If I could eat at only one place in the city (you know, if armed ninjas were forcing me to pick a place), I would pick Mix Cafe. The Beretania Street eatery is the best recent addition to the Honolulu food scape, thanks to chef-owner Bruno Iezzi’s impeccable skills in the kitchen. The food is simple, fresh and refined, but not finicky.
The little cafe with the green and yellow walls specializes in deli food, with a European flair. Pastas are made fresh with homemade sauces that are rich with herby flavor, and thick with housemade Italian sausage, perfectly tender mushrooms or spicy meatballs. The sandwiches are piled high with super fresh toppings like roasted veggies, artisan meats and cheeses (mortadella, bufala mozzarella, imported prosciutto) or the most tender slices of pork loin you’ve ever had.
My favorites are the sausage pasta and the roasted mushroom, tomato and mozzarella sandwich. Bruno, who is originally from Italy, also bakes a killer apple cake that he serves with a scoop of lightly sweetened cream and mixed berries.
If you’re looking for over-the-top flavors and super rich fare, this isn’t the place. Here, it’s all about balance, freshness and restraint. And the food is better for it.
Mix Cafe
35 S. Beretania St. (between Fort and Bethel streets)
808-537-1191
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