Overall Review: 
Service: The services started off really good at Sarento’s at the top of the Iliaki hotel with the wine sommelier who came right with our bred and wine list…. but after that it was down hill. At first we thought they where trying to give us a “relaxed” experience when we waiting for 10-15 minutes before even receiving a menu but then once the meal started the same service inadequacies carried through. After we ate our entrees it took at least 20 minutes for them to clear our plates and even longer to receive a check which we eventually had to asked 3 different waiters for because we needed to get to a show on time and our waiter was MIA.
Food: The food was very disappointing at Sarento’s! The menu looked really good but only 1 of the 4 things we ordered was very good. The menu is traditional Italian with lots of protein entrees and pastas but nothing was particularity mouth watering in fact, the seafood fra diavolio linguine pasta was a bit overcooked and the seafood it came with was pretty fishy. The stuffed pork chop was extremely dry (and it was stuffed with cheese so you would hope it would have a little moisture) and the best thing about ordering that dish was they brought my wife extra veggies on the side because she didn’t want the potatoes and they where really well cooked. Overall we ate the food because it was expensive and we where hungry but I would have been more satisfied eating at California Pizza Kitchen any day of the week. Another thing we feel compelled to mention is this pupu called the Ossa Bucco Potstickers which had a really strange and bitter taste & even worst aftertaste… we only ate the filling so stay far away from that if you go!
Favorite Dishes: The best thing we had besides the bread & hummus they served on the table was the Ahi Bruchetta which was very fresh and with a little salt quite memorable, light and delicious.
Atmosphere: The ambiance is the best thing going for Sarento’s and it has an unbeatable view over the ocean, diamond head and city of Honolulu. Each table has a unique view and really there is no bad seat in the establishment. One thing to mention is when we called to make our reservation they mentioned it was “Jazz night” and did we want to site in the Jazz section for an extra $10 cover charge. We declined the offer and then when we were seated found ourselves smack dab right behind the wall where the Jazz was playing. The band was very talented but the music was so loud we had to scream to each other across the table! they should either start the live band after 9pm or keep it a bit down so its still background music for the guests (specially if you ask not to be in what they call the “Jazz Section”).
Consistency: I would love to say we would be back to update this section but you couldn’t pay me enough money to give Sarento’s another shot in the near future. Maybe in a few years we will give it another whirl!
Parking: Sarento’s has valet parking at the Ilikai which they validate for you so you only need to pay $2 (plus tip) or you can park in the self parking lot in the Marina Parking off Hobron also for $2 with validation.
Price Range: Medium-High ($20-$38 or Market Price) per Entree
Corkage Fee $25 per Bottle
Reservations Accepted & Recommended
No Take Out Available
Live Music (Piano)
Address:
The Ilikai Hotel
1777 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Tel: (808) 955-5559
Website: http://www.tristarrestaurants.com/sarentos_top_of_i/
Hours of Operation:
Dinner Hours:
Sun – Thu 5:30pm – 9pm
Fri – Sat 5:30 – 9:30pm
Cocktails & Bar:
Sun – Thu 5pm – 11pm
Fri – Sat 5pm – 12am
 Ahi Bruchetta |
 Seafood Fra Diavolio |
 Stuffed Pork Chop |
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