Review 48 (2026) 10 stars +++ We stayed at Kahala hotel from 8/18-8/23. We went to Arancino at the Kahala twice, on 8/19 my birthday and 8/22. On my birthday 8/19, celebrating for my birthday we booked at Arancino at the Kahala. They greeted us, " Welcome back ". Wow they remembered us. When server Ken came, told me, " Happy birthday". We know what to order, we know all menu here, when server came, we already decided. Appetizer: Insalata Caprese We love this Appetizer. Local grown Tomato was riped and sweet like fruit, came with fresh mozzarella cheese, and olive oil. This is the highlight menu in Arancino. Appetizer: Tartare di Gamberi e Caviale. Amaebi and caviar, on top pieces of gold flakes inside the jar, eating with a piece of toast, This Appetizer is also the top highlight menu. Entree: Uni pasta, of course!!! Our server brought 2 plates individually for us. Server and manager brought " Birthday cake " for me. On the plate said, " Happy birthday ", decorated with flower petals. I always enjoy their birthday cake decorations. This was the third time I had birthday dinner here. They remembered us. I am so glad we chose at Arancino at the Kahala for birthday celebration. On 8/22 When we arrived, they remembered us again, greeted " Welcome back". Our server was Johntin, " Welcome back, very good to see you again !". Yes. He served us last year and 2 years ago when we came the first time here. He remembered us. Yes of course we remembered him. He was the one of the best server in Arancino and in the restaurants we've ever met. When he came we already decided. Appetizer: Bagna Cauda Fresh vegetables with warm anchovy garlic dip We never ever missed this appetizer. Appetizer: Carpaccio di Capresante Added as new menu here. There were available only in Arancino at Beachwalk and Di Mare. Hokkaido Hotate scallops sashimi with local sea asparagus and tobiko caviar light champagne dressing. This was my favorite appetizer for long time. I am so glad they added at Kahala location too. Entree: Spaghetti alla Carbonara Server cooked at our table with huge Parmigiano cheese wheel. We were going to order Tiramisu but we were so full. He brought " Birthday cake " again. Manager came again. I said " no, no I already had such wonderful birthday cake when we came on my birthday 8/19". He said, " It's ok, second time celebration ". How nice of them. They gave me second birthday cake again. I really loved and enjoyed spending time here. Arancino food was always the best also their service is the highest level in the world. Thank you so much for everything. We will see you next year in August. Next year we will definitely order Tiramisu!!! read more

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Had a great experience at Arancino at The Kahala! Our reservation ended up running about 20 minutes late, which honestly wasn't a big deal to us, but Michelle, the manager, still comped our drinks--a really thoughtful gesture. Michelle is exactly what every fine dining restaurant should strive for in a manager. She reads the room, makes guests feel genuinely welcome, and sets the tone for the whole team. Our server, Diego, was also fantastic--super friendly, especially with our kids, which can be rare at more upscale restaurants. He made them feel just as welcome as the adults. Great food is expected, but this level of hospitality is what makes you want to come back. Mahalo to Michelle, Diego, and the entire Arancino team! read more

Visited Arancino at The Kahala for a birthday dinner. We sat outside and the ambiance was lovely - it feels like you are dining in Europe. The food is delish. Pricey, but delish. Next time I could skip the carpaccio's but I would definitely get the lobster bisque and the carbonara again. It might've been the best restaurant carbonara I've ever had. Service was slow for us this night, not sure if that's how it always is. read more

