Take a Long Lunch Break, Italian-style!

Going to Ala Moana Center can often cause patrons to work up quite an appetite. After a busy day completing shopping errands with your family, you’ll need a peaceful place to sit down with a nice meal. Romano’s Macaroni Grill (RMG), perched on the top level of the shopping center, is your break from the noise. Surrounded only by other restaurants, RMG is mainly secluded and is calling your name for a delicious Italian lunch.

In Italy, it is customary for meals to go on for a few relaxing hours. That vibe is present at RMG, where you’ll find plush booths under dim, relaxing lighting. Its cool atmosphere (literally — there’s air conditioning as well, of course) will have you excited to take advantage of the new lunch menu. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and non-holidays, the new offerings present Italian dining at an affordable price.

A dish worth sinking your teeth into is Roasted Turkey Sandwich ($12). Thick slices of roasted turkey breast and crispy slivers of prosciutto topped with tomatoes, arugula and grain mustard are wedged between two soft slices of ciabatta bread. The bread is toasted, keeping its outside crispy.

Another appetizing choice is the Caprese Panini ($12), which is vegetarian-friendly. Fluffy mozzarella is draped in basil and tomatoes. Pesto sauce is drizzled over its insides, while the outside bread is given the same toasted treatment as the Roasted Turkey. Both sandwiches have a choice of sides: fresh greens, caesar salad or parmesan fries.

As part of the new lunch menu, kids eat free on Tuesdays. This means you can have an easy lunch at RMG before taking advantage of the discounted movie prices at Ward Center. One option from the kid’s menu is Pepperoni Pizza (regularly $7). Even tastier than your typical kid’s pizza, this rectangular delight has a thin crust and makes for a quick and light lunch.

If your child prefers something heartier, order Grilled Chicken and Pasta (regularly $7). A generous portion of grilled chicken is accompanied by a mound of angel hair pasta topped with tomato sauce. Instead of regular chunky broccoli, the dish is served with broccolini, which has longer, thinner stalks and is easier to eat.

Sometimes when dining with children, they’re not in the mood for the same type of food you are. RMG has anticipated this and includes Chicken Strips (regularly $7) on its kids menu as well. Three crispy, golden-brown strips come with a side of fries.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill is your chance to slow down, enjoy your food and recuperate for what’s ahead.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. No. 4240, Honolulu
356-8300
Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.