I’li I’li Cash & Carry, the new carry-out pizza hot spot in Moiliili, opened to  rapturous enthusiasm and a social media frenzy.  

Veteran Chef Aker Briceno ( Nobu, Melt,  V Lounge, Prima, Whole Ox….)  has teamed up with Keola Rapozo, the founder and designer of local streetwear brand Fitted Hawaii, to create the new pizza store I’li I’li Cash and Carry . With clean and simplistic design,  the cool , urban vibe highlights the history of this former Watanabe bakery in Moiliili; A new store in an old neighborhood, honoring the past with a view to what’s next. “I always want to show that simple foods, and simple, good ingredients, can be very delicious, “ says Briceno . “ We have amazing food in Honolulu,” he says, “ Korean, Chinese, Japanese….. I just wanted to bring the same attention to this style of food.”

Briceno is passionate about dough. “The most important part of the pizza is the dough,” he says, “ …. the fermentation. So when you eat the dough, you get a crunchy soft crust, but you also don’t feel heavy. Making good quality bread is very important to me.” There are three different focaccia bases: A Roman style, a ‘grandma pie’ ( the kind you might find in Staten Island,) and Genovese style - and Briceno is quick to point out that none of them are meant to copy their predecessors.. “ We’re not trying to copy a style, more trying to create what I think our version of this is. And for us it works.” It works for us too.

The menu consists of whole pizzas ranging from $23 to $26 – or from $3.25 by the slice. There are traditional favorites like Cheese, Margherita, and Pepperoni  as well as a few original creations  – the  like the OFF White with –ricotta, mozzarella, caramelized onions, and roasted garlic. And the already famous ‘ Rip City’, a favorite of the chef. “ Every time I eat it I think , “Oh my God, I forgot how good this is,” says Briceno with a smile.

Along with the main Pizza options there are subs that range from $15-$17, with fillings that include  roasted Wagyu.

If you are walking in and want to pick up something quick and ready to go, there are  daily fresh prepped salads and pizzas slices. Sicilian pizza slices of  heaven are just $5… and oh, so good.

Mexican brand Jorritos make a perfect accompaniment to cheesy, doughy, crisp-crusted slices , making the new neighborhood store a great place for lunch or dinner.

The house made Caesar dressing is amongst the best on Oahu, and lovers of the hottest sauces are raving about  ‘DA RING STINGA’  , a  house made hot sauce brought back from V Lounge days.  A touch of sweetness from pineapple and papaya pairs perfectly with the Hawaiian chili pepper’s acidity and the vinegar.

I’li I’li Cash & Carry at 2065 S Beretania St

Wednesday through Sunday 11.00 am to 8.00 pm

Call ahead at (808) 367-0606