Il Lupino

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: Linguine del Pescatore ($30; add 6-ounce Maine Roasted Lobster Tail for $19)

Upon entering Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar, you are immediately transported to a quaint Italian village, with moseying music, patio seating and alluring smells wafting from the kitchen. A glass wine cellar sits in the corner as you are greeted by sweet smiles and welcoming gestures. More impressive than the ambiance is the cuisine. Favorites from the house-made fresh pasta selection include Ravioli di Aragosta ($34), in which large ravioli are stuffed with lobster, mascarpone, ricotta and cream cheese, and then doused in a truffle cream sauce. Still, there is a dish that remains a top-tier menu item, and that is Linguine del Pescatore.

Although permanently offered on the dinner menu, executive chef Ray Cruz reassures diners that Linguine del Pescatore can be prepared upon request any time of day.

The linguine always is made fresh and perfectly cooked for customer satisfaction.

The Maine Roasted Lobster Tail is optional — but not really, as you wouldn’t be able to pass up the opportunity to indulge your palate with such a treat.

Shrimp stock, garlic, white wine, plum tomatoes and a last-minute addition of butter combine to create the slurp-worthy broth-style sauce.

Large “U10” scallops join jumbo shrimp, calamari, clams and daily caught onaga in the dish.

Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar

Royal Hawaiian Center, Building B, Level 1
2233 Kalakaua Ave.
922-3400
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m.