I had family in town so I decided to try Assaggio Bistro because I didn't want to go to the Ala Moana location. I'm so glad that I did. Don't get me wrong, the food was great as expected but the difference was the server, our server was Jordan. We had a group of 6 and it took a bit longer for everyone to decide what they were going to order, Jordan was very patient , answered all the questions and offered recommendations. Our salads came out very fast and Jordan prepared the Caesar salad at our table. The food came out slowly, first only 3 dishes came out, another 2 came out almost about 8 minutes later and then the last dish came out about 15 minutes later from the first 3 dishes. Jordan was very concerned about us and he took care of us very well. He even got manager to "comp" the last dish that came out so late. I really did appreciate that gesture. Jordan made the difference with our dining experience at Assaggio Bistro, I would definitely go back there and also recommend friends and family but I would also advise them to ask to be seated in Jordan's section. read more

I called to order 3 take out salads they said it would be ready for pick up in 15 minutes! I came 20 minutes later and my order still isn't ready. I have now been standing here waiting for SALADS for another 10 minutes. They finally came out with my salads without apologizing for the wait. It's sad because I do love there food. Service wise they have a lot of things to work on! read more

I've been here many times but recently this place has declined in quality and service. I've had negative experiences the last two times I've been here and don't plan on going back again. 1) Months ago, I ordered takeout for my family, including my pregnant wife, and went to pick it up. When I got home, I realized that they didn't give me all the food I ordered and paid for. I called them to ask for a refund for the portion that I didn't receive because I didn't feel like driving all the way back there. The girl at the front said that would not be possible but offered to give me a "credit" on my bill the next time I visit the restaurant. I told her that was ridiculous because first of all, how would they remember to give me the credit, and secondly, I already paid for the food and didn't receive it. She said my only other option was to drive all the way back there and pick up my food, which was cold by then. She said the best her manager could do is give us a free dessert with our cold food. Not wanting to rely on their memory to give me a credit for food that I already purchased but did not receive, I opted to drive all the way back there and pick up my cold food and free slice of cake. 2) I just went back to Assaggio with my family only because we were in the area at the time and it has handicap parking right in front for my ailing father. I wasn't expecting to receive good service based on our previous experience there, but what we received was in fact horrible food by any standard. First, the bread that they give us, which usually is hot and fresh, was old, cold and hard. I let it go, because I figured I didn't want to fill up on bread anyway. I was still disappointed though because I was looking forward to their bread, one of their few bright spots. Then the food came out, and it tasted awful. The sauces were all watered down and the meats were all dry and flavorless. I thought it was just my dish, but everyone else's dish had the same problem. It appears that they are now watering down their sauces to save money and go cheap on their customers. Seriously it was so watery that it wouldn't even stick to the noodles or the flavorless meat. The worst part is that the prices are expensive--I don't mind paying money for good food, but I hate paying lots of money for bad food. I would have rather stayed home and cooked mac 'n cheese, that's how bad the food was. After this second incident, I will not be going back to Assaggio Kahala ever again, even if it was free! read more

The two stars is for the lack of service. If not for the delicious salad and dessert it would be a big fat zero stars. Our waiter, who we had no idea what his name was until we got the bill and it was printed on the bill, needs to go back to service training 101. I'm not going into the details because it would take up too much time. Avoid Vince's section if you want service. Not pleased at all. read more

So comfortable and welcoming. Good Italian fate with some delicious detours like the Crispy Golden Fish Salad. Tons of pasta options.

Let me start off by saying that my party and I were greeted with nothing more than a "Do you have a reservation?" when walked in. And trust me, it was not a friendly question. There were only three other tables with guests safely spread out when were seated. As people came in we realized this establishment caters to their local regulars. The meals are served as "small" or "regular" portions. When we asked what the difference was, the answer we got was that the difference "half versus a full portion." Anyway, we ordered "small" portions and we are happy we did, because the "small" portions were decent sized. Unfortunately all of our meals were bland and nearly tasteless, except for the weird oil taste on the noodles. Later that evening we all reported not feeling well, which could only be attributed to the food we ate at this restaurant. To top it all off, I ordered an Italian beer and it was served in a Heineken glass with a nearly worm off University of Hawaii logo on the other side of it. Needless to say, our consensus was that this restaurant (I can only speak for this location) caters to regulars who have been patronizing the place for years and don't realize how much it has slipped. It is sad too, because there really aren't any other "nice" restaurant choices near the Kahala Mall. My suggestion to you is to skip this place and go to Zippy's nearby, if you aren't willing to drive further away to somewhere that will excite your taste buds. read more

