The flagship of Honolulu's beloved Arancino group, Arancino di Mare has anchored the lobby level of the Waikiki Beach Marriott since 2004 and has been named Best Italian Restaurant in Hawaii at the Hale 'Aina Awards more times than anyone can count. Executive Chef Daisuke Hamamoto's menu pairs imported Italian ingredients with island seafood — the signature cheese-wheel-tossed risotto comes to your table flaming, the uni cream pasta is a perennial requested-by-name dish, and the wood-grilled branzino is filleted tableside. The dining room is warm and dimly lit with white linens and bottles of Tuscan red lining the walls; the al fresco patio facing Kalakaua is the romantic pick at sunset. It's a popular date-night and anniversary spot for both locals and Marriott guests.
"The cheese wheel risotto is the showstopper — they flame it tableside and the presentation alone is worth the trip. Every pasta we ordered was excellent, the service was warm, and the patio at sunset was magical."