Just my kind of little restaurant! After spending the day on the beach it was nice to eat at the Penne Pasta Cafe. It's a cute little family restaurant with street parking. I thoroughly enjoyed the Alfredo with the garlic bread crustini and my husband liked his chicken parmesan. The style is kind of like an old school pizza place complete with an order number to take with you to your seat after ordering at the register. Very relaxed and casual dining but delicious Italian cuisine! Yummm! read more

We just ate here and the food was excellent! My husband had the baked Penne Pasta with meat sauce he thought it was delicious. Puttanesca was as good as I've had at high end restaurants on the Mainland. My sister-In-law said her Lemon Chicken Piccata was fantastic. The garlic cheese bread is a must to compliment your dinner. Yes you order your meal when you walk in but is served to you at your table piping hot! I imagine the no frills keeps the prices down! This family owned restaurant has so many award plaques hanging on their wall and has been Zagat rated, Honestly those of you who gave this wonderful family owned and operated restaurant one and two stars I don't know understand why. read more

This is our favorite "cheap" restaurant on Maui, we always come back. Pasta is pretty good, you do better with the specials. Get the Scampi if they have it. Only about 1 1/2 blocks from Front Street but seems off the beaten track. I was excited when I heard they expanded (it used to be tiny) but I have to say, its lost some of its charm now. I guess it seemed a little more "homey" before. Still, its a good meal for a good price, you know good (cheap) food in Lahaina is hard to come by! read more

Loved this restaurant! The owner was very attentive and hospitable. I am a vegetarian, and I had many good options to choose from! I would definitely come back again. read more

Best Restaurant near Front Street. I have been eating here for 15 years and I have never had a bad meal! The prices are fair and the food and service are great. Try the Caesar Salad with fish or chicken. Try the Puttanesca Pasta. Try the Linguini with Clams, Juan the owner and his sister always provide a A+ meal. The desserts are great too. FANTASTIC. read more

We have been eating at Penne Pasta for years. The only downside is that we order too much because we like so many things. Musts are the foccacia with the balsamic dipping sauce; the ultra-thin-crust pizza and the NY-style penne pasta (with bits of beef.) I am a big fan of the nicoise salad - made with garlic-sauteed cubes of ahi. There are nightly specials - another reviewer mentioned the Parmesan mahi which is killer. Portions tend to be large (although that can be inconsistent. The nicoise salad ahi must be portioned by market price. Sometimes there is just a little, sometimes there is enough to share. Never the less, we are alway full when we leave.) Yes, it is casual - but who wants to get dressed up on Maui anyway? If you want dress-up, go to the Ritz-Carlton. (Really, someone complained that the food was served too hot? Now that's a first.) As others have noted, you order from a counter, you get a number to put on the table and then sit inside on picnic-table style benches or curbside at the bistro tables. Again, don't get fancied up for this place. When you are done, spend a while walking down Front Street looking through the art galleries. Some have mentioned Mark Ellman, the restaurateur who started the legendary Avalon and one of the 12 who founded the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine movement. Alas, he no longer owns Maui Tacos but the food at that small Mexican chain remains ono. Ellman's real foodie locations are now Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahainatown and Mala in Wailea. As for the rest of us, we love Penne Pasta for its casual atmosphere and consistently good food and reasonable (for Maui) prices. read more

The guy was rude... No greeting at all. The food was ok...not at all great! Overrated! The servings were small for the prices we paid!! read more

Penne Pasta Cafe - Food was just OK... - Italian Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Yuck. I had the chicken Alfredo. No flavor. Watery bland sauce. Yuck. My husband is gf and had the pesto pasta. Watery noodles that just disintegrated. No flavor in the sauce. Yuck yuck yuck. read more

Maui is one place which is sure as hell hard on the wallet. After reading the recommendation on Frommers we decided to try this little restaurant. Penne Pasta is tucked away in a little street off the main road. You walk in and order at the counter and the owner brings the food over to your table. The food was really good for what we expected. We even got the chance to go back and try it one more time. We are not big meat eaters and there is certainly something on the menu for everyone. This is my books is a big plus. While the restaurant is GREAT value for money I have to take off the one star for ambiance or rather the lack of it. All in all I certainly loved this place. Good prices, Great food Highly recommended read more

This is a hidden gem away from the front st crowd. The food was exceptionally good, moderately priced and friendly owners.

