband walked to the market while we waited for our salad. Very good food, decent prices and friendly staff! read more

Cafe il Mondo - Brought our own wine and shared the Waipio :) - Pizza Near Me - Honokaa, Hawaii

A short heads-up. Cafe Il Mundo has moved a few doors away...to a new building -- a new restaurant-- representing the owner's vision. I can honestly say I've not been in a more beautiful restaurant. Pics to be posted later (broken USB port). read more

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Great food beautiful full bar Ate there today for my friends birthday They were closed until Dinner, but the owner went out of her way and let us in Had a fabulous lunch great cocktails Then we left,walked around town,ran into other friends and went back It was still early and she let us in again! Love this place read more

Amazing upgrade to Cafe Il Mondo!! The food is still as fresh and delicious as it comes and now you can order beer and wine! We ordered the chef salad with the house vinaigrette (my favorite dressing on the island) it comes with their fresh baked focaccia bread which just melts in your mouth. We also shared the Sergio's pizza with pepperoni which was cooked perfectly, just the right amount of sauce with fresh mushrooms...delish. The ambiance is gorgeous and it is always a delight to see the owners walking around conversing with the customers. Its a must visit if you are passing through Honokaa. They now take credit cards too which is great!! read more

Cafe il Mondo - New Cafe il Mondo!! - Pizza Near Me - Honokaa, Hawaii

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Found this place in the middle of nowhere on the way to a wagon tour on the Big Island of Hawaii. Small little Italian place. Surprisingly good calzones. read more

Cute little cafe in Honoka'a Town. Delicious greek salad and pizza to share! Pizza, calzone, sandwiches, salads. Friendly service!

The best service in Hawaii! Best pizza's ever! Music, atmosphere and delicious food! They have a good good Beer from Italy! read more

What an awesome little restaurant. Tucked into an out-of-the-way location, this restaurant provided excellent food and service. The pastrami sandwich was excellent: fresh bread, tasty meat...easily the best sandwich I've had in months. read more

Cafe il Mondo - Great view of the street for people watching. - Pizza Near Me - Honokaa, Hawaii

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If you are on the big island, a must see is Waipi'o valley. After your killer hike (it's no joke) make sure to stop in at Cafe il Mondo. Located in the hostoric town of Honoka'a, this little jewel is a wonderful find. There were plenty of locals eating here which is usually a good sign. The staff is friendly, the food is good the cocktails are amazing. Make sure to try the Waipio Rocks lilikoi lihing mui margarita. It is divine! The pizza dough is made fresh onsite daily and you can tell! Hubby and I had the calzone. They were moist and delicious! read more

Cafe il Mondo - Waipio Rocks lilikoi lihing mui margarita - Pizza Near Me - Honokaa, Hawaii

Great hole-in-the-wall Italian Cafe. Didnt expect to find Italian food this good on the Big Island. Try a calzone or meatball sub. You won't be disappointed. Service was a little slow but it was busy and only one server was working. Worth the wait though. read more

Bangin' pizza on the Big Island's north side? Who'd'a thunk it!! Mondo serves up authentic Hawaiian pizza... I don't even know what I mean by "authentic Hawaiian pizza," but go see for yourself. OUTSTANDING! read more

Great food. Get the pesto calzone. We also had the pizza. Service was super kind and quick. Will return. read more

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That there pastrami sandwich is good but it needs to be less greasy an there service is kind of slow

After a couple of hours in waipio hiking Hi'ilawe to the most gorgeous waterfall, you really work up an appetite. We were looking forward to eating at Cafe Il mondo craving pizzas and calzones esp. Since this cute little place is BYOB! We had a very nice waitress "Denna" who brought us glasses for our beers and wines! We ordered the waimea pizza, Sergio's calzone and I had the Italian sausage calzone which was super delicious I ate the whole thing and after leaving I was still craving for another calzone because it's just that goooood!!!! read more

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I am a long time local on the Big Island. My skin color is brown. Last night before the Dave Mason concert, 5 PM, went to the restaurant. The owner of the restaurant was the hostess I was told, and was not too cordial to me. I wonder if it's because my skin was brown and not white. If I was the owner or a worker, I'd show a big "ALOHA" to all. Service and kindness is very important. Nora U. read more

Found this place based on the other Yelpers' reviews. It's definitely as good as they say. Awesome place to stop in for appetizers, pizza, and refreshments. read more

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Service was very friendly and prompt. The food was DELICIOUS! My family ordered calzones and raved about them. I ordered the Penne with Sausage and mushrooms but substituted linguine for the penne. I want to go back already and order it again! The garlic bread was delicious as well. Compliments to the staff and their very talented chef! We'll be back soon! read more

We've had a lots of pizzas, but this one was right up there on the top! The chef understood what exactly we wanted and made sure we got the best. I would really recommend anyone visiting the Big Island to pay these guys a visit. The service was a little slow, but in their defense, they are a very small restaurant. They do not accept credit/debit cards, so remember to take enough cash. The pizzas were about 13 bucks apiece. To summarize, these pizzas are the best we've EVER had. We wouldn't mind going back to Hawaii just to eat here :) read more

Stopped in for lunch. We shared a sausage calzone. It was delicious!! By far, our best food on the Big Island! Pros: small quiet place with great food and nice staff. Reasonably priced! Lots of Great Italian options! You can smell the basil when you walk in and everything that came out of the kitchen looked and smelled very appetizing! Cons: We got our food about 25-30 minutes after ordering. Just a tad slow, but it is because everything is fresh and made to order. read more

Cafe il Mondo - Cafe IL Mondo... Delicious Italian food!! - Pizza Near Me - Honokaa, Hawaii

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In town for the 130th Honoka'a High School Reunion. As we walked the street, we came across this Italian restaurant. Decor is beautiful & I was impressed. Although the waitress was friendly, she initially forgot the kind of wine I ordered so came back to ask me again. Place wasn't really packed & I believe there were 3 waitresses. After waiting about 1/2 an hour we finally got our salads & then it was another 15 minutes or so that we got our entrees. The calzone was burnt on the top & slightly undercooked within. I expected a variety of different vegetables in it but there were only onions, bits of tomato, & olives. Overall, the food was disappointing & the serving of our dinner took too long. I see the glowing comments others have given so maybe we were there on an "off" night with a different chef? read more

The pizza was to die for. My husband doesn't even like pizza that much and he loved it. Great wine and beer. Beautiful resturant. The owners are hands on and super nice. Do not miss this restaurant or this town read more

Great lunch stop in town. Check the hours if you plan to have lunch though as they close in the afternoon for a bit. Fantastic meatball sandwich. read more

I come here for the best food on the island; all the time 5stars, but today we went for someones birthday we sat down and the waitress brought water.never asked if we wanted a drink.,waitress came and we ordered two pastas and meatballs and two other dishes. pastas said no salad could we have extra bread? waitress said yes. food was great one diner received her salad with her dinner.now I have to decide is lousy service worth driving from kona frank c read more

Overpriced and small portions of Costco food, served with a smile!