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Taking Italian Fine Dining to New Heights

Features Order of the Day

January 18, 2015

Story By: Andy Beth Miller | Photos by: Anthony Consillio

Boasting breathtaking views of Honolulu’s world-famous skyline, as well as an unbeatable bird’s-eye view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Sarento’s, an Italian-inspired fine-dining establishment, proudly brings a taste of the old country to the Islands, with impeccable flavor and style.

What sets Sarento’s apart from other eateries is not just its gourmet cuisine, but also its inviting atmosphere. These days, restaurants offering warmth, hospitality and stellar customer service — all with the sweet fragrance of the aloha spirit — are rare gems shining brightly in an ever-expanding dining revolution.

In fact, it’s exactly this casual elegance coupled with superior service — and of course, its countless acclaimed culinary offerings that have earned Sarento’s numerous accolades and awards among Honolulu’s elite foodie community.

Sarento’s also is the perfect place to host a special event. From intimate gatherings to larger affairs, Sarento’s beautiful private dining rooms are available for groups of up to 36, providing more than ample accommodations for your next business luncheon or celebratory soiree.

And speaking of celebrations, patrons dining at Sarento’s can kick-off the weekend right, not only with excellent fare, but also with a dazzling fireworks display every Friday night. And the restaurant doesn’t stop there, having much more to offer patrons than mere explosions in the sky, Sarento’s ignites your taste buds, offering an eclectic, up-scale array of dining options — all to be enjoyed atop illustrious Ilikai Hotel.

Here are just a few of the mouthwatering morsels Sarento’s is serving up this week:

Osso Buco ($44) is “Sarento’s classic, signature dish, and always present on the menu,” explains general manager Adam Miller. Consisting of a bone-in braised veal shank garnished with fresh citrus gremolata served over savory saffron risotto, it’s no wonder this meal is a Sarento’s mainstay.

Eggplant Parmesan Cannelloni ($20) is a creation that the chef made for his vegetarian girlfriend, then liked it so much he decided to add it to the regular menu. Receiving rave reviews, this deconstructed eggplant Parmesan features zucchini, goat cheese, mozzarella and roasted eggplant wrapped in cannelloni pasta and served with smoked tomato bisque.

Frutti Di Mare Sausage ($12) presents a gourmet, grilled, local seafood sausage set over mouthwatering lilikoi mustard that’ll make you wish you’d ordered seconds.

And while these excellent dishes and Friday’s fireworks will light up your nights, Sarento’s would be loathe to ignore your equally important days. This elegant bistro acts as a beacon in the sky, brightening your working-stiff-blues with its afternoon happy hour, complete with specials that save your wallet and quite possibly your sanity after a long, hard day.

As Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett know all too well, it’s always 5 o’ clock somewhere, and when that time rolls around here in Honolulu, the restaurant will be ready and waiting with its extensive wine list, specialty cocktails, cold drafts and a special bar and lounge menu filled with tasty tapas and small-plate specials.

Ask your server about the Speakeasy Special, which offers 40 percent off any one menu item with purchase of any specialty or featured cocktail (during happy hour Sunday through Thursday, bar seating only).

For reservations, call 955-5559, or nab those coveted seats online via Open Table.

Sarento’s

Ilikai Hotel
1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
955-5559
Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m. (dinner hours) and 5-10:30 p.m. (bar hours)
Friday-Saturday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. (dinner hours) and 5 p.m.-midnight (bar hours)

Honolulu, HI 96815

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best