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"The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you're hungry again." ― George Miller I was taken here for my birthday and what a treat. Italian food, cheese wheels, fire... What more could a woman ask for? Oh! And an espresso martini. We love a good espresso martini. What I ate: Bagna Cauda ($25 - Fresh vegetable crudités with a warm anchovy garlic dip): I had heard Randy S. had gotten this crudités and it was served in a pot so naturally, I wanted it too. I'm glad my gal pal shared with me as the two others at the table passed. It was interesting. The warm anchovy garlic dip made for a nice salty bite with otherwise fresh vegetables. It was enjoyable but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. Insalata Caprese ($27 - Locally grown tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, petite basil): I should have listened to Rod U.'s review and passed on these. It's not that it was bad but it's classic and meager for a $27 price tag. Carpaccio di Salmone ($28 - Thinly sliced salmon, fennel, blood orange, sour cream, red onions): A perfect, refreshing, and bright bite of thinly sliced salmon. Rigatoni alla Gricia ($38 - Classic roman dish with guanciale, pecorino romano, parmigiano reggiano, toasted black peppercorn and rigatoni prepared tableside in our imported pecorino romano cheese wheel): As much as I wanted the Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare, I really wanted pasta served from a cheese wheel. Set ablaze by Everclear, this is prepared tableside. It was amazing although I must admit I was expecting more cheese sauce after watching this prepared tableside. Espresso Martini ($19 - Grey Goose vodka, kahlua liquor, house made syrup, illy espresso coffee): Smooth, balanced, and thoroughly enjoyed throughout my meal. Torta al Cioccolato ($18 - Flourless chocolate almond cake, pistachio sauce, vanilla whipped cream): I paired this with a decaf illy Americano and it was perfection. The flourless chocolate almond cake itself was rich but not overly sweet. The vanilla whipped cream supplied all the sweetness if that's what you're looking for. It was a great dessert. And since it was my birthday, they offered an amazing and gorgeous soufflé and sponge cake dessert with a beautiful blown sugar casing that you are encouraged to break. I was so mesmerized that I didn't even blush at the singing. Johntin was our server on the evening of Easter and he's the greatest. read more

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This restaurant was top tier. From the service to the food presentation and the quality of the food. My husband and I had a great experience here. First off, the calamari. Perfectly cooked. Decently portioned for a starter, and the breading on this. So good. It wasn't salty nor chewy. You can tell that the chefs really do take their time cooking it. We debated about ordering another. We also ordered a salad with the yuzu foam. It was refreshing. I typically prefer my salads to have a little more dressing, but this was really good. There were a lot of veggies in it. I ordered the rigatoni cacio e pepe. Loved that it was served tableside and appreciated the story behind the cheese. The server took his time cooking it and ensured the flavor was to my liking. We made a 5:30 reservation, so it wasn't busy at this time but it did get busy later. However, the ambiance is still chill and not too formal. read more

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I've been to Arancino at Marriott Waikiki a few times and wasn't very impressed, but I'm so glad I finally made it to Arancino at The Kahala. This visit was a completely different experience--in the best way. Everything from the food to the service and atmosphere was excellent. The atmosphere felt casually upscale, which makes sense given its location at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Service wasn't particularly fast, but it was steady and never felt slow or inattentive. Our waiter was knowledgeable and attentive, and the manager stopped by as well--I could tell he was carefully overseeing the entire restaurant. We started with the Mai-tai-liano. It was decent, though one small inconsistency stood out--mine and my partner's drinks looked different. His had more dark rum and tasted stronger, while mine was lighter. It didn't bother us much, but it was noticeable. Later, I ordered the Arancino (Tito's vodka, orange liqueur, passion fruit purée, cherry juice), which was very refreshing. The complimentary focaccia was excellent--I was tempted to ask for another, but I'm glad I didn't because I would've filled up before the meal even started. We skipped appetizers so we could try a pizza, pasta, and a main dish--which turned out to be the right call, since we still couldn't finish everything. The Pizza Tre Porcellini (prosciutto cotto, salamino piccante, salsiccia, mozzarella, tomato sauce) was delicious. I especially enjoyed the flavor from the cured meats. For pasta, we chose the Spaghetti alla Puttanesca e Polpo (octopus, anchovy, olives, capers, spicy tomato sauce). The spaghetti was cooked to a perfect al dente. The anchovy wasn't overpowering, but it clearly added depth to the sauce--something I personally like to do in my own seafood pasta. The sauce itself was spot on. (I started serving it before taking photos, so they came out a bit messy!) For the main, we had the Pesce al Sale, a salt-crusted whole seabass presented tableside with roasted rosemary potatoes and herb sauce. The salt crust made it look quite large, but the fish itself wasn't huge--still, it was fresh and very flavorful. We finished with a Torta al Cioccolato to go (flourless chocolate almond cake with pistachio sauce and vanilla whipped cream). It's mostly dairy-free except for the whipped cream. It reminded me of a homemade brownie--simple, comforting, and satisfying. I would definitely come back. The restaurant is very popular, so I highly recommend making a reservation well in advance. And don't forget to check out the dolphins swimming near the pool area while you're there--it's a fun bonus to the experience. read more

