We have adopted Gian Don's, an Italian Bistro just a block from our condo, as our neighborhood pub and one of our Favourite Maui Restaurants. The staff is very efficient and a lot of fun, and getting to know the locals at the bar is reminiscent of the TV sit com "Cheers".The restaurant building is just like a Mediterranean villa with Roman pillars, and has big airy wide open doors, perfect for bringing in the tropical surrounds.
Owner Debbie Defanis, tells us that she named the restaurant after her two grandsons, Gianni and Dant'e and that Gianni's Mom is the main chef in the restaurant. We know from experience what a fabulous chef she is!!!The food is billed as affordable contemporary Italian cuisine with a splash of Maui and it is delicious. My favourite entree is the basil pasta and my husband enjoys the Gian Don's Opakapaka. They also serve wonderful pizza, great appetizers such as brushetta or shrimp scampi and their ceasar salad is to die for!! Check out their menu here.
On Sunday afternoons between 4:30 and 8:30, Gian Don's features Sunset Jazz with various talented musicians. It is here that we met Gord and Joyce, our favourite Maui Jazz Duo. So, If you enjoy live background music and great food, mark Sundays on your calendar.
Billed as Maui's most exclusive restaurant and club party site, you can reserve the restaurant for private functions such as meetings, weddings, and banquets with accommodations for up to 290 people. Smaller groups up to 30 can reserve the patio for private dining.
Gian Don's proudly flies a rainbow flag, the worldwide symbol of the LGBT community and every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting at 10:00 PM the place rocks with late night entertainment. For example on Saturday April 11, there will be an Ultra Fab Easter Candy theme party with a Bonnet Contest. Sounds like a blast!!! For more information about this fascinating restaurant visit the Gian Don's website.
A wonderful condo to rent in Kihei is The Maui Garden House.
It's been a great pleasure to be the Sunday Afternoon Jazz Band at
ReplyDeleteGian Don's for the past few months. Debbie & her staff have been
great to work with, and the clientele--especially the regulars at
the bar each week (you know who you are!!)--are no ka oi, with a
great sense of Aloha and good times.
This is a real buried treasure in plain sight, on S, Kihei Road...
check it out.!!!
Mahalo nui loa, and a hui hou,
Joyce & Gord
Julie, I'm a Maui resident and Gian Don's is one of our favorites, Your comments are right on! My favorite dinner is the Chicken Parmisan yum! Aloha! Lucy
ReplyDeleteJulie, Maui visitors will find this restaurant review most helpful...and it made my mouth water! We actually have a similar place on the Big Island: 'Cafe Pesto'. If you ever visit the Kohala Coast on the Big Island, find a great lunch and dinner at that restaurant. Cafe Pesto has also a location in Hilo town (King Kam Ave!).
ReplyDeleteComing from our best white sand beaches - Mauna Kea Beach + Hapuna Beach - you will have worked up an appetite. BTW, my favorite dish is Seared Ahi on a Spinach Salad.
Aloha from Pua
Best Hawaii Vacation blog
Great info on the restarant Julie. It was right on! We had a super time and will take all our friends for a happy hour very soon.
ReplyDeletePat from Canada