Celebrating my dads bday at Paesano I found this place to be simply mediocre. We had a party of ten, made reservations and was seated promptly. The first person to approach our party was the busboy filling up our water glasses. He said absolutely nothing to us! Even tho he's not our waiter a hello would be appropriate, he then left two water glasses empty and just walked away. We figured his pitcher was empty and he would return, well that didn't happen. When it came to ordering, the waiter didn't ask us if we wanted to start with appetizers , basically we ordered everything one time. So of course all the apps and main dishes arrived at the same time. Food arrived it was decent, I ordered the Fish Piccata, fish was over cooked and waaay too much capers. It was a funny vibe for me, it felt like they're just trying to turn tables. read more

Paesano - Fish Piccata, I like Capers but this was a bit much. - Italian Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

I tried alot of Italian restaurants on the island but Paesano is definitely more upscale than most. You would never think such a cool classy restaurant would be nestled in a shopping center in waimalu (across the parking lot of Safeway) We had reservations at 5 (they open at 5) they will immediately ask for your vax card and make sure you have a mask. We were acknowledged with a friendly "hi"and all the staff was cool. The guy behind the host desk was dressed more casual than other workers my guess is he was the owners son and probably manager but he and the staff were very professional and genuine. The inside of the restaurant is very clean and classy. The interior has a comfortable cozyness (hang out and linger) vibe to it. The menu (did not take pic) is filled with all the usual italian fare and the prices are a bit on the high side but manageable. The food (pic) was good and seemed to have been made with pride. If you are in the mood for some good (not cheap but manageable) Italian food in a cool classy comfortable setting Paesanos is it read more

Got together with some friends for dinner. Overall it was a mixed bag of reviews. I had the lasagna which I enjoyed. It was a generous portion. My friend was a little disappointed with her eggplant dish. She felt tot was not fresh. Another minor point. The butter was too cold and hard to spread on the bread. But I have only positive views of the restaurant and staff. read more

Went to celebrate five birthdays this week there because we all recovered from COVID19 and could finally go out and have dinner. I don't think it's owned or run by Italians cause the staff were all Asian. At least the ones I saw. For 14 people the bill was a little over $500 add another $100 for the tip. Service was good and the food was also. Nice ambience just and decor inside. Looks fine dining but can dress Hawaiian style. Shorts and slippers are welcome read more

Great for a nice, special celebration or visit! Service is amiable and quick. They double check orders with you and pleasantly accommodate requests for shared servings. One of the nicer places in Aiea to enjoy a meal. I've attended parties and celebrations here. Nice menu! read more

Just celebrated a friend's retirement at our friendly neighborhood restaurant, Paesano, in the Waimalu Shopping Center. The menu features a variety of tasty Italian selections to satisfy every person's taste from house specialties to veal, chicken, seafood, salads and soup dishes. I enjoyed the delicious chicken Ala saltimbocca...breaded chicken with spinach, cheese, prosciutto, mushroom and a white wine butter sauce served over hot spaghetti. With our group of 15, we enjoyed a night full of fun, fellowship, friendly service, and great food in a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere! If you're ever in the Aiea area, don't hesitate to stop by this local eatery! read more

If chicken saltimbocca is available, that's my go to. So far, Ricado's is the best on O'ahu. This one was okay. The price was also higher. Not saying this place is a bad option, we only went here because Ricado's was not open for lunch which to me, is odd for a weekend. They would have made money. I have tried it also at to La Ciccia but our last time there wasn't the best experience. We had reservations. We water maybes 30 minutes? Secretly charged us corkage fee. since the last time because they charged a high corkage fee. Previous two times been there. No corkage fee. But that time we were not only charged but not mentioned. I don't think I'll come back to La Ciccia. read more

Catching up over good food, good company and good customer service. Hard to beat. Lunch is less busier if you're looking for a quiet place on a Sunday. read more

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Chicken Oreganata Good overall flavor. Good garlic oil flavor - just right Chicken was a little over peppered for my taste Tiramisu Dry and not much flavor There are much ch better tiramisù's out there at other restaurants. Cannoli This was the biggest disappointment See picture The marscapone wasn't filled all the way. Big disappointment Comparison 1 assaggio 2 Paesano 3 Palazzo . . . . . Verbano (this is a must not go) read more