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The ambiance at this location is really nice. The outdoor seating is definitely the move since it feels more open and the lighting is super cute. Inside is a bit more cramped and more dull, so I would recommend sitting outside if you can. This is a great spot for a cozy pasta date night. My favorite dish was the pasta prepared in the cheese wheel (table side). The fresh cracked pepper and pork bits were chef's kiss. I do wish the portion was a little bigger, but the complimentary bread and olive oil helped make up for it. The bread is a fresh focaccia rosemary bread and it's light, fluffy, and honestly dangerous because you'll keep reaching for more. The carbonara pizza was also a favorite flavor-wise, though I wish the crust had a bit more going for it. The uni pasta was just okay. It didn't really taste like uni and I've definitely had better elsewhere. Service was great overall. Friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better. Solid spot if you're in the mood for pasta and vibes. read more

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This is one of our favorite restaurants. We usually order à la carte, but this time we chose the five-course menu -- and it was magnificent. We started with the tomato consommé gelée, which was beautifully done, followed by the lobster cream soup -- absolutely wonderful. My favorite, though, was the grilled baby romaine; it was fantastic. For the pasta course, we had a choice of three, and I chose the pappardelle alla Bolognese. We finished with gelato affogato, the perfect ending to the meal. It was a wonderful evening. Thank you very much for such an amazing dinner. read more

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very nice restaurant that we had at our disposal while staying at The Kahala. this was our "fancy" dinner night and, for the most part, did not disappoint. great service all around. from check-in to wait staff to busboys and food runners, we couldn't ask for more attention. we ordered the caprese salad, kids Bolognese, spaghetti alla carbonara, cacio e pepe and margherita pizza. the show they do while presenting the cacio e pepe was quite entertaining. all the food was delicious, from start to finish. we definitely enjoyed ourselves. however, be prepared for a pretty hefty price tag. like $40 pasta dishes kind of hefty. read more

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Our favorite Arancino location and a great spot for date night. LOCATION/PARKING: Located at The Kahala. Valet parking. INTERIOR/AMBIANCE: Seating inside and outside, both pleasant. Moderately loud, relaxed vibe but still a nice restaurant. SERVICE: Very good. FOOD/DRINK: The pasta is delicious. We have tried the tagliatelle con prosciutto e funghi (delicious), pappardelle alla bolognese (not our favorite), rigatoni alla gricia (prepared table side, beautiful show and so cheesy and tasty). The wine list is good with a decent number of wines available. OVERALL: Great spot with quality pasta on Oahu. read more

Beautifully locate, amazing service , presentation . The food was delicious and the menu had a decadence and elegance. We really had an amazing time from our bread and olive oil to the pasta with shaved truffles on top , to the risotto, everything was delicious. The prices are very reasonable for a classic Italian set meal. They also have a chefs set menu if you'd prefer to tray a little bit of everything on the menu. We decided to go with individual dishes . We were celebrating a birthday so we got a free beautifully decorated dessert at the end with a cup of cappuccino which tasted amazing . There is valet free parking provided by the resort and the restaurant is a short walk from the valet . The lighting and the ambiance made the restaurant feel romantic even when traveling with little ones . read more

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Located at the Kahala Hotel, Arancino has this location and another in Waikiki. With others possibly around the island but we have been to both. They both have indoor and outside, open-air seating. When we went to the Kahala location, we did valet parking. While there is a self-park garage, the valet was right up by the restaurant. We sat outside, and it was nice with live music, string lights, and the temperature was nice out at night. We decided to order the Carpaccio di Capesante, a salad with foam, margarita pizza, and a seafood pasta. We also got focaccia, which comes complimentary. The focaccia was very good, and filling! The salad was refreshing but I did not particularly enjoy the foam. I thought the taste was a bit citrus-y. It was neat to see though. The Carpaccio di Capesante was smooth and yummy, we were only hoping there would be more! The pizza was good. The pasta was flavorful and the pasta itself seemed like it was made from scratch. The service was a bit slow but we were told there was a party going on inside, hence the wait for food. Everything was a bit pricey but we knew that going in. Overall, it was a nice place and the food was good! It seems like a great spot for a special occasion! read more

