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    Paesano

    3.8 (621 reviews)
    PriceyItalian, Bars, Seafood
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Paesano Photos

    PAESANO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Shrimp Scampi with add on snow peas for $3
    Kathy U.

    Food is still very good here. Place is popular even at lunch on weekdays. Their complimentary fresh bread is divine. So soft inside, nice and crusty outside, served warm with a side of butter. (Would be nice if the butter were not so cold because it smashes the bread.) so yummy! Friend got Shrimp Scampi and added snow peas for $3. They will add any veggie they have at a cost of $3 per veggie added, so it can get expensive to add more. She was happy with her meal and enjoyed it. (After we ordered, she mentioned she thinks she got shrimp with assorted veggies before in a scampi sauce and wondered if it was a special since the only shrimp dish on the menu with assorted veggies wasn't a shrimp scampi.) I got the Veal Scaloppine Piccata. Asked if they could not overcook the veal (which happened to both hubby's and my veal last time). Server said they could cook it medium or medium rare. I asked for medium rare. Now that's not really possible with the veal pounded so thin, but my dish came and the meat was not overcooked, it was nice and tender. It could have been browned a tad more, but that would probably have meant turning the heat up a bit and flash frying/browning the veal so I was satisfied. Tender veal is more important to me than nicely browned and crisped breading. The pasta (linguine) and capers with the lemony sauce was delicious in mine. We both ordered the regular size, which is very pricey but for both of us it meant we got another meal out of it. Paesano also provides dinner with a spoon To twirl your pasta in, which was helpful since it's hard to be sure to get some capers with each bite. I've noticed not all Italian restaurants do this now days. We also ordered sorbet, lychee for her, mango for me and we were both happy. As we were leaving I saw a couple using chopsticks to eat their pasta, and I thought, "Why didn't I think of that? I do that when I order a salad!" Will try it next time. We were able to have a leisurely lunch and catch up without being rushed out of the restaurant, which was nice. They also split the check for us. We were going to just half the bill but it just so happens our meals cost exactly the same so that made it very easy.

    Tartufo Ice Cream (Coffee or Vanilla)
    Jozlyn H.

    My mom wanted to eat here for her 71st birthday. Making reservations was easy and simple. All my years in passing this restaurant and I have never been inside. As we walked in, the decor brought me into a different realm. Because they are located in the Waimalu Shopping Center, I didn't expect it to be that nice on the inside. I expected a casual paper napkin type of place. I walked in and immediately felt that "Italian Restaurant" feel Service was amazing here, wine was delicious, dessert and appetizer were delicious too. I only have it 4 starts bc I wasn't a fan of their pasta. Just my personal opinion but I wasn't a fan of their sauce and their pasta. I think I ordered the Veal Scallopine Alla Sorrentino, my boyfriend had the New York steak and shrimp scampi.... He enjoyed his. So it could've been the dish I ordered. I really really really enjoyed Paesano Crab Cakes, tiramisu, and tartufo coffee ice cream..... oh ya and the bottle of Reisling... When I come back, I'll definitely do a different dish

    New York Steak with Pasta
    Kevin W.

    We celebrated our sister in law's birthday at one of our favorite Italian restaurants Paesano's in the Waimalu Shopping Center. Good thing we made reservations a month ago, they were very busy last night. We especially loved the House Salad with pickled vegetables, chunks of Parmesan cheese, and a wonderful vinaigrette. For entrees most of us ordered the Special of the Day a Ribeye Steak accompanied by Shrimp Ala Bolla. We also ordered the Chicken Saltimbocca and the Scallops alla Scampi. Everything was perfectly prepared and tasted wonderful. I have to mention that our server was a bit overwhelmed with the amount of tables he had. Service was not up to their standards last night.

    seafood
    Samantha L.

    The portions here are insane in the best way. They are extremely generous with both meat and seafood, so you definitely leave full. The complimentary bread is warm, soft, and fluffy, served with butter, and honestly hard to stop eating. My favorite dish was the Linguine Chicken Anchovy Olio. It is a dry pasta with olive oil and garlic, and the large portion was massive. There was so much chicken, and it was perfectly cooked, crispy, and full of flavor. They also had a seafood special, which ended up being my second favorite. The seafood was cooked perfectly and tasted very fresh. The restaurant is simple, clean, and spacious, making it great for large groups. Service was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. This is easily becoming one of my go-to pasta spots!