I live in the area so this is a convenient location for us to drop in for dinner. We can usually get a seat without a reservation for 2. We had a house salad that is consistently good - their dressing is the best with their marinated pickled veggies and the cheese chunks! yum! However, the last two occasions, I've not been satisfied with the quality of their pasta. I love their Mussels ala Basil and usually will get that, but this time i got the Shrimp Vegetable which is another of my favorites, but without the bell peppers. I'm allergic to bell peppers and let the server know that when I ordered. When the dish came, it was FULL of bell peppers! What's up? They tried to serve it to me, and I pointed out the bell peppers. The server looked annoyed, and I kept reminding him that I had said no bell peppers. My companion piped up to say the same and they took the dish away. Well, it came back - minus the bell peppers, but you know what they did. Removed the bell peppers and served me the same dish. It reeked of the peppers so I just sat there and didn't eat. did the server care? Nope. It really is too bad that their customer service is inconsistent. We'll return, but still -- this wasn't a pleasant experience from what should be a nicer dining experience read more

Pretty good food with an expansive, if not overpriced, menu. Clientele seems to be primarily Octogenarians from around the neighborhood, which makes getting a nice table anytime after 7:00 PM a snap. Interior is modern and spacious, although the local FM radio station they attempt to use as music doesn't help the ambiance. Listening to used car ads as our server loudly vacuumed the carpet next to our table while my date and I finished our bottle of wine isn't very befitting of a restaurant this pricey. read more

Good customer service, the food was okay, if you come to this restaurant you should come during 7-8 because it's right after the dinner rush, though it is still a little busy. When I went, I went with a party of 6, and there was no wait. Reasoning for 4/5 is due to too many workers in the front, some of the greeting hosts, were just standing around and pretending to do things. Getting paid to stand around sounds like a great job. Also not worth 5 starts because the bathrooms were dirty. I went into the stall and the floor was wet. It didn't seem clean in the bathroom. This restaurant is more of a formal restaurant, not casual. Formal restaurants should have people who take care of their restaurant. read more

I would like to preface this review by saying that I have only eaten the Tomato salad and the Eggplant Parmesan here. I get the same thing every time, so there is a definitely possibility that some of the other dishes are not as good. Food: Solid, in my book. Not mind blowing, but solid. The tomato salad has onions, capers, basil, and a vinaigrette and is a nice, light start to the meal. Their eggplant parmesan has always been cooked nicely, and does not have that "drenched in oil" taste that I get at some restaurants. I get the small size and I always take home leftovers. The large is LARGE. I tried their creme brulee once and it was... odd. Almost had the texture of a mousse, a little too airy rather than the creaminess I would expect. Service: I don't know about everyone else's experiences, but we have always had pretty excellent service here. We were approached promptly, our drinks were refilled without asking, server checked back after food was served, and dirty dishes were cleared quickly and efficiently. It has never been overly friendly, but I don't care about that. I'm there to talk to my boyfriend, not the server. The atmosphere is pretty nice, white tablecloth, low lighting, modern elements in the decor. Overall, it isn't the best I've experienced by any means but I enjoy it and will keep going back. read more

