La Cucina

Very few Italian restaurants on this island make their own pasta. I am happy to tell you that there is a newcomer to Hawaii's restaurant scene that makes their own pasta, and they're homemade pasta is not the only reason why you should dine there.

La Cucina is tucked away on the bottom floor of a condominium on Kapiolani Boulevard. Since you can't see it from the street, these guys are going to have to rely on advertising, and more importantly, word of mouth to stay in business. In Hawaii, word of mouth will make or break any dining establishment.

The restaurant is small, but tastefully decorated. There is bar seating as well as regular tables. I would estimate the restaurant's capacity to be around 30 people.

Bread is complimentary and served with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Since we were trying this restaurant for the first time, we ordered a few appetizers to share.

This is the melanzane Parmigiana (thinly sliced eggplant with garlic and mozzarella in a tomato sauce and topped with parmesan cheese). This is a very large dish and I would suggest ordering it only if you're going to be sharing it with a lot of people, or don't mind taking the leftovers home. The taste was incredible and we found it hard to stop eating it.



The hubby ordered the frutti di Mare (chopped clams, shelled clams, mussels, tiger shrimp, calamari, fish, garlic, capers, and parsley in a light tomato sauce). Recommended. $17.

@WeHeartHawaii almost always orders the Vongole (clams) at any Italian restaurant. Recommended. $16.

As a lobster-lover, I had to order the Tagliolini Aragosta. Highly recommended. $16.

Unfortunately they were out of the Creme-Brulee-Cheese Cake, so we settled for sorebetti, gelato, and Tiramisu.

La Cucina
725 Kapiolani Blvd #C112
(808) 593-2626
Mon: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Tues - Thurs: 11 am - 2 pm; 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm; 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sun: Closed

Validated Parking (enter lot off of Kawaiahao Street)