    Lorene P.

    Great hospitality and attentive to our large group. The meatballs, chicken with portobello mushrooms, and eggplant parm with chicken cacciatore were great. Enjoyed the sorbet too. Delicious bruschetta on toast and house salad. The calamari scampi style and chicken piccata was only decent. The wine butter sauce was off. Can't figure out what was wrong. Not enough butter, wine not cooked off? Added red pepper and lots of Parmesan cheese but it still was off.

    JoAnne V.

    No reservation? No problem! Service is always attentive and on point. Place is very spacious although, feels a bit dated. Server was efficient and order placed promptly. Cold Antipasto ordered and portion very generous. Love the cheese and anchovy placed on a mountain of lettuce and picked veggies. The dressing always does it for me. A tangy vinegrette that's not to overwhelming but, compliments the salad well. Did I mention the bread? Fresh, hot and so moist! Yum! P Scallops with snow peas and pasta... yes please. Buttery and lots of snap in the peas. My only want? Is to sear the scallops. They were however cooked well. Very tender. It was a very good meal and would definitely return.

    The cross section of some of the best lasagna ever! No place on the island offers such a good lasagna
    Julia W.

    The service is quick, polite, and professional. Everything is so clean and it smells SO good with the Italian food cooking. I even love the sounds of glasses coming out wine getting opened and people chatting without it being too loud.

    Complimentary bruschetta topped with calamari rings
    Terry K.

    So, Waimalu Paesano is related to the former Paesano from Manoa. Same owners, same menu, same friendly atmosphere, same, same, same. Paesano is located in the Waimalu Shopping Center, south side parking lot across from Safeway Stores. Why would you go here? Especially if you're from downtown Honolulu? Because it's a good half way point if you're dining with others from the west or north side of the island. Because the Establishment is nice, clean and local. Because the food is decent. Because, because, because. We each had different entrees but shared the roasted pepper appetizer and we were blessed with a complimentary bruschetta platter for us. Price point comparable to there Italian flairs in the area, let alone the island. Parking plentiful (well, it's a shopping center so would expect nothing less) Best part of dining here? The camaraderie! And we weren't rushed.... Our waiter was the greatest. Left us alone, stopped by only when asked to stop by. Another visit? Yup! (and those who know me would ask why am I going west passing the Airport Viaduct? ... because!) Nuf said

    Gail U.

    7-18-2025 Big mahalo for Terry K who generously rounded us up for lunch in Waimalu. As soon as you enter the heavenly smell of garlic hits you in a good way arousing your taste buds and heightening your choice of selection. I almost wanted to ask our server what's the most garlicky item you have. Parking is no problem in the shared lot. The restaurant is a nice choice for friends, family,business associates or even couples to dine in. The roasted red pepper appetizer was moist, tender and delicious especially placed on a buttered slice of bread that was brought to our table in a white napkin covered basket. Our server also brought a nice tasty surprise, on the house bruschetta for each of us topped with a calamari ring over something liked a good pickled salsa- it was excellent but eat it fast cuz the juices soak into the middle of the toasted crusty slice. Ooh, if that was on the menu I'd select that. Some of us wanted to try something different from our regular choices of Italian food. We each had a doggy take home container for our left overs. Unfortunately The garlic on two of our entrees were a bit overcooked giving the dish a bitter taste. Another had pretty much the entire shrimp and vegetable untouched. The fourth person and host had the best looking dish out of the four. Our male server was professional, very patient as we practically closed down the restaurant for their lunch service. He refilled our waters and even the female runner that brought out our food was cute when she asked if anyone wanted cheese to top their dish. Very popular restaurant as many tables were occupied as two of us entered at 11:15 a.m. Leave room for dessert cuz the menu looked very tempting but no takers today. Maybe another time.

