Maui Restaurant Guide
The 15 Best Restaurants in Maui
Updated November 2023
Welcome to Maui
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world, especially the island of Maui. There are incredible sights, friendly locals and plenty of mouth watering Maui restaurants to choose from. Being a secluded island, Mauis’ food scene aims to support local resources and to produce dishes with the freshest products and seafood possible. It can be a tough choice when deciding where to eat, so here is our guide to the best restaurants in Maui!
Maui Map
Contents
Where to Eat
The Top Neighborhoods
North: Waihee-Waiehu
The northern region of Maui, including the town of Waihee-Waiehu, is a local favorite. Many hotspots for locals are in this area, including some of the best seafood options available. Places such as the Tin Roof and Mama’s Fish House offer visitors island-style dining with an explosion of different flavors.
West: Kaanapali
The western region of Maui, including the towns of Waihee-Waiehu or Wailea-Makena, are attractive areas on the island for tourists. There are dozens of resorts and hotels, as well as a multitude of cuisine options for any budget. Whether you are looking for oceanside dining with a view, or trying to save a few bucks by opting for a local food truck, the western part of the island has it all.
Budget Options
Tin Roof Maui
Hawaiian/Asian, $
This new modernized mom-and-pop restaurant is a great stop in Maui for an afternoon bite. It is a great option for before departure or after arrival, as it is less than 2 miles from the airport. Tin Roof is locally owned by famous chef Sheldon Simeon and his wife. Known for their poke bowls and pork belly, the menu is loaded with other Hawaiian favorites, influenced by Japanese, Chinese and Portuguese recipes. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
808 Grindz Cafe
American/Hawaiian, $
Start your day with an out-of-this-world breakfast at 808 Grindz Cafe. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, this locally owned and operated cafe has been a home town favorite for many years. 808 Grindz Cafe is known for its homemade products and delicious pancakes; it’s nearly impossible to leave hungry. It is very small and very popular, so be sure to arrive early or expect to wait. There are daily specials that change regularly, as well as vegan-friendly pancakes upon request.
Sunrise Cafe
American/Hawaiian, $
The Sunrise Cafe is one of the best ‘hole-in-the-wall’ local spots for an authentic Hawaiian lunch, in addition to a mouth-watering cup of coffee. It is locally owned and operated with a warm and welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. The cafe is located near the waterfront of Lahaina harbor, making it a great stop after a morning of boating or fishing. Be sure to bring cash as it is a cash-only cafe with no debit or credit card services available.
Tasty Crust Restaurant
American, $
Tasty Crust Restaurant is an American-style diner open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner. It is well known around the island as it is very longstanding, as it first opened during World War II. The restaurant still serves the same classic dishes and treats every customer like family. There is an all-day breakfast available, with some of the best pancakes on the island. With a happy and laid-back atmosphere and an inexpensive menu to die for, it is a can’t miss spot in Maui.
808 Deli
American/Deli, $
This American deli is known for its array of specialty sandwiches and has been voted Best Local Sandwich every year since 2008. 808 Deli serves homemade recipes on freshly cooked bread, great for lunch or a quick bite in the morning. It is very close to the beach, making it super convenient when spending the day relaxing in the sunshine. Dine-in and take-out options are available, with dozens of options for all sorts of personal flavors and preferences.
Midrange Options
South Maui Fish Company
Seafood, $$
The most popular food truck in Maui is no other than the South Maui Fish Company. It is locally owned and operated and serves lunch and dinner daily. The South Maui Fish Company has a menu with an array of locally caught seafood on a daily basis. Fish will vary daily depending on the catch. The truck does have a few tables for daily dining outside, in addition to nearby local bars.
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
American/Dessert, $$$
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to stop by Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Open daily from 10-6, the shop is a plantation-era style restaurant, with family-style dining and freshly baked bread daily. The menu has an assortment of various pies, treats and sweets, in addition to other homemade salads and sandwiches. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop takes pride in supporting local providers, making sure the food is as fresh as possible.
