Restaurant Review: Pele’s Other Garden

February 28th, 2008

When you go to the small island of Lanai, you’ve got a few choices for grabbing grinds. You’ve got the big resorts where you can pay big prices or you can go into Dole Square and eat where the locals eat and stretch your dollar. (Tip: If the locals eat there, stop in, you’ve found the best eats!)

One of the stops on one of our excursions to Lanai was to a little deli called Pele’s Other Garden. We tried the Italian hoagie, the meatball sub and our friend got the pizza hoagie. I love Italian subs and if a place offers them up, I’m all over them. This was a great hoagie and decent portion size for the money. (If I remember correctly they’re from the Pittsburgh area and they know how to do deli sandwiches right.) My husband liked his meatball sub as well but after a bite of my hoagie he said he knew what he was getting next time. My friend couldn’t finish all of her french bread pizza so she gave it to us. (Research people, research!) I still dream about that pizza. It was GOOD! The sauce, which we all know is key, is perfect. Robust and zesty, I wish they sold it by the jar. Lunch entrees start at $5.99 and hoagies average $7-8 depending on what you get. (Salads start at $4.99)

Now in the evening, this place transforms into a little Italian bistro. I’m not able to vouch for that portion of the dining experience but you can get a good feel for it from these reviews from other patrons. Reservations are strongly recommended for both lunch and dinner because of limited seating (you can make them online) but you can also take it to go which is perfect if you’re getting ready for a big day of exploration on the island. (There are picnic tables in the middle of the square.) Prices for dinner are more expensive with main entrees starting at $16.99. (Salads and pizza a little less) Now this wahine hopes that is some magical spaghetti and meatballs for $16.99 and I don’t think a side salad comes with that so when we go for dinner sometime, I’ll let you know if it was worth the price. If anyone has been there for dinner (or at all), feel free to add your 2 cents to this. All in all, I’d recommend a stop at Pele’s Other Garden if you’re on Lanai and not in the mood for a local dish.

Pele’s Other Garden
811 Houston St
Lanai City, HI 96763
888-764-3354
http://www.pelesothergarden.com/
Cut off time for online dinner reservations 3pm.