You have got to be kidding me? You call this italian? I'm italian and I would be ashamed to serve this. It was so spicy that I could barely eat it. The meatballs were hard as rocks. Bad flavor. The dipping oil for the facciciao was again over spices. I should have known by going to an italian restaurant with a "chef" by the name of Juan. I sent back my pasta because it had a pool of water. Burnt tasting sauce. My husband got a salad and gave it 3 stars. I would have given it 2. The salad had whole gherkin pickles, premade potato salad, a ton of anchovies. The bill was $31 bucks for a salad and lousy pasta. When I talked win Juan to explain how terrible the food was, in a condescending tone kept saying thank you. He didn't even look me in the eye once. I will never go back there. Hubbie said to.me on the way to.our hotel, will you listen.to.me when I say you are a better cook so stop trying to eat italian out. read more

The baked penne was great! The crispy cheese on top made this dish delicious:). We also ordered the garlic cheese bread which was also tasty.Definitely will come back! read more

Frommer's recommended this place but adequately explained that the prices were good because you ordered at a counter. It was never described as authentic italian. We went in expecting some fast-foody Italian food. We had been spending tons of money on fancier meals so this was a nice break - and a break from Hawaiian/Asian food. What is really weird is this place is owned by the same guy as Maui Tacos (which I didn't get to try but heard good things about). Maui Tacos and Penne Pasta? The two are pretty different. Penne Pasta is about a block or two from Front Street, so good location if you're just strolling around. There is some outdoor seating to enjoy the Maui weather. We sat inside though since we were sunburned. Haha. The menu had some typical Italian dishes. We asked what was the most popular, to which the co-owner replied, "The Baked Penne Pasta" = Duh. Why we didn't get that though, I don't know. My bf got the Chicken Parmesan and I got the Spaghetti Bolognese. We also got the house mixed green salad with the house dressing. I forgot how he described it, but it was actually pretty good and came with a crostini. The Spaghetti Bolognese wasn't terrible - in fact the bolognese actually had some pretty good flavor. They didn't use cheapy meat or ground beef - it was actual shredded, marinated beef, and it was tasty. The pasta was al dente and they had fresh grated parmesan cheese. My bf's Chicken Parmesan was plain, nothing special. The sauce was bland and was just "OK" he said. All in all, easy enough to come for a quick meal when you're tired of forking out all your loot! read more

Ok this place is the bomb - prices are so good for the portions and deliciousness. I go there often and they make me a "James Salad". It's the regular one but with Sliced Mozzarella instead of feta, and the dressing on the side (their dressing is great). If you've read my other reviews, you may have guessed I don't eat meat or chicken, only fish, so I can't comment on that stuff. But the baked Penne is out of this world. And for a person that eats a lot of veggies like me, their garlic broccoli and squash is delicious (I normally don't like squash). Sarah swears by the brussel sprouts but I can't eat very many (too rich). Oh, and before I tried their beets I literally HATED beets. Whatever they do, they sold me on beets. Seriously. Ok, enough out of me for now - James. Wait, I have a PS - they have a chocolate cream dessert that is totally decadent. read more

Penne Pasta Cafe - This is Juan, the owner. Very nice guy and great chef. He get's acts upset when I put a squirt of lemonade in my free water cup - Italian Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Worst food ever!! The quality of the food is very poor. It was a very big disappointment for my family. I would not recommend this place for anything. The facility is a dirty mess. Bathroom looked like it had not been cleaned for weeks. Would have been better not eating there at all. read more

My kids got spaghetti - one with meatballs & one with just sauce, both were bland. Also, they barely gave them any sauce... like we were taking from their personal stash. Hard to enjoy spaghetti when it's lacking on those two things. My wife got the pesto fettuccine & added chicken on the cashier's guidance. Again, very bland and lacking on flavor... we now know why he recommended adding the chicken (or shrimp or fish). I got the penne bake NY style. Better than the other dishes, but extremely hot, overly soupy, and still lacking flavor. I dont know why making pasta seems so difficult. I am not expecting Olive Garden, but I can do a much better job at home for a fraction of the cost. We definitely have NO desire to return for seconds. read more

We loved the food. Try penne New York and penne broccoli. The grilled garlic cheese bread also melted in your mouth. We had to come back again and loved the linguine and clams and homemade beets side . The wine is affordable and good and the customer service is fantastic! We will miss coming here to feel at home with the owner and enjoy his fantastic Italian food !!! Loved it! read more

Pretty satisfying; the 'flat bread pizza' was great, and we also enjoyed the baked butternut squash along with a bolognese pasta dish.

