Banana Leaf Italian Bistro

Honolulu $$ *****
Not a fan of the name, but I'm definitely of this restaurant. There are two - we went to the one at Market City, in the old Blockbuster lot. Cute and bright inside. I ordered a $10 margherita pizza. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge tomato person, but I still liked it. It's very tasty, with lots of cheese and spices. There were slices of tomato and sun-dried tomatoes covering the cheese. I wish they had offered a pepperoni pizza. Pretty good portions. Their specials are a good deal too.
Banana Leaf Italian Bistro (Kaimuki)
2919 Kapiolani Blvd # 221
Honolulu, HI 96816
Daily 10-2:30, 5-10pm

Buca di Beppo

Honolulu $$ ****


Another Italian chain, but I happen to like Buca di Beppo because of all the fond memories I have of this place. For Hawaii teenagers, this was the classic place to host your birthday party. My friend and I frequented this place whenever we came to Ward. Their food is good, but the main draw is definitely the atmosphere. The walls are warm and literally covered with odd photographs that make great conversation pieces - although, for a good conversation, be prepared to yell.
Buca di Beppo (Ward)
1030 Auahi Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
Sunday - Thursday 11am-10pm
Friday - Saturday: 11am-11pm

Escape New York Pizza

Portland $ *****A typical day on Nob Hill consists of getting a "low-class" lunch/dinner at Escape New York Pizza and then a "high-class" dessert at Papa Haydn. Despite Escape New York Pizza's "low-class" status, their pizza is delicious, and has been approved by fellow New Yorkers.
Get a slice for about $2-3, sit on one of the stools surrounded by pictures and newspaper articles of New York and liberal propaganda or, if the weather allows, sit at one of the two tables outside and watch (s)Nob Hill shoppers pass.

Escape New York Pizza (Nob Hill)
622 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210