Frommer's Review
It was hard to see terrific Italian food leave the North Shore for the south, but hey, risotto happens. Chef Randall Yates and his wife, Joanna, took over a free-standing wood-and-stone building in Poipu and turned it into a storybook restaurant with fairy lights, high ceilings, beveled glass, and a generous open deck where you can dine among palms and heliotropes. (There's live classical music Fri and Sat 6:30 to 9:30pm on the baby grand piano.)
The memorable Italian food has strong Mediterranean and cross-cultural influences. You'll find organic greens from Kilauea, several risotto choices (quattro formaggio and smoked salmon are outstanding), black tiger prawns with ravioli of lobster thermidor, chicken Angelica (a favorite, served on farfalle), and surprises such as Thai lobster bisque and duck Kahlúa carbonara. Among the nearly two dozen pasta selections is a classic fettuccine Alfredo for which Yates is deservedly famous. While the set menu is Italian, the specials showcase international influences, such as soy-sauce reductions, furikake (seaweed sprinkle), and the assertive touches of jalapeño tequila aioli on salmon and grilled tiger prawns. This is flamboyant, joyful Italian fare. Casa di Amici is located in an enclave of condos and vacation rentals; to get there, take the third left turn past Brennecke's Beach, not more than 2 minutes from Poipu Beach Park.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
