RIGO
Spanish flavors meet Italian comfort in Honolulu.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s just as good for date night as it is for catching up with friends over cocktails, RIGO should absolutely be on your list.
I’ve been here several times now, and it continues to be one of my favorite Spanish-Italian restaurants in Honolulu.
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by warm Spanish-inspired interiors, vibrant red accents, and an open dining room that somehow feels both lively and cozy. One of my favorite details is the wine wall right at the entrance. Even if you’re not stopping in for dinner, I’d happily come here for a glass of wine and a few tapas.
One thing I also appreciate is their illustrated menu. Every cocktail and many of the dishes are beautifully drawn, making it easy to visualize what you’re ordering. Their menu changes throughout the year to highlight seasonal ingredients, so there’s usually something new to try with each visit.
The Lineup
What We Ordered
Drinks
Start with the Sangria
I always begin with their Mixed Berry Sangria.
It’s refreshing, fruity, and not overly sweet — the kind of drink that’s easy to sip throughout the meal.
If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar, they also offer happy hour. I do wish the happy hour extended to the dining room, but the staff mentioned they’re planning to expand it in the future.
The One I Always Order
The Pizza That Keeps Me Coming Back
Every visit, I order the Funghi Pizza.
The wood-fired crust is beautifully blistered with just the right amount of chew, while staying light and crisp. The earthy mushrooms and generous blend of cheeses create a simple but incredibly satisfying pizza.
One thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip is their house-made chili oil. It’s not particularly spicy, but it adds another layer of flavor that ties everything together without overpowering the pizza.
From the Kitchen
Pasta Worth Ordering
Seasonal Special
Crab & Spinach Cream Pasta
This visit, I decided to try the seasonal Crab & Spinach Cream Pasta recommended by our server — and it ended up being one of my favorite dishes of the night.
The sweetness of the fresh crab balanced perfectly with the creamy spinach sauce, while the cherry tomatoes added little bursts of brightness throughout the dish. It felt rich without becoming too heavy.
That said, I’m usually a Carbonara person whenever I come to RIGO, and it still remains one of my favorite pastas on their menu.
Mains
Bolognese
My husband ordered the Bolognese, and I stole a few bites — I was pleasantly surprised.
The tomato sauce tasted incredibly fresh, as though it had been simmered from scratch, and the mascarpone yogurt added just enough creaminess to soften the richness of the meat sauce. It was a small touch that made the dish stand out.
Sweet Endings
Save Room for Dessert
We couldn’t leave without dessert, so we ordered both the Tiramisu and the Chocolate Cassata.
The tiramisu was exactly what I look for — light, fluffy, and not overly sweet. It was the perfect way to finish the meal.
The Chocolate Cassata was my first time trying it, and I’m so glad we ordered it. The rich chocolate layer was dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey without becoming overwhelming. Paired with the light vanilla gelato, tart raspberry sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts, every bite had a different texture and flavor.
It ended up being my favorite dessert of the evening.
The Verdict
Final Thoughts
RIGO has become one of those restaurants I find myself recommending over and over again.
The service is consistently outstanding, the atmosphere feels warm and energetic, and every meal I’ve had here has been memorable. It does get busy, especially during dinner service, so I’d definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
They also offer $5 valet parking, making it one of the easiest spots to visit without worrying about finding parking around Kapahulu.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a date night, or simply craving great pizza, pasta, wine, and cocktails, RIGO never disappoints.
— JenniferRIGO · Kapahulu, Honolulu
Jennifer’s Take
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perfect For
Date nights Cocktails with friends Pizza & pasta cravings Wine loversFind It
RIGO
📍 RIGO Spanish Italian Restaurant
885 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
Spanish-Italian · Kapahulu · $5 valet parking · Reservations recommended
A Closer Look
Photo Gallery
Have you visited RIGO, or do you have another favorite date-night restaurant in Honolulu? Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Curated by Jennifer 
Leave a comment