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What a lovely experience! My husband and I missed this restaurant on our last trip, so we made sure to try it this time -- and I'm so glad we did. We both ordered the Rigatoni alla Gricia, one of their most popular dishes, and it was incredibly rich and flavorful. The portions are on the smaller side, but still satisfying. We also had the tiramisu, prepared table-side, and it was genuinely the best I've ever had. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere made the whole meal even better. Already looking forward to returning on our next visit! read more

Arancino at The Kahala - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Service was fantastic from start to finish! AJ, our server in training, was incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and quick. He constantly checked in on us and made sure our waters were always full. Shortly after being seated, one of the managers came by to greet us. I asked about the squid ink pasta that used to be on the menu and is now offered as a risotto. Even though it's no longer listed, the manager kindly let us know that if they had the ingredients available, they'd still be happy to make the squid ink pasta for us. The level of hospitality and accommodation really stood out and made for an amazing dining experience! read more

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The better half of the World Food Tour duo joined me for dinner at my favorite location of the three Arancino restaurants in Honolulu. This location is very popular, and reservations are a must. We started with a Hendricks martini ($24) and a glass of Devaux "Grand Reserve Brut" Champagne ($20). Alas, the martini came with a lemon wedge, not the preferred slice of lemon. It's the small things that differentiate the good from the exceptional, and this was somewhat disappointing. We shared the Carpaccio di Manzo ($36), thin slices of (unspecified) Waygu beef, arugula, generous shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano, and light, lemon dressing. Our server shaved off the cheese from a large wheel, tableside. The beef was flavorful, and the dish was very satisfying. Our entrees were the Spaghetti alla Carbonara ($36) and my "must have" Spaghetti ai Ricci de Mare ($40). I had a glass of Ferragamo il Borro "Lamelle" Chardonnay from Toscana ($17). My better half took half of her Carbonara home; my uni pasta was gone in minutes, it's just sublime! We ordered the Tiramisu for two ($38), another tableside presentation. Alas, this was the sole disappointment of the evening. We much preferred the previous version, a deconstructed Tiramisu and I would have liked the traditional one, served in a glass. I paired the dessert with a French press of Illy coffee ($10). Service from Leo (and others) was exemplary. I noticed that the bill ($283.62, including tip) included a 1% kitchen service charge; is this becoming the norm? Anyway, we enjoyed our time at Arancino and will return. Recommended! Rating: 4.25. read more

We've only been once, but I'm already looking forward to our next visit! FOOD: Everything we ate was absolutely delicious & fresh! - Carpaccio di Polpo ($23.00) "Thinly sliced octopus, celery ribbon, olives, garlic crunch, lemon garlic olive oil dressing." I don't really like celery, but the celery ribbons with all the elements of this dish were so fresh & bright! - Insalata Caprese ($22.00) "Locally grown tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, petite basil." My husband had this for his salad. It was simple, but also delicious! - Tagliatelle ai Frutti di Mare ($47.00) "Fresh made tagliatelle, blue shrimp, Hokkaido scallop, light truffle oil, lemon garlic white wine sauce." The sauce was light, but also had a rich, well-rounded flavor. The shrimp were perfectly cooked. I'd prefer a bit more of a sear on the scallops, but they were also delicious! SERVICE: Top tier. Our server was lovely. She was excellent at making sure our drinks were always full, our finished plates were cleared, our utensils were replaced, and everything was done so seamlessly. AMBIANCE: Beautiful, warm lighting & such an inviting atmosphere. PARKING: 4 hours of complimentary parking at The Kahala Hotel & Resort with a minimum $50 purchase. read more

Arancino at The Kahala - Tagliatelle Ai Frutti di Mare - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I used to love this place. I did had to take out one star because I felt rushed throughout my whole dining experience. We chose the tasting menu and they were very quick giving us our next meal. Then I realized that it was quicker than usual. Usually they let you rest for a little bit. I literally was putting a lettuce in my mouth when the server asked if I was done with my plate. I said no- obviously then he asked if he can give me my next meal. So I just said ok. I did not understand since there were empty tables around us. Overall food is still delicious and love the ambience. The lobster bisque was my favorite. The service for me this time was disappointing. read more

