Charleston-bound? Make time for a culinary stop at Lana Restaurant & Bar, located at 210 Rutledge Ave. Under the direction of Chef John Ondo, the kitchen turns a classic pineapple upside-down cake into a refined signature dessert. The pineapple motif fits Charleston’s long relationship with the fruit: centuries ago, sailors and sea captains brought tropical produce home, and tradition held that a captain would spear a pineapple on a fencepost to announce his return and invite friends to visit.
Start your meal with one of Chef Ondo’s standout savory creations. Monk’s Bowl highlights mushrooms grown by Trappist monks at a nearby monastery, offering an earthy, nuanced base for the dish. The menu also leans Mediterranean in many directions—fresh pastas, a rotating selection of seafood, and a daily risotto showcase seasonal ingredients and thoughtful technique.
For a more casual visit, Lana’s happy hour features a tapas selection designed for sharing. Expect dishes like savory baked goat cheese served with tomato sauce and garlic oil, hand-cut pommes frites, thinly sliced jamón, and roasted shrimp baked with feta in a spicy tomato sauce. These small plates pair well with cocktails and wines chosen to complement the menu.
Whether you come for a full dinner or a relaxed happy hour, pace yourself so you can enjoy dessert: Lana’s pineapple upside-down cake is a must-try, marrying nostalgic flavors with Chef Ondo’s elevated touch.