We stopped by Lulu’s for lunch because they have a pretty robust selection of gluten free items, which seems hard to come by in Waikiki.
We had a lot of trouble with our order - 2 of our drinks had to be remade, the eggs on my Lulu Moco were fried instead of the requested over easy, and we ended up with a fly in another drink.. BUT I’ll say Sage, the waiter, and the manager both handled it really well. Both were very on top of getting things remade and coming to check on us to make sure everything was fixed to liking.
The food was also good, but the fish tacos were definitely the best thing any of us ordered.
First the bad: We had a server who was new and when I asked if the fries were in a shared fryer, she got flustered and confused and she said, “Usually people who are gluten free know what they can and cannot eat.”
It was pretty bad and I almost requested someone new, but later the manager came out to help us and talk us through the menu.
Now the good: Good tacos. Shrimp and grits was excellent. They were out of GF buns so didn’t get to try the burger.
Great gluten free burgers and buns. I use to love to go here for the dedicated gluten free fryer. However, on my last visit, that changed. The fries are now made in a shared fryer. But the burgers, wings and salads are amazing!
We ate here twice last week. The waiters were kind and seemed relatively well trained on celiac needs. My daughter had the fish tacos and then tried a bunless burger with a side sub (fries are cross contaminated). Felt good after both meals!
Great place for variety. Portion sizes are large and plentiful. The wait staff are lovely and were very informed about gluten free requirements. Have eaten here twice during my stay and no issues after eating. Great gluten free choices available. The fries are cooked separately and are gf also! Thank you for a wonderful meal.
If you want to come and eat here, come early as it's very popular and you may have to line up and wait a little, but the line moves quickly.
Do not come here if you are looking for safe dining for gluten allergy or celiac. Go to Lulu’s Waikiki instead, where they have a wide variety of gluten free items and DO make the effort to avoid cross contamination, unlike this restaurant.
I was hesitant to write this review because it's really specific to a really hurtful experience as someone with celiac disease. Honestly if you don't have any dietary restrictions, just ignore this since the food/service otherwise is excellent..
I had eaten here several times before and loved it before this experience which was frankly enough to take it off the list for me and to leave a warning for anyone with celiac or food allergies- I ordered my food and was sitting at the table right next to the open kitchen when one of the cooks loudly complained about the celiac order. We ended up leaving without waiting for the food because it was hurtful and totally uncalled for. Not only that, but the staff denied anything was said (again, I was sitting right next to the man who loudly made the comment)- if it had been addressed, then I wouldn't leave a public review. Options for eating out with celiac are limited, so I'm really bummed to have to cross this one off the list due to an unwelcoming environment.
Everything but the meatballs can be made gluten free and everything is delicious. Ate here several times and had no problems. They are so kind and will help you make anything GF.
We had an unforgettable dining experience at Merriman’s Waimea. The service was top-notch—attentive, thoughtful, and especially accommodating of my gluten allergy, which made the evening feel even more special. The food was outstanding: we enjoyed the perfectly cooked steak and the fresh catch of the day, both of which paired beautifully with their excellent wine and cocktails. As a lovely surprise, we were also treated to a complimentary dessert. From start to finish, it was a memorable evening. Highly recommend!
wonderful little restaurant with amazing ocean views. wonderful gluten free (sensitive) pancakes. Large portions and very friendly staff. Will definitely be going back there for breakfast.
Absolutely loved our meal here! I have celiac disease and our server Nico was extremely knowledgeable about options that would be safe for me. I got the filet mignon with mashed potatoes and it was devine! I would highly recommend dining here, especially if you are celiac or gluten intolerant!
I called to confirm there were gluten free/dairy free options and was told yes there was a whole menu. Great! It also showed up on the GF app, so when we were seated i was very disappointed that at first glance there was very little that seemed to actually be GF/DF. Honestly I was ready to leave, I didn't want plain white rice and some protein with no sauce or flavor. Thankfully the manager was very helpful and went over all the options we had, and was very patient. Curry was not on my mind for dinner, but it was SO good! So was the pork loin. Even though I couldn't have the regular side, the sauce was amazing, and they were very accommodating with options. The drinks and wine were stellar. Honestly I would come back every time for the poke. The avocado sauce was insane with the ahi. Thank you for being much more accommodating than first appearance of your allergy menu.
SeafoodAmericanDinnerOpen Late NightDessertsLunchDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyRestaurant
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tamao
July 2023
I made a reservation for 6pm on my honeymoon.
◯Meat
For my main dish, I chose Porterhouse steak.
During my stay, I went to another famous steak restaurant, and the meat at Ruth's was not only delicious, but the seasoning was relatively well-seasoned, and I could feel the restaurant's commitment to it.
◯Service
The inside of the store has a calm atmosphere and a special feeling.
