Within an intimate, casual setting, Formaggio Wine Bar in Market City Shopping Center offers stellar Italianand French-inspired cuisine — and, of course, a wide selection of wine.
While the menu focuses primarily on European eats, owner Niraj Maskey says there are a variety of fusion creations spotlighted as well. Crispy Pork Belly Tacos ($13.99), served with a side salad with balsamic dressing, is a prime example.
“We boil the pork first,” Maskey says. “Then we bake it until it gets crispy, adding Sriracha aioli coleslaw.”
If you fancy French decadence, Maskey recommends Escargot Bleu ($14.50) flavored with bleu cheese and garlic butter, and served with baguette.
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- Crispy Pork Belly Tacos ($13.99)
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- Chef Christian Monzano
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- Escargo Bleu ($14.50)
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- Foie gras crostini $17.99
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- Crab Cake ($13.99)
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- Flour-less Chocolate Cake ($8.50)
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- Formaggio Wine Bar is located in Market City Shopping Center
Patrons love pau hana, and Crab Cakes is a tasty pupu that pairs beautifully with Formaggio’s many wines. Priced at $13.99, breaded Crab Cakes features blue crab meat, bell peppers, carrots and celery drizzled with a creamy mustard sauce.
Another customer favorite is Foie Gras Crostini ($17.99) presented on a bed of caramelized onions and apples, and accented with a red wine reduction sauce.
Lastly, there’s always room for dessert. Formaggio Wine Bar’s Flour-less Chocolate Cake is a great choice, as it’s served with a scoop of Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream.
On the Side
Before taking over Formaggio Wine Bar about two years ago, owner Niraj Maskey used to frequent the eatery as a customer. He loved the food and the atmosphere so much that it seemed destined he take the reins.
“I always wanted to open a restaurant. And I saw this opportunity, so I decided to go for it,” says Maskey, who managed a string of restaurants prior to Formaggio.
Under Maskey’s leadership, the menu has undergone a few changes, including the addition of curry and revamp of its wine list. Currently, patrons can pick from a list of more than 80 wines.
“We added a lot of different wines,” he explains, noting that in addition to the menu’s wine selection, diners can choose from an ever-changing specials list.
And perhaps because Maskey used to be a customer himself, Formaggio puts a lot of stock in customer opinion. In fact, when choosing new wines, Maskey often asks his regular patrons what they like.
Contact Christina O’Connor at diningout@staradvertiser.com
Formaggio Wine Bar
Market City Shopping Center
2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 106, Honolulu
739-7719
Monday–Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-midnight
Friday–Saturday, 5:30 p.m-1 a.m.
Sunday, 5-11 p.m.
Honolulu, HI 96826
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