This is the first time i ever felt I should write a review. This restaurant is supposed to be known for its food and service. While the food was good and large portions. The service was the worst I have had in a long time. We went to the restaurant for my son's birthday, since the restaurant had such good reviews. After arriving the staff was attentive for the first ten minutes and up to the serving of the appetizers. thereafter we were barely acknowledged. We waited over 30 minutes for the main course, when it was brought to our table, the waiter, brought only my wife and my food. My food was ice cold (it had to have been waiting to be served for a while). He did not bring my sons food. Ten minutes later, i was able to flag down my waiter and told him my food was cold, no food for my son yet. 10-15 minutes later he brought my reheated food and my son's food (my wife's food was on the table for 25 minutes. 15-20 minutes after being served, the waiter came back and asked if we wanted the food packed up. I said yes and that we wanted dessert. The waiter NEVER came back. After 26 MINUTES!! (I timed it) I got the attention of another waiter and asked for a check, which of course came fast. Although that waiter apologized, it did nothing to help my son's ruined birthday. I hope the restaurant reads this and realizes that bad service will kil any business. I do not recommend this place, unless you want take out or are willing to sit through a long bad wait service. read more

Food always a favorite of ours - last night had Fish Picatta - onolishish with too much pasta...but it was good! Service was v-good last night - timely and unobtrusive - just the way I like it. Great Chardonnay from CA Central Coast - had a v-pleasant evening with good friend from PDX. read more

Two words: Food poisoning. I'm writing this on behalf of my mother because she's technologically challenged. My mother went there this past Friday to celebrate her birthday with a couple of her friends. She had the linguini with clam sauce. In the wee hours she started feeling sick and threw up all night long. What a way to spend your birthday! At my urging, she called the restaurant and informed the manager of the incident. Long story short, the manager tried to deny it saying things like maybe it was her lunch (we ate the same thing for lunch and I didn't get sick), no one else complained that evening (One time I had food poisoning, I didn't complain I just never went back), and we get our seafood fresh. Through the power of deduction, it was something she ate at Assaggio. How about just pony up lady and apologize! The manager's bad attitude prompted me to write this review. Anyway, if you're in the area, go to CPK in Kahala Mall instead. They at least understand what customer service is all about. read more

The service is excellent! Linguine with meat sauce is tasty and hot. Try their Tiramisu, delicious and not too sweet.

Way way way overpriced. Ordered a meatball side order (2 meatballs) and caprese salad was $25. A small order of a pasta is $25. Food is good. But not worth the prices anymore. read more

Just had a stressful day, it is 8pm and we don't know where to go for a glass of wine and quick dinner. We visited the Assagio's at Ala Moana few weeks ago and heard about the new locale at Kahala but warned that the bar was small, only 8 seats. So I call the restaurant to make a reservation to hold 2 seats at the bar. The receptionist was sweet, said there were 2 seats, but "there were separate with people between them". Uh, okaay, doesn't it make sense maybe to ask them to make room for 2? However, I am tired, and she sounds like she just doesn't get it, asks if we want a table, but we are tired and not in the mood for a sit down dineer, so we will go there and hope for a couple a seats at the bar. Get there, find parking right away, so am in a better mood, enter the restaurant ( it is fairly busy) and about 4 different employees, really cheerful meet & greet you. (Regarding the decor, I don't know who picked the tile, but isn't all that 1x1 inch glass tile, like only for your backsplash in the kitchen?) We wait a few minutes absorbing all the various accent walls & tile in the restaurant (and the bathroom as well), and finally send my husband to get a table. There is a booth available so that sounds pretty decent, however after being seated, there is a birthday party right next to us of about 20 people really loud, laughing & playing with the water glasses (do you remember wetting your finger and running it on the rim of the crystal water glass to make that annoying sound?). After a few minutes of that, I asked to be moved. After sitting a nice window table, (better mood again) we sit down and a young female server brings menu and announces "just want you to know we ran out of bread this evening", and runs off. An Italian restaurant like Assagio's runs out of bread? Are you kidding me? I ask our server maybe we can order garlic bread or lavosh with our antipasta? (Plus, I see some bread baskets still on the table) Nope, sorry out of luck! After order a vichysoisse (awfully bland), shrimp cocktail (ok, at least they had that) and a veal piccata, 2 drinks each and $77 + tip. We get up to leave & another employee rushes to pick up our check, (not even our server) before we are even out of our chairs! One thing about the employees that is probably more annoying then everything else, they are always smiling despite the fact that they have to apologize for everything. Never again! read more