We prepared a plate to celebrate our honeymoon.
A separate gluten-free menu was available. It is also recommended for people with wheat allergies.
Good breakfast in Haiku! Gluten free options if you ask (got a GF bun with my greek omelette) which was such a nice surprise. Very low key restaurant, had a good selection of food and drinks if you want. Very cute!
Leaving this for gluten free travelers! I have celiacs disease and this place has delicious GF options. I get the pork tacos frequently. Food and drinks are delicious + the atmosphere is fun too. Definitely recommend this place if gluten free options are needed. Also, the staff is super lively and kind!
You can choose as you like.
You can also order your favorite burger.
This time I made a gluten-free teriyaki burger 🍔🍟🥤
You can also choose how well the patty is cooked.
If you don't like red, try medium rare.
Because it's quite rare
Well done might be fine!
The shake is not sweet either
And above all, the staff
Extremely kind
We shared one burger.
They cut it neatly and divided it into pieces.
Are you okay forever? Are you okay? delicious?
Can you go? He asked me 😊
Potato 🍟 is also super delicious 🍟
Reservations were recommended but we had no wait, arriving around 4:30pm. The staff was incredibly friendly, drinks and appetizers were served promptly, and every dish ordered was cooked to perfection. One of our party has Celiac disease/wheat allergy and the server was knowledgeable about every item on the menu, making this experience safe for her. Highly recommend.
I explained many times to the waitress that I have I have celiac (gluten free), and also have a potato allergy and I wanted to order the ribs. For the side she recommended the salad since I can't have fries, and I said no croutons since they contain gluten. The ribs were delicious and I will be back for them, but as I was already halfway through eating my salad I noticed two small croutons hidden under some of it. I don't know if they premake the salads and just picked off the croutons or what, but the salad is definitely not celiac safe if that is the level of care you put into making them safe for people with food allergies. We deserve to eat out just like everyone else and just like with any medical condition we are allowed to ask for accommodations.
If you have a good friend, or you yourself are vegan this place is the best place on Island to eat!! It is small, and kind of a secret—the tempeh or tofu used tastes and texture passs as meat, even my carnivorous husband agrees. The food is delicious, fresh and full of variety. We enjoyed the teriyaki bowl, and my friend, I took her for her birthday—at her request—had the gyros with gluten free wrap…she enjoyed every bite! Really wonderful service, we sat outside and people watched, in the shade. Now my husband wants to go to Earth Aloha Eats tomorrow, too.
Everyone in our party loved their food. The waiter and kitchen were super accommodating with those at our table who needed gluten free options. The area is lively and fun. Definitely recommend!
Got the gluten free penne pasta. It was fresh and full of veggies that were absolutely delicious. The server we had was super helpful and nice. Near the airport so you can eat before taking off.
Delicious gelato, and perfect for Celiac- they only have gluten-free (warm, crispy, delicious) cones! Plus I'm extremely lactose intolerant, but every flavor is vegan! Got strawberry and matcha, and it was really delicious; the flavors were fresh and perfectly sweet, the texture was smooth and creamy, and the cones were unbeatable! Super nice service too :)
Highly recommended. The service was fantastic and the food was both innovative and delicious. We will definitely return! The menu is well-thought-out and caters to everyone, with options for seafood, meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
I ordered the Crab Topped Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, as this is right up my alley, and I was excited to see it as a gluten free option since I have a gluten free issue. Yummy, but I would say overpriced.
Both of my parents ordered the Kiawe Roasted Chicken. This is also a gluten free option. The rosemary sweet potato hash that comes as a side with this dish was DELICIOUS! Both of my parents enjoyed their meals, but they also both agreed that the Huli Huli Chicken Plate on our Road to Hana journey for only $20 was better than the chicken here at Hula Grill for $33.
Our view was incredible.
Salad BarCocktailsAmericanPizzaDinnerKid FriendlyOpen Late NightLunchOutdoor SeatingTake AwayVegetarian OptionsVegan OptionsDelivery
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Nicole Hughes
Our waitress was attentive! Great food, Lots of new opinions since our last visit. Was able to order cauliflower crust and gluten free crust for members in our party! Would return!
No frills restaurant with very good food, staff was very knowledgable and able to cater for our coeliac daughter (which we found to be a struggle in other restaurants around Waikiki). Food was lovely, great place for a quick meal.
You’ll feel right at home… and you’ll leave full of fresh food and happiness. Gluten free options for meals and dessert. No designated fryer at this time. 🤗
From someone who NEVER writes reviews...
When you pair great taste with a waiter who was on top of his game,
It makes for a great meal and what would be our normal go to for dinner out if we were locals!
The great service started with Tony being extremely knowledgeable of celiac disease to the point of understanding cross contamination and being able to tell us which foods to avoid because of it! Not something we're used to back home.
