Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Honolulu | Upscale Italian Food

14 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Honolulu | Upscale Italian Food

• Via Gelato — Italian · rated 5/5: Via Gelato is a vibrant sanctuary of frozen artistry where traditional techniques meet a kaleidoscope of bold, Pacific-inspired flavors. The shop hums with sweet nostalgia as guests discover velvety scoops of ube pandan and mango sticky rice, or delight in the playful textures of chewy mochi and boba swirled into artisanal creams. From the comforting crunch of almond cookies to the deep richness of dark chocolate, every hand-crafted cup offers a whimsical journey through imaginative sweetness.
• monkeypod kitchen — American · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched and spirited, this lively gathering spot captures the essence of island living with its breezy atmosphere and a commitment to handcrafted, locally-sourced fare. The air hums with conversation as guests toast with iconic, foam-topped Mai Tais and share plates of decadent lobster deviled eggs or earthy, velvet-smooth pumpkin patch ravioli. From the smoky char of wood-fired pizzas to the pristine flavors of the day’s fresh catch, every dish celebrates a vibrant bounty in a warm, communal setting.
• Giovanni Pastrami — Italian · rated 4/5: This vibrant Waikiki destination pulses with the high-energy spirit of a classic New York deli reimagined for the island breeze, where walls lined with glowing screens create a lively backdrop for sports fans and hungry travelers alike. The air is thick with the savory aroma of hand-carved pastrami and bubbling mozzarella, inviting guests to dive into towering sandwiches, artisanal pizzas, and soul-warming Italian classics. It is a place of convivial indulgence, where generous portions and a bustling atmosphere turn every meal into a spirited celebration of comfort food.
• Wolfgang Puck Express — Italian · rated 4/5: This vibrant eatery captures the essence of California cool, where the smoky aroma of wood-fired pizzas and the bright colors of seasonal salads invite diners into a sleek, modern sanctuary. Every plate balances gourmet artistry with approachable comfort, transforming the fast-casual experience into a sophisticated celebration of fresh ingredients and bold, chef-driven flavors.
• Boston Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: The air hums with the spirited energy of cheering fans and the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella and golden-brown crusts emerging from the oven. This vibrant social hub invites guests to settle into comfortable booths for a night of gourmet pizzas and savory wings, where every goal on the big screen is celebrated with a clinking of glasses and shared plates. It is a place where the warmth of a family dinner meets the thrill of the game, creating a seamless blend of casual comfort and high-octane excitement.
• Gelato Bar — Italian · rated 3/5: This sun-drenched corner of sweetness invites guests into a world of artisanal indulgence, where the air is perfumed with the aroma of toasted nuts and freshly pressed waffle cones. Each velvety scoop is a masterpiece of texture and flavor, ranging from the deep, buttery richness of classic pistachio to the bright, crystalline zest of seasonal fruit sorbets. It is a charming neighborhood escape where every spoonful offers a fleeting, frozen moment of pure joy.
• Arancino — Italian · rated 3/5: Arancino transports guests to the heart of Italy with its sophisticated blend of modern elegance and warm, soulful hospitality. The air hums with the clink of crystal and the enticing scent of garlic-infused olive oil, setting the stage for impeccably plated dishes that celebrate the purity of seasonal ingredients and artisanal pastas. Every bite captures a sense of coastal luxury, making each meal a luminous celebration of classic flavors reimagined with contemporary finesse.
• Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar — Italian: Sunlight dances across this airy, modern retreat where the aroma of artisanal dough and simmering sauces sets the stage for a day-to-night culinary journey. The kitchen masterfully bridges the gap between breezy brunch and sophisticated evening fare, offering vibrant plates like citrus-kissed octopus ceviche and decadent mortadella avocado toast alongside hearty, soul-warming meatballs. It is a place where every bite—from the crunch of golden portobello fries to the tropical sweetness of a paradise waffle—is designed to be savored slowly amidst the clinking of wine glasses and spirited conversation.
• Aroma Italia — Italian: Sunlight dances across rustic wooden tables at Aroma Italia, where the intoxicating perfume of hand-torn basil and slow-simmered pomodoro invites guests to linger over a crisp glass of wine. The kitchen transforms sun-ripened ingredients into soulful plates of silken pasta and charred, artisan pizzas, creating a vibrant sanctuary that captures the warm, communal spirit of a traditional Mediterranean home.
• Berini — Italian: Berini invites diners into a world of refined elegance, where the air is scented with the earthy richness of truffle omelettes and the delicate char of grilled octopus. The kitchen transforms premium ingredients into edible art, from the silky textures of washugyu tartare to the golden, crisp layers of brick-wrapped red sea bream. Whether savoring a chilled onion soup or a vibrant lobster salad, guests experience a masterclass in balance and sophistication that lingers long after the final bite.
• Brick Fire Tavern — Italian: The golden glow of a wood-burning hearth anchors this rustic-chic sanctuary, casting a warm light over exposed brick and the rhythmic artistry of dough being hand-stretched. Each Neapolitan-style pie emerges from the intense heat with a signature leopard-spotted char, balancing the brightness of vine-ripened tomatoes with the creamy richness of artisanal cheeses for a deeply soulful dining experience.
• Lunar Tea — Chinese: Lunar Tea invites guests into a vibrant, modern space where the comforting aroma of bubbling cheese and toasted garlic mingles with a fresh, contemporary energy. Crispy, spice-dusted fries and zesty buffalo cauliflower provide a playful start to a meal that transitions seamlessly from garden-fresh zoodle salads to artisanal red and white pies baked to golden perfection. Whether you are craving the crunch of a Mediterranean bowl or the savory pull of a classic mozzarella-topped pizza, this neighborhood gem offers a balanced fusion of bold, indulgent flavors and light, nourishing bites.
• Patxi's Pizza — Italian: The air hums with the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic and golden-baked dough, drawing guests into a lively, welcoming space where every meal feels like a communal feast. Tables are adorned with bubbling crocks of spicy artichoke dip and savory, hand-rolled meatballs, while indulgent bowls of "Spicy, Meaty, Mac-y, Cheesey" pasta provide a decadent, soul-warming centerpiece. From the crisp snap of a fresh Caesar salad to the comforting steam of a pesto chicken soup, the experience captures the heart of rustic, flavor-forward dining.
• Lucky Strike Lanes;Lucky Strike Social — American: Lucky Strike Social is a high-energy playground where the thunder of falling pins mingles with a pulsing soundtrack and the clink of craft cocktails. Guests gather in a sleek, neon-lit space to share elevated gastropub favorites like crispy sliders and artisanal pizzas between frames of bowling or rounds of vintage arcade games. It’s a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends competitive play with a sophisticated nightlife atmosphere, making every visit feel like a celebration.