March 20 is the official first day of spring, and to herald the season, Bernini Honolulu launched its spring menu last week. Located in the Ala Moana neighborhood, the eatery — which features Italian cuisine with a French twist — changes its menu quarterly.
The eatery’s regular menu includes appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, risotto, entrées and desserts. Many of the categories include at least one new seasonal dish.
If you’re feeling bougie, go for the caviar and potato tartlet ($28). It could be a one-bite wonder, but you could also (delicately) cut it in half to share. The tartlet is filled with a luscious potato and cream cheese mixture, and it’s topped with caviar for a luxe finish.
The new lobster salad is a welcome addition to the menu — light and meaty, but also refreshing. A bed of mixed greens is topped with Maine lobster claw, dashi, truffle oil and a French vinaigrette. The dashi is present in gelatin form, adding a jiggly texture to the salad. Bonus: the eatery doesn’t skimp on the lobster; there was a sufficient amount of seafood for a friend and I to share.
Foie gras might not be for everyone, but this luxurious dish was perfectly balanced. As expected, the Hudson Valley foie was buttery and indulgent, but its richness was cut nicely by the soft daikon. You have to get both pieces in one bite to get the full effect.
Nothing is new in the pizza section, but we couldn’t resist getting the prosciutto e mascarpone ($25). This is one of the most popular pizzas at Bernini. The thin crust makes it easier to enjoy without feeling too stuffed, and the dollop of mascarpone hidden within the prosciutto is delightful, giving each slice a slightly sweet aftertaste.
The oyster arrabbiata ($36) is one of the new spring pastas, but we opted for Bernini’s new entrée instead — the fresh fish of the day, served chazuke-style ($45). Tai red snapper was featured during our visit; the fish was sauteed and served with scallop consommé and risotto. While this risotto wasn’t as creamy in texture as the seasonal truffle risotto ($65) — one of my favorite dishes on the menu and a must-have for any truffle afficionado — it still pairs nicely with the flaky, moist fish.
Bernini’s dessert menu features several new creations. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, the lychee and lilikoʻi panna cotta ($15) is sure to satisfy. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Meanwhile, the semifreddo with strawberry and mint sauce ($16) is a partially frozen treat that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Of the new desserts, my favorite was the moelleux chocolat ($17), served with vanilla gelato and fig confiture. This is the eatery’s version of a lava cake (there’s no hot fudge inside, though); and it’s as chocolaty and dense as it looks. The vanilla gelato is absolutely necessary with the decadent chocolate. And, if gelato’s your thing, ask about the featured flavors for the day.
CONTACT
Bernini Honolulu
1218 Waimanu St., Honolulu
808-591-8400
berninihonolulu.com
Instagram: @berninihonolulu
Open 4:30-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
