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Honolulu › Honolulu › Rigo Spanish Italian restaurant
Rigo Spanish Italian restaurantB+Worth Trying
885 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
· Italian restaurant, Bar & grill, Pizza restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (872 reviews)
Reservations
Lively Spanish-Italian fusion spot with standout pastas, tapas, and strong service; prices are high and portions can feel small, with noise and occasional consistency issues.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Rigo delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional food quality in house-made pastas and seafood-forward tapas, backed by attentive, knowledgeable service and a stylish modern setting. However, inconsistent execution—soggy pizza centers, variable portions, occasional over-salting— prevents grade A territory, while peak-hour crowding and premium pricing without consistently generous portions temper the overall experience for typical diners.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and stylish with a lively hum, bartenders crafting signature cocktails as servers steer groups toward sharing plates. One guest summed it up: "Service was friendly and on point, and we loved trying a bit of everything." Expect a buzz—during peak hours it can be energetic and loud—and dinner valet is common. Cooking skews Spanish-Italian with creative fusion touches: house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, a Josper grill, and seafood-forward plates. Carbonara with portobello fritto and the squid-ink paella get the most love, while a few diners wished for crisper pizza centers or bigger paella portions. Prices are premium, but many feel the quality of ingredients and polished execution make it worth the splurge for occasions. Families do well here thanks to familiar anchors—pizza, pastas, and fries—even if the menu also explores bolder flavors. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple options like Margherita pizza, cacio e pepe, and fried vegetables suit younger palates; portions can read modest, so consider sharing more plates.
At a Glance
- House-made pastas and tapas earn consistent praise
- Attentive, knowledgeable service with strong bar program
- Portions can feel small relative to price
- Noise levels high at peak times
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Dual Spanish-Italian concept with creative fusions
- Josper oven grilling and wood-fired pizza
- Robust bar program with custom cocktails
What People Love
- Silky carbonara with crisp portobello
- Lively room that feels celebratory
- Well-crafted cocktails and diverse wine list
- Bartenders and servers who guide the experience
- Seafood dishes with bright, balanced flavors
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($28-39 mains; $42 seafood pasta) which may surprise casual diners
- Paella and some pizzas draw portion or texture complaints (soggy centers, smaller pans)
- Noise during peak dinner can make conversation difficult
- Service inconsistencies at the host stand or with managers reported occasionally
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-80 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a $9 tapas duo with a $23-27 pasta for a balanced meal; add a $10-13 dessert if sharing
- Choose Margherita or cacio e pepe for simpler flavors; pick Pizza Bismark for a richer profile
Perfect For
- Date night with shared tapas and wine
- Celebration dinner with friends
- Cocktails and small plates at the bar
- Visiting food lovers seeking Mediterranean fusion
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Kapahulu corridor near Waikiki, popular with locals and visitors; lively dining strip with mixed casual and upscale options.
Safety: Generally safe, busy arterial street with good lighting and steady foot traffic into evening.
Nearby: Near Leonard’s Bakery, Safeway across the street, close to Waikiki hotels and beach corridors.
KapahuluKapahulu is a residential and commercial neighborhood just outside the main Waikiki tourist area, known for its local eateries, casual dining spots, and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to central Waikiki. It attracts both residents and visitors looking for authentic and affordable dining options away from the busiest tourist zones.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:30–21:30
Tuesday16:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Friday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Saturday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Sunday11:30–14:00, 16:30–21:30
Available: Reservations
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