Cool Cat Cafe
American/Vegan, $$
The Cool Cat Cafe is a 1950s-style American Diner, famous for its burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. The cafe has a menu of 13 different specialty burgers and has been voted the best burger joint on the island for over 5 years. The atmosphere at Cool Cat Cafe is very open and relaxed, making it a great place to people-watch or just have a snack. The staff makes everyone feel welcome, making it hard to visit just once.
Kula Bistro
American, Vegetarian Friendly, $$-$$$
You will find this delightful bistro on the slopes of Haleakala in beautiful Upcountry Maui. They offer fresh, flavorful cuisine in a casual and welcoming family-style setting. The Kula Bistro specializes in homestyle food with a fun Italian flair. Menu items range from local favorites like hamburger steak to authentic Italian pasta and pizzas. Try the coconut shrimp or the crab cake panini, a Kula Bistro special.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Hawaiian, $$$
Nalu’s South Shore Grill is an open-air style bar and restaurant serving favorited local Hawaiian dishes. The grill has live music and nightly specials, in addition to the different seasonal events throughout the year. Nalu’s South Shore Grill is a great place for visitors to enjoy a night of amazing food as well as entertainment. Order at the bar and your food will be brought out to you while you enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Be sure to check out their all-day Chicken & Waffles special.
High-End Options
Ko Restaurant
Hawaiin/Asian/Polynesian, $$$
Known as ‘Sugarcane’ in the local language, Ko Restaurant is known for having the best Hawaiian regional seafood/Polynesian cuisine on the island. The menu has been inspired by the multiple cultures from around the world that have influenced Hawaiian cuisine. Ko restaurant serves a number of different seafood and meat products, all sourced locally within Hawaii, mostly Maui itself. The restaurant has an attentive and caring staff, in addition to amazing wine options as well.
Mama’s Fish House
American/Hawaiian/Polynesian, $$$$
Situated overlooking the ocean, Mama’s Fish House is a longstanding popular Hawaiian favorite. Mamas Fish House comes with an amazing view, relaxed environment and delicious menu options. It is inspired by the Polynesian culture and is known for having some of the best and freshest seafood on the island, guaranteed. Mama’s Fish House take great pride in their cooking and pleasing their guests, being very attentive and specific with making your favorite dishes. Reservations are required and highly recommended as soon as possible, even months in advance.
Lahaina Grill
Steakhouse/Seafood, $$$$
Located in the historic Lahaina Inn, the Lahaina Grill is a must-stop spot in Maui for an amazing meal. Reservations are required, as it has been voted Best Restaurant in Maui’ for 28 years in a row. Lahaina Grill is a seafood and steakhouse-style restaurant that serves local products from farms, dairies and even water sources around the island. The staff is incredibly friendly and thoughtful, making every guest feel like a regular, with a plantation-style location making the environment even more enjoyable.
Ka’ana Kitchen
Hawaiian/Cultural, $$$$
Ka’ana Kitchen is a culturally styled ocean-front restaurant, open daily for breakfast and dinner. There is a breakfast/brunch buffet, with local Maui coffee prepared by professional baristas and delicious Hawaiian-inspired dinner dishes and drinks, prepared by local mixologists and award-winning chefs. Dinner is structured as a tapas or a sharing-style meal, with most dishes being served for the whole table. Be sure to include at least one seafood option in your dinner choices. Also, in addition to the breakfast buffet, special and personalized omelets can be prepared upon request.
Merriman’s Maui
International, $$$$
Merriman’s Maui is a locally owned farm-to-table style restaurant with award-winning international cuisine. One of the restaurant’s main aspects is supporting locally owned farmers and ranchers, always guaranteeing the freshest food possible by having 90% locally grown/made products. It is open daily for dinner from 4-8 pm, just like it has been for the past 20 years. Reservations are highly recommended, as it is a very attractive spot to watch the sunset over a delicious meal. Drinks and dishes are loaded with a delightful mixture of flavors, resulting in guests always wanting and returning for more.
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