Favorite Maui Restaurants - New Bites!
Maui Restaurant Buzz
1. Lineage Maui - New October 2018!
Tel: (808) 879-8800
We’ve had staffers who recently went to Lineage Maui tell us it was awesome! Fun, trendy atmosphere. This is the new restaurant of Sheldon Simeon, of “Top Chef” fame. The restaurant features local Hawaiian and Filipino food with a twist.
Chef Simeon says that most of the dishes at Lineage were inspired by recipes he learned from his Filipino parents and grandparents. Growing up near Hilo, Simeon would often have hunt and fish to bring back the meats necessary for family meals. It was during this time that Simeon learned many of the Filipino recipes that are featured on Lineage’s menu.
With 80 seats and a bar area, Lineage has an intimate and cozy feel. Simeon says he wants guests to feel as if they just walked into a friend’s home when they enter his restaurant. To give this effect, carts will make their way through the restaurant and offer small bites before guests order their main meal. A few of these small dishes include boiled peanuts, kimchi, and cone sushi.
The restaurant offers “cart dishes,” which are similar to Dim Sum. We’re told that the pipikaula (Hawaiian jerky) with cuttlefish was yummy as was the pohole (edible fiddlehead fern) salad!
We’ve heard rave reviews about his pork and peas – a Filipino comfort dish - and that the squid luau and smoke meat and onion were on point! An interesting hook, we ordered the chicharron which they serve with their homemade chili pepper water in a cool bottle, which you get to take home with you.
As far as drinks, a team member reports the following:
- Makule Kiawe – a version of a Manhattan - is strong and delicious. Not too smoky.
- The South Side Southside – a team member loved this, a gin drink, but the flavors were light and not an overbearing gin flavor. Served with Wasabi Peas and ginger. Great cocktail to start with!
- The Latitude 20 – a tequila drink that we’re told is delicious!
They also have a great selection Sake.
As far as vibe, we’re told it’s ideal for date night or adult friends dining together.
Visitors who are new to Hawaiian or “local” cuisine will be in for a treat. However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive local place, be sure to try Tutu’s.
2. Tin Roof
Tel: (808) 868-0753
Lineage promises to be just as successful as Simeon’s first Maui dining location Tin Roof. Situated in a tiny strip mall near the Kahului Airport, Tin Roof has been incredibly successful since it opened its doors to guests in 2016.
This tiny eatery is best-known for its affordable takeaway bowls inspired by simple Hawaiian cooking. Customers at Tin Roof can order rice bowls filled with garlic shrimp, ginger-marinated chicken thighs, deep-fried pork belly, or chop steak for under $10. Tin Roof also offers poke bowls, garlic noodles, a kale salad, and a spicy chicken sandwich. Unlike Lineage, Tin Roof is designed for locals and visitors on a Maui vacation who are looking for a quick bite.
OTHER MAUI FAVORITE DINING SPOTS
West Maui Restaurants – Lahaina to Kapalua
3. Lahaina Grill
Tel: (808) 667-5117
We are big fans of Lahaina Grill, which our Maui team members feel is still the best restaurant on the island. This is a wonderful restaurant that continually gets good reviews from our guests.
4. Honu (Hawaiian for sea turtle)
Tel: (808) 667-9390
Our local team members love Honu, a seafood restaurant in Lahaina. It’s great for families and the menu offers something for everyone. Our team feels that Honu is among the top restaurants on Maui.
5. Merriman’s
Tel: (808) 669-6400
incredible setting, Happy Hour is really a bit of a misnomer, as they just serve a pricey “bar menu” on the lanai and call it a Happy Hour. Our team members report that the food is good, but the ambiance is unbeatable. For that, they are a top Maui restaurant.
South Maui – Kihei to Wailea
6. Maui Brewing Co
Tel: (808) 201-BEER
There are multiple locations of Maui Brewing Co., but the brewery in Kihei has expanded. It’s huge and instead of having the food trucks outside, they now have a full menu available from their own kitchen. We’re not sure about a food verdict just yet, but they have some fun drinks on offer, including nice cider options as well as their freshly brewed beers. The space is enormous!! Definitely a good spot to check out if you have craft beer lovers in your group!
7. Ferraro’s
Tel: (808) 874-8000
This restaurant has great views and is one of the only places on the south side of Maui that’s on the water. Ferraro’s is an open-air space, boasting sunset views, plenty of seating, live music and a hula dancer from 5:30-6:30 nightly. They have everything from Dim Sum to cheeseburgers! The food is “decent: but it’s really about the views and you are paying for the name here (Four Seasons).
8. Monkeypod
Tel Wailea: (808) 891-2322
Tel Kaanapali: (808) 878-6763
Still a Maui favorite. There is one in Wailea and in Kaanapali. Everything from Ahi to Maui Cattle Company Cheese Burgers and Bulgogi Pork Tacos. Reservations are imperative
Maui North Shore Restaurants – Paia Town Area
9. Mama’s Fish House
Tel: (808) 579-8488
This is a Maui favorite. We’ve recently been told by regular Maui guests who love the restaurant recently that while Mama’s is still good, it’s, “not as good as it used to be or not worth the price tag and drive.” That’s something to consider for folks staying in West Maui, as it’s on the North Shore, near Paia Town.
Note: it’s a far drive from Lahaina and they don’t take reservations for more than 8 people.
Lunch and dinner menu are the same so while it might be an expensive lunch, daytime is a great time to dine there.
10. Hailiimaile
Tel: (808) 572-2666
Nice restaurant with everything Ahi Poke and Caesar Salad to Grilled Rack of Lamb. Still good and nestled into a fun spot, upcountry from Paia town. Be mindful of drive time if you’re staying in Lahaina.
Note that Café de Amis, Café Mambo, Island Fresh Café and Pa’ia Flatbread would also all be in the mix for the north shore.
