Was recommended to us and we made reservations. Food was bad and way overpriced. Hostess was not helpful at all. If you're already in the area, go to David Paul's just a few blocks down and across the street instead. Better food, better service, same view.
(1)
Aaron B.
Great view! Awesome food. Top service. What more could anyone ask for?!?!?! It was expensive - next time I'm in Maui, I'd go back... but I'll wait for a special occasion to spend the $200 for 5 people we spent yesterday.
(4)
Wog W.
Delicious. Every dish we ordered was between good and phenomenal.
(4)
Brad B.
The place is nice. The service was great and the food was fair but over priced. The service made up for over priced fair food.
(4)
M M.
Our second visit to Mala had a high bar to clear after our amazing first visit...and I actually enjoyed it more the second time through. As a starter we had the ahi bruschetta - possibly one of the best apps I have ever had. The freshness and taste of the ingredients was superb. If you like tomatoes and ahi you won't be disappointed! Our server was very accomodating, knew the menu well, and clearly enjoyed working at Mala.
(5)
Roman M.
Best part is the view and the food was the best we had in Maui. Don't miss it!
(4)
Susan B.
Great food a little expensive too many flies and a bit crowded
(4)
Steven K.
This is the best meal we've ever enjoyed in Hawaii, period. Blows away all the other over-rated places (M_mas, R_ys, etc). Instead of the "standard" fare the chef creates something special. For instance, the vegetables were local, organic and very creatively prepared - the brussel sprouts were among the best vegis we've ever enjoyed. Of course the fish and steak were done to perfection in interesting combinations. If there is only two of you, insist on the tables by the water. You'll be eating 5-star food, enjoying your drinks and watching the turtles frolic in the cove. It really doesn't get any better than this.
(5)
Lucy E.
Mala has been fabulous both times I've eaten there; the food is fresh and flavorful and the cocktails won't disappoint. Between the 4 of us we had the Gado Gado Salad (fabulous), the Chinese tofu salad (yum... probably one of the best vinaigrette's I've had), the spicy lamb pita (delicious, low on spice though) and the Balinese stir fry with island fish (so good). We all loved our lunch and loved our cocktails just as much (they have one of the best Mai Thai's I've had anywhere). The service was excellent as well, our waitress was the perfect balance of attentive and knowledgeable without being too "clingy". Prices aren't cheap but it was all well worth it. Definitely sit on the patio if you can find a table.
(5)
M M.
Best meal and best evening I had in Maui. So good we went twice. Food was super fresh, drinks were perfect and the view is as good as it gets, especially if you are lucky enough to get an ocean front table! I don't think we were going to get one but someone was being a total asshole and demanding it from the owner. We were just happy to be there instead of....anywhere else in the world. So being nice pays off!
(5)
Jack M.
If you are not seated outside, LEAVE. Last night's dinner was a miserable experience. First, Mala IS overpriced by Lahaina standards. And, as with many Maui restaurants, the chef tries too hard to make nearly everything a signature dish. Simple preparations are few. Inside seating is unacceptable due to the noise and crowding. Denny's has better atmosphere. Seats at the bar entrances feature guests jossling diners and a constant crush of servers and bussers. Mall used to be a once/twice weekly visit. Now it is off my list.
(1)
Andee F.
Hubby and I shared the big fat greek salad which was neither greek or big.Needed someting like just maybe a little salt.The we got the fish special,it was enjoyable but once again quite small for $38.It was on a bed of 2 kinds of mashed potatoes which were quite good.All in all I won't be returning.Great service though!
(3)
Christina B.
very good food (the edamame and salsa are great, and it comes in this really cool lava stone bowl). The garlic cheese bread is awesome, and the adult mac n cheese is surprisingly good (it's got blue cheese and mushroom- which I was skeptical about, but they made it work). I had this potato and onion soup, which was also tasty. The drinks are Strong- I had the Mala monkey drink with banana liquer... good but strong. the waitstaff there was particularly nice and helpful. And the sights! oh the sights! you can sit right up on the beach and watch the sunset during dinner. overall, definitely a place to check out.
(4)
Alison T.
I heard about Mala from a Maui local, I was expecting a good meal but it was awesome! I highly recommend getting a reservation 30-45 minutes before sunset and waiting if necessary to sit on the deck. The location was as good as it can get. The service was great, laid back, attentive, and our server had some great recommendations. They have a great wine list and great things on the menu with a little twist to each. Definitely save room for the flour-less chocolate cake, delicious!
(5)
Daniel A.
I have lived here for the last 26+ years and this is my favorite place to go. They even serve the awesome Maui Brewing Company beers on tap. Ono pupus!
(5)
Kimberly N.
My husband and I spent our delayed honeymoon in Maui for one week in December, in the midst of an extremely stressful time. Mala was recommended by a dear friend of ours, and we were not disappointed. We called ahead to make reservations, but on this night, we may not have needed them. We sat on the ocean-side patio at sunset and watched the boats rock in the harbor. Our server was absolutely exquisite. He was relaxed, approachable and honest as we inquired into the different plates offered. Upon his recommendations, we started with the calamari and found it to be exquisite. The sauce was an unexpected cilantro-flavored surprise. I ordered the 1-lb of clams for my entree and my husband, with the guidance of our server, again, ordered the fresh fish, which, on this day, was Mahi. The clams, well, I wanted to weep, they were so delicious. One pound of clams is a huge amount, but I finished every single morsel off, and I even craved more upon finishing. My husband LOVED his Mahi, and when I had a taste, found the Mahi to be perfectly cooked, nearly melting in my mouth. I believe we ordered dessert, though, today, I cannot recall it. The entire experience was exquisite, and Mala remains a restaurant we continue to talk about, even months after leaving. When we return to Maui, we will most definitely return to Mala.
(5)
Erin C.
mala was definitely an unexpected surprise - we came here on a recommendation, but were a bit skeptical given the weird location behind the cannery mall and word "tavern" in the name. once we sat down, however, all skepticism flew out the window. the dishes here are both unique and amazingly good. the edamame hummus to start is awesome - i'll be shocked if it doesn't become the next big craze. i had the sashimi stir fry for a main course and it was delicious, too - the wine list was also nicely paired with the food. even though its not on the main lahaina strip, its still right on the water, which makes for a great view and atmosphere. we'll definitely be back - i mean, we haven't even tried the cocktails yet. . .
(5)
Kanani P.
Agree that food and service is very excellent. But, 5 stars depends on one very important thing: sit at a table by the railing. The view is spectacular, your are almost in the water. But, if you're not sitting right on the railing, you're missing out on the single most spectacular thing about this restaurant. If you sit on the patio, but not on the railing, you're still outside and it's pretty darn nice. But, if you're inside - and especially if you're not even near a window - you're missing out on the whole experience of Mala Ocean Tavern.
(5)
erica t.
This is a must if staying on the west side of Maui. We ate at Mala on the last night of our stay in Maui, and wished we had gone earlier in our stay so we could have gone back. The food was wonderful, the waiters were very friendly, and the scenery was amazing. And their lava flow cocktail was the best I had on the island!
(5)
Jake Z.
We were very excited to try this place, sat down to an incredibly scenic table overlooking the ocean at sunset. Fear set in as we got to minute fifteen with no waiter in site, the only reason I was not unbearably cranky at this point was their delicious edamame(sp?) dip that they give you when you sit down. I said thank you to the guy filling my water cup the first four times but on the fifth time without seeing my waiter the surliness became to creep out. Then finally our waiter shows up and this is where the crankiness ended. After this the service was incredibly swift and flawless so I have to forget any earlier mentioned animosity. The mojitos were delicious, and then came the apps. Coconut shrimp to share and oyster shooters for me, fantastic. My wife ordered the ahi burger and I had the fish stir-fry. Dinner not only delivered but it knocked our socks off, there are few times when a dining experience really hits a home run for someone as jaded as I and this was one of those times. The price was high but not unbearably so, however we are looking forward to return for lunch and enjoy this experience for medium charge.
(5)
Ryan K.
The food was just wow! Everything was good. Starting with the edamame guacamole and tomatillo salsa, which was wonderfully flavorful, then moving to the baby fried calamari, which was every so lightly breaded and fried and served with what I could only describe as some sort of cilantro aioli. For the main course I had the seared Ahi sashimi, which you have the choice of mild, medium or spicy. I chose the spicy, and I wouldn't have called it spicy, but it was a nice tangy sauce with a little kick to it. For desert, the chocolate and fruit bread pudding, served with some fresh fruit and a sitting on a caramel glaze. It was superb. We arrived about 4:45, and I think if we had come later, a reservation might have been needed, as the restaurant very quickly started filling about 5:15ish. I will most definitely be back the next time I'm in Maui. The staff was pleasant, courteous and efficient. I'm not sure it would have been possible to have been better.
(5)
Billy P.
Mala is packed with people who love and take pride quality food and service, from the Valet to the Chef. We eat here every time we visit the island and have eaten almost everything on the menu and never had a bad bite. Great view, waves crash again the rock wall, turtles swimming by at dusk, fun drinks, with farm to table dishes that are healthy and thoughtful. It will be your fav spot on Maui.
(5)
Saehee K.
My husband and I just had dinner here and we rate it 2 stars for couple reasons: The food was average. We had ordered the Seafood Pasta and Fish of the day. They were both $40+. Let's just say we've had better seafood pasta and it wasn't $40. I had big chunks of ginger in my pasta which threw off the pasta taste every time I got a ginger piece. The Fish of the day didn't have much taste... We had better fish at Mama's Fish House. I still would've given this place a 3 stars based on food and view. But... The price. Outrageous for what we got. So 2. Oh and the view... Great view/location. But you might have flies as your dinner company.
(2)
Steven B.
We found this place by accident on the way to checking into our hotel. The seating right off the water is what got our attention, and we thought we had found a burger joint. When we saw the menu, we almost left. Almost everything seemed to be either $19 or $27. My wife was hungry though, and decided to try the Kobe cheese burger. I decided to try the Hoisin Ribs. The ribs were cooked perfectly, with a very good sauce. They were served on a mound of purple yam (ube), with another good sauce surrounding it. The ribs tasted great, and $19 seemed OK given the location. The Kobe burger was cooked to order correctly, with good bacon and blue cheese, but even with the good fries $19 seemed a little high. The banana, strawberry, and mango smoothie my wife had was very good. I tried an Arnold Palmer (iced tea, lemonade and guava), but didn't care for it. Since I had never had one before, I didn't count that in the rating. Overall, we had good to very good food, that was somewhat overpriced. The great view, and the appearance of two very large sea turtles that came to feed seemingly right outside my table's window easily made up for it this time, but I'm not sure I would want to pay that much again without the added novelty of new flavors and the turtles. There were other things on the menu that looked interesting, but my time here is limited, so I probably won't be back. A final positive note: the service was very good, and they were genuinely friendly. Update: After reading other Yelp reviews, and looking at all of the pictures, I am less impressed with what we got for the money. We were not offered any appetizers, like the chips and salsa shown in a lot of the pics. My Hoisin Ribs were just served on a mound of mashed purple yams with a sauce around it, nothing else. All the other pics show this also accompanied by a good mix of veggies and tomatoes. At the end of the meal, instead of telling us about all of their good desserts (per other Yelp reviews), the waitress just said "you probably don't want any dessert." That was it. Maybe we got there on a bad day, or they hadn't re-supplied recently, I don't know. Too bad it wasn't like some of the others experienced, we would have been more satisfied.
(4)
Cami F.
Definitely the place to go for a delicious fish dish. The sauce in their Ahi Tuna with Mash Potato dish was amazing. My husband finished the sauce around the Tuna after eating the rest. It was truly a unique experience, much better than in other larger restaurants in Maui. I had the catch of the day, and it was great, but if I went back I would order the Ahi, because the sauce was amazing. The service was aso exceptional!
(5)
Christina N.
Great restaurant! We made a reservation via open table and was lucky enough to get a seat outdoors with ocean view. Hood canal oyster shooters - Loved it so much we ordered more, but with light ponzu. There was too much ponzu the first time round and it drowned the sweetness of the oyster. Goes well with the fresh chives ;) Ahi tartare - Love the freshness of the ahi as well as the romaine lettuce. It was so fresh, sweet and crisp I could probably eat 3 of that dish. We shared a seafood pasta - love the fresh pasta and it was extremely rich with lots of seafood in every bite. In fact, I ran out of pasta and there was still seafood on the plate. yum. Definitely one of the best seafood pastas I've had! Macadamia nut ice cream dessert was awesome, as well as the godiva chocolate martini. Mmm. Perfect for my sweet tooth. Recommended!
(5)
Mike L.
Great sunset location, good food and drinks. The location was great for sunset dinner. The drinks were good, a bit heavy on the juice for my Mai Tai but still good. The ahi bruschetta was awesome. Seared ahi entree was also very fresh and tasty.
(4)
Darlene M.
I honestly had a tramatic experience from this restaurant. My husband and I walked in and was greeted by the host. He wasn't as friendly as I thought he would be. My husband asked for the best seat in the house and he sat us in the back patio over looking the ocean. It was a nice night. I started off with a pau pineapple martini which was delicious! It was mixed with Pau Vodka, which was made in Maui, amaretto, and a splash of pineapple juice. It was quite lovely. My husband had a mojito. It was good, but when I tasted his drink, it was a little too strong for me. As for my entree, I ordered the Adult Mac and Cheese! Cheese heaven!! The cream sauce they used was a mushroom type cream sauce, mozzarella cheese, maytag blue cheese and pecorino, which is a type of sheep milk. It was rich and creamy. There was a little too much cream sauce. I could do with less cream sauce! My husband ordered a type of flat bread made with garlic oil, red onions, feta cheese, and parsley. It has a nice crunch to it. Not soggy at all! It was delicious. During our dinner, my husband got up from his seat and started hitting my shoulder so hard. I was a bit confused and the guest around us was a bit confused. There was a huge beetle on my shoulder from the ocean! Then it a swarm of beetles were crawling up people's legs and one landed on a older ladies dinner because it made it on her shirt! When she got up it fell! The employees said that we should of expected things like this to happen since we're in Hawaii! I'm sorry, in San Francisco, a restaurant will closed down if there is any kind of rodent in the restaurant! It ruined my appetite and couldn't bring the leftovers home because the beetle landed in my dinner that they still made us pay for!
(3)
Art H.
I know, but it truly is the best Mai Tai; not sweet, great ballance. Annie our server was attentive and sweet. I'll be back.
(5)
Sander L.
Wow. What a crap hole. Sorry to be so crude, but there's only one honest way to describe this restaurant. You'll thank me later. It's really unfortunate, because it's clear so many tourists are sucked into this racket, just like we were. It's just a really bad product, served in a dingy dark environment. I suspect the reason everything is kept so dark is because you'd be horrified to see the actual condition of the carpet or furniture, or much worse, what's on your plate. This restaurant pretends to be high-end, with its ocean side location, signature cocktails, and a lot of hub-bub about the specials and fresh ingredients. Don't be fooled. My wife summed it up nicely. It's understandable if one dish is f@cked up, but a failure on all levels is exactly that. A failure. To be fair, the staff was very friendly all around. But that's the only positive I can eek out. After leaving the restaurant I felt absolutely robbed. $120 for two, and we couldn't wait to leave. Anyone with pedestrian cooking skills could produce better results in their hotel villa kitchen, and be left with an extra hundred bucks in their pocket.
(1)
Gabriela W.
The salsa and chips they bring out for you at the start of the meal? So good. It's not a fancy looking joint. It reminds me of Puerto Alegre in San Francisco. The prices however, do not. Salads are $17+ and entrees are $26+. I expected epic food, all of it, epic..... I started with the fried tofu with coconut/peanut sauce. Meh, boring flavor. Don't recommend it. For my entree I had the tomato and burrata salad with figs, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, and flaxseed bread. Ok, that was amazing. Seriously amazing. Would I go back? If I'd been blown away by everything I ate, yes, but I wasn't.
(4)
Ryan L.
We walked from Kaanapali village to Lahaina and found the most amazing "Mala" breakfast joint along the way... Such great food, and we were literally one step from crashing waves.
(5)
Adam C.
I came here for an early dinner and sat outside on the covered patio with an amazing sunset view. The fish was so fresh compared to anything I've had in Los Angeles however like some reviewers have written, it was extremely warm out and even too warm inside the restaurant. I'd definitely come here again when I'm in Maui, but I think the restaurant needs to be cleaned up a bit inside and out. The interior could look so much sleeker if they fixed it up a little more and installed some nice ceiling fans inside and outside on the patio.
(3)
Anand V.
Great for breakfast . And amazing sticky bun that we got complimentary ! Try to get a table near the ocean front .
(5)
Rachel M.
Delicious lamb sausage Benedict! Friendly service. Reasonable prices. Sea Turtles swimming 12feet from our table. Casual oceanfront dining. A minor facelift/renovation to bring decor up to date and this place would be 5 stars!
(4)
Chris B.
The oyster shooters were the primary draw to this beautiful little gem. They sit on the north side of Lahaina, which is just out of reach of the tourist foot traffic. The scenery is what you would expect of a beachside restaurant: open, airy and sonically majestic with the crash of the waves as the tide rolls within feet of your table. I started with 2 oyster shooters. They were unpretentious in presentation, which you would expect, right? They're just shots of vodka with oysters. But, no they are oysters, Ponzu, Wasabi, Tobiko Caviar and chives swimming in vodka. They may be the most complex and arrogant oyster shooter on the face of this planet, but they are incredibly appealing in flavor and so welcoming you will follow up your original order with another...and another. That's exactly what I did. We also ordered the house made olives, Calamari and the stir fried Brussel sprouts. All were fresh and flavorful with pricing that would leave you with more budget to order up yet another Oyster Shooter! My 6-year old boy, Stratton was content with picking off our plates more than eating off the kids menu. He did enjoy the free ice cream that accompanied it though and they gave him a cool little toy when it was all said and done: a nice touch. The service was friendly, personable, timely and down to earth making you comfortable the entire journey. If you have a chance ask for Diane...she may not be a native, but she certainly carries the native spirit. Unfortunately, they don't sell little bottles of her to take home with you. Now, onto the Mai Tai. They note they won Bacardi's Mai Tai Challenge in Maui. That's not surprising. The use of Bacardi Orange adds some great flavor and there's no question this is 100% fresh fruit juice. This Mai Tai is as comparable to your favorite Sunday Bloody Mary: it's as much of a meal as it is a drink and that's not because of the fruit hanging on the side of the glass. Their note should have mentioned this Mai Tai will leave you in the Aloha spirit...smiles and buzzing. Ahhhhhhloha! Mahalo Mala Ocean Tavern. We'll be back again.
I came here and I ordered the Toro burger. We also ordered the bruschetta. The bruschetta was a disappointment, maybe because it was hyped up by the guy at the door and the waitress. Now comes the fun part. When I put the burger to my mouth it burnt my cheeck! Yea. The burger burnt the cheek close to my mouth. It hurt like h*ll. I allowed it to cool down and it was not good. Now I see why the they believe the bruschetta to be so delicious. Anyways the next day I have a scab on my face from that burger. It's vacation so I've been trying to let it go. But please Mr.Cook that's not right that burger should have never burnt me. I called the restaurant and the owner has yet to call me back. Shame Almost a week and still no call.
(1)
G B.
Lovely place for sunset dinner! Ahi tuna dinner, beet salad with a glass of wine was the perfect ending to the day after a long flight!
(5)
Kim W.
This restaurant is phenomenal both in ambiance and food. Outdoor patio tables have an amazing view of the sunset! We ordered a bottle of bubbly, their Mai Tais, the ahi bruschetta, coconut shrimp and the fresh fish. All dishes were amazing and the coconut shrimp was the best that we had on our entire trip (and we visited four of the Hawaiian islands!!) This restaurant is a must for anyone visiting Maui!
(5)
Andrea L.
Mala Ocean Tavern came highly recommended from a friend ours and after our fabulous experience here, I will now sing their praises as well. Mala was the best meal I had in Maui. I'm not gonna lie- the food is great, but this place rocks simply because the restaurant sits right up against the ocean. Waves lap the side of the wall and the whole room is wrapped in windows, so if you get there in time for the spectacular Hawaiian sunset like I did, you will fall in love too. For dinner I had their fresh catch which was literally caught the same day. I'm not sure what type of fish it was, but it was delicious. It was served in a yellow curry type sauce with mashed potatoes and veggies. It was a delightful dinner. My husband ordered the Asian fried chicken which was so good he said it was the best fried chicken he's ever had. I have to agree. It was juicy, tender, and crispy. This dish is beautifully plated with purple mashed sweet potatoes which were so creamy and sweet I'm pretty sure I ate most them! lol There is a full bar. Service is fantastic. Ambiance is comfortable, casual and did I mention it's right on the water?! If you can't make it for dinner, they have a really great brunch on the weekends too! Reservations are recommended! Aloha! xo
(5)
Saminda W.
Great food here but hella expensive, yo. The ahi bruschetta is as good as they say but quite pricey ($15 for two pieces, $28 for four pieces). Glad I tried it but wouldn't spend the money again. For my entree, I had the ahi sashimi with mashed potatoes in shiitake mushroom ginger sauce. It was pretty good but, again, not sure it's worth $44. Had better dishes in SF for significantly cheaper. Service was friendly and sort of mellowed out the noise from the loud obnoxious patrons sitting next to us. It's kind of sad to see a 50 year-old dude so wasted that he spills his wife's champagne all over the table. Time to call it a night, friend. Think we will stick to the lower priced joints, fish is just as fresh and the vibe a lot chiller at those places.
(4)
Stephanie S.
We found this place one yelp so we decided to check it out. My husband and I are on our honeymoon and being our first time in Maui we've relied on yelp a lot. This place did not disappoint. First we started with 2 oyster shooters, which were phenomenal. We then shared a Mahi Mahi ceviche. Ive only had a shrimp ceviche because I don't like my food too fishy. This was perfect. We ordered the clams and the seared ahi which were better then we expected they would be. Also our drinks were a hibiscus martini. Now I usually stay away from martinis for fear of being too strong, but this was perfect. And you could eat the flower. It tasted like a fruit roll up. Service and food were great. The price was a little expensive but well worth it for what you are getting. We ended with a sorbet since my husband is lactose. Amazing!
(5)
Cheryl R.
The view is awesome! We just left Mala and both my daughter and myself are feeling sick. Something made us sick there. We let the management know and he told me to wait until tomorrow to see how I felt. I will contact the health department tomorrow about my concerns. It is unfortunate that we wanted to have a nice evening out but it was ruined by bad food or something.
(1)
Karen H.
This place did not live up to our expectations. It was pretty but tables were so close together and it was really hot. My husband had the smallest piece of fish he has ever gotten for 45.00, he was truly disappointed and said he would never go back. My ribs were good and nice portion size.
(2)
Phil T.
Great food. Good staff. But the bugs that fell into our food was not. They moved us and promptly reset the table under the insect attracting lifht Thus the 3 stars.
(3)
Vanessa F.
I read this was one of the best spots for dinner on island and had to make reservations. The hubs and I decided to go early to see the sunset and enjoy some happy hour cocktails. We were treated with a happy hour menu and awesome seats right next to the crashing waves. We watched the sun slowly set and could spot crabs on the rocks beside us as the tide came in. For cocktails, I highly recommend the refreshing and not too sweet hibiscus-cosmo-ish I had with an edible hibiscus flower. Delicious! Also, the oyster shooters are about the best we've had anywhere on the planet. The ceviche was good but we would have opted for another round of oysters if we had the choice. We weren't in a hurry and the wait staff didn't push. We split the fish special - the fresh opakapaka (pink snapper) fried and served on a bed of sides (purple sweet potatoes, mushroom, cream sauce, rice, & veggies). It was delicious and quite a lot of food for two people. We wanted to try opakapaka once while we were on island and it was magical. Hubs had the bread pudding for dessert, and while not memorable, my signature dessert was simple perfection - chocolate caramel sauce and a plate full of fruit with vanilla macadamia nut ice cream. Probably one of our best meals on island - a pleasant surprise. We learned this spot is beloved by tourists and locals alike. A must stop in Lahaina!
(5)
Angela K.
Favorite spot in Maui --- and this time........ i found out kamaaina discount of 40% while sitting at the bar!!!!!!!! WHAT! omgz best deal ever!!! (if you sit elsewhere in the restaurant you still get 10% kamaaina) Thank you for always the great food and service- always my stop when I'm in Maui
(5)
Kippi L.
If driving by safely make your way back in a hurry. I'm inly half way through the hummus plate and I stopped to tell you about it. Flavorful, perfect consistency. The bread hot and soft. Ok crud my Mahi sandwich just arrived. Gotta go.
(5)
Angela A.
Are you the type of foodie who strives for that "perfect" bite? You know when you take a little of everything on that plate and then slowly place it on your tongue so that you can taste every exploding flavor? If so, THIS is the restaurant for you. Chef/Owner Mark Edelman does this for you in his creations. He also uses, locally organically grown produce and fresh FRESH ingredients. So what did we have? We started with two appetizers, the Crunchy Calamari and their signature dish the Seared Ahi Bruschetta. The calamari was good, but it did not overwhelm either one of us. If you only have room for one starter plate, pick the seared ahi bruschetta, it is amazing. There are deep flavors, layered that just make your mouth very happy. The edamame puree and the flax seed toast are great base to the fresh, peppered seared ahi, it is finished off with tomato and sprouts (I never asked what kind), but just delicious. You can order a full or half order (2 or 4 pieces). I promise you it's a filling appetizer and if you are planning on having an entree do not over do it. For our main courses we ordered the Balinese Stir Fry and the Adult Mac n Cheese. If you have read my reviews before, you will have gleamed that I am a mac n cheese snob. I rarely will give glowing reports to one (since I love mine the best), but I have to tell you. This mac is so different and SO good that it deserves a glowing review. Once again Chef Mark has layered his flavors. The base is properly cooked elbow macaroni in a creamy mushroom sauce, then he tops the base with wonderful large meaty slices of mushrooms and then finishes it off with layers of wonderful strong flavored cheeses. A meld of pungent maytag, pecorino and melted mozzarella. Again, it was SO easy to get that "perfect" bite, use a spoon, you will want every bit of that wonderful mushroom cream. What I love about his cooking is that even though he is using a variety of ingredients you can taste EACH one. I attribute that to the use of quality and fresh ingredients. Just YUM. Hubby loved his stir fry. He, as always, changed it up and added fish and chicken to his and they just did a fabulous job with the layered flavors. If you love stir frys, this is an excellent choice. He tells me the organic brown rice was outstanding. The servers here are very friendly and helpful, they come out often to check on you. However food service is slow and island paced. So, it helps if you get a seat on the patio, so you at least have a gorgeous view to look out on. If you are here during whale season, keep you eyes out on the horizon, it's amazing what you will see. I took some great photos from our seats and will post them for you to see. None of the food though. It took so long for our food to come out and we were starving so we dived right in. A couple of notes: If you can't find parking, don't despair half a block away is Safeway and the Cannery, go park in that lot, it is allowed. Also if you order iced tea, ask them to put a splash of guava in it, it is EXCELLENT and you won't have to use a sweetner.
Right on the water. Good selections of fresh food and great friendly service. Fish sandwich (choice of grilled or fried) for lunch comes with fries or for a coulle of bucks more a salad. Mahi mahi was the fresh fish of the day and it was cooked perfectly. Their ahi bruscheta appetizer was great.
(5)
Nancy P.
Five stars across the board. We stumbled upon this little ocean tavern when coming into Lahaina for dinner and noticed a brunch sign. Took notes for the following day and decided to check it out. All tables have an open view of the exposed ocean front which is already a great way to start my day. We decided to sit at the bar and get a nice panoramic view. Our bartender, Haddy, greeted us with cheer and enthusiasm! She gave us a few suggestions and we decided to go with the seared ahi bruschetta and the mala Benny. Both served on local flax & grain toast-- to die for!! Attention to detail paid on every aspect of the meal. Plus, Haddy told us where we could get our hands on some of that tasty bread (across the street, "The Bakery"). Amazing experience all around!
(5)
Eliza B.
We loved this little place, recommended to us by family members who live on Maui. It is not fancy looking but the food and the view are extraordinary. The hummus appetizer was great but my fave was the ceviche. I daydream about going back.
(4)
A K.
Mala has a valet parking for you. You have amazing ocean view from your table. Clams - flavorful and light Beet salad- tasty! They are specialized in seafood. It was really fresh and delicious. The place is romantic and cool.
(4)
Tess V.
The food was delicious! My family and I sat at the bar to avoid waiting too long. I had the full size of the ahi bruschetta which was delicious! My brother had the seafood pasta which he has ordered many times before and my mom and grandma split the Balinese stir fry. The bartender - Lisa- was fantastic at keeping everyone happy and made us feel right at home. Major kudos to her! The one and only issue we had was that the air conditioner unit hanging above the bar was dripping water or fluid down landing in and near our food and drinks. That's the only thing making this a 4 star instead of 5 star review.
(4)
kelly l.
A good friend of mine recommended this place and I am ever so grateful. I was lucky enough to go in a date night with my hubby last night. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and our server, Diane, was outstanding. For our first course, we ordered the oyster shooters, ahi tuna tartare, for our main course, we had wok fried whole fish. The presentation for the fish was beautiful and for dessert....we went simple....macadamia nut ice cream and passion fruit sorbet. Definitely a place to try!!!!!
(5)
Elyse R.
Fabulous food. Awesome ocean front. Waves lapping up on you as you done. Best Mojitos on island. Delicious brunch. Fabulous servers!
(5)
Sumaiyya Z.
We came here on our first night in Maui. What a great way to start our vacation! Per other yelp reviewers, we ordered the ahi bruschetta to start off with. The flavors mended so well together. For dinner, I ordered the mahi mahi ala plancha. Omg, this dish was divine. The fish was perfect cooked, the sauce was delicious. The mashed potatoes were okay, but I think it went well with the whole dish. I also ordered a virgin lava flow, which was really good!
I honestly don't know how this place rates 4 stars. Admittedly the service was fantastic. They had our table set with bread on the table before I could dig my cell phone out of my pocket. Where it goes wrong, though, is the food. The menu reads well and there's lots of talk about fresh caught seafood, but everything is on flavor overkill. We had the house special bruschetta to start which was decent, but would have been much better if the balsamic didn't overpower the flavor of the fresh tomato and mozzarella. What really sunk the ship for me was the fresh fish stirfry. It sounded great on the menu with a nice locally caught white fish and stir fried vegetables, but the delivery was amateur. It was covered knee-deep in teriyaki sauce. I actually comment to my wife that they put chicken in by accident. Sure the fresh caught fish would have been great if I could taste it over the sauce. Throw in the fact the dish was $38 and I'm not impressed. With all the great seafood and fresh vegetables on the doorstep I'm baffled that'd they kill everything with over the top flavors. Let the food speak for itself.
(2)
avruch j.
First, we waited 30 minutes and seemed to have a similar experience as G Tyler R on 4/7. We arrived early and got seated late. We ordered Calamari which was only average. My son had the burger ordered medium rare and it came out overcooked. My wife had the quartet as a dinner and all 4 dips were from fair to poor. Babaganoush was acidic with too much lemon, the feta mix was overly salty and inedible. Have had better humus from Safeway in the container. I wanted the whole fish prepared in the wok and they didn't have any whole fish. I went with the dish anyway and the fish was swimming in sauce. Tasty, but not worth $49. Service was uneven at best. The valet parking attendants were the nicest of the bunch. Hard to fathom as one of the best in Lahaina. First time there, last time there....
OMG, this was the second time this trip to this awesome oceanside restaurant in Lahaina! Both times we amazing! We have been enjoying Mark Ellman's restaurants since his Avalon days and are so happy that his culinary style continues and still delights. The food at Mala was incredibly well prepared and so tasty! We've never been so satisfied and "tummy happy" after a meal! If you go there please do yourself a favor and order their Ahi Bruchetta and the steamed Manilla Clams with Grilled Pita; you won't regret it! Perhaps the best part was the wonderful waitstaff at Mala! Both Ari and Rachel were absolutely incredible! Rachel even walked over to Mala's sister restaurant, Honu, to get us a different dipping sauce for their awesome fried calamari starter! Everything she promised (non-rubbery calamari, amazingly fresh and delicious mango margaritas) Mala delivered! Can't recommend this restaurant highly enough! Thanks for some amazing experiences!
(5)
Angela R.
While sister restaurant Honu Seafood and Pizza has prettier interior, I preferred our Mala meal. Very creative menu and flavor combinations. I think what they do best is vegetables, seasonings, sauces. The garlic spinach with roasted eggplant that came with the fish of the day was excellent, as was the mushroom appetizer. I especially appreciated how our server gave us her favorites as soon as she walked up, which turned out to be a pretty reliable guide.
(4)
Ro C.
Oyster shooters were awesome! I had the Opah special and that was solid. My husband had fried chicken of all things and it was amazing! Ginger and coconut glazed.
(4)
G Tyler R.
"Meh. I've experienced better." That description of two stars on yelp perfectly embodies my feeling about Mala Ocean Tavern where my wife and I ate last night. We arrived early and had a drink at the next door Hanu Seafood and Pizza which was lovely and we should have stayed, despite having the same owner as the soon-to-be-dissapointed-by Mala. We arrived at Mala 10 minutes before our reservation time of 7pm to be told our table would open shortly and we could wait in the bar if we like. The hostess rewrote our name on a wait list 4-5 entries deep. No problem. We elbowed our way into the bar area, crowded with our waiting cohorts and had a delicious, albeit NYC priced ($7) pint. Time passed. More time passed. Until finally, my wife could take it no longer and she inquired as to the status of our reservation (or walk in wait list as it would appear) - we were seated, without apology, immediately at one of the few open deuces. 40 minutes late and 50 minutes after we arrived. FWIW the waitress and bus boy (who delivered stale chips and tasty edemame puree) both apologized for the wait and their service was good all night. The food ranged from delicious to middling. On the delicious end my wife and I shared the Ahi Bruschetta, on the good end I had the hoisin ribs and on the middling end my wife ate the seafood pasta. All of it was absolutely terribly overpriced... It would have been overpriced in manhattan. It was criminally overpriced, and not very good (excepting the Ahi). In closing, to quote my wife "Mala was a total fail!" The overpriced, overhyped hotbox of a restaurant was poorly managed, and thus far a real lowlight of our vacation, I really wish we didn't waste a dinner here. I don't know if this was an off night, if this is a tourist trap or if our standards are too high but i would actively recommend staying away from Mala!
(2)
Amber S.
Came in for lunch with a party of 6 during the week. We were seated quickly, our waitress introduced herself and took our drink order. I ordered a mojito ($12) Soon after we put in our food order. I ordered the ahi sandwich with mixed green side salad ($19) And we waited for over an hour for our lunch. When the food finally arrived it wasn't served at the same time. There was at least a 10 minute delay before everyone was served. The mojito and ahi sandwich was average. Service was poor, the waitress didn't let us know about the delay nor apologize and didn't check on us much. A table seated after us received their food at the same time as our table. Kitchen execution fail? Mala is next to the water, has a bar, covered patio and inside seating. Not a good restaurant for a larger party. Parking can be difficult we parked in the Safeway lot. Try their sister restaurant Honu Pizza and Seafood next door.
Our waitress Catharine was on point! We came in for one drink (recommended by a friend) and ended up with drinks, oyster shooters, cheese garlic flatbread and macadamia nut ice cream...all to die for!
(5)
Lei Z.
Food - 3 star View and location- 5 star Hubby loved their seafood pasta so much that we went back for a second time. However, both of my entrees were not to my liking. The steamed clams were too salty. The fish with the same sauce and fixings that came with the whole wok fried fish was fresh. However, the sauce was a bit too sour for my taste. The location was great. You can park at the Canary Mall across the street. The sunset view was great! Make reservation or go early if you want a table that has a view.
(4)
Joe Bob S.
An odd choice for two people who don't like seafood, but we've heard so much about the Kobe burger that we wanted to try it. Turns out, everything we had was delicious. The meal started with complementary chips, salsa, and some sort of edamame dip. This last one sounds really weird, but it was really good. We then split the famous burger. It lived up to the hype is a very delicious burger and we enjoyed the Fridays that came with it. For dessert, we have banana bread pudding. With so much banana bread on Maui, you think everybody would have thought to make bread pudding from it, but apparently not. It's a simple but great idea. This one was well executed. They have a beautiful patio for sunset, but you probably need a reservation for that. We just happened to walk in and get a table on the inside. It was plenty nice for us as we can still enjoy the sunset through the windows. It is pricey, but the portions and drinks or large. We didn't leave hungry, that's for sure.
My only regret is that I was dining alone and could not share the great experience. Service great! From being greeted to being seated. My server, Rachel, was friendly, helpful and always present but too much. I had calamari and a small portion of the Chinese chicken salad. Both fresh, and tasty, with the right amount of fresh, light sauces on the side. Stayed for as long as I could enjoying the lovely ocean-side seat. Go, you should go. No doubt.
(5)
Kristyn W.
Good food and a great view! A little more pricey than I expected, but overall a nice place to try.
(4)
Carol S.
I had such a disappointing experience here. The 1 star goes to the awful customer service. Absolutely zero aloha spirit! My family and I were looking forward to a beautiful Maui sunset dinner and this restaurant (like many others) states that a seat on the patio is first come, first serve. We race over at 4:45pm and was given the last table on the patio right by the window, making for a perfect view of that gorgeous sunset. The rest of the place was empty. I was asked to wait while they set it up. As I wait to the side, a different host, a heavier older gentlemen with brown hair, proceeded to seat a couple that walked in after us at that table. I attempted to speak to him and was completely ignored. He brushed me off and then continued to seat several other parties that walked in after my family. When he could ignore me no more, he gave me a very exasperated "what?" He then proceeds to acknowledge that he made an error but does nothing to fix it and just offers me a "there's nothing i can do now." WTF?! There's no sorry, no let me see what we can do for you. What makes it worse is he goes "have a good night" and walks away!!! So....you want me to leave now? I was confused and SO HUMILIATED. I also hate that it all went down in front of my young daughter. We didn't know what else to do but walk out. I have no words. So awful. SMH.
(1)
Louis R.
Chill. Small. Great views of the ocean. Ono grindz like fresh ceviche and oysters... I don't know about you but I'm coming here a lot once I move to Maui. Mahalo and Mele Kalikimaka, Kama'aina
(5)
Stephen F.
If you're looking to see sea turtles rather than have a pleasant dining experience, then this is the place for you! My girlfriend and I stopped in for lunch around 1:30 on a Sunday. They were still serving brunch, as most places do on weekends until 3, however half the menu was breakfast food. The selection was pretty slim if you were looking for something that didn't have eggs and bacon. The worst part was the service. It wasn't that busy, yet we sat at our table being ignored while what appeared to be the only waitress wondered around taking pictures of people with the ocean backdrop like she was some professional photographer. Not once did she or ANYONE come to our table. Not to take our drink order or even say hi. Nothing. After 20 befuddling minutes we just got up and walking out, instead going next door to Honu, which was a much better atmosphere and experience. There were sea turtles right outside swimming in the water, which is the only decent thing about this place, but even then you had to deal with all the patrons climbing over each other with their phones to take pictures and selfies. What a joke...
(1)
a w.
This is the best place that I've eaten at in Maui. The staff was extremely pleasant and our food was delicious. I had the mahi mahi, the fish was delicious but the coconut mojo sauce was out of this world. Others ordered the Asian fried chicken and the seafood pasta, both were perfect. The place has a great view of the ocean and is a bit farther down Front Street so you don't get the crowds like you do other places, it's also nice and small so the noise level isn't terrible. We had reservations for 7:30 and were seated by 7:35. I want to address the price issue that some people are having. I live in Alaska, which like Hawaii, has to have almost everything shipped to us. This causes everything to be pricey. With a few exceptions I honestly thought that most of the prices are what would pay here.
(5)
Juliet C.
Wow. A GREAT dining experience. A late review though (we were here summer 2013) My bf and I had dinner reservations because we wanted to catch the sunset during our meal. Definitely book a reservation for dinner. The whole experience was beautiful. We were seated outside right on the water and the service was excellent. Our waiter gave us some terrific recommendations. We had the ahi bruschetta, pink snapper, seared ahi, and the macadamia nut vanilla ice cream for dessert. Everything was perfect, especially because we were able to enjoy the meal with the amazing sunset in the background. Loved it!
(5)
Maureen C.
The food here was absolutely amazing. My friends and I saved this for our last dinner in Maui and it was well worth it. We shared the ahi bruschetta which was delicious and light. The bread isn't as abrasive and hard, and I didn't scrape the roof of my mouth like I usually do on bruschetta (although that never seems to stop me from ordering it). At our table, we had people order the whole fish, the seafood pasta, a pizza special of the day, and i got the seared ahi sashimi (can you tell I really like ahi?) which came with a potato puree. The potato puree!!! It was my favorite because it was so rich, smooth, and creamy. We also got bread pudding for dessert to share and that was fabulous as well. As far as I could tell, everyone loved everything they ate. It's not quite a five-star establishment because, despite the high prices, the ambiance did not fit the prices (aside from low lighting), and service was only okay. I really loved our waiter, but we had made a reservation at 8:30pm (which is already on the later side) and we were seated closer to 8:50pm. To me, honoring a reservation is extremely important and unfortunately Mala did not perform that well here. The view is probably amazing, but since we came after sunset it was already dark by the time we were seated next to the window. Because of the wide open windows, sometimes there were bugs here and there and the decor is not too clean and sleek like I had expected after looking at the menu and the cost. It's also small and kind of cramped, so be ready for that. Still, though, the food was amazing.
(4)
Ryan M.
This place came highly recommended but turned out to be average at best. The menu has things that look good at first glance, but they end up making the items that look appetizing, unappealing by putting their own "island twist" on it. The menu seems forced. We had a party of 9, and 7 of us ended up ordering cheeseburger's. That should give you some insight on the menu selection. Had a few cocktails and the bill was $350. Typical over priced Maui fare. Look elsewhere.
(3)
Chuck T.
Brunch was a la carte.. Mala caesar was good but was too watery on the first take but I sent it back and she came out with all the ingredients and I made it perfectly myself :) Loco Moco was with wild rice and a different gravy - pretty good! Lamb sausage was ordered. Eggs on tortilla chips with pico and feta - forgot what it's called..
(4)
Courtney J.
I came here for happy hour, and everything was really delicious. However, I wish I just would have come here for dinner because the prices are really not that different for happy hour. They knock a couple bucks off appetizers, and the drinks were still around $10. Of course the menu is more limited as well. The people they seated next to us were surprised as well and asked the waiter in a confused voice, "These are the happy hour prices?" I would say it's just better to come for dinner. Even though it was pricey, the drinks and food we had were top notch, so after trying a few things, we didn't mind so much. The mojito I had here was the second best mojito I've had in my life (only beaten by one I had in Thailand). The mint was so well muddled, there was a lot of fresh lime juice, and the amount of rum and sugar was perfectly balanced. The homemade sangria with rose wine, cucumber vodka, and peach liquor was incredibly refreshing and different from other sangria I'd had. The Mai Tai was the second best one I'd had on Maui. The pineapple tasted really fresh and there was a good amount of rum. These drinks were not cheap, but they were well mixed and the bartender didn't skimp on the spirits. We tried a couple of dishes even though we'd only eaten lunch a few hours earlier. Everything just looked and smelled so good! The coconut shrimp were huge (you get four) and in this amazing spicy tomato sauce. We were getting every last drop of the sauce off the plate with our forks. It was that good. The calamari were nice large crispy pieces and served with a red sauce. The best part were the little herb leaves (I think it was sage) that were fried up with it. They gave it added flavor. So not only are the food and drinks spectacular, but the view is great as well! You get to look out onto the ocean under a covered area (they do have indoor seating as well). We saw a few turtles get really close and come up to the rocks while we were there. People from another table kept getting up and jumping over the small railing around the restaurant to take pictures. I followed and did the same. Those turtles were out there about the entire time we were there. When they left, a big ray came by. This made for some exciting dining entertainment. Even though the prices were high for happy hour, the delicious food, well-mixed strong drinks, excellent service, and a fantastic view make this a five star experience. Next time I'll be back for dinner.
(5)
Josh B.
Very hot place. Crowded and beautiful view right on the water. Food was not that good and everything tastes the same. We ordered a whole fish and it had almost no flavor but cost 45. Waiter disappeared for a long time. I'd skip this place. Honu next door is better.
(1)
Megan F.
Food: A+ Location: A+ View: A+ Turtle action: A+ This is my favorite place to indulge in happy hour on Maui. Order a malarita, chow down on their brussels sprouts, and watch the turtles chilling in the waves, while the sun sets over the sailboats anchored in the distance.
(5)
Satish P.
Avoid #mala Lahaina if you want to have bland over priced sea food. We were there a day ago at #MaLa Lahaina Had a reservation for 815pm. Reached earlier and were directed to the bench outside near the water to wait. Went in to order drinks and the usher rushed to us and warned us that we were not allowed to have alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks outside when we waited. In a few minutes we were offered a table right next to the exit. We ordered the catch of the day, ceviche, and ribs. I wanted the catch of the day grilled and the server told me it was grilled if it was a fillet and not the whole fish. The fish arrived on a bed of wild rice, mashed potatoes and mashed black bean all of it some kinda of veg broth. I scratched my end and wondered if it was Mexican,Greek or home style, still thinking and it was a mere 49$ instead of 89$ for the whole fish.
(1)
Allison R.
This place is worth five stars just for the ocean/sunset view. The food? Eh. It was good, but not the most memorable meal we had when we were in Hawaii (in fact, as you see below, we can't really remember the details of it!). We had a party of four and, thanks to a reservation way in advance, were able to score a table right on the water at sunset. It was seriously stunning. Because the restaurant is on the small side, it did take a little bit past our reservation to get this table, but it was definitely worth the wait. For dinner, the husband and I shared the sauteed fresh market fish and the balinese stirfry with fresh island fish. We both remember the food being okay, but really, I couldn't tell you much about either dish. We did like the stir fry more than the sauteed fish, but we both agreed it was pretty similar to what we can make at home. I think what disappointed us was the choice in fish was so similar to what you could get back state-side (e.g., mahi mahi). We were hoping for something a bit more exotic during our time in Maui. In the end, a great view, with food that is overpriced for what you really end up with.
(3)
Kent H.
Mala Tavern is on the edge of the hustle and bustle of downtown Lahaina. It is located right on the ocean, and I got a nice seaside table. The staff was super friendly, and the menu eclectic. The local Hamakua mushroom appetizer was much larger than I anticipated with just enough garlic to make my mouth water. My date had the Balinese fish stir fry, and that was awesome as well. I had the Avalon seared ahi and I was not disappointed. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Sandra L.
We had a dinner reservation at this busy restaurant, and were quickly seated in the outside area under the awning, as it was sprinkling and windy. We had a bunch of coughing people in our group, so not everybody was ravenous, but we enjoyed our meal. My husband raved about his ahi-seared bruschetta, and his beet salad. My calarmari was ok, but bland. The seafood chowder was hearty and filling. The farm and Chinese chicken salads had very fresh greens, and nice dressings. We also tried the side of brussel sprouts which was surprisingly palatable to those who tend to avoid brussel sprouts at all costs.
(4)
Doriee D.
Huge tip from everyone, including me: Make reservations. You'll be able to skip the wait and walk past everyone while you go to your table! TEEHEE! I made reservations for our last night in Maui at Mala for dinner. I had put in a request to get a table next to a view since I've read reviews that it could be spectacular and magical ... but it didn't happen. But that's fine, I suppose. We got to see different views of the ocean while vacationing around the island during that time. It was no biggie to us. Both my friend and I ordered a lava flow as our choice of drink to start off. It was a pina colada with strawberry puree. It was amazing! It was so yummy and it definitely fit with our vacation! We also shared a calamari appetizer, which was normal. It was calamari. There wasn't anything special or fascinating about it.... And then for our entree, we each got the kobe cheeseburger. We had read amazing yelp reviews on the burger so we JUST HAD TO try it! Let me start off by saying ... the burger was HUGE. HUGE!! I think the burger was the size of my head. We had super high hopes for it ... but unfortunately, it wasn't "that" great for me. When I took a bite of it ... my response was just, "Oh. It's a burger. Cool." It didn't illicit a, "OMG OHMGGGMMGGHMMMM" response, which was what I was expecting after reading the reviews. Was it worth trying for $20? Probably not. My friend and I probably should've shared the gigantic thing. Neither of us finished our burger. In the end, decent and average. There wasn't anything memorable about this place other than it being our last meal in Maui and that the burger was bigger than our heads. I could see this place being amazing during lunch cause of the view. And maybe there were other things on the menu that would cause a gasp o f wowness with their food but it certainly wasn't the kobe burger for me.
(3)
Lauren D.
The best oyster shooters I ever had! Service was awesome and the view was incredible!
(5)
Michael D.
Great dining in the Lahaina area but with a small caveat. It's a very casual restaurant, you wouldn't assume that you're going to get incredible food here but it delivers in that arena. I got the fresh fish and my wife got the tofu stirfry. Both were great, the fish may have been some of the best I've had. While the food is delicious, it comes at a steep price. $42 for fresh fish seems high to me (even though it was awesome). I'd come back and probably order a burger. The seating is a little cramped and the sun scorched us on the patio. All said, definitely put it on the short list for places to visit in the Lahaina area as it will not disappoint, the food is worthy of its reputation.
(4)
Alphen Y.
The worst seafood restaurant we ever been. The fish tastes like chicken, so tough, no flavor. When you told the waiter the fish is so bad, they don't care. Won't come here any more. Do not suggest anybody come.
(1)
Pamela H.
Excellent food . So fresh. Literally on the ocean. We could Feel the spray. Highly recomend
(5)
Shelly B.
I love to visit Mala Ocean Tavern. They have vegan option on their menu like the Gado Gado Salad with fresh tofu and peanut sauce. I also have asked a couple times for a pizza or flatbread "veganized" and was never let down. I love getting the pizza from next door at Honu with truffle oil and mushrooms. So good. The hummus trio is awesome and I love their fried chick peas. I also will wait longer than I would at most restaurants for an ocean side table because you are guaranteed to see turtles here!! At Mala, I always feel special and never treated like it is an issue that I am vegan.
(5)
Kenneth F.
Yes a fan... but $300 for a beach shack... ok was still worthwhile and glad we went and we veal be baaaack... Cocktails were da bomb 5stars yeah! Oyster shooters were da best bruddah - 6stars seriously the best damn oyster shooters evah!!!! Ceviche was good, not great but a good 4stars and the $130 deep fried Opakapaka, while very tasty and completely understand a hard fish to catch was still $130 per fish.. wow... ok glad we did it, but not again 4stars... Bread pudding for desert seems like a Betty Crocker cinnabon (seriously yuk) covered in a vanilla cream (ok)... 1star and the signature chocolate/fruit plate was super yummy 5stars... Out waiter was very good and attentive but gave us space... Great place for cocktails and watching the sunset, the vibe was super chill and we had a great time chatting up our neighbors at the tables next to us... Atmosphere a super 5star...
(4)
Corinna M.
Pros: Love the ambiance on the outdoor patio right on the beach. Make reservations half hour before sunset if u want the seats right up against the rail for good pics (just in case u have to wait). Excellent wait staff/service and came around just enough to refill waters and check up on us. Also, they serve complimentary chips and edamame/salsa dip, which was yummy. Cons: $43 fish better be amazing. Thought it was good but nothing spectacular. So that dish was way overpriced. Husband ordered the hoisin ribs which he said was okay and didn't fall off the bone. Calamari was good but nothing super special. Think I'd come back and order something else just cause I loved the set up and exceptional service! They have a happy hour..so that would b worth coming back for!
(3)
Dani S.
Amazing location right on the water - so peaceful. Perfect view of the sunset if you time it right. Service here is great, they go out of their way to take care of their customers. Food is delicious too! Highly recommended. Love, love, love.
(5)
Richard S.
We ate here on Tuesday January 6th after reading all the great reviews. Pros: waterfront dining and prompt service (we had late reservation so there was not too many people left in the restaurant at 9). Cons: overpriced and small portions. I had a special with mahi as the fish selection. Where the the flavors were very good I left hungry and it was definitely not worth 49.00. My husband had the Ahi tuna. Nice presentation but small portions and not worth the 44.00. Only highlight was the mahi cerviche as an appetizer but for 19.00 it should have wowed me a bit more. I would not recommend this place there are many other reasonably priced restaurants on front street.
The best oyster shooters on Maui, besides the ones I make but for only four bucks, it's a deal!
(4)
Deeana H.
Seared Ahi bruschetta. One of the most flavor filled bites I've experienced. Ever.
(5)
Dave N.
My wife and I have been to Mala many times, both lunch and dinner. It was recommended to us by an artist we met on Lahaina, she has since become a dear friend, Thanks Christina DeHoff. Everything we've had at Mala has been really good. I would recommend a couple of things, the brussel sprouts are crazy good, the grownup mac and cheese is rich with four cheeses and beautifully cooked pasta, fish sandwich is yummy, and the Caramel Miranda is big enough to share and is off the hook. I have not had a bad meal there and the service is always excellent. The view from their place is also wonderful, you can often see honu (sea turtles) swimming and feeding about ten feet away from the restaurant. The owner stopped by our table on one of our visits and we had a nice chat with him, he or one of his family members are always there. He is a big believer in living Aloha and a portion of their profits go to help stop hunger on Maui. You are missing out on a great experience if pass by Mala, truly something not to be missed.
(5)
Jason R.
Calamari, Brussels Sprouts, Oyster Shooters, Fish Special, Greek Salad, Seafood Pasta, Bread Pudding - perfection every time. We come here every year and it is always fantastic. Slightly expensive, but totally worth it. Enjoy!
Cool place to sit by the window on the beach, The calamari was excellent but I wish they included red cocktail sauce as one of the two sauces they supplied. The chopped Ahi burger was just okay and didn't wow me but the burger was well made. Liked our waiter as he worked hard for us.
(4)
Munz C.
A friend from Maui suggested we try it out cause their food doesn't disappoint. Totally right! We came later in the evening so it wasn't so busy. Service was quick and the food was delicious.
(5)
Rob A.
Third visit in the past few years. As we waited for our table, the bartender engaged us in pleasant conversation and made the best Mai tai I have ever had. The salads were wonderful, as were the clams and the fish stir fry. Our server was pleasant and responsive. The place has great character and a great view. One of the best places on Maui. Highly recommended.
(5)
Susan g.
The good---excellent martinis, dry and cold, fantastic brussle sprouts with ginger and mint, helpful servers, superb table, inside with open air to the ocean, the bad---super expensive, the ugly--worst $150 meal I have ever had, seafood pasta, recommended by our server had over cooked pasta and a mish mash of sauce and seafood. The ribs arrived as another mushy blob on the plate with too many things. I first tried this place years ago when it had just opened, and it was a wonderful alternative to typical tourist food, a fusion of Hawaiian and California cuisine, now it seems to be another, busy tourist trap serving mushy food-- a sad disappointment
(1)
Matt W.
While in Maui over thanksgiving we made a stop here since we loved it last time. Menu was very similar to a couple years ago but food did not taste nearly as good. I got a burger which was wonderful last time but this time was terrible. No flavor, way too fatty (dripping grease), and made me feel sick to my stomach after. I don't think I'll be back.
(2)
Bill C.
My wife and I were in the mood for a local-flavored, non-franchise style dinner while vacationing on Maui. Being north Lahaina in Kaanapali, we were surrounded by resort restaurants and Duke's. Our shuttle driver told us about Mala Ocean Tavern. Our hotel made us a reservation, and we were delighted to find a small, very crowded, cool restaurant/bar right on the water behind the Cannery Mall. Very pricey, but what a spot, and what service. From the moment we gave our name until we left we were treated like we mattered. We were seated at a table for 2 on the deck just above the surf. The food was excellent. My wife had the steamed Manila clams in a bean sauce, and I had the seared Ahi, served with mashed potatoes swimming in a delicious gravy with sliced Shitake mushrooms and sliced ginger. This was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommended!
(5)
Yv L.
We came here for lunch this afternoon. Food was mediocre and pricey. They sat us facing the water. Definitely nice view and good service. I wish food was as great. A fly was bugging us throughout so we didnt get to enjoy the view. Damn fly!!!
(3)
Crystal P.
This place is amazing! The restaurant is small, but not uncomfortable. The service is professional, friendly, and fast. The food, phenomenal!! I highly recommend the beet and goat cheese salad. It's super tasty. The night we were there the salad that was on special was a watermelon salad with feta and mint. OMG. For dinner we had the mahi mahi ala plancha. The mojo verde sauce is amazing and compliments the fish very well. I will definitely be going back to Mala before we leave to have that mahi mahi again. I have been to Mala once before and tried the seared ahi bruschetta, so good! I really don't think you could go wrong with anything on the menu at Mala. Make sure you have a reservation early enough to be at one of the tables closest to the water for sunset.
(5)
Greg B.
Watch the turtles here while dining. The Mala Tavern is off the beaten path and has gorgeous views, good food, tasty drinks plus it's away from the crowds on Front Street, which puts Mala as one of my top 5 spots for the entire island. The prices are expensive, and the tables are tight as this is a small restaurant space but well worth it. You should try it at least once! Order the beef ribs and the oyster shooters they're not over priced at $3 per. Also, the Kamaaina discount of 40% while sitting at the bar is super cool but won't help you if you don't have local Hawaii ID.
(4)
Missy J.
Amazing! The ahi bruschetta is to die for!! Right on the water looking towards Lanai.
(5)
Patrick F.
Just had a tremendous oceanfront dinner here! Food and ambience were off the hook. Stir fry brussel sprouts is a must! Portions are large so order smart. Service was superb! Highly recommend Mala Ocean Tavern to anyone in Lahaina area. And there is complimentary valet parking.
(5)
Chill G.
We first entered this place last year but were shocked by the prices so never went. A friend recently gave us a gift card and we finally prepared for a special evening last week. From valet to bartender, service was friendly and informative. Yet there was a definite break down in professionalism towards the end of the evening with staff getting off shift and hanging out with friends at the bar, drinking and being very loud. I wouldn't care if there weren't other guests around.... but it was a bit excessive to the point we couldn't hear each other speaking. This behavior did not fit the appearance the menu prices try to suggest as a high end fine fining experience. Now on to the food: EXCELLENT! Our evening started with smazing mojitos. We ordered the filet mignon and fresh mahi. The filet was perfectly grilled and accompanied by a wonderful mashed potatoe sprinkled with finely chopped vegetables: Brussel sprouts and mushrooms. It was devine! The mahi was grilled to perfection and still moist and beautifully flaky. I was disappointed that there were no veggies on my plate... just starch.... the lovely whipped mashed potatoes less the veggies included with the filet and nicely toasted pita triangles. We were too full for dessert. Ambiance: probably lovely for sunset... after dark though you can only hear the waves. The restaurant has decor from the late 90 ' s or early 2000... could use to be freshened up as it seemed a bit shabby. Overall experience was ok. I can't give four or five stars because of the unprofessional behaviour of staff past 9pm.
(3)
Mike W.
This place is horrible. $45 for a tiny filet that had zero flavor, yet the whole plate was covered in garlic. This is what a chef does when they don't know how to season or cook food properly. I would run from this place as fast as I can before I would spend good money for terrible food ever again. Insanely small portions for the money. Last minute horrible choice, out mistake. Save your money and eat anywhere but here. Also; the hostess with the permanent bitch face who was put out by us wanting to spend money in there was less than inviting...... Whoever owns this place is laughing all the way to the bank, on our money!!:(
(1)
steve t.
We had limited dining choices in Kaanapali, other than Dukes, so our party of 4 went to MOT for dinner. We lucked out with a view of the rocks and waves below. This is a low key place with a few really good dishes. The crunchy, slightly tart brussel sprouts are stir fried with sesame seeds and won tons. Could a brussel sprout by any other name taste so good? The Kobe burger ordered rare was cooked perfectly and I can't think of where I have had a better burger. Make a reservation in advance and there was a short wait sitting on the benches outside
(4)
Rex H.
Loved this place, waitress was super friendly and helpful, I had the tuna bruschetta which was amazing, and my kids had some chicken and fish which they liked. Has a great view of the ocean as well, the restaurant is right on the water.
(5)
Mark H.
Happy hour bliss Okay 3:00 to 4:30 means late lunch early dinner, but great food, we had the beet salad, Caesar salad, fish sandwich (blackened) and calamari. Washed down with a few malaritas and a Mai tai, on the rocks, and that was just the view. Great service, lovely food, nice warm, comfortable welcome. Definitely on the list of places to revisit.
