The beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui is full of things to do, but it’s delicious eateries are at the top of the list, from upscale dining options to casual local favorites. Maui’s restaurant scene is dominated by one thing: seafood. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll definitely find some of the freshest seafood dishes served at the restaurants here. From Hawaiian dishes to fresh-caught fish, indulge in some of the best island cuisines at one of these best restaurants in Maui, Hawaii.
Mama’s Fish House
This list kicks off with an iconic Maui restaurant, Mama’s Fish House. This Paia restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a laid-back vibe, which may seem contradictory but Mama’s seems to accomplish both with its impeccably made seafood dishes served by waiters in Hawaiian shirts. You wouldn’t want to visit Mama’s while you’re on a budget, so save this gem for date night or a celebratory dinner or lunch.
The Mill House
If you’re looking for a meal with a view, you’ll want to visit The Mill House. This farm-to-table restaurant is located on the Maui Tropical Plantation property, so you’re surrounded by lush farmland. The seasonal menu here involves creative plates made with ingredients that come from the 60-acre plantation. The menu here ranges from New American eats to Hawaiian-infused dishes.
Hali’imaile General Store
After viewing the top of the world at Haleakala National Park, enjoy a great meal at Hali’imaile General Store. Found among pineapple and sugar cane fields, this restaurant serves seafood dishes and Hawaiian classics, with unique options like roasted duck and scallop risotto. This Maui restaurant, which operates out of a historic 1920s building, once functioned as a general store for the pineapple plantation before it turned into a beloved eatery.
Ka’ana Kitchen
Found at the Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort, Ka’ana Kitchen offers farm-to-table cuisine in a welcoming, modern space. No matter if you choose to eat here for breakfast or dinner, you’re sure to find a seasonal menu made with fresh and local ingredients. From pancakes to poke, there is no shame for returning to Ka’ana Kitchen for dinner after enjoying breakfast here. You’ll want to bring the entire family to this eatery, as dishes at Ka’ana Kitchen are served family style.
Lahaina Grill
You’ll want to make a reservation at this iconic Lahaina eatery, as getting a table here without one may be impossible. Lahaina Grill’s success and popularity are truly due to its incredible cuisine and service. This Maui bistro features a fine dining experience that you will never forget. Menu items vary from filet mignon to mahi-mahi. Regularly referred to as “one of the best restaurants in Maui,” this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Lahaina Grill.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
If you’re visiting the south shore of Maui, stop into Nalu’s South Shore Grill for an affordable meal. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Nalu’s menu won’t disappoint. The cornflake-crusted French toast is a unique breakfast option, while lunch and dinner come with its own delectable entrees like the apple brie burger and the island-style ribs. This laid-back eatery truly invokes the island spirit with Hawaiian-infused flavors and fresh island fruits.
The Plantation House
After a round of golf at the Plantation Golf Course, treat yourself to a meal at The Plantation House. While enjoying views of the ocean and the golf course, guests indulge on top-notch wine options, fresh seafood, and the best cuts of meats. The Plantation House isn’t just a great restaurant for lunch and dinner but also brunch too on Sundays where you can enjoy six different eggs benedict dishes and other creative breakfast eats.
Star Noodle
This Asian restaurant serves a wide variety of noodle dishes from Pad Thai to ramen to Udon. The ramen, Udon and Saimin noodles are all made in-house daily, proving that Star Noodle is the real deal. Besides noodle dishes, the menu here also features shareable plates like Vietnamese crepes, pork buns, and dumplings. Complete your meal with sake or a well-crafted cocktail.
Paia Fish Market
Paia Fish Market is a legendary Maui restaurant that serves a wide variety of local fish dishes made with fresh-off-the-boat catches of the day. This counter-service eatery allows you to choose your fish and the way you’d like it prepared, from grilled to blackened to sauteed. Tacos, burgers, pasta, and salad are found on the menu as well. You don’t have to be in Paia to enjoy Paia Fish Market. Although the flagship restaurant is in Paia, this eatery has two other locations found in Kihei and Lahaina too.
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
For a casual lunch spot in Maui, head to Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. You’ll come for the burgers, hoagies and sandwiches but stay for the pie. The non-pie items on Leoda’s menu are nothing to scoff at, however, the pie here is the real star. With a rotating pie menu, you can eat a different pie here every time you visit. From banana cream to coconut cream to apple crumb, a pie from Leoda’s is the perfect ending to your meal here. If you don’t have time to sit and enjoy a pie, Leoda’s makes sweet and savory handheld pies for on-the-go customers.
Sansei Sushi
Maui is teeming with fresh seafood, so it’s a no-brainer that a sushi joint is among one of the top restaurants on the island. Sansei Sushi has a wide variety of signature sushi rolls for those who enjoy a unique take on traditional Japanese cuisine. There are two Sansei Sushi locations on Maui, one in Kapalua and another in Kihei.
Da Kitchen
You’ll want to come hungry to this local joint in Kahului because the portions at Da Kitchen are generous. Da Kitchen’s menu reflects Maui’s culture, as you’ll find traditional Hawaiian fare that every local will approve of. Musubi, loco moco, kalua pig, and poi are fan favorites here. For those who aren’t as adventurous in trying new things, Da Kitchen also serves fresh fish dishes and burgers too.
