Best Restaurants Maui: Where to Eat, Drink, and Brag About Later

If you think Maui is just about the beaches, congrats on only scratching the surface of paradise. Sure, the sunsets are pretty and the palm trees sway like they’re on payroll, but the food? The food is the real main character.

We’re talking poke so fresh it’s basically still flirting with the ocean, banana bread that could make you cry actual tears, and coconut everything (rice, shrimp, gelato, existential joy). Add in melt-in-your-mouth shave ice that somehow makes adulthood feel like summer break again, and you’ve got the full Maui flavor fantasy.

Whether you’re craving upscale beachfront dining with a mai tai in hand or a plate lunch from a roadside gem that might change your life, Maui delivers. And unlike that overpriced smoothie from the airport, this list is worth every bite.

So loosen that waistband and prep your camera roll—these restaurants are the reason you accidentally book a return flight before dessert hits the table!

Maui Restaurants for When You’re Feeling Fancy

If you’re looking to channel your inner celeb or celebrate like you just won The Bachelor, these are some of the best restaurants in Maui. Picture waterfront views, seafood towers stacked like edible art, and tropical cocktails that arrive with more flair than your last birthday dinner.

So if you’re looking for restaurants in Kaanapali Maui with oceanfront views and toes-in-the-sand vibes, these spots deliver island flavor and laid-back luxury like pros.

Mama’s Fish House

This is the Mama’s Restaurant Maui everyone tells you not to miss, and for once, the hype is completely deserved. Set right on a secluded beach in Paia, Mama’s pairs dreamy ocean views with a seafood menu that changes daily based on what local fishermen bring in that morning.

Every dish comes with a story, and the flavors are as fresh as the catch. Just be warned: reservations book out months in advance, so if you’re a spontaneous traveler, good luck and godspeed.

Merriman’s Kapalua

Come for the sunset, stay for the island-grown everything. Merriman’s Kapalua is one of the OGs of Hawaiian regional cuisine, and they’re serious about sourcing locally—think macadamia nut crusted fish, Big Island beef, and greens from Maui farms.

The open-air setting overlooks Kapalua Bay, and trust us, it’s just as swoon-worthy as it sounds.

Pro Tip: Get there early for happy hour on the lanai, and thank us later when the mai tai hits just right.

Skip the White Tablecloths, Because These Maui Restaurants Keep It Laid-Back

South Maui has no shortage of flavor, and Kihei Maui restaurants like South Maui Fish Company or Da Kitchen are proof that you don’t need white tablecloths to eat like royalty.

Some of the real flavor lives in roadside stands, counter-service joints, and beachy shacks with lines out the door. These local legends are where island comfort food lives and where you’ll probably end up going back for seconds.

Paia Fish Market

This buzzy counter-service joint in the heart of Paia is everything you want after a beach day. The fish is fresh, the portions are hefty, and the vibes are casual but cool. Grab a seat at the communal tables and dig into a perfectly grilled mahi mahi burger or a blackened ono plate that tastes like pure Maui sunshine.

It’s fast, affordable, and has the kind of messy, finger-licking seafood energy that demands extra napkins and zero regrets.

Star Noodle

When it comes to Lahaina Maui restaurants, Star Noodle stands out for its bold flavors and cult-favorite dishes.

Tucked up the hill in Lahaina, it’s where bold flavors and comfort food meet in the most delicious way. The menu is packed with house-made noodles, bao buns, and Asian-inspired small plates that hit every note from salty to spicy.

The garlic noodles are legendary, and the ahi avo is a must-order if you’re a poke fan. It feels like the kind of place where every table is ordering “just one more thing” because no one wants the meal to end.

Bonus: they’ve got free parking, which is basically a miracle in Lahaina.

The Gazebo

The Gazebo Restaurant Maui is the breakfast spot people will wait over an hour for, and honestly, it’s not just about the food. Perched at the edge of Napili Bay, this tiny open-air eatery serves up jaw-dropping ocean views with a side of macadamia nut pancakes and fried rice that could feed a small village.

They don’t take reservations, so get there early or settle in with coffee and a podcast while you wait. Once your plate hits the table, all that standing around suddenly feels like part of the charm.

Tommy Bahama Restaurant Maui

Yes, it’s attached to a resort wear store, but don’t sleep on the Tommy Bahama Restaurant Maui in Wailea. The rooftop dining area serves up serious vacation energy, with lush greenery, open-air seating, and plates that are more elevated than you’d expect.

Think coconut shrimp, ahi tacos, and tropical cocktails that make you consider moving here full-time. It’s a great pick for a casual lunch between beach stops or a sunset dinner that feels fancy without being fussy.

Top Restaurants in Maui for the Most Memorable Meals of Your Life

The best restaurants Maui offers aren’t just about what’s on the plate. Sometimes, it’s the jungle treehouse setting, the torch-lit beachside show, or the fact that you’re eating sushi from a food truck parked under a rainbow.

These spots turn dinner into a full-blown experience, whether that means learning hula between bites or watching the sun melt into the ocean from your table. Come hungry, but also come ready for a story you’ll be telling your group chat all week.

Mala Ocean Tavern

Perched right at the water’s edge in Lahaina, Mala Ocean Tavern serves serious flavor with a side of salty sea spray. The menu leans Mediterranean-meets-Hawaii, with standouts like seared ahi bruschetta and lamb gyro tacos that taste like vacation on a plate.

Happy hour is a local favorite, with deals on drinks and small plates that make it feel a little too easy to stay for dinner. With waves crashing just feet from your table and string lights overhead, it’s got that effortlessly cool energy you wish you could pack in your suitcase.

Hula Grill

Located along Kaanapali Beach, Hula Grill brings the barefoot-in-sand energy to life in the best way. It’s casual but not boring, beachy but not basic, and perfect for everything from sunset cocktails to full-blown family dinners.

Grab a seat in the Barefoot Bar for live music, fresh fish tacos, and pupus that go perfectly with their famous mai tais. The vibe is pure aloha, and it’s one of those spots where your toes are literally in the sand while your fork is in fresh island fish.

Duke’s Restaurant

Just down the sand from Whalers Village, Dukes Restaurant Maui Hawaii is where sunset cocktails meet island nostalgia. Named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, this beachfront spot dishes out island classics like huli huli chicken, mac nut crusted fish, and fresh poke with a view.

Live music, tiki drinks, and that iconic barefoot vibe make it a go-to for families, honeymooners, and mai tai aficionados alike.

Pro Tip: Show up early to snag a seat by the water and take full advantage of their solid happy hour lineup.

Your Fork’s Still on the Mainland

Haven’t made it to the best restaurants Maui has to offer yet? Don’t worry, we won’t judge your FOMO—just feed it. Got a spot you’re dying to try or one your foodie friend swears by? Drop it in the comments and let’s build the ultimate Maui menu together.

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