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The best Italian food I've had in Oahu, and honestly one of the greatest dining experiences the island has to offer. From start to finish, everything was on point. The service was absolutely top tier. Attentive, warm, and genuinely hospitable. The food speaks for itself. The Pasta is spectacular, and the desserts are so exquisite looking. Also, make sure to get an extra order of focaccia bread to go on the way out, next day you will thank me. If you're looking for Italian in Oahu, this is the place. read more

Arancino at The Kahala - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Arancino at The Kahala never disappoints and is easily the best Italian restaurant on Oahu. Every visit is consistently exceptional, from the food to the service. If it's your first time, the Carbonara is a must-order. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it's one of those dishes you'll keep coming back for. You also can't go wrong with the Parmigiano wheel pasta, prepared tableside inside a wheel of Parmesan cheese. It's as fun to watch as it is delicious. What truly makes Arancino stand out is the outstanding service. The staff is attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable, creating a dining experience that feels welcoming and special every time. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving authentic Italian cuisine, Arancino at The Kahala is always a fantastic choice. Highly recommended! read more

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Celebrated my birthday here and first time I've ever been in this restaurant; though, I've tried other restaurants in this hotel. Love the location and the atmosphere of the place nestled by the beach. You can see the sunset as you dine. The service was very personal and our waiter, Paolo was so courteous and attentive! The taste of our dinner was outstanding; I actually enjoyed the Pizza!!! read more

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Came for an anniversary dinner during our anniversary trip. Kristen was our server and she was phenomenal! Other staff was also attentive and friendly. Generous pours for the glasses of wine . Gluten free spaghetti for GF needs. Fresh made pasta also available. Dessert was delicious and they made it special :). Best restaurant at the Kahala! Wine 5/5 generous pours, decent selection for by the glass Food 5/5 gluten free uni pasta (generous uni portion, creamy and delicious al dente GF spaghetti) 5/5 carbonara with house made pasta (creamy with generous guanciale portions) Dessert 5/5 panna cotta Bianco Mangiare - refreshing and delicious 4/5 flourless chocolate cake Food Great al fresco ambiance with perfect weather read more

Arancino at The Kahala - Uni pasta (gluten free) - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I'm always excited going to any Arancino, but the Kahala location seems nicer - maybe because it's away from the Waikīkī hustle. I've always loved everything I order here. Most recently we tried their Selezione tasting menu and I really enjoyed it. The cacio e pepe is a MUST try. Our server was also great - friendly and willing to provide explanations on anything. And the complimentary focaccia bread was amazing and kept coming! read more

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I love coming here because the food, ambiance, and service is always amazing! I always crave their uni pasta, carbonara, and arancini. My friends and I shared 3 entrees and 3 appetizers which was perfect! Parking is valet and it is free with validation for 4 hours. They also host bigger parties if you have a big group! Last time my friend's engagement dinner was hosted here and we had a separate room which was really convenient and nice! read more

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We came here for Valentine's Day excited to finally try this place since it's been on our list for a while. We were especially looking forward to ordering the uni pasta and the carbonara pizza. When we sat down, the host placed a Valentine's menu on the table. We looked it over and it sounded okay, but we didn't realize it was a prix fixe menu. That was really disappointing because we came specifically wanting to try items from the regular menu. Our server explained that when I booked the reservation it should have notified me about the prix fixe menu. I went back and checked the text confirmation I received from OpenTable and it didn't mention anything about it. It wasn't until I went onto the website and read the fine print that I saw the note about the prix fixe menu. I honestly don't think most people are going to read the fine print when booking a dinner reservation. The server agreed with me, but there wasn't anything they could do at that point. The service itself was excellent. The server and bussers were very attentive, clearing our table and replacing utensils after almost every course. The ambiance was also beautiful. The vibe makes you feel like you're in Italy, and the music added to the atmosphere. The food was part of a six-course menu, and the quality and effort put into each dish were clear. Some dishes just weren't my personal favorite, but they were still well executed. Overall I'd rate the food 3.8/5 and the service and ambiance 5/5. That said, the overall experience was extremely disappointing because we weren't able to order what we came for. I'm leaving a one-star review because I truly think the restaurant needs to do a better job clearly notifying guests about a prix fixe menu, especially on a special occasion like Valentine's Day. Finding out only through fine print really brought the mood of the night down when we had such high hopes for our dinner. read more

