Taormina

Established in 2007, Taormina is an award-winning Italian restaurant named for a charming hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. Nestled in the heart of Waikiki, the Japanese-owned eatery - sister restaurant to nearby Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar - prides itself on providing guests with a memorable fine-dining experience through a combination of authentic Sicilian cuisine and generous Hawaiian hospitality.

Executive chef Hiro Mimura has designed a menu that allows seasonal ingredients to speak for themselves. Combining traditional techniques with contemporary culinary flair, Taormina’s fresh pastas, premium cuts of meat and succulent seafood are refreshing in their simplicity and unspoiled by heavy sauces. Sample dishes from the main menu include Nero Frutti di Mare (squid ink linguine with shrimp, clams, scallops, crabmeat, sun dried tomatoes), Salmone alla Griglia (grilled king salmon topped with prosciutto and anchovy cream sauce) and Lamb Chop Luca Pecorini (grilled lamb chops seasoned with mixed herbs and spices, served with grilled vegetables). There’s also a good range of antipasti from the Sicilian classic Eggplant Caponata, to Sautéed Canadian Foie Gras and delicious Seafood Bruschetta, as well as an unparalleled homemade Tiramisu to finish off the meal in style!

To complement the menu, Taormina’s celebrated wine list - put together by Master Sommelier Roberto Viernes - comprises more than 125 selections from around the world. Sicilian (and Italian wines in general) are, of course, well represented, alongside notable Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne estates. And there’s also a host of US wines on the card from world-renowned Napa Valley blends to more obscure offerings from the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington.

Casually elegant and contemporary in style, the décor here contrasts a white palette with shades of orange, brown and gold to reflect the colors of both the cuisine on offer and the restaurant’s Sicilian seaside inspiration. There’s a pleasant terrace area for those who prefer al fresco dining, service is exemplary and the general ambiance of the place is warm and inviting. Open daily for lunch (11:00 - 14:00) and dinner (17:00 - 20:30), Taormina’s timeless Sicilian cuisine - simple and exquisite in its flavors and presentation - marks it out as one of O’ahu’s premier Italian fine-dining experiences…