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Situated on Maui’s western coast, Lahaina has been a melting pot of cultures over the last few hundred years. Today, this fascinating range of cultures is on full display through the eclectic cuisine available in some of the area's most popular restaurants. Whether you are planning a trip to Lahaina soon or you are a local resident, the best restaurants in Lahaina will undoubtedly delight your tastebuds. In no particular order, these are some of the popular restaurants that are rightfully known for their delicious dishes.
Mala Tavern
I start with Mala Tavern because I recently had an amazing brunch there and nothing says vacation mode like a killer brunch. They have certainly nailed the brunch menu and atmosphere. Sitting oceanfront and enjoying a specialty mimosa along with an assortment of great dishes is the best way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon. Mala Tavern is a gourmet restaurant moonlighting as a casual oceanside beach house that offers an intimate dining experience near the beach. While you enjoy its Mediterranean and Pacific Rim dishes, you can take in water views from the outdoor patio or dine indoors in a modern yet distinctly Hawaiian dining room.
The brunch and lunch menu features everything from Spicy Ahi Poke Salad and a Greek Pita Wrap to Mala Cristo(ridiculous by the way), Crab Frittata, and more. For dinner, you can sample dishes like the Huli Huli Chicken, the Seafood Brodo, and the Braised Pork Shank. Mala Tavern also has a full range of wines and cocktails to pair with your entrée. Cocktails include delights like the Honey Badger, the Ube Bang Bang, and the Front Street Swizzle.
Lahaina Grill
Lahaina Grill is a fine-dining bistro located right off of Front Street, within walking distance from the Aina Nalu, with an impressive range of menu options. It has been rated among the top restaurants in the United States by Tripadvisor and Open Table. White tablecloths and fine art decorate the dining room to elevate your dining experience. On the menu, this contemporary bistro offers a range of both Hawaiian and seafood dishes.
Some of the notable dishes to try during your next visit are the Kona Coffee Roasted Colorado Rack of Lamb, the Maui Onion and Sesame Seed Crusted Seared Ahi, and the Sauteed New Zealand Ora King Salmon Fillet. In addition to offering a variety of wines to pair with your meal, Lahaina Grille has many signature cocktails. Some of these are the Paloma, the Pho Cocktail, the Maui Mule, and the Black Manhattan.
Star Noodle
When you are in the mood for delicious Asian cuisine in Lahaina, Star Noodle will not disappoint you. It boasts a contemporary dining room with wood accents for a natural touch as well as an open-air patio overlooking the water. Celebrating the Hawaiian spirit, Star Noodle offers shared dishes for lunch and dinner, including options like Steamed Clams with Black Beans, Nuoc Cham Chicken, and Adobo Ribs.
The restaurant also specializes in noodle dishes like Hapa Ramen, Star Udon, and Garlic Noodles. The drink menu features specialty cocktails like the Asian Pear and a full range of wine and sake options that can elevate your dining experience. This is just a really fun place with a really fun menu. With their new location on Front Street, just a short bike ride from Puamana, where Aloha Mixed Plate used to be, now you can enjoy ocean views at one of Maui's best restaurants.
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Frida's Beach House
Frida's Beach House is a waterfront cantina that specializes in gourmet Mexican dishes. The dining room has a distinctly coastal feel with wood floors and exposed-beam ceilings. In the evenings, a local musician is often featured on the patio. For a delicious lunch or dinner treat, select entrees like the Mala Burrito, the Grilled Spanish Octopus, or the House-Made Chile Relleno. Tequila-based cocktails are also on the menu at Frida's Beach House, including the Desert Blossom, the Mexican Old-Fashioned, and La Familia Margarita.
This restaurant is a really fun blend of gourmet dining along with Mexican and Hawaiian culture. Perfect location and a seriously incredible collection of hand-crafted margaritas.
Ono Tacos Food Truck
If you are looking for a fast yet delicious dining option, Ono Tacos Food Truck will not disappoint you. In Hawaiian, the word Ono means "very good" and Ono Tacos is just that. This walk-up Mexican food truck is situated conveniently on Honoapiilani Highway in a small shopping outlet at the end of Papalaua Street. Whether you make a to-go order or you dine at one of the outdoor tables nearby, you can enjoy taco options featuring steak, chicken, fish, shrimp, and more.
There are also plenty of varieties of quesadillas, burritos, and tortas for you to try during your next visit to Ono Tacos Food Truck. They make all of their own salsa and toppings and have a bar where you can style up your tacos however you like. My personal favorite is the salad actually, you can get a salad with rice and beans on the bottom and two different types of taco meats on top. It's so Ono!
Moku Roots
Moku Roots offers a casual dining experience with a focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes. The dining room is dressed up with wood tables, bar-top seating, and a chalkboard full of menu options. A few patio tables are available as well. This farm-to-table, zero-waste restaurant has won numerous awards since it opened in 2018. The food at Moku Roots is inventive, creative, healthy, and fun.
This includes recognition from Eater’s Magazine, Yelp, Hawaii Magazine, and others. Moku Roots is open for lunch and dinner. Its vegetarian and vegan menu options include the Taro Burger, the Falafel Wrap, the Sushi-Rito, and the Blat.
Paia Fish Market on Front Street
Paia Fish Market on Front Street is a casual eatery that offers both patio dining directly on the main thoroughfare and a contemporary, laid-back interior space. Meals can also be ordered to go and picked up through the drive-thru window. Specializing in seafood, this restaurant features a range of locally-sourced fish varieties. These include Mahi Mahi, Opah, Snapper, Ahi, Ono, and others.
Charbroiled fish varieties can be served on a plate or a burger. Some of the plate prep specialty options are blackened, Cajun-style, and sauteed. Other menu options available for you to sample at Paia Fish Market on Front Street are soft tacos and quesadillas featuring shrimp, fish, or other delicious options. There is usually a very long line at any of the three Paia Fish Market locations. You can also visit them in Paia or Kihei.
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Teddy's Bigger Burgers
Teddy's Bigger Burgers is the place to go when you crave a home-cooked burger in Lahaina. This is a casual restaurant that uniquely combines the ambiance of a 1950’s dinner with a Hawaiian surf shop. All burgers are hand-crafted using fresh-chilled ground chuck with no fillers. The restaurant is known for its Super Sauce and Teddy’s Teriyaki Sauce.
All burgers can be customized to the diner’s specifications. Some of the options are the Biggest Burger, the SOB, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, the Mahi Sandwich, and others. Teddy's Bigger Burgers is also known for its milkshakes and soda floats. This is a chain burger joint that has sister locations in Honolulu, Kailua, Kaneohe, and beyond. Be on the lookout for their Cajun Tater Tots and a delicious off-menu item known as the Crossfit Burger, a bunless burger with avocado, bacon, and a side of their famous Teddy's sauce.
How Many Of These Restaurants in Lahaina Have You Tried?
These 8 of the best restaurants in Lahaina each offer unique dishes that highlight the area’s culture in delicious ways. Whether you are planning an amazing trip to the area and want to sample local cuisine or you are simply interested in visiting some of the recognized restaurants in Lahaina, these are 8 places that I've tested many times and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. After you've enjoyed a delicious meal, there are plenty more things to do in Lahaina.
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