Formaggio Grill
A vibrant enoteca with eclectic fare, over 50 wines by the glass, and live music, offering a memorable dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Formaggio Grill
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant enoteca with eclectic fare, over 50 wines by the glass, and live music, offering a memorable dining experience.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit between 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM for half-priced starters and drinks.
Don't Miss the Specials
Try the Salmon Picatta or Lasagna, both highly praised dishes.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exceptional Braised Short Ribs
Highly recommended braised short ribs that are a must-try for their rich flavor and tender texture.
Vibrant Ambiance & Live Music
Enjoy a lively atmosphere with live music, perfect for a date night or a fun evening out.
Extensive Wine Selection
Over 50 wines by the glass, curated by a Master Sommelier, offering a distinguished tasting experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Visit between 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM for half-priced starters and drinks.
Don't Miss the Specials
Try the Salmon Picatta or Lasagna, both highly praised dishes.
Wine Explorer's Paradise
Explore their distinguished wine selection, available by the glass or flight.
Be Aware of Pricing
Some items, particularly steaks, can be on the higher end of the price range.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Visit between 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM for half-priced starters and drinks.
Don't Miss the Specials
Try the Salmon Picatta or Lasagna, both highly praised dishes.
Wine Explorer's Paradise
Explore their distinguished wine selection, available by the glass or flight.
Be Aware of Pricing
Some items, particularly steaks, can be on the higher end of the price range.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Formaggio Grill garners mixed reviews, with many praising its exceptional food, especially burgers and Italian dishes, and its warm, friendly service. However, some diners have experienced inconsistency in food flavor and seasoning, with occasional complaints about service not meeting expectations. The ambiance is often described as lively and suitable for various occasions.
"This restaurant is such a gem in the heart of Kailua! I’ve been here over a dozen times and they have never ceased to amaze me with their variety and quality of the dishes. I posted a few pictures of recent fare I had there. I often judge a restaurant depending on how good a certain common dish is, and one of them happens to be calamari. I have to say this is the best calamari I have ever had. Even better than a restaurant whose name rhymes with Sneako’s. The pono pork pasta is absolutely delicious, and the portion will feed me for lunch and a leftover dinner. The Caesar Salad is filling and always crisp and fresh.
Ambience is casual, yet you could go to dinner a little dressed up, and you wouldn’t look out of place.
Service. It’s serious business nowadays. It will definitely make or break you. I put this above the food and ambience categories. It’s very important to me, I’ve worked in a food service position before and would always treat people like how I prefer to be treated (well, duh! ). I have always been treated very warmly by the staff; they’re very friendly and welcoming. Even the chefs in the kitchen nod “wassup” to you. Orders are taken promptly and the food arrives in a timely manner. They come and check up on you, and not in a cursory manner either.
All in all, I highly recommend Formaggio’s Grill to everyone that wants great food and great service in a relaxed atmosphere!"
Lois Iwashita
"Ok… came in hungry, with moderate expectations.
Without a doubt, this place offered me one of the BEST burgers I have EVER had. Not kidding! Pizza was crazy good!!! But the burger! Seriously! Unbelievable!!!
Thank you Formaggio Grill for making my lunch memorable and delicious!
Macy the server is Fantastic and Chef Cody ROCKS.
Go Here! Eat here! I Love this place!!!"
Blake Donaldson
"Tourist coming into town to explore the island. Locals welcomed us and showed us THE Hawaiian hospitality. We loved it and canceled our uber and dinner plans! If you want to have the authentic small Hawaiian town vibe this is the place to go!"
Aaron Banaga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many rave about the braised short ribs, burgers, calamari, and pono pork pasta. The Salmon Picatta and Lasagna are also highly recommended.
Yes, the restaurant often features live music, making it a great spot for a date night or a lively evening.
Happy hour is from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM and includes half-priced starters and drinks.
Yes, Formaggio Grill boasts over 50 wines by the glass, curated by a Master Sommelier, and is connected to a wine shop.
While many praise the food, some reviews mention inconsistency in seasoning and flavor. It can be a hit or miss.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with certain items like steaks being on the higher end.
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Honolulu’s Newest Wine Shop Hopes To Perpetuate A Movement
Master sommelier Patrick Okubo also carried these wines at Formaggio Grill over 15 years ago. Fête, a James Beard Award winning restaurant in Honolulu’s Chinatown, has offered them since opening six years ago.
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