Authentic Italian cuisine thrives at elegant Waikiki eatery

Opakapaka Acqua Pazza
(market price)

A genuine Italian culinary experience with a modern twist is waiting to be discovered at Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar as delectable dishes and more than 850 varieties of wine have diners crying wolf.

Il Lupino translates to “Little Wolf” in Italian and bears the childhood nickname of restaurant owner Wolfgang Zwiener. Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar offers stellar customer service, authentic Italian cuisine and an astounding wine collection within a sophisticated-yet-casual atmosphere at the Royal Hawaiian Center below Zwiener’s highly acclaimed Wolfgang’s Steakhouse.

Executive Chef Marino Rosato, known by friends and loyal customers as “Chef Rosmarino,” has successfully imported his culinary expertise and signature flair developed in the “Big Apple” of New York to the heart of the house of Il Lupino.

Prime Veal Chop ($55)

Opakapaka Acqua Pazza (market price) is a new addition to the menu that translates to mean “Crazy Water” because of its collection of delicious seafood in a light and flavorful broth. Dining Out readers are encouraged to order this superb combination of the seared and poached fish with clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, roasted tomatoes in a light wine and tomato sauce.

Meatball ($15) is a menu mainstay at Il Lupino as the massive meatball is composed of prime veal, pork and beef along with a zesty Pomodoro and Parmesan Reggiano.

Prime Veal Chop ($55) is a must-try dinner entrée as the 10-ounce bone-in veal chop is paired with fresh vegetables and a demi glaze.

Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar is known for its extensive wine collection featuring more than 850 bottles and vintages of vino. The restaurant is honored annually with Wine Spectacular’s “Best of Award of Excellence” for offering one of the most outstanding and extensive restaurant wine lists in the world. Il Lupino is one of just five restaurants on Oahu to receive the prestigious designation in 2019.

“Our wine list is global, and because we have a lot of travelers and visitors, there is something for everyone and all tastes,” says Il Lupino general manager Heela Mottus, who also oversees Il Lupino’s wine program. “We want our guests to have a memorable experience and we accomplish this by providing great service and excellent cuisine.”