




Il Gelato Cafe (International Marketplace Kuhio Food Hall 2330 Kalakaua Ave.)
About
A Slice of Italy in the Heart of Waikiki
When the tropical heat of Honolulu reaches its peak, the marble-countered stall inside the International Marketplace food hall offers a refreshing pivot from the typical shave ice circuit. Il Gelato Cafe focuses on the art of traditional Italian craftsmanship, bringing a dense, velvety texture to Kalakaua Avenue that stands out amidst the bustling retail district.
The Flavor Profile
Unlike standard ice cream, the gelato here is churned to minimize air content, resulting in a deep, concentrated flavor. Expect standout rotating options ranging from dark, moody Valrhona chocolate to vibrant, tart passionfruit (lilikoi) sourced from local farms. The stall is situated right near the center of the Kuhio Food Hall, which means you might have to navigate a fair amount of foot traffic during peak dining hours to reach the display case, but the patience pays off once you taste the hazelnut.
Why Visit?
This is the ideal pit stop for those strolling back from the beach who want something sophisticated but casual. The seating is shared communal-style throughout the food hall, so while it isn't an intimate destination for a long dinner, it is the perfect spot for people-watching. You’ll hear the hum of the nearby escalators and the chatter of tourists, adding to the high-energy urban rhythm of the area. It’s an uncomplicated, reliable treat that prioritizes quality ingredients over flashiness.
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Amenities & Features
Location
International Marketplace Kuhio Food Hall 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 4 community reviewsShaun MichaelGoogle Maps
Recently
I did some research for a cool birthday and Genius was an easy choice. Staff was absolutely amazing, atmosphere is great! Low key, cool vibe, Balcony at night is great. Now the food! Food was incredible!!!! Been to a lot of spots on Oahu and this place is top tier. It was so good we decided to come back the next day for dinner and try some new things on menu! (Not a drinker but they did have some great drinks as well!) Highly recommend Genius Lounge! 100% will be back again and again. We did order a decent amount of food and drinks so are bill for 2 probably would be a bit more than normal.
Holly CaldwellGoogle Maps
Recently
The best meal!!! Food was excellent and so perfectly cooked. Highly recommend the Hawaiian Ribeye.The staff was super friendly as well. Definitely coming back 😁
Souriya KhamvongsaGoogle Maps
Recently
It’s a nice place. I did have a hard time finding it, but that’s because my phone didn’t have the best reception. I actually did it like their oyster shooter. It was delicious. My Wife had some noodle dish and I had the hamburger patty with egg and rice, Loco moco. I wish it had more flavor.
WhitneyGoogle Maps
Recently
Pretty casual place. The menu is very limited if youre looking for higher end entrees. I honestly dont really remember what all we had. Its cute to try out but I do not recommend for a special occasion.
Giovanna CalderonGoogle Maps
Recently
Great ambiance and a true hidden gem in Waikīkī. Perfect for an intimate dinner but also great for groups if you want to share more dishes. They have an extensive drink menu with a large selection of sake, plus plenty of seafood and meat options. Favorites were the chicken nanban, furikake ahi, and shrimp dynamite. Looking forward to coming back to try more.
Giusi GrazianoGoogle Maps
Recently
Food was simply delicious! Price also very reasonable. We have had dinner here multiple times and for a reason! Highly recommended!
Olivia SolisGoogle Maps
Recently
Was looking for a casual dining/bar experience and came across Genius Lounge. They have a wide selection of drinks, including Hawaiian-style cocktails and fun mixes. I got the green tea shot and the sailer Jerry Mai tai, both were tasty… and a little strong. I also got the chicken nanban, papakauli short ribs, and surf & turf entree. All the food dishes pleasantly surprised me with the good flavors, especially the Hawaiian bbq sauce rib eye. Literally so juicy and delicious. Would definitely recommend for a late night eat and drink.
Johnathan MahGoogle Maps
Recently
I came here with my girlfriend during our trip to Waikiki to celebrate my birthday, and Genius Lounge absolutely delivered. The atmosphere is a perfect mix of relaxed and lively—ideal for hanging out with friends or enjoying a date night. The food was amazing, especially the fried nanban chicken, which was probably my favorite. Everything we ordered was full of flavor and really well prepared. Their drink menu is massive, with great prices and a lot of variety. Both our drinks were delicious. It’s located right in the heart of Waikiki, close to the beach but somehow still felt like a bit of a hidden gem—not too crowded, which made the experience even better. Will definitely come back next time we’re in town!
Fiona ParkerGoogle Maps
Recently
Love this cozy dive-ish bar tucked away on the 3rd floor. We've been here several times now and have tried several dishes from them. The thing that keeps us coming back are their garlic shrimp, it is simply the best. The shrimp is fresh, the garlic oil is not over powering or heavy. Their kalua pork gyozas were also really good!
Isaac HaalandGoogle Maps
Recently
Great food and a fun atmosphere! Was a great place to go to for Happy hour from 5pm-6pm. You gotta get the garlic curly fries!! Delicious The menu doesn’t specify anything being gluten free, but the staff was extremely helpful. They had a short list of what was gluten free and very accommodating.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Il Gelato Cafe (International Marketplace Kuhio Food Hall 2330 Kalakaua Ave.)
Common questions from diners about Il Gelato Cafe (International Marketplace Kuhio Food Hall 2330 Kalakaua Ave.) in Honolulu.
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