Outstanding Every Time! I come here for almost every special occasion, and it exceeds my expectations every single time. The service is absolutely exceptional — professional, warm, and attentive — making every visit feel special and worth every penny. The food is consistently amazing and beautifully prepared. The appetizers are always a perfect start, especially the crostini. The paella, risotto, lamb chops, and pasta are all perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. It’s rare to find a place that delivers such quality and consistency, but this restaurant truly does it all. Highly recommend for any celebration or night you want to treat yourself to something memorable! They always have new drinks to try too and I love the drinks here. I highly recommend this place.
Overview
Rigo Spanish Italian Restaurant, located at 885 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, is a unique dining destination that combines the flavors of two beloved European cuisines: Spanish and Italian. Situated in the heart of Honolulu, this cozy spot is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal with an authentic, local twist. Whether you're a fan of rich, flavorful pasta or savory Spanish tapas, Rigo offers a delightful culinary experience that blends the best of both worlds.
Upon entering, the welcoming ambiance immediately sets the stage for a comfortable meal with friends or family. The decor reflects a warm Mediterranean vibe, with touches of rustic Spanish charm and Italian elegance. You’ll feel at home here, whether you’re grabbing a casual bite or celebrating a special occasion. What truly sets Rigo apart is its ability to fuse the boldness of Spanish cuisine with the comforting simplicity of Italian food, offering a menu that has something for everyone.
The menu at Rigo is thoughtfully designed to provide guests with a variety of choices. Start your meal with some classic tapas, like patatas bravas or gambas al ajillo, each packed with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to Spain. If you're in the mood for something heartier, their Italian options won’t disappoint. From creamy carbonara to flavorful margherita pizza, the Italian side of the menu showcases familiar favorites prepared with high-quality ingredients. Every dish feels like a celebration of both culinary traditions, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevating the experience even further.
One standout feature of Rigo Spanish Italian Restaurant is their commitment to blending Spanish and Italian influences seamlessly. A perfect example of this fusion is their signature dish: paella with a twist of Italian risotto. It combines the rich, saffron-infused rice of traditional Spanish paella with the creamy texture of an Italian risotto, creating a truly memorable dish. It’s a perfect representation of the restaurant’s ability to cross culinary boundaries while still honoring the authenticity of each cuisine.
For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, Rigo ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy. Vegetarians can delight in a range of flavorful dishes like the Spanish vegetable paella or a fresh Italian salad with house-made dressing. Meat lovers will appreciate the variety of options available, from the Spanish chorizo to the Italian sausage. The flexibility of the menu is a big part of what keeps guests coming back for more, knowing they can always find something that suits their tastes.
The service at Rigo is consistently praised by diners, and it’s easy to see why. Staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to offer recommendations if you’re having trouble deciding between the many delicious choices. The team takes the time to make sure that each guest has a positive experience, whether it’s explaining the origins of a dish or suggesting the perfect wine pairing to accompany your meal.
Rigo’s reputation for excellent food and top-notch service is reflected in its glowing reviews. Many customers rave about the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, attentive staff, and, of course, the quality of the food. Locals and tourists alike are drawn to the restaurant not just for its great menu but also for the feeling of authenticity that permeates the entire dining experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular patron, you can expect to find something new and exciting every time you walk through the door.
Located conveniently on Kapahulu Avenue, Rigo is easy to find and provides a great option for those looking for an authentic yet innovative dining experience in Honolulu. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a fun evening with friends, this restaurant offers a welcoming space to enjoy a delicious meal. The combination of Spanish and Italian flavors, paired with a commitment to quality ingredients and great service, makes Rigo Spanish Italian Restaurant a standout in the area.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Lively ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Valet parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
The restaurant has a very modern, chic, chill/relaxing atmosphere with large tables and comfortable chairs. It also appears to be a very popular place among Japanese tourists. The food is very much a fusion of Mediterranean-American cuisine, oriented toward family-style (sharing) dishes, and it has a large variety of wine and cocktails from which to select. Along with valet-only service, the servers are highly customer-oriented, with a few who speak Japanese. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to our requests. I would not consider this a reasonable price restaurant, as it's pretty pricey, but for Italian and Spanish fusion, it's one of the few places in Hawaii to experience this kind of cuisine. Would I come back? Yes, but for special occasions and for celebrations.
I came here with the family and had a delicious Italian and Spanish food! Everything was delicious, with my personal favorite being the Seafood Paella. The staff were very attentive and kind as well. I’d love to come back!
Delicious tapas and cocktails. The rest of the menu also looked stellar but we just stopped for lunch. Our server, Amanda, was fantastic. The clams tapas was outstanding! Apparently, they have won many awards and I can definitely see why!
This building has changed purpose and ownership a few times. The latest version is very appealing with interesting and eclectic decor (lighting, seating, art). I wanted to love this place because I love small plates that allow you to try lots of things. Although the menu is very large, I only found the seasonal menu to be interesting. The value for price is not great. Our favorite was the pork belly “sushi” which had the shape of it but was totally different. 5-stars. The uni/squid ink pasta was 4-stars. The scallop/fish combo was 3-stars. The basque cheesecake was 4-stars. Service was friendly but seemed stretched thin by 8pm.
Sure, here’s a polished and engaging version of your Google review: ⸻ Every dish we tried was absolutely delicious. We came during their 6-year anniversary celebration and loved the $6 specials—especially the papaya sangria and appetizers. The pastas were flavorful and cooked perfectly, and the wine we chose paired beautifully with everything. The staff was friendly, attentive, and clearly knew their stuff. The atmosphere was warm and stylish, the décor had a thoughtful touch, and we couldn’t help but admire how the space was creatively transformed from what used to be a bank. A memorable experience all around!
This place is pricey but is SO WORTH IT. I want to thank Chris, Mikey, Amanda, I believe Hayden (bartender) and all the other staff who made every visit just as good as the next. I loved showing this place off and everytime it was a grand slam hat trick. I am sad I likely won't be back as I moved off island but the food is amazing and the staff knows the menu inside and out. My only regret is that I didn't stop in sooner. Thank you guys for the conversations, the food and the memories. Glad I got to so my going away here.