The 10 Best Restaurants on Maui for a Great Dinner

Let’s get started with the main topic of this guide, the best places where to eat in Maui, and we separated this section into 3 parts – Fine dining, casual eateries, and local gems you don’t want to miss.

There are casual seafood shacks and food trucks on Maui, and those have their own charm, but let’s start this section with fine dining spots for a special occasion.

If you want a fancy dinner for a special occasion or just because, this island has restaurants that will impress.

Here are some premium dining options on Maui.

Merriman’s Kapalua

Famous for: Wok-Charred ‘Ahi & Ono and Waialua Chocolate Mochi Cake

Rated one of the top restaurants on Maui, Merriman’s Kapalua has some of the best food in Hawaii.

With its high ceilings, candles, tables, and incredible ocean views, this place is all about romance.

Farm-to-table ingredients are prepared to perfection to highlight local flavors. Their menu changes with the seasons to feature the freshest fish and produce.

They are known for serving fish directly from local fishermen. Merriman’s is elegant without being stuffy.

Plus, there’s a gorgeous terrace outside with a swimming pool, and that’s definitely the right place for a special dinner. Yes, prices are high, but it’s all worth it.

Mama’s Fish House

Famous for: Hawaiian Kanpachi with Lobster and Crab

Established in 1973, Mama’s Fish House in Paia on the north shore is island-style fine dining. But be warned, this place is always busy, and for good reason. You’ll have ocean views while you eat fresh seafood.

Their menu has Polynesian-inspired dishes, and that is excellent for trying local delicacies.

Mama’s is committed to sustainability so you know the fish is as fresh as it gets. Their dedication to Hawaiian flavors and highest-quality fish make it one of the best restaurants in Maui for a magical meal. After a delicious meal, we recommend taking a helicopter tour over Maui, which is one of the best activities you can join on the island.

The Plantation House

Famous for: Panko Crusted Calamari and Paradise Paloma cocktail

This one’s a real treat. Located in a beautiful clubhouse with views of the Kapalua Plantation Golf Course, the Plantation House is where you go to celebrate the big occasions.

Brunch is great but dinner is where this place really comes alive.

Chef Jared Krausen is an award-winning chef and he sources high-end local ingredients for a modern take on Hawaiian cuisine. This place is fancy, and that’s an excellent spot for taking photos on a beautiful late afternoon out.

Ka’Ana Kitchen

Famous for: Scallop Gnocchi and Big Eye Ahi

Imagine eating in a stylish, sun-filled space. Ka’Ana Kitchen is located in the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. And if you’re not planning to join the luau at Andaz Maui, this is the perfect alternative.

This earthy modern restaurant is casual by day and romantically lit at night.

You’ll have a great meal with an open kitchen, farm-to-table, and great cocktails. Fresh and seasonal with many ingredients coming from their on-site farm.

Of course, no trip to Maui is complete without casual eats. There’s nothing better than eating local favorites in the island’s tropical setting.

This is where you get to eat casual favorites and feel the real Aloha spirit.

Tin Roof

Famous for: Pork Belly Kau Kau Tin

This Maui institution, run by Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon, keeps it real. Tin Roof is located in a small strip mall not far from Kahului Airport.

Tin Roof serves some of the best and most authentic Hawaiian food around. It’s busy and there will surely be a long line when you visit because it’s one of the most famous restaurants in Maui.

Note that there’s no seating area, however, there are benches outside where you can sit down and enjoy your meal.

People line up for local plates like garlic noodles, spicy chicken sandwiches, and saimin. This is the perfect blend of Hawaiian, Japanese, and Chinese flavors. Tin Roof is the local plate lunch experience – Everything is affordable and this is how locals eat.

Since this is a great place for lunch, why not end the day on a sunset cruise in Maui? It is not only affordable but you’ll see the island from a new, gorgeous perspective, and that’s a must-do!

Paia Fish Market

Famous for: Blackened Sashimi and Fresh Catch Plates

This casual spot is the right place for a delicious, affordable meal and attracts both visitors and locals. The original location is located in Paia, in Maui’s northern part, but they opened a new location in Kihei, which is great – And you can try both if you have enough time.

The communal wooden tables, dive-bar decor, and delicious food will make you come back! The portions are also generous, which is always a plus.

With its casual vibe, Paia Fish Market is a great spot for fresh and affordable seafood. They have mahi-mahi and ono fish sandwiches but it’s the grilled fish plates that are the real deal.

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop

Famous for: Roast Pork Hoagies and Coconut Cream Pies

Who doesn’t love pie? Located on the road to Lahaina, Leoda’s always has a line out the door, and for a good reason. Their savory pies are great, especially the meat ‘n potatoes and turkey pot pie.

But people mostly come to Leoda’s for the sweet stuff. This place has a ton of freshly baked pies

Try the classics like apple crumble and key lime or go for the unique flavors like coconut cream and guava chiffon. Even if you’re not looking for a full meal, grab a sweet treat. 

Hula Grill Kaanapali

Famous for: Kapulu Joe and Kalua Pork & Pineapple Flatbread

Hula Grill Kaanapali, located on the picturesque Kaanapali Beach, offers a casual Maui dining experience.

This beachfront restaurant is known for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood, island-inspired dishes, and vibrant setting.

Plus, if you come in the late afternoon around sunset time, you’ll be treated to live music and hula dancing performances. The open-air setting provides stunning ocean views, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed family meal.

Hula Grill Kaanapali combines excellent cuisine, beautiful scenery, and authentic Hawaiian entertainment, and you’re guaranteed a fabulous meal without breaking the bank.

And before we get into the next section, we recommend joining a whale-watching tour in Maui. While we did suggest a few activities to your itinerary in this guide, this is yet another must-do and you simply can’t miss it! That said, the whales only come from November to May, so these tours aren’t available in the summertime.

Beyond the big restaurants, Maui has tons of small eateries scattered around the island. Here are some hidden gems for local eats.

Sam Sato’s

Famous for: Saimin Noodles and Chow Fun

Sam Sato’s is an old-school diner in Wailuku town and locals love it for their famous “dry mein”. This comfort food noodle dish is their claim to fame.

Another popular item on their menu is their manju. These sweet baked buns with various fillings like azuki bean are a classic Hawaiian treat you won’t want to miss.

Kitoko Maui

Famous for: Fresh Caught Ono Poke and Seafood Platter

And no discussion of the 10 best restaurants on Maui would be complete without talking about the food truck scene. Food trucks are a big part of island life and a reflection of the cultural fusion in Hawaii.

Not all of Maui’s food trucks are on the side of the highway. While there are many along the road, this is not one of them.

Instead, Kitoko is located in South Maui Gardens, in the middle of a beautiful grassy park, making this upscale eatery a true gem in Maui’s food truck scene.

They serve Caribbean-inspired cuisine and the best part is that almost everything here is plant-based, and that’s great if that’s your cup of tea.