Arancino at The Kahala - Reservation booking explaining in fine print its a prix fixe menu. Only thing that notified us that it would be a prix fixe menu..... - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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My husband and I didn't have a reservation so we sat at the bar. Very small bar with only four seats. Food is decent but very expensive for what you get. The bartender, Ashley I believe her name was, was having a conversation with another guest about how she is pro LGBTQ and so happy she chooses women over men to have romantic relations with. Very inappropriate to be talking about something like this as an employee with other guests around. It made me and my husband feel uncomfortable, so we finished our drink and pizza and left. read more

Our meal was great! Beyond my expectations. Love the al dante pasta. The service we received was excellent! The ambiance was very nice. Great music and was kept low enough tho be able to have a conversation. Such a great pairing with the Kahala Hotel! read more

Last night we had a memorable meal at the Arancino, without a doubt the finest Italian restaurant in Hawai'i. It is in a delightful outside/inside setting right at the entrance of the elegant Kahala Resort, known to us old hands as the Kahala Hilton. I started (very strangely, according to my wife) with the bagna càuda, and I can state with authority that any chef who can make a heap of raw veggies this delicious is a true genius. Even the presentation was a work of art. My wife had the calamari fritti, which she knew from an earlier visit this year--crisp, tender, and delicious. She followed that with the Wagyu beef cheeks--richly flavorful and gelatinously tender; I was after pasta. I've had their spaghetti alla carbonara before and it is spectacular, but I was into something lighter this evening and tried the tagliatelle ai frutti di mare. Ooh! Scallops from the chilly waters of Hokkaido, Japan, and shrimp from the island of Kauai--unbeatable! And our excellent and helpful waiter, Buster, carefully explained the sauce: light truffle oil with lemon, garlic, and white wine! We were too full to venture into the dolce menu, but they brought us a celebratory ""birthday cake" surrounded by spun sugar. So, if I haven't made your mouth water, I'm afraid it is only a lack of poetic talent. Seriously, this is a great restaurant with perfect presentation and impeccable service. There are two other branches in Waikiki, the Arancino on Beachwalk the Arancino di Mare, at the other end of Kalākaua Avenue and I can only assume that they are equally good--we'll have to test that out! P.S. In case you were wondering, Arancino means "little orange". read more

Arancino at The Kahala - bagna cauda - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Uni pasta. Any carpaccio, extra sauce. Espresso martini. Didn't care for the pasta in the cheese wheel and La Cucina might have better bolognese, but these place's ambiance and service are 10/10. read more

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My partner booked this place for an early birthday dinner for me on a Thursday night. Just an FYI, there is a more casual looking sister restaurant near the outrigger in Waikiki and we accidentally went there first. It's about a 15 minute Uber ride from there to the Kahala. The restaurant in resort are tucked away in a quieter part of Honolulu and it's a very romantic setting. But there were several family dinners there. Unfortunately, I don't recall our server's name, but he was very friendly and also professional, and very knowledgeable about the menu and pairing items based on our preferences. I had a glass of Pinot Grigio, which was excellent and the Dyer pasta. My partner had the Cacio E Pepe which they make tableside. Both were absolutely excellent and very filling. We even took leftovers home. Oh I almost forgot, we also ordered the Caprese as a starter, and all of the ingredients were so fresh. read more

Spontaneous girls dinner! We enjoyed our experience here as first timers. Everything tasted great. Our server Ken was informative about the menu & was so on it with his service. read more

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If you ever been to Italy this is as close as you'll get to authentic Italian food. Our waiter was excellent he explained everything in detail and made some recommendations I'll have to check out another time. It was busy the the setting was relaxing . Everything came out right on time. We started with dessert and then pizza fresh bread took me back to Rome .... read more