(5)
Linda G.
One of the best meals ever. Idk what is in the dip you get in the molcajete but it was delicious and crabby and spicy. We started with the ahi tuna bruschetta and I even got my non sushi eating parents to try it. They loved it! The balsamic drizzle on top was a prefect compliment. I got a Ginger martini which was STRONG but I like one and done kinda drinks. Our main meals were the pizza of the day with goat cheese, the all seafood spicy pasta and the manila calms. All were exquisite. There's really no point in writing out in words how perfect it was. My words will only fall flat. Just eat here that's all you need to know. The view is marvelous but it is a f-ing oven at sunset. Like you're in a hot box. The place is itty bitty so you NEED reservations. But the view and the food are well worth it. You get to see awesome sea turtles just rolling in the waves too! Get the Carmen Miranda dessert thing but get it in large. Even being full we were able to polish off the small way too soon. It's really light so a large portion wont be overwhelming or heavy. That's it that's all I got. Experience it for yourself. Ive eaten up and down LA and Beverly Hills, celebrity chef joints everywhere, and this is one of the top three meals Ive ever had.
(5)
Callie R.
The only reason I cannot give this place 5 stars is because of the service we had on our 3rd trip here. We made reservations as we always did, arrived early, and waited for our table. We were about to be seated in the crowded restaurant, when all the sudden some celebrity waltzes in, and they seat his party of four in our party of four table. We're then told to sit back down and wait. We waited another 20 minutes, and there was no mention of then giving our table away, no apology for the additional wait--nothing. Which, had the action been a little more covert, it wouldn't have been such an issue. Anyhow, the food is great. Consider going for lunch so you can enjoy the amazing view, try for a window seat. On one of our visits, I got to sit immediately in front of the window and enjoy the sea mist--nothing could beat that.
(4)
VB L.
Dear God, do yourself a favor - First, fly to Hawaii. Second, rent a car. Third, drive yourself to Lahaina. Finally, and most importantly, find a table or barstool at Mala Ocean Tavern. The food was delicious, the view breathtaking, the service fantastic and the wine list drool-worthy. A meal here was certainly one of the highlights of our trip.
(5)
Susan C.
The concierge at our hotel recommended this restaurant to us. We had ocean view seating, although a bit tightly packed. Loved the spicy salsa and edemame dip with chips (not enough chips) and there is where the love ended. Hubby & I split he large Caesar salad which was good.....its actually large enough to feed four! Then, we split the Hoisin Sauce Ribs....yuck! We were given 6 ribs, so 3 each.....and they were soaked in some mush, with more vegetable mush, that was inedible. If this is Hawaiian cuisine, count me out!
(2)
Geno N.
Was looking forward to a holiday dinner. had reservations, seated 30 minutes later. Must have had a off night, cause 80% what we wanted to order had run out of. What we did get was sub-par entree's. All but my meal was over cooked and not fresh. I always like to give a place two times to get it right. May be back to give them a second chance.
(1)
Shari M.
Loved the food, drinks and atmosphere!!! We went to Mala twice during our trip. First time was for a light dinner - I had the tuna bruschetta so fresh and flavorful! We also had great service! Oh they bring a chic pea salsa & chips to the table, it was amazing! Our table was right over the water - we got misted a few times - only in Maui!!! Second time was for lunch, our last meal before heading home! We have a 7 year old daughter and as we were sitting on the back deck she spotted a slew of sea turtles! They provided great entertainment for all of us! The fish and burgers we had were delicious! I also must mention their slogan - Practice Aloha! When we went in the beginning of the weak I wasn't sure of its meaning but after spending some time on the island I couldn't get it out of my head, it really symbolizes a lot in my mind - I bought the t shirt to make sure I don't forget! Enjoy!
(5)
Jason D.
Great food and drinks. Waves splashing us while dining (good thing). Turtles swimming 10 feet below us. Fantastic Lahaina dining experience.
(4)
Michael G.
Excellent food and views. Crowded place. Very busy. Valet it next door. Make a res.
This place wasn't quite what we were expecting after reading the reviews on Yelp. From the outside, it looks like a little beach shack, from the inside, it's honestly not much different. The decor is pretty simple. The menu, however, was a little more upscale. We started with a hummus quartet. The hummus and babaganoush were pretty indistinguishable. There was also some sort of melted feta dip that I did not try. I had the stiry-fry with ahi, which was actually pretty good! HUGE portion! My mom had the special of the day, which was ceviche and it was also quite good. The food is fine, I just really wasn't crazy about the restaurant itself.
(3)
Marissa R.
We make it a habit to come here at least once every time we visit Maui. Outstanding service, food, and can't beat that ocean front view.
(5)
Willie S.
I've lived on Maui now for 14 years. I live Haiku side. I rarely make it to the west side. My girlfriend wanted to go have brunch on the west side and suggested another place by the ocean further north. I suggested MALA and she agreed. First and foremost, at my age, I knew better. I called in advance for a table and when we arrived we were granted the best table. We ordered the Mahi ceviche for a starter... PERFECT! The ceviche was outstanding! For the meal, well, I chose the Mala Bene even before i noticed most of the other customers were enjoying their own. Rob, our server, is a master, (10 on a 10 chart he's an 11). The, "Mala Bene" with the perfectly cooked eggs upon a multi-grain bread and thee perfect hollandaise sauce was amazing, but the local lamb sausage from Niihau upon the "Mala Bene" Mala has made it to #1, the best, "Eggs Benedict" I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Attention: To any visitors or all future visitors to Maui... MALA is a MUST!!! P.S. gf had a "Bloody Mary" I took a sip, OMG, best ever at any price.
(5)
J B.
Food was good. We ordered blackened fish and received grilled. Waiter was attentive and pleasant Pricey for what we got. Loved sitting by the water.
(4)
Dennis S.
Three years since my last review update and we still love the place. Great choice for a late lunch with awesome views and excellent food.
(5)
Stacie O.
My husband and I went to Mala Ocean Tavern for our anniversary and I was pretty excited because the menu had items that sounded vegan appropriate. When we got there we had great seats to watch the sunset and my husband enjoyed the complimentary hummus and chips. Servers were amazing. For appetizers, we ordered the babaganoush with pita bread and the gado gado salad. Both of these appetizers were delicious. For our main course my husband ordered the wok fried whole fish at market price and I ordered the tofu stir fry. When our food came it looked impressive. There was a lot of food and it was presented well, but we were kind of disappointed with these entrees. They were both very bland. I was expecting a lot more considering the price. So up until the main entrees my husband and I were very satisfied, but I don't think we'll be coming back to this restaurant.
(3)
Andre P.
80% of this experience was impeccable! The view and turtles are priceless! Nice beer. The seared sashimi dish will rival the best restaurants in the world! The Ahi Bolognese is something to write home about! On the flip side, the stir fry was horrible! Dry, no flavor, no bueno! Our server was great!
(4)
Aaron B.
As I have been coming to Maui the better part of 18 years, I have gone to mala's at least once during each visit. Went there for lunch, and ordered the Balinese stirfry. I usually get it as a mild dish, but I decided to try the medium because I wanted something a little spicier. While It wasn't uniformly spicy throughout, they were pockets where I can really taste the heat. Even though that was the case this time, it was a great dish, and I would highly recommend it.
(5)
Linda S.
Good food--attentive service, but too expensive for the average Joe
(3)
Miyako L.
This was officially our favorite meal on Maui. With a location away from the busy part of Front Street, parking was plentiful and available right in front of their building! We made a reservation on Open Table the day before, but I think you can easily get a table even the day of. We started our meal (as we did every meal while on vacay) with a cocktail. The Big Fat Grey Goose Dirty Martini was essentially made from the Gods in heaven just for me, and my hubby thoroughly enjoyed his fresh juice squeezed Kama'aina Mai Tai. I will mention that their Mai Tai won "BEST MAI TAI" as the 1st place winner (yes it was THAT good). After doing our research, we knew to order the Seared Ahi Bruschetta as our appetizer. What we didn't know, which you should make a mental note of, is that this this so damn good, that you will instantly regret ordering the appetizer size (comes with 3) and you will wish like hell that you would have just order the full entree size from the beginning. Write that down. Order the entree size. We shared our entrees, which were the Gado Gado Vegan Salad (tofu, brown rice, sugar snap peas, baby kula greens, chickpeas, tomatoes and coconut peanut sauce) and the Kobe Beef Cheeseburger (smoked applewood bacon, carmalized onion, Maytag bleu cheese). Both were excellent and after switching back and forth across the table, we achieved the perfect balance of light, aaand not so light. Our dessert will be talked about between the two of us for years to come. It was their special for the evening, so you can't necessarily order it off the menu, but it was a Chocolate Beet Cake. Sounds weird, even our waitress admitted it, but she said it was amazing, so we went out on a limb and ordered one. HOLY SMOKES, this cake was simply divine. While you couldn't really taste any beets, the still managed to make the consistency of the chocolate like a velvety mousse, and tone down the richness so you can still eat bite after bite without being overwhelmed with flavor. One of the best dessert I've ever had in my life. We were a little bummed about the 20 min wait to sit on the back patio over the water, but actually had a little laugh when the waves started to come in and splash the tables sitting closest to the wall! They were good sports about it, but did leave a bit wet, haha. The ambiance of this place is classy with a casual flare, pretty chill and contemporary. We absolutely love Mala!!
(5)
Dee S.
I don't often write reviews but when I do it is because the place or service matters. Of all my world dining experiences. MÄla has officially supplanted the best dining establishments in the world as my number 1 pick. I'm no one important in the foodie realm but I know what made for the perfect overall dining experience. My family and I had a dinner reservation during the Christmas holiday week and were blown away by every aspect of the meal as well as the location. MÄla is the kind if place you're more likely to drive by than stop if you just judge the place on outward appearances. Stop. Now. Book a reservation now. Come back again and again and expect a 5 star dining experience every time. Honestly the top Michelin restaurants fall short of the quality of their dishes, their freshness, the speed at which they arrive at your table on their best night. I'm not going to bore you with attempts at describing the dishes or the variety of orange hues captured in the Hawaiian sunset that night. What I will say is that if you've tried the high end, the low end, the in between and still wonder if there are intimate mind and palette pleasing meals to be discovered out there off the beaten path, this is your next brass ring. To the staff, thank you for your hospitality and stellar service on your busiest week of the year. To the chef, you are a master of your craft that words will never do justice. Thank you for topping my personal best list.
(5)
Elana R.
Great food, great drinks, great location. It was hard to find parking and we had to wait for our table to be ready, but it was totally worth it. Getting to enjoy our amazing meal while watching the sunset from table outside, next to the water was an incredible experience. I had the adult Mac and Cheese and loved it. It was so big, I only ate a little of it and had dinner to take home for another night. All four of us loved our food. My brother had the filet mignon (sorry, this vegetarian may not have spelled that right), and while first disappointed at how small it looked, he found it to be perfect. I forgot what else we ordered, but no one had complaints.
(5)
Clay O.
We dined at Mala with high expectations. Perhaps we started off the wrong foot with our server. Typically, I am used to an introduction and a welcome. We received neither. I typically do not take off ratings for the service, but thought I would mention for those that hold service high on priority. Location is excellent on the water with great views. However, tables are right on top of each other. You will be rubbing elbows with neighbors. I tired the Balinese stir fry with fresh island fish. This was very good with excellent flavors, but did not care for the brown rice. Others in our party tried the filet mignon, which was just average. I would stick with fish here. Great place for the views, but for the price, so many other choices.
(3)
Gina Z.
The food here is exceptional, as is the service and atmosphere. The manager, Blaine, is the lone unfortunate piece of an evening at this gorgeous spot.
(5)
Melissa P.
Definitely one of my favorite spots. Food, drinks and service are all amazing! Started with the Ahi Bruschetta which was one of the most delightful ways I have seen bruschetta prepared. It was like a rye toast with edamame puree and the most fresh ahi tuna drizzled with a balsamic. It was one of the most delicious dishes I have tasted. Followed it up with the seafood pasta and was surpassed by the light sauce, fresh fish and immense flavor. So impressed with this place, it will be the place I go to every time when visiting Maui. I recommend definitely going at sunset and request table #24 or #22. Right at the edge with waves crashing, sun setting while you enjoy the most deliciously prepared meal. Incredible experience!
(4)
Kelley T.
AMAZING!! We arrived a bit early for our reservation and we're seated with in five minutes with an ocean view as requested...and the restaurant was almost completely full!!! Breathtaking view and super friendly bartender and staff. We started off with the ahi bruschetta and it was fabulous. And for entrees we both had flatbread pizzas and they were incredible.
(5)
Spa L.
This place is my favorite fine dining west side establishment for vegan cuisine... Today was more that exceptional. Everything is fresh and authentic. The price is worth the quality in food. I eat here at least once a week. If I could give it 6 stars I would. Bravo!
(5)
Kimberly V.
This place was absolutely amazing!!! The location is right on the water and if you sit outside there is a nice breeze. Our server Danny was very knowledgable and gave all kinda of suggestions and not just to sell the most expensive items. We ordered the Opalapaka for 2 and it was a whole fish that was wok fried and had all kinda of veggies and a delicious sauce. We will definitely go back again. Oh and for their drink menu...The Three Nenes Martini is perfect!
(5)
J F.
Excellent meal and service. This is a very busy place so make a reservation!! Well worth the wait for a table by the water. Makes a great background for a picture during sunset. Ahi Bruschetta is fantastic!!! Good wine list and excellent selection of cuisine. Excellent value for the quality and atmosphere.
(5)
Holly G.
Nice place. Came for lunch but we were a little late so it was happy hour. The place was fairly empty. Sat by the water, could feel the waves on my face. We had a nice waitress. Food took a little long to come but it was definitely worth the wait. I got the seared ahi and salad. I enjoyed it. Very fresh. My dad had the burger. Man it was soooooo good!!!! Best burger ever!!!! The fries were super good too. Must order.
(4)
Tarun B.
Ok food - nothing to write home about. I think everyone craves about this but I thought the food was average and certainly about 10 other places we visited that we felt were better - very greasy food but the wait staff here was awesome (which is why they get 3 stars versus 2).
(3)
Kelly I.
Wonderful..Service, food, & drink...hibiscus martini, on point, machong, fabulous, caramel Miranda, light and delicious, view, nothing beats it! We'll be trying their sister restaurant Honu Thursday, can't wait!
(5)
Kevin U.
So happy we finally came here. We've been wanting to come here the past few visits to Maui but just always seem to run out of time. This trip, after hearing a few more folks rave about this place, we made a decision go tonight. Amazing! The location, food and service were all perfect. This is a new family favorite.
(5)
Lubs Y.
This review is way over due, but this place is a must just for the ahi bruschetta! Get a table by the water and you've got a fantastic view to complete a wonderful dinner.
(5)
P M.
This is one of our favorite places on Maui. The quality of the food is just great and the location is perfect - given that you are on Hawaii, sitting right by the ocean is just perfect. The coconut shrimp are so good. And the chips they serve with the salsa and edamame spread is a great combination. Their Mahi Mahi is very good as are their dishes from the land, like the burger, the ribs and the filet mignon. The bar serves awesome cocktails and the service in general is very good. We try to go here for one meal whenever we are on Maui. Highly recommend this place.
(4)
Jennifer N.
We went here for dinner last night and it was good. The restaurant is very small, but the view is fantastic - overlooking the water. To start I had a beer - they have blue moon on tap - yay! My husband had a cocktail, he enjoyed it. We had the garlic cheese flatbread for an appetizer. I liked it, but it was a very strong taste. I don't really know how to explain it, it wasn't bad, just wasn't what you were expecting, and not really in a better way. For my entree I had the ribs. The ribs were delicious, but I was confused as to why they served them on top of a bed of beans? I don't like beans, they weren't listed on the menu, I was confused. The ribs were tasty but just a little weird. My husband had the burger, it was ginormous. He says it was good, but that the fries were amazing. High props on the fries. We opted for macaroons for dessert. The salted caramel macaroon was by far the best and delicious! Overall, i thought it was good, not amazing.
(4)
Corey S.
Awesome food. Try the oyster shooters, so good. Clams were great and the Mongchong was fantastic in the cream sauce.
(5)
Bill W.
Great food and drinks. A great place to sit right on the beach and enjoy exceptional Maui island cuisine. Great Mai Tai! The staff is friendly and welcomes tourists. But, the space is very small and intimate. Reservations are very much encouraged. Good place for fun with friends and/or family. Brunch on the weekends. Lunch and dinner always great!
(5)
Robert H.
Great food! Try to whole fish. If you're a fillet person then this won't work for you, but for the advanced fish lover, this is great. Great fresh flavors. The outdoor area was a little cramped.
(5)
Michael W.
First meal in Maui, and what a great way to start our vacation. If you take the early flight, you arrive at OGG tired and very hungry. We had our two kids with us, and by the time you get your luggage and rental you are still staring down the barrel of an hour long drive to Kanaapali or Wailea, and likely can't check into your hotel for a few hours. So this place gets you into the Maui vibe quickly and in style with friendly casual service, great food, and perhaps best of all, a front row seat to sea turtles, seals, and if you're lucky like we were, WHALES! Their ahi bruschetta was awesome, and their mai-tai's legit. Highly recommend a visit!
(4)
Michael F.
I don't really know where to start. I made this reservation long in advance and I made it based off of reviews I had read on both Yelp and OpenTable. I was apprehensive at first based off the outside appearance of the restaurant but man am I glad that I didn't let that phase me. The atmosphere was comfortable and open, quaint but lovely. We were seated almost immediately at a window-side table and the waitress was kind enough to lower the translucent shade so that we wouldn't bake (it was quite warm that evening). The same waitress that sat us, Rachel, was the one to take care of us and I must say, that woman was spectacular!! She was super sweet, knowledgeable, and didn't try to up-sell the crap out of us which, as a former restaurant worker, I can really appreciate. Based off of some reviews we decided to start with the Ahi Bruschetta which was one of "the best things I've ever put in my mouth", verbatim from my mother, and I agree. It was FANTASTIC. The prices were a little steep, but when in Rome... I, being a basic white girl (just kidding), got the Kobe Beef Burger which was MASSIVE and absolutely decadent while my mother got the Ahi burger which was also delicious. Rachel kept good tabs on us without being intruding and was incredibly sweet the entire time. When it came time for boxes Rachel did it all for us and even gave us some stickers that say "Practice Aloha" which was awesome, plus she added some of their fantastic napkins to the bag which I appreciate more than you know. Of course we had some dessert and what we had was perfect. It was coconut pineapple ice-cream with homemade caramel sauce and fresh fruit. TO.DIE.FOR. Overall we had an amazing experience and I would recommend this spot to absolutely everyone. I couldn't find one thing wrong, and i fully enjoyed myself.
(5)
Yvonne M.
Dining out in Maui is expensive and this place is right up there. We each had 2 appetizers and one drink each and with tax and tip was $85.00. DH had Farmers Salad and Fried Calamari. He said salad was good and calamari not so much. I had beet salad with fried coat cheese and coconut shrimp. Shrimp almost tasted like a macaroon (good) and salad was ok. We were part of a party of 6 and were seated next to the host/hostess station and were blessed with air from a fan. Arrived at 7pm so no sunset view. Would perhaps go for late lunch/pupu happy hour in the future
(3)
Becky M.
GO TO MALA. Just do it, you'll be so glad you did. I've never written a review before but these people....they do food and do it well. We started with the ceviche...really good. Then we had the ahi bruschetta - AMAZING. 18 year old balsamic drizzled over the top of this delicious pepper crusted seared ahi with an edamame spread on delicious chia seed? toast with greens. Greek salad with fresh grilled Mahi - chickpeas, snap peas, olives, tomatoes....all SO FRESH. The mahi sandwich was delicious and the frites were amazing...reminded me of Balthazar frites. We really couldn't decide what to order and can't wait to go back. Sat right by the water as the tide was rolling in and watched giant sea turtles splash around. Rob took care of us and his service was fantastic...knowledgable, friendly, attentive - great vibe! Apparently the owners own the two restaurants next door so based on this experience, I will be trying them next.
(5)
Anupam S.
Amazing view of the ocean, with great service, food, and ambiance. Will definitely recommend this restaurant to a friend. This place is great for families too. Adult Mac and cheese, stir- fry, and veggie platter were delicious and there were more than enough options for vegans and vegetarians alike.
(5)
Ashley T.
Our favorite place in Lahaina but marred by the front desk. We had reservations for 7 and were told rudely to wait at the bar, which had no room and then directed,again rudely, by the tall hostess to wait off to the side rather than block the walkway. Still great food but let's educate the staff on etiquette.
(4)
Seth H.
We love Mala and their sister restaurant next door, Honu. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
(5)
Georgie S.
They were able to accommodate a group of 12 people which was great. The fresh grilled Fish was amazing. Everyone on our table Enjoyed their meal. Our waitress was fantastic and made sure we were all doing fine through out our meal. Amazing food!
(4)
Craig H.
This is a great little oceanside restaurant. The view is great, the food is very good, and the service is excellent. Also having valet parking is a major plus for an always difficult parking in Lahaina.
(5)
Erin Z.
If you go to Maui, you have to make a reservation here. The food is soooo good. I've gotten the special stir fry with fish and can't say enough great things. The flat bread, I dream about... Gluten free option too. The ambiance is wonderful, especially out on the back deck by the ocean. Highly recommend.
(5)
Lisa H.
The ahi appetizer is one of the best, and unusual things I have had in a long time. I was on a cruise and walked from the ship to this little gem of a restaurant for lunch. It is charming, be achy and right on the water. If you sit on the patio, you can watch and hear the ocean gently lapping the rocky shore. Highly recommended.
(5)
Andrea S.
Our best meal on Maui yet. As first courses we had garlic flatbread and tuna tartare. Both had incredible taste. As main course, we chose Kobe burger and a grilled mahi mahi with Yucon gold mashed potatoes. The fish was tasty and the mashed potatoes incredible. One star less for over cooking the sacred Kobe burger which was not medium rare as ordered. The home made Pommes Alumettes and mayo are are worth coming here.
(4)
Cathy I.
This review covers both Mala Ocean Tavern and Honu Seafood and Pizza. Both restaurants are owned by chef Mark Elleman, and it's a testament to his vision and cuisine and hospitality that both are excellent places. We had dinner in each place and thoroughly loved the experience, the food, and the atmosphere. That the chef was very active at both places almost guarantees well run restaurants and thus top notch meals. We dined at his earlier Lahaina restaurant, Avalon, long ago, and that was the reason we definitely had to try Mala and Honu. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend them to al gourmet diners. The valet parking is also a plus.
(5)
Steve W.
Firstly I have to say that we ate nothing at this place. Although I have had the calamari here about five years ago and it was fantastic. But today we stopped only for drinks. I give this place 5 stars purely because of the location. We sat within three feet of the ocean and were memorized by the waves. We ordered beers and sat there for over an hour watching the tide come in on their open patio facing the water. When it was almost high tide I saw a number of large turtles off the patio right along the waters edge. We payed our bill and literally jumped over the rails of the patio and watched turtles for a while If that's not why you come to Maui I don't know what is. I might even go back and try some food!
(5)
Steven S.
One of the top spots in Lahaina! There is nothing better than great food in a beautiful setting. I made reservations for a peak hour (during sunset) and would have been seated promptly but opted to wait for a table right on the ocean, it was well worth the extra 30 minutes, it's not like the view was any worse standing right outside the restaurant! All the food and drinks ordered by my party were just fantastic, I had the fresh market fish myself (sea bass at the time) which I thought was the best of everything my table ordered. I will without a doubt be visiting Mala again during my next trip to Lahaina.
(5)
J P.
Food was wonderful! The location was pretty cool as well. We sat outside and watched the sunset over the ocean. The bruschetta was awesome, and it was pretty kid friendly, but not cheesy. Service was decent (we were there on a very busy night). I'd go back!
(4)
Kshira N.
We made a reservation here for dinner and showed up on time but it seemed to make no difference since another couple without reservation right before us were given a slot before us in the outside seating. The reservation only guarantees a seat but not outdoor seating which is kind of useless because almost everyone wants to sit outside and your reservation makes no difference if you want to get outdoor seating. We were asked to wait outside and even after 45 minutes we did not get a seat. The waiter seated two other couples before us who did not have reservations and one of them was behind us in the line! I don't understand whether they forgot about us or just invited those who chose to wait at the bar first or were just racist. I hope it's not the latter. We were really hungry by 9.15 and decided to eat elsewhere. We were very disappointed as we looked forward to a nice romantic evening but had to deal with such a frustrating experience instead!
(2)
Robin M.
Our lunch was a gift from a local we had met while on our honeymoon. I was not sure what to expect but it was wonderful. Friendly staff, beautiful view and relaxing and wonderful little place. The food was unforgettable. The Adult Mac & Cheese was to die for. Everyone should try the oyster shooter was great !!!! Living in New Orleans I will for sure keep trying to make it on my own but we will be back to Lahaina for the shooters for sure. We also had the ginger martini was so good and fresh candied ginger was a perfect touch.
(5)
Joshua F.
Really enjoyed our dinner. The seating is a little crowded with tables very close to each other but really nice otherwise. Got the Kobe beef burger and it was delicious. Wife got the seafood pasta and it was good. Not great but good. The calamari was really good, I think better than mamas fish house but my wife strongly disagrees. Overall I would probably go back again.
(4)
Natalie N.
Excellent food. Started off with the coconut shrimp which were great. I had the Maui sandwich (a special) which was also great, extremely fresh. The purple potatoes (local) were to die for. We shared the vanilla macadamia nut ice cream which was also very good. Service was excellent, extremely attentive and quick to serve. The view on the patio was wonderful; it felt like we were dining on top of the ocean. Our only complaint was how crowded the tables were. Only a few feet between each table, you could overhear everyone's conversation, not super romantic. The front of the restaurant looks like a dilapidated shack from the outside, but overall a very good place.
(4)
Virginia W.
We did not make a reservation for dinner around sunset but we came in before the rush and got a table by the patio overlooking the ocean. It's a very small restaurant and feels a bit crowded and loud, but not overwhelming. My husband had the Arnold Palmer on the beach- which is an Arnold Palmer with fresh guava- so tasty! We got the ahi bruschetta which was pretty yummy- really comforting. And we also split the Kobe burger- good! Not great- but good! The prices were high, but the view was good.
(4)
Senia B.
The best food on Front St in Lahiana, Maui. We come to Maui every year and eat at different places. This is the best we been too. I love everything about the menu and the view.
(5)
J. B.
Been to Maui twice now ('09 and '14) and this is by far the best dinner restaurant we've been too. This is the place to go for date night with your significant other. There were kids there tonight but I think the prices are a little high to bring the kiddos. We watched the sunset tonight with our 6:30pm reservation. While the sun was setting the waves were crashing right next to our table and the sea turtles were enjoying their evening meal as well. Had the ahi bruschetta, brussel sprouts, and Balinese stir fry. All three were excellent choices. We would have gotten grilled fish but we've been eating a lot of fish this week. Look forward to returning here next time we visit Maui.
Mala was recommend by a friend who visits the Island regularly and it did not disappoint! We did get possibly the best seat in the house, a two top right on the water. Stopped in at the bar for a fantastic Mai Tai before dinner, and 10-15 mins later were seated on the ocean and very well taken care of. We tried the asian fried chicken and the seafood pasta for main course and Ahi bruschetta and a ceviche for appetizers and were totally knocked out. Very well presented, tasted incredible, great surroundings and atmosphere. Absolutely worth 5 stars and we look forward to returning soon.
(5)
Zach R.
Came in just as the sun was setting, we enjoyed drinks and appetizers to a beautiful sunset a few feet from the ocean. The service was prompt and the waitstaff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made our experience very pleasant. The food was expensive but delicious. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a nice ocean-side dinner.
(4)
Rick K.
I can only ask myself how?.., this establishment has so many high marks. The ahi bruschetta. It had a little flavor but the fish was sliced razor thin. So much so that all I tasted was the bread. $14. That was $7 a bite. I got 2 bites. Steep. My entree which I hoped would save the day was a huge disappointment. Hoisin glazed ribs. BabyBacks... No. These were kiddie backs. Seriously, the bones were barely 3 inches in length. Meat? What meat. 2 tiny nibbles per rib/bone. Dry and over cooked. The sauce they were basted in was tasty, but it barely masked the desiccated chewiness of the dry meat. This was a child's plate, not an entree. Her entree was the Chinese Chicken Salad. Fresh lettuce, good dressing, but only 3 itsy-bitsy pieces of chicken. Come on guys. We left hungry. I was happy we had scheduled an early dinner. The service was good, prompt and attentive. (+1star). If you are looking for a delight, I'd look elsewhere.
(2)
Dan C.
The quality of food is high, as are the prices, which would be fine, except all of our dishes were circa late nineties or early 2000s. Perhaps I am being harsh, but we enjoyed several similarly priced meals in Lahaina significantly more.
(3)
M D.
Another excellent meal! This time the whole wok fried ohpakupaku, it was delicious. A beautiful night sitting under the stars listening to waves lapping against the rocks. Excellent drinks, food and service. You couldn't ask for more.
(5)
Leslie D.
We have eaten at Honu and enjoyed it but this was a bit disappointing after all the recommendations we had been given. Great service and good drinks. Food was marginal. Worst calamari I've ever had (and it arrived with our salads) and a completely bland Caesar. Entrees (Asian fried chicken, fresh fish and Ahi) were better but my market fish was a tiny piece buried in mashed potatoes with a lump of something on either side One was spinach not sure the other. We had the fruit dessert and it was awful. For the price I just can't imagine coming back. There are better options, including their sister restaurant.
(3)
Craig T.
My first experience with a restaurant that is completely night and day, liberally, in service AMD quality. Dinner (night) service I will always recommend. Lunch however, probably never. Ou lunch service was slow with only about a third if the restaurant occupied. The phone kept ringing and the worker's complaining that the cordless phi.e was missing. Sad, cause this is a really great place to dine at night.
One of the best meals I have had anywhere. The ahi appetizer was delicious as was the tofu stirfry. Wonderful waterfront location perfect for sunsets. It is on the pricey side but well worth it imho -- so much so that I am giving it my first yelp review!
(5)
Nancy P.
We've been there couple times in the past couple years, the service was always super good!! Most of the food was good, we tried the whole wok fish this time, $89 for 2 people, not very much fish meet, it was alright but worth to try it. The flatbread was tasty, and the clam dish was very fresh, beets salad was nice!! I especially love the ocean front view! The only thing they should working on was the buzz sound on the top of the roof, 2 couples and us realized the problem, we worried about if we could get electric shocks when we were having dinner there since we sit very close, hopefully they fixed it already. Otherwise, we were happy about everything there! Parking was a problem during the dinner hours, but they do offer valet parking if you eat there. Or you could park by the safeway store at the other side of the street.
(4)
Kira C.
One of my top 3 restaurants ever! Good service every time, tasting martinis, and fantastic food. The spicy Manila clams and ahi bruschetta are amazing.
Would likely be giving this place 3 or 4 stars since the food was really, really good (only 3 or 4 since kid's meals were complete rip off). However, the one star rating is simply due to the fact that the shady waiter added a larger tip then I gave them. They added an extra $10 on top of the $75 we gave them (funny thing is we always give 20% but they did mandatory 18% since we had 10 people and we simply left it at that). I mean who does that shady stuff. To add an extra tip for not even great service (they were good but nothing special). I hope mgmt fires them or keeps an eye on it. They can't do that! I wonder how many other people have been ripped off by this guy. For sure will not return here and will certainly tell all friennds and family not to go. Shame too-in future visits would have made it back for sure.
(1)
Eric J.
Love this place the food is great! service (Annie) Is awesome! We couldn't leave with coming back to MaLa! The people here are great! There was an error with our reservation and they fixed it with no question! Did I say the good was great! If you come to Maui you have got to come here no matter where you are on the island.
(5)
Rebecca C.
Love the waves just outside the window next to the table. Ahi Bruschetta was the most amazing dish. solid oyster shooter, and the fish cooked in Balinese style was delightful, full of flavor (just a bit spicy for the "Spicy" option). The drinks by the glass were well put together. I heard that sunset time is the most popular here.
(5)
Ryan E.
The BEST food on Front St and I've eaten everywhere on that road with the exception of the chain restaurants. Service is always perfect. Make a reservation to ensure a sunset view. One visit we had a 3 year old with us, this was a year ago. They didn't have a kids menu, but they made her a special pasta dish exactly how she ordered it :)
(5)
Alexander T.
Great view with decent food and drinks. The ahi tuna on bruschetta was amazing and the salmon bread was not bad. I had a really girly drink which had hibiscus and tasted like a fruit roll up at the end. Good spot for brunch.
(3)
Mark F.
Unfortunately we were on our last couple of days in Maui when we went here for breakfast. If we had found it sooner I think we would have been there a lot more!! Right at the Ka'anipali end of Lahaina, we drove past it most days. It sits right on the water with stunning views - ideal for a sunset dinner. Breakfast was great and included a bunch of organic items, and some very unusual treatments of otherwise normal stuff. The owners are clearly providing food with an Ethical eye and the ingredients and recipes reflect this. We also went for dinner the next night. Although we had booked in advance and requested an outside table it seems it is first come first served as we did not get one. Some really interesting things - what appeared to be guacamole was actually made with edamame beans, and the meals were delicious - mine was a little strong on the flavours for the fish I thought but still very nice. The bar was heaving by the time we left, and lots of folks were eating at the counters, so my advise is book ahead! Recommended.
(4)
Maddy S.
I love this place!! We had a party of 5 with no reservation and got seated within 10 minutes. I had the Kobe burger which was unbelievable. It was cooked to perfection and deliciously juicy. Everyone else also enjoyed their meals. The location is amazing. Outdoor seating is right on the water and around sunset it's hard to beat. This place is a must visit when in maui!!
(5)
Penelope K.
Stopped in today for our first visit. Sat at the bar around 4:30 pm and waitress with blond ponytail ignored us. There were 5 other people who had been served also sitting at the bar. After 5-7 minutes, a waiter came over and asked if we were okay, and we told him that we hadn't been waited on yet, and the blond glanced over at us. She was busy counting receipts. He apologized, gave us a menu, and then never came back. So we left, and won't go there again.
(1)
Joe M.
Great view! Parking is limited so be prepared for that. We ordered a couple drinks, split a flatbread for appetizer, split the kobe burger for dinner and split some macadamia nut ice cream and fruit thing for desert. They were all good. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this restaurant. And in Maui (Lahaina, Ka'anapali and others) you're generally going to overpay for food. The burger was very flavorful and the best kobe burger I have ever had. Normally I feel like a kobe burger is just an overpriced burger. This one was about $20 but it was succulent. The flatbread was also very good and tasted very very fresh. We aren't fish people, so the rest of this menu was tough for us. The desert was good too. Personally, even with the inflated pricing for Lahaina and ocean view location restaurant, I felt the desert and Mai Tai was slightly overpriced. And while the mai tai was good, people say it's the best in other reviews on the 'net and we just didn't feel this way. Good, not great. Also, this is a fast paced restaurant. If we would've ordered standard entrees each plus desert, we would've easily spent $125-150. When I pay that much, I want to sit and enjoy the location. They weren't kicking us out or anything like that, but they were turning tables. Overall, I can't knock the restaurant and would really give it 4.5 stars if possible.
(4)
Bryan A.
Very expensive but if you have the money to waste go ahead and try it food is decent service is great just better places to go for my money. A cheeseburger and chicken stirfry but will run you about $50 for lunch. We went there again for appetizers and drinks because we were suckered into the Costco gift card and bought a pizza from next-door definitely not worth the $80 we spent.
(2)
Eliz S.
Food was relish, drinks were good too. Only bad was the bartender recognized locals and paid little attention to us. No biggie but just saying....ate at many places and this is a good spot for a nice dinner.
(4)
April C.
There food is always good, our server is the best server ever seriously! We were kind of a high maintenance table considering we had 4 1/2 kids under 7,the server was fabulous & patient & nothing but smiles! Cant remember his name older slim guy been working there for a while! The last time i went wasn't impressed with fresh made fish burger but lesson learned, everything else is usually great, a little pricey too, but they have a decent happy hour.
(5)
MJ R.
Their Ahi Tuna was phenomenal! The seared ahi bruschetta is a must to try, great concept & sooo delightful. Everything was very tasty!
(5)
Deb D.
I'm writing only about the incredible Kobe cheeseburger because it's the only thing that I have ever ordered! I usually split it with a friend because it's so big and I take it w/out cheese. We add extra of the most spectacular, crisp, fries with the garlic aioli. I'm too afraid to try something else because I'm so obsessed with this combo!!
(5)
Steve F.
Great location literally right on the ocean. Took a same day reservation for 12 people which was impressive. The food was really good, especially the Ahi tuna plate. Park near the Safeway grocery store and walk behind it and you are at the restaurant, very convenient.
(4)
D M.
Best place ever !! Haven't even left the restaurant yet and had to mention all wonderful food we had . The ceviche was amazing along with the tuna brochetta for starters was amazing we also had the watermelon salad which was also so tweet savoring. I would say I'm not from around here so the watermelon itself tasted a little weird but all together great . We also got Mahi Mahi and trying to decide what dessert to get . Is a must on your trip ! People here are so nice and very fast service I might add
(5)
Jessie M.
Wasn't blown away but it was a nice evening with our table right on the water and a nice server. Had dirty martinis and started with the Greek quartet of hummus, babaganoush, and a few other things, all amazing. Like really good. For the mains we got the seafood pasta, black bean sauce clams, and the burrata salad. The clams were my favorite for sure. The pasta was anti-climactic. The bar is loud so be prepared for that.
(4)
Jim L.
Wow. A great surprise today having breakfast at MÄla. All 3 dishes and the Bloody Mary were excellent. I would come back here to eat and watch the waves wash on the shore.
(5)
Stephanie P.
One of the last nights in maui we ate here... Wish we would have found it earlier! food was amazing, menu was vast... Drinks were even great!
(5)
James L.
I have been here several times and without resorting to overstatement, this is my favorite restaurant of all time. The food is excellent. The staff is attentive and friendly. Perhaps they cater to the real locals a bit too much, but they have always treated me like visiting royalty. It is a small restaurant with intimate dining inside and out. The deck is located directly above the rocky beach with the waves lapping beneath. They have glass partitions so the wind is not too strong and inside the doors are almost always open to the water. The restaurant faces west so there is always a great sunset. It was warm here even in "winter". Try a few apps like the Ahi Bruschetta and ask about what wines are open because they always have an excellent variety. I usually like to sample several instead of getting an entire bottle. I can hardly remember what we ate or drank as it is more of an experience than a meal.
(5)
Peter Y.
Great service and friendly staff. Must have their cocktails as they are genius creations. Oyster shooter is a must for starters as well as the Mahi Mahi cerviche. Had it at the bar and at the table. Our bartender, host and waitress were great. The entree were good but were overpriced. Understanding that local sourcing cost more but portions were smaller than expected.
(4)
Sage T.
Blows. $130 for lunch for 4 yesterday. Including an ahi BURGER, 2 salads with fish, and a fish sandwich. 1 marg, a fizzy drink and a beer. Plus the most irritating Barbie falsetto waitress like you might find in a Rodriguez flick. Total waste of time and money. Had a good experience here a year ago, but places do go downhill.
(2)
Ben F.
Excellent food. Had the ahi sashimi in a mushroom reduction and the beet salad to start. Highly recommended. Perfectly cooked and flavors jumped off the plate.
(5)
Bryan S.
We started with the fried calemari which was good; moreover, the sauce that was served with it made this dish taste even better. I had the Kobe ribeye which also had a good flavor, but was on the pricey side. I was really disappointed to see that the steak was served with French fries for the price. Finally, the table had the adult Mac and cheese which was very good. Over all the food is about a three but the service and the view are worth the extra star.
(4)
Jim H.
Wow. That was a disappointing meal. We ordered the adult Mac n cheese which did not resemble anything close. It was a soupy mess and looked more like sloppy cheesy soup. The Chinese chicken salad was insipid and lackluster. Not to mention the chicken bone in the salad. Positives? Well, the staff was polite and got us in immediately for dinner w/o reservations. The view and location are pretty good albeit a little grainy with the mesh sun shades. All in all, I'll pass next time and grab some poke from food land and eat it on the beach.
(1)
A H.
Mala and Honu are two of the best restaurants in Maui. Service at both sites is incredible. Food is perfect, every fish dish to die for and food that is suppose to be hot is hot. Lunch is quick and onolicious. There are many good places to eat but these two places are the best in Lahaina.
(5)
Sheila B.
Really liked this place in Lahaina. it felt non-touristy, very casual ambiance. seafood is top notch, the whole fish, the calamari, and raw bar were all very good. we went there with 6 adults and a cranky toddler and the waitress was great. I would recommend this place to my friends. price is reasonable but reasonable for Maui standards. The dessert was ok, fruit, ice cream and some Carmel sauce, not worth the $20 but enjoyed by all.
(4)
Gina B.
Ohhh yehh! Now this is the way to start a vacation! Our first night out in Lahaina, we hit up Mala after I see an adversement stating they can acommodate gluten free diners. That's me! I was impressed with the patience of the wait staff and the chef's ability to turn out a delish meal given all my requirements. My friend ordered the mac and cheese and he could hardly put a dent in the huge bowl. MASSIVE LUMPS OF CRAB in the dish! Massive people! This was one of the top 2 meals of my trip. The salad was even amazing out of the fridge the next day. Everything was super fresh. And the view...AMAZING!
(5)
Nicole J.
We ate here on our last night in Hawaii. Very cute restaurant overlooking the water. They bring you chips and a yummy salsa w/ edamame puree. My husband liked his Asian fried chicken and I enjoyed the coconut shrimp w/mashed potatoes. We didn't feel like waiting for a seat by the water, but dinner was still very nice and so was the staff.
(4)
Joan B.
We have come here many years, multiple times per visit. This time have had two bad experiences including a reservation where we were seated 45 minutes late with no apology or offer of anything to make up for it. Sadly, we won't be going back!
(2)
Cath M.
Ok, I'll try my VERY best not to be biased at this restaurant... Sis suggested going out at our very last night in paradise. She said we'll go to Mala... and that I'll like it. Knowing that she and I traveled everywhere and most of the restaurants that she takes me to... I do end up liking... I told her sure. Parking was tricky...it was a Thursday and apparently it was a "happening" night. We ended up parking by the road further down the place but it wasn't a far walk. It was just sunset and it was just gorgeous. We got to the place - it was TINY! And packed! I was a bit worried b/c it had a lot of touristy folks (yes, we were tourist too but I just assumed that it was going to be with the locals... just like how my sis travels =) We were very fortunate that a table for two just opened up (on the inside not outside). We sat and it was very "intimate" - I could hear the two guys conversation on our right and the group of four on my left (they were figuring out what white wine to get!) Yup, that close together. Enough blabbing...we ordered the following (again, just reviewing my order since I didn't really try sis's food.) Sis's food: - SEARED AHI BRUSCHETTA (Flax Seed Toast, Olowalu Tomatoes & Edamame Puree) she liked it enough to do some major damage to it. - SPICY LAMB PITA (she didn't really eat this b/c it was too spicy for her) My food: - HOISIN GLAZED BABY BACK RIBS (Molokai Purple Mashed Potatoes, Shiitakes, Edamame & Coconut Peanut Sauce) ~ I loved it. It was like eating Thai food but with just ribs! Sis was laughing b/c I inhaled the food. I was so quiet! Sis asked me if I wanted rice... I wanted too but it was just a little TOO Filipino like =) It was really juicy and the flavors were just right! - for dessert, I opted for the coconut creme brulee. I was on vacation and I'm a sucker for anything coconut...man it was awesome! Loved it. Oh...sis ordered a bottle of wine...forgot which one but it was good...I finished most of it. But she loved the fact that they were serving Flowers (her BFF's wine) and she mentioned another one of her friends but by that time I was too focused on someone... At the end...service was *top-notch* and overall, they were all very attentive. PS: I loved their tagline: "Practice Aloha." I'm a designer so I had to be uber touristy by buying a shirt and a cap for me and a shirt for my bro. I'm hoping to be back and try their lunch and brunch menu...soon? =) Highly recommended and be sure to call in for a res so you can see the beautiful sunset outside...I wasn't able to experience it but next time...
(5)
Malika L.
OMG!! Loved this place. Celebrated my birthday here!! Had the sea bass....super super delicious!! The calamari was good too. I wasn't too jazzed about the edamame pure they bring to the table upon arrival...but it was decent paired with the salsa and chips that were provided too. Try to get there early so you can score a window view and admire the beautiful picturesque scene!!
Kobe beef burger was bomb. Drinks were great, service was good and the view of the sunset doesn't get any better. Would definitely recommend it to friends.
(5)
Kelly A.
Great Brussels sprouts. Very interesting (good) oyster shooter. Fresh produce, excellent flavors. Ocean front dining. Go and give it a try. Their food is yummy!
(3)
Dave C.
Time Arrived: 6pm, weekday Time Wait: NA Party: 2 Atmosphere: Far from the crowds on the strip of front street so its quiet. Also, you can look out and see sea turtles popping their heads out for air, that was kinda awesome. Seating is tight, you can hear and see what every1 else around you is doing (not really an issue for us as we mostly enjoyed our food in silence with the view of the sea and turtles!). Food/Drink: Wife had the seafood pasta which was generous with the fishes and tasty. I tried the pan fried whole sea bass, which was equally if not more delicious. I love how they cut up the side of the fish for you b4 they fry it, its hard to explain but what happens is it makes it that much easier to eat. You can just pop the meat off the fish. We also had an appetizer which i totally forgot about so it clearly wasnt mind blowing. Service: No complaints, drinks refilled, menu explained, food delivered promptly. Overall: It is not cheap here. Bill came to 120 for 2, and we did not get any alcoholic drinks. I preferred this place over laihiana grill, because it was just a tad bit more casual. And there is parking readily available.
(4)
Rachael C.
The view was great and food was nice. I had a good time here and would love to come again. I otdered oyster shot (you must try it!) And blanaise (? I don't know the name of it) with fish. My friend ordered kobe beef burger and I like its side dish, fries.
(5)
Erroll G.
I'm going to preface this review by stating I eat out at alot of restaurants, from really cheap to really expensive. So when a restaurant charges fine dining prices, I expect a few basic things. Reading the earlier reviews on Yelp, I knew Ma'la was on the expensive side, with a nice view of the ocean. Also, people raved about their food. So I had pretty high expectations. Now, back to the few basic things I expect: 1) a fine dining restaurant should provide cloth handkerchiefs, not paper towel napkins for dinner 2) a fine dining restaurant shouldn't have cheapo plastic tables, that are uneven and will send your drink sliding down and on to the floor 3) a fine dining restaurant doesn't end your meal by giving you a bumper sticker 4) a fine dining restaurant wait staff should be dressed in something more than t-shirts and shorts The restaurant is tiny, so be prepared to hear every word of the conversations from adjacent tables. No quiet romantic dinners here. I know, I haven't talked about the food yet. So let's get started with the appetizer. First they bring out some type of salsa with crushed soybeans and tortilla chips. This was nothing special. The chips were a little stale. We ordered the mahi mahi ceviche. Pica de gallo with hints of mahi mahi would have been a more appropriate labeling. Overall the dish wasn't terrible, but considering it was 20 bucks, I expect more. For the entree I had the mahi mahi on top of mashed potoatoes, toasted pita and pesto sauce. The entree wasn't bad, maybe a 6.5/10. The biggest thing for me was that the price you spend on dinner doesn't match the ambience of the restaurant. We spent about 120 bucks for dinner, when I think it was more on par with a 70-80 dollar meal. Part of enjoying a fine dining restaurants is the food, presentation, restaurant ambience, and the customer service. We've dined at Mama's Fish House and Lahaina Grill, which are similiarly priced, but you get a better dining experience at those restaurants (and also better food and flavors). Check out my review for Mama's Fish House if interested.
Absolutely fabulous food and view. We shared the wok fried catch of the day that happened to be snapper on the night we ate. Wait staff was very courteous and professional. Definitely a spot for foodies with creative flavor combinations! Large wine list and we were shocked when offered a small taste of several of the higher end wines before making our selection. Very impressive restaurant!
(5)
ken a.
Make a reservation (Call or Open Table) Or else enjoy a long wait (no matter the time or day or day of the week) The most delicious food I've had here was a mahi mahi sausage flat bread (aka pizza). I know it might not sound fantastic but it was a nice fine sausage texture, like you might get in the NE and had a nice little zing to it. The Coconut Shrimp will disappear right before your eyes. The worst thing was a hamburger, which literally was uneatable. Some gross texture and horrid flavor (perhaps seaweed feed cows - certainly not grassfed). I know, how can a named chef not do a burger - go figure. In-between Adult mac and cheese, which has a little blue cheese in it. It is top of the stove style, rather than baked. The mushroom flavor might turn off some but I thought it was OK. The noodles were slightly over cooked but not seriously. I wouldn't get again but it wasn't bad. The Mahi Mahi Ala Plancha was also OK. I mean it is fresh mahi mahi, so how bad can it get :-) I love ginger so wished this had a little more too it. But it wasn't that far off from something you might make at home. I probably wouldn't get it again The cocktails are fab. They make the only Mai Tai I've liked on the island. The Sunny cirtus is a wee bit sweet for me but others feel it goes down like lemonade. The cane and coco is my favorite; put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up! Oh, did I mention - you need to make a reservation (even if you call while walking on the street headed there)
(4)
Alison L.
My husband and I ate at Mala for our anniversary dinner this week. The restaurant was recommended by Robert at Luna cafe down the road. We are so glad we came with a recommendation from a local since it was a bit more down to earth with a less touristy feel. We had a relaxing dinner starting with the Mediterranean plate which was delicious. I had the mahi mahi which was good but not amazing and my husband had the seared ahi which seemed a little mismatched with the sauce - good nonetheless. The drinks we were good we had the sangria and the mojitos. The really nice thing about this place was the view! Amazing ocean views at sunset and 100s of turtles to watch swimming on the shoreline while you eat. Worth the trip!
(4)
Mitch W.
Mala is one of those restaurants that you dream about when you haven't eaten there in a while. On our recent trip to Maui, we ate here twice because it was THAT good. I still think about their edamame puree dip with chips. I really like that appetizer. Whenever the busboys asked if we were finished with it, I'd say No! I was tempted to ask for more like the little boy, Oliver. My two dinners there were both excellent, but I enjoyed the Kobe burger that I ate there last trip a little better. However, I decided to try two different items this trip. The first dinner I had the Ahi burger (House Made) for $17. It's fresh ground ahi w/herbs & spices, whole wheat bun, tartar sauce, romaine, tomato & frites. It was very good. Their french fries are some of the best I've had. The second dinner I had the Mahi Mahi Ala Plancha (Local) for $37. It comes with YG potato puree, mojo verde & grilled pita with romesco. The fish was very fresh and tasty. I enjoyed it very much, but part of the sauce was slightly too spicy for me. For dessert, we shared the Flourless Chocolate Torte Souffle both times. It comes with Vanilla Macadamia nut brittle ice cream, caramel sauce and whipped cream. Delicious!!! If you're in town, you must try Mala! Mahalo!
(5)
Dean M.
Very good service and nicely prepared fresh food. If you want a nice dinner with the ocean at the end of your table this is a great place. It's not touristy and you are not being herded in our and out in massive numbers.
(4)
MARK P.
One of our favorite places on Maui. A bit of a splurge price-wise, but it's been worth it each time we've visited. Creative apps and entrees, usually a worthy special or two, decent wine list, It's surprisingly kid-friendly, the kikei menu has good several choices, in appropriate kid-sized portions. Reservations are a must if you want an outside table. And you do want one.
(4)
Maria W.
We came here two times during our vacation in Maui. Very much enjoyed the service and atmosphere, especially around sunset. It's a little overpriced, but you're paying for the view too. Great cocktails. Highly recommend the whole fried fish, it's a uniquely Hawaiian dish!
(4)
Patrick A.
Ahhh, Mala. Found this place about 4 Maui trips ago, and every time we are there we make a point of going. The facade you see from the street is the epitome of nothing special. Inside you get a great vibe and beautiful view of the ocean. But the food is what makes this place worth returning to. Ironic given its great seafood, but the Kobe Beef burger is probably the best burger I've ever had, and consistant year to year, so it usually wins out when I order. Not the cheapest place, but also not as expensive as it could be given it is Maui, and the quality of the ingredients and preparation. If you make reservations, try and book a table on the patio for the best view.
(5)
wingless g.
Came here for the happy hour - bit pricey for a happy hour but the view was amazing (and luckily I snagged a spot in the shade). Coconut shrimp and calamari were yummy, ahi burger just ok.
(3)
Nell B.
Ahi Bruschetta. That's all you need to know.
(5)
Holly G.
With no reservation we opted to sit at the bar. The bar tender was awesome and so were all other other people sitting there that night. Per the bar tenders recommendation, we tried the seared Ahi bruschetta...AMAZING! Great food, great view, highly recommend!
(5)
Scott P.
Fantastic location, fantastic, food, fantastic service, this and their sister restaurant Honu are the best!
(5)
Gretchen R.
My husband and I discovered Mala on our honeymoon in Maui and it quickly became a favorite-- Fresh, organic and delicious food at a decent price-- a combo that's hard to come by. In the words of my husband, "the kobe cheeseburger will make you want to be a better man before you die. But at least you'll die happy after eating one of those..." On top of delicious food and flavors, the service and atmosphere were superb. Mala is truly a superior experience and is mouth watering good.
(5)
Josh F.
We arrived and found parking right outside. They have about 6 spots to park right on the beach next to the restaurant. The hostess greeted us and quickly ushered us to the back outside covered patio right on the ocean. It was late afternoon and hot/humid. They had the roll down shades out so we wouldn't cook ourselves in the late afternoon sun. The waiter (whose name escapes me) greeted us and said he's been there for five years and can answer any questions about the menu or drink list. We ordered a couple of Mai Tais (duh!) since we just landed and a cold, sweet, rum laced drink is what we needed. They claim it is an award winner (but other Maui places claim this too). It was good and came with the requisite slice of pineapple and umbrella :) On to the wine list, I swear if I cold pick a wine list it would be this one. Lots of California brands you will recognize. All the cabernets are expensive but if you want to splurge $300 for Opus One you can. They have other choices by the glass which you'll actually enjoy and not be disappointed that you wish you had a bottle instead. To start we got the bruschetta with ahi. It's excellent. It's also pretty big with 4 four good size pieces, so be careful if you aren't that hungry it'll fill you up. I had the grilled fish sandwich which came with mahi mahi. Very good sandwich. It's served with fries that are nice and crispy. It also comes with a side of tartar sauce and there's a garlic aioli. He asked if I wanted ketchup too. My wife had the entree special which was snapper on a bed of yukon potatoes and another purple potato (can't remember what kind). It came encircled with triangles of pita bread. There was also a lime cilantro sauce. It was excellent. We chatted up the waiter a little and he gave us the menu for the sister restaurant next door, Honu. They make pizza and is supposed to be great (have not been yet). Highly recommended.
(5)
Placido S.
If you want to hang with the Maui posers, this is a must visit place. Overpriced drinks were way below par. Service was not bad. We ordered the whole fried fish ($82.00)....was very, very bland and was not filling at all. Loud place too....but very trendy place. I would check out other local restaurants.
(1)
Kimberly D.
I have a mixed review for Mala.. we loved the food, and the front of the house was very nice but the entire experience at the table was terrible. We had been out all day hiking and were starving, so stopped here on the way home since I had read some good reviews on it. We were accommodated very quickly especially since we didn't have reservations, and were a bit concerned as to our dress but hey, it's Hawaii and we wanted to eat some great food. From the moment we sat down, our server whose name was John (mind you-he never told us his name) was SO RUDE the entire time. My friend and I tried to order appetizers while our other 2 friends were in the restroom. He barked at us saying, "Just wait until everyone else is here and I will do it all together." Umm.. ok.. When our entire party came, he didn't introduce himself, offer any specials or recommendations or even seem mildly interested in being there. I was the first to order and after my order he said, "Anyone else?!" No, - I am just going to eat alone and my friends will watch. We couldn't believe his attitude.. either he thought we were poor because we weren't dressed up, or is just an ass. I agree with the other reviewer; BD, that if we hadn't had been so hungry we would have left. Now, I have been a server before along with my other friend who was in our party and we were flabbergasted as to how this guy is even still working there. He was rude, condescending, impolite and just an all around asshole. Sorry, but it's the truth. I would possibly go here again but would call and specifically ask that this waiter not be our server. I recommend he get a new job or the owner fire him, he is not doing anyone any favors by working here.
(3)
avalon e.
Overrated and overpriced tourist trap. Didnt get to sit outside but it was dark anyway so timing was off. Instead of some fancy flatbread we were offered Doritos and some edamame paste on a watery spicy concoction. $13 you get cough-syrup tasting MaiTai served in a tumbler $42 gets you a small sauteed pc of Onaga which tasted so-so, on some Campbell tomato soup like sauce on the bottom and 2 small servings of wilted spinach. For $14 a half order of tuna bruschetta, laser thin slices of tuna on some Safeway multigrain bread. $19 for Mahi Ceviche which is overly spicy. I dont mind paying big bucks for a good meal of refined food. But this is borderline highway robbery. Could have done MUCH better eating @ the hotel restaurants.
(2)
Matt D.
Of each restaurant I've experienced on Maui for the last 8 years, this is by far the worst. Expensive prices for sub-par food and horrible waitstaff. Simply awful service to our table. It seemed we were ignored for 30 minute periods at a time while every other table around us seemed to have several servers helping them. It only exacerbates my fear that our skin color had something to do with our rude, lacking service. Go somewhere else, we sure wish we had.
(1)
Subir G.
Went here for dinner while on Maui for a week-long wedding. Our first trip to Hawaii, and even though we're New Yorkers, accustomed to high-priced entrees, we were a bit surprised at all the $40 entrees on the island. Now that we've got that out of the way, we can move past it. We reserved late, but were able to get a table a day before. Once we arrived though, we realized the bar is actually really nice, and the very welcoming bartender convinced us to stay at the bar (didn't hurt that our little corner was more private than the tables and it was dark outside so the views from the tables weren't worth waiting for). We had the Ahi bruscetta, the Balinese stir-fry (fantastic) and the Filet Mignon (bartender's recommendation and totally worth it). The food was great, the service very warm and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit if you can afford it!
(5)
Elle M.
Thanks to the bartenter at our local "The Ritz" restaurant for turning us on to this gem of a spot. He apparently vacations in Maui quite often and raved about Mala, and he was right to do so. We arrived during happy hour which had a limited menu as compared to dinner or lunch....but still oh so yummy!! The Mai Tai's were fresh and delicious, the coconut shrimp was a very fresh take on how most prepare them and it was a welcome change & experience! My husband had the fresh fish of the day sandwich which was Mahi Mahi...he devoured it delightfully and I had a healthy salad with fresh Mahi Mahi and veggies with brown rice and an amazing peanut sauce! I would definitely put Mala on your "to do" list while in Maui!!
(4)
Carrie C.
YUM! Excellent, view, food, and drinks! Its funny eating around Maui, I order food from the menu and it comes out with extras, surprises that weren't described on the menu! Which means I always ordered too much food, but so good, that you have leftovers! The service was awesome too, Thanks Rob! Next time we'll try the restaurant next door. Both of them have such excellent reviews.
(5)
Fernanda W.
We really loved our evening at Mala. Service was great, the atmosphere was the laid back and original we seen in Lahaina or Maui and the food and drinks were really great. Our server, Danny, was super nice, and for the first time in Maui we didn't feel pushed out of a restaurant after a meal in Maui. All in all it was great, would recommend and go back for sure.
(5)
John R.
Great food all around and the Avalon Seared Sashimi - Yukon Gold Potato Puree Shiitake Mushroom Ginger Sauce - which I had spicy was great. It is right on the water so make a reservation and time it right to catch the sunset. The food is good but no chef can match the view you get table side.
(4)
Jenny L.
