Andy F.
Yelp
Bernini used to be a Tuxedo store. It's where I got my tuxedo for my high school orchestra (I was the bass man). For a while, I always thought it was still a
Tux store even when I noticed the Bernini sign. I couldn't even tell it was a restaurant driving by it. I guess after friends and acquaintances mention this place, it's not! You'll find delectable, well executed Japanese inspired Italian cuisine!
I came here to celebrate my Wedding Anniversary. Bernini is located along Waimanu St, near Chun Wah Kam, across the nice condos, and just a few steps away from Ala Moana Shopping Center along Piikoi St. There's a small parking lot in front with only one way, angled parking. You'll probably need to reverse out onto the sidewalk and street, unless there's space to turn around.
Vaccination or Negative Test confirmation and temperature check before you enter, and contact tracing info must be written down before you go to your table. Inside is clean and organized. The tables are set up very well with plenty of space for social distancing. The kitchen is open in the corner, so you can peek over. The menu isn't too extensive, and offers very dedicated and straightforward selections. It does seem it changes occasionally. The prices are definitely reasonable for this type of dining experience.
For a restaurant having been here many years, the photos are almost always different (at least for the dishes I was looking at). Honestly, some of them didn't even look appetizing, but it's what I decided, so I just hoped for the best, and it was the best.
We started with the Hudson Valley Duck Breast with Endive Salad (no previous photos). I had this at another Japanese influenced Italian restaurant, and this one was ten times better. The Duck was prepared well and presented beautifully. It was cooked just right. Not too done and not too raw. The accompanying mango and pesto sauces went very well with the duck. The pink peppercorns on top really added a nice touch with a hint of sweet and spice. The endive salad with micro greens, radish, and handmade ultra thin potato crisps was light and refreshing, and complemented the duck nicely.
Next was the Pappardelle Bolognese with Washugyu in a Red Wine Tomato Sauce (again, no similar photos!). This was excellent and well prepared. The pasta was cooked to a nice firmness with the perfect amount of tasty and flavorful sauce and cheese. The beef was good. Not too tough and mealy like regular beef or too fatty and soft if it was really wagyu.
My initial choice was to get a pizza (which I probably should have since several people mentioned it afterwards), but I was sold on having some Chilean Sea Bass (catch of the day). This was grilled with a tomato sauce underneath and olive tapenade on top along with grilled squash, bell peppers, micro greens, radish slices, and fresh dill. This was another well prepared dish. The sea bass was beautifully cooked. Moist and tender with the right amount of seasoning. Everything went well together. The sweetness from the sauce and sourness from the olive complemented the richness of the fish while adding the fresh and herbaceous, and slightly bitterness of the dill with a crunchy radish summed up to a delectable bite.
We ended the meal with dessert, Soufflé Cheesecake (No photos of this too??). This was a Soufflé cheesecake done right. This was light, fluffy, moist, and tasty. Spot on! Fresh fruits and mint accompanied this dessert to add a nice sweet, tart, and minty taste. I don't normally order dessert. Probably never since I'm already super full from the main course, but I'd order this again!
The wine list isn't extensive either, but very selective. Bernini offers Kenzo Estate Wines from Napa Valley by the half or full bottle with only two by the glass, Yui (Rose) and Asuka (Cabernet Franc). We ordered both of them, and they were very good. Asuka anything is always good! :) I loved how the wine slowly got more and more aromatic and flavorful as it breathed.
Overall, we had an excellent experience with amazing food and awesome service. The food was prepared so well. The servers were very attentive, friendly, professional, and did an awesome job explaining each dish and all its ingredients. The atmosphere was relaxed, comfortable, yet with a slight romantic feel. Definitely an excellent place to celebrate a special occasion or for a nice meal. I need to try the pizza next time! Perhaps I'll wear my orchestra tuxedo to Bernini's next time too!