Today we are dining at Big Island Pizza Napoletana above Costco in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. We tried this place in a rush one evening and were so impressed that I came back to officially review the restaurant. The setting is a relaxed pizzeria. Not much for ambience but we are not here for ambience. We are here for amazing pizza.

We start with Italian sodas. Leise orders vanilla. I order vanilla and peppermint. The service is friendly and casual. I feel no rush of anything. I am relaxed just sitting here watching the sports network on the television while I type and wait for my delicious hand tossed pizza.

We order the Roasted Eggplant pizza with marinara sauce, mozzarella, roasted eggplant, goat cheese, and caramelized onions. Just describing it to you is making my mouth water. I’m getting so excited. Last time we were here it was so good that I am hating the waiting.  Soon, Jim. Soon….

The diversity of the menu is quite fantastic: Spinach and Caramelized Onions; Smoked Salmon; Garlic and Sausage; Spinach Pesto; Prosciutto and Arugula; and many more. The prices are quite reasonable.

The waiting is over. Oh no. Now I have to wait for it to cool. From first bite the mozzarella cheese is lite, flavorful, and dances on my tongue. Second bite: the eggplant melts with a burst of flavor while the undertones of the marinara sauce bring it all together and doesn’t overwhelm. The crust is thin but not too thin. It’s baked perfectly: not chewy, not too crispy.

It’s not until the middle of my third slice before I come up for air and my head is clear enough to continue typing. We both are grateful that we came back. The only pizza I have had that was better, on this island, is from the restaurant Pau in Kamuela. I think this is our new place to eat before hitting the movie theater. Good food and very filling. Save $$ versus the over priced crap at the theater. Oh yes!!

For ambience I give Big Island Pizza Napoletana 3 out of 5 surfboards. There’s nothing spectacular nor anything bad. Its a pizza place. For food quality I give 4 out of 5 surfboards. The only way to improve would be go organic. Serving up a slice of heaven 6 days a week, they are closed Sundays. The service was friendly and fast. I give it 4 out of 5 surfboards. Overall I give it a 4 surfboards.

Mahalo,

James Christopher

ThruJimsEyes.com