Drink to great dining at Market City eatery

As one of the rustic signs adorning the wall of Formaggio Wine Bar suggests, its patrons are encouraged to “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much.”

In addition to offering 70-80 varieties of wine, including some introduced via customers’ suggestions, Formaggio Wine Bar features a European-influenced menu designed to pair perfectly with one’s favorite glass of vino.

Owner Niraj Maskey recommends Caprese ($12.99), a beautiful composition of mozzarella with vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet basil pesto and 18-year-old balsamic vinegar. This refreshing dish and others on the diverse menu are crafted by executive chef Guillermo Camacho, who Maskey notes “makes the magic happen in the kitchen.”

Wild Mushroom Pizza ($15.75) also is very popular among new and returning diners, as an assortment of fresh mushrooms and white-truffle oil make this dish an all-time favorite.

The restaurant’s intimate, relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by nightly live music (8-11 p.m., and 7-10 p.m. on Sunday). An extensive happy hour menu also is available in addition to rotating wine specials that please both the palate and wallet.

Formaggio Wine Bar

Market City Shopping Center,
2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 106, Kaimuki
739-7719
Monday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-midnight;
Friday-Saturday, 5:30 p.m.-1 a.m.;
Sunday, 5-11 p.m.