Longhi's in Lahaina has been a landmark on Front Street for decades. Now, the downstairs seating area of the famous restaurant is morphing into Cafe Longhi for part of the day.
"Basically, what we've done here is created two different restaurants," says Manager Tracy Kinzle. "Cafe Longhi's is downstairs, and upstairs remains fine dining. We've brought the price points on both food and alcohol down in the cafe for tourists who want a different experience from, say, Bubba Gumps and Cheeseburger in Paradise."
The hours are a "little goofy," management admits, but the restaurant remains open seven days a week. "We serve the regular, gourmet Longhi's breakfasts from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. downstairs. Then from 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., we serve the regular Longhi's lunch menu as well as cafe items and pizzas - all with the same quality."
Article Photos
Longhi’s Lahaina Restaurant Manager Tracy Kinzle and Executive Chef Armando Quintero showcase some new cafe items.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
All of the pizza dough is made in house from scratch with organic flour, then topped with, say, fresh Olowalu tomatoes and Hamakua mushrooms. Fresh mozzarella is flown in from Polloyo, N.Y. There is even a duck pizza.
"We're experimenting with different items. It gives diners so many more options. We've got spicy hoisin ribs, Volcano shrimp. We do burgers and French fries and onion rings. We are doing a lot of takeout pizza. They are quite delicious."
For more details, call Longhi's at 667-2288.