    Chicken parmigiana. Generous serving for a small order.
    Steve O.

    My wife's auntie invited us to have dinner with her family while we were in Oahu. Paesano is located in a medium sized strip mall so finding parking wasn't a problem. I was surprised to see it looked more upscale inside than you would think based on the outside businesses surrounding it. We were seated promptly and service was very good. They came by frequently to make sure everything was ok. I wasn't overly thrilled with my chicken parmigiana due to its bland tomato sauce. My wife and daughter kept telling me to put more parmesan cheese in it but I already had and it couldn't salvage it. The chicken itself was fine and the portion for a small order was extremely generous though. My wife thought her chicken marsala was quite good so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and give them 4 stars. My daughter also liked her dinner so maybe I just made the wrong choice. They wouldn't mind coming back but I'm still a bit iffy. It will be a while before I return to Hawaii so it doesn't matter much. They will be returning to the islands before I do.

    Eggplant Parmesan
    Kelsie R.

    Really enjoyed Paesano for lunch! Appreciated the smaller portion options that were perfect for us for lunch. Service was great, and it's a nice place and decor in an unassuming strip mall

    Ryne T.

    My wife's favorite place on Oahu for Italian food. Chilled ambiance with friendly helpful service. Even the owners will come by to make sure everything is alright with your meal. They have a full bar with wine and spirits if you enjoy a cocktail with your meal. Lots of free parking. So call, make your reservation and enjoy this dining experience for yourself. Support local

    Calamari piccata
    Adrean H.

    It was a busy night, we were able to grab a last minute reservation for 5. The kitchen was backed up, but we enjoyed a comped fried mozzarella while we waited. Chicken Bella was the winner on this visit, my Calamari piccata was a bit underwhelming (it's my fav and order often) but again, I think it was due to how slammed the kitchen got. This is our go-to Italian in the Aiea/Pearl City area...a great place outside of the hustle in town. Service is always stellar, if you haven't been, go!

    Bruschetta - Perfectly crunchy and seasoned; slightly sweet sauce drizzled over

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    Perfectly prepared meals and incredible service. Easy parking, call for reservations.

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    Page 1 of 16

    Paesano Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Paesano

    Has the price updated recently?

    Yes prices on the menu were current. We just went there a couple of weeks ago.

    Are they closing down for good?

    I called the one I go to in Aiea and they are remaining open. Thank God cuz it's definitely delicious! The rumor you speak of is the one they closed in Manoa.

    Is the lunch entree portions considered a small or regular size portion?

    The lunch entree's are similarly sized to the small portion at dinner time. During lunch hours, your welcomed to order the dinner regular size if you'd like a larger portion.

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    Mangiamo By 604

    Mangiamo By 604

    4.0
    (800 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    We had a family dinner--for eight--at Mangiamo by 604. I was excited to have my father and brother…read moreexperience this establishment, as I had a great experience two years ago. My father and brother are both military veterans and enjoyed the fact that this venue was situated at a golf course they patronized before. We all ordered drinks--I ordered a bottle of wine, taking advantage of the Half-off Wine Wednesdays; some tried the alcohol specials and others simply elected to have soda. I ordered a few appetizers for the table and those went quickly: calamari, bruschetta, and artichoke dip. Yum! Main entrees followed and everyone seemed to enjoy their selections. We ordered dessert and were disappointed that they ran out of creme brulee...my father ordered the cheesecake and thoroughly enjoyed it. My only reason for not giving five stars has to do with the outdoor seating. I wish the chairs were more comfortable, as we sat there for awhile, waiting for our server to take our large group order along with waiting for food to come out. There is adequate parking and the restrooms are clean and accessible. An elevator is located in the lobby for those who are not able to easily climb the flight of stairs to the venue. I wish the signage was better, as my 74 year old father took the outside steps, as he thought that was the entrance, per signage downstairs.

