Botanico Waikīkī, which opened last fall in Waikīkī Shopping Plaza, recently launched a new dinner menu. The eatery specializes in Italian fare with a touch of Mediterranean- and Island-inspired flavors.
The new menu, called “terra e mare” — or “land and sea” — highlights premium ingredients from the earth and ocean. At a recent media preview, we got a taste of the new dishes.
New seafood-centric appetizers include scallop crudo ($11), octopus “escargot style” ($16), white wine steamed mussels ($20) and anchovy and mentaiko potato salad ($12).
The succulent scallops are coated with white balsamic and truffle sauce, resulting in a light but savory pūpū.
The octopus, meanwhile, is bathed in garlic herb butter and is topped with a puff pastry, which gives it a delicate crisp.
The anchovy and mentaiko potato salad ($12) was a favorite of the table. The mentaiko — or cod roe, known for its savory flavor and spicy kick — is subtle. The potato salad boasts a creamy texture and smoky flavor.
Pizzas currently come in four flavors — quattro formaggi and honey ($30), funghi and pancetta ($32), shrimp pesto ($32) and sardine, artichoke and olive ($33). The shrimp pesto ($32) and funghi and pancetta ($32) both come highly recommended. The latter is topped with mushroom, pancetta and mozzarella.
New pastas include the chicken truffle alfredo linguine ($38) and crab cream linguine ($33). The creamy alfredo linguine is topped with chunks of chicken thigh; the truffle flavor is subtle. The crab pasta features a lighter tomato sauce and a generous amount of shredded crab throughout the dish.
The crispy swordfish cutlet ($48) is one of the eatery’s newest entrees. Swordfish is known for being a firmer fish, but this version’s moist, tender interior contrasts nicely with the crispy, breaded exterior. It also features a melted mozzarella filling.
The eatery’s new pineapple gelato ($13) also features a creative presentation, as the gelato is served in a pineapple wedge. Creamy in consistency with a light pineapple flavor, this option comes recommended after a pasta-heavy meal.
Validated customer parking is available at Waikīkī Shopping Plaza.
CONTACT
Botanico Waikīkī
Waikīkī Shopping Plaza
2250 Kalākaua Ave. Ste. 101, Honolulu
Instagram: @botanico_waikiki
Open daily, lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
