Oct. 17 is National Pasta Day, and it’s a wonderful excuse to celebrate this Italian staple — no matter if you prefer red or white sauce.
Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
Located in Waikiki, Taormina Sicilian Cuisine is known for serving up the timeless cuisine of southern Sicily with modern flair. Enjoy dishes like Sicilian-style pastas, lightly grilled fish, herb-seasoned lamb, fresh vegetables and more.
One of the eatery’s signature dishes is its truffle carbonara (market price), which features fresh fettuccine with mixed mushrooms, pancetta, a poached egg and shaved seasonal truffles. Other popular items include porcini risotto with sauteed foie gras ($43), veal chop alla Taormina ($62), A taste of Italy ($22) and sea urchin “Ricci di mare” ($48). The latter features spaghetti sautéed with fresh sea urchin, light salt and garlic.
Taormina Sicilian Cuisine
Waikiki Beach Walk
227 Lewers St., Honolulu
808-926-5050
taorminarestaurant.com
Instagram: @Taorminasiciliancuisine
IL Lupino Trattoria and Wine Bar
Located in Royal Hawaiian Center, IL Lupino Trattoria and Wine Bar is sure to satisfy any craving for Italian cuisine.
Popular dishes include the signature meatball ($17) — made with veal, pork and beef — carpaccio ($23), carbonara ($28/$54), vongole biano with Manila clams ($30/$54) and lobster pasta ($40/$76). The latter features fresh squid ink spaghetti, garlic, red king crab, white wine lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil.
The restaurant is also open for breakfast, with hearty dishes like lobster Benedict ($33), Italian omelet ($17), smoked salmon Benedict ($28) and loco moco ($18).
IL Lupino Trattoria And Wine Bar
Royal Hawaiian Center
2233 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
808-922-3400
illupino.com
Instagram: @Illupino
Aroma Italia
Aroma Italia offers an extensive menu of Italian classics. The business uses ingredients imported from Italy for its dishes, and sauces are made inhouse. All dishes are made to order.
La Bomba pizza ($16-$22), Bufala caprese ($16) and Orecchiette with meatballs al sugo ($20) are customer favorites. The latter is a dinner special and comprises small, ear-shaped pasta served with meatballs in housemade marinara sauce, and comes topped with ricotta cheese. Meanwhile, La Bomba Pizza features a savory medley of mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, turkey pepperoni and mushrooms topped with fresh burrata, arugula and balsamic glaze.
Be sure to save room for dessert — the housemade tiramisu ($9) is to die for.
Aroma Italia
Diamond Head Center
3045 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu
808-888-2229
aromaitaliahawaii.com
Instagram: @aromaitaliahawaii
La Cucina Homestyle Italian Restaurant
Tucked away in Kakaako, La Cucina is a family-owned and -operated eatery that specializes in homestyle Italian cuisine. Feast on handmade risotto, ravioli, pasta and other Italian specialties.
Customer favorites include Burrata with homemade pesto and Ho Farms cherry tomatoes ($18), risotto Norcina — complete with homemade Italian sausage, wild mushrooms and whole mushrooms with pecorino Romano and truffle oil — and gnocchi tartufo ($26).
The latter features a truffle gnocchi with housemade Italian sausage (without the casing).
If you’re dining with a larger group, get the osso buco to share. This meaty dish requires a 48-hour advanced notice preorder. Indulge in the restaurant’s signature crème brûlée cheesecake ($10) for dessert.
La Cucina Homestyle Italian Restaurant
Imperial Plaza
725 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu
808-593-2626
lacucinahawaii.com
Instagram: @lacucinahonolulu