Mala is what I will remember Maui by. Happy hour daily from 3:00-4:30. I know, it's a weird time. But we're on vacation, so I will drink whenever I please! Mojito, mai tai, and a sangria. Check! + Tomato shiitake flatbread + Farmers salad + Ahi burger +++ Caramel Miranda - A melted dark chocolate and caramel sauce covered plate with layered and broiled island fruit, raspberries, Maui Gold pineapple, baby coconuts and vanilla macadamia nut brittle ice cream. FYI, you can get a half order for a few dollars less, and it will still be huge and fulfilling. We sat outside in the patio, right next to the ocean waves. The waiter pointed out the turtles that paddle along the shore. It was an amazing view as we caught the sunset with excellent food and delicious drinks. *Sighs in contentment*
(5)
Madeleine H.
Delicious food, great service, and an incredible sunset view- but you are definitely paying extra for the view. We had the fresh fish of the day and the ahi sashimi, which were truly delicious. The famous $20 Caramel Miranda dessert was a rip-off: it's just a big plate of fruit with a little chocolate caramel sauce- maybe I wouldn't have been so disappointed if I wasn't expecting something REALLY special for a $20 dessert. So get a different dessert. Entrees are definitely priced $10-$20 over what you would find elsewhere, but that's the score with oceanfront dining, so if you care about food more than ambience, there are probably better places for the money. But we wanted the view and it was incredible. We even saw some glimpses of sea turtles feeding in the ocean.
(4)
Michael L.
It's a nice place but unfortunately the waiting is very long and tiering, we had reservation and still had to wait 30 minutes.... The food was ok, nothing fancy.
(3)
Monique R.
This was by far our favorite restaurant in Maui. Everything was incredible. We went there 2 years ago, loved it then ... and came back this week and it was still incredible. The mixed green salad with beets and panko crusted surfing goat cheese was insanely good. We also had a side of fries, kids pizza, burger and hummus with flatbread and it was all so so good. Desert was also delish! The patio is very cool, right on the water with an abundance of sea turtles below, beautiful view. Our server was very nice, attentive and genuine. We did overhear the server for the table next to us talking to them and he seemed very cheezy and less genuine. We may have gotten lucky there. Food was 5 star and we are critical! NOTE: This is the original Mala, there is a new on in Wailea at the Marriott which is not as good. This one in Lahaina is worth the drive!
(5)
Austin A.
Stopped in for a quick lunch one late afternoon, and our experience was wonderful. Our waitress was timely, polite, genuine, and very helpful. She recommended the Hood Canal Oyster Shooter (incredibly yummy.), Spicy Lamb Pita (Amazing!), and Tomato Shiitake Mushroom Flatbread (Perfection in every way.). All in all this was a beautiful spot, you couldn't be any closer to the ocean or the sea turtles unless you were actually in the ocean. Beautiful place, wonderful service, amazing food. Prices were reasonable, low and totally worth it In my opinion. (4 Oyster Shooters, Large Flatbread, Spicy Lamb Pita for under $34) If you're near Lahaina, this place is a MUST!
(4)
Lindsay A.
This depends on Location and time of reservation. I have never had a bad meal here. I have had 2 faaaabulous meals and 2 meh to ok meals. I would say the location in Lahaina is better than the one in Wailea. Although the location in Wailea has the best waitress, if I only remembered her name. She was incredible. We had the whole fish which was dynamite. I think the tartar is good. a little boring but good. The oyster shooters are great, It's a rip off because it's Hawaii, but at least it's better than the pita place they have around the corner where you pay 70$ for hummus... I digress. I would go here again.
(3)
Ted H.
Great ocean front location with very friendly service. The mai tai was great. The food was also good, but just a bit heavy for me. Make a reservation if you'd like an ocean view table on the patio. Parking is also limited so budget some time to find a spot.
(3)
Dana E.
Our friends recommended this restaurant, so we wanted to give it a try. The restaurant is small and intimate. It's away from the hustle and bustle in Lahaina. We asked for an outside table, and were seated on the water. The sunset is beautiful from here, so go early. The service and food is outstanding. They have the best cheeseburger, made with Kobe beef. It's the best burger I have ever had. Cocktails were really good, was tipsy from one! Would definitely go back next time in Maui! My husband loved his fish entree as well! Amazing evening!
(5)
Melodi R.
I coulda skipped Lahaina completely and still loved my vacation in Maui, but to miss Mala would have been a big mistake. Lahaina was VERY touristy (including the local homeless freak shows posing for photos). Places like Bubba Gumps and Hard Rock were busier than most of the restaurants on the main drag. We just stopped in to Mala for drinks and had their chips and amazing salsa. I wished we would have stayed for dinner (reservations are needed and they book up completely, so book early). Their patio dining area is beautiful especially at sunset! The food (including the hamburgers) looked reallllly good! Eric at the bar was a super friendly guy and proved he's a great bartender as the bar and restaurant got busier and busier. I think he likes his job and it shows!
(5)
Eric G.
Lunch was great. Dinner was great. The specials are worth trying. They actually are pretty freakin special. Great cocktails and pizzas to boot. Forget about the view, yes it's great but don't get distracted by that and miss out out what's on your plate! They do pack a lot of tables in there, and I'm knocking off a perfect score because countless servers and bussers alternately banged into me and our table all through appetizers. I picked the f*in table up and moved it before the entrees arrived. A Funny Story There was a drunk guy staggering and lurching around the dining room. All of the diners noticed him though he was invisible to the servers. He would occasionally visit and start talking with some tables so we kept our eyes down. I made a little joke comment to our server about the drunk stumbling careening guy in brown and she said "oh that's the owner." And I said- "Oh! I didn't mean to joke, I didn't know he had a disability." And then she said "But. He's not disabled. " I stopped talking at that point.
(4)
Anthony b.
Had a 7:30 reservation, didn't get in until 8:30pm. Don't make a reservation here, won't work ! Food was good, nice location but I won't return due to the wait.
(1)
Sasha C.
Get the ahi bruschetta, you will not be disappointed! Ive been here quite a few times and the other most memorable things for me that I've had are the Manila Clams (yum!) and the Mac and cheese, which was definitely not like any other mac and cheese I've had before. The only downside if I can even really say there is one is that sometimes you may have to wait, so I'd recommend a reservation especially if you want to get one of the tables next to the water.
(5)
Maya T.
We had a great meal here while on vacation in Maui. We called in around 5 pm and were able to get a reservation for dinner that same day. We decided to share an appetizer (sauteed mushrooms with pita bread), salad (roasted beets with chevre), and an entree (Mahi Mahi ala plancha (cooked on plank)). All our dishes were excellent. We also had some delicious Mai Tais, which I normally wouldn't drink but decided to because I was in Hawaii. Service was very good and we had a nice table by the open deck. Only downside was the steep prices, but this is typical for the area.
(4)
Trevor E.
Great experience. On my honeymoon, and asked them to make it special and the hostess and manager went the extra mile to make it memorable. This is a must for anyone on Maui. The food was great too!
(5)
Kristen S.
Mala Tavern is on the ocean, if that is at all possible. Literally, ON! We went for lunch and it was gorgeous and breezy, but I can only imagine the happy hour/dinner views are to die for here. Maui sunsets no ka oi, as they say...be warned: this is a very small restaurant and you should make reservations or come at off-times - the lanai seating is first come first serve, also. The food: the food is mediterranean "themed" but really offers a good selection of fresh, local pac-rim fare as well. The flatbreads are delicious and the fish is also very good. Their bar and beer selection is quite good - ice cold brew on the ocean, with some yummy bites to accompany it? Yes, please!
(4)
Jordan R.
So in visiting Maui, its been tough to find a really solid breakfast joint. LOVED this place. It gets 5 stars for the overall experience. Food was definitely some of the better we've had in Maui, though this isn't some 5-star brunch joint. The food was simply fresh, tasty, well prepared, and excellently priced. The Healthy Bread, SUPER tasty. Butter, jam, bread....instant happiness. Also, great coffee! The coffee I think is Kaanapli Coffee Company, and they brew it at the right strength. Perfect for us visitors from the Pacific NW. Our eggs were super fresh and tasty with a nice cheese in the scramble. I had the smoked salmon tartine which was pretty fantastic. Our mimosas were splendid, and had fresh OJ in them. Portions were just right. Would definitely have the hazelnut cinnamon roll thing I saw when we go back, which I think we are doing tomorrow morning! Oh, and the bacon was on point! I love good bacon, properly cooked. The view was great, sitting on the deck out back just relaxing. We got there right at 9AM when they opened, had a reservation and got prime seating along the water. The place filled up not 25 minutes later, and we're in the "low" season. I would definitely make reservations. Staff was amazingly friendly. Super attentive, super friendly, very accommodating.
(5)
Melinda C.
This is our #1 restaurant in Maui. They mix flavors that I wouldn't pin together and somehow it is so harmoniously perfectly balanced. It's quite pricey but for fish this fresh and flavors this excellently executed, i can't imagine paying that much less anywhere. It was our one splurge night (~$200 for 2 martinis, an appetizer and a half, two entrees and a beer). And outstanding service to boot! You know how people hype up things and then you're disappointed? I was worried that the ahi bruscetta would be that for me between reviews and suggestions, but it was P E R F E C T, and I don't even love ahi. On an edamame puree, with DELICIOUSLY dressed tomatoes, all on a flaxseed piece of bread that is buttered and toasted then drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar (sweet and tangy) and olive oil. Thank god for the ability to order a half order or I wouldn't have finished my entree. The ceviche - so simple and perfect as well - the husband was eating it with a spoon. It tasted so pure - I was thinking I could make this at home, but I doubt it. The cilantro was present but not prevalent, which is great since I don't like cilantro. For entrees, the husband got the ahi sashimi which came in an Asian inspired sauce - it had body, it had chunks and it had no particular flavor that stuck out but again, a perfect harmony of flavors where the sum is greater than the whole. I got a lightly sauteed fish of the day served with spinach and mashed potato in a tomato cream sauce. These dishes couldn't be more perfect for us - I'm all about tomato cream sauces, and he's all about Asian influences (and he had been looking for that the entire time we were on Maui, he just didn't find it until now). I don't even like fish! But I was full after the appetizer and still sucked down my fish, so that must say something. All topped with a beautiful pear martini - light, refreshing, just vodka and fresh puree, perfectly mixed with some bruised ice. All with the sounds of the surf behind you (like 3 feet behind), and the stars above you at night, or the beautiful blue water during the day. The husband said he'll dream about this place (and he never gets that excited about food!) It will be the first place we hit up when we return. Oh, and we were able to find free parking in front of the restaurant and along the water.
(5)
Nicole D.
Personally I recommend going for happy hour. Little pricey for what you get. My favorite dishes are there appetizers. Very quiet during happy hour, grab a seat on the patio. Beautiful view. Hummus is delicious, so is the garlic cheese flatbread. Great service, but bar drinks always take a little while.
Mala seems a little overrated to me. The food is good, but overpriced. You do not have to spend $50 per person for lunch on Maui to get a good meal. You are really paying for the view at Mala as you are literally right on the beach. I had the mahi mahi ceviche ($19) for starters. It was tasty. The half-pound cheeseburger was good as well, but not $20 good. Dessert was a root beer float. It was a letdown.
(2)
S. P.
Fresh, delicious food...great service...ocean front. A little pricey, a little crowded but worth the money and wait.
(4)
Alizabeth S.
I want to give this place two stars, but I can't think of why. One star feels mean but I'm going to do it so you don't go. I knew I was in trouble when nothing on the menu looked appealing to me. Nothing. The prices seemed silly as well, but Maui ocean front will do that to the best of places; I ignored that for my review. I didn't like the food. Things seemed pretentious and the flavors were trying too hard and not quite making it. There was cumin in everything. The complimentary dip to start off the meal was gross to me. The chips were cold and stale. (edible, I was hungry) Anyway, just skip this place. The staff was friendly if inattentive, we did get in without a reservation and the food was served quickly and it looked pretty.
(1)
Maurie F.
One word. WOW! Great wine selection. Amazing food. We had incredible, friendly and efficient service. The taste of the different menu items are all GREAT! An absolute must for dinner on Maui.
(5)
Bill W.
Where do I start? My wife and I make a point to drive here from Wailea every time we visit Maui. On our most recent visit, we started with the ceviche. The portion size was large enough to satisfy, and tasted delicious. I ordered my usual, the ahi burger, and my wife ordered the fresh fish sandwich (grilled). As much as I loved my ahi, my wife's fish sandwich was better. After she let me have a bite, it was so good I didn't know if I should eat it or make sweet love to it. I honestly don't recall how much the check was because 1. I'm on vacation, and 2. It's Maui so I don't expect it to be cheap. All I know is the food and drinks were great, the service was prompt and friendly, and the view from our table was very pretty. We left completely satisfied, and look forward to our next visit to Maui so we can eat here again.
(4)
Susan B.
Excellent service. Food is mediocre. Tomato burrata, ceviche, beet salad & fried chicken were good. The rest of the entrees we ordered were not that tasty. Nice atmosphere.
(3)
J N.
When I first arrived, I was quite worried by the rudeness of both the host and the bartender. The host seemed less than pleased at my arrival, and the hostess looked like I was not a "welcomed tourist". I was dressed in a nice dress, but not overly dressed to the point of looking out of place, since it was clearly a casual place, and I was there to spend money. What a shock after dining at Lahaina Grill the night before. But maybe they don't want people with money to spend. On Front street? Seriously? Who really knows? I couldn't decide on a wine and I was surprised at the poor selection of white by the glass. The bartender seemed annoyed by that, and equally annoyed when we almost saved a single seat while one of our party members parked the car. (wt?) At this point, we had already waited at least 35 minutes for a table, too. We decided to give up the seat, out of fear of retribution. He did lighten up when I promised to tip him out well at our dinner. So why the five star? All of that changed when we were seated at our table. We shared the ahi bruschetta which was to die for and the pasta special which was heavenly. The mac and cheese was ordered by the less adventurous and it was amazing but too rich on its own. I don't even remember the dessert, and I don't care. It had fruit and it was delicious. This is a tough call, but in spite of the rocky start, it might very well be my fave place on Maui. Oh, and although we waited at least 45 minutes for the sunset table, we enjoyed the food and company so much that I missed the actual sunset. Can you believe it? Who does that? Yes, the food was that good. Also, I can't forget our sweet, tanned, freckled (but in a very nice way) dark-haired waiter who was the complete opposite of the grumpy bartender. He was so kind that you just wanted to order everything he suggested! This was one of my favourite, spendy, casual places so if you only want to do one casual "nice" night out, go here, but don't forget to stop to watch the sunset!
(5)
Evie P.
My husband and I came here for brunch. We sat by the water on the other side of the bar and the views were great. As we looked out into the ocean we couldn't help but see all of the turtles that kept swimming over. The food was great. I had an Island Fish Sandwich and my husband had the Kobe Burger, both were soooooooo good. As far as the service, everyone was really cool and friendly. I would def. come back to this place.
(5)
Chris S.
Consistently excellent food with a great water front location and terrific service. Top notch list of beers to boot. We go at least once every time we're in Maui.
(5)
Daniel B.
Went on Thursday and had our usual great experience. Great service. Great bar. Had a seat right by the ocean. I had the seafood pasta excellent a friend had the fresh catch of the day very good. Definitely recommend but make reservations. The words out how good it is!
(5)
Trapper L.
Mahi mahi and Kobe beef cheeseburger are outstanding. Ahi bruschetta is a must have. Can't beat the location.
(5)
Hillary L.
We went to Mala when we visited Maui for our one year wedding anniversary (May 2009) and were absolutely GA-GA for this place. On our second visit (August 2012) Mala didn't disappoint, even for two semi-foodies from L.A. :) Here are our recommendations, though I suspect it's tough to go wrong at this place: BEET & SURFING GOAT CHEESE SALAD w/ Fennel Vinaigrette - the goat cheese is coated in Panko and /fried/, even so, it still tastes light with the beets and vinaigrette. MAHI MAHI ALA PLANCHA-- I love fish on the plank anytime, anyplace, but this preparation is especially nice. I think they're stretching it by calling the sauce a 'romesco', but who cares when it's delicious??? AVALON SEARED SASHIMI - the tuna is seared perfectly rare and the shiitake mushroom ginger sauce is Divine. The complimentary edamame puree and tortilla chips (served in a molcajete) is simple but yummy. In fact, I bought their cookbook just so that I could make it at home. It's a pretty successful approximation, too. A couple of other points: Cocktails/beer at this place rock; the ginger martini, michelada, Hitachino Nest (a Japanese white ale) are excellent. Servers are /beyond/ knowledgeable about the menu. I half-expected our waiter to tell me the temperature of the water used to hydrate the beets in my salad ;) Atmosphere is low-key, beachy, and romantic. If you call to make reservations, ask for a table on the patio, so you can enjoy the sound of waves lapping as you enjoy dinner.
(4)
Ro M.
Food is yummmmerz! Tummy was uuuberly happy:) Try their seared ahi bruschetta...you wont be disappointed. oyster shooters were unique. Greek platter was a good appetizer. Service is awesome. Loved this place and would go back again
(5)
Mohammed O.
Excellent service; good food but small portions and very pricey; overall,over rated for what you pay
(3)
M K D.
Mala is a treasrue....great location, service and food! practice Aloha and go to Mala...you will be glad you did! it is one of our "must go to" places every tome we go to Maui!
(5)
Andrew R.
Best restaurant in town! We tried them all, and this one hit the sweet-spot. Great food, good ambiance, friendly staff, and reasonably priced.
(5)
Anhilia B.
We were looking forward to a relaxing birthday celebration but I guess we'll have to do it elsewhere. We had reservations for 4 at 6pm and we were seated right away at the best table in the restaurant. One of us is a very plain, health conscience eater who asked if she could order the Mahi Mahi broiled only without all of the fixings. The waitress said sarcastically, "Oooohkay, plain fish it is." Our drinks arrived promptly. Our food arrived almost too promptly. I ordered a second glass of wine with desert. The desert showed up before the wine so we had to go ask a different waiter for the wine. The manager kept looking into the restaurant checking on our table. Keep in mind, it's now only 7:10pm. By 7:15pm our table was cleared, our payment folio was removed from the table and they were just waiting for us to leave. $300 dollars later the 4 of us were practically pushed out after only sitting in our seats for 1 hour 30 minutes and we chugged the last of wine because they were so rude. Food 4.5 stars, view 4.5 stars, ambiance 3.5 stars, service 1 star.
(3)
Ron O.
Ono, you know! Luckily, the tourist trap a few doors down was packed, so we opted for this scenic, cozy little spot. Everyone was warm and friendly. Ordered off the Sunday Brunch menu and was it ever "umami." Let's commence with the mahi ceviche. Fresh, vibrant, and onolicious. Next up, the kids fish 'n chips made with, of course, mahi! Fish was fried perfect, but the "chips" were to die for. Crispy shoestring fries tossed w/ sea salt 'n herbs. We killed them, luckily my kiddo wasn't hoarding that day. Last, we ordered the loco moco - the mushroom gravy was "da bomb." We dipped EVERYTHING into it and practically licked the gravy boat. LM served on brown rice... hmm, for the health conscious?!? Oh yeah, and the kids' lunch came w/ a scoop of vanilla ice cream (the waitress was nice enough to drizzle on some caramel sauce) - as simple as that was, we almost went UFC over the tiny scoop of melting very vanillaEEE ice cream. The Maui Bikini Blonde on draught completed the perfect picturesque meal. Maui "No Ka Oi."
(5)
Ashley A.
Awesome little restaurant on Maui! Has a very local feel and it's fairly easy to get a same-day reservation. Had the Manila clams and the Balinese Stirfry which were both amazing. Favorite spot on Maui along with their sister restaurant, Honu, located next door.
(5)
Jordan R.
This is my first trip to Maui and man did this restaurant kick off our trip on a delicious note. My great aunt lives in Maui half the year and instantly recommended this place as this is her 20 something something winter vacationing here We started off with the ahi tuna bruschetta which was amazing. As well as a cup of black bean soup the I devoured faster than I thought I would have. For main course the Mahi Mahi was my personal favorite out of all the dishes our family ordered. Oyster shooters were a close second. A must stop if you're in Maui
(5)
David E.
Wow!!! We have eaten here three times in a week...the food, drinks, atmosphere and service are exceptional. For appetizers, the seared ahi flatbread and spicy lamb pittas are a must. The Kobe burger and ahi burgers are great. The seafood is so fresh and the ribs were good,too. You must save room for their special dessert, the Carmel Miranda...get the half order...phenomenal. Reserve an outside table and get there before sunset...bring your camera
(5)
Sarah H.
The adult mac and cheese.... delicious! The chips and salsa/hummus.... delicious! The chicken entree.... so good! I'll be back to this place. I liked the food lots, and the view lots. Yay.
(4)
Rafael S.
Great food and service!
(5)
ciara c.
We had a great vacation on Maui and were told by someone who lives on Maui this was one of the places that's been really popular in the last few months. So, like the good Yelpers we (my husband and I) are, we looked it up to see what others of you said. Mala Ocean Tavern has many four and five star ratings, though unfortunately, it did not live up to that reputation for me. We were advised to call ahead for reservations if we wanted to sit outside on the deck. We made a reservation for the deck, or so I thought. We arrived a little early after walking down to the pier a couple blocks away and getting stink eyed by the homeless people. We told the lady at the podium who we were and went to wait at the bar. The lady kind of had a "yeah, yeah, whatever" attitude which was a bit off putting. Mala is a small place and kind of reminiscent of one of those SF or NY trendy eateries where you're supposed to be ok with people bumping into you and cramped quarters for the waitstaff to pass by. So at the bar, we're told they're known for their mojitos and martinis. I ordered a regular mojito and to be honest, it's nothing special. Have had better and less sugary ones at places in LA. When it came time for us to be seated, the podium lady brought us to a table by an open window, though not outside. We told her we had reservations to sit outside. She said those have to be made once you get to the restaurant. Really. Since the place was packed, we didn't have another choice of where to sit, and we wanted to find out what the food was like. We ordered the ahi sashimi bruschetta as an appetizer and it was exquisite. You could get 2 orders of these as your dinner and it would be awesome. Two bruschettas come in one order and although it may not seem like very much, the flavors all meld together so well that you don't need to mess them up with more. The bruschetta is a toasted flax seed toast with a perfectly seared, thin piece of ahi atop with small field greens and Kula sprouts, aged balsamic and olive oil to set it all off. This is a must-order. For the entree, I was debating between the ahi burger which I saw someone at the bar eating and it looked great, or the Opakapaka fish (quite a bit more in price might I add). The waitress steered me toward the Opakapaka. When the entree came out, it was a small piece of though buttery, tasteless fish. Underneath was a Hawaiian sweet potato mash and some vegetables. They were just alright. For around $39 for the entree, I expected a lot more "Wow!" and I can't help thinking that the waitress directed me to that one to get a bigger tip. My husband ordered the kobe beef burger and said he was very happy with it. Not sure if we'll go back to Mala next time. There's other places I'd like to try more instead. I think they need to work on all of their dishes and drinks being good, not just some. The staff could also use a bit of help with their honesty and customer service.
(3)
Charles O.
Just had a great dinner best beet salad ever Order the the whole wok fried fish a little pricy But very good
(5)
Nicole J.
Mala was a perfect setting! My husband and I watched the sunset over some very delicious margaritas!!
(4)
Brian I.
Exquisite. After a long day of flying, my wife, mother-in-law and myself met 2 friends here. It's at the north end of Lahaina town, on the water, behind Safeway near the cannery mall. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let that dissuade you. The interior is quaint and very comfortable. The deck is perfect. I mean absolutely wonderful. It is directly above the edge of the water, and if you score a table outside you're in for a treat. They provide complimentary chips, pineapple salsa and edamame puree. Yum. Our server was pleasant and very helpful. He explained all the specials, one of which really caught my attention: tomato cheddar jalapeno soup. Turned out they ran out of it while we were still determining what we wanted to eat. Too bad! No biggie. For dinner I chose the ahi burger. It comes on a wheat bun with the usual veggies and a superb house made tartar sauce. I absolutely recommend this. Know that its actually ground ahi that is formed into a patty and grilled, though. If you want a sandwich that is an entire filet pick the fish sandwich. Back to my burger: just excellent. I gave it a spritz of lemon, loaded the bun with tartar and went to town. Delicious! Vegan wife had a spicy tofu stir fry that I kid you not, I would be tempted to order on a future visit. Sweet, tangy and spicy all at once, it was remarkable. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Mala Ocean Tavern.
(5)
Lish H.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The view at sunset is just fantabulous *speechless* We went here for a nice dinner and got the best seat in the house, and when the sunset came, it was the most romantic sunset dinner....ever!!! The sunset view beats the dinner, but still foods are great and dessert....AWESOME!!!
(5)
Kelly O.
Good service with knowledgeable attentive staff but pretty expensive. Ordered the clams and some pasta dishes and salad which all came in good sized portions but the bill was close to $100. Maybe would be more worthwhile if you got a patio seat overlooking the ocean but we were not so lucky. The price for each dish is around $40 which is what I expect from a fine dining restaurant but it has the look and feel of a casual eatery. Food is OK, portions are good but the price is just so disproportionate to what you get.
(3)
Aida K.
I can't comment on the food because we didn't get a chance to experience it. I made a reservation for brunch on our last day here on Maui. When we walked in the place was almost empty. The host even commented on how they were expecting more customers. We were seated inside without even being asked whether we wanted to sit by the water. We were not given a menu or approached by a server. There were two servers running around looking busy even though they only had a few tables. After sitting around for 10 minutes we finally asked someone to get us a menu. Whatever they gave us wasn't even the full menu. The host kept going back and forth talking very loudly on his cell phone. After being ignored for another 5 minutes we walked out. The server apparently finally noticed us and ran out and asked if we were OK. I told him we were great now that we were going someplace else. We ended up having lunch next door at Honu. Too bad these two places are owned by the same person. I feel bad giving them my money but we were starving and had a baby with us so food searching was not an option. Honu was great though. Bottom line, horrible service. Save yourself some time and go somewhere else.
(1)
Jen R.
Had a romantic dinner with my hubby. We shared a bottle of merlot, coconut prawns, Ahi bruschetta, and seared Ahi dinner. Everything was fresh & delicious! Really!!! The setting was beautiful & perfect for sunset pics! The restaurant is small & charming - reservations are highly recommended. We plan to add this restaurant to our "to do" list for each Maui trip!
(5)
Briana C.
Oh Mala, Mala, Mala...I wanted to badly to love you but unfortunately that did not happen. Went to Mala on our last night in Maui for a romantic dinner. Everyone had been raving about the place, locals included, so we thought it would be the perfect spot. Maybe this is where we went wrong: expectations were high. We made an online reservation earlier in the week for a 6:00 dinner. In the "notes" section we wrote that we were honeymooners celebrating our last night in Maui, etc. hoping we'd get some love from the host stand and score a good table. We arrived a few minutes early because we were told it gets busy. When we checked in and asked for a coveted patio table, the host informed us the patio had just been sat and that a table wouldn't be available for maybe 45 minutes. We were obviously disappointed because we had really wanted a patio table and thought Mala would do their best to accommodate our request for a romantic dinner. Since everyone said it was well worth the wait to sit on the patio, we told the host we were fine to hang out in the bar until a table was ready. We walked thru the small dining room over to the bar, which was full of locals and tourists. There was only one chair available so I sat down and my husband stood behind me (gentleman!) Nearly 7-8 minutes passed before we were even greeted by a bartender. When we finally were, she gave us a friendly, "What can I get for you?," but we hadn't even seen a drink menu at that point, so it was a few more minutes before we got our beers. After about 25 minutes, the host surprised us and told us a table had opened up early! Hooray! However, when we got outside, our excitement quickly turned to disappointment again. Our table was LITERALLY one foot away from the neighboring table. We could have taken a tortilla chip from their bowl, that's how close we were! Yes it was on the patio, yes there was a lovely sunset and we were grateful for that, but being so close to the other table and not having a shred of privacy whatsoever completely put the kibosh on any romantic element of the evening. The lovely couple next to us even remarked on how close the tables were, so I know we weren't the only ones who felt a bit squished out there. We were hoping that the much-raved about food would be the saving grace, but alas, another disappointment. We ordered the calamari appetizer but it was overcooked and flavorless and just a total let down. *sigh* At this point, we asked our server, Ara (sp?) for the check. He was very nice and friendly and I'm sure he was sort of surprised we ended our night so abruptly, but we just were so over it at that point. If you go to Mala, go for a beer/cocktail at the bar and don't go into it with crazy expectations like we did. I'm sure it can't be all that bad if so many people love it, but we won't be returning. Aloha!
(2)
Dave O.
This is a popular place and when you taste the food you'll see why. You might want to make a reservation. They were obviously slammed when we walked in without a reservation but they still graciously sat us after about 15 mins. The weather was terrible -- wind & driving rain -- and they could have stuck us out front facing the beach (normally the prime spot) but instead sat us in the more protected area by the bar. So we were pretty happy from the get go. I had the Avalon seared sashimi and it was excellent.. My wife picked from appetizers and sides (we had had a big lunch), and both the mushroom flatbread and mac & cheese were astoundingly good. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. This was our second-to-last night there but if we were in Maui longer I'm pretty sure we would have gone back for a second trip. Five stars!
(5)
Courtney C.
This place is not a tavern... it's a quaint restaurant over-looking the ocean. It does have a bar, however, it is definitely not "taverny". The seating is tight with most tables out on the covered patio, limited view, but still fantastic. They started us with ground edamame and chips - great idea... I've never had this before! We shared the mushroom appetizer and also shared the tuna special. The Tuna was superb! Not overcooked - spicy and served with mashed potatoes. We both left very happy!
(5)
J C.
Fantastic sunsets and very good food in cramped quarters. Friendly staff. Pricey menu but what you expect in this excellent location. Main course portions a little skimpy.
(4)
Leah V.
Save your money and go elsewhere. While their food is decent, it's over-priced and not overly exciting. Their cocktails are $12 and served in SMALL glasses with a lot of ice. Four sips and it's gone. Better off getting one of their $6 beers. We ordered the ahi poke, which at $19 you would expect more than a few pieces of lettuce to wrap it in. Also, it wasn't as "fresh" as some I've had at local grocery stores. We both ordered dishes with fish and while they were cooked perfectly, they were in the $40s range...should've blown my mind away. We sat inside, which has zero ambiance. We're talking T-shirts for sale on the wall. I'm betting the deck is a bit better if you can get a table out there. I'd say if you do go, order beers and appetizers (except poke lettuce wraps). Service was fine.
(2)
Terri J.
Mala Ocean Tavern has some of the best views in Lahaina. We were seated in the open area at a window with a great view of the ocean and a nice breeze. We spotted many sea turtles during our visit. The food was excellent, the drinks were tasty, but the view - wow! It's a very nice Lahaina restaurant.
(4)
Jonathan M.
Dinner on Wed 11/7 We had a couple of drinks and a very delicious coconut shrimp at the bar, followed by a great meal after being sat. Without a reservation we waited about 40 minutes. Bar tender was excellent and the Dirty Goose Martini was awesome. We had the whole fish, chowder and beet salad. All were fantastic. Especially the whole fish. Pink Snapper is delicious. Recommend a reservation which may get you ocean front patio! Good work Mala!
(4)
AsianRunningDiva S.
This was our first stop in our Lahaina restaurant/bar tour for our one and only night in West Maui. We got here at 5:30 thinking that it's happy hour, but no, they serve happy hour from 3-430. Well, how can you possibly get there that early for happy hour? The outside sunset tables are reservation only...so we didn't get one of those. The prices are a little higher than I would like to pay for a drink, but I guess when you're in the "Waikiki" of Maui, tourists are expected to pay that much ($12+ for martinis and fancier drinks...$7 for a mixed drink). Even their menu is a little steep...$41 for locally caught fish...whoa! How is anyone able to afford local foods if they charge so much? One plus: they serve free salsa, edamame hummus and chips in a black lava rock bowl (very yum)! :)
(2)
Colleen F.
Recommended by staff at the Sheraton, who advised Honu next door if we couldn't get in - same owner. We got in, Monday nite, no reservations but seated right away, 7:30ish. Tiny table crammed in a corner didn't start me up, but prompt attention, chips & dip and cocktails in a couple minutes improved my outlook. Since Mr. Man and I generally share plates, we had a nice selection without the sticker shock that so many other yelpers commented on. Freshy salad, delish fresh fish dish, plus a side of fries after we saw them on our neighbor's table - excellent call! Note: beets are definitely not canned. Bottom line: tasty food, prices on the high side, good service, be prepared to be friendly, because whatever vibe you throw, you're right on top of everyone else and your attitude will determine your experience. So "practice Aloha!"
(4)
Ashley S.
short and sweet. I loved this little place! I had breakfast there, we sat at an ocean view table (which all of them pretty much are). We could have been splashed where we were sitting! Food was amazing! Also has a little bar, I am interested to stop in some in evening for a brew and check out the bar fly crowd. I highly recommend stopping in here for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
(4)
Mel M.
Can't beat the oceanfront location. Waiter, Adam, was super nice and attentive. The oyster shooters were oysters drowning in soy sauce. Too salty for me. The coconut shrimp was good, but slightly overdone. Mojitos were a little too weak for me. On the upside I like their motto, "practice aloha".
(2)
Eme L.
Overpriced, mediocre food in tired-looking setting. Based on reviews (and tantalizing pictures), had much higher hopes. Very disappointing from beginning to end. First off, they did not have the dish that I specifically came in to try - the whole fish. Waitress said that they hadn't had it "for days." Ok... Husband had mushy, texture-less tuna burger with fries. I had clams ($34 for 1 pound) in an waaay over-salted broth that was inexplicably accompanied by sliced pita triangles. The pita added absolutely nothing to the dish. No need to come back. On a side note, we walked right past their other restaurant in Wailea and at least that location seemed to have a good view...
(1)
scott o.
Gorgeous view. Food was good. Staff was very nice.
(4)
Amy B.
Deep fried red snapper was amazing! Also the Kobe beef hamburger and the drinks ;) glad we came her on the first day of vacation!
(4)
Loren B.
Nice little place just outside Lahaina. We got seated for lunch on their outdoor patio pretty much close enough to get sprayed as the waves came in, atmosphere was very cool. We had their ceviche and caesar salad, both were ok but far from my favorite meal in Maui. Also very spendy for what you get. They have Maui brewing beers on tap and a good selection of cockails. Overall pretty decent little place, i'd probably go back for the atmosphere and beers only.
(3)
Ray A.
Great food and the prices were pretty reasonable. We were served by Scott, pretty nice and attentive guy. I had the Seafood Pasta and my gf had the Mahi Mahi,which was the fish of the day. We also had some of the black bean soup and it was fantastic. Lars Uhlrich (Metallica lead guitar) was there eating nearby, pretty cool. We were seated 10 feet from the ocean, which was also really nice.
(5)
Jeanne K.
Tasty Gado Gado vegan salad & tofu stir-fry with brown rice. But, we only had take-out food because they are unable to accommodate for food allergies.
(3)
Tara R.
We went here for drinks before the Old Lahaina Luau and loved it so much we went back for Sunday brunch. Very friendly staff, delicious food and amazing view. It has a Mediterranean flair and made us feel like we were in Santorini or Mykonos again Huevos rancheros and mala Benny with mushrooms were delicious! With a Turkish bloody Mary :)
(5)
Kat H.
Fancy restaurant Mediterranean meets a few island paradise ingredients. Your ono will come on a bed of sauteed spinach, basically. Tasty, with great views, and the staff is so nice. This would be a wonderful spot to rent out for private parties, rehearsal dinners, or anything like that. (If they let you rent?)
(5)
Gorden l.
For a 3$ restaurant the food quality was not upto the mark!
(2)
Randall F.
Stopped at Mala Tavern for dinner on July 18. While the food was good, the prices were far too high, and the patio dining area far too hot! Service was only OK; the server was difficult to understand and multiple wait staff seemed haphazard. Many better values elsewhere in West Maui.
(2)
John B.
We love this place for the view and the sea turtles. Right at the oceans edge in Lahaina. One of the greatest restaurant ocean views of all times, especially at sunset. Dozens of sea turtles feeding in the water a few yards from our table. Totally magical, romantic, not to be missed place. Oh yes, they serve food there. Come to see the turtles during the day or the sunset in the evening. Don't come for the food, service or prices. This restaurant is about the view and the turtles and you will pay for them both.
(4)
Ron G.
Great view. Great service. Even better food. Cuisine is seafood oriented---with Mediterranean and Asian accents. Wife had a beet/goat cheese salad and a seafood stir fry. I went with two appetizers---humus/babagenoush and then their signature open faced ahi sandwiches. Everything tasted great. Servings are quite large especially for an upscale, popular spot. Our waiter was very good and stopped me from over ordering as I tend to do. Now not many folk can get too excited about humus, but I have had it all over including the mid-east. Mala's humus is a standout. The ahi was terrific too. Wife loved her eats also. Her beet salad equaled or surpassed those in SF, West Hollywood, BH and NYC. We could have shared her stir fry given its size. The view is wonderful. Try going around sunset. Place is right on the water. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Will go back and tell friends.
(5)
Nancy M.
The place was packed!! Great food and fun atmosphere at the bar. Eric was top notch and made our night! Sitting at the bar watching him work was entertaining. He made sure everyone at the bar was taken care of. We will go back! The food was pricey but uniquely different than other places.
(4)
Adri A.
Mala was yummy i agree ;-) .. the price was a bit steep i think even for Maui .. about 40 bucks for rib eye wihtout sides but it was super tasty.. 16 dollar mac and cheese??!!!! was lovely..worth 16 i dunno but , the oyster shooter was worth the 3 bucks lol for one.. we enjoyed our dinner but i highly recommend just sharing an entree and side because the portions are generous! !! We had drinks as well and the service was great but i think its a bit overrated given the wonderful options you have in Maui.. i think we would return just remember the advice to share that mac and cheese !! and maybe even an entree!!!
(4)
Dan C.
Big fan of MOT. Everytime we're in Maui we make sure to make at least one stop to get a meal. I can't decide if I prefer breakfast, lunch or dinner best but they're all good. I love their chilaquiles for breakfast and the burger is a must try. Probably the best burger on the island. If you're in Maui, Mala can't be missed.
(4)
Chad A.
(We didn't have dinner hear, just a couple drinks at the bar) We had dinner planned at Honu next door, so wanted to check out this place before dinner. Overall it had a great atmosphere, very small and intimate. The location fronts the ocean, and sunset was perfect. We had the "Best of Maui" mai tai, which were actually very good, very fresh. They brought out a small app, chips with pureed edamame and tomatillo salsa. Menu looked nice, a little pricey though.
(5)
Scott T.
The food was decent but definitely not worth the price. It was $30+ a person. This place was located right on the beach which make it a pleasant dining expense. I don't think I would return to this place. There are other restaurants in Maui that has better food for the same price.
(3)
Michele B.
We dined a Mala on our last night in Maui and what a perfect conclusion to a fabulous vacation. We started with cocktails. Mine was a refreshing grapefruit lychee concoction and my sweetie had a Spunky Monkey with banana and pineapple. I love their complimentary starter of edamame hummus & salsa served in a molcajete. I think I could just eat a vat of that! A salad course can be a boring thing, but NOT at Mala. I had a gorgeous goat cheese and roasted beet salad on arugula. It was such a generous portion I had stop eating for fear I wouldn't be able to eat my entree. My guy had a half Greek salad and it was a thing of beauty -- loaded with chick peas, edamame and green beans, plus the usual cucumber, tomatoes and olives. Try to sit on the lanai if you can. It's a small space, but so magical when the stars come out and the ocean is crashing just below you. Some tables were closed because there were in a splash zone! We saw sea turtles bobbing just past the deck, too. Lovin' the honu! Mala is charming with true Aloha spirit.
(5)
Anastacia S.
You could easily drive by this place 100 times and never know it was there, as I had done. I found this place via Yelpers! I am so glad, because it is now decided that it will be a tradition everytime I visit Maui. Everyone at our table shared dishes...the fried chicken has the best crispy crust EVER. Also, the ahi sashimi is to die for. The clam bowl with pita was unbelievable. I had, in my mind, the best dish of the table. It was a nightly special which was a seafood pasta with crab, lobster, clams, scallops, and shrimp in a super-spicy red sauce over pappardelle. The price was steep, but definitely worth it (~$47 for the pasta). The drinks were fantastic. I had the monkey one, which tasted like a chocolate-banana shake. Dessert was equally as fantastic. If you dine here, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Sarah C.
This place is a gem. We walked by a few times and it was closed. We came for brunch finally and it was great. I had the mala benny with mushrooms and my husband had the great start with lamb sausage. Wow. Super yum. Great view and very friendly service. My only complaint was that a drink we had was unusually pricey. Well worth it overall though.
(4)
Michael E.
I loved this place. Last night of great Maui vacation and we wanted a special dinner. Mala did not disappoint. We requested and received seating in the outside open air porch - very romantic. We split a bottle of champagne, I had an oyster shooter, we split a great large Farmer's salad. G/F had mahi mahi done to perfection and I had the market fish which was a local yellow tail with potato puree, spinach and roasted eggplant all on a tomato cream sauce - heavenly. We each had a nice glass of chard with our dinners. Saved room to split a chocolate souffle with scoop of vanilla bean ice cream - hmmm, decadent. Awesome (but not cheap at $230 with tip for two) end to a fantastic trip.
(5)
David S.
My wife, kids and I all enjoyed our evening tonight at Mala. Table right on the water, picture-framed by the window adjoining the shore. Sailboats 100 yards offshore dotted the horizon in a perfect sunset dinner. While the fare has a lot of common meal themes with other restaurants, we could tell everything was prepared with care and affection for Mala's customers. We were even able to watch the Olympics from the table because of the TVs over the bar 15 feet away. Great evening!
(5)
Michael M.
A group of friends and I were in town for a wedding. Mind you, this group has done trips all around the country together, and never skimps when it comes to food. We even have gourmet dinner parties at home, to celebrate the small victories like not getting fired that week, or the arrival of Friday. One milestone happened at Mala that I've never experienced before. One of the our foodie crew - a picky eater in the 18 years I've known him - made the declaration that this was the "best meal I've had, ever." Um, really? No he wasn't drunk (another thing I've never seen him do in 18 years. Well, once, but that was my fault). An astounding declaration, but sincere and true. For the life of me, I can't remember his main course, but if there is a filet mignon on the menu, there is a 90% chance that was it. However, he and I did share an 'adult mac and cheese' as a side dish. If you're a blue cheese fan, it's amazing. The server recommended a house chili sauce to go with the mac. A perfect recommendation. I suggest you ask for it. I personally had the Kobe Beef burger, medium, and it was superb. I wish we had more time to try more things on the menu but, alas, we were only in town for a short period of time... and we had Mala as our last dinner out. We also had the flourless baked chocolate thingy. The icing on the cake, if you will. Order it early, as it takes time. Make reservations, because this place fills up fast. Parking sucks a big donkey testicle, too. All of these are worth tolerating, though. I will go back to Mala, eventually. Until then, I proudly display a "PracticeAloha.org" sticker on my car here in California, and love talking to people about Mala and why it's so darn good.
(5)
S ..
Came here tonight with the bf based on the reviews. We had a reservation, but arrived about 15mins early. The hostess, was very short with us and told us to wait by the bar til it was closer to our reservation time. We ordered some wine and chilled out. The space between the bar and the divider is so very small, we were constantly having to move to make way for the servers as there was no other place to go. Finally, out table was ready. They stuck us in a tiny corner near the outdoor seating area, the breeze was nice in the cramped space. We ordered the oyster shooters and popcorn shrimp as appetizers, which were super good. Unfortunately that was the best part of the meal :{ I ordered the Mahi mahi entree and the bf ordered the Market Fish Sandwich. When out entrees arrived nobody had cleared our table of the appetizer plates so the server(not our waitress, noooo idea what happened to her) had to shuffle our plates and clear the table at the same time(poor girl). The Mahi mahi was completely flavorless and a bit over cooked, it was served with some sort of pita bread covered in tomato sauce(cold) and sat in a pesto sauce, which was inedibly salty @_@ , but the mashed potatoes were good. the Market fish sandwich was okay according to the bf. After we finished, our waitress magically showed up, and we got the f* out. For the price, there is much much better; go to Mama's, the food and whole dining experience is top notch!
(2)
Johnny L.
Meal number 6 on our last trip to Hawaii: Free grub, thanks to Auntie. Caesar: Good Mahi Mahi ala Plancha: Good but expensive Mango Margaritas: Good, strong, small Thanks to Mala, my first indication, after 3 days on the island, that prices in HI are borderline exorbitant. 3 adults, 2 kids, $375 with tip? Feels like a prison shower scene. Ya feel me?
(4)
Missy M.
Extremely disappointed. If I'm paying $50 to $70 for an entree, I want to love it. The food is just okay (but really its not). The sauces are very bland. It would have tasted a hundred times better if I was served fish with no sauce and just poured my own shoyu (soy sauce) and a bit of salt. The ahi tar tar was terrible- no flavor. The service is bad (maybe because we weren't white tourists). The view is amazing (this is the only positive thing I have to say about Mala Tavern. There are many other places to eat on Maui with amazing food and a killer view). There are countless number of restaurants on Maui that put this place to shame. Save your money, and do not eat at Mala Ocean Tavern. Boo...Two thumbs down! I will never give it another chance. I am beyond dissatisfied!
(1)
James F.
Location is spectacular right on the Pacific Ocean. The service was mediocre at best. The food was just ok. I had the ribs and they weren't very good, the meat stuck to the bone. My wife got the fish stir fry and really enjoyed it.
(3)
Lizz C.
We (my parents and I) came to this restaurant with a great recommendation from my brother. The drinks were out-of-this-world (I got the Hibuscus Martini, and my parents both got a Mai Tai), but the food, for the price we were paying, was a little on the "eh" side. We ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer, and although I'm sure the calamari was fresh, it was very bland despite the number of herbs fried with them, and the home-made tomato sauce dip made it even more bland. The dip should have had more of a citrus flavor, and my dad and I found we had to put a lot of salt on the squid to get any taste out of it (we are salt people). This should not have happened for paying about $15 for this appetizer. I could've gotten better flavor from a bag of frozen calamari from Trader Joe's, to be perfectly honest. Also, the atmosphere was a little on the loud side, which made it hard to talk across the extra-wide and slightly tall tables. This was mostly because of a large group next to us, who were drinking a lot and talking and laughing at the top of their lungs. So, not completely the fault of the restaurant. However, we were also seated directly next to the tableware shelf, where servers and buss-boys were constantly dumping silverware noisily, in such a way that would interrupt our conversation. For the price we were paying, I would have expected a better atmosphere, and I would suggest they move the silverware and such somewhere away from their clients. On the positive side, my parents had ordered the One Pound of Steamed Clams, which was amazing for the price of $34 and I ordered the Ahi Burger, which was definitely tasty. So, all-in-all, the food was great, I just wouldn't recommend the squid, and I would ask for an outdoor table (out of the noisy dining room). The service was excellent, although our poor server was having trouble with his voice (the loud room wasn't helping at all). They went through pains to wipe off the table after every plate was taken away, and to give us new silverware (and napkins?) after the appetizers. They even gave me napkins when I asked for a to-go box for my leftovers. Since I don't come to Maui often, I probably will give it a few more years to come back and see if I have a better experience, but I would say you should check it out if you have the $$$.
This is one of my favorite places in Lahaina. Some of my favorite things include the oyster shooters which I think are some of the best I've ever had the ahi bruschetta is excellent as well as the whole fried fish And the steamer clams, And if you're there for breakfast you got to try the Benedict. The other thing it's got going is the view what a great place to take someone that's never been to Maui before
(5)
COURTNEY K.
Recently my boyfriend and I decided to go on a Maui fine dining excursion. Yippee!!! Mala's was by far our favorite restaurant on the island. The service and setting was excellent and the food was delicious. We came back a day later for lunch at Honu's. We love these restaurants and will keep coming back for more! Thank you for a wonderfully romantic meal with excellent service.
(5)
Mere A.
I went to this place years ago on my first visit to Maui and LOVED it... So I was super pumped to visit again last month and introduce my girls to Mala on my second visit to the island! The cocktails were so yummers... all three of us gals ordered something different and tropical and none of us were disappointed. (Can't remember names of them because it's been a month.... sorry!) None of the drinks were super sweet and all had a kick! The bartender was great and gave us great recommendations so if you aren't sure, just ask! We all split a couple different dishes and everything was gobbled up! We started with the Ahi Bruschetta and it is a can't miss!!! OMG! For the main meal we ordered the mac and cheese- yep, in Maui, and we enjoyed every bite!, we also ordered the special, which was a seafood medley in a spicy tomato based sauce and tagliatelle noodles- the fish, scallops, and shrimp were excellent- I avoided the clams... and finally we tried the catch of the day which was a delightful white fish that was cooked wonderfully with a great garlicky butter sauce. The food and drinks are enough to draw a crowd but the atmosphere and location of this place puts it over the top!! It's not very big and not pretentious at all... a great spot to spend an evening or an afternoon!
(5)
Hillary C.
My family and I came here for breakfast today and it was delicious! We started out with some mimosas and bloody marys- great way to begin our meal. We then ordered the ceviche, which I never tried before because I am not a huge seafood person but I enjoyed it. It reminded me of a seafood salsa type deal. Two of us ordered the french toast and I added a side of the lamb sausage. The other four ordered the eggs benedict with lamb sausage. There was not a plate that was not entirely devoured. Everyone loved the benedict! It was recommended and there was not one regret. The french toast was delicious. It was a large portion, caramel sauce, and fresh fruit. The inside of the french toast was still a little doughy which i loved and it pretty much melted in my mouth. The view was incredible- three feet from the ocean. The service was very good. Our server was attentive and very friendly and did not hesitate to crack jokes. Overall it was a great experience and the food was delicious! Mala just opened up a new restaurant next door- pizza and seafood. If we had time we would definitely be checking that out, maybe the next trip!
(5)
Andrea H.
I was looking for a great place for dinner to kick off my vacation. After evaluating all of my options, I settled on Mala Ocean Tavern. Their patio seemed like it would be the perfect place to kick back with a tropical drink and watch the sunset. I called to make a reservation a couple of days before and was told that the patio is first come, first served, but since I had a reservation, the wait would likely be short. When we arrived for our reservation, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my name had already been added to the short waitlist for a table outside. We decided to have a drink at the bar while we were waiting. I ordered a mai tai and was happy when some chips, edamame puree and tomatillo salsa appeared in front of us. It was a good thing that the hostess came and got us before too long, or I probably would have devoured the entire bowl. The edamame puree was light and refreshing and the salsa was a perfect compliment. Tangy and delicious. We ended up with a table on the outside edge of the deck with a perfect view of the coming sunset and the sea turtles. I decided to start with an oyster shooter. I'm not usually an oyster gal, but I'd heard good things so I went for it. The oyster tasted fresh and the sauce was flavorful, but not overbearing. Off to a good start. For my entree, I decided to have the ahi sashimi. The dish came with mashed potatoes and a spicy shiitake mushroom ginger sauce that was to die for! I could seriously eat that dish every day. The ahi was incredibly fresh and the accompanying sauce had just the right amount of kick. I loved that they gave the option of mild, medium or spicy. I'll always take the spice! Combined with the potatoes and some lavosh, it was heavenly. This place was the perfect start to our vacation, and one of the best meals I had in Maui. You can bet I will be back again for another round of that ahi!
We found this location driving by Front st. Yelped it and yes I said lets go here:). love the location and food and service!! I ordered a Mai tai and it was the best I've ever had. Ordered a mahimahi blackened sandwich, fish was so fresh and juicy and cooked perfectly, it was served with frites that had some really good flavor. My hubby orderedthe special which was fresh caught fish full of flavor with taro and potatoes highly recommended. Kids had chicken strips and french fries was really good also. Service was awesome, our waiter and bus boy was the bomb..kudos to them.
(5)
S W.
Good food but way over priced. The fresh fish of the day was $69. Most plates are about $40 and a salad is $14. Sunset was priceless but I could have seen that for free. The staff was very good and wanted to make sure you had everything you needed.
(3)
Ron S.
Mala was amazing! Great food, great ambiance, great staff, great view/location! Great everything! I had the Avalon Seared Sashimi (Ahi), and my better half had the Filet Mignon. Both were absolutely AMAZING! Oh, man! A very good menu selection, and an amazing spot-literally right on the ocean! On a rough day, you might get spritzed by the crashing waves. It's right behind the Lahaina Mall on Front street. The prices are a little higher than other places, but it's worth it! Enjoy Mala!
(5)
Ana C.
Meh basically sums it up. We were looking for a place to get a quick drink and an appetizer since we had food back at our place for dinner that we wanted to make so we stopped here. The patio is great. The service is faux friendly. Our waitress was really friendly until she realized we were balking at an over-priced, under-inspired menu and would not be ordering entrees. We settled for a beer each, overpriced, and some very overpriced ceviche. It was mostly tomato, a little fish and way under-seasoned and rather flavorless. I have had better at hole-in-the-wall places in Belize where no one speaks a word of English for a fraction of the price. We just didn't think it was worth it, though the scenery was nice. I'd pass and not come back to this one. There are better places with better prices around.
(2)
Jocelyn N.
The French toast was unbelievable, plus you get to watch giant tortoises play on the rocks while you eat.
(4)
Greg W.
Terrible service (waiter avoided us since we were eating only appetizers and brought our 2 kids). Food was OK. Not a place for kids.
The location is great but the food was quite disappointing. They start with chips and salsa that tasted like they bought the chips at Costco. This is what I would expect from an inexpensive Mexican Restaurant. Maui Tacos has better chips. There was no quality fish on the menu the nite we dined. Mala only served Papilio and it was way overpriced for a less expensive fish. No Mahi Mahi, no Opah, no Ono. Papilio is a lower quality fish and less expensive and you should not pay $39.00 for this entre. The waiter described the fish as a deep water fish member of the jack family--- related to Mahi Mahi NOT TRUE. All of the other restaurants have Opah and or Ono on the menu. Why serve Papilio???? One of the party ordered the fish burger- it was very bad and we sent it back. We expected much better-- it was all location do not expect quality food.
(2)
Mary Ellen T.
Manager was rude and arrogant. Very few good tables. Food was mediocre. Don't get the ribs or Caesar. Much better places with better service in Lahaina.
(2)
Audra R.
3.5 Can you say FUSION???? Holy cow, the combinations on the plates here bordered on bizarre! It was good though... I had a $42 (CRAZY!) spicy ahi with mashed potatoes and something else, it was an odd combo but tasted good. The mahi mahi was very mexican, but then had this Indian green chimmichuri sauce, again weird, but tasted good! The salsa/avocado mash they serve with chips was bomb. Super cozy, if you want a seat on the water sunset ish I would call at least 3 days in advance. Some of the tables not so desirable if your expecting the waterfront scenery. I would give 4 stars for the creativity and quality of the food and ambiance, but wow is it overpriced and way too expensive. I def recommend for Lahaina but be warned!
(3)
Janie C.
This place is super busy, so get a reservation days in advance, especially if it's near a holiday. But be warned, apparently it was like the episode of Seinfeld where he explains that the car rental company knew how to take a reservation but didn't understand how to *hold* the reservation. So we have to wait at the packed bar in an awkward space until a table frees up. Our waiter was nice, a little spotty since it was so busy--understandable. I order the blackened fish sandwich and my boy toy orders an Ahi burger. We watched the surfer wipeout DVD they have going on repeat (actually pretty fun to watch) until our food arrives. Both dishes were scrumptious. But the best part was the fries. Yea, they were just absolute perfection. They were all the same golden brown color and completely cooked through, with a nice crispy bite. And they came with this garlic aioli which made them ever more wonderful. Overall, it was a great meal and I feel like we got what we paid for. The whole reservation thing though...minus half a star. The other half a star that was deducted was because their dessert menu was blah. We went into town to look for dessert.
(4)
Fernando A.
Really great food. We got the mahi ceviche and ahi tartar to start. We've eaten a lot of good poke, and I have to say that the tartar here has been the best. I got the Balinese style clams with a black bean and ginger broth, excellent. My in-laws shared a whole opakapaka, that was also excellent. Plus, the service was friendly, attentive, and excellent. It's pricey, but definitely worth it if you are looking to splurge in Maui.
(5)
Meredith G.
This is a little away from the shops on Front Street in a lovely ocean side building. We arrived at our reservation time and were offered the chance to wait 10 more minutes for a table along the windows. Not a problem, we waited outside listening to the waves come in. Our waiter was very nice and helpful with making recommendations and accommodating my sister's desire for fish, but not quite what they had on the menu. We shared the Cesar salad which was really good and a dish of cooked mushrooms, also very good. And trying to eat local, I had ONE POUND of clams with tasty bread. I liked the clams, but I'm a red meat eater. But when in Rome... or in this case Maui, I thought I'd try to eat something from the ocean. Overall the evening was very nice and excellent people watching.
(4)
Erin K.
The place was pretty good. It was really expensive for what it is. I felt sort of rushed the whole meal; every 3 minutes or so a waiter or busser would come by and ask if there was anything they could take away. A 3 course meal was easily finished with check signed within an hour; it was like they were trying to herd us out. Anyway, the food was pretty good. It is definitely hyped up. The ahi bruschetta was pretty good but nothing to come to the restaurant for. The burratta special was better. My beet salad was too overloaded with chunks of beets that weren't very good. My brother had the ahi tuna and he liked it. My husband had the fried chicken and liked it.
(3)
Darrell A.
Nice unassuming tavern on the north edge of Lahina. Touted the best Mai Tai on the Island so we had to try, very good. Strong and tasty, a little more crushed ice and would have been closse to perfect. Seared Ahi with shitake mushroom - ginger sauce was enjoyable. Hoisin baby back ribs were tender, hot and fell off the bone. All food was good, not sure of flavor combinations. Light seared Ahi was overpowered with gold mashed potato and cream sauce, ribs were served with Molokai mashers and coconut peanut sauce. Potatoes and sauces had nice balance, however, when paired with main entree they took away instead of complimented. Side order of brussel sprouts was executed to perfection, grilled halves, sesame seeds, soy, mint was excellent. Glad we went, prices high, service friendly and efficient. Close to four stars, but enough misses to rate a solid three.
(3)
Kelly M.
You have to get the Ahi Bruschetta...was AMAZING!!! And if you like Martini's...order the Habiscous Martini...and eat the flower at the bottom...delicious:) I already miss Maui!!!
(5)
Bryan W.
We ate at all the nice Maui restaurants during our stay and Mala's food was the best!
(5)
Ron M.
All three of our meals were sensational. The fish of the day was delicious. It was moist, flakey and flavorful. The Asian Fried Chicken was the best any of us had ever had no matter the preparation. The moloki purple potatoes had a mild taste resembling a sweet potato. Very tasty. The Mahi Mahi was also outstanding. Incredible as it sounds the service was even better than the meals!
(5)
Olga L.
We've been to Mala before, about 2 years ago to be exact. This time we didn't walk out as smitten as we were the last time. If I could have given them 3 1/2 stars, I would have because 4 stars feels a bit generous. Dinner with the family just this past Sunday and we'd been looking forward to it since we made our reservations a month ago. The place was already full at 6:20 when we got there so we waited for an outside table at the bar. We had dirty martinis and they got my hubby's vodka wrong - oops. We get seated outside and our waiter Danny was really great. Here's what we ordered: oyster shooters - not as good as we remember them to be. Bruschetta - was amazing - really a great appie. We then ordered dinner and hubby and I always share a plate so he ordered the seared ahi, which frankly is one of their best dishes. However for $44, it better be. Our daughter ordered an ahi burger which was just good, nothing to rave about. Our son ordered the special seafood pasta which was a huge disappointment. His first bite had bits of clam shell in it which made him spit it out and it made eating the dish difficult. Again that dish was $45 - which was over the top ridiculous. I had the soup of the day which was black bean and excellent. The prices here have unfortunately gone thru the roof which is a precarious situation for any restaurant. When you charge $45 for a plate of food, I expect flawless execution, which they failed on with the seafood pasta. Our ahi dish was great but it was rare seared ahi with a mushroom sauce and mash potatoes - for $44? We were underwhelmed and to tell you how disappointed we were, we had made 2 dinner reservations a month ago and we got back to the hotel and had the concierge cancel the second one. $230 is what we spent for 4 people ( and we shared appetizers and I had soup for dinner folks!). You will easily spend $250+ for 4 people with drinks. The value equation is really lacking at Mala for us. Such a shame...
(4)
Daniel B.
Amazing food that went beyond the typical "steak, fish, or pizza," menu of maui. Had great service, they treated my 6 and 2 year old niece and nephew great. Cocktails were fantastic, as was fish special. High Recommend.
