I have raved about my experiences at Longhi's in Maui and one prior occasion in Oahu, consequently I was very surprised at the slow and inattentive service received today. That alone would not have prompted this reply, however, the bathroom was in need of toilet paper and hand towels. This took place at 3:00 pm while the restaurant was not busy, allowing for no excuse for such conditions.    [24 Aug 2003 00:06:11]

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Recommended Dishes: Shrimp Amerato, Mahi Mahi, eggplant parm, and many more

     ­Anonymous   

Beware the tourist trap:
On Tuesday night, September 30th, I brought a group of 7 adults and 1 child to the upstairs restaurant at 6:00 p.m. This was a "thank you" dinner to two Maui residents for their hospitality during our stay on the island.

When I first told the residents where we were eating they seemed less than enthusiastic. They said they had dined at the restaurant before and were very put off by the "no printed menu" policy. They felt it was confusing and
unhelpful in deciding on their meal. I mentally minimized their objection and proceeded with the reservation -- how much of a problem could it be?

When we arrived a few minutes early we were told we would have to wait downstairs until 6:00 p.m. exactly. At 6:00 p.m. we were seated at a very nice location overlooking the ocean. The top of the table we were seated at was scratched and worn and did not present a good first impression.

Our waiter arrived promptly and took our wine order. He then explained the "no printed menu" policy and went into an extensive explanation of what was offered. No prices were volunteered. He left and when he returned to take our order we went through another round of questions but this time he was questioned about some prices and food combinations. He explained the options of food, sauces, substitutes, side-dishes and prices as best he could but the situation was less than satisfactory and some in our party were still confused.

We ordered. The appetisers and salads were served promptly. There was a long wait until the main courses were served.

I would judge the food to be large in quantity and very average in taste. The presentation was fair-to-poor, with no color or garnishment on the plate. In summary, this was hardly a fine, up-scale dining experience. I've had Italian food in a local family restaurant that was three times as good at one-fifth the price.

I visited the restroom. It was poorly maintained (dirty grout) and the sink fixtures were dated and dirty.

I expect that the "no printed menu" policy is intended to create an ambience and establish the server as the diner's guide to a fine dining experience. What it came off as to me, because I paid the bill ($540), was an opportunity to disguise the high prices for ordinary dishes. I guess the truism is correct: you either get a beatiful view or fine dining expereince, not both.    [05 Oct 2003 23:29:12]

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     ­Rich