    I came maybe two or times in the past. The last time was the other year. I was bummed and felt…read moresorry for those who need to use the elevator to the restaurant and it wasn't working. I don't know how the elderly lady with walker was able to get up the stairs or they weren't able to dine there. I didn't mind this place. It's not like Assaggio, but more like Olive Garden. Food was okay but the view and ambience were nice, especially at Christmas at Night! It's a huge restaurant with seating for parties with a lot of free parking shared with the golfers at the golf course. Indoor and outdoor seating. The last time, my friends weren't too impressed, but we did try variety of dishes from pizza, salad, pasta and appetizers. They have some specials from time to time. So sad that tomorrow is their last day of business according to my friend. Sad to see many restaurants are closing soon.

    Photos
    Family Meal!
    Family Meal!
    Mozzarella Marinara
    Mozzarella Marinara
    Sunset at Mangiamo by 604

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    Sunset at Mangiamo by 604
    Ricado's Italian Restaurant

    Ricado's Italian Restaurant

    4.1
    (625 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    I haven't been here in years considering my last 2 star review but as things change and evolve, I'm…read moreopen to second chances. Boy, am I pleasantly surprised and ecstatic I gave that 2nd chance! Dipped in on a random Tuesday while in the area. Greeted & seated immediately, beverages offered (they had a special drink offer as well - summer spritzer). Piping hot bread & butter dropped off & they didn't skimp on the offering! We gobbled that up & wow, tasty. I love a good seafood combo with white sauce & these folks didn't disappoint! Soft & tender pieces of calamari, flavorful chunks of fish, clams, shrimp, scallops. The sauce was on point, linguine perfect. My family had ravioli and spaghetti with homemade meatballs - they whacked their plates clean. Cannoli for dessert with a tiramisu to go. Delish! Can I just say tho... yes a step up on food but even more, the awesome service. Great looking staff, all smiling (part of what makes them good looking is the smiles!!), pleasant, friendly & upbeat. We will def be returning again in hopes that this wasn't a one time fluke!

    Years ago, we would drop off our eldest grandson at Ricado's Italian Restaurant at Pearl Kai…read moreShopping Center in Aiea to meet up with his friends. And once, we saw my hubby's cousin having dinner with friends there. Little did we know that it was a popular place for those living westside. Ricado's has been opened since 1993, serving delicious pastas and Italian cuisine. It offers: * Appetizer. Calamari, cheeses, shrimp piccata, salami, veggies, garlic bread. * Salad. House, Italian, Caesar, chicken, antipasto. * Soup. Minestrone. * Pasta. Bolognese, linguine, penne, carbonara, ravioli, tortellini, lasagna, fettuccine, chicken, eggplant. * Poultry. Chicken piccata, parmagiana, marsala, saltimbocca. * Veal. Marsala, piccata, saltimbocca, New York steak.= * Seafood. Shrimp, calamari, fish. * Dessert. Gelato, sorbet, cheesecake, tiramisu, mud pie. As we live in East Honolulu, let's see what we've been missing out. On a recent dinner visit, we ordered the following: * Shrimp Sorrentino. House specialty of mushrooms, eggplant, mozzarella cheese, marsala-wine butter sauce served over linguine. A very filling meal with a delicious generous portion of breaded eggplant and large shrimps over cheesy linguine and toppings! A new favorite for me! * Lasagna. Meat with ricotta cheese, Mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce. Creamy and cheesy lasagna that meits in your mouth in delicious generous portions! Hubby's choice, and he loved it! Complimentary hot baked bread with generous slices of butter was served. The bread was crispy on the outside and fluffy soft on the inside. A serving dish of fresh Parmesean cheese was provided to allow use of the Parmesean cheese as toppings and as much as we wanted! Staff was friendly and attentive, refilling water glasses, taking timely orders, assuring that requests are taken care of, and that boxes are provided for leftovers. They all had smiles and were willing to please. They allowed you to take your time in ordering. And once you're done, they will thank you for coming as they appreciate your patronage. Hours of operation are Tues to Thurs 5:00p to 8:00p, Fri to Sun 4:30p to 9:00p, Mon closed. Long gone are those lunches, as only dinner is served. We elected to have an early dinner on a Sunday instead of fighting traffic on a weekday. No reservations were necessary for an early Sunday dinner, as we noticed large family dinners had special occasion celebrations, and that we were early enough before the dining rooms got crowded. The dining rooms appear outdated, but the lights are dimmed to create a date-night ambiance. With delicious pasta, large portions, good value, a pleasant ambiance, and excellent customer service, the dining experience is one to remember! We would definitely return for our favorites or try the different menu offerings. Sure wish there was a Ricardo's in East Honolulu. Support local!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Side veggies
    Side veggies
    Inside