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Food was awesome, service was so quick. The staff were very kind and friendly. We had a last minute reservation and they were very accommodating. There was almost no wait at all. read more

With our reservations we were quick to get seated. We visited Paesano to celebrate my DIL's birthday. Staff was attentive throughout and our water was refilled frequently. Prices are a little on the higher side but the food was tasty and portions were appropriate for the price. I ordered a small rigatoni arrabiata and he got the Chef's special NY steak and shrimp scampi. Also, the bread is hot and delicious! Note: soda is not refillable. read more

Paesano - NY steak and shrimp scampi - Italian Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Nice restaurant with friendly and attentive service. Good bread and butter brought to table on arrival. Meals were unfortunately subpar. Hubby had the linguine with meatball and sausage and marinara sauce. The meatball was huge and he said the texture was mushy and gross. I had the rigatoni with mushrooms and garlic. Runny mushroom drippings with no taste of garlic. Asked for more garlic and was brought a little ramekin of fried garlic with no flavor. House Pinot Noir wine was barely palatable, despite nice pour. Cappuccino was excellent. Cannoli was okay. Next time in the neighborhood, will go somewhere else. read more

Paesano - Italian Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

TBH we went here too because our go to restaurant for Italian was closed. We wanted to give this place a chance and had high hopes after looking at the menu. The food was OVERPRICED and very very UNDERWHELMING!! $85 for two plates? Seriously?! 4 shrimp which was hard as rock. Small half frozen scallops (6). The butter and garlic sauce was watered down and really bad. This was truly disappointing and the first and last time here. Yeah, It's like Paesano is trying to be an upscale restaurant with the look but is serving lunch wagon food. read more

Fantastic! Honestly, I didn't realize how nice (and surprisingly large) this place is. It's set up so that you almost won't even remember that you're in Aiea. The service was great, the ambiance was fantastic, but the food.. wow! The chicken anchovy olio that I got was perfect. It was so delicious, the linguine was perfectly al dente, the bits of crunch from the garlic and the anchovy were so tasty, and the chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside! read more

Food and service were poor . Ordered the hot seafood appetizer and a side order of garlic pasta . Entree came out cold and the seafood over a plain pasta with no flour except bad oil . Calamari and clams were old or bad .. couldn't even eat the $30 lunch . Waiter did nothing to compensate . My husband had ravioli with meat sauce mediocre at best . $102 waste of money except for the bread and salad I guess .. far from the old paesano location in Manoa. Would not recommend.. we will not be back . No wonder Assagio is doing so much better .. hope things improve read more

Service was AWFUL! We normally get good to subpar service but when we went, we were the "forgotten" table. Everyone around us had impeccable service, MUCH BETTER than we ever could have that night. Would I return again? Nope! No wonder the Manoa store closed. Management was so blaze about everything. read more

The food is amazing! My family loves this restaurant because the service is on point and the menu does not disappoint. If you go for the food or the ambiance, this place is right on the mark! read more

Definitely my favorite restaurant! I have been going to the Manoa (now closed) and Aiea locations regularly since it opened years ago since it was located near my workplace and later home. The food is always top-notch, and I and my co-workers, guests and family have tried many items on the menu and have always been more than pleased. For example, Paesano's clams come in a shell, not these ones that come minced from a can (ugh) like other restaurants. their seafood is delicious. The staff has always been flexible with substituting their sauces and other requests as they aim to please. I've been thru countless servers during lunch and dinner and they are always attentive and provide top-notch service. The owner is very friendly to the guests. I wish more restaurants treated its guests like Paesano. Lots of free parking. read more

Good was good. Seafood special could have used more garlic. Tiramisu was good, don't think it was Costco. Food delivery was quick as possible given the number of orders. Service was great for a large group of 14; no wrong orders for the entire table. Ambiance was good, table conversations were easily held without screaming. They didn't kick us out but did stop refilling waters after giving us the check. No automatic 20% gratuity but they earned it so that's what we left. Corkage fee was a little high at $25. I'd host another family gathering! read more

