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Cafe Il Mondo
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
22 reviews for Cafe Il Mondo
Review Highlights
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"Simple, fresh ingredients - the calzones are humongous." In 3 reviews -
"...packed with greens; the greek calzone full of artichokes..." In 2 reviews -
"I had the Italian sausage and devoured it in minutes." In 3 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from John L.
McLean, VA
4/9/2012
I had lunch here and it was really good. I had a french dip sandwich, coffee, and Tahitian Vanilla ice cream. The food tastes fresh and is very rich in taste. We also sat with the owners whom were very friendly. I would highly recommend stopping here for a very good meal if you're driving through or staying in the area.
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Review from Emily S.
Eugene, OR
12/5/2011
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. -
Review from Ed F.
Mountain View, CA
4/26/2012
Only ate there once. Had the Hawaiian pizza (of course) and it was one of the best pizzas I've ever had. A little heavy on the cheese, which I guess is an issue if you're not a cheese lover.
If you want wine or beer, you need to bring your own. -
Review from Danielle J.
Washington, DC
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
We stopped by Cafe Il Mondo after several locals recommended it to us. We got the chef salad with tofu, a Hawaiian pizza and the tofu sandwich. The salad came with bread soaked in butter. When I asked for a piece without they happily obliged. My dad loved the pizza saying that everything was fresh (which it certainly is.. we watched them make it in the open kitchen). Our one vice was the sandwich which was loaded with mayo despite failing to mention that it was included in the sandwich. We had already waited quite some time for our food so by that point my sister just tried to scrape it off and eat it. Overall it was a nice place to eat lunch on the way back from the waterfalls.
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Review from Jackie H.
Orange County, CA
12/14/2011
Considering Honoka'a is a small town and most shops close early and are geared towards local flavors this is a good option. I have only been here once while visiting family and I must say I will probably not go back, unless i was starving. If you want pizza or a quick bite to eat and find yourself in an unfamiliar part of the island then yea this works. Friendly staff and it wasn't busy so no complaints there. I only had a pizza which was about as good as something from Dominos or Pizza Hut or any other chain. Though it is important to note that I've actually been to Italy and had authentic Italian pizza so I am a bit spoiled now but like I said you could do worse but don't go expecting something amazing. If you're tired and hungry it'll do the trick but don't expect the best thing ever and you won't be disappointed.
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Review from Eric C.
Let's start with the basics. We were in the middle of NO WHERE. Seriously I couldn't pronounce the name of the town as a mainlander and felt like I had gone back in time 20 years as we drove through the streets (which in many ways was very nice). We had been out on a drive and was about an hour from our condo. So what do you do in a foreign land with nothing but your wit, devilishly handsome good looks, and your iPhone? You pull up Yelp that's what you do given the other two are more fiction than fact! So we did and since we wanted pizza this place sounded like a fit. As I was reading about it, my wife says there's a place and funny enough it was the same Il Mondo that I was reading about.
We walk in and I'm going, what did we get ourselves into? The place is alright looking, but I'm in the middle of the mountains of Hawaii...(seriously Hawaii and looking for pizza!!! are you kidding). We sit down and the place is okay, nothing fancy and kind of small yet then again it's kind of cool and obviously not a chain which is good (support your local economy and all).
I read about the calzone on yelp so being a fan by nature I order my stand by the italian sausage while my wife orders the Greek. We wait and take in the scenes of the restaurant for what felt like a good amount of time, but the waitress was nice and we weren't in a rush so all is good. Finally after a while the waitress comes around the corner with our food and HOLY COW! This is not a calzone...it's art! I'm mean seriously check out the pics I took they look ridiculous. No wonder we had to wait, they literally made it from scratch and it looked good.
I took the first bite and man was I hooked. It was possibly the best calzone I have ever experienced and I travel a LOT (NYC, Chicago, etc...) and this little hole in the wall had the audacity to create this! What did I do to get so lucky. We ooh'd and ahh'd for what seemed like forever as we devoured what had once been a Picasso of italian inspired perfection.
Note: Cash Only. Does not accept credit cards, but Amazing Food!!!
In the words of the Governator...I'll be back! -
Review from Mike S.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good calzone. After Waipio beach, I was powerful hungry and this place was close and delicious. Service was friendly and the food was terrific. There were unique tables made of an old sewing machine base and one about 12 feet long made of solid rosewood. Cozy and convenient. Will be back.
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Review from Chris R.