(5)
Leonard S.
This, and Aloha Mixed Plate, are two of the most beautiful spots to enjoy lunch in Lahaina. Our waiter was super nice and helped us pick an excellent pale ale to go with our "Baliness Stirfry with Fresh Island Fish" and "Ahi Burger". Here is the quickie version: - Setting: superb. - Staff: same. - Presentation: excellent. - Flavors: the Ahi was ordinary, but the French Fries stole the show. The stirfry's sauce had a good blend of flavors. Brown rice was a little crunchy and not aromatic like good brown rice can be. - Price: See for yourself (picture of the menu). We thought it's a bit high until you factor in the beautiful view and the friendliness of the staff. - Go there again: SURE!
(3)
Bacon G.
Don't eat here. Way overpriced Two people in our party had stomach problems after eating Balaneese chicken and ahi tuna sandwich
(1)
Rob S.
My wife and I went to Mala based on a recommendation of a local waitress. We did not have a reservation but were able to get a table by the ocean window after about 15 minutes. The ambiance is a cheap diner and certainly doesn't match the menu prices. The restaurant was uncomfortably hot inside. They opened the outdoor area retractable awning just before sunset, which cooled down that area significantly. My wife ordered the Opah and I ordered the ribs. Both came with mashed potatoes (yukon gold and purple) and vegetables. The fish was way overcooked and bland. The ribs were so tough it was hard to get the meat off the bones. The Korean BBQ sauce was not very good. The purple mashed potatoes were awful. The vegetables were pretty good. The service was a little slow. Overall, it was the worst meal we ate while in Maui. The food was overpriced and mediocre quality. The ambiance was really bad. We will not return.
(2)
Lindsey M.
This place was pricy but fun and definitely a good choice from a culinary stand point. They had a diverse menu with lots of good seafood options. I had the tofu Asian salad and catch of the day stir fry w/ brown rice and neither dish disappointed. However, I will warn you that the chips and dip they put on your table that looks like salsa and guacamole is most definitely not that. Not entirely sure what the red sauce was but I think it came from a can, and the green scoop of "guac" was actually edamame paste. I'm sure it would have been good had I not expected something totally different based on the presentation... But I would say it was the least favorite part of the dining experience. Also, my husband and I ordered a margarita and Mai tai... Neither of which were very good at all. The tequila choice in the margarita was overly harsh and extra strong which made it hard to drink. And for bragging about winning the best Mai tai on the island award, I must say that we gagged through to the bottom of that overpriced drink. Definitely do not recommend visiting this place if you are expecting a good drink. Also, the restaurant was crowded and loud, and the all of the surfaces (table, chairs, booth seat, etc) were sticky and felt filthy. If you make a reservation, definitely request an outdoor table. Sitting inside is not worth it. Overall, I would recommend Mala Ocean Tavern for groups of friends / families. Be careful of the complementary starter course, go with wine or beer to drink, but don't shy away from ordering entrees. It and the view/location make it worth the visit.
(3)
Jena C.
Beautiful restaurant. We had an amazing experience at the bar with Eric but the great service ended there. We got to the restaurant early...not expecting preferential seating but expecting a bit of acknowledgment. The latter didn't happen. Instead, we were greeted with attitude from the manager. Such a shame since the place had so much potential. Overall, I'm super bummed we picked this place over Mama's! Big, big mistake!
(2)
Alex W.
I'm with AJ (see 1/24/2011), so many ocean-front restaurants, Maui and elsewhere, think its OK to substitute great food for ambiance while serving mediocre food at ridiculous prices. Mala Ocean Tavern is the exception. We made a reservation on Valentines Day and because we waited until the last minute all the places that were recommended by the travel guide books were booked. After looking at Zagat & Yelp I found this place and was able to make a reservation albeit a little later than I'm used to eating but hey its my fault for waiting until the last minute. I remember thinking when I walked in that the restaurant looked like a diner, there are patent vinyl booths in the inside dining room. But everyone was very friendly and when we got outside to our outdoor oceanfront table the ambiance went from 3-5 stars. Its been a while but some of the dishes we enjoyed: rib eye, brussels sprouts (excellent), snap peas, ahi tartare and the best mai tai I had on the island. And they were kind enough to split the entrees before presenting them because we mentioned we were sharing everything. This turned out to be the best meal of our trip.
(5)
Vi S.
Love this oceanside tavern; one of our favorites in Lahaina. Food is good. Waitstaff and bartender are terrific. But we love it mostly because of the setting (right on the water) and the ambience (laid back and friendly.) It is the kind of place you imagine when visiting Maui. Fish sandwich is yummy although pricey.
(4)
Allison L.
This place was a FANTASTIC place to spend our last night of our vacation! First off, make reservations. And if you want to sit outside on the beautiful patio literally right ON the water, show up early to put your name on the separate list for outdoor seating. We did this probably an hour earlier than our reservation b/c we read the reviews on Yelp, walked down the road to downtown Lahaina to watch the sunset, then walked back and still had about a 20 minute wait. But with a friendly bar, that 20 minutes was no big deal. We sat at the bar with our mai tai and chimay and made friends with some locals who recommended to us that we just get app's and sides since everything was so good. so DONE. We ordered the oyster shooter (amazing flavor), olives, ahi bruschetta with tomatoes and balsamic glaze (SO good - fresh, flavorful, complex...), mahi mahi civiche, adult mac and cheese, and brussels sprouts. I was expecting to love the mac and cheese the most, but i didn't - but I'm a M&C connoisseur. The brussels sprouts really are as good as all the reviews say they are. And the chips and salsa/guac they serve at the table/bar are something I could eat all night long, so save some room for eating lots of that! Wonderful service too!
(5)
pslice p.
I'm going to set the record straight once and for all: Mala Ocean Tavern is completely OVERRATED. The food is average, the prices are too high (for the quality), the wait for a table is too long (even with a reservation), the decor is cheap/tacky, the bar is slow, and the service is spotty at best. The drinks never came. The ribs looked like they were plated by a child, and were covered with mashed potato. The only thing Mala Ocean Tavern has going for it is its excellent location. If you can't sit outside, it's not worth going. If it's not day time, it's not worth going. And even if you are outside during the day...there are a lot of great views in Lahaina that offer better food, prices, and service. Want good food with a great view? Try Lelani's in Whaler's Village or Kimo's on Front St.
(3)
Kyla A.
Mala - Must mean delicious in Hawaiian This restaurant is focused on high quality organic locally grown food. They have a "practice aloha" philosophy, which rocks. I thoroughly enjoyed Mala, enough to go twice. This review is split into 2 parts - brunch and lunch. Brunch: It can be a bit difficult to find a great breakfast on the island that's not in a hotel. Seriously, this place is a great choice for brunch. The bloody Mary's are the best I've ever had. They contain FRESH grated horse radish and a fresh wedge of Japanese cucumber and green olives. I wish I could have these EVERY weekend. I decided to go with the chilaquiles (if you don't know what those are, they are a great Mexican dish prepared with eggs, tortillas, salsa, and cheese, YUM). I finished my plate because it was sinfully good. My boyfriend went with the loco-moco. A typical local dish consisting of a Kobe beef patty, egg, and rice. He likes the more local flavor, so he ordered the mushroom sauce on the side, and used soy sauce. I have to agree that's the better way to go. It is an absolutely mouthwatering, taste-bud exciting combination. Lunch. I had a mojito, apparently something they are known for there. I hate to say not my thing only because it has a hint of anise, and I absolutely loathe the taste of black licorice. If you like that flavor, then by all means you will probably enjoy the mojitos. There are specials of the day, and I would definitely recommend asking your server what's good. That day they offered brussel sprouts in soy sauce with a hint of mint. I had actually never had brussel sprouts before the occasion, and all I can say is A-MAZING. What a tasty way to eat something nutritious. Then my boyfriend and I shared the farmer's salad. Which has Kula Greens, cucumber, tomato, Maytag Bleu Cheese, and toasted walnuts. The salad was so good and flavorful. The bleu cheese is some of the best I've experienced. We had two entrees, but although both were good, the one I really remember and hands-down recommend is The Snake River Kobe Beef Cheeseburger - SO FREAKING GOOD, it must be the burger of the gods. It has the perfect fat content, making it so juicy and flavorful. Bonus, the meat they use contains no hormones, again nutritious and delicious. For the cheese you have the option of cheddar or bleu cheese, and I must say the bleu cheese is so incredible and high quality so I think that's a great choice. Honestly, I don't know if there's a way to go wrong with this restaurant. I absolutely adore it, and wish I could go there this weekend. If I go back to Maui, I'll definitely be going here again. P.S. - Parking is great and convenient!
(5)
Ivy K.
"M" is for the "Meh" in "Mala." An acquaintance recommended this place to us (she later turned out to be batsh!t psycho and a permanent rider of the Crazy Train, but that's a story for another time) and apparently her mental instability also carried over to her tastebuds... Mala was a great disappointment. We started with the cerviche which was bland and boring. Everyone tried it and then left it... not a good sign the waiter took it away, barely touched. I had the seared ahi bruschetta which was okay, others ordered the lobster mac and cheese (with minimal lobster), kobe burgers (blah), and seafood pasta (fishy and disappointing despite being the special that night). We shared a warm fruit dessert which had sour bits in it and split a creme brulee which was the only decent thing that we ate that evening (granted, it's hard to mess up a basic creme brulee). The food was WAY overpriced for the quality and really mediocre at best. Definitely won't be back - Lahaina Grill is worth the money, Mala isn't.
(2)
Jayne A.
Mala is one of our favorite restaurants, period. We went last night for our anniversary and were impressed yet again. The food is to die for... Anything on the menu...venture out and order something you normally wouldn't, you will be amazed. Phenomenal service and attitudes of all of the staff. Avalon ahi is worth every penny. Do not skip Mala... Reservations recommended.
(5)
Juan H.
Best place, best food, best service and great atmosphere and the best dining experience in Maui. Everything from the weekend breakfast, burger, fillet mignon, manilla clams to the CIOPPINO was amazingly delicious. We began and ended our vacation at Mala and will be booking a trip to Maui just to return to once again. Excellent service every time and we even recieved recomendations for other spots from the staff which was strange but it was a big fator in our returning. Mama's Schmamas... Mala has everything. Seafod steaks and a view. Don't leave maui without giving them a try.
(5)
Valentina G.
Amazing setting and ambiance. Service varies a lot depending on who's your server. Food is very good, ingredients are impressive. Pricey for the level of service, but still a must go...
(4)
Keith M.
The food was fantastic. The location is a 10. I can't believe that I didn't know about this place before. I will never come to Maui without trip to Mala.
(5)
Matt C.
Loved this unassuming waterfront tavern in Lahaina. We dined at a number of spots while in Hawaii last week. From oppulent (Merriman's - excellent), to basic (Local Food - yum Kalua pork), to outdated (Longhi's - time to raise your game!), to deli-style (Leoda's - tiny ham sandwich $13.95, ouch). The best was Mala Tavern. There was an error on the reservations, we came on the 24th, reservations were for the next night. The place was very full, but they accomodated us, and we even had a nice view of the waterfront. A great Ketel martini was followed by stir fried mahi for her and a perfect blue cheese burger for me. You get packed in tight at Mala's, and its fun to chat a little bit with your neighbors - everyone having fun and sharing stories. Dessert was an ice cream - almond, I think, which was good enough please my non-dessert-oriented wife. And everyone who worked there was laid-back, cool and easygoing. Our last meal on the island was the best. Thank you, Mala Grill!
(5)
P A.
Hostess was rude, server was nice. Calamari was dry / overcooked. Beet salad with fried goat cheese was good, but definitely canned beats. Brussel sprouts were cooked well but drowned in soy sauce, so ended up being too salty. Catch of the day was Opakapaka which is a pink snapper. Fish was excellent. It's a mild fish - not too fish. It was well seasoned and went great with the yukon gold potatoes. We had a good wine but the whole list is well over-priced for what the wines really are. $48 for Punto Final Malbec which is $13 retail. Location is great to watch the sunset, but doesn't excuse the lack of attention to the quality of the food.
(2)
Neil M.
Have been to Mala twice for weekend brunch and had a very good experience both times. The view is spectacular and the service is very friendly and efficient. All selections have been good for the whole party, but really like their version of loco moco.
(4)
D V.
We waited 1.25 hours for our RESERVED table. After finally getting seated, the waitress took our order while neglecting to mention the specials, which sounded delicious when described to the table next to us. The waitress also didn't check with us after the food came, which would have been nice, since my entree was dry and tasteless. The view was spectacular (once we finally sat down) and the rest of the food was okay (though not worth the price, even for Maui), but the poor service spoiled what should have been a nice dinner out.
(1)
Jcee K.
So yummy.
(5)
Carol D.
My husband and I spent an entire month on Maui during January & February of this year. We traveled, stayed and dined all over the island (Kapalua, Napili, Lahaina, Wailea, Makawao and Hana) -- so we got well acquainted with a variety of what Maui has to offer. Mala Ocean Tavern was a wonderful find! It was so good we went 3 times! The first time was for brunch and the Chilaquiles were incredible -- as was the Hibiscus Champagne drink (like a Mimosa only with champagne, candied hibiscus flower & syrup) It looked beautiful too! On my next visit I tried their Gado Gado Salad served with warm peanut-coconut sauce. I'm not a vegetarian -- but I could eat this salad everyday for the rest of my life and never need to eat meat again. It was that satisfying! Plus it's served on a bed of red rice -- which may come from Bhutan. I could go on and on, but the point is: the standard of quality, creativity and service is very high here. The setting is fabulous too. Get there just before or after peak dining periods and you will have your pick of ocean side tables. It's both classy and informal at the same time -- a rare combination. Is it cheap? No. But it is reasonable in that you get what you pay for - - an interesting menu where the food is innovative and high quality. I do think their 'Happy Hour Menu' could be a little happier -- better drink specials or small plates -- but that's more of a suggestion than a complaint. We also tried Mala Wailea -- same great menu and we choose to eat on the terrace of the bar (rather than the more formal dining room) and enjoyed the more casual atmosphere and ocean view. Mala Ocean Tavern is a wonderful restaurant! I live in New York City and I know what good food is :-) Aloha!
(5)
Rikki G.
It's always hard to go to a restaurant in maui when your not a seafood lover. Mala though had such a great selection of other meals. I got the Asian chicken dinner and WOW it was so good!! The chips and salsa they give at your table was also so yummy. I recommend this place to everyone and give it two thumbs up!
(5)
Shane S.
Ate there last week while on vacation. My wife ordered a non-alcholoic mohito because she's pregnant and got to the end of the drink and pulled out what she thought was a seed. It curled out - it was a worm!!!! We shared this with our server who replied, ok, glad it picked a non-alcoholic drink and quicky said "so, where you guys from?" to get off the subject. They didn't take the drink off the bill or even apologize for the worm in the drink. Unprofessional and obviously they don't care about "out of towners" as they assume they won't be back or at least for a while so they don't need to address this kind of stuff. Well, guess what? Welcome to the world of online reviews. Shame on you and your restaurant for not addressing worms in drinks properly! I'll never be back.
(1)
Natalie N.
One year later and still loving Mala. Went here twice for dinner over the week course I was here and both times not disappointed. The service is very good. They don't bother you too much. They let you sit, relax and enjoy. Neither time were we able to get on the balcony (without waiting an hour after our reservations) but to me this was not a big deal. The edamame puree made to look like guacamole with fresh chips is delicious. We had to wait at the bar both times we came here, but we were able to sit and enjoy the chips and dip with a great martini or margarita off the large drink menu. The bartenders are really friendly and fast too. I recommend the local fish sandwich which is $19 (ask for it fried of course) if you want to spend a little less than the $30 entrees. This was a ton of food for me!
(4)
Cheryl c.
It is deceptive...as soon as you see the place you are surprised by all the great reviews. It really is a little dive/ hole in the wall, but the food was really good. The really nice thing is that you can come very casual and eat casual-- or come a little dressy and eat a little higher end. You can get a Kobe burger, or a nice fish or steak entree... This restaurant is great for kids or a romantic evening. Very versatile little place!
(4)
Monica H.
We are visiting from Northern California, Mala Ocean Tavern was recommended by a friend who raved about it. It was everything she said and more. The food, vibe and service were stellar. We sat outside with the surf right below us, the waiter was excellent. We ordered an appetizer, entree, and dessert, which we split between the two of us. My husband has a glass of wine. It was plenty of food for both of us. The bill was just over 100 with a 25% tip. We WILL be back!
(5)
Gayle M.
Absolutely loved the Seared Ahi Bruschetta appetizer, which was recommended by our waiter, who was genuinely friendly and helpful. Flat bread topped with edamame paste, the ahi, a drizzle of balsamic, greens. Not sure what else, but everything went together beautifully. Definitely delicious and not something we'd be making ourselves. This was definitely one of the best things we ate this trip. Beet salad with Surfing Goat cheese was also good, but everything was overshadowed by the bruschetta. Had a table outside by the water. It was dark out, and the view and sound of the ocean was wonderful.
(4)
Mike B.
Overall: Slightly above average. My girlfriend and I ate here based on the recommendation of the concierge at the Westin Kannapali. The recommendation was good, but not great. The food was above average, and service was good except for the fact that our waiter forgot to put in our appetizer order. The restaurant has a nice ambiance because it's on the water, but it's very small so you don't have much privacy. The food is too expensive for what you are getting, but that seems to be the norm for Hawaii. My 3 star rating is reserved for restaurants that meet expectations. If my girlfriend's dish was better and/or this place had better value, I would have given it 4 stars. Food: I had the Mahi Mahi, which was excellent (I recommend it). Plenty of flavor - the cilantro pesto drizzled around the side really makes the dish pop. My girlfriend had the Fresh Fish Stir-Fry - this dish left something to be desired. The stir-fry sauce overpowered the fish...we couldn't distinguish between the 3 types of fish. My girlfriend thought it was "something she could probably make at home". In general, the $39 for Mahi Mahi and $31 for the Stir-Fry were too expensive. There's minimal transportation cost for seafood on the island compared to the mainland, right? Why so expensive?!? Environment: This place is cozy. It's on the water, and the tiki torches are a great touch. However, it's very small, so don't expect any privacy. Make reservations! Service: Our waiter was excellent. He was very attentive, polite and helped us sort through the menu. However, he did forget our appetizer order and obviously placed it much later than normal. We ended up getting our appetizer late, and our main course two minutes later. I think this is a one-off thing, though.
(3)
Mike E.
This was our best meal in Maui...the food spoke to us. The black bean clams, the mahi stir-fry and the lava flow were all big highlights. Walking in, the ambience is underwhelming...but the food is really exciting. $70 for two for lunch including tax and tip with us trying several courses each, but well worth it.
(5)
Joe C.
Loved this place. We had a hard time finding a nice brunch spot near Lahaina. The fancy overpriced luxury hotel brunch buffets are just not my style. The restaurants on the strip all seem to specialize in the art of cooking prepackaged frozen foods in deep fryers. But we drove by Mala and just by the look of it it seemed like the right kind of place. And it was. The decor is like any simple brunch destination, but with seating right next to the ocean. The service is good. The coffee is good. And they have this dish called "Loco Moco" - it's a poached egg, on top of a Kobe beef burger, on top of a nice serving of organic brown rice, all slathered in mushroom gravy. It's so delicious I stole the recipe and I've made it at home. Mala was so yummy that we went back again, twice! The second time I had my Loco Moco with Hollandaise sauce, just for kicks. It was just as good that way. Mala Ocean Cafe - I love you.
(4)
Monique C.
Yummy this place is awesome! Right on the water! Food is killer too! Beet and goat cheese salad is my fav. They also serve Maui Brewing Co. beer...always a plus! A little pricey but worth it! It's my favorite place in Lahaina town to grab lunch...I wish I could sneak over there now...haha
(4)
Christopher N.
Mala has the best burger on the island. I love it!! It's not a cheap burger, but it's worth it. Kobe beef with melted bleu cheese and bacon? Seriously? Yep. Too good.
(5)
Lauren L.
I went here after reading many good reviews and hearing personal compliments about the restaurant. I was however very disappointed. The location is right on the water with beautiful views if you can get a table out there. The place is small and they try and pack in as many people as they can as well as the people that are waiting for a table. The menu is extremely limited and I would think with the reputation and price that anything on the menu should be good... right? I was sadly mistaken. The cheapest entree is $30 and the dish was uneventful. At this price, I expect much more than a stir fry. Bottom line, for the price you're paying just go to Mama's for much better food and ambience.
(2)
Bob B.
This unpretentious waterfront restuarant would have been off our radar if we had not gotten a recommendation from a friend. We were lucky enough to get outside seating with an excellent view of the sunset and a couple of sea turtles playing in the surf. My wife and I shared a seared Ahi Bruschetta that was melt in your mouth perfect. The Filet was quite good and cooked to perfection. I had the sirloin and was a bit dissapointed as it was a thin cut and rather on the bland side. My mistake for ordering beef on the beach. The service was friendly, knowledgable and top notch. I would recommend this a great meal in a great location. Tip: make a reservation and go a little early to eat outside which is less noisy and croweded than inside.
(4)
Prettylilredhead H.
Food was good, but I guess my expectations were too high for this place. I also feel like it is about 25% overpriced. Our waiter was a little snotty as well as inconsiderate. While my plate of overpriced fish was still sitting on our table, they rolled back the canopy over the patio. A guy held up two round trays to catch the leaves that fell while the canopy was being moved, but of course stuff fell onto my plate. I got no apology. The view is just sorta meh, but I feel like there are much better views on different beaches in Maui. Lahaina is just meh, in my opinion. Tables are placed very close together as this is a very small place. Reservations are needed.
(3)
John G.
This place is busy, in a good way. Good apps and entrees. Kid friendly, cause the atomosphere is kinda loud...we had the kids, including the one that had a mid dinner meltdown! My brother-in-law ordered the Kobe Burger, but didn't eat it 'til later cause of the meltdown. He said that it was still good! Our only warning...Drink the whole bottle of wine, cause they won't let you take it home corked!!! Oh well, hopefully somebody enjoyed the rest of the Rombauer chard. I will return.
(4)
Jennifer G.
We called at 6:30 to make last minute reservations based on other Yelp ratings and were able to get in at 8:00pm. There was one table left on the outside deck which was great! It is quaint, but the staff is sooo friendly and the food was excellent so who cares!? My husband ordered the seared Ahi which was fantastic, serving was more than enough. I ordered the Kobe beef cheeseburger (normally I would order a salad, and I have never ordered a burger at a restaurant, ever, but it sounded sooo good with cheddar cheese and grilled onion served with thinly cut and lightly seasoned fries...it was worth every penny!) We each had a mixed drink (they are not chintzy with the alcohol either!) and in the end we paid $84 for our meal/drinks. Which, considering the fact that its Hawaii and the food was excellent, I would definitely recommend and eat here again.
(5)
Kathy W.
Super packed! You must sit out on the patio. We thought it was a little pricey, but what isn't in Maui?! The best thing was the Caramel Miranda for dessert! A half order is enough for two. Great service by the way, although there was a little confusion with the reservation in the beginning.
(4)
Mark T.
It is all about the food. Yes, they pack you in a bit tight and the place is too loud for meaningful conversation, but we were too busy reveling in the food to talk anyway. The Ahi Bruschetta was a great play on a classic appetizer. My wife declared both the beet salad and her seafood pasta entree special "best ever"; a significant statement for someone who never passes up the opportunity to order a beet salad or a seafood special. Doubling down on the Ahi, my Avalon Seared Sashimi melted in the mouth with a flavorful shitake/ginger sauce. Service was fine, in fact a bit too quick with the food, and the place will set you back at least $100/per, but the inventive and flawlessly prepared food is what makes Mala a memorable experience.
(5)
P J.
Mala's is good. Really good. Funny, we got the recommendation to go here from a waitress at Hula Grill. I'm glad we acted on it. We started with the calamari, and it was fairly tasty. Light batter, good sauce. I had the "Avalon Seared Sashimi" - a seared tuna dish and it was delicious. Everything was just right about it. I don't usually do sashimi, but decided to take a gamble. We also had the Keoki sunset beer, quite nice. For dessert, we had the Caramel Miranda. We chose it because the woman sitting next to us said she'd been craving this dessert for THIRTEEN YEARS, since she had it on her honeymoon. I heard her talking to her friends about it when my boyfriend had left the table to use the facilities. When he got back I was nearly giddy and told him about what I'd over heard. I told him with a loud whisper, behind my hand, "That lady had this dessert on her honeymoon THIRTEEN YEARS ago. She came back for it with her girlfriends. We HAVE to try it." In my mind, it was like the dessert was a celebrity, really. If someone remembers something, while on a honeymoon, that was that good, I've got to try it. I mean, there's a lot going on with a honeymoon, I hope. You might not leave your room. So if you remember a dessert standing out what with all that in room activity ... So we ate it. OK, folks. The Caramel Miranda was good. There were tiny coconuts imported from Nicaragua in it. Like magical coconuts, something only Willy Wonka could make. But other than that? It's an expensive dessert, and its OK. Just OK. The dessert is certainly not a celebrity. It makes me wonder what the rest of that woman's honeymoon was like.
(4)
Jessica J.
This is a great place for a romantic dinner. Great view and a fabulous location. Food is fresh and delicious. The owner definitely takes pride in his establishment. A front street must.
(4)
Sally V.
happy hour 3-430 was a disappointment. our waiter was good, our drinks were okay but by the end of our visit we were being rushed out of the restaurant. the manager wanted us to leave in time for the dinner crowd. never mind that we were paying customers, needless to say these locals won't be returning as we can get better service elsewhere and for cheaper.
(1)
Debbie S.
Great service. Crowded,but part of the ambiance. Had a great table right on the ocean. We waited for that. Fish of the day and Ahi were prepared perfectly. We also had appetizers ( cerviche and a beet salad) that were excellent.
(5)
marygrace w.
We always eat at Mala Ocean Tavern when we are in Maui. We brings friends and have always recommended it to acquaintances who are headed to Maui. We made reservations early and requested an outdoor table. After arriving early for our reservation, we were told to wait in the bar and they would come and get us shortly. After 45 minutes and watching people who arrived ahead of us be seated, I went and ask about our reservation. It was obvious they had forgotten us, but were quite short and said our table would be available shortly. They then proceeded to seat two people outside who came in for a later reservation and put us at the table for two in the very noisy bar after that. To add insult to injury, my husband's expensive entree was not all that good. We will give this place one more try because of our past experiences, but some customer service would be nice, even if it was just an apology. We were planning to buy tee shirts, but after this, we don't want to be reminded of that evening or do any advertising for them. We understand that you do not always get outside tables and the views are wonderful from almost everywhere. I do want to give kudos to the bar staff who were going out of their way to handle, serve and be nice to everyone in a extremely busy bar.
(3)
Thu S.
Just look at the photos of the food I've uploaded. Need I say more? The whole wok fried fish is the best fish I've ever had and I've eaten more whole fried fish than anyone you know. If a restaurant serves it I'll order it. Will never miss a chance to come here whenever we're in Maui.
(5)
Rego S.
My only qualm was that they kept asking to take away plates before we were finished with them, making us feel rushed. Even so, this was the best of the week's worth of restaurants I visited in the Lahaina area. I recommend calling to reserve a table outside (which has very limited seating).
(4)
morgan b.
One of my favorites. Very busy for dinner. You can walk in and eat at the bar with the same menu. I had the Ahi Tartare and the Ahi Bruschetta for dinner. Let me tell you...the Bruschetta is awesome! We usually sit at the bar. Great bar tender and some real unique drinks. Great atmosphere. Right on the water. We've also been there for lunch which a similiar menu and no reservation required. Beautiful view of the ocean. I loved the Lychee Martini and the Mojito. Prices are pretty good for Maui.
(5)
Cin S.
Adorable little place - it's right on the ocean so you can watch the waves and the sunset. The menu is surprisingly sophisticated and upscale. We had the greek salad which was crispy and fresh - and very refreshing from what we had been eating while on vacation. Highly recommended! Also, it's a couple of dollars off drinks and food during their daily happy hour.
(4)
Leon B.
The spicy lamb pita was especially good
(5)
R L.
We definitely enjoyed Mala's. The food was excellent, great ambiance with the outdoor seating and unobstructed view of the Lahaina harbor sunset. The only issue is there was a funky ocean smell in that area...but you get used to that after 10 mins :)
(4)
Willis W.
My faith in Yelp has never been stronger. This place was great to bring our toddler for a sunset dinner. The staff were super cool and friendly. Our service was fast and helpful. The food was excellent, healthy, and of good portions for the price. My ahi burger was juicy and big.
(5)
Al S.
This is one of the best values on Maui. Food is excellent and the service is very good. We dined on the lanai where we watched turtles swimming in front of us while we got a little wet from the waves crashing. Sangria is Spain worthy. Flatbread appetizer is amazing.
(5)
K I.
We went there on our last day in Maui and it was my birthday. Outdoor seating is right by the ocean, although a limited number of tables are available. So make your reservation in advance and be prepared to wait for atleast 20 minutes if you really need outdoor seating by the ocean. There are benches outside the restaurant facing the ocean where you can watch the sunset while you wait for your table or you can sit in their bar area. Their parking lot has limited slots so good luck finding parking there. There is a safeway across the street where you can park and walk across the street towards the ocean. The food is simply amazing. I'm vegetarian and they had tons of options for me. They substitute any entree containing fish or chicken with tofu. So herbivores you have many choices, apart from salad. The food quantity is decent. Our server (Annie) was the best. It is pricey, but worth it.
(4)
Nancy B.
My husband and I went last night for dinner. I was a little nervous bc the recent yelp reviews werent great but figured we had to try it out and see for ourselves. App: got the ahi bruschetta and lamb pita. Both were ok. Not out of this world but good. Cocktails: Mai tai was awesome but also $12.50. Could have had 3 somewhere else for that price. Dinner: ordered the brussel sprouts bc everyone raved about them. They were cooked nicely and had a nice flavor. I got the seafood pasta special and it was ok. Nothing I would write home about. Hubby got the ahi sashimi. Cooked perfectly and nice flavor. dessert: chocolate soufle. Just ok. I wanted to get the bread pudding but too many ppl on yelp advised against it. So here we are the morning after having spent $223 on a meal for two ppl and are sad. Just think about the damage we could have done at our favorite sushi place with that kind of money.
(3)
Craig L.
The service here was outstanding, and they have this special Sauvignon blanc served over shaved ice with a lime slice that is memorable. Food was good yet not awesome.
(3)
Matthew W.
Note: This is a breakfast review. We heard about Mala on the local cable "Visitors Channel" 7, so we tried it for breakfast on a Saturday morning, as they only offer brunch Sat-Sun from 9am-3pm. The location is north of Lahaina Town and, assuming you find the small sign outside the nondescript entrance, parking can be a little difficult. We got there right around opening time and we were able to get a space and an ocean-side table. Score! The service was very good and the breakfast was very good. My fiance and I each had the Great Start Breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, grilled "health" bread and Mala's own take on hash browns. The eggs were excellent, the bacon was decadent, the hash browns unique and not greasy and the health bread was good, although dry as these type of multigrain breads can be. I give Mala a strong 4 stars for breakfast.
(4)
Jeff H.
Went here on the last night of our recent vacation. We had a reservation at 7:30 which we arrived on time for. We got seated 20 minutes later and had a very friendly waitress. I ordered a stirfry which was supposed to include a fresh local fish. What I got was a chicken stirfry which was good, but definitely didn't include fish. When I mentioned this to our waitress she took my meal back to the kitchen were they assured her it was fish. She relayed the message but this dish was clearly chicken ... Had they owned up to the mix up I wouldn't have given them such a poor review. Other food looked good. Ahh one other negative, the bar is divided from the seating area by a free standing low wall. While this keeps the noise from the bar out of the restaurant area it does not keep bar patrons from putting their drinks on the top of this wall, precariously perched above people eating dinner. One waitress asked someone to move their drinks but this could lead to a potentially terrible night for someone seated in the wrong spot. At minimum it was a distraction for me while I was eating dinner wondering when my mother or sister might get a beer shower. For the price of this dinner these issues should not have existed. I would not go back.
(2)
Dave T.
Great place and great people. The ahi brouchetta was great.
(5)
April B.
I was quite impressed with how fresh everything tasted. I especially love how their menu includes vegan dishes as well as organic chicken. Even husband gave this place a thumbs up and said that the food was "genuinely good." I think their lava flow was pretty darn tasty -- tastier than what the resorts offer. This is one place I can imagine visiting more than once per visit to Maui. Update (2/22): We returned to this place for brunch and everyone in my party has concurred that it made up for last night's dismal experience at the Ohana Bar & Grill. I just had to upgrade my star rating to give these guys some love.
(5)
Ange M.
Love this little place. Went during happy hour. Warning - still not inexpensive, but good to save a few bucks when you can. This place is a prime piece of real estate. You cannot be closer to the water and legally drink alcohol and have wait service. We literally felt the ocean spray. Food was really good and did not disappoint. Ordered way too much but did a good job anyway because it was just too good to not eat until we were stuffed. Can't wait to go with a bunch of people for some drinks and a good time. This place looked like it would be a lot of fun during sunset / evening hours.
(4)
Ekika E.
The creamiest and tastiest lava flows. We had ahi tuna sashimi and the filet mignon. The tuna was seared and swimming in a creamy mushroom sauce.....ohhhhhhhh. The filet had a divine truffle sauce and was perfectly tender, melting in your mouth kind of tender. Wait there is more, desert. Desert was total OMG. Fruit with caramel and chocolate sauce topped with vanilla macadamia nut brittle ice cream did I say omg? We didn not speak to each other during dessert. Service was fine but a slight bit off, the sister restaurant Honu had excellent service and we sat at the bar too. I would say this was the best meal we had in Maui.
(4)
Ryan S.
Absolutely delicious... Can't say much beyond that. The garlic appetizer I had was amazing and the main courses, although varied, were enjoyed by my entire family! Pricey but a great night out, especially on a nice Hawaiian vacation night
(5)
Hilda B.
Unexpected high quality food. Seared ahi bruschetta was amazing.
(4)
M L.
food - 1 million stars service - 1 million stars ambiance - 1 million stars summary - absolutely recommend this place!
Mala has dishes with amazing flavor. We tried the ahi tuna with mashed potatoes. Amazing! Highly recommend!!! The adult Mac and cheese was ok...sit on the lanai and watch the sea turtles along the coast. A must do.
(4)
Steve A.
Yay, Mala! I'm hardly one for hotel concierge recommended restaurants, but this place didn't disappoint. I was told that sea turtles swim up to the restaurant regularly, but I didn't see one in the three hours at the restaurant. Still, the food was good, the wine very fine, and the dessert so refreshing. I won't get into the details of the order since I think the offerings change regularly. One of my best dinner experiences on Maui.
(5)
E S.
Good food, service, and amazing view. Friendly staff.
(4)
juls j.
One of my favorite restaurants from the trip. We had so many dishes I don't even know where to begin: Ceviche, cheese plate, farmers salad- all well presented and really fresh flavors. Whole fried fish and some other mahi mahi plate. The whole fried fish is my favorite. It's not too heavy and the fish becomes flakey and buttery as a result. Plus the vegetable and purple potato accompaniment is delicious. Dessert- Carmen Miranda- eh, meh, un. It wasn't the most interesting way to end but good enough. Attentive, helpful service. A lovely view. Really well done presentation and great quality food. Will definitely return.
(4)
Samantha V.
I wasnt sure what to expect with from this place, none of my group had been and the reason we chose it was because it was suggested as a highly vegan friendly restaurant (two in the group are extreme vegans) and that can be very hit and miss to us carnivores. As we arrived i could see the view alone deserved five stars, its quaint and sits on the shore which at dusk was lit up with sailboats buoyed floating in the sunset, the restaurant is rather small but lively, great for dates. Our server was Adam and he had a great energy to him, he was straight to the point and very attentive as was his supporting staff, waters were filled and plates removed immediately. He suggested the ahi bruschetta which was the best bruschetta i have ever had, the toast wasnt stiff and crumbly like the usual way it is served and the taste was amazing . We ordered the ceviche and baba ghanoush and hummus appetizers also five stars dont miss these ones. For my entree i had the balinese stir fry, incredible, it was light but flavorful, i tasted my mothers hoison baby back ribs..also delicious. It is a bit pricey entrees are in the 30's. But the experience was remarkable. Thank you Adam and Mala's! You will forever be a destination for me and my family when we visit your great island.
(5)
Stephanie D.
Ahhhhh. Food was good but I wouldnt ever pay $41 for the ahi I had. I had to eat dinner after my dinner!
(3)
Jessica F.
12/6/09 My husband and I were driving around on our first night in Maui looking for a place to get dinner. We stumbled upon Mala and are still so grateful we did. We didn't have reservations but luckily were seated right away. The vibe was mellow with candles and torches, ocean sounds and yummy scents wafting through the air. The waiter got us started on drinks and appetizers without delay. He was super friendly and gave us great food recommendations. I had the hood canal oyster shooter, ponzu, wasabi, tobiko Caviar & chives. It was HEAVEN. Followed by the sauteed Local OPAKAPAKA, Potato puree, garlic spinach, roasted eggplant and olowalu tomato cream sauce. I still dream of those beautiful pureed Purple potatoes!!!! YUM! I left with a cookbook and a very very happy stomach. If you are in Maui this place is a MUST!
(5)
Scott M.
Food is excellent but we were a little disappointed when our reservation ended up an hour later because they ran out of tables because the reservation before us came in 25 mins late. Since this place is so small they probably should not take reservations. But again, the food is excellent and it is right on the water.
(4)
Jonathan L.
This place is good! Make reservations and ask to be seated along the outside perimeter of the patio out back. We were there during the sunset. Wow. The temperature was perfect, the beer and wine were refreshing, the food was very good (baby back ribs and ahi burger are best) and the view was definitely a lifetime top 10. I will say it again, make reservations. This place is pretty small and it fills up quickly. So unless you want to have dinner at 3pm or 10pm, call ahead! It's a 10 minute drive from the hotels just up north (Westin, Sheraton, Marriott). It's also not very pricey, dinner for 2 with drinks and an appetizer are $75-100.
(4)
Jenny V.
Truly one of those places that you can go back to again and again for any meal. It's a funky little shack on the water with a true island vibe. We had lunch outside, with the island breezes blowing in. We both had the same thing because we could not promise to share it if someone got something else. We had the house made ahi tuna burger which was unlike anything we'd had before. Ground ahi with spices on a perfect whole wheat bun. Doesn't get much better than that!
(4)
Reena U.
Loved everything about this place. The food, the ambiance, service. no doubt its expensive but its worth it. Make reservations well in advance especially if you want to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful view. A must for sunset.
(5)
Jennalyn M.
Originally, my BF and I were at Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar for dinner. We left that place because we were not happy at all with our appetizers and didn't want to risk ordering any entrees. So we decided to come to Mala Ocean Tavern and boy am I glad we did! Food was excellent. I don't remember exactly what I ordered but take a look at the pics I uploaded and let them speak for themselves. I also recommend getting a mango mojito. It is not listed as one of their cocktails but if you ask they will definitely make one for you. And remember to save room for dessert!!!
(4)
Sandra P.
Fabulous food! Attentive staff, casual atmosphere. One of my 2 best meals on Maui!
(5)
Kenn D.
Very cool place, I highly recommend a stop in (or reservations) to view a sunset, great great service, and bask in the feast before your eyes. Sit right next to the waters edge and you should see turtles pass through as the sun sets.
(5)
Big E.
This is not to be missed by any person serious about good eats. We went here on the recommendation of friends and are glad we did. The location is great on the water, a tad noisy but this is Maui in the 21st century. Want quiet, go to Kauai. Tried beet salad with goat cheese, ahi bruschetta, avalon seared sashimi and stir fried brussel sprouts. All were fantastic. This was on the suggestion of our server who was also fantastic. Like most places on the water they are pretty busy at sunset, but it thins out fairly quickly after 8ish. You need to go here if you don't mind paying a little more for something really really good!
(4)
van t.
The food was ok. Alright maybe my standards were set a little high since I had a couple of friends recommend this place as a must visit. The food just wasn't flavorful. My kobe wagyu rib eye so charred that it was bitter. Normally I don't send things back but since I was paying 44 bucks for a tiny piece of steak and French fries, I had to do it. Besides, it was bitter. I couldn't eat it.
(2)
kai m.
Sitting here at Mala this moment for lunch on a bright sunny Hawaiian day. I must say there isn't anything better then sitting beside the ocean to enjoy lunch. The day is nice especially with the trades blowing to keep everything nice and cool. I can imagine if it were a Kona wind day it would be humid and yucky at the worst. I've heard about their Kobe burger and that's what I am having. The burger is huge and it's quite tasty it's also pretty pricey no doubt.
(4)
Terry P.
The food was excellent, but the waiter was preoccupied with chatting up the pretty girls at the next table rather than pay attention to two older folks who could afford to give him a large tip.
(4)
April W.
Great food, great service, great location, great prices, great view. GREAT GREAT GREAT!
(5)
Lars G.
Points off for "snooty" service. The atmosphere and food were amazing, but saw multiple examples of preferential treatment to certain types of guests. It was approaching 3pm and the bus boy comes and starts lowering sun shades in front of the tables that sat an elderly couple and a group of international visitors. The couple wanted to enjoy the view but left feeling run off. Meanwhile a yuppie type and his trophy wife show up and the bus boy ran over and immediately raised the shades. The waiter spent significantly more time servicing that couple than many of the others the restaurant. This was the most-hyped restaurant I read about coming on this trip and watching this behavior made it a real turn off for me.
(2)
Sarah B.
Stopped in for some drinks and snacks at sunset. They have great oceanfront seating outside on the deck. This restaurant is located at the north end of Front Street away from the bustle of tourists with easy parking. Great drink selection. I hadn't planned on having a martini but the drink menu talked me into it. Had one with pineapple infused vodka. Delish and strong! Yay! And tried another with hibiscus flower vodka complete with a real candied flower in the bottom (that looks crazy but tastes like the best gummy bear of your life). Our snacks were the quartet of Mediterranean dips and the calamari (yummy mildly spicy dip). Both were amazing. We are in LOVE with the feta cheese mousse that came in the quartet. Try it! Overall, this is a great spot to relax after a long day of snorkeling, admire a gorgeous Maui sunset, and leave happy. Can't wait to return!
(4)
Rachel H.
We had our best meal in Hawaii here! I highly recommend. Definitely make a reservation, though.
(5)
Ben S.
My review is mixed; we were seated promptly however next to our table was a large bachelorette party that was extremely noisy and it was difficult to have a conversation with my significant other. However there was nothing the restaurant could have done other then try to move us. Our beverage order was taken promptly and they brought out some chips and salsa for us to munch on that was to die for. We ordered the beet salad to share and as with the chips and salsa it was excellent. I heard the hamburger was to die for so I was contemplating between that and the Stir Fry. We were here for dinner and since I was fished out having already been on Maui for 10 days and I wanted something different. I inquired and the waiter suggested the ribs. Boy was this a mistake, the ribs were fatty, the meat stuck to the bone but even worse was that when they cut between the ribs I had bone fragments within the dish and needed to be careful that I didn't pick one with my fork as I was eating the vegetables. I think the restaurant needs to rethink this dish. My significant other ordered the Mahi Ala Plancha and thought is was above average but not excellent. Aside from the main courses the service was very good however the waiter seemed intense however this maybe because of the pressure he was under at the time of our seating, view and experience was great and I would give them another chance. :)
(3)
Darina H.
DRINKS and DINNER on 11/06/12 Great local and small establishment that we drove by and wanted to try out. We didn't have reservations so we walked in and the hostess encouraged us to enjoy a beverage at the bar until a table was available outside. The bartender was really sweet and friendly, made me a delicious martini. She even asked us where we were from and super helpful with drink menu. We were even given complimentary chips and dip (which was yummy) while we waited. When we were finally seated, I ordered the Chinese chicken salad and the chowder. Both very good although I wish there were less crispy won tons in the salad. The chowder option was also a great pick, unique and yummy. The service and food were both outstanding and we even recommended this place to our friends. This is a definite MUST GO if you're in MAUI!
(5)
Bryan H.
Really tasty and adventurous menu with different takes on favorites. Very generous portions. A bit pricy, but worth it. Only drawback was noise level. Hard to hold a conversation or hear the waiter, who spoke quickly and was hard to catch his words. Go here instead of Fleetwood's.
(4)
Eva M.
When you're on vacation you want to be treated in a special way and have special dinners with family and friends. Thats what the Mala Ocean Tavern did for us. The night started off a little rocky while we had reservations for 7:45 we were not seated until about 8:20 however, it was very well worth the wait. The service, the staff and especially the food ...it all made up for it! The Mahi Mahi-delicious....the seared ahi tuna with shitake mushrooms was phenomenal. We were a party of 9 and everyone absolutely Loved their food. Mala is fantastic and its a must when you're in Maui. The absolute best meal we had while we were in Maui. PRACTICE ALOHA
(5)
Karla W.
Best food in Maui!! Loved this place! Great drinks! The bruschetta is amazing!!! Don't go to Maui without going there!
(5)
Dustin B.
Mala was recommended by a friend with family on Maui, so we had high hopes. Everything we ate was better than I hoped. These guys cook like they mean it. The ahi bruschetta was delicious and the seafood pasta was ridiculous. We don't eat much pasta so we were happy that it was not all noodles...it was almost more of a stew. Best thing we had though was the ahi entree. Still thinking about the sauce they put on there. Aside from the food, the view is great and the staff was all really nice. This will be the go to dinner for us on any Maui trip.
(5)
Amy D.
Mala Ocean Tavern has a fantastic view of the sunset in Lahaina. I had the BEST appetizer - ahi bruschetta - better than imagined. Ironically everywhere we went locals recommended this place and first thing they said was to order that. Of course I had to and loved it. We had a few appetizers and drinks and really enjoyed our time there. I highly recommend this spot. Make a reservation if you want to catch the sunset and/or be on the patio.
(4)
Eve K.
Small spot on the water with excellent appetizers and mai tais. 3.5 stars Food: 4, Atmosphere: 4, Service: 3 Cost to worth it ratio: 2.5 (entrees in the high 30s and 40s) Return worthiness: maybe Highlights: - Ahi bruchetta: HUGE piece of ahi that my teeth just sank into. Piled under were the thickest, freshest tomato slices and a lovely edamame puree lining this thick soft and chewy warm flax seed toast. Amazing appetizer - Burrata special: this was fantastic as well with a pile of creamy burrata in the middle of a fanned presentation of the same tomatoes and toast in the bruchetta - Mai tais: delicious, tall glass, and umbrella--all good. - Atmosphere: felt like a casual, neighborly place. Very small with personality and jutting out on the water. Lowlights: - Entrees: nothing memorable and very pricey I'd considering returning for the ahi bruchetta and the view.
(4)
Bettina S.
We came here upon recommendation. The restaurant has a great sunset view, good service, and good food. It's quite crowded though and can get quite noisy (Granted we were part of a group of 24 so we took up like half the restaurant)
This place was decent but not extremely memorable. The view was incredible but there are limited seats outside so we were stuck indoors. Its sorta the luck of the draw. The servers were VERY friendly and helpful though and the location is pretty great - in Old Lahaina.
(3)
Kathy W.
We had lunch there after an early morning visiting sites. 1. Crunchy Calamari - very crunchy and I love it that they keep the crown. 2. Ahi Burger - Very flavorful and the fries (garlic butter was very yummy) 3. Local Fresh Island fish (mahi mahi) - very juicy 4. FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTE SOUFFLE - very good (makes me want to try their signature dish, maybe next time). I am fan now!
(5)
Bryan Z.
Dinner at Mala was really beautiful. Superb quality, excellent table overlooking the water. It is truly paradise. I'm looking forward to going to Mala's sister Honu next trip. I think I had Ahi with every single meal while in Maui and this was one of my favorites. Service was exceptional and, again, the view was the best you could have possibly asked for. Tip: Make a reservation One unique thing is their starter at the table is this unique edamame bean dip.
(5)
Jen C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. I just love all of the food, drinks, service, location on the water, and humbleness and laid-back vide of the place. We ate here twice on our last stay on Maui, once for brunch and once for lunch. For brunch I had the chiliquiles and a bloody mary; the chiliquiles were expertly prepared and incredible delicious, albeit a tad spicy. The cheeseburger they serve here is one of the best I've had, ever. Probably in my top three world-wide. You have to order it medium rare so you can taste the Kobe beef. You can actually taste what the animal ate, it's amazing. The fries are really great too, and the garlic aoili makes it such a perfect meal. It was made even better with a glass of Mirror Pond, which they sell by the bottle. Next door at Honu they serve it on tap!
(5)
Rich T.
We ordered several appetizers and entrees. Most were okay. I would not recommend the calamari or BBQ ribs. The calamari just lacked seasoning and the BBQ ribs are overcooked so making it a little tough to pull the meat off the bone. Overpriced for a $35 entree.
(2)
Kiersten M.
Great outdoor seating if you can get it. Food is good but doesn't seem to change menu items year to year
(4)
Krissy H.
Delish!!! The food was great, drinks great. We saw this restaurant from the street and didn't think much. Great out door seating, service was excellent. Would love to go back. Ordered the pan seared fish of the day and would totally recommend it. Yum!!!
(5)
Brian T.
A little cramped but makes for a communal atmosphere. Right on the ocean, with the sounds of crashing waves. Beautiful sunset views. Food is excellent. Ahi poke appetizer was delicious and the Ahi Burger was the best I've had. Definitely should check this place out.
(5)
Susan W.
What a great spot! Right on the beach with ocean breezes coming in the big open windows. Excellent food, great service and charming atmosphere.
(5)
Rebecca M.
We walked in and it was a 20 minute wait so we grabbed two chairs at the bar, Haddy was our bartender/server/entertainment for the night. Not only was the food amazing, but so was the service and the welcome from the local regulars. Definitely eat here if you are on the island, great food, great service, lots of Aloha!
(5)
Terry L.
Best ceviche EVER! Awesome view and amazing food. Dianne (sp?) was on the money with recommendations and service. Watched the turtles grazing on the rocks 15 feet away the whole time we ate. The aioli for the fries was superbly tangy and yummy. The flatbread was also rockin'. Best meal we had all week on the island. (see pics) Cheers All, Aloha Mala!!
(5)
C N.
Food was excellent - as the previous reviewers stated. Large portions and good quality fish & meats. My Mahi-Mahi was delicious and my wife's Ahi tuna was tender and tasty. Friends ordered soup, salad and Kobe burger which they really enjoyed as well. The service was excellent and being right on the water was a nice setting. It is a bit on the pricey side as mentioned in Yelp but the food was commensurate. I would recommend this to other visitors!
(4)
Rich H.
Summary based on one dinner: --ok food. I had the Balinese stir fry that didn't resemble anything I've seen in multiple trips to actual Bali. It was ok, though. Waiter said it had sambal. Big deal. Sambal is chili sauce. --service was ok. Orchestrated if you like that sort of thing. --pricey --setting was ok. Kinda casual. --parking just ok. --customers seemed well off and easy to please considering the food was just ok. Probably won't return.
(3)
Jen L.
I wasn't crazy about this place. Minus one star because they couldn't get us a spot to see the ocean, that day there was only two options : i would have to sit in awkward bar stools or sit in the adjacent room. I didn't want to flash anyone in a skirt and opted to sit in the next room. When we looked at the menu the server suggested the fish which should be more fresh in Maui. I had mixed rice and some fish and a pizza star. Although presentation was nice the best thing was the pizza or. Marinara slices that I got. It didn't feel Asian fusion. And I didn't want to eat pizza in the beautiful island of Maui. The mahi mahi was all a little dry, not moist how I usually like my fish 3 stars would I come back ? Maybe
(3)
C H.
Right next to. Honu on the water but tables re so close to each other they are almost touching. That made it quite difficult to have a conversation. Views are treat and ahi bruschetta is delish! Seafood entrees are pretty pricey (around $44) and everything is all carte.
(4)
Joyce J.
The Ahi Bruschetta till now is the best one that I have tried. The source is mixed with oil with the scent of apple or other fruit. A very delicate dish! The second dish that we order is a full snapper. It was so good that when you eat the meat with mashed potato along the side.
(4)
Richard B.
Prices now in Tourist Trap realm. Food not worthy of price. Was one of the better restaurants in Lahaina. No longer on my recommended list. Trend lightly. Only the flat bread and salads seem worthy.
(2)
Aly R.
We visit here every time we come to Maui, ambiance is great and beautiful views right on the ocean. Food this time was good, bill for 2 adults, 3 kids and a glass of wine each was over $200. We may skip it next time, so many great places to try in Maui.
(3)
Marion P.
Underwhelmed. We went here for our first dinner in maui. My husband got the mai tai (which he said was terrible despite reviews saying it was the best). We had some bean dip and chips that was given to everyone which was decent. Then we had the ceviche - average, nothing special. I had the seated Ahi which was very bland (although I really liked the mushrooms it came with) and hubs had the mahi mahi which was average (perhaps even boring?). Service was good. View was beautiful over the ocean but we were in more of the bar section. Without dessert, one app, 2 drinks (I had wine) and 2 entrees came to $140. I would rather spend my money elsewhere !
(2)
LuLu M.
An AMAZING dining experience!! Both mainland friends and locals said this was a must-do while in Maui and I am so glad we took their advice. You definitely need to make reservations otherwise it's a good 1-2 hour wait. We lucked out and got seats at the bar. The restaurant overlooks the water and has a patio for dining and open air windows. We stuffed ourselves with the Hamachi oyster shooters, the ahi tuna tartare, and the super duper yummy roasted brussel sprouts, and the Mala salad. To top it all off, we had two desserts: the turtle caramel cheesecake and the chocolate souffle. Oh! And the cocktail menu has so many tropical choices and we enjoyed all of our drinks. You will not regret coming here! Just make sure you have room in your stomach to order a lot :)
(4)
Courtney M.
Awesome Brunch over looking the ocean. Had the chiquilles, sister had huevos ranchos, mom had standard eggs and toast, dad had french toast. We all shared the sticky bun. It was delicious! We enjoyed this place very much, and was easy to get a reservation on open table. Must come back for dinner ASAP
(4)
Eric J.
Excellent mahi mahi sandwich, if not the best ever x:) but, I have found some of the best so that's still pretty tasty! My wife loved the hummus and pitas. I had a mai tai, and it was a little too sugary for my taste. It couldn't top MonkeyPod for the Mai Tai throne!
(4)
Raj G.
We ordered ceviche for appetizer. ..best we have tasted. Sashimi and Stir fry for entre...big portion sizes, amazing flavor, soft fish that melts in the mouth. So, you may ask why one star. ..I had a small fish bone, about 1/4" long, brought it up to the waiter who didn't even bother to apologize nor discount any of the $140 check. Eat at your own risk.
Service was great. They started us off with an edamame puree and tortilla chips. Yummy. I honestly should have gotten something other than the adult mac and cheese. I wasn't super impressed, and I felt that the mushroom taste was super overwhelming. My husband got the ahi burger. I honestly thought that, along with the fries, was pretty good. He thought it was only ok. The space is small. It's gorgeous at sunset, when they pull back the roof and you're al fresco. For whatever reason, people decide to bring infants to a tiny restaurant with a romantic setting. I mean, it's not Mala's fault.. they can't discriminate against messy babies but sigh.. i wish they could.
(3)
Robin L.
Nice atmosphere. Average food. Whole fish stir fry was not tasty. Balinese Stir fry was better. Restaurant too pricy.
(3)
B D.
Mala has one of the best views in Lahaina. It sits right on the water and provides an atmosphere for a great sunset. The food is good, not the best on the island, but still enjoyable. My biggest complaint every time we go here though is how rude the staff is. Last time we were here, my mother-in-law asked whether we could sit on the patio to enjoy the sunset and the host went off on her. He was so rude that had we not been starving we probably would have left. He started yelling at her while he was on the phone with another patron that he couldn't let her sit on the patio because it would screw up the rest of his reservations for the evening, and that everyone with reservations smaller than us would take priority. I am not saying that we had to sit on the deck, but there are many ways he could have handled this better. If I were the owners or the manager I would have fired him on the spot. As for the food it is good. I had their special beet salad and it was a nice meal. The cocktails are good. It is a great low key restaurant on the water that is perfect for a relaxing night. I would recommend it for the food and if you can get that coveted seat on the deck, but be prepared to be treated like your business doesn't matter.
(2)
Rebecca A.
During our 11 days stay at Maui, we went back to Mala twice! We are a real foodie family, and we all liked Mala and their next door sister restaurant Honu! Both owned by the same chef. Beautiful location, right on the water on Front Street. Food is really good, great quality ingredients, and very fresh! Drinks are good, but could be better. My favorite dish is their Adult Mac and Cheese! It's creamy and tasty! And portion is huge! And they comes in half portion for $13! We ordered a Mahimahi entree, a beet salad and the adult Mac and cheese to share. My kids had the cheese pizza and cheeseburger. Their menu is $14 per child, comes with a drink and dessert! My 4 year old son loves their vanilla ice cream and my 8 year old son loves their passion fruit Lilikoi sorbet! Everybody walked out full and happy!
(4)
Christina M.
I love the sister restaurant next door so we decided to try this one. We didn't have a reservation so we had about a 30 min wait, which we spent in the bar area. They have a decent wine list by the glass. The food was great! We ordered the ahi bruschetta for an app... This is my favorite!! They serve it next door at Honu also. For entrees my ordered the ahi which was served with a mushroom ragu and masked potatoes. Sounds odd but it was amazing! I had the lamb meatballs and pita from the appetizer menu as well as the mushrooms. Both were AMAZING! Service was good and the outdoor patio in the evening was lovely. I will definitely come back here!!
(4)
Liza K.
After a week on the island we learned if you want a good fish dish you are definitely going to be paying up for it. ProTip: Mala is situated on the ocean front, ask for a patio seat and you may be lucky enough to dine with some sea turtles at sunset : totally magical! The first night I had the special. And damn, it sure was!! Confession: I haven't ordered a pasta dish since Oct 2011 since I vowed I would not eat anything pasta related since having eaten at Babbos NYC. Jet lagged and hungry-I folded..and was not disappointed. This pasta dish was swimming in seafood. Ahi tuna, baby manila clams, scallops, fresh blue crab, squid, all in a chinese/italian fusion tomato sauce. My favorite part was that the seafood to pasta ratio was 2:1. It was REALLY good. My husband got the Ahi Tuna plate with flaxseed toast points. He was also pleased with his dish. To give you an idea 2 entree's and a beer yielded a tab with generous tip of $112.00...Yup.. At dinner service they serve a very unassuming tomatillo salsa with edamame puree. The two flavors blew my mind..tart tomatillo, creamy edamame. Simply delicious. We came back again for HappyHour. The menu is broad but the prices aren't much different..Food was still so amazing. Round 2: we got 3 beers and the SEARED AHI BRUSCHETTA Flax Seed Toast, Olowalu Tomatoes & Edamame Puree Again: DELICIOUS, Worth it? to me, yes. I'm a foodie freak so I'll pay out the arse for good bites. at least this round our HH tab was under $60? I didn't bother looking.. All in all I'm down for some good fish and Mala has it. Nevermind the $$$$$ because they know what they're doing :)
(4)
Betty N.
**OMG BEST MAUI MEAL EVER. LIKE EVER.** Super nice greeters, hostesses, and waiters. We sat outside the lanai and it was very romantic; even with the heavy storm. Our waiter, Jeremiah, was helpful and attentive. Cool dude. His recommendations made our eating experience memorable and satisfying on Maui. MUST MUST ORDERS TO SHARE (for the full 5 star): *OYSTER SHOOTER ($4 each) - The best. Super duper fresh. Sauce and juice were amazing. Best Oyster Shooter I've had. *AHI TARTARE ($17) - Generous portion and again, super fresh. The herbs and subtle spices made this dish memorable. *BRUSSEL SPROUTS ($9) - Best fried brussel sprouts in the world. OMG good. Texture, organic freshness, and wonderful flavors. *SEAFOOD PASTA ($45) - Best seafood pasta we've had in our lives. The fresh seafood was HARD TO BEAT. Quality of the crab meat, mussels, and fish were evident and unsurpassed. We didn't order cocktails except some Arnold Palmers ($5 each) which had fresh guava juice. Also amazing. Our dinner without drinks and tip came out to be $103 (note we shared all plates tapas-style). Man oh man, what a fantastic meal. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
(5)
Vicki L.
