11 Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Maui
If you’re anything like me, your vacations may occasionally (alright, often) revolve around food. There’s nothing wrong with planning your days around meals right? Right?? Anyways, if you’re going to be on Maui, you’ve got to squeeze in at least a couple of nice dinners. So here are my 11 favorite fine dining restaurants on Maui:
West Side (Lahaina/Ka’anapali/Kapalua)
Merriman’s: THE spot for fine dining in West Maui. Merriman’s overlooks Kapalua Bay and if you’re there around sunset, you’ll more than likely witness a wedding or two. The cuisine is farm to table Hawaii regional cuisine.
Lahaina Grill: Located on Front Street, Lahaina Grill is one of the best restaurants in Lahaina. It’s not on the water and its atmosphere is simple but elegant but what you’re really coming here for is the food. It’ll cost you a pretty penny but it just may be one of the best meals of your trip.Pacifico: This seafood restaurant is about as beachfront as dining gets on Maui. It’s conveniently located in Lahaina just off Front Street, but it’s tucked away a bit so it feels miles away from the noise of all the bars and restaurants further down. This is a great spot of a nice sunset dinner and then a stroll through town.
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South Side (Wailea)
Gannon’s: With some of the most dramatic views in Wailea, Gannon’s might be my number one pick for a nice dinner in Wailea. The food is classic Hawaiian regional cuisine (Chef Bev Gannon has several popular restaurants on Maui) and you’ll be plenty impressed by it, but it’s really the sweeping views of the ocean that you’ll remember most.
Restaurant at Hotel Wailea: Hotel Wailea is quickly becoming one of Wailea’s swankiest spots (and that’s saying something!). The restaurant at this up and coming adults only resort is definitely one to make reservations for if you appreciate the finer things in life.
Ko Restaurant: The Fairmont Kea Lani’s flagship restaurant draws its inspiration from the ethnicities of Maui’s sugar cane plantation days. 90% of the menu’s ingredients are sourced locally, and the open air atmosphere of the restaurant makes for a nice evening.
Ka’ana Kitchen: This family style farm to table restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily at the Andaz Resort. This spot also has a chef’s table experience as well as an interactive cocktail experience.
Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante: This lovely Italian spot at the Four Seasons is located poolside. It’s terraced down towards the ocean. Make reservations well before sunset because you’ll want to see this place in the daylight.
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Central Maui
Mill House: The Mill House is quickly becoming one of my favorite dining experiences on Maui. Nestled into the foothills of the West Maui Mountains on the property of Maui Tropical Plantation, this farm to table restaurant not only boasts spectacular views, but their ever changing menu is innovative and reflective of the service is phenomenal.
North Shore
Mama’s Fish House: Mama’s is hands down the best restaurant on Maui. Here fine dining meets a laid back tropical atmosphere and for many, dining here is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s on the pricey side, but if money is tight, forego the restaurants on Front Street in Lahaina and skip the luau and come here instead. Located on the north shore, just past Paia town, it’s set on its own secluded beach that’s perfect for sunset gazing. Read my full review of Mama’s here.
Hali’imaile General Store: One of Maui’s great culinary experiences is located in an old general store in the middle of a pineapple plantation. This place has a great menu, all the way from appetizers to desserts, and you’ll see a side of Maui that you might miss otherwise.
Want more dining/restaurant recommendations? You’re not going to want to miss these posts sorted by type of restaurant…16 Best Maui Breakfast Spots, 11 Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Maui, 23 Favorite Restaurants on Maui. Looking for something on a certain part of the island? Check these posts out: Wailea & Kihei restaurants, Lahaina, Ka’anapali, and Kapalua restaurants, Paia & Haiku (north shore) restaurants, and upcountry restaurants. And if you’re looking for more in depth reviews, you’ll love these posts: Mama’s Fish House: Is It Worth It?, Old Lahaina Luau Review, and Grand Wailea Luau Review.
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