Breaded Chicken Milanese ($30)
Take in the mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean and Waianae mountain range from the minute you step into the glass elevator at Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites. Once the elevator doors open to Sarento’s at the Top of the Ilikai, patrons are transported to another time period, where the scent of authentic Italian food fills the air and the sound of live jazz music brings the magical scene to life.
More panoramic views from mauka to makai await at the restaurant, and if guests happen to visit on a Friday evening, they’ll catch Hilton Hawaiian Village’s weekly fireworks show.
General manager Joe DePolis encourages guests to start their meal off right with Bocconcini ($14), which is fresh mozzarella wrapped in speck (cured ham) and grilled, then served with tomato and Kalamata-olive caramel. “It’s a staple appetizer,” he says.
Patrons also will go crazy for Fresh Catch Acqua Pazza ($36), which features fresh ricotta and goat cheese gnocchi and saffron-clam nage broth. Acqua pazza translates to “crazy sauce” in Italian, and DePolis describes the eatery’s version as “very Italian and rustic.”
VIVA ITALIA!
Breaded Chicken Milanese ($30), a favorite off the menu, now is prepared with a new Italian twist. It sits atop an herb spaetzle and is garnished with fresh mozzarella, tomato and arugula dressed with lemon-truffle vinaigrette. “The chicken is breaded and sauteed in butter,” says general manager Joe DePolis. “It’s my favorite because it’s similar to an Italian mother’s cooking.”
Sarento’s At The Top Of The Ilikai
Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites
1777 Ala Moana Blvd., Waikiki
955-5559
Sunday-Thursday, 5-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. (regular dinner service from 5:30 p.m.); daily happy hour: 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays, happy hour all night
1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815
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