What a surprise to find un po ‘di (a little bit of) authentic Italy in the heart of Lahaina town with the recent opening of Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina located adjacent to Ulalena at 878 Front Street. Sale Pepe, which means “Salt Pepper” in Italian, has already won the hearts of many locals and visitors alike.
What I found on any given night is that it’s not uncommon to walk into this intimate, open-concept bar and kitchen to find it pleasantly busy. And it’s no wonder because the food is as expected: al dente rigatonis, creamy risottos, spicy salume, fresh formaggi, and of course, thin-crust brick-oven pizzas.
Please note that the menu changes daily…what? Did I say daily? Yes. And the wine? There’s certainly a nice selection along with other aperitivi and birre but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of vino. Corkage fees apply.
The owners of Sale Pepe are Michele Di Bari and his partner and wife, Qiana. Both are from Brooklyn, NY although Michele is originally from Milan. They “married on a whim and kept coming back” to Maui and now they are here to stay.
So stop in, grab a bite, a little vino and share a meal familia Di Bari-style. I’m sure — like me and the many others I’ve spoken to — you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina — 878 Front Street, (808)-667-7667. www.SalePepeMaui.com