I was so pleased to finally eat dinner at a less expensive place, but this was disappointing. My mixed greens salad actually tasted bad (it tasted like the dressing had gone sour). My son and my husband both had the same pasta, but only my son got a meatball. My husband was jealous, until my son gave him most of it since he didn't like how it tasted. This is from a kid who's never met a meatball he didn't like. Sure, the price was reasonable, but I wouldn't bother again. read more

Went here for lunch based on Yelp reviews. I thought it was quite good and reasonably priced for Maui. I had Chicken Piccata with linguine. The pasta was cooked al dente and was a perfect portion. The chicken breast was very lightly breaded and pan fried and the sauce was exploding with flavor with tomatoes, garlic and capers. A very nice portion that really filled me up! I also had a small ceasar salad which was tasty and well presented. I will definitely be back on my next trip to Maui. read more

Penne Pasta Cafe - Chicken Piccata with linguine - Italian Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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For pasta, it's rather expensive. All I'm gonna say is: Prosciutto Salad Flatbread! That is all that matters. read more

We got a to go order from here. The baked penne was good , so was the fettuccine alfredo.

This is a another good place Lahaina town. Good food, try the Clam Chowder, reasonable prices and good portions. Off the beaten path so you save a few bucks. Dinner for (4) was $45 with two pizzas, Penne Pasta (mmmmmm), salad, clam chowder and (4) soft drinks. You order at the counter, so tipping is not really super important but I left a couple bucks anyways. It's on Dickerson next door to Snorkel Bob's. Park across the street if you can't get street parking and stroll down Front St. to walk off dinner. read more

Sooo good ! Their Baked penne NY style was delicious definitely recommend and it's affordable too !

I have been pleasantly surprised by the wide range of vegetarian options available on Maui and in Lahaina specifically. This restaurant offers gluten free, lactose free, dairy free and vegetarian options out the wazoo. It seemed quite busy on Saturday night. I ordered the special, which was tasty enough although a little underseasoned. The antipasto plate was average - better than what you'd grab from a grocery store, but not as nice as a higher end restaurant; but to be fair... this isn't a high end restaurant. It's go-to Italian with the usual compliment of pizza and pasta fare. The kids pasta with sauce was a little overcooked. The spaghetti with meatballs was good. They were very friendly and welcoming and it had a laid back atmosphere. We'll go here again before our trip is over. read more

Took the family (6- and 8-year old daughters and Wifey) there last night, the girls were exhausted after a long day of frolicking at the resort pool and beach. My 6-year old is a picky eater, but pasta pretty much is a sure thing. The menu is fine - nothing particularly compelling, but they have most of what you'd expect in a place with "pasta" in the name. They have lactose-free and gluten-free options as well, though I have my doubts as to whether the gluten-free choices aren't contaminated with gluten from other menu items. Prices are reasonable for the area; the decor has some cute elements, but the flat-screen TV somewhat dominates the room in terms of attention (at least for TV-starved young girls). Two problems. First, the food didn't taste particularly good and serving sizes were on the small side. And second, service (on a Sunday night, a steady flow of customers but not full) was abysmal. They brought out the girls' orders first, but got it wrong (one was supposed to have soy cheese, but the server didn't seem to understand, and then started to take both back, and finally brought the correct version. Then, five minutes later, she brought my dish (pasta bolognese). My wife's flatbread? Nowhere to be found. Never showed up. She went to the counter and was given a refund for that, no explanation as to what happened. Not a very satisfying experience... read more

Not the best food we've had, but the value and the ambiance warrant the 4 stars. A quaint little place a few blocks removed from the overly-crowded Front St. We split a pasta dish, which had a watery thin sauce, and a flatbread, which was better than the pasta. But with an affordable bottle of wine and a chill little patio, it made for a great meal / setting. This place does a ton of take-out business, so I guess a lot of other people found it very good. We probably wouldn't go back, but we're glad we experienced it! read more

So damn good! We just started ordering from Penne Pasta during the corona virus, it's awesome! So far had the linguine pesto, bolongnaise linguini and the baked penne. How did we miss this gem for so many years? This is the best Italian food! And the service is phenomenal! You won't be disappointed! Should take pics but we kinda forgot! Next time, and there will be a next time read more