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    Inside
    La Cucina Ristorante Italiano

    La Cucina Ristorante Italiano

    4.3
    (886 reviews)
    8.7 mi
    $$$

    Reservations are not a traditional system and can be difficult if you are not flexible. If you plan…read moreahead you are more likely to get a date/time. Join their Instagram as sometimes guest cancel and they will post last minute availability. Trust, the wait is worth it! First time here. It is a small and simple restaurant with delicious made to order dishes by 1 Chef so be patient. Join their Instagram as sometime they post last minute availability if guest cancel. It was warm inside the restaurant which made us decide not to order adult beverages. They offer BYOB. Check with them prior to your reservation about corkage fees. We were given a few slices of crusty bread, olive oil balsamic, and ice water. They suggest ordering family style. We shared Tagliatelle Neri e frutti di Mare which was my favorite! We also had Risotto Funghi e Tartufo. We did not drive there but I read they validate parking in the building. Mahalo, I'll be back soon!

    La Cucina is hands down our favorite Italian restaurant on the island! We've honestly lost count of…read morehow many times we've been here--probably around 8 times? Haha yup 8 visits, and they've been just as consistent with their food, quality, and friendly service every single time! We love that it's not outrageously expensive. Just know you're paying for freshly homemade pasta, and they definitely don't skimp on the proteins, especially the seafood! I love that the seafood flavors here are elevated and not covered by the pasta sauce. We usually do walk-ins instead of making reservations, and as long as we arrive before they open, there are typically bar seats available. Sometimes we're even offered a table as long as we can finish by a certain time. We've tried almost all of the pastas (lol I also have so many pictures to show), but here are some of our all-time favorites that we order again and again: * Dungeness Crab Meat Pasta with Vodka Sauce * Fettuccine Aragosta (lobster with pink sauce) * Vongole (clam) pasta * Risotto Funghi with foie gras * Crab Ravioli * Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

    Photos
    La Cucina Ristorante Italiano
    Spaghetti Granchio e Vodka - So flavorful
    Spaghetti Granchio e Vodka - So flavorful
    Ravioli Spinaci - Creamy goodness

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    Ravioli Spinaci - Creamy goodness
    Assaggio

    Assaggio

    3.4
    (673 reviews)
    5.7 mi
    $$

    We have always passed assagios mililani but haven't really given them a chance because the other…read morepasta restaurant in the area had been our go to. That was until they started reducing their portion sizes and food quality kind of declined, so we decided to be adventurous and try assagios out; and boy were we so pleasantly surprised! We love the portion sizes -- and the option to do a small or large. We always opt for the large so that we have enough pasta for the next days lunch. If you know you know, leftover pasta tastes even better. Their portion sizes are great and their ingredients just taste fresh. We usually get the garlic cream fettuccine with chicken, which comes with broccoli. My mom usually gets the spicy seafood pasta with pink sauce, and my dad gets shrimp assagios. All solid options. Can't forget the homemade salad! Only complaint is the desserts are mid, but honestly that's such a small issue as there are tons of dessert places in the town center right next to the restaurant. We love it here and this place has been one of our biweekly dinners!

    Met up with a friend at this restaurant. Ambiance was great, service was good, but the food wasn't…read morethe greatest. The clams served for one of the pasta dishes didn't taste fresh. I'd choose another entrée next time. 20 photos should be included, although Yelp doesn't always post them all with my review.

    Photos
    Upon walking in.
    Upon walking in.
    Ross
    Ross
    Shrimp Vegetable - Small, with pesto and rigatoni pasta

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    Shrimp Vegetable - Small, with pesto and rigatoni pasta

    Paesano - italian - Updated July 2026

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