Classics Deliver On Flavor At Paesano

While Italian food is often revered for its simplicity, the flavors produced are anything but simple. The authentic Italian cuisine at Paesano Ristorante Italiano is no exception, consisting of deeply flavorful and rich classics. The eatery has been a Manoa staple for decades, and since opening a second location in Aiea in 2008, the restaurant has gained loyal patrons all over the Island.

The combination of old-school recipes and thoughtful preparations gives Paesano’s dishes that extra burst of deliciousness. The New York Steak ($27.90) for example, features black pan-grilled strip loin lightly seasoned to perfection and seared in a cast iron-skillet to create an especially crispy crust.

Succulent on its own, this steak is taken to the next level with the restaurant’s homemade red wine sauce, as old as the establishment itself.

“What makes it special is that we use Merlot and Port mixed together, which gives it a little bit of sweetness,” explains head chef and co-owner Gerry Quach. The red wine is reduced along with butter, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a hint of the French shoyu, Maggie, to achieve that fathomless flavor.

The Linguini Chicken Anchovy Olio ($21.90) also will excite your taste buds. The chicken is pan-seared and baked with garlic and anchovies until golden brown and crispy.

“We use a good brand of imported Italian pasta that we cook to order,” says Quach, who ensures each dish is prepared as freshly as possible.

The flavors keep intensifying with the Combination Chicken & Shrimp Artichoke ($25.90). Not listed on the menu, this tasty dish is reserved for the wise patrons and Dining Out reader who remember to order it. Fresh chicken and shrimp combined with butter, garlic, caramelized onion, button mushrooms and chicken stalk make for a mouth-watering meal. Touches of fire roasted pepper, balsamic vinegar and basil really make this dish pop.

For the simplest way to complex flavors, take the route to Paesano Ristorante Italiano.

Paesano Ristorante Italiano