The inlaid marble floors. ornate tile work. and Italianate murals that comprise the elegant decor at this restaurant compete with a stunning ocean view. And in addition to the beautiful setting. Dondero's offers outstanding food. a remarkable wine list. and impeccable service. making this Kaua'i's best restaurant. Chef Vincent Pecoraro combines old-world techniques with new energy to create menu selections as enticing as the surroundings. Porcini-mushroom crêpes with Parmesan sauce. fresh tomato salad topped with his flavorful homemade mozzarella cheese. and lobster piccata on a bed of fettuccine blackened with squid ink thrill the palate and delight the eye. Order a light. traditional tiramisu or chocolate crème brûl?e with fresh raspberries so you can linger over coffee. The waitstaff deserves special praise for its thoughtful. discrete service. AE. D. DC. MC. V. No lunch.
If you are looking for a romantic dinner either under the stars overlooking the ocean or tucked away at an intimate table surrounded by inlaid marble floors, ornate imported floor tiles, and Franciscan murals, this is the place for you. You get all this atmosphere at Dondero's, plus the best Italian cuisine on the island, served with efficiency. It's hard to have a bad experience here. Our recommendations for a meal to remember: Start with either the fresh mozzarella cheese with tomatoes and roasted peppers, or the warm goat cheese, roasted eggplant, cannellini beans, and fried basil leaves. Then move on to the black ink linguine with scallops, shrimp, mussels, salmon, clams, and lobster; the risotto with porcini mushrooms and taleggio cheese; or the grilled snapper with roasted vegetables and balsamic glaze. Save room for dessert, especially the chocolate crème brûl?e with fresh berries. Dinners are pricey, but worth every penny.
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