As a person with a bit of a Type A personality, I don’t usually like to linger. I like to get in and out of lines. I hate wasting time. Relaxing is hard for me. Because of these quirks, a recent trip to Rocco’s Pizza Pub in Kealekekua was a revelation.
Why? Well, I wanted to order another pizza. I wanted a second glass of the Paggio Vignoso Chianti and a slice of the Lilikoi Mousse Cheesecake.
Folks, I could have sat in the covered lānai and happily listened to the outstanding R&B playlist all afternoon. And I can’t wait to go back.
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We had the Ocean Blues Pizza, which was topped with tomato sauce, Canadian bacon, mozzarella, bleu cheese crumbles and arugula (12-inch, $19). We loved the peppery arugula in combination with the dusky, nutty, bleu cheese and salty bacon. Pizzas are thin-crust style; the tomato sauce is a family recipe.
On our next visit, we hope to check out the Red Chili Kahlua Pork Pizza with slow-cooked pork, Rocco-style, New Mexico chili rub and pineapple, or the Longshot Lance, with tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, onions, bell pepper and mushrooms.
Rocco’s is big on family (pizzerias actually run in the family) and they understand that a lot of kids like simple food. It was nice to see kid-sized, heart-shaped, cheese and pepperoni pizzas on the menu.
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Rocco’s also has a nice beer list, which includes local beers—Maui Brewing Bikini Blonde and Coconut Porter; Kona Brewing’s Lavaman Red Ale and Wailua Wheat. A fan of Chiantis, I enjoyed the Paggio Vignoso but also look forward to trying the Antonio Sanguineti.
They serve food on really good-quality compostable plates, which is nice for the environment. They also feature live music and “open mic” nights for entertainment.
We sat outside on the covered lānai, which is very tropical and comfortable. There is also inside seating. Service was very friendly and efficient.
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Rocco’s Pizza Pub is located at 79-7460 Mamalahoa Highway., Ste. 102, Kealekekua, Hawai‘i. (808) 238-5679. Convenient parking. Open Wednesday through Sunday, noon. to 10 p.m.
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