Top 30 Maui Restaurants - Where To Dine On Maui - Dining Maui (2024)

11. Nalu’s South Shore Grill

Top 30 Maui Restaurants - Where To Dine On Maui - Dining Maui (1)

Nalu’s is the place to be in Kihei. Not only is this open-air establishment one of the hottest breakfast spots in South Maui, but Nalu’s boasts live music every night from top local artists. American and island-inspired fares line the menu at this foliage-fringed restaurant, including dishes like loco moco and chicken and waffles. In addition to food, Nalu’s also hosts a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 pm. Despite the lack of table service (counter service only here!), the flow at Nalu’s is organized and timely.

1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
Hours: 8 am to 9 pm daily.
$$-$$$
No reservations

12. Mala Tavern

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Situated on the northern end of Front Street, Mala Tavern’s open-air digs overlook Mala Wharf and the calm Lahaina seas. This intimate tavern is best known for its outstanding views, daily live music, unique culinary co*cktails, and Pacific Rim and Mediterranean-inspired eats. At the helm in the kitchen is local chef Alvin Savella, Maui Magazine’s 2018 Chef Of The Year. Mala’s well-rounded menu highlights Savella’s creativity and culinary expertise, from brunch to dinner.

1307 Front St, Lahaina, HI
Hours: 9 am to 10 pm daily, open late night (12 am) Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
$$-$$$
Reservations optional

13. Cafe O’Lei At The Mill House

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Cafe O’Lei is a well-established name on Maui. Owners Michael and Dana Pastula opened the first Cafe O’Lei in Makawao in 1997. Over the years, the pair established a local restaurant empire. Today, the Pastula’s own three restaurants (a fourth is rumored to be in the works), a food truck, and a catering company. Recently, Cafe O’Lei moved into the Mill House at the Maui Tropical Plantation. Classic Cafe O’Lei favorites like seared ahi, slow-cooked lamb shank, and hand-tossed flatbread pizzas are served alongside striking views of the Waikapu Valley and verdant farmland.

1670 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku
Hours: 11 am to 8 pm daily. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 2:30 pm.
$$-$$$
Reservations optional

14. Taverna

Located in Kapalua, Taverna is a modern, spacious Italian eatery featuring beautiful ocean views, a wraparound bar, and an award-winning specialty co*cktail list. The menu highlights the use of local seafood, meat, and veggies and is lined with crowd-pleasing Italian dishes like lasagna, pizza, and carbonara. This bustling restaurant is an excellent pick for brunch and happy hour as well.

2000 Village Rd, Lahaina
Hours: Mondays: 5 pm to 9 pm; Tuesdays – Saturdays: 11:30 am to 9 pm; Sundays: 10 am to 9 pm
$$-$$$
Reservations optional

15. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop

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Tucked in the heart of Olowalu Village, Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop describes its menu as ‘glorified Grandma comfort food.’ Leoda’s is best known for its mouthwatering pies- both sweet and savory. However, this cozy plantation-style eatery is a hotspot for breakfast and lunch. Here, an assortment of sandwiches are served on fresh, housemade bread- from breakfast sandwiches piled with bacon, eggs, and avocado, to beef dip hoagies with a side of au jus.

820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm daily
$$-$$$
No reservations

16. Lineage

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Located in the Shops of Wailea, this casual, modern restaurant revolves around the mantra “Eat, Drink, and Talk Story.” The menu at Lineage honors Hawaii’s diverse melting pot of cultures. Dishes here span a variety of fares- from Asian to Islander- and are served family-style. Acclaimed Chef Sheldon Simeon was once at the helm of this sleek Wailea restaurant but has since stepped back and left Lineage in the capable hands of Chef Emanuel Eng and Chef Nelson Simpliciano.

3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea
Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm, Tuesdays – Saturdays
$$-$$$
Reservations recommended – Phone reservations open at 2 pm

17. Down the Hatch

This casual eatery is best known for its ultra-fresh seafood, creatively presented dishes and live music. Situated only steps from Lahaina Harbor, it’s not uncommon to see fishermen rushing into the kitchen, wielding fresh-caught Mahi Mahis in both hands. However, seafood isn’t Down the Hatch’s only claim to fame. Not only did Down the Hatch catch the attention of Guy Fieri but the Lahaina establishment has been named the best bar on Maui. An endless flurry of live music and events takes place in this open-air bar, including trivia, karaoke, and weekly DJ parties.

658 Front St # 102, Lahaina
Hours: 7:30 am to 1:00 am daily
$$-$$$
No reservations

18. Monkeypod Kitchen Wailea

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Distinguished chef Peter Merriman opened the first Monkeypod Kitchen with a vision of bringing craft beer, live music, and wood-fired pizza to South Maui. With 36 beers on tap, Monkeypod is undoubtedly a hub for craft brews. However, Monkeypod’s famous mai tais truly steal the show. The menu extends beyond pizza, boasting anything from pillowy pumpkin ravioli to creative bulgogi tacos. If you’ve got mai tais on your mind, beeline it to Monkeypod Wailea from 3:30 pm to 5 pm for $4 off craft co*cktails.

10 Wailea Gateway Place, Kihei
Hours: 11 am to 10 pm daily
$$-$$$
No reservations

19. Tin Roof

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Despite the lack of seating, Tin Roof sits at the top of the ranks of Maui eats. Not surprising, considering the diminutive restaurant is owned by Chef Sheldon Simeon. Tin Roof features a variety of fares inspired by Hawaii’s cultural melting pot. Staple menu items include saimin, mochiko chicken, garlic shrimp, and chop steak. In addition, unique daily specials are always on rotation here.

360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului
Hours: 10 am to 8 pm, Tuesday through Saturday
$
No reservations, Take Out Only

20. Matteo’s Osteria

Matteo’s Osteria is an Italian kitchen and wine bar that prides itself on authenticity. Chef Matteo Mistura was born and raised in Sarzana, Italy, where his passion for cooking bloomed. Today, his osteria in the rolling hills of Wailea boasts a multitude of awards, including Best Italian Food on Maui in the 2016 ‘Aipono Awards. Guests at Matteo’s can expect wholly-Italian dishes brimming with color, flavor, and locally sourced ingredients served in an upscale, family-friendly setting.

161 Wailea Ike Pl., A107, Wailea
Hours: 4:45 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday
$$-$$$
Reservations recommended

Top 30 Maui Restaurants - Where To Dine On Maui - Dining Maui (2024)
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