Maui World T.
Google
This was a sister restaurant to Casanova's in Makawao but I believe that changed years ago.
ATMOSPHERE:
Plain interior, nothing special. There's a small bar, sofa lounge seating, large dining room and protected outdoor seating with some uncomfortable metal grated seats.
MENU:
Apps, pastas, traditional Italian entrees, desserts.
BEVERAGE:
Mojitos
I tried two flavors, the lychee and strawberry. The lychee flavor wasn't too detectable but was good. The strawberry one I enjoyed more. Neither was too sweet or strong. Very refreshing.
FOOD:
Calamari Fritti
Very mainstream but good. The batter is light and the dipping sauce is a garlic caper mayo.
Frites
Hand-cut potatoes that are fried to a dark brown, almost reminiscent of sweet potatoes but thankfully they're not.
Caesar Salad
My first experience with this wasn't good at all. The dressing was so light and flavorless it was horrible. Skip to a couple months later, gave it another try, this time with anchovies, and I loved it.
Lingine Al Funghi
My favorite hit or miss dish. The pasta was done perfectly (green & white mixed made for a very appetizing & colorful appeal) done in a creamy sauce topped with mushrooms
Fettuccine Ossobuco
The veal wasn't shredded as stated - it was cut into strips, but still super tender done in a medium tomato broth. The fettuccine is wider than your normal variety.
Capellini Alla Checca
The first time I tried this I only had a bite from a friend and loved it, but I didn't enjoy eating it as an entree. Angel hair with a super mild flavor leaves you craving for something else. Topped with pine nuts, spinach, tomatoes, and parmesan.
Bigioli Neri Al Salmone
Squid ink pasta with smoked salmon, peas, leeks and topped with tobiko. The pasta was cooked perfect and the flavor is very mildly rich.
Paella
I finally got the chance to try this huge dish with 3 other friends. It works great as an app for a large party. Saffron rice in a medium flavored sauce topped with scallops, shrimp, mussels, calamari, chicken, and sausage. I guess I was expecting more from this dish but it was very unimpressive. Maybe I was spoiled with a better version in Barcelona? Yup, that's what it was.
Rigatoni Carbonara
Yowza this was super tasty! I don't think I've had a better carbonara anywere. It normally comes with rigatoni but I'm a noodle guy so they made it with the green and white linguine from the mushroom pasta.
Pollo Cacciatore
This was really tasty! They use half of a bone-in, skin-on chicken, simmer it in a tomato-based broth and topped it with sliced tomatoes, red bell peppers, and capers. To the side is a flavorful nest of angel hair pasta. If you want a tomato-based pasta with chicken instead of beef, this is the winner.
Trofie Al Pesto Genovese
Short, twisted pasta and 4 seared scallops done in a dry pesto sauce, topped with a spoonful of sun-dried tomato "aura," and pine nuts. Mix the "aura" into the dish to give it some life, though the taste was still very subtle with a nice hint of nuttiness. My friend having the same dish added salt, I did the ultimate sin and added cheese, then it was way better.
DESSERT:
Affogato
I've never heard of this until my friend ordered it. Vanilla ice cream with a poured-over shot of espresso. OMG my two favorite things, coffee AND ice cream?!
SERVICE:
The restaurant can get busy at times and is gaining in popularity, so I'd suggest making reservations just in case, especially if you have 4 or more in your party. Overall service is friendly and professional, and I've never encountered any problems or attitudes. The bartenders are great.
OVERALL:
Good food & prices. Great alternative to Marco's with more traditional Italian fare.