GREAT EATS HAWAII: LA PIZZA RINA

Sunday, June 3, 2012

LA PIZZA RINA

LA PIZZA RINA

HONOLULU, HI

Was invited to lunch at Hawaii's #1 rated restaurant Sasabune on King Street. We arrived to find out that the restaurant was closed for a week. I have always wanted to try La Pizza Rina which is located just a few feet away from Sasabune. While my guests did not want to eat here, I convinced them that we should give it a try. We arrived around noon and the place was packed. One table left for us. Our table was wiped by the waitress but not cleaned. I ordered the 6" Super Sub ($6.25) and split it with another person at the table. The Sub is served on house made roll and includes ham, salami, capicola, pepperoni, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and vinaigrette dressing. I liked the Super Sub but it was missing something to make it great. My friends ordered the 6" Sausage, Green Peppers and Cheese Sub (6.45). Ate the entire sandwich but did not seem impressed. We ordered a large La Pizza Rina Combo Pizza ($22.50). Pepperoni, Sausage, Olives, Mushrooms, Green Pepper and Onion. All of the pizzas are hand tossed and you can choose thin, medium or thick crust. We went with thin crust option. Was surprised to see the pizza when it arrived. Looked like medium to thick crust. While the outer edges of the pizza crust was a bit thick the rest of the crust was fairly thin. The pizza was loaded with cheese. I could taste the Marinara Sauce on the pizza and I really liked it. Problem was the pizza was just covered in cheese. That is all you could taste bite after bite. One of my friends thought it was disgusting and would not eat any more after just a few bites. Others at the table ate up and said "not bad". I judge a pizza joint by one thing. Would I come back and bring family and friends here. Probably not. I would stop in for the Super Sub again.