A true Lahaina favorite, Penne Pasta Café is the place to go when nothing else will do but decadent comfort food. Their team goes all out in serving up all the Italian classics in huge portions each and every day. On top of that, they have an excellent wine and beer selection available at all times. Their aloha spirit shines through in all they do, too, making you feel right at home upon waltzing through the doors.
As with all good Italian restaurants, their approach starts with time-honored recipes passed down through the generations. They use those recipes to transform fresh, local ingredients into meals to remember. Their Baked Penne is their signature dish, featuring an exquisite mix of perfectly al dente pasta, pomodoro sauce, and tons of cheese.
Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and many other pasta dishes round out their menu. Plus, they also serve flatbread pizza, salads, and Chicken Parm, of course. Before you get a taste of all that, you’ll definitely want to start your meal off with their warm focaccia bread. Always served with balsamic, garlic, and olive oil dip, this warm bread perfectly readies your tastebuds for the bright, bold flavors ahead.
While kicking off your meal with bread to start, don’t hesitate to dig into the wine and beer offerings. They have many excellent options on the menu, all ready to pair perfectly with your entrée selections. If you’re not sure which ones to get, just ask your server for their recommendations. In fact, go ahead and ask your server for whatever you need to enjoy the meal of a lifetime. They’re always happy to do all they can to elevate your meal and ensure you keep coming back for more.
The laidback ambiance in their eatery goes a long way in doing the same. You’ll always find yourself feeling right at home upon walking through the doors. As warm alohas come your way, you just have to put in your order at the counter, and then settle down at your table of choice. They have cozy seating indoors and out, which puts you in control of your dining experience from the start. Once your food is ready, they’ll whisk it out to you, but you still need to bus your own table.
You’ll definitely want the:
Tomato Pizza
For a simple culinary journey that’ll leave you singing its praises forevermore, get the Tomato Pizza. They make this pie by hand tossing the dough, and then spreading red sauce all over the surface. After that, mozzarella lands on top along with tomato slices, fresh basil, and oregano. The whole lot goes into the oven until melty and lightly browned before coming to your table piping hot.
Linguine Clam Sauce
If you want to enjoy all the best ocean flavors paired with al dente pasta, go with the Linguine Clam Sauce. This dish features a wonderfully rich sauce made using lemon, garlic, parsley, and butter. Chopped clams joins the sauce right before it all goes over the beautifully cooked linguine.
Nicoise
Whenever you’re in the mood for a light dish filled with bold flavors, treat yourself to the Nicoise. This salad always begins with a bed of greens elevated by potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, olives, and capers. Garlic ahi goes over that, and then they drizzle on their red onion Dijon vinaigrette.
Even if you have to put half your meal in a doggie bag for later, be sure to save room for dessert. You absolutely must get a taste of their Panna Cota, after all, and it won’t transport well for your later enjoyment. If you absolute have to take your dessert to go, get the Tiramisu or Baked Lemon Tart. Both options will stay good through the evening until your belly settles enough to enjoy them to the fullest.
Insider Tips:
-Want to skip the wheat without compromising on flavor? Ask about getting their gluten-free pizza crust for an extra charge.
-If you’re dining with a large group, call ahead of time to give the team a head’s up. They’ll put a few tables together before you arrive, so you can all dine in one spot.
-Want shady parking? Go to the pay lot right behind the restaurant.