We were disappointed as we walked into Mala. We were expecting fine dining (table clothes, etc) and that is not the case. The restaurant is very small and the outside patio area is small, too. We didn't get a table outside which was a little disappointing. The tables for two are tiny and really crammed together. You are having dinner with others whether you want to or not. That being said, the food and service were outstanding. We shared the coconut shrimp appetizer which was the best I have ever had. We both had the mahi mahi which tasted like it had just been caught. Truly fresh and wonderful. The mashed potatoes, however, were pretty ordinary. The fish did make up for that, though, which was presented in a delicious verde sauce. Although I think Merriman's Mai Tais are better, Mala's come pretty close. They were very good! The service was great. We always had a full glass of water and our waitress checked on us just enough. Between the appetizer and main course, we received new napkins and new silverware which I thought was very Å„ice. All in all, we were happy with our choice and would go back again.
(4)
Andrew S.
Atmosphere was nice, servers were excellent. Location is awesome, you can park at the cannery mall or in front of Safeway. That being said the food is pricy for what you get here. I opted to get a Kobe cheese burger instead of the overly priced entrees. The burger itself was 20 dollars. The burger was tasty but not the best burger in town. Fries or frites as they call them were delicious with a garlic side dip. Drinks were good and about average for pricing. All in all not a bad spot to eat but there are cheaper places with much better food.
(2)
Loren L.
We had lunch and arrived about 11:15am. The host seemed a bit busy and just handed the menus and pointed to our table. It then took them awhile (he seemed to be the owner or manager) to serve only after a waiter came by and asked if we had been waited on yet. There was only three other tables occupied at the time. The host came back by and asked if we had ordered drinks. My wife asked for a certain wine by the glass and he seemed miffed at the question by his reaction. We were appalled. A few minutes later, my wife challenged his reaction by asking if she had offended him by the question. He then, of course, said no. Anyway, we were off on the wrong foot and fortunately the waiter was somewhat nice. The food was OK but nothing spectacular as some of the ratings indicate. We will not go back due to the service and also the food. There are way too many good restaurants in the area.
(1)
Paul G.
The food is very good. The drinks are below average, and the same goes for the service. At the price, there are better places to dine in Maui.
(3)
Adam B.
Really good seafood, good service. Gets quite busy at dinner time, so plan accordingly.
(4)
Maryna B.
Our family favorite place for special celebrations. Sunset and turtles, friendly staff. The whole wok fried fish is always in the order. Hibiscus martini and desserts.
(5)
Briana T.
Ive never been to a tavern before, but stepping in to the place I was afraid I was overdressed. I thought this was a $$$ and fancy place but the decor was confusingly casual. The stale and hard outdoor seats looked like they were from IKEA. Upgrading outdoor seating seems like a must. Other than that tho, its a really great place to eat. My family and I got a waterfront table and an hour before the sunset hit, it was HOT. My brother and I had to keep switching seats cuz the heat was intense...! However, once the sunset hit, the intensity lessened and the view was breathtaking. Mala opens the shades and the roof to give a 270 degree fantastic view of the sunset. Food:: the opening complimentary dip featuring an edamame mini scoop in a tomatillo salsa bath with chips is very delicious and creative. I thought the ceviche and beet salad were good, but the ceviche wasnt awe-inducing. I had the chicken and it was alright, a lil tough, but the purple mash potatoes and garlic spinach were REALLY good. Service:: Waiter was attentive and informative. The water peeps were really nice and smiley. Food was served at a nice pace.
(4)
Michael G.
Mala is always on my list while in Maui. Adult Mac and Cheese is very good fresh porcini mushrooms maytag blue cheese very rich but a few spoonfuls is mandatory. Kobe burger is one of the best ever order med rare to get most flavor. Fresh fish nightly in a variety of preparations. Cocktails very generous and reasonable. Parking next door make a revs for sunset you won't be disappointed.
(4)
T S.
The one thing I am disappointed with is that we chose to eat here on our last night in Maui! We weren't able to go back! We made a reservation which I highly recommend and were seated promptly. Based on the outstanding yelp reviews we ordered the ahi bruschetta. I could live on their ahi bruschetta for the rest of my life. I'm in love with it. You just have to get it!!!! For our meals we ordered mahi mahi which they served red snapper style since I was not thrilled about the cilantro description it came with. It was so delectable. It was a very large portion of spinach with mushrooms, mashed potatoes, mahi mahi and delicious red sauce which could have just been a bowl of soup with sour dough bread it was that good! My husband ordered the special which was ahi sausage flatbread pizza. It was very intriguing. It confused our taste buds in a good way because it had the classic seasonings of traditional sausage with the buttery flavor of ahi. I highly recommend it! We didn't save any room for dessert unfortch, but we had our 1 year old daughter and the manager asked if he could bring a little treat. We said sure! It was the best ice cream with caramel sauce ever. We know because we ate it. (Sorry Violet, too young for sweets;) The service was as amazing as the food here. They really went out of their way to make it a memorable night in Maui! The restaurant has a rustic beach charm and if you were to drive by it appears very unassuming. Without researching it first, we never would have come here. The hand painted high chair detail did not go unnoticed! Nice touch! 5 stars!!!!!!
(5)
Eric H.
They accomdated a party of nine well for dinner and service was excellent. The food was outstanding. I wanted the whole wok fried fish but they were out; so sad. Had the seafood pasta and it was awesome. the ahi bruschetta was great; good seafood chowder; oyster shooters definately recommended, the manila clams with a black sauce and pita bread was awesome. I can go on but it was all really good. Please, if you have to opportunity for dinner; you will not be disappointmented. Good Job Folks!
(5)
Michalle R.
The restaurant is right on the water at the edge of town (behind the Safeway). It was a great escape from the midday heat, ans we saw sea turtles right from our table. The fresh farm salad was great. And they had micheladas - my favorite beer drink.
(5)
Paul F.
good, not great, food was probably a 4, but the interior was a 2, kind of a dump. I don't mind casual spots, but when you drop $44 on an entree I expect a little more. Tuna tartare was excellent, pink snapper, good, just a little overcooked. Shoudl be $$$$, not $$$. There are better spots in Lahaina.
(3)
Monica M.
The SEARED AHI BRUSCHETA! (absolutely incredible a must get, I wish I got more The nono martini and the mojito is amazing!!! THE KOBE BEEF BURGER WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD WITH AMAZING GARLIC AOLI SAUCE!!! Mmmmmmm Out of everything tho YOU MUST MUST MUST GET THE CARAMEL MIRANDA!!! ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!!! I went back twice for it! We came back for a THIRD time DEFINITELY GET THE CARMEL MIRANDA OR YOU WILL MISS OUT ON THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE
(5)
Kate C.
I really can't understand why everyone raves about this place. Yes, the view is beautiful. The food, however, was not. We got the quartet of Mediterranean dips, which was tasty but not $18 tasty. For entrees, I had the ahi burger and my dining companion had the Balinese stir fry. The burger was dry and uninspired and came with greasy and over cooked French fries. The stir fry would have been mostly fine if it wasn't covered in an overly sweet sauce that totally killed the natural flavor of the fish. Definitely not worth the inflated price.
(1)
A K.
How do I put this...Mala is...AWESOME. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon, we stayed one week on Maui and one on Oahu...out of both islands, Mala was probably one of, if not, our favorite dinner out. What I love about this place: the atmosphere = incredible...laid back, friendly, comfortable. the staff = amazing...so kind, caring, on top of their game. the food = some of the best we had on hawaii, to be honest...and we went to MANY places. I like the location of Mala and the set-up of the restaurant. We were here last year so I'll do my best remembering what we had...I remember these clams we got that were incredible, the drinks were great, the fish we had was awesome...honestly, everything on the menu looked incredible and what we had tasted great. We took a short taxi ride to Mala from our hotel, the Westin Maui in Lahaina. On Maui, we ate at Star Noodle, Sensei. Merriman's, and more...Mala topped them all (sorry, Star Noodle). I definitely recommend this place and cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Steve G.
Wife and I always make a point to have lunch and dinner here when in town, Tonight had Rachel serve us. No reservations but even on this busy night got seated quickly. Food was again EXCELLENT and service wonderful. Coconut shrimp appetizer was delicious as was the fresh tasting Greek salad and market fish of the day. Another terrific experience. Thanks to the entire staff!
(5)
Laura C.
Wowie! Fantastic restaurant. More casual than you would think when looking at prices but well worth it. Definitely worth the wait for a table on the patio overlooking the water. The seafood bruschetta was outstanding. We just did the half order (2 pieces). I had the tofu entree which was huge. The tofu is some of the best I have had when dining out. And yes I know it's criminal not to be eating seafood when in Maui. My boyfriend had the M&M (??) with opah and said it was very flavorful. I researched, researched and researched some more for restaurants during our trip. We were only there for 5 nights so wanted each meal to be perfect. Trust me, you won't be disappointed if you eat here. I highly recommend making a reservation. We were there on a Thursday night and it was packed!
(5)
Alex T.
Food was delicious. Service was not great. For the price I think you would expect better table service. We has the ahi tuna burschetta which was delicious. We had the special fish of the evening which I am kicking myself for not remembering the name. It was a local and rare fish and it was delicious. I highly recommend the food and the view but the service was classic island style.
(3)
Elisabeth Z.
So great we had to go twice! First trip was for brunch and we got to sit out on the coveted patio! Always make a reservation, it doesn't guarantee you a patio seat, but it makes sure you get on the list. We saw dolphins playing out in the waves while we were there around 11AM. We also heard that an entire family of sea turtles hangs out there, even if the food wasnt awesome the view was one of the best in the area. Total relaxing sunday brunch. I got the mahi mahi ceviche and it was fresh and amazing and came with their made in house chips, so the perfect brunch meal. We all had their hibiscus mimosas and they were refreshing and an awesome twist on the regular brunch beverage! Make sure to eat the candied hibiscus flower that comes in the drink! This place was also the perfect place to catch a sunset. We headed back here on our last evening for a happy hour beverage. They do not seat you without a dinner reservation on the patio but their little bar still has a perfect view. I again had to go with one of their hibiscus drinks, getting the hibiscus martini, and it was the perfect happy hour drink. Light, crisp and flavorful! We also had another round of the mahi mahi ceviche because we just couldn't help ourselves, I promise its a musty try! This place is on the NY Times list, and an absolute on mine now too!
(5)
Akshaya M.
The most amazing view with the most flavorful food - such a delight! We came back for the Lava Flows, Mai Tai and the Balinese Stir fry. So delish!
(5)
Melinda A.
Delicious food, special and perfect location. We were recommended this place from a friend who lives in Lahaina. He said that it's a spot that is frequented by locals as much as tourists. I loved the laid back attitude in the restaurant, the food that was so lovingly prepared and sourced, and the gracious and open attitude of the strangely good looking wait staff (not to be missed, ladies). At the end of the meal, they gave us these little bumper stickers that said "Practice Aloha." Just the message you want to bring back with you to the mainland, right?
(5)
Russell C.
Great place to come at sunset and hang out. You'll get lucky sometimes and see swarms of sea turtles in front of the restaurant. Ambience is nice, when it gets crowded it does get loud in there. Kobe burger was pretty good, I'm a bleu cheese hoarder, so im kind of bias on this. Fries were great especially with the garlic aioli on the side. The Adult Mac and Cheese was awesome, probably because of the bleu cheese in there. Ahi Burger, although im used to the seared ahi type, is a grounded ahi meat with some herbs and spices and formed into a patty, but tasted pretty good also. Food didn't blow me away but it was pretty good, and combined with the location and sunset made for a really good experience.
(4)
Gregg B.
This place is a "Jewel in Paradise". The location is an A+! People are an A+! Food an A+! Service an A+!! Do not miss coming to Mala! Make sure you sit outside on the patio where the waves break on the rocks no more than 5 feet from the tables.
(5)
Michael G.
Favorite spot in Maui. Great food, comfortable setting. Already on our second meal here in three days. Sprouts (brussel and kale) are amazing ! Clams are great, tuna bruschetta is perfect. Don't really need to go anywhere else for brunch/lunch or dinner. Little expensive, but well worth it.
(5)
Erica A.
This was our first dinner on the island. We were very pleased with the service.. we had a reservation, arrived early, and were promptly seated at an ocean side table. It was perfect enjoying the water view and the turtles out there! We had the ahi bruschetta appetizer, and for dinner, the seafood pasta and the stir fry. Everything was made very well, with great flavor. It is a little pricey, but worth it, especially with the turtles! We had a wonderful first time experience at MaLa.
(5)
Peter T.
I wish I could give Mala more stars... Or less, still unsure. The thing is the food is legitimately good, the Pink Snapper was terrific and the Seafood Pasta was chock full of oceanic delights, but exactly how good can be quantified. Mala cost too much money to be anything short of orgasmic. If pasta is still made from semolina and seafood is still found in the water, where or when it started costing north of forty dollars is a huge mystery. The ahi was good but so was the same amount of ahi at a small shaved ice place in Paia. Both local, both super fresh, it just cost $33 more at Mala. If you have the cash then by all means go, the Ahi Bruschetta was standout fantastic and nothing was bad, just know upon entering that you are paying an extra 40% for a view nearly as good as the one in your timeshare.
(3)
sherry x.
I really like this place! I have come to this place 2 days in a row. It's definitely one of the top choice in Lahaina area. The restaurant located not in downtown area, which makes parking much easier. it has a very good sunset view. While waiting for the seat, (we did not make reservation one night), we just busy with taking pictures of the gorgeous view, no one even complained a bit about the wait :). First day, I came with my husband. We 2 ordered the half order Ahi Bruschetta, sauteed fresh fish, stir fried brussels spouts and chocolate souffle. That's way too much food! I am mostly impressed with the Ahi Bruschetta, it's just so good and refresh: seared ahi, with avocado, tomatto, and some herbs, combine together is just wordless. I was so regretted that I only ordered half order. The fish dish and brussel spouts are good, but not too distinguish. The chocolate cake is actually very good as well. It's not the best I had have, but one of the best :) (top 5?) I specially like the icecream come with the cake. I also very like their service. The waiter is not bothering you at all during the meal, but always appear on time when you need anything. They split the fish dish my husband and I ordered, in a very pretty way. It seems to me most people come here only order 1 main dish, as the quantity is pretty good. Since it's so good, and specially due to the Ahi dish, I came back the next day with my husband and 2 other friends. I ordered the Ahi dish (full order) as my main dish, while others either get the same or get the burger (try to control the cost). It turned out to be a very affortable meal (4 people $150). I will definitely come back when I visit maui again.
(4)
Lorrie K.
Best burgers on the planet! Awesome fried baby kale. Ahi bruschetta is one of my favorites. Service is always professional and friendly. We come here frequently for lunch and they never disappoint.
(5)
linda F.
We are normally Happy Hour folk, but we decided to break tradition to try this place, I had eaten at Avalon a million years a go so was excited to try the chefs re-creation. Of course we had to have the Ahi Bruchetta, and of course I wish we had gotten a full order, so good! Everything else we had was great but that was my stand out favorite, also the Miranda for desert was wonderful as well- also service and view were perfect, will definitely revisit.
(5)
Brian B.
Just recently got back from my honeymoon in Hawaii (which was basically a food tour of Hawaii) and I cannot rave enough about this place (and so many others!!) First, I have to say, we went towards closing time during the non busy season and it was DEAD... which was very romantic for a honeymoon. We were able to sit on the water, and watch the moon set behind L'anai. Yes, you heard me right, the moon sets! Our server was extremely kind, and very well versed in the local area and the food on the menu. A+. The special was an Opakapaka, so without second thought, we ordered it. Little did I know that it was a whole fish, on a bed of rice... well, here we go! Food adventure. We picked up the chop sticks, and before we knew it, all that was left were some bones, the head and the tail... wow wow wow!! Then it was time for dessert... a hot "lava" type cake that took 20 minutes to prepare, and boy do we know why. Lastly, the chef (famous in Hawaii) gave us a signed book that he penned because it was our honeymoon... What?! Talk about special... so special in fact, we told everyone we met about this place. And now, I'm telling Yelp! GO HERE!!!
(5)
Jim C.
A service nightmare. We have eaten here at least4 times a year for the past three years. Obviously we think highly of the place. But our last visit was a disaster. We had a great table, we did not have to wait. We got our menus immediately. And that's the end of the good part. Our wait person was curt, non-communicative, annoyed and created a tense atmosphere. She seemed to have no knowledge of the drink or food menu. Long waits for both. The clams were good. The fish was overcooked. The desert was great. But the total experience was a chore.
Great view! Amazon waterfront ambiance. The ahi appetizer was the best item we ordered. The ahi dish was good, but heavy on the sauce and expensive for what it was ($44). We also got the Balinese stir fry which was good. We ordered it moderate spicy and it hit the spot. Bread pudding for dessert. 4 stars only because of the price ($25 corkage fee!) Would recommend.
(4)
Rick S.
So we go to Maui every year , we are very blessed to be able to do this !! My wife and I started to go to Malas about two years ago. We have been greeted w/the same server there by chance the last two years & she just happens to remember us & remembered my wife's name on top of that! I LOVE the ahi dinner w/there home made mashed potatoes , my gosh that dish is AMAZING!!! it is one of there signature dishes and you just can't go wrong w/it . My wife can't eat seafood she is allergic to it So she had the adult Mac & Cheese ! All I can say about that dish is DECADENT .... I did not take any photos but I will next time. I have seen a few people complained about the cost of some of the drinks ! OMG people get over it , you are in Maui on vacation , have you ever sat pool side in the resorts and ever ordered a drink before ??? Or any where else on the island for that fact is pretty pricy !! Unless you are going to the local liquor store and drinking in public on the beach or in your room . If you want great food & Great service I recommend this restaurant . The service is good the owners are on hand to help you out & the food is exceptional ...
(5)
Chuck B.
Excellent dinner and a beautiful place to catch a sunset. Really enjoyed the Ahi Tuna! Great Mai Tai! Wonderful Wait Staff! My favorite dinner spot in Lahaina.
(5)
Debra B.
We ate here last night and loved it! The wait staff was great and knew a lot about the food and was committed to us having a great dining experience. They start you with chips and salsa. The salsa is great very tasty with a dollop of edemame and tomatillo puree that would have been worth the whole evening right there. We had the Ahi Bruschetta on the recommendations of fellow yelpers and loved it! We had the 1/2 order and it was almost enough for a meal. The Beet and Surfing Goat Cheese salad was divine! I love the emphasis on using local vendors. My sister has now had Mai Tai's from Roy's, Lahaina Grill, Leilani's and Hula Grill - she rates Mala's as the best! Good rum, lots of it, fresh juices and a big chunk of pineapple made it #1. The Seafood Pasta was great, tons of fish and great pasta. It's an intensely flavored tomato-based spicy dish. Delicious!! The Asian Fried Chicken was divine. It was in a coconut mojo sauce that was soooo good!! The chicken was moist and I don't even like breast meat but I loved this. It came with purple mashed potatoes and spinach. The last dish was the fish sandwich and by far the loser of the group. The breading was not what one would expect on fried fish and the fish was dry. Definitely the downer of the evening. I actually make a better fried fish than this. For dessert we had the Caramel Miranda. It's a big scoop of Vanilla Macadamia Nut ice cream sitting on top of melted chocolate and caramel sauce, surrounded by broiled fruit. Simply delicious! The fruit was really nice scooped up with a sauce of caramel and chocolate. Can't get better than that!! The ice cream had a great flavor and all in all, it was a great combination of flavors. Due to a slight hiccup in our dessert order they comped our dessert which was very nice. The decaf coffee was not so good and I think it was served with milk not cream. It tasted slightly burnt as if it had sat for too long blech! But who knows maybe I just didn't like the beans they use. So why didn't I give a 5? In this day and age are we getting too picky? I would give it a 4.5 if I could or a 4++ if I could - Yelp give us more choices here. This is better than a 4 star but not quite a 5 due to the fish sandwich and the coffee. But I would unreservedly recommend anyone not miss this restaurant!! Tip - Not a quiet romantic place though although it could be nicer out on the lanai. Inside it was noisy and quite a lot of bustle.
Everything all 4 of us ate was fabulous. The waitstaff were perfect and the scenery could not be beat. The crispy fish haunts my girlfriend all year long until she can return to satisfy her craving.
(5)
Karla S.
The Ahi burger is awesome. Expensive but good for those 'I'm in Maui so I'm gonna treat myself' times. Of course, if you're in Maui, you've already treated yourself so why not?? Unfortunately this time our service was lacking. Diane was our server and although polite, she obviously wanted to be elsewhere. She did the obligatory check back with you 1 minute after receiving your meal and that was it. Had this been our first visit, we would probably not return.
(4)
Deep g.
The view is incredible, the food is great, and the bartenders are fantastic. My wife and I (on our honeymoon) stopped in for a late lunch, and were able to sit by the water and just relax. I also saw a table next to us get chips and salsa "off the menu" so that is an option as well. Highly recommended. A bit pricey, but frankly much cheaper than any hotel restaurant.
(5)
Marco L.
Tip: Maui Costco sell their gift card, $ 100 for $ 75, better buy two because this place ain't cheap. Killer ocean front location, we had the window table looking at the ocean and the beautiful sunset, plus the sea turtles. We ordered the Seared Ahi bruschetta, wok fried whole fish, Hoisin glazed short ribs. The seared ahi bruschetta is the best dish out of them. It is so good that even my wife, who doesn't eat raw fish, loved it.
(4)
Teresa F.
Great ocean front seating and breeze. We love the Mai Tai's made with fresh orange juice. All the food we had was relish. Made our trip to Maui even more delicious and fun. We went in twice while on our trip. We really enjoyed it!
(5)
Ryan P.
Okay... i normally don't walk into restaurants that look like a bait shop from the outside but my waitress, Sarah at the Cain and Tarro (see my review for them), recommended this place with promises of surfing turtles and a beautiful view. Needless to say I'm just a little skeptical whenever anyone mentions animals or mammals engaging in sports be it on land or in water. As I walked inside, the bait shop facade fizzled away and I realized that I was in a pretty swanky place right on the beach. We were shuffled over to a table with a great view of the ocean. The place smelled of delicious food and was full of people, only these people all had their heads up, ignoring their food. What were they all looking at? Was i missing something? Was my fly down? Nope, Turtles, surfing turtles!! That's right, I saw it with my own eyes. Sure they don't use surf boards but they sure do like to hang out in the break, you can see them every time a wave crests just a few feet off shore. We sat there for hours racking up an impressive bill. I even managed to get a sun burn on the entire left side of my body.. The food was of amazing quality but a little pricey. I would have rented the place out for the week if I was a bazillionaire. I highly recommend visiting just before sunset. As it turns out turtles are notorious for hanging out in the bay that this restaurant is situated on, so if you can't afford the delicious meal be sure to at least walk the beach. I seriously look forward to coming back to this place the next time i visit Maui.
(5)
mark w.
I cannot keep my wife out of this place! It is one of the best on the island and for the money, you cannot beat it. Food, Service, wine selection and price are all outstanding. It is also a place to just hang in the bar and watch the sunset! Love this place and will visit every time on Maui atleast twice!
(5)
Matthew S.
Jalepeno potato soup and micheladas were excellent. The Kobe burger was so big that a man on a boat 200 yards away saw it and thought it was the fucking lighthouse and crashed.
(4)
Mike V.
Don't let the stars on this one throw you, this place should be a 5-star from everyong. The Oyster Shooters are insane. We travel from the north shore three times a week just to get them. (and now that they are doing ka'amaina til summer, we've started going 4+ times a week). Note: they only do the oyster shooters after 3 PM (call ahead, sometimes they have them early) And the Beet Salad (don't be shy, I wouldn't get it either) with the Surfing Goat cheese from upcountry in TO DIE FOR. Oh, and the sweet and spicy martini (forgot the name, second from the top with cayenne pepper on the rim) is amazing. Really not to be missed.
(5)
Jessica W.
Very impressed, but they need lessons on bread pudding! My boyfriend wanted to try this place after watching the "tourist" channel while in Maui-- the food was considered Mediterranean/Asian, so it sounded interesting. The place is very small (looks like it was converted from a house) so make reservations-- and they don't take reservations for the patio section, it's only if there's availability when you arrive. They serve complimentary edamame guacamole in an old stone dish which was tasty! We tried the ahi tartare (can't get enough ahi while on Maui), the man ordered fish and i had steak--- both were cooked to perfection. And the surprising dish we loved were the stir fried brussel sprouts!-- it was incredibly tastey and I could eat a whole plate of it!. For dessert we tried their signature broiled fruit with macadamia nut ice cream-- that was worth the wait! We also tried the bread pudding... and although beautiful in presentation it was like dry stacked toast with sauce and ice cream-- that is not bread pudding.. so we're disappointed in that. Otherwise we're pleased with our food. The other note is that there's no A/C so was hot and humid with a very "slight" trade wind breeeze, but otherwise pretty sweltering!
(4)
Darrel P.
This cozy little eatery by Mark Ellman sits right on the ocean in Lahaina. We got there about 8:30 pm and the place was pretty full...but we did get seated on the outdoor lanai. We were immediately brought water and got some tortilla chips with an edamame "salsa" (which was yummy). Our Waiter, Carlos came soon enough and told us of the specials (which again, sounded yummy). After perusing the menu, which has the just the right amount of selections, I decided to have the Olowalu Tomato salad...and my friend Alex, had the Quartet of Hummus. Both items came quickly and both were tasty. After dinner, we were debating about dessert, and Carlos convinced us to get their "special dessert" of the day...but disappointed that they had just run out so we opted not to have any. In all, this is a great place to hang out with friends. The staff is quick and friendly, and of course the food is great.
(5)
Sajjad T.
Most delicious and flavorful food I've had in Hawaii! The seafood pasta was made to perfection with a tasty red sauce and a little bit of kick. Highly recommended!
(5)
Patty S.
When you drive up, you wonder...is this it? It's right on the beach and looks like a little shack but the people and the food are both great! We had such a good time and felt so welcome! Give it a try! Aloha spirit, all the way!
(5)
Derek H.
Everything in the menu was attractive. We ended up ordering too much! The staff was super helpful and pleasant even though they were slammed "Practice Aloha" Back next time we go to Maui
(5)
Tim D.
Valentine's Day found us at Mala Ocean Tavern for the first time, with our appointed hour reserved through Open Table. When the four of us arrived (5:30pm), the Lanai was full, but we were seated at the doorway leading to the Lanai, affording us a great view of the ocean and subsequent sunset. The wait staff was great and efficient. Answered our questions about the specials and menu items. Drinks were ordered, two of which was the Mala Mai Tai, with the pronouncement that it was the best Mai Tai on the island for four years running. The two who ordered those drinks would not have voted for it as the best, as it was overpowered by the lime juice. But let's get down to the main course. Our orders included Balinese Stir Fry with Fresh Island Fish, two orders of Fried Chicken, and Hoisin Glazed Baby Back Ribs for the last diner. The portions were a nice size, and no one was begging for more. Nice presentations of the food and tasty to boot. We topped the evening off with bread pudding and a red velvet cupcake with fresh berries. All four us would definitely recommend the Mala Ocean Tavern when you want an enjoyable night out with a great sunset.
(4)
Matt M.
Brussels sprouts ... Good lord these are awesome! Deep fried and seasoned to perfection. Everyone hates Brussels sprouts but these are a must have. Adult Mac and cheese ... Rich, creamy, delicious! Ahi burger ... Tasty and the side if fries was seasoned perfect. Ceviche ... Fresh and light. Overall a great place to eat. A bit pricy but the food is amazing. I'll be back :)
(5)
Ahmad N.
my favorite restaraunt in Maui. We had the ceviche and the Kobe Burger and both were delicious. Sitting on the edge of the ocean while eating was also a great experience.
(5)
Penny M.
Love this spot....it's new to my Maui visits!
(5)
Vy H.
Definitely a fan. We went here for lunch but since they didn't offer the sea bass for lunch only for dinner, we only had a bloody mary and came back for dinner. The bloody mary was really good. Instead of a celery, they use a cucumber. We had the oyster shooters, the sea bass and the black bean tortilla soup. All very good. The only thing I didn't like about the sea bass is that it had ginger. I'm not a huge fan of ginger. Other than that, very good. The service was good too. You also get complimentary dip made with edamame with chips. That was so good. If you are in Lahaina, great place to try with a very awesome view. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Ty C.
Heard from three locals that this place is great! Meh! Not so, food is mediocre, ordered the spicy clams medium spicy and they were ok , came swimming in a red spicy broth with onions garnished on top of them it was pleasant tasting buy nothing to write home about. My friend ordered the honey mustard salad with chicken, the chicken was tender and the salad portion was a bit on the sweet side. Zagat rated, I don't think so. Sorry to say I feel this place is way over rated. Service was great! I think people tend to eat here for the view and the food being secondary, although we were here for lunch. The manager had an attitude and was not friendly. I guess Malah does mean "Meh" Best to go Mama's Fish house for a superb experience. Run from this place like the plague!
(1)
Lisa D.
1) Make sure to sit outside on the deck 2.) Go for brunch and get the chilaquiles 3.) Go for dinner and plan on a delicious meal. Make sure you start with the oyster shooters.
(5)
T J.
The owners at the B&B that we stayed at recommended Mala and we were so glad that they did. Our waiter John was really helpful in creating an order that was both interesting and filling. The location is also just the best. What better way to watch the sunset!!
(5)
Josh B.
Didn't quite live up to the hype for me. As far as startes, the ahi bruschetta was amazing. Entree wise, the whole wok fired fish is ok but way too heavy with all the rice, veggies and sauce. Ratio of veggies, rice and sauce was off - was very "mushy" under the fish. Wife's filet mignon unfortunately came butterflied and (surprise!) was overdone, but was corrected. The refire was not butterflied (surprise surprise) and cooked to perfection. Purple mash potato also great. Brussels tasty but nothing special. Great spot on the beach view wise. The correction on the meat saved the meal and rating.
(3)
Heather F.
Excellent! This restaurant is busy busy, yet the staff was very attentive and accomodating. Food was amazing. The place is small but has a great vibe. Noisy but everyone is in such a good mood you just go with it, it's Maui! The Mai Tai's are good, but come prepared to spend your money this place is $$$, yet worth the splurge.
(5)
D R.
Spicy ahi tuna is out of this world. The shitake mushrooms come with a slight ginger sauce that is amazing. Have the Hitachino Nest Beer with your meal as it's as well perfectly paired as cold saki.
(4)
Dan M.
Being the fact this place is on the water and could be viewed as cheesy. NO WAY!! Food was awesome. Make reservations. The staff was great. The food was AMAZING!!! I mean wow! Have fun and enjoy
(5)
A K.
I am a great skeptic of restaurants directly on the water - mostly because my experience is that if it is on the water, they feel they don't have to serve great food because they know people will come for the location. However, this was not the case with Mala Ocean. This place was fantastic. It was our BEST meal of the trip. We very, very much adhere to the "no chains on vacation" rule, so we're always in search of somewhere fresh and delicious. Mala Ocean was just the thing. Definitely slightly overpriced, but even our waiter admitted that - but he also said, "But, I'm not gonna lie. It is great food." That was absolutely true. We went there on Saturday night at about 9pm. We had made a reservation, but it somehow got lost. No biggie, the hostess was really sweet and hustled something up on the lanai to make up for it. The lanai is basically directly ON the waves. The sound while sitting there was perfect. I ordered a Mai Tai because I'm from Oregon and I am a SUCKER for tropical drinks. It wasn't overly sweet, which is so nice, since all the ones I had the whole week were a bit too sweet for my taste. It was $12.95 so pretty expensive for a basic drink, but they did it well. To start we had the Ahi Tartare, which was WONDERFUL. Perfectly fresh, perfectly spiced, perfectly plated, and delicious with the salad leaves they threw on to wrap it up. I had to keep reminding myself to slow down and enjoy it. We also had two oyster shooters, which were probably the best I'd ever had, For dinner we decided to split the fish special of the day - which ended up being Red Snapper. It came on a some potato puree, surrounded with like, something that tasted like tomato soup but was so much better than that. Plus some sauteed spinach and eggplant. I also had to remind myself to SLOW DOWN and enjoy. So awesome and fresh. But the highlight of the night (oh the highlight!) was the stir fried brussels sprouts. Holy mother of God in heaven, those things were ridiculous. I'm not even going to elaborate, but I pretty much insist if you read this that you get them. Even if you hate brussels sprouts - get them. Our waiter (I can't remember his name) was awesome. Super helpful and attentive. But also funny, witty and interesting (and not too intrusive). All in all this place was great. We will go as many times as humanly possible whenever we're back in Maui. Go. Enjoy.
(5)
J. K.
We went to Mala for our last dinner in Maui. Great food, great view, great service. Price is definitely on the higher side so do know that although you will leave very satisfied within, your wallet will my much lighter. I have a semi-home in the South and know fried food. Their fried calamari wasn't all exciting, so I'd avoid anything that's not considered "Hawaiian" (although, after a week in Maui, I'm still confused as to what actually is Hawaiian...).
(4)
C R.
Probably one of the best meals we had on the island, but it was also probably the most expensive outside of the luau..the Mahi mahi was spot on..purple mashed was a real treat...calamari was tasty as well...I feel like they really took advantage of the fresh seafood and really excelled....the service was spot on...I would book this for a special dinner...or if your ready for an excellent meal..
(4)
nina B.
You MUST eat here if you eat seafood and you are on Maui! Freshest and local ingredients only! We had two dinners here on our honeymoon on Maui; these foodies were in honeymoon heaven at the Mala Tavern. Lisa the GM (yes, we are on a first named basis with this lovely lady whether she likes it or not-this place just feels like home/aloha the moment you step in!) is *really* good at her job. Her staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu-also good looking :) Night 1: Oyster shooters-do it, trust me. Ahi Brushetta: Served with 100 year old balsamic and their soybean paste-ridiculously good! Pasta Special: The ocean with a little bit of pasta (mussles, crab, shrimp, calamari, to name a few suspects). Red sauce was perfection with a hint of kick. Red Snapper Special: Fish was cooked just right and very flavorful sitting on top of the mashed potatoes and tomato bisque like creamy red sauce. YUM! Night 2: Repeat Course 1 Friend Calamari: husband loved, i liked.. The Calamari was really fresh and cooked well, not rubbery like some restaurants. My beef was with the 'breading', just not crispy enough. Better then most calamari restaurants serve up. Ahi Tartare: YES. GET THIS. Clam Entree: Neither one of us really loved this, but we give the chef big props for unique and different flavors. It had a gingery flavor for me and needed some kind of starchy side with it besides the pitas (pasta? noodles?). Blackberry Chocolate Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce: Massive portion and really tasty. We couldn't finish this incredibly decadent dessert. We sat outside both nights, so close to the ocean we could practically dip our toes in (thank you, Lisa). A lovely location, attracting locals and tourists, serving up unique recipes with QUALITY ingredients. Wine list is impressive and delicious. Definitely give Mala Tavern a chance and skip the touristy plastic food.
(4)
Kelly T.
Mala Ocean Tavern is a casual and approachable restaurant with great food. This place receives five stars because it was my favorite stop while I visited Maui. Why? SEARED AHI BRUSCHETTA. It's pricey but you have to get it! The complex, unexpected flavors really wowed me. Employees were all attentive and friendly. They are careful to change out settings for every course and keep the table tidy. I noticed our server was very knowledgeable about the menu. The only thing that wasn't ideal was the price. Cost of food is higher than what I'm used to for a place with this casual of an ambiance. "Practice Aloha" bumper stickers are everywhere, employees all wear t-shirts, and the restaurant really hams up the beach scene. My mom bought a signed cook book - very nice - but be aware if you're a real chef the flimsy book will not last you long in the kitchen as it has a soft cover and the book will not stay open on its own. I'm curious: does Alice Cooper ever visit?
(5)
Angela W.
Amazing food, amazing service (request waitress Tilly), very accommodating manager! MAKE RESERVATIONS. This place is tiny, & it's packed! We enjoyed our meal so much that we made reservations to return in 2 nights. Definitely not cheap; 1/2 order appetizer, 1 salad, 1 split meal, 1 dessert, 2 sodas was $140 w/o the tip. But the food was FRESH, unique, elegantly presented, delicious, & the service was the best I've ever experienced!
(5)
Michael K.
i've eaten here several times over the years. Prices have risen considerably, along with this restaurant's success. Many of the dishes here are inventive and executed well, but some miss the mark. The edamame guacamole and chips are nice, but the fried calamari was very greasy, and gave me a queasy feeling after eating it. The space is cramped inside, and very noisy. You might find it easier to overhear the people talking at the next table, then to try to carry on a conversation with your dining companion over the din. Sit outside on the patio, if possible. I'm more critical where it costs $200 to have a meal for two, with a couple of cocktails or beers. I'm not talking wine here, which is expensive everywhere on Maui. I would not be opposed to eating here again, but don't feel that it is a good value. I will give it four stars overall for the food, but have to deduct one star for the steep cost and claustrophobic atmosphere.
(3)
Lisa R.
We enjoyed Mala and Honu. While dining at Mala, the owner bought us the Peanut Butter pie - delicious. Although we enjoyed the price and menu options better at Honu. Loved the service at both restaurants.
(3)
Tera Paleka P.
I eat here a lot. The view is unreal with the trade winds gently blowing. I love the food and wait staff. Well worth every penny. Live Aloha!
(5)
Katherine B.
When you first walk in, don't be alarmed - you are not at the International House of Pancakes. Make sure you make a reservation and ask for a patio seat. We went at 5:30pm to enjoy the sunset - it was lovely but I did get a sunburn. Right as the sun starts to set, the flies come out like there is no tomorrow. Landing all in our food and on our drink glasses. The flies seem to go away right after the sun set, so perhaps making a later reservation may help. The food was delicious - I'd say 8.5 out of 10. Appetizer, 3 beers, 1 martini, 2 entrees, and dessert - $150 with tip. Not completely overpriced. It's a small restaurant with tables very close together - as much as I loved listening to the table next to us discuss the presidential debate. Overall tho, a good experience. One of the better restaurants in Lahaina.
(4)
Irene B.
Holy. Moly. My husband and I stopped by for some drinks and appetizers this past Friday, and immediately cancelled our reservations at a different restaurant for dinner Saturday. My gut told me to come back and end our vacation on a good note, and so glad I did. Mala's is a cozy restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean, incredible food and drinks, not to mention some top notch service. We sat at the bar with our server Eric who is an absolute gem, and had ourselves our favorite meal in Maui! For starters I have two words: OYSTER SHOOTER. The best oyster shooter I've ever had, and the tiny wasabi ball on the shot glass? Magical. We also thoroughly enjoyed the fried brussel sprouts, beet salad (with fried goat cheese - so delicious!), and the steak flatbread they happened to have as a special. For the entree we ordered the whole wok fried fish which happened to be Parrotfish. When in Maui you have to get the seafood no? It was amazing. For dessert we opted for coffee and the flourless chocolate souffle that takes an extra 15 minutes? Worth every minute. I am not a dessert person, nor am I fan of goat cheese, but when restaurant can somehow hypnotize me into polishing off plates of things I don't normally eat...it's a very good sign indeed. Cheers to Mala's!
(5)
Gary G.
Stopped in on a whim one afternoon and were looking for a quick meal. I don't think this place is necessarily meant for a quick meal, but they did an amazing job accommodating us as we were in a bit of a hurry. There were 4 of us and we all decided to order a different dish and split them amongst ourselves. It has been 3 months since I have been there and I am still thinking about it! Each of the dishes were amazing to say the least! And the prices not bad! Aside from the food, it is right on the water! We would recommend this place to all! Can't wait until we make it back out there!
(5)
Betsy C.
Amazing venue right on the water...it's pretty small, so get reservations! I highly recommend the whole fried fish. While I'm not a huge fish fan, it's simply amazing and the best fish I've ever had. The staff was extremely friendly and let us taste different beers and wine while waiting at the bar. Definitely a must-eat while in Lahaina!
(4)
Phillip C.
It's been a while since I've eaten here, but while doing a review on another restaurant, I was quickly reminded that I never took the time to review Mala. I have to say -- this place is busy with locals for a reason. It's friendly, yummy, and has a great vibe. It's a little loud at times, but it gives you a feeling that you are among the people who appreciate Lahaina and Maui. Just a really nice atmosphere in general (don't expect ultra luxury -- it's very homey). The beverage selection was quite good and food selection was what you would expect with a few fun twists. We both opted for a fish dish that we wouldn't normally eat at home, and we're not even big fish people. But it was amazing. Perfect preparation, perfect presentation, etc. The staff are cordial but clearly quite busy. So don't expect your down home "chat" with the staff - but you will be treated quite well. For anyone visiting, I'd definitely recommend giving this place a shot.
(4)
Nutchanat P.
"I waited 'til I saw the sun... I don't know why she didn't come... She left us by the house of fun... I don't know why she didn't come by... I don't know why she didn't come..." We drove passed Mala every time we were on the food hunt. This place isn't in the dense restaurant area of Front St. but closer to the end. It's kind of an old looking beach house. Nothing fancy about it just from the looks of the exterior. We stopped by here one night after our fun on the beach. The hostess (manager) looked at us with a not too welcoming smile. She asked for our name and if we had a reservation (who knew we needed one). She wrote down our name and told us it would be about 15-20 minutes. We could wait by the bar and she'd come get us when the table was ready. Time passed by, a couple of Maui brew coconut beers gone, a complimentary chips & salsa gone, two couples that got there after us got their table before us, the hostess never did come get us even though there were empty tables available! We ended up ordering our food at the bar. I wasn't comfortable chowing down on the whole fish at the bar, but WTH, we were hungry and the bartender took good care of us like he promised. GREAT, FRESH fried fish with ginger garlic black bean hot sauce, veggies, rice and mashed sweet potatoes. The $76 whole fish is enough for two; add the drinks and the whole dining experience cost $105 (before tip). You can expect to drop a bill or more on dinner for two with a few drinks at most nice restaurants here in Maui. Too bad I didn't get to sit at a table and pick the fish meat off the bone like I wanted to.
(4)
Josh N.
Incredible view!!! Right on the ocean. A lot of places live off of their location and serve crappy food. not Mala. Had the SNAKE RIVER FARMS KOBE BEEF CHEESEBURGER With Smoked Apple Wood Bacon, Caramelized Onion, Maytag Bleu Cheese, Frites, Romaine & Tomato, Served on a Whole Wheat Bun. juicy burger perfectly cooked. Watch out this place is expensive.
(4)
Matt M.
Seared Ahi Bruschetta and the warm goat cheese beet salad were insane!!!
(5)
Jorgen M.
We dropped in for lunch and it was great. The setting is very nice sitting right on the water overlooking Lanai Island. The Ceviche is fresh and tasty, they have a edamami that is served like guacamole..I liked it! For lunch I had the Mahi fish sandwich and it was great, and loaded with a nice size filet. Others had the Kobe beef burger and I tasted it...one great burger! Service was spot on and friendly too!
(4)
Greg J.
We dined here on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 7PM. Our concierge recommended this place and said it was great. Well... First, it is really busy. We showed up about 5 minutes early for our reservation and all the tables were full, the bar was full, the area around the bar was full, and the service staff was trying to make their way through the crowd. We were told we'd have to wait a bit, for an indoor table and a while longer for an outdoor table. We were hungry and said we'd take the first available. We did manage to nab a beer at the bar, but it was a challenge and we kept having to dodge service staff no matter where we stood. The menu is varied, Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, Hawaiian influences. We started with the ceviche, which was just OK. Nice, but a little underwhelming. For entrees, I ordered the Ahi Burger, which was bland, definitely nothing I would order again. My partner ordered the seafood pasta, which had a lot of seafood and wasn't swamped by marinara sauce. It was a good dish, but not extraordinary. Our server was very pleasant, very fast, and knowledgeable about the menu. She had a great sense of humor and kept the (rather drunk) 60-something gentleman at the next table in check. While there is certainly nothing wrong with the food, I just didn't feel it offered a great value for the price. More middle of the road food and a higher price point (even for Maui) than I would expect. I might test it out for happy hour again some time, but probably won't go back again for dinner.
(3)
Reviewerz L.
Great food and great service. We sat outside, with a great view! Enjoyed the delicious vegan salad (not common for Maui). We have seen many salads on the menus around town. We also had the ahi bruschetta, calamari, and lamb pita! I would recommend them all! Took off one star for tables and chairs and decor, could use updating. But, next time we're in Maui, we'll return!
(4)
Gordon R.
This place was great. Great service, and even better food. If we lived in Maui (I wish) this would be our regular date night spot. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
ROB L.
We did return here this year. This time, we came with my sisters, too. We got the ceviche again since it was so bomb last time, and a myriad of other dishes. With five of us at the table, the small bowl of chips and edamame guacamole got finished pretty quickly. The waitress asked if we wanted more, took the bowls, and never brought back more. That was more than disappointing. Sandra got the kobe beef burger, Em and Michelle split the mac and cheese and a , and Katy got the ahi burger. I got the sauteed opakapaka. Everything was as good as I remembered, but I felt like the prices went up! We over estimated how long it'd take to eat, and we left before the sun set. Mala, I like you, you have good food, but I just don't think we'll be back.
(3)
S. M.
Very good food, and very good service. The bartender knows how to pour, which is not a bad thing either. Great location... you are basically on the water and yet away from the very touristy places. The prices are stiff, more of a $$$$ than $$$, but at least you eat quality food.
(4)
Vanessa S.
Enjoyed the meal. Sat oceanside and it was wonderful to hear the waves roll over the rocks. Enjoyed the amuse-bouche brought to the table as well. Ordered the coconut shrimp which was excellent, especially the dipping sauce. Husband had a fish dish that he enjoyed. My only complaint was the $14 charge for the kids meal which consisted of 2 Chicken Strips and some fries and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
(4)
Ron B.
Good and interesting food! Chinese Chicken Salad great and fish sandwich good. Be prepared for sticker shock, resort prices in a little beach shack. Service was good and location almost feet wet so close to the water. It is no longer the Smokehouse.
(4)
Sunny B.
Yes, yes and yes. Got lit here at a sea side open window table. Counted sea turtle heads popping up for air. Martinis are good, not great. The ceviche is outstanding though. Didn't have dinner - just cocks & apps. I'll be back for more shenanigans!
(4)
Alyssa K.
I had brunch here and it was great! I ordered the brunch special, which was a smoked salmon tartine. Delicious with grated eggs. My boyfriend ordered the benny something. Which was toast & bacon with scrambled eggs and hollandaise sauce, with a side of potatoes.
(5)
Larry Y.
I was really excited when I arrived. The view is awesome, and I got a great patio spot. The menu also looked pretty unique. So, I started out with oyster shooters for the appetizer, and then I ordered their special fish of the day. Overall, the food was just ok, but the price was pretty expensive. I had Mama's the day before and I think I paid around the same but the food was much better. Overall, I would recommend somewhere else. You have tons of options.
(2)
April D.
We first went here for brunch and had a fantastic experience! The view was amazing as we were seated right in front of the window viewing the ocean the entire time! I had the great start breakfast with smoked pork shank (suggested by our waiter -- it was great!) and my husband had the Chilaquiles. The jam for the hearty grained bread was awesome as was the hash brown patty! My husband's Chilaquiles were amazing, with a good amount of spice... he cleaned the plate! We also shared a bloody mary that had a fair amount of horseradish and an awesome olive stuffed with a spicy pepper. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful as well. We revisited because we were told the sunset there was awesome and advised to get there early. We got there right at the end of happy hour. The drinks are $2 less during happy hour and there were food specials as well. Since we got there for happy hour we were not offered the chips and dip that you normally receive at dinner service. Margarita and Mai Tais were good but for me the Lava Flow was the best. We didn't order traditional entrees, rather we just split a couple of appetizers. We both had about 3 drinks a piece but I must say I felt like we were kind of shrugged off at times as the dinner service picked up. We actually did not stay for the sunset because we were brought our check without being asked and we felt kind of hurried out. Overall, we would definitely return because the food and views were just breathtaking!
(4)
Foo F.
- THE PLACE: Casual Elegance. This restaurant literally sits on the ocean. Listen to the waves crash while eating dinner. Thats some ambiance. Upscale dining but you can come in your flip flops :) - YYYIIIPPPEEE: Sea turtles swimming by while eating dinne
(4)
Meredith M.
We came here for our first breakfast on Maui. I had the french toast and my husband had the chilaquiles. My french toast was OK, nothing special. The chilaquiles, on the other hand were delish! They were a little spicy but so good. The view more than made up for the french toast and the service was great.
(3)
Tiffany K.
We tried out Mala because a friend recommended it and the reviews were good. I'm not gonna lie, the food was delicious. But in the world of resort-Maui where everything is expensive...this is way overpriced. We went with the ceviche as a starter. It was ok....I've made and eaten better back at home. We then took the server's advice and each ordered his favorite dish, the opaka paka served on mashed potatoes and a tomato cream sauce (tastes like Von's tomato bisque soup- which is delicious but not when you are paying $40 for it). The fish was fresh and cooked well, but we had the same quality fish at other restaurants. Service and ambiance were phenomenal. Good beer and wine selection. Oh and to the extremely annoying newly wed couple from Ohio who sat next to us- Shut Up! Yes a single serving of Chimay comes in a small bottle, cause it's a premium beer, stupid! I do not want to hear your 20-year-old opinion about everything WE ordered! Do not go to the most expensive restaurant in the area and each order Chinese chicken salad and water! Mahalo bitches!
(3)
Blondiee L.
Wow! We were very pleasantly surprised by this place. We received a gift card to try this restaurant on our honeymoon. we made a reservation because like most restaurants in Maui they book up fast. It was busy when we got there but were seated right away. Our seats were the worst seats in the place that really shouldn't even be a table. We were jammed in a corner that I had to squeeze to get into. It was the tiniest most uncomfortable table ever. That was my only complaint about this place. They actually had a couple of other open tables that sat empty almost the whole time we were there. They could have put us in a couple of other places. Anyhow, we had the ceviche which was very good and the calamari. The calamari had an interesting spice to it. I wasn't into it but it was very fresh. Our entrees on the other hand were the best meal we had in Maui! I had the filet with mashed potatoes and carrots and mushrooms. It was SO good! I ate every bite of it almost. The portions are great. Everything about the fillet was amazing, the meat, the potatoes, the sauce. My husband had the Avalon seared Sashmi. OMG It was SO good! The sauce was the most delicious sauce ever. And the mashed potatoes are super creamy. The service was also top notch. Our waitress was very sweet and nice. All the waitstaff were on point. Our glasses were never empty. They checked on us a lot and were great! If we had time we would be going back again and ordering the same exact meals, they were that good. Oh and we also saw about ten sea turtles right outside while walking to our car. We sat and watched them for a good 30 minutes. It was very cool.
(4)
Ian M.
One my favorite places in Maui to get fish. Make sure to sit by the water and always try the fish of the day.
(5)
Stephanie W.
I was looking forward to trying this restaurant as it is 'new' for my annual trip to the island. So happy I did!! This was my favorite meal of the trip and is deserving of 4.5 stars. We ended up getting food 'to go' because it was the end of our trip and we didn't have reservations (and quite frankly were starving and didn't want to have to go home after our day at the beach, shower, and wait for a table!). They did a wonderful job packing up our meal for us (we ordered it from the car on our way home from the beach in kihea, and it was ready for us when we arrived). We ordered: - the Mediterranean quartet app (hummus, babaganush, etc.) - Yummy, though I didn't love the raita (which is usually my favorite! It tasted very strong like there was blue cheese in it). The house-made olives were fantastic! - chinese chicken salad - delicious and so fresh!! Lot of veggies which I loved. - opakapaka with potatoes & veggies - good! - adult mac & cheese - words can not describe how delicious this was - a must have!! We cannot wait to dine in the actual restaurant on our next trip as the location is fantastic, and the view is top notch. I also want to try their desserts!!
(4)
Debbie C.
I am in total agreement with the positive reviews of Mala. Great vibe and mix of locals and tourists (we count in the tourist class). We asked for a Lanai seat and got an even better spot in the bar at the window - literally 5 feet from the shore. Top the great ambiance off with entertaining and attentive service and 3 courses that were so good! We started off with Oyster Shooters that were addictive. I had a good Beet Salad that could have been shared it was so large and rich. Hubby had the Farmer's Salad that was standard. Final course was fish (of course). Hubby had the Opakapaka whole fish special. He didn't want to stop eating it - but really it shoulda been shared (it was a "1-2"). I went for my Ahi fix with an interesting and very rich seared Ahi with mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce. Unfortunately we had no room for dessert. One final comment - fabulous wine list. Especially the Chardonnay selections.
(5)
Brian B.
We wandered in here for lunch and were pleasantly surprised. It looks like an old diner on the ocean, but the menu impressed me. The first thing was the calamari sauce, which was to die for. The gado-gado, seafood dishes and everything else was amazing, not to mention strong, top-shelf drinks. Will definitely be back for dinner next visit.
(5)
Amy V.
Delicious menu offering such a fantastic variety! There is really something for everyone. Most recently we enjoyed a steak and cheese flatbread, Onaga with mashed potatoes, spinach and yummy tomato puree, Adult Mac N Cheese and Bread Pudding. All were magnificent as were the margaritas and mai tais!! The staff is wonderful and the reason we keep coming back :)
(5)
Jenn S.
Don't let the name or exterior from Front Street fool you - there's a creative gourmet menu inside! We were seated within minutes to a great table on the "patio". I put this in quotes because the restaurant is basically open-air. We ordered as an appetizer chips and salsa with soy bean puree - the soy beans were like creamy guacamole except yummier! Very generous portion and reasonably priced. My husband got the Adult Mac n Cheese with Asiago and Bleu cheese with mushrooms - divine. I ordered the Thai stir fry with tofu - perfect in texture and spice. We accidentally ended up at Mala because it was the first restaurant we saw on Front Street, but we know we will go back and recommend it to friends who visit Maui.
(5)
Vince L.
I saw the good reviews and decided to try the place out. To be honest, I am not that impressed. We ordered the Hoisin Ribs and the Lava Rock Chicken and they were not delicious enough to justify the $40 and $30 we paid. The ribs tasted like they were warmed over in a microwave. The chicken was a little better but not great. The portions were also small, leaving us hungry even after finishing every single scrap. I expected more after paying about $100 for the two meals.
(2)
Anthony S.
My five stars are for breakfast at MALA's! We rented a condo down the street and wanted to find somewhere to stop in for breakfast on the weekend. Mala's is, by far, the BEST breakfast in town. We started with the Mala juice... DELISH. For an appetizer we had the stir fry brussel sprouts... AMAZING. We had the special omelette of the day, an egg white, feta, and paholo deliciousness. The view, is WONDERFUL. Loved EVERYTHING about breakfast at MALA. Our server, Jalana, was PHENOMENAL. Exceptional food and island knowledge, friendly, adorable... PLEASE request her... she'll make sure your day is perfect. ... okay... now for the bad... We went for dinner... We had heard from everyone that we would be very happy. ... I didn't love it. The drinks were NOT good.. we had the bartender make us a mala punch with vodka.. sort of saved the night. Get the burrata and heirloom tomato salad. It was delicious. Feel free to skip the cheeseburger. Not my favorite. We didn't have dessert. Basically, if you can get in for breakfast... (it was PACKED) you need to. It's the best we've had on the island for the last two weeks. Ask for Jolana.. LOVE HER.
(5)
Tim Y.
Went during sunset though we were seated inside. Still, we could easily see the beautiful skyline and water. We order the Kado Kado salad (small, $10) which comes with tofu, edamame and other veggies over brown rice. It's vegan and comes with a peanut sauce. It was a great starter and very filling. We're glad we tried it. Our entree was the pork ribs with peanut sauce and it was very good ($32). A little on the dry side but with pork it's always safer to cook a little bit more. The sauce was very good and garnished generously with mushrooms and snap peas. We were stuffed. There were probably about 10 ribs on the plate. Complimentary chips and tomatillo sauce with pureed wasabi came to the table. Our mai tai was good but nothing special ($10). Overall a good experience and I'd recommend to give it a try as it's reasonably priced for a nice dining experience with creative food. It was crowded so do make reservations if you want to catch the sunset. Parking can be limited at peak times.
(4)
Camille R.
This place was right on the water, no joke. The location is unbelievable! The food is right there along with it. Everything we tried was great. I had the mac n cheese and wasn't even hungry but I ate the whole thing! My bf had the seared ahi. I gave this restaurant 4 stars because the ahi was the ONLY dish we didn't share during our entire trip to Maui and he had horrible food poisoning all night because of it. Thank god I didn't eat it and was able to take care of him... Watch out for that. Otherwise, I would definitely suggest everything here :) Nice staff, well made food. It made up for our horrible experience at David Paul's.
(4)
Daraius U.
Very overpriced for pretty average food. I really wanted to enjoy the meal and give this place a great review. Sorry no go!
(1)
Edna F.
great view! the food was pretty good with decent portion sizes.
(4)
gillian c.
The first time we had dinner here, we were so lucky. My family had planned on going to the mixed plate restaurant a few stores down, but were deterred by the line. So, we walked down Front street to Mala. They were able to fit us into a table that had just opened up and we were seated within a few minutes. The next party that walked in was told that it would be a 25 minute wait for a table. We felt totally blessed. The menu is unlike any that i saw in maui - dishes inspired by places as varied as italy, the mediterranean, indonesia, and america (the mac and cheese sounded awesome). We started with the quartet of fresh greek feta, baba ganoush, hummus, and raita with fried chick peas and house-cured olives, served alongside fluffy pita and homemade flaxseed flatbread, all of which was perfect. I barely had room for the gado gado i ordered. My brother had the seared sashimi - completely fresh and served over potatoes and a sauce of ginger and shiitake deliciousness. My dad went for the balinese stir fry with fish, which was just as good as everything else. My mom ordered the tomato shiitake flatbread appetizer in addition to her own gado gado, so we ended up having a lot left over. The flatbread is one of the best deals on the menu, though - for just twelve dollars, it's viable as a main course. The Gado Gado is so much more than a salad- it's packed with rice, tofu, edamame, chick peas, and tons of vegetables, all topped with a warm peanut-coconut dressing. It's unlike any salad i've ever had AND it's vegan. p.s. you might as well order the small because the large is really just served over a bigger heap of rice. This was, by far, our favorite meal on Maui, so we decided to make a reservation for our final night of vacation. Again, we got the quartet and flatbread along with the farmers salad, the greek, and the whole fried fish, all of which made for another incredible meal. The lemon-tahini dressing that accompanies the greek salad is incredibly unique and absolutely to die for.
(5)
Orville C.
If you're a fan of tapas and are on your way from the Kahului airport towards the North West portion of the island this is defiantly worth the stop, I love Mala. If not just for the food then to take a break from the drive and enjoy the view that Maui and Mala have to offer. This tapas bar rests on the water and has both indoor and outdoor seating, provides a wonderful view and is a great spot to enjoy a couple of bites to eat and a drink before arriving at your final destination. As much of a fan as I am of recommending a dish or two I really find myself in a hard place when it comes to being decisive here all of the tapas are just so good. If you are truly fortunate, you will catch the turtles surfing inward on the light waves towards the restaurant.
(4)
Polly W.
My husband and I stopped in for a couple cocktails the other day. Service was excellent - drinks were top shelf. Atmosphere was great - open windows right on the water overlooking all the sailboats that had just finished the Vic-Maui race. We weren't hungry (after huge breakfast at The Gazebo) but we'd heard their Kobe burgers were to die for. Next time I'm there, it's on my list for dinner!
(5)
Todd O.
This is THE place now in Lahaina in my opinion. Longhis was the star back in the day, but move over, cause this place knows what they're doing. We had the special of the night, which was a whole red snapper surrounded by vegetables...enough for two to split. The parking was a bit tight, but it is all over Lahaina. This was an amazing meal, service, food, everything. Atmosphere was relaxed, easy-going. You could tell by the menu these people know what they are doing. Lots of tables in a small restaurant but that's how things are in tourist areas these days. Great place to watch the sunset too. Could have used more salsa for the chips though. They had to bring it three times, instead of putting more in the bowl. Will go back. Second best meal on the island.
(5)
Paul R.
