Lanai Restaurant Reviews

Reviewer: Foodnut.com CA

Lanai has been on our must visit lists for a while. We finally got a chance to visit this tropical paradise in April 2014.
The easiest and cheapest way to arrive is by ferry from Maui.  The fare is a reasonable $60 round trip. Frankly we saw more dolphins, flying fish, and whales riding this ferry than we did on a whale watching tour!

There are two Four Seasons Resorts on the island along with a small Lanai Hotel. We stayed in the Four Season Manele Bay, right on the beach. (Why would you want to stay at the other one?) One beautiful resort and priced a couple hundred less than the Four Seasons Maui. Lanai City is a small plantation town in a timewarp to the 70’s. A tiny place with a small town square. Here are 3 places we ate in between all the chilling.
One Forty
1 Manele Bay Rd
Lanai City, HI 96763
(808) 565-2000
Website

Yelp Page

It was Nobu Lanai or One Forty in the hotel. Having dined at Nobu in several cities, the decision was easy. One Forty serves American steak, Hawaiian Seafood with ocean views. This restaurant also serves Breakfast. Chef Matthew Brennan emphasizes local ingredients, but one wonders how much stuff is produced on the Island. We did not expect much except for high prices, so our ordering was on the conservative side. Dine in town, if you want to save money. Service was slow and not particularly good.

2 kinds of freshly made bread that was simply top notch.

Teen Hummus ($17) Toasted Pita Bread, Fresh Garden Vegetables was an interesting dish with deep fried crispy pita chips and a green hummus.

Teen Caesar Salad ($14) Hearts of Romaine, Herb Croutons, Grana padano, Caesar Dressing was fine.

Kahuku Corn Soup ($18) Sea Salt Cracker, Butter Poached Lobster, Lemon Cream, Baby Basil – Poured tableside, decadent lobster, creamy and rich. Unneeded and Weird sour cream on top.

Lanai Catch ($46) mahi mahi was local and spot on. Carrot Chiplte Puree, Heirloom tomatoes, Haricot Vert, Mango Lime Butter Fish here is simply done well. If you don’t know what to order, always get the local fresh fish mac encrusted! Outrageous lobster chunks in the sauce.

10 oz. Prime NY Steak ($57) Snake River Farms American Wagyu – Wedge Fries, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Blue Cheese & Bacon Aioli was a tick on the salty side, but cooked to a nice medium rare. The leftover steak the next day, was still delectible.

Teen Grilled Chicken Breast ($28) with mash potatoes, green beans wasn’t cheap but hit the spot.

Green Bean Casserole ($8) was way too creamy and oily.

Baked Potato ($8) was huge and slightly salty. Nice condiments.
Blue Ginger Cafe
409 7th St
Lanai City, HI 96763
(808) 565-6363
Website

Yelp Page

A favorite restaurant in the town square, this family owned place is pretty popular and know for massive quantities. They serve traditional Hawaiian items along with baked goods. True home style cooking in a relaxed atmosphere.

Chicken Teriyaki Plate Lunch ($10.95) was one of the better ones. Not a ton of flavor, just like it was cooked at home.

Bacon burger ($6.50) was pretty tall and thick. Simple beef, bun and fries, nothing fancy.

Mahi Mahi Stir fry ($14.95) with mushroom, broccoli, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, carrots was spot on. Simple, fresh and worth ordering.
Lana’i ‘Ohana Poke Market
834 A Gay St
Lanai City, HI 96763
(808) 559-6265
Yelp Page

Our local tour guide said this place has the best poke he’s had. They sell out fast, so come early. They open at 10am so get here before Noon. ($16.99 per lb for Maui Onion Ahi, Furikake, or Shoyu) We got shut out but did manage to order some nice alternative items. It is located a block down from the square, so most tourists miss this place. If you come to Lanai, come here.

Kim Chee Mussels ($8.95 per lb) is definitely worthwhile. Not very spicy, but tons of flavor,

Ocean Salad ($8.95 per lb) had a lot of marinated seaweed.

Kim Chee Shrimp ($13.95 per lb) had a similar sauce to the mussels.

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