The food in Hawai’i is defined by the fresh produce of the island’s land and ocean. Maui’s restaurant scene is varied. But at the core of many establishments — and certainly many of those on this list of the top-rated Maui restaurants — is a celebration of locally grown and harvested ingredients that tell a story of the many cultures that have come through, or stayed rooted on, the island.
Photo: Mama's Fish House
The 10 Top Rated Restaurants in Maui
“The food scene on Maui is a collection of plantation-era cultural influence from around the world, including Asian, Portuguese, Western, and traditional Hawaiian,” says Ian Marshall of Mamaʻs Fish House Restaurant in Paia. You’ll see from this list, three sushi spots made the top 10. Perhaps this is hardly surprising considering poke is a staple and fish is abundant, but if raw is not your thing, most have side menus of dumplings and grilled dishes. There’s also a nice range of casual lunch spots and a couple of places you’ll need to leave your sand-covered sandals at the hotel and smarten up for an evening with chefs and their tasting menu.
Being an island, any fresh produce that is not available has to be shipped in. This means you’ll find menus change frequently, and many, if not most, establishments will have a daily catch or other season-dependent specials. Marshall says this makes for very creative kitchens and teams who have to work hard to keep on top of what’s been harvested.
The top 10 Maui restaurants listed here are ranked through Yelp and Google Map reviews out of five and combined for an aggregate rating out of 10. To make sure the business has ironed out any new restaurant kinks, only those with more than 250 reviews were considered. This list doesn’t include restaurants still closed by the devastating wildfire in 2023. Most of these are in Lahaina on the island’s western shore. Restoration efforts are still in progress. Although reviews have to be taken with a heavy pinch of salt, these are the top 10 places to eat in Maui, according to people who have either visited to eat or frequent regularly.
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Miss Arepa
Photo: Miss Arepa
Rating: 9.7 (4.9 Google Maps, 4.8 Yelp)
“We’re a family-owned and operated,” says Gabby of Venezuelan restaurant Miss Arepa. “We want everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed as if they were stepping into their grandmother’s kitchen ready to be fed,” she continues. Located in west Maui, Miss Arepa celebrates the classic comfort food of South America with a local twist. Many of the dishes are gluten-free and vegan. Gabby says one of the most popular is the Patacon Sandwich with carne asada with a side of yuca fries. Pair that with a refreshing frozen fresh mango drink. Go to Miss Arepa for lunch or a casual dinner.
Miss Arepa: 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd suite a, Lahaina, HI 96761
My Thai Maui
Rating: 9.5 (4.8 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)
For Thai flavorful and fresh dishes with a side of quirkiness, eat at family-run My Thai Maui. Expect all the favorites — summer rolls, drunken noodles, and larb salad — along with daily specials. You can even customize your spice level to suit your taste. As well as offering an authentic Thai menu, this place is packed with character. The check-in and ordering area has a Star Wars theme, and previous customers recommend taking your time here to enjoy the excellent food and take in the vibe. That said, reviewers also rave about the fast service and dishes come take-out style, so you can grab a table or sit outside in the sunshine. Prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.
My Thai Maui: 230 Hana Hwy, Kahului, HI 96732
nyloS
Rating: 9.4 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.7 Yelp)
Go to nyloS for the chef, Jermy Solyn’s tasting menu. Situated in Paia, one of the best stops on Maui’s road to Hana Longer, this dining experience will set you back $230 — $300. The 14-seat dining room offers an up-close dinner with the chefs as they prepare each dish. The six-course, pre-fixe tasting menu features high-quality ingredients, including A5 Wagyu beef, Petrossian caviar, Hudson Valley foie gras, lobster, king crab, bluefin tuna, and local Hawaiian produce. Established in 2017, nyloS has consistently received positive reviews and awards from various publications, as well as Yelp and Google Maps. Due to its small size and family-run nature, reservations are required and can be made through OpenTable from Wednesday to Saturday from 6:30 PM.
nyloS: 115 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779
Mama’s Fish House
Rating: 9.2 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)
Mama’s is a family-owned restaurant founded in 1973 by Doris and Floyd Christenson. The restaurant is now managed by their daughter, Karen, with the assistance of several long-term employees and two founders’ grandchildren. Mama’s specializes in fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes. One of their most popular is the Macnut Crusted Hawaiian Kanpachi stuffed with crab and lobster. Recent additions to the menu include a Kona Kanpachi tartar appetizer and a slow-smoked venison entree from Molokaʻi. The restaurant is in a picturesque coconut grove overlooking Kūʻau Cove, a popular spot for observing turtles and windsurfers.
