Giovanni's Pastrami — Review by RainaisCrazy
Honolulu, United States — Deli, American, Hawaiian
Giovanni's Pastrami on Waikiki Beachwalk offers exceptional pastrami sandwiches and sliders that are crispy and flavorful, along with an impressive menu featuring standout items like cauliflower bites, ube pancakes, and fried rice. The convenient beachfront location and unique amenities like personal table speakers make it a must-visit destination in Honolulu.
What was great: Pastrami sandwich and sliders, cauliflower bites with sweet glaze, ube pancakes, crispy French toast, flavorful fried rice, onion rings, convenient beachfront location, personal table speakers
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Giovanni's Pastrami delivers an impressive array of menu items that showcase both classic and creative offerings. The pastrami sandwich is the star of the show, prepared extra crispy so it achieves a bacon-like texture while maintaining its savory, hearty, meaty character. For those wanting something more manageable, the pastrami sliders offer the same quality in bite-sized portions. The Wagyu pastrami burger features a massive patty topped with the signature pastrami, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes for extra crunch and balanced flavor.
Beyond the pastrami, the kitchen excels at comfort food classics. The cauliflower bites, described as a personal favorite, are deep-fried florets tossed in an addictive sweet glaze. Ube pancakes showcase a popular Hawaiian flavor profile, arriving fluffy and topped with coconut flakes for the perfect bite. The French toast, coated in cornflakes, delivers an extra crispy crunch that elevates the traditional dish. Uncle Roy's fried rice proves surprisingly exceptional, filled with robust flavor and a perfectly cooked egg that melts throughout for a creamy, delicious bite. The crispy onion rings are standout sides, while customizable omelettes are available at a special price of $12.99 with your choice of vegetables and potatoes or crispy bacon. The menu even extends to pizzas loaded with balanced toppings that prevent overwhelming flavor despite the generous meat portions.
The Experience
Located right on the Waikiki Beachwalk, Giovanni's Pastrami offers incredible convenience for beachgoers looking to grab exceptional food without straying far from the sand. The restaurant features a unique and entertaining amenity: personal speakers at every table that allow diners to select their preferred television channel, adding an interactive element to the dining experience. The breakfast menu operates from 8:00 a.m. to noon, making it accessible for early risers.
Value and Pricing
The omelette special at $12.99 offers good value for a customizable protein dish with sides. While specific pricing for other items isn't detailed in the review, the portion sizes, particularly of the pastrami sandwich and Wagyu burger, suggest substantial value for the quality delivered.
Notable Moments
These are their cauliflower bites, which is like deep fried cauliflower that is then tossed in this sweet glaze that's so addicting.
And when the egg squirts like that, you know this is going to be good.
The Verdict
Giovanni's Pastrami stands out as a must-visit destination in Honolulu, particularly for pastrami enthusiasts and those seeking diverse comfort food options. The combination of expertly executed pastrami preparations, creative sides, and quality entrees makes it ideal for casual diners, beachgoers wanting a quick quality meal, and anyone exploring Hawaiian flavors like ube pancakes. The convenient Waikiki Beachwalk location and unique interactive dining features add to its appeal as a memorable eating destination.