Romano's Macaroni Grill

There was a lot of buzz when Macaroni Grill announced it was opening in Hawaii at Ala Moana Center. I ate at a location in New York a few years ago and wasn't exactly bowled over. However, with the way everyone carried on about it, I was intrigued. I went for lunch with others from the office. The food was good, though I know some of the others were disappointed with what they had. My dish was good, just not really memorable. What was disappointing was the service. It was just really slow. It was hard to fault the server, because it didn't seem like it was something she could control. Normally I dismiss these kinds of experiences and give the restaurants the benefit of the doubt. However, I've heard similar stories of slow service, so it makes you wonder if there's something more to it. more

I’ve tried the food at Macaroni Grill four times now. On two occasions, I’ve tried their Rib Eye steak, and have even recommended it to a friend. The first time was the best. The steak was almost ¾” inches thick, with a wonderful sauce. The second time around, my steak was about ¼” and there was hardly any of that rich sauce. My friend that I recommended the steak to, was also disappointed. All of their meals start off with bread and olive oil. I always have to ask for the balsamic vinegar. But if you ask – you shall receive. more

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A Mainland chain, sure, but one certainly welcome in a town that hungers for more (if not better) Italian options. We went during their soft-opening, and again last week, and loved it. Family friendly (a plus for us and our three kids), decent portions for a reasonable price. The kitchen speed has been a bit uneven - main courses sometimes beat the salad or appetizers to your table - but the servers are sharp and friendly and no dishes were lacking in richness or flavor (I always end up taking almost half of my order home). As with the opening of other major chains (notably the Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki), right now the line to get in can be long -- show up at 6 p.m. on a Friday, and you'll have to wait an hour or more. But, at least with its location within Honolulu's retail Mecca, there's no shortage of things to browse to pass the time. Presumably, in a few months, the lines will subside (especially as other new dining options open in Hookipa Terrace). more

If you've been to Macaroni Grill on the mainland, you KNOW how good this place is. The food here still rocks, although they made a minor mistake with my order (I ordered the "make your own pasta" and they put in mushrooms instead of the red peppers I had requested). The bread is so ono, but smaller than the loaves on the mainland--and the prices are slightly higher as well. The service was okay--not terrible but not great. They were busy, but not enough to justify the lower level of service. I have to admit, though, when we couldn't get our server, another one helped us out quite nicely. The ambience is cozy, the lighting is dim, but the place is super LOUD. It's a family restaurant that wants to be a romantic one. Kind of like Buca di Beppo, but with smaller portions. Get there early (5pmish) if you want to avoid a long wait. more