Maui is a breathtakingly gorgeous island paradise. It's gentleness embraces you the little you step off the plane and walk on its golden shores, as if to say "Everything is going to be okay." But Maui isn't all just Turquoise waters and sandy beaches. It boasts a multitude of fine restaurants and dining establishments. Whether you are vacationing with the kids, friends or a vital other, here are my top restaurant recommendations for Maui.
1) Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina.
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This restaurant is owned and operated by chef Mark Ellman, one of the founders of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. It is situated right at the water's edge near Mala Wharf on Front Street, Lahaina. Mala Ocean Tavern has a large choice of tapas, seafood and vegetarian selections. A menu statement explains the concept: small plates, organic whenever possible, whole grains, no preservatives, no hydrogenated oils, and all things in proportion. My partner and I dine here religiously when in Maui. The restaurant has a lovely laid back atmosphere, the menu is well priced for the capability of the food, and I recommend that you book early for a table on the verandah with a view of the water rather than inside. Mala gets very full due to Mark Ellman's "foodie" following. This is a great restaurant for a romantic dinner for two.
2) Sansei, Kapalua Resort.
My partner and I enjoyed our dinner at this restaurant so much that we dined again at Sansei restaurant in Honolulu. Voted one of America's eight best sushi restaurants by tour & free time in '01 and winning the 2006 Hale'Aina Gold Award, Sansei is owned by Chef Dave Kodama, a third generation Japanese American. Sansei was "jumping" when we arrived and after tasting our meals we understood why. The dishes were innovative as well as incredibly delicious. To avoid disappointment, booking is a must. Sansei's mantra is as follows: "Dress casual, bring a smile, relax and enjoy the adventure of dining." I wish that all great restaurants were this unpretentious. This is a great restaurant to enjoy with a group of friends.
3) Lahaina Grill, Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina.
If you want to "splash out" for a extra occasion, then Lahaina Grill is the place to do it. It has been voted the best restaurant in Maui for 16 years, and the praise is well deserved. We had a very memorable dinner on our last trip to Maui and loved it. Our dishes were delicious and executed beautifully. The staff know the menu and wine list thoroughly, and are helpful and unpretentious when it comes to selecting. Bookings are no ifs ands or buts necessary, as it does fill up early. Appetizers are priced in the middle of -22, and mains are in the middle of -52. You'll also need to dress up a bit more, but well worth the experience.
4) Penne Pasta Cafe, Lahaina.
Situated on Dickenson Street, Lahaina (just off Front Street), this is another one of Mark Ellman's restaurants. A house style restaurant, it offers Southern style Italian food inspired by Mark's grandmother Rosalind, who was Italian. All the breads, sauces and pastas are made from scratch. There are 15 pasta dishes alone, along with a wide choice of salads, sandwiches and a kids menu. "Al Fresco" dining completes the experience. Who says you needs to compromise atmosphere and setting when you eat with the kids.
5) Kimo's Restaurant, Lahaina.
Part of the "T's Restaurant" chain, Kimo's is situated on Front Street, Lahaina. It is situated by the water, so the setting is particularly gorgeous and favorite at sunset. This restaurant also boasts some great seafood choices. My partner and I ordered some broiled fish on a bed of orchad greens that was delicious. The fish was moist and succulent, not overdone. There is also a large choice of burgers, prime ribs, steaks and sandwiches. We had lunch here twice and loved it both times. This is a good house restaurant. It is reasonably priced and the aid is relaxed and attentive.
6) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
This is a cute place on Front Street, Lahaina, which recreates the 50's American charm of "Forrest Gump". It's fun, casual, and has some fantastic seafood offerings, as well as burgers and desserts. My partner and I ordered Mahi-mahi (fish) on some wild rice and a salad for lunch one day, and it was moist, fresh and delicious. This is a great house restaurant that is reasonably priced and has a great collection of dishes for all tastes.
7) Livewire Cafe, Lahaina.
Great coffee is hard to find in Maui, so stumbling upon an unpretentious place like Livewire, who serves great coffee, a real "Chai Latte" and a choice of "home made" delicacies, was like "striking gold", so much so that we went back everyday for our daily fix. Livewire also offers internet services, but we were just thrilled with the coffee.
With its accessibility to all the fresh yield from its abundant land and waters, Maui has fullness to offer it's diners, leaving one spoiled for choice.
Top 7 restaurant Recommendations For Maui, Hawaii
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