Impeccable Soffritto

​The food at Soffritto is outstanding. 73 South Pauahi Street.

I've walked past it dozens of times... rarely noticed the restaurant and sometimes thought to myself -- "What is Soffritto?" Somewhat unassuming and perhaps maybe considered unapproachable, I stepped inside to be whisked away to a place that serves authentic global cuisine, that is artfully and finely prepared with outstanding flavors. 

A classic hidden eatery with few tables, a grab 'n go counter and items cooked to order from the kitchen... Soffritto specializes in delicious Italian focused cuisine, but also tests the waters with other global home cooked items too. Don't get me wrong the Putanesca is amongst the best we've ever tasted, the various pastas and homemade focaccia bread is unbelievably divine and other items including Shrimp Etoufee are outstanding.

The portion sizes are generous, the prices are affordable and the quality is that of fine dining. They use premium ingredients to craft each dish and also share a great sense of pride in what they do. Owned by a husband and wife duo, the wife works the counter with grace and ease, which the chef and owner husband is in the kitchen passionately preparing the dishes ala minute. 

Venturing into their theme of global home cooking Soffritto has been preparing Birria Tacos, Adobo, Goat, Gumbo, Russian Salad, African dishes, more Mexican dishes and so on. There isn't really a rhyme or reason, but the chef loves to play and create. His sense of taste and flavor is impeccable and you can tune their Instagram for specials and teases of what he will come up with next. 

In the end, if you are looking for hearty, flavorful, unique and delicious food for lunch or dinner be sure to stop by Soffritto in downtown (located off of Fort Street Mall along Pauahi Street - just a block Diamond Head from Hawaii Theatre. The menu is diverse, evolving and changing, the food is fantastic and the price points are well worth it when given the quality and ingredients. 

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