This place was just OK. Food was basic, nothing special. Sauce tasted like it came out of a bottle. They have a standard Italian menu, and the food is very average. I had the chicken picatta which I did not enjoy...... It's on a quiet little street off Front St -- and has indoor as well as outdoor seating . We didn't try the pizza. Not a great selection of wine or cocktails. Still, it's kid friendly and relatively affordable Italian. The owner was friendly and had a good selection of gluten free items. It would be a nice place for a large group as it's casual and items can be shared. read more

I was a little skeptical at first, who wants to order a nice pasta meal at the counter?!?! I didn't, but my husband insisted on trying this place and I'm glad I did!! My gnocchi was cooked to perfection and the pesto was extremely wonderful. I also got a side salad with the fresh goat cheese and my husband got the penne with meat sauce! Had I been blind folded, I would've thought I was in a 5 star in NYC! I think it's independently owned, not sure, but they know what they are doing and they do it well! read more

Penne Pasta Cafe - Awesome Gnocchi and pesto! - Italian Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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Best kept secret in Lahaina! Delicious food, reasonable prices and seriously the best marinara sauce I've ever tasted. We visit Penne Pasta every time we visit Maui. read more

After a disappointing visit to Lahaina Coolers, some of us were still hungry and stumbled down the street in search of good food. This place doesn't look like much but we were very pleasantly surprised by the great food here. It's a hole in the wall with a few tables inside and a few outside by the street. You order at the counter (not always the sign of great cuisine LOL) and they bring you the food. Naturally we ordered pasta, lots of pasta. They even offered healthier whole wheat and rice-based pastas (my wife said the wheat pasta was great). I had penne with brocolli, garlic and tomatoe sauce and garlic bread. I'm originally from the East Coast and I've spent a lot of time with Italians eating authentic Italian food and I must say the sauce I had on this dish was epic and probably the best I've had west of the Mississippi. The prices were very very reasonable, especially for Maui. We will definitely be back! read more

A Haiku Review of Penne Pasta Cafe: Had the baked ziti. Served ridiculously hot. Good once it cooled off. read more

For a quick, easy, fairly inexpensive, low key meal Penne Pasta Cafe is a great choice. We came here after a recommendation from friends. We were staying in kaanapali and this was only a 10 minute drive. You order at the counter and they bring your food out. My husband and I both had the baked New York penne. It was tasty and a good portion (I even had some leftover). My kids had spaghetti and pasta with butter and cheese. They both enjoyed their meals. (Tip- there is no kids menu on the wall, the kids menus are near the cash register). The atmosphere on the patio is nice. read more

Penne Pasta Cafe - Ny penne pasta. (That's a bay leaf on the side- I took the picture after removing it). - Italian Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

I absolutely love this cafe, we come every time we are in Maui! Love love love the pasta with white clam sauce, I could eat buckets of it! Thanks for still being the yummy place I remember. read more

Not bad! Went there for the thin crust, cracker crunch pizzas. Simple, light, airy. Economical eats for a family of five! If you are staying in the area, definitely worth the walk to eat or take-out. read more

Penne Pasta is a local favorite in the heart of Lahaina on Dickenson. It's a hole in the wall restaurant with great food. My kids love the lavash-style pizzas and the grilled ahi Caesar salad. I love the squash ravioli (only on the specials menu) and the garlic bread. read more

Good food, reasonable prices. I was very surprised based on previous reviews this place wasn't absolutely packed when we arrived. We ordered at the counter and sat down to wait for our food. Within 5 minutes we had our salads (not a traditional Caesar, but good none the less). Within another 10 minutes we had our pasta, which was a good portion of fresh, quality Penne, baked with 3 kinds of cheese. This place was probably one of the best values of our trip. read more

Such a cute spot. I would have never found it if it wasn't for locals tho. I was so excited to have found vegan pizza after being on a ship working for almost 2 weeks with no vegan pizza, this was definitely heaven. And the staff was so friendly. If I'm ever back... it's definitely a stop. read more

Penne Pasta Cafe - Vegan pizza!!!! - Italian Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. Not bad, but $12 was a bit to high price for this entree and serving size. Meatballs was just mainly meat rolled into a ball and fried on one side. Pasta had way to much water in it. Would go back and maybe try something different... read more