Italian food is my favorite — no doubt about it. While visiting Italy is still on my bucket list, I’ve always imagined a country where gathering around the table is about more than just a good meal. It’s about sharing stories, making memories and treating everyone like family. And if I had to picture what that experience feels like, Little Italy in Waikiki comes pretty close.
It may not be the newest restaurant in town, but I hope it becomes a new discovery for some of you loyal readers. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Some may recognize owner Fabrizio Favale from his days operating Mediterraneo on King Street. For the past six years, however, he’s called Royal Hawaiian Avenue home, serving Italian classics in the heart of Waikiki. Born in Rome, Favale is among the few Italian-born restaurateurs operating an Italian restaurant in the islands.
Little Italy is one of those tucked-away restaurants you might casually stumble upon while strolling through Waikiki. But once you step inside, you’ll find yourself looking for any excuse to return.
The dining room feels more like someone’s home than a restaurant, with cozy touches that create a welcoming atmosphere. And at the center of it all is Favale, who can be found there almost every night greeting guests, serving dishes and talking story with diners as though he’s known them for years.
It’s the kind of hospitality that makes you forget you’re dining in the middle of one of Hawaii’s busiest visitor destinations.
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Of course, the food is just as memorable. The menu features comforting Italian classics prepared with care, from rich sauces to pastas made in-house, with the exception of the spaghetti. Nothing feels overly complicated, and that’s part of the charm. Each dish lets its ingredients shine.
Here’s my hot tip before getting into the food: Parking can be a little tricky. You might get lucky and snag a street stall fronting the restaurant after 5 p.m., but if not, check along Seaside Avenue or one of the more affordable municipal parking lots, including the one behind The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach.
Now, the food!
Start with the spaghetti meatball ($22), a familiar favorite that proves even the simplest dishes can leave a lasting impression. The meatball was incredibly tender without being overly dense or compact. Paired with spaghetti coated in tomato sauce, it’s a comforting combination that hits all the right notes.
Another standout is the pappardelle strangolapreti ($30), a house specialty featuring handmade pappardelle tossed with sausage, mushrooms, béchamel, paprika and a velvety sauce. There’s a subtle kick that adds another layer of depth, while the sausage and mushrooms make every forkful satisfying.
Seafood lovers have plenty to look forward to, including the ravioli lobster ($32), served in a sage-butter cream sauce, and the nero di seppia ($30). The latter is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring housemade black squid ink noodles tossed with shrimp, scallops, clams and calamari. Be sure to scoop up some of that decadent sauce with each bite.
Looking for something beyond pasta? The lamb rack ($40) is an easy choice. These pan-roasted lamb lollipops are prepared with fresh herbs, creating a savory, aromatic bite that’s best enjoyed with your hands — forget the knife and fork for this one.
The rib-eye steak ($40), also pan-roasted with herbs, is another hearty option. I’d recommend pairing it with the spaghetti aio oio and peperoncino ($20) if you’re in the mood for a little pasta on the side.
There’s plenty more to explore on the menu, including pizzas like the Margherita ($20) or romana ($24), topped with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage and mushrooms.
For something to share before the main course, try the bruschetta ($12), garlic bread ($10) or mediterranea salad ($14). And if you’re looking to enjoy a glass of wine with your Italian feast, don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle — Little Italy is BYOB.
And because no Italian feast is complete without something sweet, save room for the tiramisu ($10), Sicilian cannoli ($10) or affogato ($12). Whether you’re craving something rich and indulgent or a little espresso to round out the evening, there’s no wrong way to end your meal.
But what I appreciate most about Little Italy isn’t necessarily one particular dish. It’s how I feel when I leave.
I’m already thinking about my next visit, not only for another bowl of pasta, but also for the chance to talk story with Favale as he makes his way around the dining room. His friendly staff is just as attentive, creating an experience that feels personal from the moment you arrive until the last plate is cleared.
After all, some of the most memorable dining experiences aren’t just about what’s on the plate, but the people who make you feel welcome around the table — and that’s what keeps us coming back time and time again.
And just when you think you’ve had enough to eat, Favale might encourage you to enjoy one more bowl of pasta before heading out, sharing that it’s part of Italian tradition. Maybe it’s his way of keeping everyone gathered around the table just a little longer. Whatever the reason, it’s a tradition I’ll gladly embrace.
Oh, and did I mention there’s a Ferrari sitting in the middle of the restaurant with ties to Tom Selleck and Magnum, P.I.?
Well, I guess you’ll have to visit and see it for yourself.
Little Italy
Address:
349 Royal Hawaiian Ave., Honolulu
Phone:
808-888-5599
Hours:
5-10 p.m. Daily
Instagram:
@littleitalyhi
Food: 4/5
Price: $$
Service: 4/5
Parking: Street parking or surrounding parking lots.
Hot and New is Cassidy Apo’s column on the freshest restaurant openings and must-try menu debuts because the best bites wait for no one! Follow Cassidy on Instagram (@casskineeats).