This gem of the island was so good that I had to try it twice. I literally went back the very next night to have an exact repeat of my meal. The location of this restaurant is right on the water, so it gets the highest star rating for the view as well as everything else. The service was impecable. We walked in after trying to get a reservation, but Mala was sold-out both nights, so we opted to sit at the bar. Great choice! Even if you can't get a table, the bar and bartenders are a great find. Lisa, our bartender, was super knowledgable about the menu, and extremely accommodating. I had the Malbec from Argentina, which drank like a fine $100 wine at $9/glass. They offer local catch of the day, which in my case both nights was the Mahi Mahi. This was served with starches, which I opted out of because of my Paleo diet. They substituted with a large supply of veggies instead, with no extra charge. The Mahi was served with two great dipping sauces, one pesto-type, and another red pepper-ish sauce. Every bite was a 10, and the ohhh's and ahhh's coming from our mouths sounded more like a fireworks show than a dining experience. RUN, don't walk, to Mala Ocean Tavern, and don't take no for an answer. If they can't get you ressy, just walk in and sit at the bar. You won't be sorry!
(5)
Tom S.
Of all of the restaurants in West Maui, Mala Tavern ranks among the top 3 in my list of favorite places to eat. We've been to Mala about 6 times over the past few years and everything I've had has been amazingly delicious. I've had the burger, the fish, the salads and everything in between and seriously, it's so good. Besides the great food, the ambiance is great. It's small and the staff makes you feel very welcomed. If you can, get a table on the outside patio.
(5)
A H.
So we were told about this place from our concierge (who by the way at the Sheraton doesn't know squat). We made 8:30 reservations but little did we know they close at 9 so as you can imagine we were politely nudged all night to hurry up. My BF wasn't very hungry so he ordered off the apps the lamb dish with pita bread. I on the other hand ordered the stir fry which was supposedly prepared with a variety of fish. The food was awful! His lamb had that awful lamby smell and my dish was overdone. The fish was hard and stale. The also here was a complete disappointment too. Nice and dandy it's on the beach but so are most restaurants. The seats were steele and very uncomfortable. For a $40 meal I at least expect cushions. And to add the icing on the cake, when I came home I was in the bathroom the whole night... Awful place.. Don't do it there's so many better choices like Mama's fish house or Sonz at the Hyatt
(1)
Brenda D.
While in Maui, we found this little gem. They are always busy so if you are picky about eating at a certain time, make a reservation. First night, we just showed up. While waiting for a table, we ended up at the bar and decided to eat there and we loved it! The bartenders are great - very friendly and helpful. Blair was our bartender that night and he was great. I had the Opakapaka and it was fabulous. Hubby had the mussels with spicy buttery sauce. They offer their dishes, 3 ways - mild, medium or spicy. I love spicy foods but not all foods are good spicy. If you are unsure, ask the waitress or bartenders - they will steer you right every time. We were in Hawaii 15 days, 3 islands and this is by far the best place we ate. Can't wait to go back. They fix food like not one else. The only problem now is we're home and we ordered mussels at a really nice restaurant only to be disappointed by their mussels. This is what Mala will do to you. They raise the bar on food!!! Our last night on the island, we went back for more. This time we had the pasta special and the ahi sashimi. The ahi was perfect and there was a lot of it! This time I ordered spicy - excellent!! We sat outside on their tiny deck listening to the ocean roll in. A great place to watch the sunset. Because Mala is located on the very north part of Front Street away from the crowds. Eat here first, then drive to the more populated area.
(5)
Bugaboo P.
Date: 11/28/12 Party of 9 and 2 Children. $640.00 without tip (and that was with 2 split entrees). For nearly sixty Dollars a person I would expect a cloth napkin, excellent service and amazing food. The round of Drinks we had were weak as far as alcohol content. For 12.00 Dollars I expect a somewhat good pour. I myself had the Fish Special of the evening which was fresh tasting but served on a unrecognizable mashed Potato mush of different colors with a strange sauce. I couldn't identify any of the flavors. Others in our party didn't enjoy their food either. I would never visit this restaurant again nor would I recommend it. Horrible experience. Very disappointed considering it was recommended by our hotel.
(1)
Anatoliy A.
Dinner at Mala - perfect food, perfect wine, go for the spicy lamb pita - simply a very good dish!! And Caramel Miranda dessert is to die for!!!! So, on the heels of the first perfect dinner, we decided to go again. We were greeted by GM/hostess(Lisa) who was pretty snobby - she gave special treatment for the people she knows and the rest of the crowd got a below average recognition. Food was still good, our waitress was great, but this time it was nothing special. Hopefully when we visit this place again, we'll be greeted by a different hostess, like we were the first time...
(4)
Malia M.
LOVE the Quartet of Hummus and the Oyster Shooters! It's a must get each time we're there!
(5)
Leslie T.
Had a wonderful meal here last night for our anniversary - wonderful with regards to the food. The atmosphere was a bit frenetic for a relaxing meal, but the food was great. Yes, it is expensive but you get huge portions! We both ordered a small salad AND an entree and I took 1/2 of my entree home in a box! I started with Mark's Caesar Salad and my husband had My Big Fat Greek salad. They were good, but nothing off-the-charts. The entrees were the stars here. I ordered the Seafood Pasta with what tasted like house-made papperdella pasta...lots of crab, scallops, shrimp, chermoula-marinated ahi, clams, shitakes, tomatoes, mint, basil, & parmesan! Killer folks, killer! I ordered it "medium" spicy and it was perfect. For a nice change, there was more seafood and less pasta. Most restaurants seem to put waaayyyyy too much pasta in dishes like this one. My husband had the Balinese Stirfry with the fish of the night - which I think was some sort of snapper. He ate every.single.bite! I snatched a bite off his plate before he scarfed it all down, and I have to say it was delicious! At the end of the night, I could not decide which entree I liked better - mine or his! Now onto the drinks: we both ordered a cocktail prior to dinner. My husband ordered their "famous" Mai Tai and it was REALLY good. I chose one off their signature list called Cane and Coco (or vice versa - not sure) and it was - meh. I had to ask the waitress if there was even alcohol in it! Don't waste your $12-$13 bucks on that one - get the Mai Tai! Now about the service - from the hostess/host to the "water boy" to our waitress...everyone was friendly. We had a res for 7:45, but arrived early and they seated us right away - which was amazing since it was so dang crowded! It is a small place and so it fills up quickly. We even got to sit outside on their deck but not DIRECTLY over the water, which was ok as it was getting dark. They do cram a lot of tables into this little place and I don't think I like that - but I understand it is about the "bottom line". As I mentioned earlier, we both felt the energy was too frenetic and maybe that is why some of the negative reviews on YELP felt a bit rushed in the service dept. I work at a small luxury boutique "sport" hotel at the front desk and we have an upscale restaurant on the property with only 10 tables - but we are #1 on YELP in our area and I believe part of that is due to the fact that the service is always relaxed even when we are sold out. I have eaten there more than once, so I'm not just talking out of my you-know-what. I don't have any suggestions for the owners of Mala on how to fix this problem they have with the chaotic atmosphere during dinner (which, of course, the servers pick up on) but they should be aware of it as I think in the long run - they will lose customers over the frenetic/crazy energy we experienced last night.
(4)
Kirsten S.
I can't say enough about this place! We loved every minute of our amazing dinner from the warm greeting, to the best Mai Tai I had in Maui, to our awesome server who had knowledge and charisma, our finger licking good meals and the breathtaking sunset which served as the back drop. Mala did everything right and I thank them for such a lovely and yummy experience!!!
(5)
Ahamdreza A.
This place has the best seafood on the island. Every person in our group just loved it. We had fish and some other people had shrimp and one had cheeseburger and we all agreed that they quality was near to top. I like the ocean view table we got and waiter was more of a help to our questions.
(5)
Caroline H.
Let me start out by saying I am NOT a fan of fish but like they say "When in Rome!" (or in this case Hawaii). My dad got the red snapper special, mom and I got the mahi-mahi and brother got the burger. Our food was to die for! I was so pleasantly surprised, the sauce complimented the fish very well and the mashed potatoes were awesome (although they were full of butter so I could only have a couple bites). To top it off Chris Burman was sitting a table away! We sat on the patio and got to watch the sunset and turtles swimming about 5 feet from our table. Definitely make reservations, we did for 6 o clock and were still able to catch the beautiful sunset plus we didn't have to wait to sit outside! TRY MALA! If it can make me a fish-lover that says a lot.
(4)
Julia K.
This is our absolute favorite place to dine in Maui- and ranks in my top five favorite restaurants ever. I have dreams about the edamame salsa and the ahi bruschetta. The fish is always as fresh as it can be and creatively prepared. Make reservations, go early and enjoy dinner on the lanai as the sun sets over the impossibly beautiful near the Mala pier. Can't wait to my next vacation so I can come back to Mala!
(5)
Paul W.
Visited Mala's for dinner for the first time on a recommendation from friends. The deck is terrific with views to make any evening great. We had the Ahi and Mahi Mahi, and both were excellent. The service was also spot on and they never missed a beat. Will definitely repeat next time.
(4)
Kris P.
If you are vacationing in Maui, this place is a MUST. You definitely want to make reservations as it is not a very big place and was super packed when we went. The key is going early and getting in line to sit outside. We went around 6:30 pm and we're sat within 5 minutes. We had the mahi ceviche, which was stellar, and shared the special of the day. It was a red snapper with some veggies and potatoes. All of the food here is excellent and served very prompt. We also tried the cheesecake on recommendation from our server, great choice! Seriously, you have to go here if you're near Lahaina.
(5)
Mike L.
Had rsvp at 8p (3/20/13). Blonde hostess was no help at all and gave my wife a smart ass attitude. What's rsvp for if you still gotta wait at least another half hour. She didn't even try to help.
(1)
Aaron A.
Reserve early, request an oceanside table at sunset. Ahi bruschetta will make your eyes roll into the back of your head, phenomenal combination of flavors. Corkage fee is $45 which is outrageous.
(4)
Stephanie M.
This is a great location - right on the water. We got there early so we sat at the bar. I ordered a Mai tai which was one of the worst drinks I have ever had (warning do not order it). The edamame and salsa like combination they give complimentary to every table was interesting but lacked flavor. We chose to order tapas style with only appetizers. We had the COCONUT SHRIMP, QUARTET OF HUMMUS, RAITA, OLIVES, BABAGANOUSH, FRIED CHICK PEAS & GREEK FETA BEET & SURFING GOAT CHEESE SALAD all of which were good. My boyfriend had the ceviche and tartare as well which he enjoyed. I would totally recommend this restaurant to someone traveling to Maui.
(4)
S T.
YUM. We ate here twice while on Maui, once as our after wedding brunch with friends, and another time for dinner. Oyster shooters were amazing, Ahi appetizer was also a favorite. Apparently the burger was one of the most amazing ever?! MM KOBE BURGER. I had a blackened fish sandwich which was absolutely fantastic. Everything was top notch. I personally love the laid back atmosphere and ocean side location. No better place to enjoy some fresh fish. Everything on the menu is gourmet quality... with fresh ingredients. Everyone in our group is a New York foodie, and definitely tough to please. We all agreed it was fantastic. Everyone in our group returned on the trip for at least one other Mala experience. On a side note, the back right corner table on the terrace MIGHT get you soaked with a pacific wave if the tide comes in. FYI. It got a little splashy.
(4)
Neen J.
With a delicious menu, fabulous porch overlooking the water and great cocktail menu, this is a wonderful place for sunset happy hour or dinner. A little pricey but the food was innovative, delicious and creative. We loved the beet salad, the Nene Cocktail was wonderful and the atmosphere is great. The service is OK. It is easy to park along Front Street. We suggest you make a reservation. It is first come first served for the porch area. We had a group of 6 and each of us thoroughly enjoyed what we had ordered.
(4)
Shaun W.
Pretty darn good. Food good, service ok. Great view.
(4)
Vince C.
If I could only write one sentence to describe my experience at Mala, it'd be... "WOW, THAT KOBE BEEF BACON CHEESEBURGER WAS INCREDIBLY GOOD!!!" That by itself gives this restaurant 4 stars. But on top of the awesome food, the view from the window and patio is amazing. Don't be fooled by the exterior as you walk up (we missed it the first time as we drove by, cuz we didn't think this seemingly "hole in the wall shack" was the place). Once you enter through those doors and see the open views of the shore line, while feeling the inviting ocean breeze comb through your hair, you'll think, "yeah, this is what Hawaii should feel like!" ps. the Ahi Bruschetta with edamame spread is a must!
(4)
lauren m.
Tiny place with a lot of character. We went here on the advice of our guidebook, and it didn't disappoint. We had the ribs and the ahi burgers. I love a good burger, and this one was delicious. I'd recommend going early, or resigning yourself to waiting at the bar. We didn't get an outside table, but it looks awesome out there.
(5)
Stacey S.
This restaurant bills itself as casual dining, but don't be fooled. This is no burger and fry joint! The dishes are creative, tasty and huge. You can't go wrong here.
(4)
Carla K.
We waited for a table by the waterfront and it was nice as the inside was a little crowded and loud. The food specials were great and we had a wonderful server. Prices were fair, but a little on the expensive side, parking can be a problem, but we parked by the Cannery Mall and walked. Overall it was a good experience.
(4)
Henry S.
FANTASTIC!!! This is the kind of place that i really enjoy. It is a small restaurant that is right on the ocean. Many write ups wrote about guaranteed turtle sightings. Well, i would have to disagree. But the location can't be beat. RIght on the edge of a rocky beach. If you are at one of the ocean front tables, you can get splashed by the break of the waves. They have a tiny outside area with 3 tables on the edge of the ocean. We didn't request one of those tables, but got a corner bar table at the tavern that is right by the window. It is amazing eating a wonderful meal while staring at the sunset, seeing the sun gradually go down. Ok, on to the food. A starter of chips and edamame salsa was brought to the table soon after we got seated. We started with the Hood Canal oyster shooter. A plump briny oyster with ponzu, wasabi, tobiko, and a single chive acting like a straw in a cocktail. Tastes like the ocean and a great start to a great meal. Next up were crunchy calamari. Super tender calamari in a corn meal breading, with a dipping sauce of pomodoro, mojo verde, and aioli. A little Italian red, green, and white sauce, very different from the usual Italian tomato sauce. Entrees were fish and fish. The Mahi Mahi ala Plancha is a tender piece of grilled mahi, on top of super creamy Yukon Gold potato puree, the same mojo verde as with the calamari, wedges of grilled pita, and romesco sauce. It is a simple preparation, made special by the combinations of flavors. The house specialty, a wok-fried moi, came in a ginger, garlic, and black bean sauce, with sauteed shiitake, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas, on top of both Yukon Gold and purple yam puree. Heaven. The flavors were so complex. Moi, the fish of Hawaiian royalty, was very very tender and moist. The fish is presented whole, and the staff will offer instructions on how to enjoy it. The sauce can also be ordered mild, medium or spicy. I got it medium and there is just the right amount of gingery kick. We had a bottle of the 2008 Conundrum white. A blend of Sauv Blanc, Muscat, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Great floral on the nose, but minerally with hints of citrus on the taste. A conundrum indeed. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The restaurant is very casual, but the food rivals any white table clothed 5-star restaurant. As i've said, it is precisely the kind of place i enjoy. Why 5 stars? Unpretentious, but amazing food. On a tuesday night, the place was busy, busy, busy. Great views, great vibe, great food. What else can be better?
(5)
Jimmers B.
Have past this place many times on our trips to Maui. Decided this time to check it out. Made lunch reservations via open table. Arrived just as they opened. Bloody Marys were very delicious. I had oyster shooter...awesome.... Partner and I flat bread garlic cheese...yum. Entree, I had the fish of the day which was well prepared and tasted great. Partner had Kobe beef cheeseburger, he says it was the best burger he ever had. Next trip will go for dinner and see the sea turtles.
(4)
Jason K.
Hands down, one of the best restaurants on Maui...which is saying a lot! If you have patience...or are lucky...definitely hold out for a seat by the ocean. Honestly...you're sitting as close as you can without having your feet actually in the water! In addition, there's been several instances of sea turtles playing in the surf right outside the restaurant...so like I said...can't get much better! Back to the food. I would HIGHLY recommend the beet and goat cheese salad! The goat cheese is sourced from the Surfing Goat Dairy (on Maui), and is lightly coated in Panko breadcrumbs and flash fried so the cheese is nice and melty. Couple that the sweetness of the beets, and you have a perfect pairing of flavors! Entrees are all good...went back two separate times, and was happy with the entrees each time. That said, the one item that I wasn't crazy about was the Gado Gado salad. It's a lot of stuff (lettuce, rice, beans, tofu, etc.)...but wasn't all that flavorful. Last thing...although it's pricey ($18?) you HAVE to save room for the Caramel Delight. It's a plate of fresh seasonal fruit, almost all (if not all) are sourced from the island, and are served on a plate drizzled with dark chocolate and caramel. It sounds much heavier/richer than it actually turned out to be...so give it a go...you won't be sorry!
(5)
Kirstin E.
A friend of ours recommended this place. We must have been there during a down time as there was zero wait and a ton of empty tables. Our waitress was super nice and very personable. We told her we were headed to Piai and she told us all the places we couldn't pass up. She was really super awesome! We had a starter of the frites with a tasty garlic aioli, super yum. I got the Chinese chicken salad, it was very fresh and crisp. Hubs got the Snack farms Kobe beef cheeseburger, he ate it all and didn't complain so I am guessing it was good! The view was amazing, we would for sure go back if we ever get back to Maui!
(4)
C. Edward B.
Okay imagine this. Your sitting outside with the pounding surf coming up to your outdoor deck. You decide that you don't want a bottle of Paul Meyer Chardonnay, but rather just a glass. After having your first sip you then say "hey..you know what go really well with my Paul Meyer? some fresh burratta cheese." Then you Decide to finish off the night with a beautiful ahi tuna entree spiced nicely. Well my Friends the fantasy is known as Mala Tavern and don't let "Tavern" fool ya. This place is a truly delectable price of paradise on the island of Maui and if your a foodie its on the must visit. Do not confuse this place with Mala Tavern at Wailea. This is the original mal's and from I hear the food at the Wailera (its in the Marriott) is not that good. Parking is tough and you ill need to find a spot wither along the road or in a lot. People complain about the price but to get and serve such diverse fair in an island cannot be easy and I found the price, the variety and the location to be about right for really excellent fare. The ahi tuna bruschetta is really great. The waiter steered us away from the wok fried fish to other entrees, and the fresh bruchetta was the icing on the cake for me. Enjoy.
(5)
Darcey K.
Fantastic, friendly service with great food and atmosphere. The Seared Ahi Bruschetta will not disappoint!
(5)
Mike M.
Go here, do not pass this place up. The looks from the outside does this place no justice... But the food is to die for. Get the clams, med spice, and ask for more bread. Also had the ground ahi burger with fries, very good... The sauce from the clams dish was so good we were dunking our fries in it, and the burger!!!! Watched over 20 sea turtles, no more than 100 ft away, during our lunch.... We were seated 10 ft off the shore line.... Price for lunch 50.00 excl/tp ..... Food. 5 stars ++++. Service 5 stars, view 5 stars ..... Mike from Montana
(5)
Chuck B.
What a wonderful place with fantastic food. We went on our last night in town and we wish we had gone sooner. We started off with the hummus and grilled pita appetizer. My wife had the Sashimi and I had the ribs. All of it was absolutely wonderful. They have an excellent wine list. We managed to arrive in time for seating on the water and enjoyed a beautiful sunset as well. All in all, excellent service, excellent food, superb environment.
(5)
Danielle H.
Such a beautiful breakfast experience. Dining, again, on the waterfront with waves crashing is the perfect way to start a Maui day. I had the chilaquiles (tortilla chips soaked in ranchero sauce, then baked soft) topped with eggs and feta cheese with pico de gallo and it was a unique treat for breakfast. I tend to like mexican style eggs and this dish delivered. I will be back to try various menu items, including the muffins that they ran out of just moments prior to our arrival.
(4)
Ana S.
We went twice and the first time, my husband says he had the best chicken he's had in his life. The second time, I had a fantastic filet mignon. By far and away the best meals we've had in Maui, and deffo in the all-time top five. This is the first time my husband has ever wanted me to Yelp about anything, he's that passionate about the chicken here.
(5)
trexD C.
This place was outstanding! Called to get a reservation and spoke with Lisa who was simply lovely and charming. We ate on the lanai in hopes of seeing the turtles, but it was too dark. No worries though! The Mai Thai's were delicious, the Maui IPA was spot on (and local!), the Mahi ceviche was FRESH and yummy, the Ahi Tuna burger was well-seasoned and also FRESH, and the macaroni and cheese (!), well ladies and gentlemen, you just can't eat here without ordering their mac and cheese - you'll never eat anything like it again. We may be back before our visit in Maui is complete.
(5)
Wendy F.
This place has a lot of hype behind it and to be honest, it was just okay. We were expecting more for the prices we were paying. The Greek salad was excellent, but everything else was missing something. If I am going to spend this kind of money on dinner, I will most likely go back to Momma's. Sorry!
(3)
Ruth H.
The food is different in a good way but don't eat here if you are picky or not hungry. Noise level is loud for being a high priced place. Seafood chowder was wonderful and the coconut shrimp was the best I've had on this trip.
(4)
Robert A.
Absolutely amazing food and atmosphere!! We are completely in love with this place!
(5)
Joie P.
I can't believe what people are saying about this place! It is an over priced spruced up diner - that happens to have a spectacular ocean front view. But good luck getting a view of it unless you have reservations. Also its pretty far from the rest of the shops on Front street - not walking distance. The entrance is literally three feet from the street and very crowded. I did not find the service to be as good as everyone has stated. In fact I found them a bit snobbish (especially the shriveled up senior citizen version of the Olsen twins hostesses). We ordered the WHOLE WOK FRIED FISH with ginger, garlic, black bean sauce, shiitakes, tomatoes and snap peas and the Adult Mac and Cheese (mushroom cream, mozzarella, pecorino & maytag blue) The Mac is only good when its super hot afterward it turns into rubbery mass of pasty goo. The fish was not good - despite all the ingredients it lacked any kind of flavor. In the end we paid almost $80 (only had 2 drinks total). Don't Go.
(1)
Katie B.
My wife and I just visited Maui for nine days for our honeymoon. We came across Mala Ocean Tavern by a fluke because it was next door to another place we wanted to eat at. We made reservations via open table and they met our special request to a perfect T by getting us a great table. The server was awesome and very attentive to us. The best part was the food. No other place we ate at came close to Mala at all. The mahi mahi ceviche was to die for.... We wanted to eat here everyday.... Make it a must eat at....!!!
(5)
Darlene G.
Absolutely our favorite place to eat in Maui! The food is incredible (the ahi dish the night we were there was the best I have ever had- not only did the tuna melt in your mouth but the sauce was so delicious there wasn't a drop left and the mahi was so tender and moist and again the sauces were outstanding- complimenting the fish perfectly!) The atmosphere is fun and funky and the wait staff are well trained and friendly. Do not miss this restaurant!
(5)
Lesley Ann G.
Food was delicious, could watch the sea turtles, best hamburger my husband has ever had, the calamari was top notch, great service and right on the water with great views.
(5)
Daren C.
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I always eat at MALA everytime I visit the beautiful island of Maui! The food, presentation and the service are top of the line! Do not miss out on the fabulous eatery if you visit Maui. Remember to make reservations or you will be sorry!
(5)
Annette D.
Best meal on Hawaii so far! The Asian fried chicken ranks up there with one of the top 3 meals of my life. I wanted to take a bath in the sauce of the plate, which had similar flavors to tom kha soup. Purple mashed potatoes were unique and tasted great with the sauce as well. Dining companions had Kobe beef burger, Mac and cheese and the fish special. Everyone loved their meal but agreed mine was the best. Margaritas and Mojitos were made with fresh ingredients and plenty of alcohol. A little pricey, but well worth it! Hope to eat here again this trip!
(5)
Michelle T.
My favorite place on Maui. Hands down. We've returned here multiple times three years in a row and we've always been happy with the food, service, ocean views,and casual vibe. This last trip, we ate here four times on our week-long vacay. When we come for dinner, we always share a bunch of the starters and maybe one entree. I definitely prefer the starters to the entrees - they're delicious and easy to share. Our favorite items are the seared ahi bruschetta; quartet of hummus, raita, babaganoush, and Greek feta; spicy lamb pita; beet and Surfing Goat cheese salad; any of the flatbreads; and the Brussels sprouts. Brunch is very yummy as well. We love the omelet of the day, Sergio's killer French toast, Sergio's huevos rancheros (for people who love black bean sauce), and the Great Start breakfast. Although the hash browns are good, you can sub them out for a really nice fruit plate. I love that the toast is a locally made whole grain toast and all the veggies/fruit are ripe and delicious. For whatever reason, brunch is never really crowded here. Why people will stand in line for an hour for the shit served at Gazebo is beyond me. Mala is very kid-friendly. As soon as you show up, they set your kid up with crayons and paper and a toy to take home. The kids menu is pretty tasty and my four-year old loved the strawberry-mango smoothie. You should definitely call for dinner reservations because the place gets crowded. Brunch and lunch are pretty easy to get in and you will probably get a coveted seat near the ocean. Parking tip - park at the Local Motion, especially at dinner time when the store is closed. There is no doubt we will return next year.
(5)
Jon E.
Nice view, decent food, slightly run down. This place has so much potential to be excellent, being directly on the beach, a few cosmetic improvements would make it feel much more upscale. Food was good, the local fern and garlic spinach omelette was generous, tasty and only $12 with homemade toast and hashbrown potatoes. The salmon on toast entree was good, but the greens on the plate were not seasoned with anything. I am looking to try the one in wailea at the marriott which has a special 50% kamaaina after 8 pm.
(4)
nicky f.
Henri S. from Chicago sent me a message for my review of: Mala Ocean Tavern, and I quote, "I'm a negroni guy myself. Any bartender who poo-poos (haha pun intended) a negroni should be sent back to bartending school. Or maybe he didn't go to bartending school? ;-)". Thanks Henri! I'll get over it someday Mala.
(4)
Joanna D.
Best mohito in town and terrific, tasty oyster shooters. Great service, lovely ocean view with sea turtles popping their heads put of the water in the evening. Always our first stop when we come to Maui.
(5)
Melinda W.
As a part time resident of Maui we have tried most of the restaurants on the island. Mala is easily one of the best! Would recommend any of the fish dishes. Local, fresh ingredients are used. Of course the Caramel Miranda is wonderful. Be sure to share it, it is BiG.
(5)
Lisa L.
Love this place! Such an amazing location, even more amazing at sunset. I was in Hawaii for a total of 6 nights and went here for dinner twice because it was that great. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. The menu and specials are great! I would recommend it to everyone!!
(5)
Rima K.
Ok so food is great and location is awesome , staff was friendly I'm giving them 3 stars though because I can't get over the kids lunch menu prices I mean we are talking about $14 plates for kids lunch ? Are u kidding me? We had dinner at roys for gods sake and their kids menu was $12 for a 4 course meal.. i can understand lunch prices for seafood for the adults but everything on the kids menu (except for the ceasar salad - $9) was $14..we're talking a $14 kids pizza if they are trying to discourage families with kids, they shouldn't have a kids menu so i don't get what's the deal with that! if you are a couple that wants a good lunch with a nice view, this is the place, if you are a family with a bunch of kids, def not a good lunch spot..well unless you're bill gates or something
(3)
Sue H.
We had perhaps the best meal I have in 20 years! I hosted a rehearsal dinner for my brother. We had @ 20 people and multiple courses. The GM,Mr. Anderson and staff were BRILLIANT! The food was superb, each course unlike anything we had before and the service was beyond intuitive. I can't imagine a more perfect, comfortable, and memorable evening! I expected good or perhaps great but we received was off the chart. If you choose one place to dine, Mala's is the one! It is not cheap but, in my opinion, worth all and more you will pay. Thanks Mala's! I will never forget! sue hood
(5)
Charles H.
I was very pleasantly surprised by Mala's. During my last trip to Maui, I ate at most of the more well-known / recommended places for visitors; Mama's, Pacific'o, I'o, Sansei, etc. Overall, I thought Mala's blew them all away in terms of quality and price. The service was really good, the ambiance was great. I had the wok fried opakapaka with wild rice and mashed potatoes and it was really really good. We liked this place so much that we went there for happy hour and ended up coming back for dinner that same night. Definitely recommend the place.
(5)
Martin S.
Wow, the reviews are right. Went here for lunch on Saturday. Didn't want the brunch menu, so they made us the Quartet appetizer. Yummy dips with pita. Combined that with a Greek salad topped with perfectly-prepared Mahi. Food was excellent. Very fresh, flavorful. Didn't like the high price of the salad and really didn't like the $1 splitting fee. Really? $1 added to a $24 lunch entree? On the other hand, the split salad seemed like twice the size of a normal salad, so maybe that $1 was a bargain. Either way, it's Maui. Given the amazing view and terrific flavors of the meal. I left with a big smile.
(4)
Chris S.
So I finally got to writing this review. Went here after running the Maui Ocean Front Half Marathon. Funny I was born and raised on Maui, but hated travel ling to that side of the island. Wish I knew better. Had the Kobe burger which I thought would taste like a regular burger. I am happy to admit I was wrong because that was one hell of a good burger. It might have been that I was tired and super hungry, but dayum...It's probably my favorite burger I've ever had so far. Next time I visit the family in Hawaii, I'm gonna have to make it out to Mala to chow down on some Kobe burgers.
Funky little place with a fantastic staff and great food. Do make early rese's to get a spot next to the window and most certainly do get the whole fish for two. We started with a Mai tai and a pineapple martini.. The Mai tai was advertised as the best in Maui. I'll say not hardly, the one I'm making in my hotel blow them away but I digress. We started with a roasted beet and the Greek salad. The beet salad was so good with warm crusted goat cheese. Our kid got the kids pasta which looked ok and she ate it. The Ulu fish for two was off the charts good with a great black bean sauce with shiitakes and mashers. I can't imagine a better way to prepare ocean fish. If you're not fussy about ambiance and like great food, just go!
(5)
april k.
Oceanfront with a big 'patio', but make reservations, or you won't be able to sit out there. Pretty good view of the harbor from inside too, though. The staff is friendly, and they like kids! We were seated, and immediately, out came toys for the guys, crayons, and paper. Menu: malaoceantavern.com/menu… As an opener, they brought out house-made edamame guacamole - they have a cookbook you can buy with a lot of their recipes, wish this one was included, I would have purchased a copy - so good! Had the mojito, which was unlike any I'd had before, really good. Followed this up with a key lime martini, couldn't really finish that one, had to be able to walk out of the place, but from what I remember it was pretty darn tasty. The salad special was tomatoes, mozzarella, and a 50 year old balsamic reduction - the real stuff, it was sweeter than I expected, Would like to have it again. Entre was Mahi Mahi, Perfectly seared and delicious. Nothing extraordinary, but good. Would come back.
(3)
Eli C.
This place was awesome. Right on the water and you have to make reservations before 630pm since the sun sets at around 650pm. Watching the sunset with a drink in your hand, unbelievable. We were in Maui for 5 days and we ate here twice. Definitely go early in your trip so you have an option to go a second time. Their mahi mahi ceviche was great and their martinis are strong. Definitely recommend.
(5)
Ibrahim A.
What a great place. Original and delicious food. Great atmosphere and gorgeous outdoor seating (if you can get it) . The staff is playful and attentive, the menu is vast, delicious and unique and the decor is charming and relaxing. There are a couple of places with a little better food or slightly better environment, but if you balance it all out, I would say this is Maui's best restaurant. Enjoy!
Very Disappointed our restaurants going to figure out a good host or hostess is key ,Your First impression .Arrived early for a 7:00 res.was seated at 7:15 and it was like the Hostess was doing me a favor.Seated walk in before our party.The food is very good,well prepared but the portions are small for $42 i expected a little more.i agree with other reviewers that service was average at best.Great view but you pay for it.
(2)
Jennifer K.
This was an unexpected highlight of our Maui vacation. One important tip, even if you have to wait a while, get a table on the balcony. Having the ocean nearly spraying right on my toes turned this from a diner with great food into an incredibly relaxing and memorable lunch. The food was great. A lady at the table next to us ordered the kobe beef burger and sounded more like she was having a religious experience eating it than just lunch. I didn't know if I felt bad or good for her husband at the table. :)
(5)
robert a.
kampache was phenomenal, at $40. The kobe beef burger was huge and yummy, but $19. Ahi burger underwhelming. The Asian chicken salad was fairly good. Did not much care for the bruschetta. The 'famous' mojito was bitter and carbonated. The service was reasonable but not polished. The atmosphere was noisy and very casual. Even given the Lahaina waterfront location, I did not think the prices were appropriate. Example: $14 for a kids cheeseburger?!??! That is a joke. Roy's serves a 4 course kids meal for $12. The ambiance and level of service did not justify the prices. The food varied from 'off' to 'excellent' but the consistency, atmosphere, and service simply were not enough to warrant the prices. This place was ok, but there are other, better options in Lahaina.
(3)
J. T.
Awesome location right on the water! You can't get much better sunset views, other than being on a boat. The place is cozy and tight, not a lot of seats. Get there early for the best outside/water views. Food is very good, interesting selections of dishes, especially locally grown produce and seafood. Dishes are pricey, but between the quality of the food and the views, it's totally worth it!
(4)
Kendra C.
Fantastic setting, innovative menu and friendly service are just a few of the things that keep us coming back to Mala. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful and many menu items are unique. Try the stir fry and the ribs if you get the chance. Both will surprise you.....I know you think fish is the way to go at a restaurant so close to the water, but trust me, you won't be disappointed with either dish....ok, if you must have fish - try the ahi bruschetta. It's fabulous. Lunch is the way to go....less crowded and very laid back. Enjoy.
(4)
Theodore S.
Over-priced, over worked plates of globbed together food. Our $41 fish plate had so much goop on top that I couldn't taste the fish AND it sat on a bed of weepy grey mashed potatoes. Then we ordered the Red Velvet cake....tasted old and gummy. Never to return here. For the $$$$ I spent, I could have had several plate lunches, specials, or taco truck food faire. Felt sick and ripped off when I got home.
(3)
sideshow b.
What an awesome lunch!! Were intending to hit David Paul's but the menu didn't hit her in the right mood. Scouted out MOT on yelp and went on to a fantastic lunch. I had the quartet with good babaganoush, great hummus and raita, and an incredible feta cheese spread! She had the greek salad with mahi and an absolutely amazing mojito. Yes, the best in town and she is pretty much trying them all! : )
(4)
Jen K.
Waited 2 hours and never got a table. Yup, it's true. We were told the wait was an hour and 15 minutes.. ok, cool, we can handle that. After an hour and 15 minutes, we went inside to ask where we were on the list. Next? Sweet! 45 minutes later, 4 couples had been seated and we were still first on the list?? Then the family of 5 next to us, who certainly had no reservation and arrived well after us was seated. and yet we were STILL "first" on the list? We left, and went to David Paul's Island Grill and it was FANTASTIC.
(1)
Thu M.
Hate giving bad reviews but thought I should warn people. Don't come here unless you make a reservation because they just give you an attitude. Not cool. We ended up leaving since we werent helped for awhile and the place wasn't even crowded. Ended up going to pulehu's instead at our hotel and had a much better experience.. despite not having reservations at pulehu's, they sat us next to the koi pond and were super nice to us. If you're going to charge this much for food, at least be nicer to the customers... reservation or not.
(1)
Robert M.
Food is good enough, and the menu is creative enough to keep me interested. but the real gem of this place is watching the sun set and hanging out with the sea turtles while having a few cocktails outside.
(3)
Laurel T.
My adventures in Maui! This place is great. The waiters are extremely attentive not to mention gorgeous and the food is delicious and fresh. We were seated immediately upon arrival due to the parental units making reservations (highly advised). There was a black bowl on the table that appeared to be filled with guacamole and salsa. After a few initial dips though, we became very suspicious about that "guacamole". We asked our waitress what this lime green paste was and she informed us that it was pureed edamame with salt, pepper and EVOO. It was excellent, definitely a unique flavor. We then received a complimentary pizza loaded with goat cheese, mushrooms and grape tomatoes. It was melty and toasty and downright yummy. Time for the drink orders, I drank wine with the parents, we ordered a Spanish vino from the Rioja region. It was older, a Reserva and opinions varied at our table although I really enjoyed it. Now for the food! I ordered the Greek salad. It was full of fresh, organic veggies including radishes, chickpeas, tomatoes..... and it really hit the spot on this hot, humid night. My brother and dad got the wok fried fish. It is not for the weak of stomach, it is a whole fish, eyeballs included, beautifully prepared and from what they said, extra tasty. Other choices included the adult mac and cheese (not the favorite of the 8 year old sister but made a great lunch the next day), the ahi burger and the farmer's salad. I enjoyed this place immensely and the customer service was superior.
(5)
Kelly R.
Two different recommendations brought us to Mala for an early dinner on a weekday night. One friend said, "Don't let the exterior fool you," which I would like to remind you when you drive or walk up to it... Yes, it's behind the Cannery Mall... or more accurately, behind the SAFEWAY at Cannery Mall. The edamame is different if you're used to guacamole with your chips. It can fill you up though so be warned... save room for your meal, it'll be worth the wait. Just about any fresh fish here is tasty and yes, the view is great too. We saw sea turtles peeking out of the waves to say hello as we dined. Make sure you have reservations on the patio if possible... and please don't tell too many people about Mala because then there won't be any room left for me!
(4)
Juli K.
Food and view was nice but not spectacular. Maybe I'm not a huge ocean person since I'm not too fond of the smell and don't care for seafood much. Food was ok. We got the hummus, mac & cheese & Asian chicken. The Asian chicken was not bad. It had a coconut sauce and mashed sweet potatoes. It also had a nice bubu arare crust with maybe some ginger. Wasn't too fond of the Mac & cheese since it was really really rich. Not sure what the hype on that was. We couldn't eat the whole thing. On the other hand we did have a lot of goat cheese on this trip. Seems like there's always pineapple, kula strawberries or goat cheese on the menus in Maui since it is Maui after all. Not complaining though since I like when restaurants local products. As for ambiance, it felt like an expensive Ryan's on the shore. Service was great & our server was friendly.
(3)
miss o.
charming. bright. prime stop on an afternoon bike-ride. sit at the bar. order charbay green tea vodka on the rocks - it's hard to find. the bartender was personable and attentive. i got the impression that the staff work well together, which is ideal; it breathes life into a place.
(4)
M E.
We love Mala, go here a lot. Enough that we are noticed as return customers by the staff (most of them anyway). Mala offers a kamaina, which is great for us locals. We have had the same, pleasent waitress many times and she never recognizes us as local returning customers. Therefore, she never offers us the discount. This drives me crazy. I'm tired of asking her for it. Good customer service includes recognizing repeat customers and the locals that spend there hard earned money at there establishment. Also, good customer service would include allowing a customer with a three year old doing the "potty dance" to use the bathroom before an employee, (who saw my daughter needing to use the restroom and practically darted into the one stall bathroom leaving us to wait.) Meanwhile our food was getting cold while we waited for the employee to exit the restroom and takecare of our own business. My husband had to fend of bussers from taking our plates two times while we were gone. I felt this was rude. Another irratation about the restroom is they always have the fan blasting and you can never get the paper seat protector to stay on the seat, it just blows off. I had to give up and just let my daughter use the toilet before she pee'd on the floor.The food is always awesome, I'm just a little over the thoughtless staff.
(4)
Joel S.
Food here was pretty good, but it was nothing compared to the view. Went while on vacation and was overlooking the sunset the whole dinner....amazinggggg. Great ambience and just an amazing time. The appetizers were really good, particularly the mozzarrella flatbread. Entrees were good, not amazing but definitely good. It was just the view that put the meal over the edge though. 3 stars for the food, 4 stars for the experience, 5 stars for the view.
(3)
Nick H.
First off let me start by saying this place is totally a relaxed and beautifuly located, right by the water which is amazing any time of the day. Don't let the half star that is missing fool you. The only reason that it is missing a half is because at first glance the things tend to be a little pricey, but not at all outrageous, espicially for the quality of food and service (only at about 20% higher than average). Again by the time you will receive your bill you will be pleased to find it was not as much as you expected. And surprisingly the specials were half the price of the listed entree. The service was great from the smiling hostess to the waiter's suggestions. Each meal there has it's own little spunk to it and this place will delightfuly fill you up wether you are vegetarian or meathead. This Is a total fun and and friendly local place with some very unique styles of food. Also to you wine lovers out there, they have a great wine list more than sophsitcatedly priced for a "tourist" island. Best Oyster Shots I have ever had! Im here on vacation for 4 nights, came here on my second, will be coming again before i leave! Mahalo!
(5)
Karen C.
What a jewel! Great food great service and view to die for! Highly recommend.
(5)
Eveline Z.
Awesome! The food, service, view- everything was perfect. Very kid friendly even for toddlers. We got there at sunset with no reservation and everyone was so accomodating. They are definitely practicing Aloha at MALA. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mattinlivys M.
Amazing meal at Mala. Don't be fooled that it looks like a casual fish market from the outside. It's an eclectic, very fresh restaurant with a great chef. The views are amazing and my family and I thought it rivaled many great Los Angeles restaurants. Food was perfect. The sunset view is amazing as well. Feels more like a place locals rather than tourists flock too. Reserving the last star only because it is fairly small and somewhat difficult to get a reservation at.
(4)
Donna S.
Best kobi burger ever!!
(4)
rm c.
I'm going gaga over Mala!! One of our best finds during this trip to Maui. The concierge at the Westin said it was a local favorite and a must-try. The restaurant is located before the hustle and bustle of the Lahaina strip, on Mala Wharf, so I bet most tourists miss this little gem. Reservations are highly recommended. We arrived 30 minutes beforehand just so we could get a good table. Lisa Chappel - the GM, was fantastic. We wanted to sit right near the water and she made sure we were aware of the wait. No problem, we sat at the bar and the owner greeted us with a smile and tempted us with some complimentary chips with salsa and edamame dip. The dip was delicious - reminds me of guacamole, but made with pureed edamame, some garlic, and olive oil! YUM! We had one of the best tables at the restaurant - worth the 20-30 minute wait. Any closer and Art and I would have been in the water! Most of the dishes are cooked with your heart in mind. Nothing here is too heavy and most of the small dishes were created with healthy ingredients. The flat breads all sounded incredible. We had the mushroom and tomato version - similar to a thin crusted pizza. Had we known it would be comparable to a smid (small-med) pizza, we could have done without the fried calamari. We had more than enough food here, believe me. We even left without dessert! My favorite item was the ahi tuna bruschetta. Made on flax seed toast with a good amount of fresh tuna and held intact with more of that tasty edamame puree. The bruschetta fit perfectly in my hand and even after one bite, the bruschetta didn't break apart. It simply just left me craving another piece. This is healthy done right! We also ordered the steam clams. The broth was potent - in a good way. It also came with soft, warm pita bread. Ahhh...the perfect item to dip in the spicified broth. It's just a shame that we discovered Mala toward the end of our trip. I would definitely come back here on our next adventure to try their weekend brunch.
(5)
Susan P.
Awesome place, not enough can be said!!!!!! View, service and food, everything just so fun and great. Don't miss this place! Reservations strongly recommended, ask for patio seating at sunset!!!!!!!!
(5)
Darren W.
Three weeks eating up and down and across Maui. So very glad we saved one of THE best for last at Mala Ocean Tavern With our fantastic server, Danny, AKA Danny at the Tavern. Mahi Mahi moist and supreme and seafood pasta was phenomenal! I had mine spicy! Ocean side seating available with turtle sighting, gratis! How does Mala train those kids? Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you.
(5)
Anita J.
I am a little behind on my yelp reviews, my husband and I went to Mala in Jan, and it was a great experience!!!! It's amazing food in a casual atmosphere that is waterfront! I don't think we could have asked for more. The service was good too, our waitier was very helpful with suggestions on what to eat and drink. It was consistently busy with both locals and vacationers. We got one of their special of the day so can't remember the name and the hoisin short ribs. Both were fantastic, the drinks were a bit strong but good too. Save room for dessert!!!! I would rather have ordered one entree to share, and a couple appetizer then got two orders of the VANILLA MACADAMIA NUT BRITTLE ICE CREAM!!! It is homemade and fantastic!
(4)
N L.
Overpriced food and small menu selection. Example is stir fry tofu and brown rice for about $20. Chinese chicken salad is about $15. I didn't like the hoisin sauce on the ribs which costs about $33.
(2)
Loretta H.
We went early at 5:30 pm and it was no problem to have our kids there. They have a good kids menu and an amazing menu for adults! You can't beat the view either. Bring your cAmera for an amazing sunset...all the old trees surrounding Mala make for amazing photos! Loved the ponzu oyster shooters!
(5)
Jenn M.
Wow this place is great! Our local Maui friends took us to Mala because it is their favorite restaurant and I can definitely see why. Our dinner at Mala was easily the best meal of the trip. I am disappointed that I didn't leave with a copy of their cookbook which they sell up front, but I guess I have at least one more reason to go back to Maui... The restaurant is a little on the small side, and feels like a cafe, but sitting outside on the patio, right on the waterfront, is fabulous. The service was great, and our waiter was very attentive, so I have no complaints about that either. He also happened to be brutally honest, and surprised me big time, but more on that when I get to the food. We ordered the local Mahi Mahi Ceviche appetizer on our friends' recommendation, and the four of us absolutely devoured it. It always makes sense to eat what is local and what is fresh, and in Hawaii that means fish. I attempted to order the Balinese Stir Fry for dinner but the waiter made a face and told me I'd probably be happier with something else! I honestly do not think that has ever happened to me before and I was a little taken aback. But if the man who works at the restaurant actually has the (ahem) balls to tell you that he is not a fan of the item you ordered, you don't argue with him. At least I didn't. He recommended two other choices and I picked the Wok Fried Fish. Now, besides sushi, I am not a big fish eater, and I was also a little disturbed that they didn't tell you right off what kind of fish it was actually going to be. But as I already said, we were in Hawaii, so why not? I think they said that day the fish was opah, and it was AMAZING. It showed up on the plate literally whole and I had to ask how exactly to eat it, but damn that was really great meal. The ballsy waiter was right. For dessert, we all shared the Caramel Miranda and that was also really good. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can resist macadamia nut brittle ice cream when offered. I also discovered that I love baby coconuts! All in all, a great meal with great friends and a memorable experience.
(5)
Chelsea S.
The food here was excellent! The only downside was how pricey the food was. My brother in law got the seafood pasta special which sounded fantastic, but I couldn't justify spending $45 on dinner when I had already downed 2 beers. I opted for a salad and added grilled Mahi Mahi to it ($26) which turned out to be perfect in regards to portion size, taste, and price! While sitting at the bar waiting for our table, we got a complimentary edamame-salsa dip with chips which was also delicious. My husband loved this place so much he took his dad and brother back again 2 nights later and raved about the bruschetta.
(5)
Blue L.
We ate at Mala Ocean Tavern twice during our week long stay in Lahaina and loved it both times. Once for brunch and once for dinner. This was our favorite restaurant of all the Lahaina restaurants. It is very popular for good reason. The food is all excellent and creative. The Mala-Rita was excellent, too. Excellent wine list. Service was perfect and the servers and bartender were cool. Loved the location right next to the shore and the stunning view of the ocean. You can't get any closer to eating next to the ocean unless you are eating while standup paddling.
(5)
Kitt H.
We dined at Mala's for brunch; it was a tasty way to start the day. My Ketel One Bloody Mary was delicious, and I kicked it up with additional pepper and tabasco. My mother- and sister-in-law both had mimosas, which were good. I had the moco loco, a "kobe" beef patty in mushroom gravy over brown rice, with over-easy eggs on top. It was ok, though it was a little hard to distinguish the beef from regular beef, especially since it was cooked through; and the flavors were a bit plain -- though perhaps that's the nature of the dish. My mother-in-law had some feta nachos, which were quite good. The service was fine, and we were able to sit on the patio looking out into the bay, a nice setting.
(3)
denise t.
Such a charming restaurant! I went there three times while I was on my vacation...and Lisa, the bartender, remembered my name and my drink each time. It's best to get a table over the water, but if they are full I would suggest ordering your meal at the bar...Lisa was sweet and funny! Also, she's good at helping you out if you're feeling indecisive. I love this place and the locals do too!!!
(5)
Nicole L.
Definitely recommended. We came here on a weeknight and got a table outside. We had made a reservation, and they said that this didn't guarantee an outside table, but it gave you priority. So that worked out nicely. When we first sat down, they gave us the most amazing salsa and a guacamole-like dip made with mashed edamame. The coconut shrimp were the best I've ever had. For dinner, we both got the opakapaka filet served with pureed potatoes, eggplant, greens, and a very tasty sauce. It was excellent, and the fish was cooked perfectly. The wine list was great, with lots of good new-world choices. Sadly, the waiter gave us our check without offering us the dessert menu, even though the couple next to us got one and we definitely would have ordered something. Why? I have no idea. We weren't loud/drunk/obnoxious, so it is a mystery.
(4)
Kate Z.
Delicious! One of our favorite meals on Maui. We hate tourist-trap kind of restaurants but this place was recommended by a local and was awesome. Wait for a table on the lanai, it's so worth it. Amazing ahi tuna and mahi mahi, delicious seafood pasta special, delicious (and expensive) mojitos.... and the brussels sprouts! So damn good! It definitely gets pricey but we were glad we went here for our "splurge" meals on Maui (we went twice)! Enjoy!
(4)
Evan J.
Best food in Maui. Went 3 separate times last year when were here for a week. Glad to be back in Maui so I can go back. The Kobe burger is insane.
(5)
Jules T.
View is spectacular. We were lucky to have Jeremiah as our waiter and he was excellent and gave us good tips and advice on what to order (and he didn't pick the most expensive menu items - which I greatly appreciate). The ahi burger ($16) and Kobe burger ($19) were both juicy and delicious. Fries outstanding. The whole fish flash fried was excellent with a Thai flavor and sauce. The opakapaka ($38) was excellently prepared. A reorder. The Mahi Mahi ceviche was very good and great for a light eater. Very fresh. The gratis tortilla chops and dip were a nice since our group was so hungry. I wasn't thrilled with the dip but it was free. The mixed drinks were very good Especially the spunky monkey. The front hostess was very pleasant as was the entire waitstaff. The view, the view! Casual attire is fine.
(4)
Jan H.
Mala Ocean Tavern is very close to my husband's dive shop, Hawaiian Rafting/Dive Maui, at 1223 Front St, and we eat here often. The best deal is for happy hour with food and drink discounts. Lunch is great as well. I own several vacation rentals (visit westmauilodging.com ) and I recommend this place to my guests. They always love it here. The oceanside seating is the best and the food is consistently excellent.
(5)
Sheila D.
Another great find in Maui. Thank goodness for "Maui Revealed" for the recommendation. We would have never found it on our own. This charming restaurant is located in Lahaina but way down Front street in a less popular area with lots of parking nearby. We came for lunch and sure were not disappointed. We got to sit at a table next to large windows that were open and seriously 10 feet away was the water. It felt very much to me what I'd expect Maine to be like. The restaurant is very bright and sunny and it's quite peaceful to sit by the window, listen to the surf and the chirping birds. As for the food... we loved everything. We started with Mojitos (man they were strong but delish). Our waiter was very attentive and suggested some specialties. If you go, try the fried calamari with cilantro/aioli sauce... phenomenal. We then shared a lamb flatbread pizza and a salmon salad. The food tasted very clean, simply made with good flavors. It almost tasted healthy but I'm no fool! I could definitely see this place being a go-to destination at sunset. The menu was definitely suitable for lunch or dinner.
(4)
Roger E.
I agree with Joie. Evidently this place is inconsistent. We arrived at 9:30 PM and the bar was in full swing. We didn't have reservations but were seated in less than 5 minutes. Not many diners. The location is right at the waters edge. You can see and hear the waves hitting the shore. Great atmosphere. As for the food it left a lot to be desired. Since we eat at many of the 4/5 star restaurants on Maui our expectations were very high. The food did not match the price. Service was good but the food left much to be desired. I felt that the establishment did the majority of their business at the bar. We left disappointed as more people entered the bar. Not in the same league as Mama's Fish House.
(1)
H. B.
Best food we had the entire time we were in Lahaina. Great oyster shooters. Mac and cheese to die for. Great fish dishes...especially the opakapaka. Great service. Recommended.
(4)
Carol K.
Love it! Great view! Reservations needed at night. The Chinese chicken salad was outstanding & so was the bruchetta!
(5)
Antoinette T.
I LOVE Mala!!! My mother and sister took me here on one of my many trips back home to Maui and I loved it! They serve this soybean paste/fire-roasted salsa thing with chips that i crave.... watch out tho... only the first one is complimentary! Mojito's are crazy here.... and so is just about everything else they serve. I've had the salads, breads, burgers, and soups and there isn't one thing I didn't love. The butternut squash soup was to die for!!!! They tried to trick my mom by bringing it out un-assembled (with just the embellishments in the bowl, no soup) and I totally fell for it... I was about to have them take it back! Luckily, they gave up the rest of the soup before I made an ass out of myself. DELICIOUS. The kobe beef cheeseburger also amazing.... I couldn't even eat the whole thing.... Definitely try to sit outside because the view of the ocean is spectacular... and 2 of the times I've been there we've seen two sea turtles kickin' it in the surf. Also... this place gets really REALLY crowded... so make reservations and show up a little early because parking is a bit scarce. Definitely one NOT to miss while in Lahaina.
(5)
Frances F.
Mala - a new love but ohhh, so far away. We have driven by this small cafe many a times but have never stopped to eat here. Our concierge at the Westin recommended this place and it was so good that we went on our 2nd to last and last eves. Just in time for sunset. One night we got to our reservation early (we were starving) and had to sit inside the second evening we just made our reservation early and sat outside on the deck. The service is impeccable. The food is all seasonal, locally grown/caught and organic. The flatbread, the hummus and baba ganoush delicious, the pita bread is made at the restaurant and fresh and warm when you get your appetizer. My hubby and I shared the fried "moi" fish for two and it was amazing. We basically licked the plate clean - leaving a little carcass of fish bones. They have a great wine list a lot from California (unfortunately my only knowledge) and reasonably priced for a restaurant. My daughter had an amazing flatbread pizza (yes I steal from her plate too) and the help is great with kids even though most customers at the time were adults. When I come back I will come see you!
(4)
Julie M.
I am a resident of da island and I like this place for Happy hour. Great apps and good prices during HH. If you see a few ladies sitting there in the late afternoon laughing way too much...just might be me and my GFs. life is good on da island.......expensive but good.
(4)
Ryan H.
Came here 2x my first time in Maui. The food was soooo good. We also went to Lahaina Grill and Mama Fish and in my modest opinion, i think this place was slightly better. I recommend the Kobe cheeseburger and the Ono fish.
(5)
Lesley W.
We decided to try this place after hearing great things about it. Even from some locals. The bruchetta is spectacular and a must try. Other than that, I had the fish sandwich, which was good, but nothing great. Overall the food was good, the only negative I can comment on is we had to wait over an hour for a table with reservations.
(4)
Philip W.
First place we had dinner in Maui. Very good service, but a bit crowded. We sat in a covered area, but the sun was beaming in making it a bit uncomfortable and the staff had to squeeze behind me to get to other tables. Food was very good, the Hoisin Ribs were excellent. Our waiter was definitely a professional, catering to our needs even before we had to ask and chatting with my 6 year old son. Perhaps a bit pricey (I know it's Maui, but $140 for 3 adults and a kid seemed a bit much for what we had). If Yelp had half stars I'd give it 3.5....4+ for service, 4 for food, but 3 for the seating arrangements and price.
(4)
Jimmy D.
This place has great, fresh, tasty food. Well prepared and thought out. Service has always been good every time. The Ahi Bruschetta and the Beet Salad with goat cheese are both sublime. Great Humus Plate too. The reason for the three stars is simple. Way overpriced! So if you don't mind a fifty plus dollar lunch without even alcohol...... and dinner is even more. Too bad because I would eat there a lot more if it was reasonable.
(3)
kahau m.
great spot! front street, behind the cannery, on the ocean. I would definitely go back. food was great, atmosphere, people and drinks. interesting eclectic menu. just go!
(4)
Ramu k.
Very good food. Loved the food, CS and the ambience.
(5)
C. H.
Food is excellent, but ouch on the cost! Their Margaritas are wonderful, but at $12 per drink it really drives up the cost of the meal. I high recommend eating here, but you may want to get your adult beverage elswhere.
(4)
Roberto H.
I'm sure this place gets nothing but rave reviews. Let me add another. My wife and I celebrated the evening of our 14th anniversary at Mala's. She loves the adult mac & cheese. I tried the sashimi--delightful! Although our wine choice was on the fringe of good pairing, it was a one of our favorite varietals, Cab Franc. The best part of Mala's, next to the food and Caramel Miranda dessert, is the turtles that entertain while you dine. I highly recommend reservations with a request for the ocean room, with a view of the sea turtles. ~r
(4)
Joseph F.
We found Mala to be one of our favorite stops in Lahaina for dinner, from beginning to end they did not disappoint. Starting with the edamame puree with tomatillo salsa is a great intro into the food Mala prepares, fresh, imaginative and just plain yummy. I bought the cookbook just for this recipe, which I was told was imported from Charlie Trotters. My wife and I split the braised short rib and an order of the adult mac & cheese. Both wear excellent, prepared to perfection and the service was attentive and very friendly. The atmosphere is what you expect for the location, you're on the water and it's laid back and comfortable. Overall, a great place!
(5)
S N.
The best in Maui. For all the reasons stated by others. This is the real deal. Leave the kiddies at the hotel and take a break here to fall in love again. The food is that good. Lunch is nice there too - watching the sea turtles eat the crabs off the rocks-right next to your table.
(5)
Sean M.
I was in maui a few weeks ago on my honeymoon and came across mala. it was by far the best food and restaurant my wife and i ate at in maui if not a top five we have ever went to. After eating there once we came back four different times on our trip. The down side is the gm Blair. He yelled and degraded the employees in front of us and made my wife and my self very uncomfortable. If it wasn't for our waitress (forgot her name) and the bar tenders (eric and mike) we would of not came back. After a few drinks that were 3 nenes martini made by mike, the best i ever had and his recommendations for Avalon seared ahi sashimi. (that I ordered all five times i went there) I could of died and went to heaven. It made the experience unbelievable. There cocktails and food are so good it was easy to look over the gm's Blair attitude toward his employees. Every time we go back to Maui my wife and I will eat there and i only wish they open a restaurant in so cal. I only hope the owners can see the negativity that the GM brings to the restaurant and how great there service is and that the manager Ara covers for Blair. now I understand why I see so many practice aloha sticker here in Southern california. I can only say try there food and you will be hooked like us.
(5)
John B.
Mediocre food which is not all that different than just about every other restaurant in the Lahaina area. The only major exceptions were the condescending fat waitress and outrageous prices. I spent something like $70 without alcohol on lunch for 2. Our waitress was a rather rotund women who talked down to the patrons. The location is outstanding.
(2)
Van D.
Went here for lunch. Great view of the ocean and food was great too. Inventive dishes with good local ingredients
(5)
Morris N.
Kind of have a fusion feel in the way the food spice. Ahi Sushimi tastes very fresh. The seafood pasta (day special) are all fresh in taste, and the scallops in there were cooked to the perfection in turn of texture and chewriness. Kids' menu is acceptable. We ordered the cheese pizza, and the kids actually ate them ( even though they only like pepperoni pizza).
(5)
Neil W.
We went to the one on Wailea first and had appetizers and a drink. I enjoyed it. The MaiTai was good, not overly sweet and tasted fresh. The lamb pizza, i think that's what it was, tasted good. My wife seemed to enjoy herself. We were near Lahaina and thought, since we enjoyed Mala in Wailea , let end the trip at Mala in Lahaina. Fisrt let me begin by saying the staff was very nice. the location is good, but there were a few down falls. They really pack you in at this place. It's not cozy, it's packed. The chips and salsa are nice, but the salsa was a little bland. The order's do take time to come out, which don't normally mind, but I was hungry. The Kobe burger was bland and watery. There was an atmosphere in the place that was kinda uppity with the diners that wasn't at the on in Wailea which I thought was the opposite of how it should be. I am not sure why, but we just did not enjoy ourselves as much as the Wailea bar. Mala is nice, but go to the one on Wailea. It's just a better experience.
(3)
Ron G.
Great view, friendly service, good food. Worth eating at while in maui.
(4)
Donna S.
