Cafe il Mondo
About
A Slice of Italy on the Hamakua Coast
Walking through the historic town of Honokaa, the aroma of garlic and wood-fired crust pulls you straight into Cafe il Mondo. This spot serves as the local gathering point for those craving thin-crust, New York-style pizzas crafted with a Mediterranean touch. The open-air setup captures the trade winds sweeping through Big Island’s northern coastline, making it a perfect retreat after exploring the nearby Waipio Valley lookout.
The Art of the Crust
Chef-owner Peter Pelligrino brings a straightforward approach to the menu. The pies here are known for their distinctively crisp crust and fresh, high-quality toppings that avoid the grease trap common in many pizza joints. Whether you go for a classic margherita or the locally inspired veggie combinations, the ingredients stand out against the backdrop of their traditional oven. Beyond the pizza, the menu features hearty calzones and crisp salads that balance the richness of the cheese.
The Honokaa Rhythm
The atmosphere is strictly laid-back. Expect a casual, sometimes bustling energy where locals catch up and visitors slow down their pace. It is the type of place where you might find yourself waiting a few extra minutes for a table during the weekend rush, but the wait is easily spent wandering the surrounding vintage storefronts of Mamane Street. Just be mindful of the limited evening parking in this quiet town—it is best to arrive early and enjoy a stroll through the district before settling in for dinner.
Amenities & Features
Location
45-3580 Mamane St, Honokaa, Hawaii, 96727-6973
More to Explore
More cuisines in Honokaa
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 291 community reviewsWilliam JonesGoogle Maps
Recently
This place is amazing! Delicious pizza and we sat out on the beautiful veranda and they let our doggie sit with us. A must do!
Brad RogersGoogle Maps
Recently
Love this place. It has a stone pizza oven where they make some of the most amazing pizzas. They are nothing like the big pizza chain pizzas. Each one of these are hand crafted and loaded with wonderful toppings. Keep in mind they only server a few tables at a time as food quality is more important that quantity. Be prepared you my have to wait a bit, but it is worth it!!!
Jerry McEwenGoogle Maps
Recently
Excellent Italian food in beautiful Honoka'a. The service is quick and personable. Good beer and wine selection. Oven fired pizza and canzone.
BrianGoogle Maps
Recently
This was the very first restaurant we stopped at on our Big Island trip, and it did NOT disappoint. The vibe was welcoming right away, and our waitress Aiza was super cheerful and full of energy — it really set the tone. The chicken wings were INSANE 🤤 easily some of the best on the island — savory, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The pizza was just as solid with a great crust and texture. Big shoutout to the man making the wings and pizzas back there 👏 If we’re ever back on the Big Island, we’re definitely coming back.
Shelley HamGoogle Maps
Recently
Cafe El Mondo is a really cute place. The pizza is good and the lemon drop cocktails are superb. Live entertainment was lovely. A great excuse to visit the sleepy town of honokaa.
AliciaGoogle Maps
Recently
First time here. Came after receiving a recommendation from a local. Did not disappoint. Got a cheese pizza and a pepperoni pizza. We left full and happy!
Hakima MGoogle Maps
Recently
We discovered this restaurant by chance! We were really lucky! As the pizza was so good, very tasty with fresh products :) The people working inside are really friendly 👍 very great choice if you decide to go!
Murray FenwickGoogle Maps
Recently
This restaurant has to be among the best on the Big Island. Authentic wood fired pizzas, Calzones and simple but delicious home made pasta dishes with a very accommodating chef that was happy to customise meals to our requirements. The service is very friendly and welcoming. This restaurant is located in a small town on the North Coast and is well worth stopping at. The opening hours are a little restricted and was only open for lunch when we visited.
Josephine WardGoogle Maps
Recently
Cool little restaurant with great ambiance. Food was yummy. The service was great and everything was spread out with a good pace to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and our meal.
Martin LeppenGoogle Maps
Recently
Had a wonderful late lunch here. The pizzas were freshly created and baked. Every change that we wanted to a pizza on the menu was possible and not at all an issue. Very cheerful waitress and very nice music by a live musician!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cafe il Mondo
Common questions from diners about Cafe il Mondo in Honokaa.
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