Arancino at The Kahala - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Arancino at the Kahala is one of those restaurants where you gotta believe the hype! It seems to be a crowd favorite for a special dinner. Some of the most critical Yelp Elite and social media influencers rave about this place. And of course, this restaurant is extremely popular to tourists and located at the famous Kahala Hotel. With all the hype, I knew I had to choose this place for my recent milestone birthday dinner with my husband. I made a reservation over a month out since I didn't want to miss out on a Saturday early dinner. I've lived on Oahu for almost ten years, and yet I was surprised that the drive to Kahala feels like you're sucked into another paradise island. Let me tell you that I wish I knew right away that VALET PARKING IS COMPLIMENTARY WITH A $50 PURCHASE. It's totally worth it and I wish my husband and I didn't take the time to check for free garage self-parking, which is extremely limited. If you'll treat yourself to a fine dinner, you might as well treat yourself to valet parking! Arancino is practically right next to the valet stations that it's hard to miss. Right away, you'll see that seating is almost completely outdoor. I will add this comment for those who get turned off by little critters...our reserved table was right next to railing, so it was easier for some of those tiny, harmless ants to crawl onto your tablecloth. I personally didn't care since the ants were very tiny, but my husband was somewhat bothered. Our outgoing server was apologetic and offered to move us to a different table, but I personally wanted to sit far from the restaurant. Yes, Arancino has live accordion music most of the evening. Noise level was pretty manageable. Our incoming server who assisted us most of our dinner was equally helpful and attentive. Hubby and I ended up sharing the following: 1. Affettato Misto 2. Cacio e Pepe (AKA the pasta prepared table side on a cheese wheel) 3. Filetto alla Rossini (+ a glass of Chianti Classico Riserva) 4. Bianco Mangiare (the least sweet of the desserts according to our helpful server) 5. Complimentary birthday dessert! Everything tasted so delicious, and the service and atmosphere made the meal even better. The Affetato Misto was tasty with all the cold cuts, pieces of parmigiano reggiano. I couldn't believe a seemingly simple Cacio e Pepe could be so flavorful. After a recent mediocre experience eating cheese wheel pasta in San Diego, I was very satisfied with Arancino's Cacio e Pepe and its preparation. We enjoyed the Filetto alla Rossini with our medium rare beef tenderloin and our first taste of foie gras. The wine pairing complemented the dish well. Arancino gave me a complementary birthday dessert! Thankful our server answered our questions of the sweetest dessert on the menu (the Bonet chocolate custard) and the least sweet (Bianco Mangiare which we ended up ordering). Our server was attentive all evening without making us feel rushed! I highly recommend Arancino at the Kahala for a fancy, special and delicious, but not stuffy dinner for a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. This is one of those places we'd love to return to, but at the same time, we'd love to explore other gourmet restaurants around the island! If we're stumped on a venue for a special occasion, we can always count on Arancino at the Kahala. I would recommend this place to locals and tourists alike. read more

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There aren't many good Italian restaurants in Hawaii, but this place has a great atmosphere and the food is delicious! But it's a bit pricey! But it's a place I'd like to visit again. read more

Arancino at The Kahala - Uni pasta - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We had a lovely final meal in Hawaii at Arancino. Our waiter, Leo did a great job taking care of us and helping us navigate the Italian specialties on the menu. We were staying at the adjacent hotel so it was an easy choice for dinner after all the activities in Hawaii. We started with a fresh tasting caprese salad with juicy fresh cherry tomatoes and creamy burrata. They also serve a house made rosemary bread with olive oil throughout the meal. For pasta my wife chose the luscious Carbonara (soooo good) and I had the bolognese with thick noodles. (Just ok). The wine list features mostly Italian choices in a wide range of prices. We opted for an often overlooked Etna Rossa which was a steal at $75 for a 2018 vintage. Most of the seating is open air and if you go later (7 or later), you can avoid families with toddlers who tend to eat early. read more

