Celebrate Halloween in style

Those hoping to celebrate Halloween with a fairy tale ending need look no further than Il Lupino’s Little Red Riding Hood and The Wolf-themed revelry.

Appropriately, Il Lupino translates to mean “little wolf” in Italian, and bears the nickname of owner Wolfgang Zwiener. Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar offers stellar customer service and authentic Italian cuisine in a casual, relaxed atmosphere nestled alongside a tranquil garden behind the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Il Lupino, located directly below Zwiener’s highly-acclaimed Wolfgang’s Steak-house, gives patrons the option of dining alfresco on the restaurant’s outdoor patio — which features its own bar — or remaining in the comfortable dining room that offers views of a vast wine collection and open kitchen.

When Halloween rolls around Oct. 31, Il Lupino invites diners to enjoy a delicious meal before cruising Kalakaua Avenue, or to stop in after the festivities to delve into late-night pupus and cocktails. The restaurant’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will be dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood and The Wolf, and customers who dress accordingly as “Red” or “Wolf” will receive a complimentary gelato for dessert.

Additionally, Il Lupino will be serving specially-themed cocktails for $10 apiece. Enjoy Little Red Riding Hood Cocktail — an apple-infused spritzer with Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) — or The Little Wolf (normally $16, discounted to $10 on Halloween), which features a signature recipe that includes Gentleman Jack topped with Disaronno, served with a round ice cube and garnished with Prosciutto di Parma (dry-aged ham).

General manager Heela Mottus invites diners to indulge in their favorite Italian-inspired dishes throughout the day. Lobster Croissant ($18) is a popular sandwich on the lunch menu, as it’s crafted with fresh Maine lobster, crispy bacon, roasted peppers and red pepper aioli, and is served with a choice of fries or salad.

Those craving succulent steak are encouraged to try Filetto Di Manzo ($44), an 8-ounce cut of prime tenderloin accompanied by sauteed broccoli and truffle mashed potatoes accented with Chianti truffle reduction sauce. Seafood enthusiasts can reel in the flavor with Spaghetti Di Nero ($30), Kona Maine lobster sauteed in garlic, extra virgin olive oil and Chardonnay reduction tossed with house-made squid ink pasta and chives.

So many delectable dishes have diners crying wolf — a positive side effect of the Il Lupino experience.

Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar

Royal Hawaiian Center
2233 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 110, Honolulu
922-3400
(Breakfast) Monday– Thursday, 6-11 a.m. and Friday–Sunday, 6 a.m.-noon
(Lunch) Daily, noon-5 p.m.
(Happy Hour) Daily, 4-6:30 p.m.
(Dinner) Sunday– Thursday, 5-10:30 p.m. and Friday–Saturday, 5-11:30 p.m.
IlLupino.com