This is one of my go to places when wanting Italian food and especially one for a large party. Great that we're able to make reservations. SERVICE The service was very good. The staff is very friendly and provided fast service including in refilling our complimentary bread, water and main meal. Then took the time to provide description on some of their dishes. FOOD I decided to order something that I don't normally order as I didn't want anything to filling. I ordered the Shrimp Alla Francese. Typically this comes with snow peas but I asked to substitute it with mushroom. My husband had the Eggplant Ala Parmigiana. The small size is very filling. We also shared a Caesar Salad. ATMOSPHERE With a party of 15 we had a private section. To comply with the social distancing order, we sat in tables of five. Quite a pleasant evening! read more

Paesano - Eggplant Ala Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Here is an honest review. Although my rating is not high, I would still come back. 1. The restaurant is nice and classy. 2. Bread is delicious and unlimited 3. They opened on Sunday for lunch when everyone else is closed 4. Big selection of options 5. Great service What could be better or just wasn't for me.. 1. Prices are very high for the food quality. 2. Not authentic Italian. Some items I can make better myself. 3. Food has a slight Asian style flavor which throws me off. But still tasty so it's ok. Example - bruschetta has suttle bahn mi flavor. 4. Food is very greasy since they rely heavily on oil for the sauce. Overall it was good but not great. However? I would go back since the ambiance is pleasing. read more

Paesano - Chicken Anchovy Olio- Good flavor but no sauce. Drizzles with oil so it was dry. - Italian Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Food: the bruschetta was very delicious. The sauce was a little sweet, but also savory. It was a nice mixture of the tomatoes and onions. I ordered the eggplant parmesan, small portion. The eggplant was really thin cut. However, the overall dish tasted ok. The Sicilian chicken was nothing special. Chicken was moist. Service: He was nice. Didn't make too much conversation, but I guess maybe cause of covid? Overall, we'd come back. The food was good! read more

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The only true fine dining experience on the leeward side! Best staff everrrr! Great ambience and service is muuuuuuah! Oh and by the way...need less to say...the food is onolicious! And thats an understatement! You're welcome in advance! Enjoy gang! read more

Terrible food quality this isn't real Italian not even American Italian it straight up sucks. Sauce is watered down from a #10 can of sweet tomato sauce. Buca di Beppo is way better and that's being generous. Too greedy is what they are and the prices reflect it. Way overpriced and underwhelming food. avoid this place is just a shet show money grab read more

Went with my family. Food was excellent one of the best tasting Italians. This fire service was on Cue bathrooms was clean because you know me and bathrooms. read more

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Good food, decent prices, good portions. I like that they offer small or regular sized portions. They offer fresh, hot bread to start with. Which, unfortunately, I have a tendency to fill up on even before the entree arrived. I got the fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli. I keep trying to find a place that has a good alfredo sauce. This one had a good taste but was not as creamy as I would have liked. I like that they also offer substitutions. My mom got the special but instead of getting pasta she substituted vegetables and chose a different type of sauce. My sister got the shrimp with vegetables but substituted a pesto sauce and a different type of pasta. Overall, a good place when you're craving Italian. read more

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Ambiance and fresh baked bread was great. But that was all. Cesar salad very salty. Veal tough, picatta sauce no good, and pasta was bland and rubbery. If you're Italian you will be very disappointed like l was. And over priced. I usually don't post reviews. But this was bad! read more

Be ready to dish out $$. It's a good place, very tasty, I had the seafood combination, yummy!! Quality food, so it does reflect in the price. Ambiance was nice pleasant, dimly lit. Service is top notch. Overall recommended, but you gotta be willing to play the price! read more

Always has been a favorite to me. Pearl city staff are awesome. Even though it was busy service was great. Started off with the caprese. Awesome. Pesto had a garlic kick. She had the seafood combo. Small portion was big yet. I had the oasobucco. It was delicious. I must have had the daddy cow. It was huge. Couldn't finish. Finally had some amaretto. Delicious. Go to eat there. You womt regret it. read more

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Excellent food and customer service! One of my favorite places to eat good place to have a corporate dinner

Last minute lunch stop! Haven't been here in years. It's nice to see familiar faces. The manager Min is always friendly. Wayland was our server and he was quick at taking our order. Food came out really fast. My Calamari Veggie Linguine w/pesto cream sauce was excellent. I subbed Linguine for Angel Hair pasta. Really nicely done with the garlic too. Hubby ordered the Chicken Marsala with Linguine /mushrooms and it was really good. Full of flavor. Our busboy, Ricky kept our waters and iced tea filled. It was a great lunch date. Mahalo! read more

