Rolling out perfect pies in heart of Waikiki

Tartara Di Tonno ($18)

When it’s lunchtime in Waikiki, savvy locals who live and work in the area often head for Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar. Located at Royal Hawaiian Center, Il Lupino offers authentic Italian cuisine crafted with impeccable ingredients.

As soon as you arrive, order yourself a pizza (prices range from about $17-$21). Each morning, Il Lupino’s Italian pizza oven is heated up to begin preparing a half-dozen varieties of thin crust pies, each more tempting than the last.

An assortment of Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar’s pizzas.

There’s a classic Margherita made with generous amounts of local basil and Hauula tomatoes. Quattro Formaggi, with mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gorgonzola dulche, and ricotta with local honey, is a cheese lover’s fantasy. The Prosciutto features rucola (arugula) and truffle oil. And Hawaiian pizza comes with Parma ham and local pineapple. The Salami pizza is loaded with hot and dry salami, mushrooms, red onions and roasted tri-color peppers. Finally, the complex Il Lupino is crafted with spicy Italian sausage, salami, prosciutto di Parma, red onions, ricotta and local egg.

Order your pizza upon your arrival, and while you’re waiting, try the spectacular Tartara Di Tonno ($18). Made with the freshest Hawaiian ahi, ginger vinaigrette, avocado and greens on a garlic crostini, Il Lupino’s version of tuna tartare is a wonderful prelude to a noon meal.

“Our tuna tartare and pizzas are two of our most popular items for lunch among our regulars who work in Waikiki,” notes Heela Mottus, general manager. “The tuna makes a great appetizer while waiting for your pizza.” Both, she adds, can be paired with a refreshing smoothie.

“Or, if you don’t have to go back to the office, try a refreshing cocktail, or a glass from our Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list.”