Nice Kahala location. Very, VERY busy on weekends with large parties. Same selections as the Ala Moana location. Attentive, friendly staff. Order the Oso Bucco you will not be disapointed read more

They really must have stepped up their game. Went for a birthday dinner with a friend this past Thursday and we had a blast. Our server's name was Kevin and he was super friendly and helpful. Service was excellent. They kept checking up on us and made sure our cups were filled. Only downer was they didn't put capers in my friend's special..but we told Kevin our server about it and right away, he took the dish back and brought it back with all the capers my friend could dream of. Looks like they are finally working out the kinks. Oh and read a review further down about the waiter asking for his 85 year old mother's ID to prove it was her birthday....didn't happen this time. Kevin our waiter didn't ask for an ID. They brought out a scoop of refreshing sorbet with a candle for my friend. read more

1:30pm and sign on door says closed. Called the restaurant and guy says they just closed at 2pm. Yelp says they close at 3pm and Assagio's website states 2:30pm. I'm guessing they close when they wanna close! read more

Just ordered the Sausage Olio. Basically oversauteed minced garlic and prepackaged sausage cut up on a bed of greasy store bought noodles. The worst part, it cost me $23. I'm so sick and tired of these restaurants that dress up their dining room to give the illusion of fine dining when the food is complete crap. They are obviously all about the money. read more

This is our fav. The food never over cooked. Tanga is the best. We will only go to this one, Ala Moana too crowded and sitting so close to others. Service not so great. But the bistro love it. read more

First time dining at this location, parking sucks, at least they have valet service. Had a 6:15 reservation for three, arrived early at 6pm and was seated right away. Server was nothing but top notch. Caeser salad was excellent as always, osso buco was great. I would definately return. Forgot the servers name but watched her work other tables and she is top notch. read more

Excellent atmosphere, great food and friendly service. A great place to go as a couple, family or a group. Food is fantastic. I love the Veal Fraces. Deserts are great, although the creme brûlée is no longer available. Go with the large portion so you have something to take home for later. read more

Enjoying every minute here, of course its busy, but hey! That's a good thing! Food is amazing and the service has been super friendly, they are showing no sign of stress ( out on the floor) Kevin puts on his big smile and super polite. For my first experience here I am loving it! read more

First time at this location. Got there at 630 on a Friday night. No wait for four of us. Parking is limited but they have a lot attendant who got you covered. The staff were very friendly and attentive. About four people were checking on us every few minutes. The food was just as I expected. If you've been to one you can expect it to be consistent here. Out of all the locations I've been to this is my favorite. Will be back for sure. read more

I don't know why we keep coming here. Probably because of the convenient location and because i love italian food so much. Well...thats it! Never going to Assagios Kahala again! The food has always been a bit blah, but tonight i had the worst chicken piccata I've ever had in my life! Greasy pasta and over cooked, dry chicken breast with capers sprinkled over it. MY husband ordered a chicken, eggplant, mushroom dish that was so bland we pretty much emptied out the salt shaker that was on the table. we didn't send back our meal because we were tired and starving and I've never sent back a meal before. I really should have because it was definitely not worth the over priced $30 that they charged. Upon leaving I asked the hostess for a comment card. They dont offer it. I asked how i could send a message to management about our terrible dining experience and she pretty much didn't have an answer. so anyways..Yelp it is! Ive eaten at the Kailua location and was very pleased. Maybe the Kahala chef needs to take a lesson from the chef in Kailua. read more

This used to be one of my favorite restaurants, but I've had such bad experiences there recently. They didn't accommodate a food allergy despite their assurances that they could; the lights were flickering (which I admit is not terrible, but it adds to my list of why I may never go back to this location); when I called to place a takeout order, I was told to call back on the day that I wanted to pick up the order, but when I called on the actual day, I was told to call back because "they were too busy". I called a third and final time and was told that I couldn't place an order, which I would have understood given that it was New Year's Eve, except for the fact that I've been ordering from them on NYE every year for the past ten years. They also abruptly hung up on me while I was still talking. Needless to say, I won't be back to this location. read more

