‘Alohilani Resort, set where city meets sand along the golden shores of Waikiki Beach, is unveiling plans for a new restaurant concept opening this summer called La Bettola Waikiki. Helmed by Chef Tsutomu Ochiai,La Bettola Waikiki will feature simple yet sophisticated cuisine where rustic Italian flavors converge with the bounty of the island, transporting diners from the shores of the Hawaiian Islands to the shores of the Mediterranean. Chef Ochiai’s Japan-based La Bettola de Ochiai has been hailed as one of Japan’s most popular, in-demand Italian restaurants. The Oahu-based La Bettola Waikiki will represent Chef Ochiai’s first-ever restaurant outside of Japan.
Chef Ochiai’s menu will feature authentic Italian fare while highlighting the island’s local ingredients and fresh seafood. La Bettola will welcome guests with indoor seating anchored by ‘Alohilani’s captivating 280,000-gallon, two-story saltwater Oceanarium teeming with marine life, including a large variety of colorful native Hawaiian reef fish. La Bettola is set to become Waikiki’s new panoramic gathering place, offering an upscale dining experience accompanied by magnificent views of the undersea world.
Chef Ochiai, the original creator of the uni pasta, fell in love with Italy’s philosophy of “simple recipes with the freshest ingredients” during a personal culinary journey to Europe. He first brought his passion for Italian cuisine home to Japan nearly 40 years ago where he rose to prominence for his authentic Italian fare.
Menu highlights at La Bettola Waikiki will include Italian favorites such as:
· Prosciutto with Burrata and Seasonal Fruit: featuring paper-thin hand-sliced 24-month aged Prosciutto di Parma imported from Italy
· Spaghetti ai Riccio di Mare: Chef Ochiai’s famous sea urchin pasta with anchovy, garlic, and homemade cream sauce
· Spaghetti al Ragu di Manzo: Wagyu beef Bolognese topped with burrata and Parmigiano Reggiano
· Truffle & Foie Gras Risotto: seared foie gras, truffle, Carnaroli rice, Parmigiano Reggiano
· Dolce Pina Colada: fresh pineapple and gelato with dehydrated pineapple, sparkling wine “espuma” and baked meringue
A three-course pre-fixe menu will also be available. Reservations will be coming soon for the restaurant, which is expected to open in August 2023.
'Alohilani Resort is home to two restaurants by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto; SWELL Restaurant and Pool Bar overlooking Waikiki Beach; Makana Lani, serving elevated buffet fare; and Luna’s Tequila Bar, a new pop-up experience inspired by the flavors and culture of Mexico. Guests can enjoy the resort’s amenities such as a captivating 280,000-gallon Oceanarium, wellness center, and gym, drip IV lounge, a rooftop fitness experience including sunset yoga, tennis lessons, batting cages, and more.
The new restaurant, La Bettola Waikiki, will offer guests a view of the resort's 280,000-gallon, two-story saltwater Oceanarium that teems with marine life.
La Bettola Waikiki will feature Italian fresh flavors such as this Carpaccio del giorno
Spaghetti al Ragu di Manzo, a sample of a dish for the new La Bettola Waikiki
Guests at 'Alohilani Resort can also dine at rooftop restaurant SWELL Restaurant and Pool Bar
