Casanova Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Maui

This original location has better, more authentic dishes than the restaurant in Kahului of similar name.

ATMOSPHERE: The open-air restaurant is plain and simple. Old interior that's a mixup of tavern, bistro and patio, but clean, which is what matters. The place turns into teeny bopper heaven on certain nights, sans the stage, dance floor, and stadium-style seating off to the side. The parking lot is tiny, but there are quite a few street parking along Baldwin Ave.

BEVERAGE: Moscow Mule Textbook version.

FOOD: House Bread Soft and chewy Focaccia with olive oil & vinegar. Delish! And comp with any entree or pasta dish upon request.

Kaesar I absolutely hate kale but not here! How does it work so well as a "caesar" salad?! Highly recommended.

Calamari Fritti I'm not a fan of steak cuts but these we an exception.

Linguine Pescatore Great choice for seafood lovers. Black squid ink linguine with mussels, scallops, calamari, shrimp and kalamata olives in a tomato-based sauce. The flavor was very good and the pasta cooked al dente. The amount of seafood was good but could've used more pasta (usually it's the other way around).

Filet Mignon Fettuccine The dish simply needed more seasoning.

Rigatoni Chicken Vodka Beverly Hills Excellent recipe with notes of broccoli.

SERVICE: Our server was awesome. At first I thought she was just okay as she didn't really check on us, but when it came time to split the bill (at her suggestion), she did it snap, crackle, pop! Some places make it sound like rocket science (ahem, Polli's.)

OVERALL: Good food and really...

Casanova Italian Restaurant nestled in the quaint town of Makawao is a gem that promises a delightful gastronomic journey through Italy. From the moment I called to place my order, the experience was nothing short of efficient and pleasant. The ease and speed of the call-in service was a precursor to the delectable meal that awaited.

The Polenta al Gorgonzola was a creamy delight with the richness of gorgonzola cheese blending seamlessly with the soft texture of the polenta. The Meatballs were succulent and tender, a true testament to home-cooked perfection. The Mediterranean Salad was a fresh palette cleanser that prepared us for the next course with its crisp greens and zesty dressing.

The Caprese Salad was a classic done right, with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction that elevated the dish. The Tagliolini Alla Checca with chicken was a hearty and comforting dish, the freshness of tomatoes and basil in the sauce harmonizing well with the tender chicken strips. The Lasagne Bolognese was the showstopper, with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese baked to perfection creating a comforting and satiating dish.

The overall ambiance of Casanova carries a rustic charm that complements the authenticity of the cuisine. This restaurant has evidently honed the art of Italian cooking, making it a must-visit spot for Italian food aficionados. The combination of warm hospitality, prompt service, and scrumptious Italian fare makes Casanova a top choice for a fulfilling...

UPDATE: Casanova is by far the best restaurant in Makawao, and is open the latest. We were in town for a month, so we tried a good portion of the menu, and everything was fantastic. All the staff are friendly, attentive and helpful. The bartender is amazing as well. We sat at the bar a few times, and she memorized our orders and was quick to offer our favorite cocktails each time we returned. I hesitate to even mention this, but the lilikoi lemonade cocktail is INCREDIBLE. I hesitate because I’m sure it is a bit obnoxious to make, as it is topped with a lilikoi foam that I would fight someone for. It is SO GOOD. The cafe that they have open in the mornings is also great… pastries are made in-house, and they are flakey, buttery and delicious. Go to Casanova, you won’t be disappointed.

Original Review: We had a good time at Casanova. We had the ravioli and carbonara. Service was great and very friendly. Our food came out fairly quickly, and the waitress gave a good wine pairing suggestion to my brother.

Now for the hilarious part! My brother and I are staying in Makawao for a month, and we are quite obviously the only black people in town, complete with dreadlocks. In the restaurant, in the back corner is a large print of a black cowboy. As we were walking to be seated, I whispered to my brother that I bet that would be our assigned seat, and SURE ENOUGH… we were seated in front of the black cowboy. Ironic...