We ordered the Guava BBQ St Louis style ribs. They substituted the fries for garlic mashed without us even having to ask. The flavor of this sauce if you love a sweet sauce this one has an amazing flavor and has no spice/kick to it. Unfortunately the rack that was brought wasn't the greatest of quality of meat. We didn't ask for or expect anything to be done, we even turned down the replacement that was offered. Before we knew it, either the owner or manager was at the table insisting on making up for the toughness of the ribs. He had another half rack brought out and they were amazing.
Start with the ribs as an appetizer, then have some more ribs for your meal.
If you enjoy food comas the pu pu platter, quarter loaf of rosemary bread, and guava BBQ babyback ribs left me in a wonderful state of existence.
Not too many gluten free options listed for my wife but the chicken risotto she did get was the best non fresh fish meal she said she had on our week+ on this island.
I said I’m gluten free and asked for rice and grilled fish of the day. This was not a problem at all here. I had ono which was delicious, very fresh tasting. Sorry for the photo. I already started eating before I took the picture
Great find during our self driving tour. Large savory and sweet crepes in regular or gluten free (buckwheat flour). Both made on the same griddle though. Enjoy if you are not super sensitive. Coffee, smoothies, and more. Order at the counter, and they bring it to you. Little place, not fancy, quick service.
Fete lives up to all the excitement and positive reviews it has received. Our waitress walked us through the entire menu to point out what had gluten in it and what did not. My wife and I split the special beet salad with grass-fed local steak and the Biggie Small Koji-Brined Ludovico Chicken. The sauce on the chicken was unlike anything I’ve ever had before. One of the best meals on our visit to Oahu.
Tina kills it every time… she’s the main reason we come regularly. I love the friendly atmosphere, convenient location and the food is great. Would love to see more gluten free options on the menu though!
A real tasty, classy place. Had some business in Chinatown, finished early and decided to stop in for a drink and a pupu which became a couple drinks and a 4 course dinner. What a treat. Our server Desmond, was most attentive and helpful, it was fun eating in the atrium of the Tower and the food was oh so good. The menu included good gluten free options, both in number and taste. Felt like a European eating experience, will return with guests for sure.
This review has been updated after speaking with the owner.
Honestly, I’m sad bc I got the home made gluten filled bread, but I ordered GF bread. I tried to call and couldn’t get through and woke up in the middle of the night with stomach pain. I want to clarify that I had ONE bite of the bread before I realized it’s not the GF bread. And just to update the note, they didn’t charge me for the bread, as the cashier forgot somehow - even though I did ask her if they have it when I arrived and then again asked them to use Gf bread. I was far away by the time I opened the sandwich and took a bite once at location realizing it was the same bread as my friend. Very disappointed.
Update: They returned my sandwich money. But not without a lot of doubt. I understand it’s a small shop, the sandwich looked awesome. But please understand that this is important for health reasons. I think if you’re into gluten you should def give it a go.
1st Visit: I ordered Loco Moco with hamburger but received pork. No worries, it was decent, and they were slammed (full parking lot). My partner had the Chicken Papaya salad that lady at the register recommended since she has a gluten allergy (not a preference) and had asked for recommendations. The lady gave a short "well off the top of my head" slightly rude response, which seemed odd, but we brushed it off. My partner absolutely loved the salad! So much so that we had to return! I also want to mention that the wait was reasonable and the restaurant was well kept and clean.
2nd Visit a few days later: I grabbed a Burrito at the Taco shop that shares the same building (excellent choice BTW). My partner got the Papaya salad at Hana Hou again and simply asked if there was anything that needed to be left off for it to be gluten-free, again because it's an allergy situation and she wanted to double check if it had to made differently since she specified GF prior. It's quite common for the GF option to have an ingredient substituted or left off. Since it's an allergy, we always specify that to make the restaurant aware so that it's prepared correctly. The same lady from before again seemed agitated and gave a snarky response about it being GF already. Like eating out with a food allergy isn't already tough enough. Being treated poorly for asking a simple food allergy related question is simply unacceptable. The parking lot was empty and we were the only ones at either restaurant.. so it's not like she was flustered during a busy rush or something.
Both times, we were kind, so the rudeness was one-sided for no apparent reason. We literally gave her the benefit of the doubt since it was busy the first time. We will not be making that mistake again.
I wasn't going to leave a review as I don't like to leave negative reviews on small businesses. However, after two similar negative experiences and seeing the negative reviews from others, the rude attitude appears to be common, which is honestly just unfortunate. Based on the numerous complaints of rudeness, along with the unprofessional responses to negative reviews, I suggest someone else deal with the customers and review responses. It'll be better for the customers and the business in my humble opinion.
2 out of 5 for the delicious Chicken Papaya Salad
Aloha ✌️
Celiac friendly
