One of the changes in Waikiki over the past year or two has been the opening of food courts in various locations for casual dining.
In February 2023, the former Waikiki Alley will be transformed into Stix Asia. Ramen, tempura, soba, udon, sushi, onigiri, and even dessert stores will line the premises. Nearby is the Royal Hawaiian Dining Plaza, home to Ezo-Kiku Ramen, a favorite of the common people. Pineapple County Market” has also appeared on Lewers Street, and includes a reputable hamburger store.
Among them, I would like to introduce Waikiki Food Hall, a super bargain food court that opened just before the pandemic, at the easternmost end of the third floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center. The concept is “all the best food in Hawaii,” and with its wall art and spacious tables and chairs, it is a far cry from a typical food court. Located overlooking the courtyard of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” locals in Waikiki stop by on their way to walk their dogs and enjoy a light meal or happy hour.
Allegrini Waikiki, an Italian restaurant that opened in this area last year, is a little-known hole-in-the-wall. After a friend introduced me to the restaurant, I found myself coming back day after day. The owner is an Italian who owns a restaurant downtown and is in the wholesale business of importing ingredients from Italy and distributing them to famous restaurants in Hawaii. For this reason, the restaurant offers dishes at food court prices using the same ingredients as some popular Italian restaurants in Hawaii.
The “Today’s Special” is $10 for pasta or pizza (while supplies last) and 4% off when you pay cash. Kama’aina discount for residents is an additional 10% off. Happy Hour is from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. daily, and the set menus are very reasonably priced.
Prosciutto and burrata cheese imported directly from Parma can be enjoyed all at once at La Bomba, our most popular pizza. The happy hour price was $20.80 with a salad. It was also loaded with fresh arugula. Another dish I thought I would like was the pasta of the day (pepper sausage in white sauce) for $10, but I had to tip my hat to the pasta, which was perfectly cooked, salted, and balanced in terms of ingredients. The presentation of the balsamic vinegar and honey was also excellent, and I was glad to see it served in a dish.
Happy hour is $5.20 for sparkling wine. When we ordered, we were given a mini bottle instead of a glass. The pasta set was Caprese with chunky gorgonzola gnocchi and burrata for $15.60. Hmmm…I still think that’s a steal in Waikiki.
And while we were at it, he suggested we try a new dessert (I think it was called Venetiana). He also recommended some sweets (Venetiana, I think he called them). The sweets, which were mildly sweet and gentle in flavor, cost $2 each, or $5 for three.
Although the prestige and service are different compared to authentic Italian restaurants, it is well worth the trip if you can enjoy the casual taste at such a reasonable price. Moreover, this is a food court. It’s okay if you and your family have different tastes in food. If you want a hamburger because you are in Hawaii, try the Smashburger, which has recently become very popular.
A smash burger is a hamburger made by pressing a patty tightly onto a griddle. It is so spread out that it protrudes from the bun and is characterized by its savory flavor. You can order the All-American Smashburger ($6) at Waikiki Brewery in the same food court.
And while you’re at it, try a local craft beer ($6). Since you are in Hawaii, be sure to try the Mai Tai. It costs $21 at some hotels, but here it was only $6.
The appeal of this food hall is probably its location, where you can enjoy your meal in a lush, open space, not just a collection of chain restaurants, but restaurants with very different personalities. There is also free live music every Saturday from 6pm to 8pm. Have fun!
© Source travel watch
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