6 Unique Dining Experiences to Try in Maui

From lush rainforests and rugged mountains to pristine beaches and coral reefs, Maui is arguably the most exciting and popular Hawaiian island. This is especially true of Maui's outstanding dining options.

When you live in Maui, dining out is a real treat. With so many great restaurants to choose from, you are spoiled for choice. Whether you are looking for casual dining or something a bit more formal, this Hawaiin island has it all. But with so many excellent restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start! In this blog post, we will explore some of the best restaurants in Maui and some unique dining experiences you should try while living or visiting here. So, whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or want to try something new and exciting, we have you covered.

If you are looking for an unpretentious romantic dinner option, look no further than The Plantation House Restaurant. This elegant restaurant sits in a historic plantation house on a golf course that overlooks the beautiful Kapalua Bay. The menu features a mix of island-inspired Hawaiian and Continental cuisine, and the panoramic views are simply breathtaking. Get ready to dine in style!

Tucked away in a coconut grove on a quiet stretch of beach on Maui's northern shore, far from the tourist traps of the island's southern and western shores, sits Mama's Fish House. This is another popular Maui restaurant that should not be missed. In fact, Mama's Fish House is in such high demand that diners typically need to book their reservation three to six months in advance. It was even named one of the world's top seven restaurants!

With a rich and extensive history, Mama's is known for its fresh seafood, which is caught daily by the Mama's Fish House fisherman. The menu changes daily, depending on what has been caught, but you can always expect to find delicious seafood dishes. This Maui restaurant also offers a range of beachfront and garden suites and cottages for those looking to get away.

Lahaina Grill is the perfect option for those seeking an upscale dining experience. Internationally claimed as a culinary mecca, this self-described "contemporary bistro" is in the historic district of Lahaina and offers a mix of American and French cuisine. The bistro is consistently ranked as one of the top fine dining restaurants in the U.S. and the best restaurant in Maui for 29 years in a row.

Lahaina Grill boasts a menu that features locally-sourced ingredients, tables set with fine china and crystal, and views of the Pacific Ocean that are simply spectacular. The restaurant seats 130 patrons, including a chef's table where parties of six to 10 can relish a nearly-private dining experience. The bar, which seats 16 people comfortably and serves the full menu, is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy delicious food, whether you are looking for a light snack or a full-course meal.

Named one of Hawaii's top 10 best restaurants by OpenTable Diner's Choice Awards and the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant in Hawaii, The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is best known for its small portions of seafood island cuisine. "The Restaurant” sits atop one of the nicest hotels in all of Hawaii, which was deemed one of the top 50 hotels in the world. The scenery is stunning, the cuisine is gourmet, and the flavors are bold. Culinary enthusiasts rave about the food. We especially enjoy the smoked beets with avocado with a side view of the Pacific Ocean, where you can spot a frolicking humpback whale on any given evening.

Insider tip: We recommend heading to The Restaurant's bar for happy hour around half past five. Then, enjoy dinner for truly breathtaking views of the sunset.

Nuka, located in Ha'iku, is a highly regarded Izakaya-style sushi restaurant frequented by celebrities like Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, and Oprah. There is often a line out the door at this Maui sushi joint because it is so popular.

Located near Ho'okipa Beach, Nuka boasts seasonal sushi rolls made with seafood caught by local fishermen and ingredients from local farmers. This Maui restaurant is perhaps best known for its gorgeous dragon roll, seaweed salad, and fresh sashimi, which we most definitely recommend.

For the pie fans out there, as well as those who prefer casual dining, we love Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop. Leoda's banana cream pies are exquisite, and the mini pies served at the counter are too cute for words. Their guava chiffon, chocolate haupia, and lilikoi pies are top-notch, too. This dining spot is ideal for anyone headed to Lahaina from Upcountry Maui and offers occasional views of humpback whales at adjacent vantage points on Honoapiilani Highway.

These are just a few of the best restaurants in Maui that you should try while living or visiting here. You will never be bored or hungry with so many fantastic dining options to enjoy. Get out there and start exploring all that Maui has to offer. Mahalo!

Lisa Hatem has represented a number of prestigious luxury development projects in Maui, including some of the world's most acclaimed resorts. As Director of Sales for prestigious hotel chains, she has led a team at The Montage Residences in Maui and established herself as a go-to expert on all things real estate related. If you are looking for a vacation home or just a great vacation rental, Lisa Hatem is happy to answer your questions and get you where you need to go.

Lisa is genuine, creative, and ethical; she values her clients' feedback and works hard to exceed their expectations. She boldly pursues innovation, expertly realizing her own vision for what a real estate transaction should be like. If you are looking to buy or sell Maui real estate, give Lisa Hatem a call today.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash}

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