The food was ok, but the service horrible. Our server, who shall remain nameless, came over told us about the specials, took our drink order and then came over and told us that someone else would be taking care of us. The next server came over and repeated the specials, took our order and we never saw him again. In fact, after waiting 30 minutes after our entrees were finished, my husband had to hunt him down and tell him his service was unacceptable and waiting 30 minutes after we were through was unacceptable. He was very attentive to his other tables next to us but we had become invisible. When we told him that he asked if he could buy us dessert to make it up to us and we said, just give us the check we just want to leave. He kept gravelling to no avail. If you are looking for great food and excellent service for the same price try Lahaina Grill, the best in Maui. We will not be revisiting Mala.
(1)
jack a.
1st time visit, but it won't be my last !!! Actually took clients. Upon driving up to the location I thought , I might have made a mistake. Don't let the looks fool you. After we got in, got comfortable, began eating and drinking and taking in the local atomsphere, we were totally sold. The uniqueness of the location is as cool as the menu. You can go meat or fish and you'll be thrilled. MAKE A RESV. if you lucky enough, get out on the deck and watch the sunset and take in the sea turtles.
(4)
Marline P.
I have mixed feelings about this restaurant. Hubbie had a great dinner of their unique cucumber salad and Mac n Cheese, but my Farmers salad was nothing special ( at $9) and the Mahi Mahi was downright boring ( at $41!). At this price they should serve it with something more impressive than mashed potatoes and toast points. Maybe drinks and appetizers would be a better deal before sunset to get mileage out of their great location. Great service, but not worth the price.
(3)
Jamie C.
Good food and nice presentation. Made a reservation but was still seated inside without being asked if we wanted to wait for an outside table. If you must sit inside consider another place as you are paying for the view and location as much as the food.
(4)
Marco F.
We order the fish of the day and a mahi mahi burger. Service was good but food was so and so and overpriced. I will not go back to this place.
(3)
E. M.
Must go! Kid friendly. It is pricey, but you're in Hawaii. We liked the whole fish, ceviche, and cucumber salad. And definitely leave room for dessert!
(4)
Kristin L.
Been to Maui 12 straight years, and just went here last year after trying all the ones you here first, David Paul's, mommas fish house, etc... This was by far my favorite... Absolutely loved it!!
(5)
Joan B.
The food is outstanding and the presentation is beautifully done. I did not have a reservation but went early(4:30) and took a chance. We were greeted by a "gentleman" who said he could seat us BUT we had to be out of there by 5:30 as they were booked solid the entire evening. He was bound and determined that we would promise to be gone by 5:30...we agreed. I told the waiter that we had to be gone by that time....no response. We got the bill at 5:35 and walked out with numerous vacant tables...........hmmmmm? Take a chance, the food and service was worth it!
(5)
Garry K.
I had low expectations going to this place since from the outside it doesn't look interesting at all. These guys need to some to fix up the front of the building. Once I went inside though was pleasantly surprised. It's a nice looking place and the views are excellent from most of the tables. The food good and very well prepared. The prices are high, even for Lahaina, for the main entrees, but some of the regular items are priced more affordably. I ordered the special Unu and it was excellent but pricey at $43 imho. The chips and dip at the beginning were great. The beer selection on tap was good. I would consider this place kid friendly but I didn't think the menu was that great. My son didn't like his rather bland pasta dish.
(4)
Erin T.
Amazing food, view, and service! Enjoyed the casual ambiance (we showed up in beach attire) and laid back atmosphere. The food was incredible --- the kobe beef burger and the edamame dip were both to die for. My only complaint was that I didn't love the flavor of my mojito (I prefer a bit more mint). But overall, definitely a hidden gem that you don't want to miss when visiting Lahaina. My family liked it so much, we went twice. Two thumbs way up!
(5)
Luke H.
Busy busy, but beautiful location and a no background late booking still seated fairly. Staff a sublime combination of attentive / chilled. This reviewer's recommendation - go with your waiter's recommedation; they're knowledgable, not chasing the highest price menu items, and honest in their recommendation of "what's best" today. Would definitely revisit.
(4)
Debbi K.
Pacific Rim Food that is outta this world! But it gets even better, this place is so awesome with great sunsets anywhere in the small place Catch a site of the turtles in the waves, sit back enjoy a cocktail & some of the best food on the west side of the Island. It's the real Aloha!
(5)
Marla F.
The best meal we've ever eaten! My husband and I were told about Mala by a local. We had mentioned that I love seared ahi. It was the best tip we've ever gotten. We started with a Big Fat Grey Goose Dirty Martini which was very well made. For appetizers we chose the Hood Canal Oyster Shooters (wonderful) and Mahi Mahi Ceviche (also quite good). On the local's suggestion I ordered the Avalon Seared Sashimi with Yukon Gold Potato Puree. It also had a Shitake mushroom ginger sauce so that it appeared to be a "meat and potatoes" dish. My husband ordered the steamed manila clams with ginger garlic black bean sauce and pita points. There are no words to describe how delicious these dishes were. We ALWAYS have food left to take home but not this time. We ate until we were stuffed as we couldn't stop eating. I can honestly say that my Sashimi was the best I've ever eaten. The sauces on the dishes were crazy good. I had no room for dessert but my husband ordered the fresh fruit, berries, and figs served on a warm plate with caramel (so that it stayed creamy) with ice cream in the center. It was almost too pretty to eat. Yes, it was on the expensive side but worth every cent we spent. We've dropped more money than that on food that was only half as good as this. The staff were friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. We sat on the balcony with the water crashing into the rocks. We went early but I would suggest reservations as it started getting busy as we left. This place is a true find and we will definitely return there on our next trip.
(5)
Joe S.
This is the best place on the island. Make reservations and ask for a table outside. the view is insane and you are right on the water. I had the shrimp pizza...oh man, blown away, it was great. The Blue moon was cold and great. Lisa is the General Manager and just the sweetest woman. I was here on a sales trip with Allstate and she and I became friends and we snuck her in to the Bon Jovie concert! Go here and have a blast!!!
(5)
Robin C.
Spent Christmas dinner here. AWESOME location, be sure to request table on their teeny tiny porch outside. Right on the water. BEST dinner in all of Maui -- had the special fish of the night. Super friendly, great drinks. Awesome staff. Casual. Local favorite for sure. Glad to have had it recommended to us!
(5)
Gwen C.
Make a reservation! We had the beet & goat cheese salad for appetizer. I don't even like beets. It was g o o d! Next we tried the lamb balls on pita - these were so good I wanted the recipe, and talked to the chef Sergio, who autographed the cook book I bought. The mahi mahi ala placha is supposed to be spicy. I don't think it was. Wear your sunglasses if you are there for sunset, absolutely beautiful setting. Couldn't get any closer to the water without getting wet. We've been there before and I can vouch for the Kobe Burger - delicious.
(4)
Iche S.
The ambiance of this restaurant is wonderful. They have a patio sitting that overlooks the ocean. Very romantic. However, They get docked two stars for the food and price. I didn't think the food is that great.I was pretty disappointed because with that kind of $$$, I was expecting a "WOW".
(3)
Mebby M.
The food is very good, as others have noted -- inventive flavors and not your typical Maui fare and I like the low-key vibe. It was our favorite place to eat when we were in Maui last visit, so were looking forward to coming back this time. We wanted to come for dinner, but knowing how crowded they get and having two kids, we asked about reservations -- that's where things get a bit dodgier. They have this kind of faux reservation system where you kinda have a reservation to get on a wait list instead of a table. Got there about 10 minutes ahead of time, requested the outside table as we were told to by our waiter on a previous lunchtime visit. Told there would be a 1/2 hour wait. Again, I have two kids and a reservation -- huh?! The hostess spoke to me as though I was an idiot as she explained that a reservation wasn't for a time, but to get on the list to wait. Well, that's not how a reservation works in the rest of the world, but OK. Then 5 minutes later (during which not a single other party came in), the hostess ups it to a 45 minute wait. My blood was boiling -- good food is good food, but stupidity and bad service speak for themselves as well. If it had just been me I would have left on the principle of the thing, but at that point it was peak hours and I had two hungry kids and no fallback plan. Then miraculously a table opened up 10 minutes later -- which shows that the hostess clearly doesn't have adequate restaurant experience to gauge the room. It takes a lot to get me this hopping mad and I have to say that it ruined the meal for me -- good food does not make up for rude and inefficient service.
(2)
Ann G.
How could I possibly be the first to review this INCREDIBLE restaurant? We stopped here after a show for a late dinner. The hostess sent us out some complimentary yummies while we reviewed the menu (which took forever because we couldn't decide!). Exceptional vegan, veggie and meat options, wonderful service, and a great wine list. The only bummer was that we found it too late in our trip. If I lived in Lahaina I would eat here regularly. You leave this restaurant feeling the way YOU SHOULD feel after a meal: healthy, inspired, satisfied. The salads were fantastic, the ahi appetizer was incredible and that green stuff that looks like guacamole? Oh that's whipped edamame. YUM.
(5)
Jyl L.
Strong drinks and amazing food! a bit pricy, but we thought the quality of the food was well worth it.
(4)
Michael B.
We ate at Mala on our last night in Maui. What a great way to end our trip. The food was AWESOME and watching the sea turtles peek their heads out of the water while watching the sunset was a nice addition.
(5)
s s.
Simply one of the best meals I've ever had. Creative dishes. We had the asian cioppino-type dish and a grilled fish dish (can't remember what the fish was). Amazing. Unfortunately, we did not have room for the signature dessert. But the mai-tai was also delish (though a bit spendy at $12.50 each).
(5)
Sharon L.
Incredible atmosphere right on the water in Lahaina. After a week of eating out every night, we were looking for a slightly more casual dining experience and found it at Mala. Light, med cuisine...loved the lamb pizza, greek salad, coconut shrimp, and ceviche. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Casey H.
My husband and I honeymooned in Maui, HI December of 2011. We didn't discover this place until 2 nights until we left and wish we would have known about it earlier. Our dinner at Mala was not only the best meal we had our entire trip (we ate out at a different place each night) but it was one of the best meals we have ever had period. The delicious salsa with edamame puree and chips they give you to start was not only a refreshing change of pace from the regular "chips and salsa" we are all familiar with but it was exotic and refreshing. I would literally eat an entire bowl if I had the chance. I chose to start with the seared ahi bruschetta and my husband had the coconut shrimp (he always orders coconut shrimp). The bruschetta was huge! The tuna was perfect, clean and fresh with the most delicious sweet and juicy local tomatoes. My husband said the coconut shrimp was in the top two of the best he has had in his life. For my entree I ordered the local beet salad with fried goats cheese topped with grilled opakapaka. The fish was so tender and moist and the beets were perfectly sweet paired with the saltiness of the fried goats cheese. Perfection! My husband ordered the Fried Chicken special which is totally out of character for him but the waitress' description was too tempting for him. It was cooked perfectly with a light flaky crust according to him but the part that I tried was the most amazing mouthwatering version of mashed potatoes I have ever put in my mouth. It was the Molokai Purple Potatoes and I nearly cleared them off of my husbands plate! To die for! Over all the atmosphere was bustling with excitement and cheer, we had a window table with the ocean waves meeting the rocky shore just 4 feet from us. It was a magical night and I highly recommend the experience.
(5)
Robert L.
Just returned to Maui and came back to Mala's. Had 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Sitting on the lanai having a weekend breakfast is heaven. My wife loves the Sergio French toast and has it every time. I usually have the Chillichiles (one time) which is great. I had this time the great breakfast. This was good but for me too much. Some may say for the price you should get that much food but it is gigantic. For dinner you can eat cheap or expensively. We love the fish which is excellent but is $39. We also have the flatbread pizza for $12 which is great. Service is good to excellent but can be rote or lackadaisical at times depending upon the server.
(5)
Jae P.
Food was on par or better than a lot of the restaurants at whalers village and nearby resorts but service was slow.
(4)
Hunter O.
this place get 3 stars for the view only..the food is way over priced for what you get. the mac and chesse are super great but at 17.00 it better be. and the mushrooms in the apps are good. the fish dinner i have made better my self at home. and 39.00 a plate is a lot for local fish.
(3)
barry k.
Small, cute and on the water. More of a beach shack than a resort but food was great, and we're foodies. Have the brussel sprouts with balsamic. Kids loved the kobe burgers. Attentive service. Good wines by the glass.
(5)
Jill B.
Oh happy day when we found Mala Tavern - after one too many days of eating god-awful resort food (which is dang expensive, and still taste-less), our concierge recommendned Mala's. We were in Maui for a week and went 4 times, no joke! And had this great, super friendly, completely on top-of-it waiter named Jeremiah. Granted, it's small, it's crowded on the weekends, but the food was really exceptional. The waiter let me try a couple different wines before selecting one, once we made it clear we wanted table outside (and were willing to wait), we ended up right next to the water, and ended dinner on a high note with chocolate bread pudding and flourless chocolate cake (my favorite!). I would go back in a heart beat; I only wish it was around the corner. :)
(5)
Sarah S.
Had dinner here in Christmas Eve. By far one of the best dining experiences in Maui. Highly recommended. Sit at the bar and ask for Eric.
(5)
Austin T.
FIVE beach side cafe with great service. Extra star for the view and service. Food was good and not expensive for basic beach front upscale cafe.
(5)
Nicole S.
I have never been so mad at a restaurant in all my life. I avoided writing a review for a few weeks hoping I'd calm dowm, but now just thinking about it gets me all riled up again!! I made a reservation a few weeks in advance for 8 people. Well at the last minute we wound up with 20, so I called to see if they could accomodate. They said yes of course, but they had a party coming in at 8 so if we could not linger it would be great. Ok, fine. Fair enough, I've waited tables before I get it. We ALL arrive on time at 6pm. The waiter didn't come to take our drink order until 6:30. Drinks come, but doesn't ask to take our dinner order until 7. We were all there waiting, hungry, and ready to order entrees by 6:30. Food arrives at 7:30, not too bad, but we had JUST finished eating at 8. The manager comes over and FLIPS OUT and says "we had an agreement, you said you'd be out by 8, you all have to leave RIGHT NOW". Um, we finished eating like 30 seconds ago lady and you HAVE'NT GIVEN US THE CHECK. Why don't we just pull that total our of our butts. Perhaps if your waiters HAD TAKEN OUR ORDER IN A TIMELY MANNER we would be done. 20 people takes a few minutes to sort out a bill, everyone was throwing in money. The manager comes back, lectures us AGAIN and tells us to just pay on one credit card and sort it out later. Um, we're trying to pay you, skank. The party pulls up in a bus and comes in and the manager has the nerve to tell the party "they won't leave", so the party ring leader comes over and starts screaming at our table to leave. He had booked this party 3 months ago blah blah... um... it's 8:07, you can wait FIVE MINUTES while we pay. What kind of establishment allows customers to come over and tell other customers to leave. CUSTOMERS WHO JUST RACKED UP A $2000 bill in 2 hrs!!! HOW DARE YOU!!! So in summary, AWFUL AWFUL hellacious, rude, disrespectful, obnoxious, slow, miserable service. There are no stars low enough for the horrible way our party was treated for no reason. Boycott this place on basic principle that they don't know how to treat a customer!
(1)
Sal R.
Started off with a phone call asking what their corkage fee was. $45 probably highest on the island. Waiter seemed forthcoming and honest. When inquiring about the Chicken entree the waiter told me that it was " almost a half chicken minus the leg". What I got was 2 boneless thighs pounded out and breaded for $34. My wife chose the Ahi dish that was smothered in sauce that made the Ahi non existent. Server bragged that all dishes were good size portions. What he should have said that they were going to fill you up with starches. I don't know what people are raving about. We are in the restaurant industry on the "main land" and are very spoiled. But this is an ridiculous. If you want to see for yourself by all means. I know I won't return here or go to any of this chefs neighboring restaurant. No one even said congrats to us on our honeymoon like they have at all the other places we have visited. I don't know who they think they are.
(1)
Lisa E.
I want to go to there....again and again....I went twice on my last trip....awe-some, honest, delicious food and bevvies in spectacular setting just a bit farther down on Front St. so not terribly overrun with ugly tourists.
(5)
Antonia M.
I have to say I'm a really big fan of this place. It has the perfect casual ambiance, great food and the prices are extremely reasonable (relatively speaking). We had the Seared Ahi Bruschetta, the Spicy Lamb Pita and the Beet and Surfing Goat Cheese Salad to start. I had the Filet and my BF had the clams and ended with the Souffle (we ordered a lot of food as we needed to see if a variety of things were good) - everything was great! We're hoping to have our arrival / rehearsal dinner here after trying MANY restaurants (expensive and cheap - over the last week) in West Maui.
(4)
Anthony S.
Yesterday nov 17 was our third or fourth dinner at Mala. Our reservation was for 6pm and we were seated promptly in the dining room. We were greeted promptly and courteously. The table was very small and with two large menus to shuffle there was not a lot of room for water and drinks. drink orders were taken promptly. We were served an appetizer of chips and edamame paste and a very bland salsa, may have been better if it had some distinctive flavor but otherwise a waste of time. The wine list was extensive but we ordered a cocktail and a pint of beer. The cane & coco drink was yummy, the beer was good but not cold enough for my taste but typical of the tropics. We ordered the hoisin ribs served with purple potatoes and veggies, and the balinese stir fry. The presentation was stellar, the potatoes and the veggies were delicious however the ribs were bit gamey, Chilis ribs are much better. The Balinese stir fry was good, very spicy, almost to the point over powering the other flavors.. The brown rice was very good.. Now we, my wife and I, may have some disagreement on this point, my take on Mala is mixed, I am not in hurry to go back and if I do it will be for a burger. Her take is, great mix of old, Lahaina and eclectic ambience. In conclusion we have been coming to Maui for 28 plus years, hundred of restaurants have come and gone. There are hundreds of fine eating places on the island. In my opinion Mala is 6 out of 10 and I would try other local establishments before I go back.
(2)
Angela P.
I would give this place 3 stars but the salsa/edamame dip you get in the beginning is well worth the 4 stars! DELICIOUS! The atmosphere here is very Mediterranean and with the ocean right next to us, you feel like you in the Mediterranean! The service was very good and the server made some good suggestions to us for our shared meal. We had the baba ghannouj/hummus platter, seared ahi bruschetta, crunchy calamari and the Greek salad. The ahi bruschetta was the highlight of the meal! One of the best combinations I have ever eaten!! Yumm!! The calamari was so not good...I think it was frozen and you would think that being right on the ocean that they could have done a little better with that. But we will definitely be going back here when we make it back to Maui to try some of the other things on the menu and also because I can't stop thinking of that dip! =]
(4)
Tim C.
Oh, too bad this place is in Maui and not in Los Angeles. If it were closeby, I'd be there every week. I was in Maui for 4 nights recently and went to Mala twice. First off, the setting is amazing--oceanside. The staff is attentive without being overbearing. But it is the food that is the star here. The first night I had the adult mac and cheese: great dish, but I couldn't finish the large portion. What blew me away the first night, though, was the Brussels sprout appetizer. I mean, who ever thinks of Brussels sprouts as an appetizer? It was eye-opening. They were perfectly stir-fried with mint and soy sauce. Fantastic. The next night I had the house-cured olives and tofu stir fry. Again, great food. Make sure you stop by here if you are in West Maui!
(5)
Rachelle M.
My husband and I just ate there about 2 weeks ago and were fans the minute they brought out our ahi tuna bruchetta! It was fantastic! It's a small place with a pretty good bar and awesome local service. I would choose this place over any other place in Lahaina! Make a reservaton!
(4)
Dustin H.
Great fresh fish, amazing salads, patio view is spectacular with a great wine list.
(4)
Annika L.
AMAZING FOOD!!! Everything on the menu looks so delicious that we decided to order a bunch of smaller plates- itsvery hard to make a decision because it all looks good. The oyster shooter was the best I've ever had, highly recommend. I also suggest the beet salad and the tuna bruschetta. Our dessert was phenomenal...a cookie sandwich w macadamia nut ice cream. To die for. If you're in the mood for some delicious cocktails, head over to the bar on your way out. We tried three different cocktails and all were good. The service is great and all of the staff is very friendly. It's my first time in Maui and Mala gave me a reason to come back...I need to try more things on their menu!
(5)
V L.
we loved this place, seared ahi bruschetta, niman ranch burger (yes i said buger!) awesomely delicious!
(4)
Voice Of The People S.
delicious locally caught fish sandwich and ceviche YUM. beautiful view and really great service.
(4)
Joe E.
Wow. Some of the best food I've ever had in one of the nicest locations. I literally got a little wet because the restaurant is so close to the water. Make sure to make your reservations well ahead of time because they book quickly. Really top notch service with excellent food and drinks. Pretty pricey, but worth it for a special occassion. I was proposing to my girlfriend and they went above and beyond to make sure the evening was perfect.
(5)
Veruka K.
We love this place, been several times and it never disappoints! Weird location, don't let that deter you. Come for sunset and have a drink or two, they're good - and strong. All the appetizers were great, and no bad entree yet. Not cheap but not crazy expensive, either. The tables are slightly cramped, no problem though, esp if you're on the patio, the views (turtles! Whales!!!) are Heavenly. Come here early on your vacation, you're going to want to come back!
(4)
L L.
I'll keep this simple... Been around food, worldwide, since day 1. Nothing makes me angrier than a bad meal (to be polite)... Except a shitty espresso after a great meal! Lived in Maui 8 years ago and after all this time, it saddens me that there are still only 2 restaurants that satisfy me-Gerard's and Sansei. Until my old roomate (who never left) told me to check this place out! If you're visiting from a town with a palet, then save yourself some aggravation and don't hesitate on this place. If you're not, try it also! (and stop eating all that mediocre Mexican and such. Time to raise the median bar people) Cheers
(5)
L K.
I really wanted to LOVE this place & give it 4-5 stars. My experience borders on a 3.5. We had a large group (10) and therefore didn't get the patio ambiance, which I think made a big difference. The inside has a bit of a diner feel, although I did like the beach scenes played on the flats screen tv. I loved the edamame dip, and thought the ahi bruschetta and ceviche were excellent although we could have used more chips with the ceviche. Beet salad was good but really heavy on the beets which I liked by my fiancee didnt'. We split the Omakamaka for 1 person which was plenty of food & excellent (whole fish). So why the 3 star rating? 2 things. 1. A tablemate of mine ordered the Mahi Mahi & it arrived blackened. He complained & sent it back & they refused to give him the same dish & insisted he order something else because 'thats the way it comes'. Strangely 4 others had that dish & non of theirs was blackened. They did comp his dish (all $38 of it) which I thought was great but he felt he should have gotten another Mahi Mahi. 2. Because my dinner partners didn't want to just split the bill down the middle we had to do the dreaded itemization game at the end. With a combo of credit cards & cash we pulled it all together with a few dollars over the total which included gratuity. The waiter made a few comments when he returned our bill that we were under (we hadn't tipped on our cc statements yet) & then ran us down in the street complaining that we'd underpaid. After doing the math *again* we convinced him that no, we had actually paid over & he never even apologized. Both #1 & #2 did not happen directly to me -so I feel a little bad dinging my review - but my dinner companions were so upset that I just can't give it a 4. I vow to come back, have a private, romantic dinner for 2 on the patio by tiki torch, hope for some turtles & change my review.
(3)
pete b.
Great restaurant - without a reservation on a busy night they squeezed us in. Did get almost beaten up by angry locals outside....
(4)
Leslie M.
We went here on the first night in Maui on a recommendation of a friend. It was the best recommendation ever. We sat out on the beautiful deck, right on the ocean. The stir fried brussel sprouts were the best thing I had and I am still craving them today!
(5)
Justin B.
I didn't eat here, but enjoyed some cocktails. The food that kept going passed me had me wondering why we were not eating here. I will be dining here very soon. The bartenders are great and I can't wait to try this place out as everyone says it is great.
(4)
Barry R.
Mala has become our favorite Lahaina area restaurant. We have been to Maui nearly 40 times. The on-the-water location, the food, service, and the wine list are an unbeatable combination. While not cheap, Mala gives value for the price. On a budget? Try the burger. We love their version of the lamb slider. But, since life is really just about chocolate, remember when ordering to have them fire up the chocolate souffle, which is as good as any in memory--and they will bring some extra caramel if you ask nicely. While they take reservations, they cannot guarantee the deck--you just have to be lucky or patient, or both.
(5)
Gino Z.
The atmosphere casual, the food is creative, and the overall rating is high marks. The location is good, in Lahaina towards Ka'anapali, but not excellent. the view of the sunset was solid, but the doggie diner feel is a bit shocking given all of the great things you might have heard. but don't let this unpretentious little restaurant fool you, they pack one hell of a punch. From the edamame salsa to the coconut shrimp appetizer, all the way to the ahi, shitake, mashed potato masterpiece, this place is top notch. It was one of our favorite's and the next time I think we would both order the Ahi. The island fish stir fry turned out to be just good, but the Ahi was so incredible that I know we will go back there again. The service was fast and efficient, but the atmosphere does not lend itself to the finest dining experience. The food makes up for that though, so this is still a great place to get a wonderful meal and a fabulous sunset.
(4)
Alexandra T.
This place was a nice surprise from the other touristy restaurants on Front Street. The atmosphere was peaceful and the waitstaff friendly. We didn't have a reservation but arrived late enough in the evening to get seated right away. The food was amazing with both my husband and I opting for fresh catch-of-the-day entrees. The edamame puree is a pleasant surprise. Recommended overall for a nice romantic dinner.
(4)
E C.
We stopped in for brunch and had a very nice combo plate of eggs and lamb sausage. Service was very good and the atmosphere was Lahaina deck and ocean, perfect for munching and drinking. Have not been here at night to try out the drinks, but will make it someother day. This is a much quieter part of town, just behind the Safeway and Longs and away from the tourist traps further south.
(4)
imuy h.
The food is actually really good but the last time I went there, there was a cockroach on our table. The Manager condescendingly told us after we asked our waiter if we could switch tables "you guys are from here right, then you know that this is just part of living here." She did not say sorry and spoke in what we all felt was an unpleasant tone. Yeah, I'm from here but it isn't common practice for us locals to let cockroaches crawl on our table while eating. To be fair it is an open air establishment so of course something is going to fly in every once in a while but come on lady that's no excuse for your behavior. We didn't ask for a comp meal or anything, just wanted to switch tables at 9:30pm. I never had a roach crawl on me when eating outside anywhere else. I think she might of thought we weren't worth good service because we were getting half off our meals for being Kama'aina. Well, we were prepared to pay full price and han no idea that they gave out this type of discount until we got it. There was also another waiter who basically told my friend to move because she was in his way trying to avoid the roach. While I was eating I noticed the manager telling all the leaving patrons goodbye but when we left she didn't even look at us. It's ironic that they pass out these stickers saying "Practice Aloha" when some of you working there can't even show Aloha to the locals. I know they don't care if we ever come back but we won't.
(1)
Mitch M.
We just ate here Tuesday night. Great experience. First, we were lucky, walked in and got the last table on the water. Fantastic view. Very quaint and low key restaurant. Our server was awesome. This menu is a mixture of many flavors and our head was spinning a little after he explained it. However, no rush and his suggestions were great. Very attentive with everything. We started with the local seafood ceviche, served with tortilla chips. It was fantastic, very fresh fish and tasty salsa. They also give you an enadame salsa when you sit down. Different and delicious. My wife and I split a fish dish, which was great and the adult mac and cheese. Wow! really tasty. We finished with coffee and the coconut cream puffs. Best diner we had during our trip. I heard about this place when I went on a Lanai dive with Extended Horizons, great company by the way for diving Lanai, used them last trip. They were right on about Mala, definately go there and check it out. Time it though, because it's small and they won't rush you through diner, so even with a reservation you could wait if they are busy. They only have so many tables on the water.
(4)
jay m.
great service every time we go..great for locals and visitors. food and ambience always just right. and yes..the brussels are the bomb.
(4)
Aron A.
The food at Mala's is absolutely, positively, out of this world. We were overwhelmed with how great it was. As good as we have eaten anywhere. Everything our group ordered was great. The Ahi Bruschetta appetizer is worldly. Fish entries wonderful. Service friendly and relaxed. The place is a mix of locals and visitors. Small setting. Busy, active and fun. I highly recommend this place. Yummmmmy!
(5)
Gail L.
I would normally give this place five stars as I LOVED it the last time I visited in 2011. The food is still excellent, the ambience is just as wonderful, but I was disappointed and bewildered by some of the attitudes of the wait staff. We came for lunch twice, and this time was the second visit. When we arrived all window tables were taken. When one opened up within minutes of our arrival we asked to move, they did move us but not with the best grace in the world. The tall bespectacled busboy's rude and sulky service was almost comical. We had to laugh amongst ourselves at his obvious reluctance to clear our dishes! We are not a rude family, so we were puzzled at first when we thanked him for refilling our water glasses and he practically rolled his eyes. It was crazy! Our waitress was very friendly for most of our service. When we ordered dessert, however, things went downhill. The Caramel Miranda took at least 20 minutes to arrive, which was okay as the fruit had to be prepared, but the other ice creams we ordered was melted into a pool in the dish, and we never received a root beer float and had to ask that it be taken off the check. No apology from the waitress, either, and no goodbye from the waitress. Too bad, as this is a remarkably good restaurant, but way too pricey for that kind of treatment. There were about six other tables occupied in the restaurant so it's not like they were slammed either.
(4)
Not That Gu Y.
Food was very good, view was superb, service was great, price was on par with similar restaurants on the island, 5 Stars!
(5)
Maggie S.
Wish I could give it 5 stars but it just didn't live up to the reviews, in my opinion. Everything was good, just not great for the price. I did like Mala's in Wailea quite a bit more because even though it's in the Marriott, the bar area and the dining are are expansive, with many tables overlooking the water. The Mala's in Lahaina has a tiny outdoor area which isn't horrible, but they have a screen between the tables and the outside, which detracts from the view. I thought that menu had a few more options as well. The mojito was fantastic, the mai tai yummy, and the edamame spread delish, as everyone says. My husband had the tofu stir fry as he's vegetarian and that was really good. I got all geared up for opakapaka, only to be told it's a restricted fishing time which I totally understand, but the pink snapper they substituted for the same price was flavorless and overwhelmed by the cream sauce - so I didn't even finish this $39 entree! So all in all, pretty good just not the greatness I was hoping for!
(4)
B L.
The brunch was decent to pretty good. Since we both had egg plates, I would encourage you to try something off the lunch or dinner menu. The ground ahi burger sounded interesting. Unfortunately, I had my fill of poke during this trip!
(3)
Runners I.
we read great reviews about this place and decided to give them a try. the hostess seemed to have a look-down-on-patrons attitude, and wasn't very friendly. we were told there's a long wait to get a table, and they didn't seem to care. go to leilani's instead - much better service and great food.
(1)
Lyn G.
Food was delicious. Only had tapas - specifically remember the spicy lamb pita and the ahi tartare - think this was what it was called - it was basically ahi ceviche. Delicious food. Service was efficient and nice but not in your face. The review might be outdated - the last time I came here was a year and a half or so ago. But I do remember the food and the amazing view. The restaurant at the time was not too crowded and we scored a seat right next to the ocean. Would like to give it five, but the hubs remembers it more like a three and a half so i'll compromise with a four.
(4)
Peter S.
This place has great food, nice staff and amazing views of the ocean during sunset if you sit outside. It's pricey but well worth the extra couple bucks for a quality meal in a great environment.
(5)
Steve C.
Better for lunch than dinner - that's a guess. Dinner? Ambiance of restaurant is somewhere between a diner and a bistro. Nice setting on the water, but the dinner entrees are as high as anything on the island. Not supported by either the taste or the atmosphere. Paper napkins. No table cloths. My wife and I are cleary in a minority looking at other reviews of Mala, but if you're thinking of a fine dining experience for your money, search elsewhere. We had a great evening at Merrimans!
(2)
Jessica B.
mala's is by far my favorite place to eat when i visit maui! i was just there and it was better than ever and super crowded!! when my family first started going, it was more of a place with lots of small plates, tapas style. now they have small plates, salads, main entrees. its great. they bring out a delicious edamame paste with chips as an appetizer. it resembles guacamole but is more tasty and healthy. mark is always great to us! this last visit he brought out some fresh ceviche which was great!! my favorite dishes are still the small plates. this last time we had: sweet & spicy chicken wings, calamari, the lamb with raita, clams, ahi bruschetta, and a salad. it was all delicious!! however, my favorite thing is the signature dessert: the caramel miranda. this is to DIE for!! fresh fruit nestled in caramel and chocolate with macadamia ice cream. soooo good. the best part is the baby coconuts. they taste just like the real thing, but are barbie sized!! i love this place and would defintely recommend it to anyone. the service is great, food is outstanding, drinks are strong, kid friendly, and reasonbly priced. enjoy!
(5)
Robin R.
Went back to Mala. Had a last minute reservation and loved the table we got. Very good service. We ordered a lot of pupus and they filled us up. Very upbeat and active. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Helen G.
A Kobe beef burger from Mala is one of the best rituals of our Maui vacations. They are a religious experience. I know there are other great items on the menu, but we don't even look at the menu any more. Awesome burgers.
This place was a great find. The location is awesome! And the food is good and prepare well. They have a fun menu - lots of basic things with a twist. I had breakfast there & had a lemon scone with mint & creme. It was good. It was light and a nice start to my day. I had an egg & bacon dish that was quite good. They cooked it very well and the service was good.
(4)
Kimberly Q.
One of the best places i've been for upscale island cuisine, even compared with Honolulu, which has many more restaurants. The location is excellent, right on the water, with several parking spots. Joe, the barman, knows his stuff about the food and drinks and is personable, sharp and funny. He makes excellent martinis as well. Foodwise, the clams are a must-have. My boyfriend didn't think he liked black beans, but after the clams, he's a huge fun. Other faves with our group: mac and cheese, opakapaka, and the ahi tartare. We were all jonesing to try the brussels sprouts, which were a hot item, but they ran out right before we tried to order them. Joe, very coolly, had someone run to the nearby Foodland, but they were out too. Btw, Mala fills up quickly, but the four of us had a great time sitting at the bar, so don't shy away from that opportunity. Aloha!
(4)
Glenn G.
Now I know what all the fuss is about! I would give a 4.5 stars if I could. Mala was recommended to us by our hotel concierge. We almost didn't make it there but so glad we did on our last night. Prices were a little more than I was expecting for the type of place but well worth it. The atmosphere is average but next to the ocean. The food, however, is amazing. We shared the wok fried opakapaka for two over rice (with black bean sauce & edamame) and we ate it all! Fish so meaty and sauce not too salty and great textures. The cocktails were very good too. Top shelf and lots of tropical twists. Dessert was really good too. I had the chef's special dessert...so subtly decadent with tons of berries with the macadamia brittle ice cream. YUM!!! We bought their cookbook so we hope to recreate some of their tastes back home.
(4)
J K.
*The food was good, but a bit overpriced for what it was. *But, the on-the-house appetizer is awesome! *The waitstaff was excellent. * If you're going, I'd recommend a reservation. We went on a Thurs night, and they were booked.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
SS N.
Was recommended to us and we made reservations. Food was bad and way overpriced. Hostess was not helpful at all. If you're already in the area, go to David Paul's just a few blocks down and across the street instead. Better food, better service, same view.
(1)Aaron B.
Great view! Awesome food. Top service. What more could anyone ask for?!?!?! It was expensive - next time I'm in Maui, I'd go back... but I'll wait for a special occasion to spend the $200 for 5 people we spent yesterday.
(4)Wog W.
Delicious. Every dish we ordered was between good and phenomenal.
(4)Brad B.
The place is nice. The service was great and the food was fair but over priced. The service made up for over priced fair food.
(4)M M.
Our second visit to Mala had a high bar to clear after our amazing first visit...and I actually enjoyed it more the second time through. As a starter we had the ahi bruschetta - possibly one of the best apps I have ever had. The freshness and taste of the ingredients was superb. If you like tomatoes and ahi you won't be disappointed! Our server was very accomodating, knew the menu well, and clearly enjoyed working at Mala.
(5)Roman M.
Best part is the view and the food was the best we had in Maui. Don't miss it!
(4)Susan B.
Great food a little expensive too many flies and a bit crowded
(4)Steven K.
This is the best meal we've ever enjoyed in Hawaii, period. Blows away all the other over-rated places (M_mas, R_ys, etc). Instead of the "standard" fare the chef creates something special. For instance, the vegetables were local, organic and very creatively prepared - the brussel sprouts were among the best vegis we've ever enjoyed. Of course the fish and steak were done to perfection in interesting combinations. If there is only two of you, insist on the tables by the water. You'll be eating 5-star food, enjoying your drinks and watching the turtles frolic in the cove. It really doesn't get any better than this.
(5)Lucy E.
Mala has been fabulous both times I've eaten there; the food is fresh and flavorful and the cocktails won't disappoint. Between the 4 of us we had the Gado Gado Salad (fabulous), the Chinese tofu salad (yum... probably one of the best vinaigrette's I've had), the spicy lamb pita (delicious, low on spice though) and the Balinese stir fry with island fish (so good). We all loved our lunch and loved our cocktails just as much (they have one of the best Mai Thai's I've had anywhere). The service was excellent as well, our waitress was the perfect balance of attentive and knowledgeable without being too "clingy". Prices aren't cheap but it was all well worth it. Definitely sit on the patio if you can find a table.
(5)M M.
Best meal and best evening I had in Maui. So good we went twice. Food was super fresh, drinks were perfect and the view is as good as it gets, especially if you are lucky enough to get an ocean front table! I don't think we were going to get one but someone was being a total asshole and demanding it from the owner. We were just happy to be there instead of....anywhere else in the world. So being nice pays off!
(5)Jack M.
If you are not seated outside, LEAVE. Last night's dinner was a miserable experience. First, Mala IS overpriced by Lahaina standards. And, as with many Maui restaurants, the chef tries too hard to make nearly everything a signature dish. Simple preparations are few. Inside seating is unacceptable due to the noise and crowding. Denny's has better atmosphere. Seats at the bar entrances feature guests jossling diners and a constant crush of servers and bussers. Mall used to be a once/twice weekly visit. Now it is off my list.
(1)Andee F.
Hubby and I shared the big fat greek salad which was neither greek or big.Needed someting like just maybe a little salt.The we got the fish special,it was enjoyable but once again quite small for $38.It was on a bed of 2 kinds of mashed potatoes which were quite good.All in all I won't be returning.Great service though!
(3)Christina B.
very good food (the edamame and salsa are great, and it comes in this really cool lava stone bowl). The garlic cheese bread is awesome, and the adult mac n cheese is surprisingly good (it's got blue cheese and mushroom- which I was skeptical about, but they made it work). I had this potato and onion soup, which was also tasty. The drinks are Strong- I had the Mala monkey drink with banana liquer... good but strong. the waitstaff there was particularly nice and helpful. And the sights! oh the sights! you can sit right up on the beach and watch the sunset during dinner. overall, definitely a place to check out.
(4)Alison T.
I heard about Mala from a Maui local, I was expecting a good meal but it was awesome! I highly recommend getting a reservation 30-45 minutes before sunset and waiting if necessary to sit on the deck. The location was as good as it can get. The service was great, laid back, attentive, and our server had some great recommendations. They have a great wine list and great things on the menu with a little twist to each. Definitely save room for the flour-less chocolate cake, delicious!
(5)Daniel A.
I have lived here for the last 26+ years and this is my favorite place to go. They even serve the awesome Maui Brewing Company beers on tap. Ono pupus!
(5)Kimberly N.
My husband and I spent our delayed honeymoon in Maui for one week in December, in the midst of an extremely stressful time. Mala was recommended by a dear friend of ours, and we were not disappointed. We called ahead to make reservations, but on this night, we may not have needed them. We sat on the ocean-side patio at sunset and watched the boats rock in the harbor. Our server was absolutely exquisite. He was relaxed, approachable and honest as we inquired into the different plates offered. Upon his recommendations, we started with the calamari and found it to be exquisite. The sauce was an unexpected cilantro-flavored surprise. I ordered the 1-lb of clams for my entree and my husband, with the guidance of our server, again, ordered the fresh fish, which, on this day, was Mahi. The clams, well, I wanted to weep, they were so delicious. One pound of clams is a huge amount, but I finished every single morsel off, and I even craved more upon finishing. My husband LOVED his Mahi, and when I had a taste, found the Mahi to be perfectly cooked, nearly melting in my mouth. I believe we ordered dessert, though, today, I cannot recall it. The entire experience was exquisite, and Mala remains a restaurant we continue to talk about, even months after leaving. When we return to Maui, we will most definitely return to Mala.
(5)Erin C.
mala was definitely an unexpected surprise - we came here on a recommendation, but were a bit skeptical given the weird location behind the cannery mall and word "tavern" in the name. once we sat down, however, all skepticism flew out the window. the dishes here are both unique and amazingly good. the edamame hummus to start is awesome - i'll be shocked if it doesn't become the next big craze. i had the sashimi stir fry for a main course and it was delicious, too - the wine list was also nicely paired with the food. even though its not on the main lahaina strip, its still right on the water, which makes for a great view and atmosphere. we'll definitely be back - i mean, we haven't even tried the cocktails yet. . .
(5)Kanani P.
Agree that food and service is very excellent. But, 5 stars depends on one very important thing: sit at a table by the railing. The view is spectacular, your are almost in the water. But, if you're not sitting right on the railing, you're missing out on the single most spectacular thing about this restaurant. If you sit on the patio, but not on the railing, you're still outside and it's pretty darn nice. But, if you're inside - and especially if you're not even near a window - you're missing out on the whole experience of Mala Ocean Tavern.
(5)erica t.
This is a must if staying on the west side of Maui. We ate at Mala on the last night of our stay in Maui, and wished we had gone earlier in our stay so we could have gone back. The food was wonderful, the waiters were very friendly, and the scenery was amazing. And their lava flow cocktail was the best I had on the island!
(5)Jake Z.
We were very excited to try this place, sat down to an incredibly scenic table overlooking the ocean at sunset. Fear set in as we got to minute fifteen with no waiter in site, the only reason I was not unbearably cranky at this point was their delicious edamame(sp?) dip that they give you when you sit down. I said thank you to the guy filling my water cup the first four times but on the fifth time without seeing my waiter the surliness became to creep out. Then finally our waiter shows up and this is where the crankiness ended. After this the service was incredibly swift and flawless so I have to forget any earlier mentioned animosity. The mojitos were delicious, and then came the apps. Coconut shrimp to share and oyster shooters for me, fantastic. My wife ordered the ahi burger and I had the fish stir-fry. Dinner not only delivered but it knocked our socks off, there are few times when a dining experience really hits a home run for someone as jaded as I and this was one of those times. The price was high but not unbearably so, however we are looking forward to return for lunch and enjoy this experience for medium charge.
(5)Ryan K.
The food was just wow! Everything was good. Starting with the edamame guacamole and tomatillo salsa, which was wonderfully flavorful, then moving to the baby fried calamari, which was every so lightly breaded and fried and served with what I could only describe as some sort of cilantro aioli. For the main course I had the seared Ahi sashimi, which you have the choice of mild, medium or spicy. I chose the spicy, and I wouldn't have called it spicy, but it was a nice tangy sauce with a little kick to it. For desert, the chocolate and fruit bread pudding, served with some fresh fruit and a sitting on a caramel glaze. It was superb. We arrived about 4:45, and I think if we had come later, a reservation might have been needed, as the restaurant very quickly started filling about 5:15ish. I will most definitely be back the next time I'm in Maui. The staff was pleasant, courteous and efficient. I'm not sure it would have been possible to have been better.
(5)Billy P.
Mala is packed with people who love and take pride quality food and service, from the Valet to the Chef. We eat here every time we visit the island and have eaten almost everything on the menu and never had a bad bite. Great view, waves crash again the rock wall, turtles swimming by at dusk, fun drinks, with farm to table dishes that are healthy and thoughtful. It will be your fav spot on Maui.
(5)Saehee K.
My husband and I just had dinner here and we rate it 2 stars for couple reasons: The food was average. We had ordered the Seafood Pasta and Fish of the day. They were both $40+. Let's just say we've had better seafood pasta and it wasn't $40. I had big chunks of ginger in my pasta which threw off the pasta taste every time I got a ginger piece. The Fish of the day didn't have much taste... We had better fish at Mama's Fish House. I still would've given this place a 3 stars based on food and view. But... The price. Outrageous for what we got. So 2. Oh and the view... Great view/location. But you might have flies as your dinner company.
(2)Steven B.
We found this place by accident on the way to checking into our hotel. The seating right off the water is what got our attention, and we thought we had found a burger joint. When we saw the menu, we almost left. Almost everything seemed to be either $19 or $27. My wife was hungry though, and decided to try the Kobe cheese burger. I decided to try the Hoisin Ribs. The ribs were cooked perfectly, with a very good sauce. They were served on a mound of purple yam (ube), with another good sauce surrounding it. The ribs tasted great, and $19 seemed OK given the location. The Kobe burger was cooked to order correctly, with good bacon and blue cheese, but even with the good fries $19 seemed a little high. The banana, strawberry, and mango smoothie my wife had was very good. I tried an Arnold Palmer (iced tea, lemonade and guava), but didn't care for it. Since I had never had one before, I didn't count that in the rating. Overall, we had good to very good food, that was somewhat overpriced. The great view, and the appearance of two very large sea turtles that came to feed seemingly right outside my table's window easily made up for it this time, but I'm not sure I would want to pay that much again without the added novelty of new flavors and the turtles. There were other things on the menu that looked interesting, but my time here is limited, so I probably won't be back. A final positive note: the service was very good, and they were genuinely friendly. Update: After reading other Yelp reviews, and looking at all of the pictures, I am less impressed with what we got for the money. We were not offered any appetizers, like the chips and salsa shown in a lot of the pics. My Hoisin Ribs were just served on a mound of mashed purple yams with a sauce around it, nothing else. All the other pics show this also accompanied by a good mix of veggies and tomatoes. At the end of the meal, instead of telling us about all of their good desserts (per other Yelp reviews), the waitress just said "you probably don't want any dessert." That was it. Maybe we got there on a bad day, or they hadn't re-supplied recently, I don't know. Too bad it wasn't like some of the others experienced, we would have been more satisfied.
(4)Cami F.
Definitely the place to go for a delicious fish dish. The sauce in their Ahi Tuna with Mash Potato dish was amazing. My husband finished the sauce around the Tuna after eating the rest. It was truly a unique experience, much better than in other larger restaurants in Maui. I had the catch of the day, and it was great, but if I went back I would order the Ahi, because the sauce was amazing. The service was aso exceptional!
(5)Christina N.
Great restaurant! We made a reservation via open table and was lucky enough to get a seat outdoors with ocean view. Hood canal oyster shooters - Loved it so much we ordered more, but with light ponzu. There was too much ponzu the first time round and it drowned the sweetness of the oyster. Goes well with the fresh chives ;) Ahi tartare - Love the freshness of the ahi as well as the romaine lettuce. It was so fresh, sweet and crisp I could probably eat 3 of that dish. We shared a seafood pasta - love the fresh pasta and it was extremely rich with lots of seafood in every bite. In fact, I ran out of pasta and there was still seafood on the plate. yum. Definitely one of the best seafood pastas I've had! Macadamia nut ice cream dessert was awesome, as well as the godiva chocolate martini. Mmm. Perfect for my sweet tooth. Recommended!
(5)Mike L.
Great sunset location, good food and drinks. The location was great for sunset dinner. The drinks were good, a bit heavy on the juice for my Mai Tai but still good. The ahi bruschetta was awesome. Seared ahi entree was also very fresh and tasty.
(4)Darlene M.
I honestly had a tramatic experience from this restaurant. My husband and I walked in and was greeted by the host. He wasn't as friendly as I thought he would be. My husband asked for the best seat in the house and he sat us in the back patio over looking the ocean. It was a nice night. I started off with a pau pineapple martini which was delicious! It was mixed with Pau Vodka, which was made in Maui, amaretto, and a splash of pineapple juice. It was quite lovely. My husband had a mojito. It was good, but when I tasted his drink, it was a little too strong for me. As for my entree, I ordered the Adult Mac and Cheese! Cheese heaven!! The cream sauce they used was a mushroom type cream sauce, mozzarella cheese, maytag blue cheese and pecorino, which is a type of sheep milk. It was rich and creamy. There was a little too much cream sauce. I could do with less cream sauce! My husband ordered a type of flat bread made with garlic oil, red onions, feta cheese, and parsley. It has a nice crunch to it. Not soggy at all! It was delicious. During our dinner, my husband got up from his seat and started hitting my shoulder so hard. I was a bit confused and the guest around us was a bit confused. There was a huge beetle on my shoulder from the ocean! Then it a swarm of beetles were crawling up people's legs and one landed on a older ladies dinner because it made it on her shirt! When she got up it fell! The employees said that we should of expected things like this to happen since we're in Hawaii! I'm sorry, in San Francisco, a restaurant will closed down if there is any kind of rodent in the restaurant! It ruined my appetite and couldn't bring the leftovers home because the beetle landed in my dinner that they still made us pay for!
(3)Art H.
I know, but it truly is the best Mai Tai; not sweet, great ballance. Annie our server was attentive and sweet. I'll be back.
(5)Sander L.
Wow. What a crap hole. Sorry to be so crude, but there's only one honest way to describe this restaurant. You'll thank me later. It's really unfortunate, because it's clear so many tourists are sucked into this racket, just like we were. It's just a really bad product, served in a dingy dark environment. I suspect the reason everything is kept so dark is because you'd be horrified to see the actual condition of the carpet or furniture, or much worse, what's on your plate. This restaurant pretends to be high-end, with its ocean side location, signature cocktails, and a lot of hub-bub about the specials and fresh ingredients. Don't be fooled. My wife summed it up nicely. It's understandable if one dish is f@cked up, but a failure on all levels is exactly that. A failure. To be fair, the staff was very friendly all around. But that's the only positive I can eek out. After leaving the restaurant I felt absolutely robbed. $120 for two, and we couldn't wait to leave. Anyone with pedestrian cooking skills could produce better results in their hotel villa kitchen, and be left with an extra hundred bucks in their pocket.
(1)Gabriela W.
The salsa and chips they bring out for you at the start of the meal? So good. It's not a fancy looking joint. It reminds me of Puerto Alegre in San Francisco. The prices however, do not. Salads are $17+ and entrees are $26+. I expected epic food, all of it, epic..... I started with the fried tofu with coconut/peanut sauce. Meh, boring flavor. Don't recommend it. For my entree I had the tomato and burrata salad with figs, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, and flaxseed bread. Ok, that was amazing. Seriously amazing. Would I go back? If I'd been blown away by everything I ate, yes, but I wasn't.
(4)Ryan L.
We walked from Kaanapali village to Lahaina and found the most amazing "Mala" breakfast joint along the way... Such great food, and we were literally one step from crashing waves.
(5)Adam C.
I came here for an early dinner and sat outside on the covered patio with an amazing sunset view. The fish was so fresh compared to anything I've had in Los Angeles however like some reviewers have written, it was extremely warm out and even too warm inside the restaurant. I'd definitely come here again when I'm in Maui, but I think the restaurant needs to be cleaned up a bit inside and out. The interior could look so much sleeker if they fixed it up a little more and installed some nice ceiling fans inside and outside on the patio.
(3)Anand V.
Great for breakfast . And amazing sticky bun that we got complimentary ! Try to get a table near the ocean front .
(5)Rachel M.
Delicious lamb sausage Benedict! Friendly service. Reasonable prices. Sea Turtles swimming 12feet from our table. Casual oceanfront dining. A minor facelift/renovation to bring decor up to date and this place would be 5 stars!
(4)Chris B.
The oyster shooters were the primary draw to this beautiful little gem. They sit on the north side of Lahaina, which is just out of reach of the tourist foot traffic. The scenery is what you would expect of a beachside restaurant: open, airy and sonically majestic with the crash of the waves as the tide rolls within feet of your table. I started with 2 oyster shooters. They were unpretentious in presentation, which you would expect, right? They're just shots of vodka with oysters. But, no they are oysters, Ponzu, Wasabi, Tobiko Caviar and chives swimming in vodka. They may be the most complex and arrogant oyster shooter on the face of this planet, but they are incredibly appealing in flavor and so welcoming you will follow up your original order with another...and another. That's exactly what I did. We also ordered the house made olives, Calamari and the stir fried Brussel sprouts. All were fresh and flavorful with pricing that would leave you with more budget to order up yet another Oyster Shooter! My 6-year old boy, Stratton was content with picking off our plates more than eating off the kids menu. He did enjoy the free ice cream that accompanied it though and they gave him a cool little toy when it was all said and done: a nice touch. The service was friendly, personable, timely and down to earth making you comfortable the entire journey. If you have a chance ask for Diane...she may not be a native, but she certainly carries the native spirit. Unfortunately, they don't sell little bottles of her to take home with you. Now, onto the Mai Tai. They note they won Bacardi's Mai Tai Challenge in Maui. That's not surprising. The use of Bacardi Orange adds some great flavor and there's no question this is 100% fresh fruit juice. This Mai Tai is as comparable to your favorite Sunday Bloody Mary: it's as much of a meal as it is a drink and that's not because of the fruit hanging on the side of the glass. Their note should have mentioned this Mai Tai will leave you in the Aloha spirit...smiles and buzzing. Ahhhhhhloha! Mahalo Mala Ocean Tavern. We'll be back again.
(5)Laura K.
This is a most charming restaurant on Maui. We started our honeymoon just right. The complimentary chips and salsa are a nice touch. We ordered a medium sized whole fish to share. It was served half with rice and half with puréed potatoes with the most delicious mushrooms. It was one of the best whole fish dinners I have ever had. So fresh and cooked to perfection. Great service also!
(5)V L.
I came here and I ordered the Toro burger. We also ordered the bruschetta. The bruschetta was a disappointment, maybe because it was hyped up by the guy at the door and the waitress. Now comes the fun part. When I put the burger to my mouth it burnt my cheeck! Yea. The burger burnt the cheek close to my mouth. It hurt like h*ll. I allowed it to cool down and it was not good. Now I see why the they believe the bruschetta to be so delicious. Anyways the next day I have a scab on my face from that burger. It's vacation so I've been trying to let it go. But please Mr.Cook that's not right that burger should have never burnt me. I called the restaurant and the owner has yet to call me back. Shame Almost a week and still no call.
(1)G B.
Lovely place for sunset dinner! Ahi tuna dinner, beet salad with a glass of wine was the perfect ending to the day after a long flight!
(5)Kim W.
This restaurant is phenomenal both in ambiance and food. Outdoor patio tables have an amazing view of the sunset! We ordered a bottle of bubbly, their Mai Tais, the ahi bruschetta, coconut shrimp and the fresh fish. All dishes were amazing and the coconut shrimp was the best that we had on our entire trip (and we visited four of the Hawaiian islands!!) This restaurant is a must for anyone visiting Maui!
(5)Andrea L.
Mala Ocean Tavern came highly recommended from a friend ours and after our fabulous experience here, I will now sing their praises as well. Mala was the best meal I had in Maui. I'm not gonna lie- the food is great, but this place rocks simply because the restaurant sits right up against the ocean. Waves lap the side of the wall and the whole room is wrapped in windows, so if you get there in time for the spectacular Hawaiian sunset like I did, you will fall in love too. For dinner I had their fresh catch which was literally caught the same day. I'm not sure what type of fish it was, but it was delicious. It was served in a yellow curry type sauce with mashed potatoes and veggies. It was a delightful dinner. My husband ordered the Asian fried chicken which was so good he said it was the best fried chicken he's ever had. I have to agree. It was juicy, tender, and crispy. This dish is beautifully plated with purple mashed sweet potatoes which were so creamy and sweet I'm pretty sure I ate most them! lol There is a full bar. Service is fantastic. Ambiance is comfortable, casual and did I mention it's right on the water?! If you can't make it for dinner, they have a really great brunch on the weekends too! Reservations are recommended! Aloha! xo
(5)Saminda W.
Great food here but hella expensive, yo. The ahi bruschetta is as good as they say but quite pricey ($15 for two pieces, $28 for four pieces). Glad I tried it but wouldn't spend the money again. For my entree, I had the ahi sashimi with mashed potatoes in shiitake mushroom ginger sauce. It was pretty good but, again, not sure it's worth $44. Had better dishes in SF for significantly cheaper. Service was friendly and sort of mellowed out the noise from the loud obnoxious patrons sitting next to us. It's kind of sad to see a 50 year-old dude so wasted that he spills his wife's champagne all over the table. Time to call it a night, friend. Think we will stick to the lower priced joints, fish is just as fresh and the vibe a lot chiller at those places.
(4)Stephanie S.
We found this place one yelp so we decided to check it out. My husband and I are on our honeymoon and being our first time in Maui we've relied on yelp a lot. This place did not disappoint. First we started with 2 oyster shooters, which were phenomenal. We then shared a Mahi Mahi ceviche. Ive only had a shrimp ceviche because I don't like my food too fishy. This was perfect. We ordered the clams and the seared ahi which were better then we expected they would be. Also our drinks were a hibiscus martini. Now I usually stay away from martinis for fear of being too strong, but this was perfect. And you could eat the flower. It tasted like a fruit roll up. Service and food were great. The price was a little expensive but well worth it for what you are getting. We ended with a sorbet since my husband is lactose. Amazing!
(5)Cheryl R.
The view is awesome! We just left Mala and both my daughter and myself are feeling sick. Something made us sick there. We let the management know and he told me to wait until tomorrow to see how I felt. I will contact the health department tomorrow about my concerns. It is unfortunate that we wanted to have a nice evening out but it was ruined by bad food or something.
(1)Karen H.
This place did not live up to our expectations. It was pretty but tables were so close together and it was really hot. My husband had the smallest piece of fish he has ever gotten for 45.00, he was truly disappointed and said he would never go back. My ribs were good and nice portion size.
(2)Phil T.
Great food. Good staff. But the bugs that fell into our food was not. They moved us and promptly reset the table under the insect attracting lifht Thus the 3 stars.
(3)Vanessa F.
I read this was one of the best spots for dinner on island and had to make reservations. The hubs and I decided to go early to see the sunset and enjoy some happy hour cocktails. We were treated with a happy hour menu and awesome seats right next to the crashing waves. We watched the sun slowly set and could spot crabs on the rocks beside us as the tide came in. For cocktails, I highly recommend the refreshing and not too sweet hibiscus-cosmo-ish I had with an edible hibiscus flower. Delicious! Also, the oyster shooters are about the best we've had anywhere on the planet. The ceviche was good but we would have opted for another round of oysters if we had the choice. We weren't in a hurry and the wait staff didn't push. We split the fish special - the fresh opakapaka (pink snapper) fried and served on a bed of sides (purple sweet potatoes, mushroom, cream sauce, rice, & veggies). It was delicious and quite a lot of food for two people. We wanted to try opakapaka once while we were on island and it was magical. Hubs had the bread pudding for dessert, and while not memorable, my signature dessert was simple perfection - chocolate caramel sauce and a plate full of fruit with vanilla macadamia nut ice cream. Probably one of our best meals on island - a pleasant surprise. We learned this spot is beloved by tourists and locals alike. A must stop in Lahaina!
(5)Angela K.
Favorite spot in Maui --- and this time........ i found out kamaaina discount of 40% while sitting at the bar!!!!!!!! WHAT! omgz best deal ever!!! (if you sit elsewhere in the restaurant you still get 10% kamaaina) Thank you for always the great food and service- always my stop when I'm in Maui
(5)Kippi L.
If driving by safely make your way back in a hurry. I'm inly half way through the hummus plate and I stopped to tell you about it. Flavorful, perfect consistency. The bread hot and soft. Ok crud my Mahi sandwich just arrived. Gotta go.
(5)Angela A.