My second time to have an incredible lunch. This restaurant is in a shopping center across form the Kahala Mall. If you are looking for something delicious and tasty order the Chicken Anchovy Olio. Succulent boneless chicken thighs pan fried in olive oil, garlic and anchovies. Served on a bed of linguine. My family grew up on boneless, skinless chicken breasts, so I salivate over the crispy skin and the juicy thigh meat. Be sure that your friends order something with garlic too as you will be reeking the rest of the day. Delicious. read more

A little pricey but worth every penny, great Staff easy parking prompt service and friendly. Food is delicious as an Italian from a Italian culinary family, there are very few places to get good pasta this is definitely number 1, he'll 1 2 and 3 lpl. read more

I went to this location soon after it opened, and was completely underwhelmed. Ambiance was nice; food was nothing to write home about, but not so bad that I wouldn't try it again. So try again I did! I went back with a couple of friends, intending to get some drinks and pupus. Since there wasn't any room at the bar (to be fair, it's small and there were a lot of us) we sat down and ended up ordering dinner and drinks. Drinks were all very good. The broccoli appetizer was pretty tasty; it was primarily vegetables and a whole lot of garlic, which fortunately, I like. My meal, however, was NOT good. I ordered a chef's special: chicken, portabello mushroom and eggplant over linguine. Chicken was grisly and gross, the mushrooms were way too tough, the eggplant kind of vinegary, and the pasta just bland. Not impressed. Tried a couple of the other dishes ordered which seemed ok (opah was pretty good) but nothing special. So in summary: drinks are good, staff was very nice, but the food leaves much to be desired. read more

Chicken Olio that my hubby had was yum. My vege linguine was so-so. Would have been happier if the wait service brought my 2nd beer faster. Service was not good, but they are brand new so probably need some time to get their act together. read more

First of all I have to say we did not dine here tonight but have dined at the Ala Moana location more than a few times. Our experience for this review started at about 8:30 when we were debating about where to dine. Most of the places around us closes early. We seen that Assaggio's closes at 9:30 so we got ready and rushed over. We arrived at 9:05PM (and i know this exactly because i checked my phone right before we walked in) and as we walked to the door we seen two employees (bussers i think) notice us look at their watch and walk in the back leaving the host stand empty. As we walked in the door there was no host or anyone to greet us. There was a few tables still in the restaurant but at the end of their meals. A moment later what seemed like the manager came out from the back. Instead of greeting us and asking how can he help us, he quickly said 'If you guys are going to eat here you have to order right away, i hate to rush you guys but the kitchen is closing. Is that OK with you guys?' So we declined feeling unwanted and went on a search for somewhere else to eat. We are in the restaurant industry and understand what it's like for customers to walk in late. We weren't planning to stay but just wanted a quick meal and then return home. Knowing that it's a bother for coming in late we do tip generously for the inconvenience. The thing that surprised us is that we expected it to be closing at 9:30. I can also understand that if it was slow night and they decide to close early, BUT he should have said 'I'm so sorry but because it was such a slow night we decided to close.' In any case there are other ways to hint to a customer that the restaurant is closing soon and as a well known establishment here in Hawaii we assumed they would adhere to their closing time. This was their one and only chance as an attempt to keep us as regular local customers. Being that Assaggio's is not our top pick for Italian food (Our top picks are Arancino and Bernini BUT they are pricier), after this experience we will probably not be returning to any of the Assaggio's in the future. ----"There is no love sincerer than the love of food"---- read more