Mama’s Fish House: 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779, United States
1054Togoshi
Rating: 9.2 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.6 Yelp)
Tucked away in the South Maui Center, 1054 Togoshi is a small but renowned sushi restaurant in Kihei. This intimate eatery, run by husband-and-wife team Manabu and Satoe Sugiyama, is praised for its fresh, high-quality seafood. The chefs expertly craft each piece of sushi, ensuring the fish shines through. Popular menu items include nigiri sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls like the Spider and Dragon Roll. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
1054Togoshi: A-104, e, 95 E Lipoa St, Kihei, HI 96753
Kula Bistro
Photo: Kula Bistro
Rating: 9.2 (4.7 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)
In the charming town of Kula, Kula Bistro offers delightful home-style food with stunning views of the surrounding upcountry landscape. The family-owned restaurant is renowned for its innovative cuisine that celebrates local Hawaiian flavors and global influences, especially from Italy. Kula Bistro’s menu showcases a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to hearty meat entrees. Some popular choices include the locally caught fish of the day, the Kula Bistro Burger with house-made bacon jam, slow-roasted prime rib, and loco moco — white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, gravy, and a fried egg — a local favorite.
Kula Bistro: 4566 Lower Kula Rd, Kula, HI 96790
Oao
Rating: 9.1 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)
There are many sushi restaurants in Maui that reviewers claim serve the very best, and Oao is one of them. Oao (pronounced “wow”) has three goals: outstanding dishes, amazing service, and high-quality produce. The fish is sourced from the freshest (and closest) source, and although local ingredients are used as much as possible, they keep the cookery authentic to its Japanese roots. A great lunch spot, the happy hour runs from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily, where you can expect up to 30 percent off select rolls, foods, and beverages.
Oao: 34 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei, HI 96753
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Photo: Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Rating: 9.1 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)
Nalu’s South Shore Grill is a busy seafront spot crammed from breakfast to lunch with locals and visitors. If you can get a table, it’s where you want to eat during the day in Kihei. Expect a laid-back atmosphere, ocean views, and a fun all-day breakfast menu (with dishes like Nalu’s Lolo Moco made with homemade organic tofu and chicken and waffles served with crisp applewood smoked bacon and brown butter). Lunch can go in many directions. There are dishes such as the mountainous quinoa bowl, homemade crab cakes with Kumu Farms organic greens, a slow-roasted pork shoulder burger, and Pacific Mahi Mahi sautéed with lilikoi-piccata vinaigrette. The kid’s menu is a welcoming touch with loaded grilled cheese, tempura battered Mahi Mahi and chips, and a smashed meatball teriyaki bowl.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill: 1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Fond
Photo: Fond
Rating: 9.1 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.5 Yelp)
Fond serves predominantly modern Hawaiian cuisine. For dinner, you might want to change out of your swimmers as this is an upscale establishment. Known for its creative menu, impeccable service, and stunning ocean views, this is another place you’ll need to book in advance. Owned and operated by chef Jojo Vasquez, Vasquez, and Fond has been recognized by various awards, including the James Beard Foundation. “I have been chasing this dream since culinary school,” says Vasquez. “Our team looks forward to creating a stellar, culturally inspired, and fun dining experience for the Maui community.” On a Sunday, you can join Vasquez for his Chef’s Counter, and the Tuesday to Saturday dinner menu features plates such as Maui sirloin and catch of the day with seasonal vegetables, Maui onion soubise, and a pickled ginger remoulade.
Fond: 5095 Napilihau St suite 115, Lahaina, HI 96761
Miso Phat Sushi
Rating: 9.0 (4.6 Google Maps, 4.4 Yelp)
This family-run sushi bar is an excellent spot in Kihei for a quick bite at lunch or dinner. The business is run by Joy Steadman, who has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Miso Phat prides itself on serving the freshest sushi using high-quality fish selected daily. There’s everything you’d expect from a sushi bar — nigiri and sashimi, specialty sushi rolls, and temaki hand rolls. Reviewers suggest ordering the sharable combo platters if visiting with family or a group. Takeout is also available, ideal for those with a nearby rental or who would rather enjoy a picnic by the ocean. 
Miso Phat Sushi: 1279 S Kihei Rd #108, Kihei, HI 96753