Budget Bites: CINO’s bar menu

This bar-only menu might be one of the best “hidden gem” offerings in Kakaʻako

KSB
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

February 13, 2025less than a minute read

bar bites
Dishes from CINO's bar menu. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series where show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.

All days, all hours — thatʻs how our bartender described the bar menu at CINO Italian Chophouse and Crudo Bar, the Ward Village eatery is known for its Italian-style dishes with local flavors.

CINO's bar
CINO has a bar-only menu that features several exclusive dishes. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

As it turns out, CINO’s bar menu has been around for at least six months, but it still continues to be “discovered” by customers — since it’s only available at the bar counter. It comprises a variety of sips and bites. The cocktail selection includes yuzu ginger cooler ($8) — vodka, ginger and lemon — and Meyer High Club ($8) with bourbon, Meyer lemon and soda. If you prefer a mocktail, just tell the bartender. Beers ($4) and wines by the glass ($8) are also available.

CINO drinks
Yuzu ginger cooler ($8) and sparkling wine by the glass ($8). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)
bar bites
Dishes from CINO's bar menu. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

With the exception of the oysters, we ordered one of every dish from the food menu — and you probably will, too.

crispy rice
Otoro crispy rice ($12). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

The crispy rice blocks came topped with otoro, caviar and spicy Italian aioli. The crispy rice delivers a satisfying crunch with each bite, which contrasts nicely with the creamy otoro, with a lingering spice from the aioli.

Each order comes with two pieces, so you won’t feel as bad if you want to splurge and order more.

This dish is the only one that can be found on the eatery’s dinner menu, but that version is slightly different. We’re told the crispy rice on the dinner menu is almost twice the size as the bar menu option, and its price ($22) reflects that.

wagyu sliders
American wagyu sliders ($12). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

These sliders — three per order — comprised Okinawan rolls, a meaty wagyu patty, house pickles and onion marmalade. The beefy wagyu patty is packed with flavor, and I appreciated the sliders’ petite size, making them easy to eat.

arancini
Mushroom arancini ($10). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

The bar’s corn arancini was swapped out for the current mushroom version about a month ago, and this dish was the highlight of our evening. The savory medley of cremini mushrooms, parmigiano Reggiano and tomato vinaigrette all encompassed in a bite-sized ball with a crispy exterior was simply glorious.

Our server told us that most people immediately place a second order after trying the arancini. It’s no wonder why.

mushroom fritti
Shiitake mushroom fritti ($9). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

This dish reminded me of mushroom tempura, due to its crispy texture. It’s a fun dish to share, and we couldn’t get enough of the creamy Calabrian aioli.

tiramisu
Chocolate-dipped tiramisu ($14). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Dessert is not on the bar menu; in fact, it doesn’t even appear on the eatery’s regular menu, so you’ll have to ask your server if you want to end the night with something sweet.

While the lilikoʻi tart ($14) and mango coconut raspberry panna cotta ($12) both sounded like refreshing options, the chocolate-dipped tiramisu ($14) had me sold. I enjoy regular tiramisu, but this version was created with chocoholics in mind. The chocolaty outer shell makes it more indulgent and worth every calorie.

CONTACT
CINO Italian Chophouse and Crudo Bar
Ward Village
987 Queen St. Ste. 100,  Honolulu
808-888-3008
cinohawaii.com
Instagram: @cinohawaii
Open 5-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 5-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.

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Authors

KSB

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining Reporter

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta is a Food & Dining Reporter for Aloha State Daily.