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I went here with my family for a birthday. We had a reservation and arrived as they opened and were seated in a timely manner. We chose outdoor seating and the area was really nice and well kept and the weather was great at the time. The waiter was kind, patient, and knowledgeable of the menu. After a little bit we ordered our food and while we were waiting we received complimentary bread and our appetizers. The bread with olive oil was delicious. The bread was super soft on the inside and soaked up the oil wonderfully. The calamari was standard nothing too crazy and the sauce it came with was really good. My wife got the espresso martini and she enjoyed it as well. She really liked the caprese and the basil sauce that you can pour onto it. The main course was the carbonara and we chose to splurge and get black truffles shaved on top. This is some of the best pasta on the island. It was creamy and the egg yolk was perfectly cooked. Overall an amazing experience and I would recommend that anyone who wants great pasta, drinks, and service to visit this place! read more

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If eating is your kind of entertainment fun- add Arancino at the Kahala to your bucket list. I love the Kahala hotel with its nostalgic Hawaiian vibes. Celebrated our 30th anniversary with the kids and it was a great choice. We had several table side dishes where your waiter completes the finish dish. Carpaccio with shaved Parmesan from the wheel, a beautiful cheesy rigatoni pasta tossed into a melty cheese wheel, and the tiramisu which was deconstructed until our master waiter worked his magic. I enjoyed the gnocchi in a savory pomodoro sauce topped with burrata cheese and basil. The evening was a little long because the service was most entertaining with the table side flair; but don't let that stop you. Take the time to enjoy eating good food and savor the moment. Bon appetite! read more

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Reservation is a must. Wonderful Mediterranean atmosphere (without the long wait). Staff is energetic, engaging, friendly and knowledgeable. Our server was Keola. Would request him again. Manager Maria runs an efficient and great restaurant. And chef Daisuke Hamamoto has created a wonderful menu. My wife enjoyed a fun salad Insalata Misticanza Organic mixed greens, petite vegetables, house-made organic carrot dressing, yuzu foam (yes foam! It will garner more than a second look for patrons sitting around you wondering about the large ball of foam atop the salad (acts as a secondary dressing). She also had the Spaghetti alla Carbonara. Delicious! The lobster bisque soup was creamy and rich (not too rich). Would definitely order this again. And the Rigatoni alla Gricia (Classic roman dish | Guanciale, pecorino romano, parmigiano reggiano, toasted black peppercorn and rigatoni prepared tableside in our imported pecorino romano cheese wheel) was worth the show as Keola prepared it tableside. The Rigatoni all a Gricia has replaced the Cacio e Pipi. Same sauce and preparation different pasta. You'll need to take a nice walk on the beach after this filling meal. Buon appetito! read more

Arancino at The Kahala - A delicious cake in a "sugar bowl" (all edible) for our anniversary! - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Stellar food quality and service with self-service parking to the right on your way in or valet service right in front of the hotel and next to the restaurant. Weather permitting, dining outside is comfortable. There are quite a variety of appetizers, pasta, pizzas, and desserts to choose from. You'll drop a pretty penny, but the portion size is just right unless you're a growing young person. And if you celebrate a birthday, they kindly serve you something sweet to commemorate the occasion. read more

Our second time eating there for dinner. I HAD to come back for the Tagliatelle ai Frutti di Mare. Do I even know how to pronounce the name? No. But is it my absolute favorite pasta dish ever? Yes. I'm not a fan of rich and heavy pasta but this pasta is the complete opposite. Light and refreshing and I savored it to the last bite. You cannot go wrong with lemon garlic white wine sauce with scallops and shrimp. I also had to get the Carpaccio di Manzo, which is the thinly sliced wagyu beef, arugula, parmigiano reggiano, and lemon dressing. Mainly cause it comes with a literal little mountain of parmigiano reggiano cheese that's shaved straight from the huge cheese wheel that's brought table side. Customer service was great just like last time. Servers were very attentive. And overall I dig the vibe of the restaurant. Cute overall restaurant design with perfect date night mood lighting. read more

Arancino at The Kahala - Carpaccio di Manzo (Thinly sliced wagyu beef, arugula, parmigiano reggiano, lemon dressing) - Pizza Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This is definitely one of our most favorite places to done on island. Everything is fabulous! Tonight, someone was dining with a sweet dog on their lap! We've loved everything we've tried but tonight we all had a craving for their spaghetti carbonara! The sever laughed at us when we ordered four orders of it! It's just that good! I also love their special occasion desserts, but we didn't get any on this visit. read more

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