Life Of The Lunch Party

Sarento’s At the Top of the Ilikai is known for its panoramic, picturesque views of ocean and mountains, as well as its classic Italian cuisine. However, the restaurant offers its customers more than just an enjoyable dinner experience.

According to special functions coordinator Adam Miller, Sarento’s lunch program is expanding. During midday meals, the venue offers private rooms that are ideal for hosting parties and business gatherings.

“We’re open for dinner every day, but we’re doing more and more private business lunches and office parties,” Miller sa ys. “Basically, (for lunch), we’re just open for private groups.”

“We’re not opening up the doors for anyone to walk in and order off of the menu, but (our party-planning-guide menu) is something that’s available,” Miller says.

The Prix Fixe menus under Sarento’s Guide to Planned Parties is available on the restaurant’s website, and executive chef Edmond Kwok says that Sarento’s is more than willing to work with each individual guest to ensure that the dining experience is successful. While there are several set menus customers can choose from — priced at $50, $65, $70 and $85 — they all feature some of Sarento’s signature dishes. “Our Osso Buco Potstickers is also on our Small Plates menu, and it’s one of our most popular items,” Kwok says.

Kwok cites the Osso Buco entrée — comprising braised veal shank, saffron risotto and citrus gremolata — as being one of the eatery’s main hits as well. Another is Handmade Filet Mignon Meatballs.

“The meatballs — that’s what everybody comes for,” he says. “We feature in-house, fresh-made tagliatelle noodles, pomodoro sauce and pecorino shavings. Sarento’s is a Mediterranean restaurant, but a lot of our dishes are classic Italian.”

Two of the popular lunch entrees on the Party Planning Guide are Fresh Catch and Roasted Chicken Avgolemono. The former shines with squid ink gnocchi, braised pancetta and chard, brown butter, sage and blistered shishito; the latter tantalizes with arugula pesto orzo, artichoke hearts and caper berries.

Miller notes that private parties usually are held in The Garden Room, which seats up to 40, and smaller groups can occupy The Wine Rack room, which is set up for up to 16 people. Customers who are interested in hosting a lunch event at Sarento’s should reach out directly to Miller via email (adam@tristarrestaurants.com).

“(Having lunch availability) is not something we’ve done historically, but we’ve had enough interest, so it’s something we’re responding to,” declares Miller.

Sarento’s at the Top of the Ilikai

The Ilikai Hotel
1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
955-5559
Sunday-Thursday, Dinner: 5:30-9 p.m., Bar: 5-10:30 p.m.;
Friday-Saturday, Dinner: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Bar: 5 p.m.-midnight
sarentoswaikiki.com
Complimentary parking available for kamaaina