Romano's Macaroni Grill

We ordered gluten free pasta for my son who needs to be gluten free. First of all they said it would take 30 minutes. We went back after 40 minutes and they said it would be another 20 min. Also I walked through the restaurant after we placed our order, to use the restroom, and it was not busy. When we finally got the gf marinara pasta, it was falling apart, I think it was supposed to be penne, but it was hard to tell because they cooked it too long, and it was falling apart. The taste was not good and it was very bland. I don’t know why some restaurants, that are supposed to be Italian, don’t know that the pasta water needs to be salted, before you cook the pasta. I can’t believe we paid $27 for pasta that is terrible. We should have bought pasta from the market across the way and a jar of marinara sauce which would have been less expensive and better tasting. In my opinion this place just needs to close and hopefully something better will take its place. If you want good pasta and gluten free options go to Pueos Osteria in Waikoloa village.

I am surprised and sad that I am writing such a negative view about Romano's. Simply put, do not go here. Top of the list is that the gluten-free entree my party ordered was not gluten free. It's the worst thing for a celiac person to consume gluten. Our drinks were served only after the appetizer, salads for entrees never showed up, and we discovered multiple ordering mistakes. Between the chef being angry, the chef burning the food, and the waiter spacing out, I think we hit the gamut of service excuses we were offered for our bad experience. The place says Romano's on the outside, but it's not Romano's on the inside.