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It's 12:30pm and we had the restaurant to ourselves. They had a baby shower in a private room in back. 5 minutes later the restaurant is getting busy, lol. Good timing, we got our lunch pretty fast. The ambiance is upscale fine dining with table clothes and waiters in 3 piece uniforms. There was a rose in a vase on each table. Yet, everyone dressed casual and looked very comfortable. Tables were setup spaciously apart. Everyone very attentive including the manager Min who checked up on us periodically. Our waiter Wayland, served us our drinks Arnold Palmer's Ice Tea, a blend of ice tea and lemonade and a glass of water. No alchohol. Then with the complimentry hot loaf of their moist bread with light butter. Followed by appetizer Bruschetta. We had a great start. Our main entree was Calamari Veggie Linguine substitute for angel hair pasta and a custom pesto cream sauce. It was seasoned perfectly and the calamari was light breaded and soft, very tasty. Also, the Chicken Alla Marsala was light breaded and cooked with a slight crunchy crust over linguine and mushrooms. The taste was delightful. It was a very good experience. A nice place to take a date, lol. read more

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I have been dining here occaissionally and think this place is exceptionally a place to dine. The ambiance is a very comfortable and relaxing place to unwine. The food ia very tasty and the service is great. The prices are okay but some may think it might be a little pricy. I paid little over two hundred for a party of three? Including desserts and appitizers plus the tip. I'll let you decide? I really enjoy dining here! Great place in a good location. read more

The service was a pleasant surprise. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The prices were a little high, but the food did taste good. The wine list was okay and we opted to try some desserts and enjoyed them. Plenty of free parking and the ambiance was not quite fine dining but upscale. We will go back again. read more

Food wasnt great but it wasnt bad. Id rate it maybe 7 of 10. Bread yum! Antipasto was ok. My carbonara was ok. The cannoli was the probably the tastiest. read more

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Came here for take out on the first day after they allowed restaurants to open to dine in... They only had take out. Phoned in my order for Veal Saltimbocca, they asked if I wanted the regular size, OK went to pick it up seemed like only 3 people working there but service was good. In the bag they include a small bread, they kept the butter separate in a foil, inside the bag with the food was a separate container with parmesan cheese. What surprised me was what I feel is overpriced ... $38.69 for Veal Saltimbocca. But it was tasty. read more

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The food was delicious!! We had the calamari for appetizers, I had the special which was the seafood combination, and my hubby had the osso bucco with seafood. We had to have their homemade tiramisu for dessert! read more

I've been to the Manoa location several times which I love! This location was a surprise. Hidden in Waimalu Shopping Center. Lots of FREE Parking, Upscale Decor and Classy Table Linen Settings. Food is tasty, service is good, great for a leisure lunch or special occasion dinner for that certain someone. Can be romantic couple or group gatherings. Menu is good sized with choices for everyone. **Must improve ** Coffee was very watery and needs to be stronger even if it's instant. read more

Paesano - Italian Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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I'm not a sucker for Italian food because I just feel so heavy after, but this meal could be a game changer for me. I decided to get the shrimp vegetable linguine, but with angel hair. I loved the angel hair because its really skinny and lighter(?). It was the perfect amount of shrimp (maybe 10 pieces), lots of veggies, and lots of pasta. I got the small portion and it was a really good size! You can get this dish with tomato sauce, garlic sauce, pesto, or creamy pesto. I got the regular pesto. Garlicy! YUM!! What I especially love about Paesano is their huge menu. You will definitely find something you like and you can customize it to the way you want. Also loved my heavy pour of wine hehe ;) Oh and one of the BEST parts of Paesano is the bread. So soft. Even the butt of the bread is good Prices are about $25ish a pasta dish. Also got wine (about $10 a glass). Update: went again and got the fish salad. UGH. Going back soon!!! Soooo good. Filling, refreshing, garlicky, tasty. read more

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Came here for the first time with my Sister for lunch. The food was delicious and the prices are reasonable. My favorite was the Crab Cakes appetizer. Our server was kind and attentive, I'll be back soon! If you're a fan of capers, I recommend the Piccata, I got mine with EXTRA capers...yum! read more

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