Last year was the last time I visited Assaggio's in Hawaii Kai and promised myself never to return. Since Assaggio Bistro has opened and most of our group has never tried it, we decided to have our Christmas get together there. Ambience: 4 Stars. Great simple updated decor with a relaxed comfortable feel. Diffused glass partitions kept different areas quiet but not closed in. Service: 2.5 Stars. We had a group of 16 and our waiter tried his best to orchestrate the timing of each course with the kitchen and our party. He lost a star for making a mistake of everyone's check by overcharging everybody. On my personal check, the corrected check still had an overcharge. He charged me twice for iced tea. If he can't handle a large group, he should get more training or try a different career choice. Food: 1 Star. This, coupled with poor service, is the reason I promised myself to never return to Assaggio's in Hawaii Kai. I started with the Minnestrone soup that tasted like someone got a hold of Campbell's Vegetable Soup receipe and made it from scratch. It had all the right vegetables and pasta in it, but no herbs or seasoning to make it taste at least like a resemblance of Minnestrone Soup. Next, I had Chicken Marsala with linguine and mushrooms. The Chicken breast was dry and all I could taste was olive oil and butter. Not even a hint of Marsala wine was discernable. I tasted, sprinkled parmesian cheese over chicken and pasta, tasted again, sprinkled more parmesian cheese, tasted yet again and gave up. Finally I relented by adding salt and pepper over my whole plate. Ending up taking 90% of my entree with pasta home knowing my son would eat it. Finally, I had a Lychee sorbet for dessert and it was delicious. This and the bread and butter provided was the only part of Assagio Bistro's evening I enjoyed. If not for the wonderful friends for company, the whole evening would have been a bust. Therefore, as with Assaggio's in Hawaii Kai, I will never return. If anyone asks be about either place, the answer would be don't waste your time or money. read more

Had the Chicken Piccatta taste was great! Food was cooked correctly and the servers were very attentive. Depending on when you go the shared parking can be a problem. The prices are on the high side but not to high. read more

Not for an Italian menu or an Italian experience but for a pleasant evening over a good dinner. Surprised beyond expectations. Greeting: Mixed, one lady no smiles, another (Darnell) a very attractive, tall Asian lady, led us graciously to our table. Waiter came soon to take orders. Drinks arrived fast. Beer suggestion from some Maryland brewery, "Road Dog, Porter, Good Beer, No Shit", yes, so read the label, was excellent. So was the wine by the glass, pretty full. But then nothing happened for 20 minutes. The pleasantly understated lighting and the mellow atmosphere of the new place made for easy conversation, though. Everybody was happily talking away. The food: Wow, what portions on huge plates with hot (!) food. Osso Buco, tasty as expected, though slightly overcooked and the meaty part a bit skimpy, but with lots of pasta, 2 large, crunchy shrimps, and 4 or 5 rich scallops. Slurping the marrow out of the bone was almost unbearably delicious. No waiter around anymore, nor has there been any since taking our order, even the food was served by other helpers, but in comes the very attractive reception lady again for the check and the card signing. Very engaging, bending over slightly but gracefully, she talked knowingly yet exceptionally softly about the food and other things. Truly a masterpiece of appearance, grace and substance. She alone added 1 star to the total of 4. The "damage report." Less than expected, about $ 100 (before tip) for 3 main courses, 2 beers, and 2 glasses of wine. And there was enough food left to take home for 2 more lunches. Want to go back. The place is children friendly. read more

Overall the food is consistent and good. Although I think it is a little pricey. I'm not a regular here but when we are in the mood for Italian we go here and it is always good/decent. The staff are always nice and service is always good. I would recommend splitting a meal because it is pricey for the kind of food you are getting and the portions are big, which is good since you are paying a decent amount. The environment is clean as the atmosphere is nice. read more

Wow, we had the pleasure to attend a very special event that featured so many of the items on the menu and it was also served with the finest wine. The food quality and assortment were beyond words and the service was also over the top. We've enjoyed many excellent restaurants in Hawaii but Assaggio Kahala Bistro had it all from assortment to the best service by far. read more

Great food and extensive selection of Italian food. My only suggestion is that the dessert menu has nothing for the lactose intolerant.

Not as good as the Ala Moana restaurant, unfortunately, since I live nearby. That being said, we continue to go there because it's very convenient and you can usually find parking. The ambience is nicer than the Ala Moana restaurant but it's a lot smaller. read more

I usually go to the ala moana location but I tried this one yesterday. I was a bit nervous after reading the bad service reviews, but our server Dustin was awesome. He was very polite and attentive. There were also several other workers bringing by fresh bread and refilling our drinks. The only reason why they lost one star from me is because one of my small pieces of chicken was undercooked. The rest of the meal was great though. read more