Houston, TX
9/12/2011
After an exhausting hike down to Waipi'o Valliey, we were starving on our way back to Kona. We saw this place was open and took a chance on it! It was killer delicious! The calzones were amazing! I had the Italian sausage and devoured it in minutes... I think I might have licked the plate! The most amazing thing happened after we finished eating: the one and only Miss Roseanne Barr walked in and sat down to eat. She agreed to take a picture with us. (She ordered the Greek Calzone so I'm sure it must be delish). I will never forget this place definitely the best meal I've had on any of the islands!
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Review from Phil M.
5/28/2011
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.
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Review from Albert H.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great pizzas here. Tiny location. Must stop on your way to see the outlook view of the cliffs & ocean.
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Review from Kevin R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/31/2009
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! -
Review from Travis M.
Updated - 3/19/2011
A definate stop when passing by Honokaa!! Since I was doing some business there, I knew I had to try this place again. This time I ordered their Italian Sausage Calzone and with the cheese and pepper flakes provided, this was really really good. I think this place is the best non-pasta Italian place in Hawaii. If this place was on Oahu, it'll be packed. But I guess being secluded in a little town makes this place so great.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/18/2008
I was impressed with thsi place in Honokaa. Definately think about driving here again. One of the… Read more »
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Review from Ford J.
North Fork, CA
7/6/2011
Had a great dinner here tonight. Friendly service, food was delicious and reasonable price. Very fresh salad and great calazone -- very reasonable $$.
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Review from Michelle F.
Oakland, CA
3/11/2011
Read all the reviews on yelp, and since this town only had so many restaurants to choose from, we planned to eat at Cafe il Mondo - and are we glad we did. We had a GREAT meal here. When we first walked in, I was a little skeptical about the food, but when our waitress came over we completely fell in love with her and the place. She was adorable. We ordered the antipasto salad and a calzone. They were both DELCIOUS. And their pesto??!!! OMG - to die for. The night we were there, there were 3 people running the place and I think they were all under 21 yrs. They were all very nice, very helpful and working their butts off. My husband and I were really impressed. Don't forgot that you can go across the street to grab a bottle of wine.
A must stop for anyone traveling through Honokaa. -
Review from T D.
Simi Valley, CA
4/27/2011
Amazing food with decent prices! They make everything from scratch, from the pasta sauce to salad dressing it's all so good. Tiny location but worth the wait and sometimes uncomfortable seating (they are moving to a larger location eventually).
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Review from J M.
Kapaa, HI
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.
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Review from Demonica M.
Seattle, WA
1/5/2010
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.
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Review from Don M.
Atherton, CA
1/15/2011
This is the place to go after visiting one the most beautiful places in the world - Waipio Valley on the Big Island. It is only 5 minutes down the road from the Valley, and is the perfect place to finish off a perfect day. Great food, wonderful family owners, and good service. The owner, Sergio (Chilean who plays the flamenco guitar), lived in Italy for a number of years, and brought back all the tools to make great Italian food. His wife, Dena, knows the history of the Island, and works there with the two boys.
Top it off with the best ice cream on the Island (Tropical Dreams). You might even catch a celeb there or two. I hear they will be opening up a larger restaurant down the street in a few months - check it out!
Don M. -
Review from Aaron E.
Urbana, IL
8/24/2008
Who would guess that you could get outstanding pizza and calzones in downtown Honokaa! Fresh ingredients and attention to the little things makes for great food. The spinach calzone was packed with greens; the greek calzone full of artichokes, mushrooms, greek olives, and feta. The place is small, with a few outside tables.
Don't forget to bring your own beer or wine (if you forget, just walk half a block to the TKS store to get some) and cash since they don't take credit cards! -
Review from Shiv G.
Santa Clara, CA
1/5/2011
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 :) -
Review from Laura Y.
Mountain View, CA
9/30/2007
This is a total gem! Honokaa is a small town before you reach the Waipio Valley, a favorite spot of Hawaiian royalty back in the day. This little cafe is on the quaint main stretch of Honokaa. It has fresh ingredients and homey feel. We had a garden salad with their homemade vingarette and veggie Waipio pizza. Really nice folks there and they take good care of you!
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Review from Fred P.
Seattle, WA
9/12/2010
Great little spot. We had a great time eating here, even with our little ones, which is saying a lot. Casual, great homemade food (the calzone with pesto and artichokes was outstanding). You can tell they care about the food and your experience, and it shows. no alcohol served, so BYOB. One of our best meals on the island.
