Maui is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Here are some top picks for dinners in Maui that you won’t want to miss out on!
1. Mama’s Fish House – This restaurant has been around since 1973 and serves up fresh seafood with an emphasis on local fish like opakapaka and ono. Make sure to try their famous coconut cake while you’re here too!
2. Monkeypod Kitchen by MW Restaurant Group – With locations in Wailea and Ko Olina, this restaurant offers modern Hawaiian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to order the macadamia nut taro tartare or the spicy shrimp fried rice!
3. The Millhouse at Ulupalakua – Located on the historic Ulupalakua Ranch, this restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine using produce grown right on site. Try their signature prime rib or lamb chops paired with one of their award-winning wines.
4. Honu Seafood & Pizza – If you’re looking for something casual but still delicious, check out Honu Seafood & Pizza. They serve up fresh seafood pizzas as well as traditional plate lunches featuring poke, laulau, and kalua pig.
5. Fleetwood’s On Front Street – For those who love steakhouses, look no further than Fleetwood’s On Front Street. Their menu features USDA Prime beef along with other classic steakhouse favorites such as lobster tail and jumbo lump crab cakes.
In addition to these great restaurants, make sure to try some of the must-try local dishes in Maui including:
1. Poke – A raw fish salad typically served with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. You can find it all over Maui but make sure to get it from a reputable source to ensure quality.
2. Lomi-Lomi Salmon – Another popular dish made with salmon, tomatoes, and salt. It’s often served as an appetizer alongside poi (made from cooked taro root).
3. Kalua Pork – Cooked in an imu (underground oven) for hours, this slow-cooked pork is fall off the bone tender and perfect for making sandwiches or serving over rice.
4. Shave Ice – Not quite ice cream nor sorbet, shave ice is a refreshing treat made with finely shaved ice and flavored syrups. Toppings include sweetened condensed milk, azuki bean paste, and li hing mui powder.
Breakfast and brunch options abound in Maui as well. Some popular places include:
1. Cafe O’Lei – Known for their huge portions and amazing views, Cafe O’Lei serves up breakfast classics like eggs benedict and French toast as well as more unique items like loco moco (fried rice bowl with hamburger patty, egg, and gravy).
2. The Plantation House – This hotel restaurant offers a beautiful view of the ocean and serves up a delicious breakfast buffet featuring everything from pastries to smoked salmon.
Overall, whether you’re looking for fine dining experiences or casual eats, Maui has something for everyone when it comes to food. So don’t hesitate to indulge in the local cuisine during your visit!