Are you the type of foodie who strives for that "perfect" bite? You know when you take a little of everything on that plate and then slowly place it on your tongue so that you can taste every exploding flavor? If so, THIS is the restaurant for you. Chef/Owner Mark Edelman does this for you in his creations. He also uses, locally organically grown produce and fresh FRESH ingredients. So what did we have? We started with two appetizers, the Crunchy Calamari and their signature dish the Seared Ahi Bruschetta. The calamari was good, but it did not overwhelm either one of us. If you only have room for one starter plate, pick the seared ahi bruschetta, it is amazing. There are deep flavors, layered that just make your mouth very happy. The edamame puree and the flax seed toast are great base to the fresh, peppered seared ahi, it is finished off with tomato and sprouts (I never asked what kind), but just delicious. You can order a full or half order (2 or 4 pieces). I promise you it's a filling appetizer and if you are planning on having an entree do not over do it. For our main courses we ordered the Balinese Stir Fry and the Adult Mac n Cheese. If you have read my reviews before, you will have gleamed that I am a mac n cheese snob. I rarely will give glowing reports to one (since I love mine the best), but I have to tell you. This mac is so different and SO good that it deserves a glowing review. Once again Chef Mark has layered his flavors. The base is properly cooked elbow macaroni in a creamy mushroom sauce, then he tops the base with wonderful large meaty slices of mushrooms and then finishes it off with layers of wonderful strong flavored cheeses. A meld of pungent maytag, pecorino and melted mozzarella. Again, it was SO easy to get that "perfect" bite, use a spoon, you will want every bit of that wonderful mushroom cream. What I love about his cooking is that even though he is using a variety of ingredients you can taste EACH one. I attribute that to the use of quality and fresh ingredients. Just YUM. Hubby loved his stir fry. He, as always, changed it up and added fish and chicken to his and they just did a fabulous job with the layered flavors. If you love stir frys, this is an excellent choice. He tells me the organic brown rice was outstanding. The servers here are very friendly and helpful, they come out often to check on you. However food service is slow and island paced. So, it helps if you get a seat on the patio, so you at least have a gorgeous view to look out on. If you are here during whale season, keep you eyes out on the horizon, it's amazing what you will see. I took some great photos from our seats and will post them for you to see. None of the food though. It took so long for our food to come out and we were starving so we dived right in. A couple of notes: If you can't find parking, don't despair half a block away is Safeway and the Cannery, go park in that lot, it is allowed. Also if you order iced tea, ask them to put a splash of guava in it, it is EXCELLENT and you won't have to use a sweetner.
(4)Rusty H.
Tourist Trap. Great Maui Con. Overpriced Costco Food. Cafeteria for the Recently Affluent. These are some suggestions for Mala's motto. 700 review 4 stars? This has to be the biggest yelp fail! I fell for it all. Touché.
(1)Vic M.
Right on the water. Good selections of fresh food and great friendly service. Fish sandwich (choice of grilled or fried) for lunch comes with fries or for a coulle of bucks more a salad. Mahi mahi was the fresh fish of the day and it was cooked perfectly. Their ahi bruscheta appetizer was great.
(5)Nancy P.
Five stars across the board. We stumbled upon this little ocean tavern when coming into Lahaina for dinner and noticed a brunch sign. Took notes for the following day and decided to check it out. All tables have an open view of the exposed ocean front which is already a great way to start my day. We decided to sit at the bar and get a nice panoramic view. Our bartender, Haddy, greeted us with cheer and enthusiasm! She gave us a few suggestions and we decided to go with the seared ahi bruschetta and the mala Benny. Both served on local flax & grain toast-- to die for!! Attention to detail paid on every aspect of the meal. Plus, Haddy told us where we could get our hands on some of that tasty bread (across the street, "The Bakery"). Amazing experience all around!
(5)Eliza B.
We loved this little place, recommended to us by family members who live on Maui. It is not fancy looking but the food and the view are extraordinary. The hummus appetizer was great but my fave was the ceviche. I daydream about going back.
(4)A K.
Mala has a valet parking for you. You have amazing ocean view from your table. Clams - flavorful and light Beet salad- tasty! They are specialized in seafood. It was really fresh and delicious. The place is romantic and cool.
(4)Tess V.
The food was delicious! My family and I sat at the bar to avoid waiting too long. I had the full size of the ahi bruschetta which was delicious! My brother had the seafood pasta which he has ordered many times before and my mom and grandma split the Balinese stir fry. The bartender - Lisa- was fantastic at keeping everyone happy and made us feel right at home. Major kudos to her! The one and only issue we had was that the air conditioner unit hanging above the bar was dripping water or fluid down landing in and near our food and drinks. That's the only thing making this a 4 star instead of 5 star review.
(4)kelly l.
A good friend of mine recommended this place and I am ever so grateful. I was lucky enough to go in a date night with my hubby last night. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and our server, Diane, was outstanding. For our first course, we ordered the oyster shooters, ahi tuna tartare, for our main course, we had wok fried whole fish. The presentation for the fish was beautiful and for dessert....we went simple....macadamia nut ice cream and passion fruit sorbet. Definitely a place to try!!!!!
(5)Elyse R.
Fabulous food. Awesome ocean front. Waves lapping up on you as you done. Best Mojitos on island. Delicious brunch. Fabulous servers!
(5)Sumaiyya Z.
We came here on our first night in Maui. What a great way to start our vacation! Per other yelp reviewers, we ordered the ahi bruschetta to start off with. The flavors mended so well together. For dinner, I ordered the mahi mahi ala plancha. Omg, this dish was divine. The fish was perfect cooked, the sauce was delicious. The mashed potatoes were okay, but I think it went well with the whole dish. I also ordered a virgin lava flow, which was really good!
(5)Kristin M.
Oh my goodness, just thinking back on my dinner here makes me want to go there right now! Everything was amazing! The chips and salsa they start you off with is some sort of magical piece of heaven..seriously I wanted to eat the lava bowl that it was served in it was so good! We had the bruschetta appetizer as quite a few mentioned it...didn't disappoint at all, superb! The dinner entrée was the best part..we split the mahi-mahi and had the Brussels sprouts. Now with that being said. I'm very picky about my brussels and how they are cooked so I was skeptical at first...but there was nothing to be worried about. They were the best i've ever had and better than I can cook them myself! To die for people...this place is pricy just like all good dining in Hawaii but it's totally worth it. Get a table outside and watch the sunset...breathtaking! Mahalo!
(5)Steve L.
I honestly don't know how this place rates 4 stars. Admittedly the service was fantastic. They had our table set with bread on the table before I could dig my cell phone out of my pocket. Where it goes wrong, though, is the food. The menu reads well and there's lots of talk about fresh caught seafood, but everything is on flavor overkill. We had the house special bruschetta to start which was decent, but would have been much better if the balsamic didn't overpower the flavor of the fresh tomato and mozzarella. What really sunk the ship for me was the fresh fish stirfry. It sounded great on the menu with a nice locally caught white fish and stir fried vegetables, but the delivery was amateur. It was covered knee-deep in teriyaki sauce. I actually comment to my wife that they put chicken in by accident. Sure the fresh caught fish would have been great if I could taste it over the sauce. Throw in the fact the dish was $38 and I'm not impressed. With all the great seafood and fresh vegetables on the doorstep I'm baffled that'd they kill everything with over the top flavors. Let the food speak for itself.
(2)avruch j.
First, we waited 30 minutes and seemed to have a similar experience as G Tyler R on 4/7. We arrived early and got seated late. We ordered Calamari which was only average. My son had the burger ordered medium rare and it came out overcooked. My wife had the quartet as a dinner and all 4 dips were from fair to poor. Babaganoush was acidic with too much lemon, the feta mix was overly salty and inedible. Have had better humus from Safeway in the container. I wanted the whole fish prepared in the wok and they didn't have any whole fish. I went with the dish anyway and the fish was swimming in sauce. Tasty, but not worth $49. Service was uneven at best. The valet parking attendants were the nicest of the bunch. Hard to fathom as one of the best in Lahaina. First time there, last time there....
(2)Ryan W.
Best Kobe burger I have ever had. We have had such bad food while in Maui and the other day for Lunch we stopped in Mala and that changed. I had the Kobe burger (medium-rare) with maytag blue cheese, bacon, sautéed onions, and fries. The burger is $19 however it was huge and it filled me up. The fries were great too. I also had a feature cocktail that was tasty too. Don't remember the name but it was served with vodka,grapefruit juice, and other ingredients in a martini glass. Want a good burger on Maui? Go to Mala.
(5)Scott P.
OMG, this was the second time this trip to this awesome oceanside restaurant in Lahaina! Both times we amazing! We have been enjoying Mark Ellman's restaurants since his Avalon days and are so happy that his culinary style continues and still delights. The food at Mala was incredibly well prepared and so tasty! We've never been so satisfied and "tummy happy" after a meal! If you go there please do yourself a favor and order their Ahi Bruchetta and the steamed Manilla Clams with Grilled Pita; you won't regret it! Perhaps the best part was the wonderful waitstaff at Mala! Both Ari and Rachel were absolutely incredible! Rachel even walked over to Mala's sister restaurant, Honu, to get us a different dipping sauce for their awesome fried calamari starter! Everything she promised (non-rubbery calamari, amazingly fresh and delicious mango margaritas) Mala delivered! Can't recommend this restaurant highly enough! Thanks for some amazing experiences!
(5)Angela R.
While sister restaurant Honu Seafood and Pizza has prettier interior, I preferred our Mala meal. Very creative menu and flavor combinations. I think what they do best is vegetables, seasonings, sauces. The garlic spinach with roasted eggplant that came with the fish of the day was excellent, as was the mushroom appetizer. I especially appreciated how our server gave us her favorites as soon as she walked up, which turned out to be a pretty reliable guide.
(4)Ro C.
Oyster shooters were awesome! I had the Opah special and that was solid. My husband had fried chicken of all things and it was amazing! Ginger and coconut glazed.
(4)G Tyler R.
"Meh. I've experienced better." That description of two stars on yelp perfectly embodies my feeling about Mala Ocean Tavern where my wife and I ate last night. We arrived early and had a drink at the next door Hanu Seafood and Pizza which was lovely and we should have stayed, despite having the same owner as the soon-to-be-dissapointed-by Mala. We arrived at Mala 10 minutes before our reservation time of 7pm to be told our table would open shortly and we could wait in the bar if we like. The hostess rewrote our name on a wait list 4-5 entries deep. No problem. We elbowed our way into the bar area, crowded with our waiting cohorts and had a delicious, albeit NYC priced ($7) pint. Time passed. More time passed. Until finally, my wife could take it no longer and she inquired as to the status of our reservation (or walk in wait list as it would appear) - we were seated, without apology, immediately at one of the few open deuces. 40 minutes late and 50 minutes after we arrived. FWIW the waitress and bus boy (who delivered stale chips and tasty edemame puree) both apologized for the wait and their service was good all night. The food ranged from delicious to middling. On the delicious end my wife and I shared the Ahi Bruschetta, on the good end I had the hoisin ribs and on the middling end my wife ate the seafood pasta. All of it was absolutely terribly overpriced... It would have been overpriced in manhattan. It was criminally overpriced, and not very good (excepting the Ahi). In closing, to quote my wife "Mala was a total fail!" The overpriced, overhyped hotbox of a restaurant was poorly managed, and thus far a real lowlight of our vacation, I really wish we didn't waste a dinner here. I don't know if this was an off night, if this is a tourist trap or if our standards are too high but i would actively recommend staying away from Mala!
(2)Amber S.
Came in for lunch with a party of 6 during the week. We were seated quickly, our waitress introduced herself and took our drink order. I ordered a mojito ($12) Soon after we put in our food order. I ordered the ahi sandwich with mixed green side salad ($19) And we waited for over an hour for our lunch. When the food finally arrived it wasn't served at the same time. There was at least a 10 minute delay before everyone was served. The mojito and ahi sandwich was average. Service was poor, the waitress didn't let us know about the delay nor apologize and didn't check on us much. A table seated after us received their food at the same time as our table. Kitchen execution fail? Mala is next to the water, has a bar, covered patio and inside seating. Not a good restaurant for a larger party. Parking can be difficult we parked in the Safeway lot. Try their sister restaurant Honu Pizza and Seafood next door.
(3)Nick B.
Not that I wasn't expecting a good meal, but I was shocked at how good this place was. Being a fat man, and and a bit of a snob, I suppose, I'd like to think I know a little something about good food. This was likely the best meal of my so far 35-year life. The service, the atmosphere, the food; all 5 stars. I can't recommend this place highly enough. The ahi tartare and the sautéed moonfish were amazing. The 'best Mai Thai on Maui' might actually live up the the claim. And I was left stuffed. While not the least costly place I've ever eaten, it was an outstanding value, and I will make it a point to return ... next time I make it to Maui.
(5)Mckenzie H.
Our waitress Catharine was on point! We came in for one drink (recommended by a friend) and ended up with drinks, oyster shooters, cheese garlic flatbread and macadamia nut ice cream...all to die for!
(5)Lei Z.
Food - 3 star View and location- 5 star Hubby loved their seafood pasta so much that we went back for a second time. However, both of my entrees were not to my liking. The steamed clams were too salty. The fish with the same sauce and fixings that came with the whole wok fried fish was fresh. However, the sauce was a bit too sour for my taste. The location was great. You can park at the Canary Mall across the street. The sunset view was great! Make reservation or go early if you want a table that has a view.
(4)Joe Bob S.
An odd choice for two people who don't like seafood, but we've heard so much about the Kobe burger that we wanted to try it. Turns out, everything we had was delicious. The meal started with complementary chips, salsa, and some sort of edamame dip. This last one sounds really weird, but it was really good. We then split the famous burger. It lived up to the hype is a very delicious burger and we enjoyed the Fridays that came with it. For dessert, we have banana bread pudding. With so much banana bread on Maui, you think everybody would have thought to make bread pudding from it, but apparently not. It's a simple but great idea. This one was well executed. They have a beautiful patio for sunset, but you probably need a reservation for that. We just happened to walk in and get a table on the inside. It was plenty nice for us as we can still enjoy the sunset through the windows. It is pricey, but the portions and drinks or large. We didn't leave hungry, that's for sure.
(4)Keith C.
Mala has a lot to make it a go to place every time we come to Maui. It has become extremely popular (make a reservation) and I think the prices have literally doubled since I first came here a decade or so ago, so the value is a stretch. We always like it, but it is never a place we go back to twice in a trip. My wife always gets the Balinese Stir Fry with Fresh Island Fish at $37 every time (I'm not not sure she realizes that but I can predict her order here every visit). The dish is straightforward but always executed well: fresh, crisp veggies, well seasoned chunks of fish and the brown rice they use is exceptional. She can't not order it because it reads like a healthy fish stir fry, but it always seems like it needs a little something more to the dish, especially at $37. This time I was ordering for three: me and our 9 and 11 year olds. I got a full lb of steamed clams ($35 - my kids love all shellfish) in a brothy garlic and black bean sauce with soft grilled pita, the Hoisin Ribs with local Purple Sweet Potato purée, Shiitakes and Coconut Peanut Sauce ($35) plus a small Chinese Chicken Salad, substitute Tofu ($11) to lighten it up. We ordered all items to arrive at once since the kids were tired after a long sunny beach day. The clams were devoured first and were so tasty that there was a bit of a battle over counting clam shells to keep the sharing fair - they really were some flavorful clams, which made the price worth it. The ribs were really heavily seasoned and sauced, which I like, and my wife and I ended up polishing off the sweet potatoes and coco-peanut sauce as if dessert. The Chinese Tofu Salad was OK, but I blew it by not having it served as a starter, when my kids would have eaten it all. (Our family tip: we always order a shared veggie starter before the kids get their entrée, that way they'll try/eat a wide range of veggies because they are usually starving when we order - I broke my rule this time and our salad remained unfinished). The view at Mala is unbelievable (see our sunset photo when we were there), it is literally on/over the water and it has a nice, casual feeling about it being off the main part of Front Street. We've had a big problem at certain times of year (or perhaps after rains?) but they s time not a bug in site. The walls are all wide open, so the whole restaurant feels like it is on the deck. It is perhaps more casual than the price points, but, hey, that's Maui if you go to full serve restaurants. I really like that they are doing something differentand hearty with their menu and we'll be back...every visit back to Maui Service is hit and miss, and we've had our same server a couple times before...a bit dead pan and not sure he likes serving kids, but we got him to smile this time as went through the meal. Full bar, decent cocktails. I had their version of a Pimm's Cup this time and have had their Mai Tais in the past. All tasty and balanced. Not quite a 5-star for us, but I do recommend it as a change of pace and to get away from the tourist throngs.
(4)Miki L.
My only regret is that I was dining alone and could not share the great experience. Service great! From being greeted to being seated. My server, Rachel, was friendly, helpful and always present but too much. I had calamari and a small portion of the Chinese chicken salad. Both fresh, and tasty, with the right amount of fresh, light sauces on the side. Stayed for as long as I could enjoying the lovely ocean-side seat. Go, you should go. No doubt.
(5)Kristyn W.
Good food and a great view! A little more pricey than I expected, but overall a nice place to try.
(4)Carol S.
I had such a disappointing experience here. The 1 star goes to the awful customer service. Absolutely zero aloha spirit! My family and I were looking forward to a beautiful Maui sunset dinner and this restaurant (like many others) states that a seat on the patio is first come, first serve. We race over at 4:45pm and was given the last table on the patio right by the window, making for a perfect view of that gorgeous sunset. The rest of the place was empty. I was asked to wait while they set it up. As I wait to the side, a different host, a heavier older gentlemen with brown hair, proceeded to seat a couple that walked in after us at that table. I attempted to speak to him and was completely ignored. He brushed me off and then continued to seat several other parties that walked in after my family. When he could ignore me no more, he gave me a very exasperated "what?" He then proceeds to acknowledge that he made an error but does nothing to fix it and just offers me a "there's nothing i can do now." WTF?! There's no sorry, no let me see what we can do for you. What makes it worse is he goes "have a good night" and walks away!!! So....you want me to leave now? I was confused and SO HUMILIATED. I also hate that it all went down in front of my young daughter. We didn't know what else to do but walk out. I have no words. So awful. SMH.
(1)Louis R.
Chill. Small. Great views of the ocean. Ono grindz like fresh ceviche and oysters... I don't know about you but I'm coming here a lot once I move to Maui. Mahalo and Mele Kalikimaka, Kama'aina
(5)Stephen F.
If you're looking to see sea turtles rather than have a pleasant dining experience, then this is the place for you! My girlfriend and I stopped in for lunch around 1:30 on a Sunday. They were still serving brunch, as most places do on weekends until 3, however half the menu was breakfast food. The selection was pretty slim if you were looking for something that didn't have eggs and bacon. The worst part was the service. It wasn't that busy, yet we sat at our table being ignored while what appeared to be the only waitress wondered around taking pictures of people with the ocean backdrop like she was some professional photographer. Not once did she or ANYONE come to our table. Not to take our drink order or even say hi. Nothing. After 20 befuddling minutes we just got up and walking out, instead going next door to Honu, which was a much better atmosphere and experience. There were sea turtles right outside swimming in the water, which is the only decent thing about this place, but even then you had to deal with all the patrons climbing over each other with their phones to take pictures and selfies. What a joke...
(1)a w.
This is the best place that I've eaten at in Maui. The staff was extremely pleasant and our food was delicious. I had the mahi mahi, the fish was delicious but the coconut mojo sauce was out of this world. Others ordered the Asian fried chicken and the seafood pasta, both were perfect. The place has a great view of the ocean and is a bit farther down Front Street so you don't get the crowds like you do other places, it's also nice and small so the noise level isn't terrible. We had reservations for 7:30 and were seated by 7:35. I want to address the price issue that some people are having. I live in Alaska, which like Hawaii, has to have almost everything shipped to us. This causes everything to be pricey. With a few exceptions I honestly thought that most of the prices are what would pay here.
(5)Juliet C.
Wow. A GREAT dining experience. A late review though (we were here summer 2013) My bf and I had dinner reservations because we wanted to catch the sunset during our meal. Definitely book a reservation for dinner. The whole experience was beautiful. We were seated outside right on the water and the service was excellent. Our waiter gave us some terrific recommendations. We had the ahi bruschetta, pink snapper, seared ahi, and the macadamia nut vanilla ice cream for dessert. Everything was perfect, especially because we were able to enjoy the meal with the amazing sunset in the background. Loved it!
(5)Maureen C.
The food here was absolutely amazing. My friends and I saved this for our last dinner in Maui and it was well worth it. We shared the ahi bruschetta which was delicious and light. The bread isn't as abrasive and hard, and I didn't scrape the roof of my mouth like I usually do on bruschetta (although that never seems to stop me from ordering it). At our table, we had people order the whole fish, the seafood pasta, a pizza special of the day, and i got the seared ahi sashimi (can you tell I really like ahi?) which came with a potato puree. The potato puree!!! It was my favorite because it was so rich, smooth, and creamy. We also got bread pudding for dessert to share and that was fabulous as well. As far as I could tell, everyone loved everything they ate. It's not quite a five-star establishment because, despite the high prices, the ambiance did not fit the prices (aside from low lighting), and service was only okay. I really loved our waiter, but we had made a reservation at 8:30pm (which is already on the later side) and we were seated closer to 8:50pm. To me, honoring a reservation is extremely important and unfortunately Mala did not perform that well here. The view is probably amazing, but since we came after sunset it was already dark by the time we were seated next to the window. Because of the wide open windows, sometimes there were bugs here and there and the decor is not too clean and sleek like I had expected after looking at the menu and the cost. It's also small and kind of cramped, so be ready for that. Still, though, the food was amazing.
(4)Ryan M.
This place came highly recommended but turned out to be average at best. The menu has things that look good at first glance, but they end up making the items that look appetizing, unappealing by putting their own "island twist" on it. The menu seems forced. We had a party of 9, and 7 of us ended up ordering cheeseburger's. That should give you some insight on the menu selection. Had a few cocktails and the bill was $350. Typical over priced Maui fare. Look elsewhere.
(3)Chuck T.
Brunch was a la carte.. Mala caesar was good but was too watery on the first take but I sent it back and she came out with all the ingredients and I made it perfectly myself :) Loco Moco was with wild rice and a different gravy - pretty good! Lamb sausage was ordered. Eggs on tortilla chips with pico and feta - forgot what it's called..
(4)Courtney J.
I came here for happy hour, and everything was really delicious. However, I wish I just would have come here for dinner because the prices are really not that different for happy hour. They knock a couple bucks off appetizers, and the drinks were still around $10. Of course the menu is more limited as well. The people they seated next to us were surprised as well and asked the waiter in a confused voice, "These are the happy hour prices?" I would say it's just better to come for dinner. Even though it was pricey, the drinks and food we had were top notch, so after trying a few things, we didn't mind so much. The mojito I had here was the second best mojito I've had in my life (only beaten by one I had in Thailand). The mint was so well muddled, there was a lot of fresh lime juice, and the amount of rum and sugar was perfectly balanced. The homemade sangria with rose wine, cucumber vodka, and peach liquor was incredibly refreshing and different from other sangria I'd had. The Mai Tai was the second best one I'd had on Maui. The pineapple tasted really fresh and there was a good amount of rum. These drinks were not cheap, but they were well mixed and the bartender didn't skimp on the spirits. We tried a couple of dishes even though we'd only eaten lunch a few hours earlier. Everything just looked and smelled so good! The coconut shrimp were huge (you get four) and in this amazing spicy tomato sauce. We were getting every last drop of the sauce off the plate with our forks. It was that good. The calamari were nice large crispy pieces and served with a red sauce. The best part were the little herb leaves (I think it was sage) that were fried up with it. They gave it added flavor. So not only are the food and drinks spectacular, but the view is great as well! You get to look out onto the ocean under a covered area (they do have indoor seating as well). We saw a few turtles get really close and come up to the rocks while we were there. People from another table kept getting up and jumping over the small railing around the restaurant to take pictures. I followed and did the same. Those turtles were out there about the entire time we were there. When they left, a big ray came by. This made for some exciting dining entertainment. Even though the prices were high for happy hour, the delicious food, well-mixed strong drinks, excellent service, and a fantastic view make this a five star experience. Next time I'll be back for dinner.
(5)Josh B.
Very hot place. Crowded and beautiful view right on the water. Food was not that good and everything tastes the same. We ordered a whole fish and it had almost no flavor but cost 45. Waiter disappeared for a long time. I'd skip this place. Honu next door is better.
(1)Megan F.
Food: A+ Location: A+ View: A+ Turtle action: A+ This is my favorite place to indulge in happy hour on Maui. Order a malarita, chow down on their brussels sprouts, and watch the turtles chilling in the waves, while the sun sets over the sailboats anchored in the distance.
(5)Satish P.
Avoid #mala Lahaina if you want to have bland over priced sea food. We were there a day ago at #MaLa Lahaina Had a reservation for 815pm. Reached earlier and were directed to the bench outside near the water to wait. Went in to order drinks and the usher rushed to us and warned us that we were not allowed to have alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks outside when we waited. In a few minutes we were offered a table right next to the exit. We ordered the catch of the day, ceviche, and ribs. I wanted the catch of the day grilled and the server told me it was grilled if it was a fillet and not the whole fish. The fish arrived on a bed of wild rice, mashed potatoes and mashed black bean all of it some kinda of veg broth. I scratched my end and wondered if it was Mexican,Greek or home style, still thinking and it was a mere 49$ instead of 89$ for the whole fish.
(1)Allison R.
This place is worth five stars just for the ocean/sunset view. The food? Eh. It was good, but not the most memorable meal we had when we were in Hawaii (in fact, as you see below, we can't really remember the details of it!). We had a party of four and, thanks to a reservation way in advance, were able to score a table right on the water at sunset. It was seriously stunning. Because the restaurant is on the small side, it did take a little bit past our reservation to get this table, but it was definitely worth the wait. For dinner, the husband and I shared the sauteed fresh market fish and the balinese stirfry with fresh island fish. We both remember the food being okay, but really, I couldn't tell you much about either dish. We did like the stir fry more than the sauteed fish, but we both agreed it was pretty similar to what we can make at home. I think what disappointed us was the choice in fish was so similar to what you could get back state-side (e.g., mahi mahi). We were hoping for something a bit more exotic during our time in Maui. In the end, a great view, with food that is overpriced for what you really end up with.
(3)Kent H.
Mala Tavern is on the edge of the hustle and bustle of downtown Lahaina. It is located right on the ocean, and I got a nice seaside table. The staff was super friendly, and the menu eclectic. The local Hamakua mushroom appetizer was much larger than I anticipated with just enough garlic to make my mouth water. My date had the Balinese fish stir fry, and that was awesome as well. I had the Avalon seared ahi and I was not disappointed. I will definitely be back!
(4)Sandra L.
We had a dinner reservation at this busy restaurant, and were quickly seated in the outside area under the awning, as it was sprinkling and windy. We had a bunch of coughing people in our group, so not everybody was ravenous, but we enjoyed our meal. My husband raved about his ahi-seared bruschetta, and his beet salad. My calarmari was ok, but bland. The seafood chowder was hearty and filling. The farm and Chinese chicken salads had very fresh greens, and nice dressings. We also tried the side of brussel sprouts which was surprisingly palatable to those who tend to avoid brussel sprouts at all costs.
(4)Doriee D.
Huge tip from everyone, including me: Make reservations. You'll be able to skip the wait and walk past everyone while you go to your table! TEEHEE! I made reservations for our last night in Maui at Mala for dinner. I had put in a request to get a table next to a view since I've read reviews that it could be spectacular and magical ... but it didn't happen. But that's fine, I suppose. We got to see different views of the ocean while vacationing around the island during that time. It was no biggie to us. Both my friend and I ordered a lava flow as our choice of drink to start off. It was a pina colada with strawberry puree. It was amazing! It was so yummy and it definitely fit with our vacation! We also shared a calamari appetizer, which was normal. It was calamari. There wasn't anything special or fascinating about it.... And then for our entree, we each got the kobe cheeseburger. We had read amazing yelp reviews on the burger so we JUST HAD TO try it! Let me start off by saying ... the burger was HUGE. HUGE!! I think the burger was the size of my head. We had super high hopes for it ... but unfortunately, it wasn't "that" great for me. When I took a bite of it ... my response was just, "Oh. It's a burger. Cool." It didn't illicit a, "OMG OHMGGGMMGGHMMMM" response, which was what I was expecting after reading the reviews. Was it worth trying for $20? Probably not. My friend and I probably should've shared the gigantic thing. Neither of us finished our burger. In the end, decent and average. There wasn't anything memorable about this place other than it being our last meal in Maui and that the burger was bigger than our heads. I could see this place being amazing during lunch cause of the view. And maybe there were other things on the menu that would cause a gasp o f wowness with their food but it certainly wasn't the kobe burger for me.
(3)Lauren D.
The best oyster shooters I ever had! Service was awesome and the view was incredible!
(5)Michael D.
Great dining in the Lahaina area but with a small caveat. It's a very casual restaurant, you wouldn't assume that you're going to get incredible food here but it delivers in that arena. I got the fresh fish and my wife got the tofu stirfry. Both were great, the fish may have been some of the best I've had. While the food is delicious, it comes at a steep price. $42 for fresh fish seems high to me (even though it was awesome). I'd come back and probably order a burger. The seating is a little cramped and the sun scorched us on the patio. All said, definitely put it on the short list for places to visit in the Lahaina area as it will not disappoint, the food is worthy of its reputation.
(4)Alphen Y.
The worst seafood restaurant we ever been. The fish tastes like chicken, so tough, no flavor. When you told the waiter the fish is so bad, they don't care. Won't come here any more. Do not suggest anybody come.
(1)Pamela H.
Excellent food . So fresh. Literally on the ocean. We could Feel the spray. Highly recomend
(5)Shelly B.
I love to visit Mala Ocean Tavern. They have vegan option on their menu like the Gado Gado Salad with fresh tofu and peanut sauce. I also have asked a couple times for a pizza or flatbread "veganized" and was never let down. I love getting the pizza from next door at Honu with truffle oil and mushrooms. So good. The hummus trio is awesome and I love their fried chick peas. I also will wait longer than I would at most restaurants for an ocean side table because you are guaranteed to see turtles here!! At Mala, I always feel special and never treated like it is an issue that I am vegan.
(5)Kenneth F.
Yes a fan... but $300 for a beach shack... ok was still worthwhile and glad we went and we veal be baaaack... Cocktails were da bomb 5stars yeah! Oyster shooters were da best bruddah - 6stars seriously the best damn oyster shooters evah!!!! Ceviche was good, not great but a good 4stars and the $130 deep fried Opakapaka, while very tasty and completely understand a hard fish to catch was still $130 per fish.. wow... ok glad we did it, but not again 4stars... Bread pudding for desert seems like a Betty Crocker cinnabon (seriously yuk) covered in a vanilla cream (ok)... 1star and the signature chocolate/fruit plate was super yummy 5stars... Out waiter was very good and attentive but gave us space... Great place for cocktails and watching the sunset, the vibe was super chill and we had a great time chatting up our neighbors at the tables next to us... Atmosphere a super 5star...
(4)Corinna M.
Pros: Love the ambiance on the outdoor patio right on the beach. Make reservations half hour before sunset if u want the seats right up against the rail for good pics (just in case u have to wait). Excellent wait staff/service and came around just enough to refill waters and check up on us. Also, they serve complimentary chips and edamame/salsa dip, which was yummy. Cons: $43 fish better be amazing. Thought it was good but nothing spectacular. So that dish was way overpriced. Husband ordered the hoisin ribs which he said was okay and didn't fall off the bone. Calamari was good but nothing super special. Think I'd come back and order something else just cause I loved the set up and exceptional service! They have a happy hour..so that would b worth coming back for!
(3)Dani S.
Amazing location right on the water - so peaceful. Perfect view of the sunset if you time it right. Service here is great, they go out of their way to take care of their customers. Food is delicious too! Highly recommended. Love, love, love.
(5)Richard S.
We ate here on Tuesday January 6th after reading all the great reviews. Pros: waterfront dining and prompt service (we had late reservation so there was not too many people left in the restaurant at 9). Cons: overpriced and small portions. I had a special with mahi as the fish selection. Where the the flavors were very good I left hungry and it was definitely not worth 49.00. My husband had the Ahi tuna. Nice presentation but small portions and not worth the 44.00. Only highlight was the mahi cerviche as an appetizer but for 19.00 it should have wowed me a bit more. I would not recommend this place there are many other reasonably priced restaurants on front street.
(2)Ronnie S.
I think this place exemplifies laid back maui lifestyle and the food is amazing to boot! Based on my recent experience, I would definitely recommend it to anyone living in or visiting Maui. It doesn't look like much from outside, but has free valet parking. Once you enter, you are greeted by many friendly faces. We made a reservation and were promptly seated at a table fronting the ocean on an open patio. The waves were splashing up a few feet from our table and the sunset was beautiful, especially watching all of the sea turtles. We ordered the coconut shrimp which was crunch flavorful and delicious! They also serve you with a bowl of chips salsa and edamame purée which was delicious. I ordered the fresh market fish of the day which was Hawaiian snapper. It was light, flavorful and the tomato cream sauce was delicious! I also loves the garlic lemon spinach, eggplant and potato purée which were also on the plate. We finished off with delicious bread pudding. Our waiter was super friendly and nice and gave us great service. Overall, thoroughly impressed!
(5)Jason S.
The best oyster shooters on Maui, besides the ones I make but for only four bucks, it's a deal!
(4)Deeana H.
Seared Ahi bruschetta. One of the most flavor filled bites I've experienced. Ever.
(5)Dave N.
My wife and I have been to Mala many times, both lunch and dinner. It was recommended to us by an artist we met on Lahaina, she has since become a dear friend, Thanks Christina DeHoff. Everything we've had at Mala has been really good. I would recommend a couple of things, the brussel sprouts are crazy good, the grownup mac and cheese is rich with four cheeses and beautifully cooked pasta, fish sandwich is yummy, and the Caramel Miranda is big enough to share and is off the hook. I have not had a bad meal there and the service is always excellent. The view from their place is also wonderful, you can often see honu (sea turtles) swimming and feeding about ten feet away from the restaurant. The owner stopped by our table on one of our visits and we had a nice chat with him, he or one of his family members are always there. He is a big believer in living Aloha and a portion of their profits go to help stop hunger on Maui. You are missing out on a great experience if pass by Mala, truly something not to be missed.
(5)Jason R.
Calamari, Brussels Sprouts, Oyster Shooters, Fish Special, Greek Salad, Seafood Pasta, Bread Pudding - perfection every time. We come here every year and it is always fantastic. Slightly expensive, but totally worth it. Enjoy!
(5)Kim K.
It's a little ways away from the main area of Front St but it sits right on the water. You have an amazing view! We started with the ahi bruschetta. It was delicious! I would have been completely satisfied if that was my main dish. The edamame purée gave the bruschetta a nice balance of texture and a little bit of a kick. The clams in ginger/black bean sauce was good but would probably try something else for a main dish next time. It came with clams and some bread for dipping. That's it. It seemed like that should have been an appetizer vs an entree.
(4)McGoats T.
The view from the front deck is breathtaking!! Come for a sunset dinner & drink. They start you out with homemade chips & a salsa with a bean purée, it wasn't to spicy, it was very good. I had the Caesar salad. It was a knife & fork & had big chunks of cheese, which I love & was dressed appropriately with the regular toppings. I then had the filet. I love steak & I really liked how this was cooked perfect to my asking sitting on top of an ample amount of mashed potatoes with grilled veg & a wonderful sauce. The portion size was perfect (and also good for the price). The service was awesome. I would recommend Mala to anyone (I guess that's why the locals said its a great place to eat, & the supervisor from the Westin was sitting next to us eating with her Mom). If the locals love it, then they must do something right!!!
(5)Steve T.
Cool place to sit by the window on the beach, The calamari was excellent but I wish they included red cocktail sauce as one of the two sauces they supplied. The chopped Ahi burger was just okay and didn't wow me but the burger was well made. Liked our waiter as he worked hard for us.
(4)Munz C.
A friend from Maui suggested we try it out cause their food doesn't disappoint. Totally right! We came later in the evening so it wasn't so busy. Service was quick and the food was delicious.
(5)Rob A.
Third visit in the past few years. As we waited for our table, the bartender engaged us in pleasant conversation and made the best Mai tai I have ever had. The salads were wonderful, as were the clams and the fish stir fry. Our server was pleasant and responsive. The place has great character and a great view. One of the best places on Maui. Highly recommended.
(5)Susan g.
The good---excellent martinis, dry and cold, fantastic brussle sprouts with ginger and mint, helpful servers, superb table, inside with open air to the ocean, the bad---super expensive, the ugly--worst $150 meal I have ever had, seafood pasta, recommended by our server had over cooked pasta and a mish mash of sauce and seafood. The ribs arrived as another mushy blob on the plate with too many things. I first tried this place years ago when it had just opened, and it was a wonderful alternative to typical tourist food, a fusion of Hawaiian and California cuisine, now it seems to be another, busy tourist trap serving mushy food-- a sad disappointment
(1)Matt W.
While in Maui over thanksgiving we made a stop here since we loved it last time. Menu was very similar to a couple years ago but food did not taste nearly as good. I got a burger which was wonderful last time but this time was terrible. No flavor, way too fatty (dripping grease), and made me feel sick to my stomach after. I don't think I'll be back.
(2)Bill C.
My wife and I were in the mood for a local-flavored, non-franchise style dinner while vacationing on Maui. Being north Lahaina in Kaanapali, we were surrounded by resort restaurants and Duke's. Our shuttle driver told us about Mala Ocean Tavern. Our hotel made us a reservation, and we were delighted to find a small, very crowded, cool restaurant/bar right on the water behind the Cannery Mall. Very pricey, but what a spot, and what service. From the moment we gave our name until we left we were treated like we mattered. We were seated at a table for 2 on the deck just above the surf. The food was excellent. My wife had the steamed Manila clams in a bean sauce, and I had the seared Ahi, served with mashed potatoes swimming in a delicious gravy with sliced Shitake mushrooms and sliced ginger. This was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommended!
(5)Yv L.
We came here for lunch this afternoon. Food was mediocre and pricey. They sat us facing the water. Definitely nice view and good service. I wish food was as great. A fly was bugging us throughout so we didnt get to enjoy the view. Damn fly!!!
(3)Crystal P.
This place is amazing! The restaurant is small, but not uncomfortable. The service is professional, friendly, and fast. The food, phenomenal!! I highly recommend the beet and goat cheese salad. It's super tasty. The night we were there the salad that was on special was a watermelon salad with feta and mint. OMG. For dinner we had the mahi mahi ala plancha. The mojo verde sauce is amazing and compliments the fish very well. I will definitely be going back to Mala before we leave to have that mahi mahi again. I have been to Mala once before and tried the seared ahi bruschetta, so good! I really don't think you could go wrong with anything on the menu at Mala. Make sure you have a reservation early enough to be at one of the tables closest to the water for sunset.
(5)Greg B.
Watch the turtles here while dining. The Mala Tavern is off the beaten path and has gorgeous views, good food, tasty drinks plus it's away from the crowds on Front Street, which puts Mala as one of my top 5 spots for the entire island. The prices are expensive, and the tables are tight as this is a small restaurant space but well worth it. You should try it at least once! Order the beef ribs and the oyster shooters they're not over priced at $3 per. Also, the Kamaaina discount of 40% while sitting at the bar is super cool but won't help you if you don't have local Hawaii ID.
(4)Missy J.
Amazing! The ahi bruschetta is to die for!! Right on the water looking towards Lanai.
(5)Patrick F.
Just had a tremendous oceanfront dinner here! Food and ambience were off the hook. Stir fry brussel sprouts is a must! Portions are large so order smart. Service was superb! Highly recommend Mala Ocean Tavern to anyone in Lahaina area. And there is complimentary valet parking.
(5)Chill G.
We first entered this place last year but were shocked by the prices so never went. A friend recently gave us a gift card and we finally prepared for a special evening last week. From valet to bartender, service was friendly and informative. Yet there was a definite break down in professionalism towards the end of the evening with staff getting off shift and hanging out with friends at the bar, drinking and being very loud. I wouldn't care if there weren't other guests around.... but it was a bit excessive to the point we couldn't hear each other speaking. This behavior did not fit the appearance the menu prices try to suggest as a high end fine fining experience. Now on to the food: EXCELLENT! Our evening started with smazing mojitos. We ordered the filet mignon and fresh mahi. The filet was perfectly grilled and accompanied by a wonderful mashed potatoe sprinkled with finely chopped vegetables: Brussel sprouts and mushrooms. It was devine! The mahi was grilled to perfection and still moist and beautifully flaky. I was disappointed that there were no veggies on my plate... just starch.... the lovely whipped mashed potatoes less the veggies included with the filet and nicely toasted pita triangles. We were too full for dessert. Ambiance: probably lovely for sunset... after dark though you can only hear the waves. The restaurant has decor from the late 90 ' s or early 2000... could use to be freshened up as it seemed a bit shabby. Overall experience was ok. I can't give four or five stars because of the unprofessional behaviour of staff past 9pm.
(3)Mike W.
This place is horrible. $45 for a tiny filet that had zero flavor, yet the whole plate was covered in garlic. This is what a chef does when they don't know how to season or cook food properly. I would run from this place as fast as I can before I would spend good money for terrible food ever again. Insanely small portions for the money. Last minute horrible choice, out mistake. Save your money and eat anywhere but here. Also; the hostess with the permanent bitch face who was put out by us wanting to spend money in there was less than inviting...... Whoever owns this place is laughing all the way to the bank, on our money!!:(
(1)steve t.
We had limited dining choices in Kaanapali, other than Dukes, so our party of 4 went to MOT for dinner. We lucked out with a view of the rocks and waves below. This is a low key place with a few really good dishes. The crunchy, slightly tart brussel sprouts are stir fried with sesame seeds and won tons. Could a brussel sprout by any other name taste so good? The Kobe burger ordered rare was cooked perfectly and I can't think of where I have had a better burger. Make a reservation in advance and there was a short wait sitting on the benches outside
(4)Rex H.
Loved this place, waitress was super friendly and helpful, I had the tuna bruschetta which was amazing, and my kids had some chicken and fish which they liked. Has a great view of the ocean as well, the restaurant is right on the water.
(5)Mark H.
Happy hour bliss Okay 3:00 to 4:30 means late lunch early dinner, but great food, we had the beet salad, Caesar salad, fish sandwich (blackened) and calamari. Washed down with a few malaritas and a Mai tai, on the rocks, and that was just the view. Great service, lovely food, nice warm, comfortable welcome. Definitely on the list of places to revisit.
(5)Linda G.
One of the best meals ever. Idk what is in the dip you get in the molcajete but it was delicious and crabby and spicy. We started with the ahi tuna bruschetta and I even got my non sushi eating parents to try it. They loved it! The balsamic drizzle on top was a prefect compliment. I got a Ginger martini which was STRONG but I like one and done kinda drinks. Our main meals were the pizza of the day with goat cheese, the all seafood spicy pasta and the manila calms. All were exquisite. There's really no point in writing out in words how perfect it was. My words will only fall flat. Just eat here that's all you need to know. The view is marvelous but it is a f-ing oven at sunset. Like you're in a hot box. The place is itty bitty so you NEED reservations. But the view and the food are well worth it. You get to see awesome sea turtles just rolling in the waves too! Get the Carmen Miranda dessert thing but get it in large. Even being full we were able to polish off the small way too soon. It's really light so a large portion wont be overwhelming or heavy. That's it that's all I got. Experience it for yourself. Ive eaten up and down LA and Beverly Hills, celebrity chef joints everywhere, and this is one of the top three meals Ive ever had.
(5)Callie R.
The only reason I cannot give this place 5 stars is because of the service we had on our 3rd trip here. We made reservations as we always did, arrived early, and waited for our table. We were about to be seated in the crowded restaurant, when all the sudden some celebrity waltzes in, and they seat his party of four in our party of four table. We're then told to sit back down and wait. We waited another 20 minutes, and there was no mention of then giving our table away, no apology for the additional wait--nothing. Which, had the action been a little more covert, it wouldn't have been such an issue. Anyhow, the food is great. Consider going for lunch so you can enjoy the amazing view, try for a window seat. On one of our visits, I got to sit immediately in front of the window and enjoy the sea mist--nothing could beat that.
(4)VB L.
Dear God, do yourself a favor - First, fly to Hawaii. Second, rent a car. Third, drive yourself to Lahaina. Finally, and most importantly, find a table or barstool at Mala Ocean Tavern. The food was delicious, the view breathtaking, the service fantastic and the wine list drool-worthy. A meal here was certainly one of the highlights of our trip.
(5)Susan C.
The concierge at our hotel recommended this restaurant to us. We had ocean view seating, although a bit tightly packed. Loved the spicy salsa and edemame dip with chips (not enough chips) and there is where the love ended. Hubby & I split he large Caesar salad which was good.....its actually large enough to feed four! Then, we split the Hoisin Sauce Ribs....yuck! We were given 6 ribs, so 3 each.....and they were soaked in some mush, with more vegetable mush, that was inedible. If this is Hawaiian cuisine, count me out!
(2)Geno N.
Was looking forward to a holiday dinner. had reservations, seated 30 minutes later. Must have had a off night, cause 80% what we wanted to order had run out of. What we did get was sub-par entree's. All but my meal was over cooked and not fresh. I always like to give a place two times to get it right. May be back to give them a second chance.
(1)Shari M.
Loved the food, drinks and atmosphere!!! We went to Mala twice during our trip. First time was for a light dinner - I had the tuna bruschetta so fresh and flavorful! We also had great service! Oh they bring a chic pea salsa & chips to the table, it was amazing! Our table was right over the water - we got misted a few times - only in Maui!!! Second time was for lunch, our last meal before heading home! We have a 7 year old daughter and as we were sitting on the back deck she spotted a slew of sea turtles! They provided great entertainment for all of us! The fish and burgers we had were delicious! I also must mention their slogan - Practice Aloha! When we went in the beginning of the weak I wasn't sure of its meaning but after spending some time on the island I couldn't get it out of my head, it really symbolizes a lot in my mind - I bought the t shirt to make sure I don't forget! Enjoy!
(5)Jason D.
Great food and drinks. Waves splashing us while dining (good thing). Turtles swimming 10 feet below us. Fantastic Lahaina dining experience.
(4)Michael G.
Excellent food and views. Crowded place. Very busy. Valet it next door. Make a res.
(5)Kathleen E.
We were sat promptly for our 8pm reservation. My spouse enjoyed a glass of Pinot Grigio while I had a diet coke that was never refiiled. The spivey dip with crushed endamame was served in a large black lava bowl with crispy tortilla chips. It was very good. For the appetizer I had the highly regarded Ahi Tartare ($19) local #1 sashimi grade. tomato relish, wasabi tobiko caviar & baby waipoli romaine wraps which was excellent. For the main entree I had the Asian fried chicken ( $34)which had no flavor and had bones in boneless thigh. If you are from the southern USA, do not waste your money on this dish. My spouse had the sautéed mahi mahi Fresh Market Fish, local, wild caught. yg potato puree, garlic spinach, roasted eggplant & olowalu tomato cream. It was okay but not worth the price of $42. He did enjoy a small salad of The Farmer's, Kula Baby Greens ($9) with maple dijon vinaigrette, kula greens, cucumber, tomato, maytag bleu cheese & toasted walnuts which is enough for two people. We will not be returning.
(2)Arden B.
This place wasn't quite what we were expecting after reading the reviews on Yelp. From the outside, it looks like a little beach shack, from the inside, it's honestly not much different. The decor is pretty simple. The menu, however, was a little more upscale. We started with a hummus quartet. The hummus and babaganoush were pretty indistinguishable. There was also some sort of melted feta dip that I did not try. I had the stiry-fry with ahi, which was actually pretty good! HUGE portion! My mom had the special of the day, which was ceviche and it was also quite good. The food is fine, I just really wasn't crazy about the restaurant itself.
(3)Marissa R.
We make it a habit to come here at least once every time we visit Maui. Outstanding service, food, and can't beat that ocean front view.
(5)Willie S.
I've lived on Maui now for 14 years. I live Haiku side. I rarely make it to the west side. My girlfriend wanted to go have brunch on the west side and suggested another place by the ocean further north. I suggested MALA and she agreed. First and foremost, at my age, I knew better. I called in advance for a table and when we arrived we were granted the best table. We ordered the Mahi ceviche for a starter... PERFECT! The ceviche was outstanding! For the meal, well, I chose the Mala Bene even before i noticed most of the other customers were enjoying their own. Rob, our server, is a master, (10 on a 10 chart he's an 11). The, "Mala Bene" with the perfectly cooked eggs upon a multi-grain bread and thee perfect hollandaise sauce was amazing, but the local lamb sausage from Niihau upon the "Mala Bene" Mala has made it to #1, the best, "Eggs Benedict" I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Attention: To any visitors or all future visitors to Maui... MALA is a MUST!!! P.S. gf had a "Bloody Mary" I took a sip, OMG, best ever at any price.
(5)J B.
Food was good. We ordered blackened fish and received grilled. Waiter was attentive and pleasant Pricey for what we got. Loved sitting by the water.
(4)Dennis S.
Three years since my last review update and we still love the place. Great choice for a late lunch with awesome views and excellent food.
(5)Stacie O.
My husband and I went to Mala Ocean Tavern for our anniversary and I was pretty excited because the menu had items that sounded vegan appropriate. When we got there we had great seats to watch the sunset and my husband enjoyed the complimentary hummus and chips. Servers were amazing. For appetizers, we ordered the babaganoush with pita bread and the gado gado salad. Both of these appetizers were delicious. For our main course my husband ordered the wok fried whole fish at market price and I ordered the tofu stir fry. When our food came it looked impressive. There was a lot of food and it was presented well, but we were kind of disappointed with these entrees. They were both very bland. I was expecting a lot more considering the price. So up until the main entrees my husband and I were very satisfied, but I don't think we'll be coming back to this restaurant.
(3)Andre P.
80% of this experience was impeccable! The view and turtles are priceless! Nice beer. The seared sashimi dish will rival the best restaurants in the world! The Ahi Bolognese is something to write home about! On the flip side, the stir fry was horrible! Dry, no flavor, no bueno! Our server was great!
(4)Aaron B.
As I have been coming to Maui the better part of 18 years, I have gone to mala's at least once during each visit. Went there for lunch, and ordered the Balinese stirfry. I usually get it as a mild dish, but I decided to try the medium because I wanted something a little spicier. While It wasn't uniformly spicy throughout, they were pockets where I can really taste the heat. Even though that was the case this time, it was a great dish, and I would highly recommend it.
(5)Linda S.
Good food--attentive service, but too expensive for the average Joe
(3)Miyako L.
This was officially our favorite meal on Maui. With a location away from the busy part of Front Street, parking was plentiful and available right in front of their building! We made a reservation on Open Table the day before, but I think you can easily get a table even the day of. We started our meal (as we did every meal while on vacay) with a cocktail. The Big Fat Grey Goose Dirty Martini was essentially made from the Gods in heaven just for me, and my hubby thoroughly enjoyed his fresh juice squeezed Kama'aina Mai Tai. I will mention that their Mai Tai won "BEST MAI TAI" as the 1st place winner (yes it was THAT good). After doing our research, we knew to order the Seared Ahi Bruschetta as our appetizer. What we didn't know, which you should make a mental note of, is that this this so damn good, that you will instantly regret ordering the appetizer size (comes with 3) and you will wish like hell that you would have just order the full entree size from the beginning. Write that down. Order the entree size. We shared our entrees, which were the Gado Gado Vegan Salad (tofu, brown rice, sugar snap peas, baby kula greens, chickpeas, tomatoes and coconut peanut sauce) and the Kobe Beef Cheeseburger (smoked applewood bacon, carmalized onion, Maytag bleu cheese). Both were excellent and after switching back and forth across the table, we achieved the perfect balance of light, aaand not so light. Our dessert will be talked about between the two of us for years to come. It was their special for the evening, so you can't necessarily order it off the menu, but it was a Chocolate Beet Cake. Sounds weird, even our waitress admitted it, but she said it was amazing, so we went out on a limb and ordered one. HOLY SMOKES, this cake was simply divine. While you couldn't really taste any beets, the still managed to make the consistency of the chocolate like a velvety mousse, and tone down the richness so you can still eat bite after bite without being overwhelmed with flavor. One of the best dessert I've ever had in my life. We were a little bummed about the 20 min wait to sit on the back patio over the water, but actually had a little laugh when the waves started to come in and splash the tables sitting closest to the wall! They were good sports about it, but did leave a bit wet, haha. The ambiance of this place is classy with a casual flare, pretty chill and contemporary. We absolutely love Mala!!
(5)Dee S.
I don't often write reviews but when I do it is because the place or service matters. Of all my world dining experiences. MÄla has officially supplanted the best dining establishments in the world as my number 1 pick. I'm no one important in the foodie realm but I know what made for the perfect overall dining experience. My family and I had a dinner reservation during the Christmas holiday week and were blown away by every aspect of the meal as well as the location. MÄla is the kind if place you're more likely to drive by than stop if you just judge the place on outward appearances. Stop. Now. Book a reservation now. Come back again and again and expect a 5 star dining experience every time. Honestly the top Michelin restaurants fall short of the quality of their dishes, their freshness, the speed at which they arrive at your table on their best night. I'm not going to bore you with attempts at describing the dishes or the variety of orange hues captured in the Hawaiian sunset that night. What I will say is that if you've tried the high end, the low end, the in between and still wonder if there are intimate mind and palette pleasing meals to be discovered out there off the beaten path, this is your next brass ring. To the staff, thank you for your hospitality and stellar service on your busiest week of the year. To the chef, you are a master of your craft that words will never do justice. Thank you for topping my personal best list.
(5)Elana R.
Great food, great drinks, great location. It was hard to find parking and we had to wait for our table to be ready, but it was totally worth it. Getting to enjoy our amazing meal while watching the sunset from table outside, next to the water was an incredible experience. I had the adult Mac and Cheese and loved it. It was so big, I only ate a little of it and had dinner to take home for another night. All four of us loved our food. My brother had the filet mignon (sorry, this vegetarian may not have spelled that right), and while first disappointed at how small it looked, he found it to be perfect. I forgot what else we ordered, but no one had complaints.
(5)Clay O.
We dined at Mala with high expectations. Perhaps we started off the wrong foot with our server. Typically, I am used to an introduction and a welcome. We received neither. I typically do not take off ratings for the service, but thought I would mention for those that hold service high on priority. Location is excellent on the water with great views. However, tables are right on top of each other. You will be rubbing elbows with neighbors. I tired the Balinese stir fry with fresh island fish. This was very good with excellent flavors, but did not care for the brown rice. Others in our party tried the filet mignon, which was just average. I would stick with fish here. Great place for the views, but for the price, so many other choices.
(3)Gina Z.
The food here is exceptional, as is the service and atmosphere. The manager, Blaine, is the lone unfortunate piece of an evening at this gorgeous spot.
(5)Melissa P.
Definitely one of my favorite spots. Food, drinks and service are all amazing! Started with the Ahi Bruschetta which was one of the most delightful ways I have seen bruschetta prepared. It was like a rye toast with edamame puree and the most fresh ahi tuna drizzled with a balsamic. It was one of the most delicious dishes I have tasted. Followed it up with the seafood pasta and was surpassed by the light sauce, fresh fish and immense flavor. So impressed with this place, it will be the place I go to every time when visiting Maui. I recommend definitely going at sunset and request table #24 or #22. Right at the edge with waves crashing, sun setting while you enjoy the most deliciously prepared meal. Incredible experience!
(4)Kelley T.
AMAZING!! We arrived a bit early for our reservation and we're seated with in five minutes with an ocean view as requested...and the restaurant was almost completely full!!! Breathtaking view and super friendly bartender and staff. We started off with the ahi bruschetta and it was fabulous. And for entrees we both had flatbread pizzas and they were incredible.
(5)Spa L.
This place is my favorite fine dining west side establishment for vegan cuisine... Today was more that exceptional. Everything is fresh and authentic. The price is worth the quality in food. I eat here at least once a week. If I could give it 6 stars I would. Bravo!
(5)Kimberly V.
This place was absolutely amazing!!! The location is right on the water and if you sit outside there is a nice breeze. Our server Danny was very knowledgable and gave all kinda of suggestions and not just to sell the most expensive items. We ordered the Opalapaka for 2 and it was a whole fish that was wok fried and had all kinda of veggies and a delicious sauce. We will definitely go back again. Oh and for their drink menu...The Three Nenes Martini is perfect!
(5)J F.
Excellent meal and service. This is a very busy place so make a reservation!! Well worth the wait for a table by the water. Makes a great background for a picture during sunset. Ahi Bruschetta is fantastic!!! Good wine list and excellent selection of cuisine. Excellent value for the quality and atmosphere.
(5)Holly G.
Nice place. Came for lunch but we were a little late so it was happy hour. The place was fairly empty. Sat by the water, could feel the waves on my face. We had a nice waitress. Food took a little long to come but it was definitely worth the wait. I got the seared ahi and salad. I enjoyed it. Very fresh. My dad had the burger. Man it was soooooo good!!!! Best burger ever!!!! The fries were super good too. Must order.
(4)Tarun B.
Ok food - nothing to write home about. I think everyone craves about this but I thought the food was average and certainly about 10 other places we visited that we felt were better - very greasy food but the wait staff here was awesome (which is why they get 3 stars versus 2).
(3)Kelly I.
Wonderful..Service, food, & drink...hibiscus martini, on point, machong, fabulous, caramel Miranda, light and delicious, view, nothing beats it! We'll be trying their sister restaurant Honu Thursday, can't wait!
(5)Kevin U.
So happy we finally came here. We've been wanting to come here the past few visits to Maui but just always seem to run out of time. This trip, after hearing a few more folks rave about this place, we made a decision go tonight. Amazing! The location, food and service were all perfect. This is a new family favorite.
(5)Lubs Y.
This review is way over due, but this place is a must just for the ahi bruschetta! Get a table by the water and you've got a fantastic view to complete a wonderful dinner.
(5)P M.
This is one of our favorite places on Maui. The quality of the food is just great and the location is perfect - given that you are on Hawaii, sitting right by the ocean is just perfect. The coconut shrimp are so good. And the chips they serve with the salsa and edamame spread is a great combination. Their Mahi Mahi is very good as are their dishes from the land, like the burger, the ribs and the filet mignon. The bar serves awesome cocktails and the service in general is very good. We try to go here for one meal whenever we are on Maui. Highly recommend this place.
(4)Jennifer N.
We went here for dinner last night and it was good. The restaurant is very small, but the view is fantastic - overlooking the water. To start I had a beer - they have blue moon on tap - yay! My husband had a cocktail, he enjoyed it. We had the garlic cheese flatbread for an appetizer. I liked it, but it was a very strong taste. I don't really know how to explain it, it wasn't bad, just wasn't what you were expecting, and not really in a better way. For my entree I had the ribs. The ribs were delicious, but I was confused as to why they served them on top of a bed of beans? I don't like beans, they weren't listed on the menu, I was confused. The ribs were tasty but just a little weird. My husband had the burger, it was ginormous. He says it was good, but that the fries were amazing. High props on the fries. We opted for macaroons for dessert. The salted caramel macaroon was by far the best and delicious! Overall, i thought it was good, not amazing.
(4)Corey S.
Awesome food. Try the oyster shooters, so good. Clams were great and the Mongchong was fantastic in the cream sauce.
(5)Bill W.
Great food and drinks. A great place to sit right on the beach and enjoy exceptional Maui island cuisine. Great Mai Tai! The staff is friendly and welcomes tourists. But, the space is very small and intimate. Reservations are very much encouraged. Good place for fun with friends and/or family. Brunch on the weekends. Lunch and dinner always great!
(5)Robert H.
Great food! Try to whole fish. If you're a fillet person then this won't work for you, but for the advanced fish lover, this is great. Great fresh flavors. The outdoor area was a little cramped.
(5)Michael W.
First meal in Maui, and what a great way to start our vacation. If you take the early flight, you arrive at OGG tired and very hungry. We had our two kids with us, and by the time you get your luggage and rental you are still staring down the barrel of an hour long drive to Kanaapali or Wailea, and likely can't check into your hotel for a few hours. So this place gets you into the Maui vibe quickly and in style with friendly casual service, great food, and perhaps best of all, a front row seat to sea turtles, seals, and if you're lucky like we were, WHALES! Their ahi bruschetta was awesome, and their mai-tai's legit. Highly recommend a visit!
(4)Michael F.
I don't really know where to start. I made this reservation long in advance and I made it based off of reviews I had read on both Yelp and OpenTable. I was apprehensive at first based off the outside appearance of the restaurant but man am I glad that I didn't let that phase me. The atmosphere was comfortable and open, quaint but lovely. We were seated almost immediately at a window-side table and the waitress was kind enough to lower the translucent shade so that we wouldn't bake (it was quite warm that evening). The same waitress that sat us, Rachel, was the one to take care of us and I must say, that woman was spectacular!! She was super sweet, knowledgeable, and didn't try to up-sell the crap out of us which, as a former restaurant worker, I can really appreciate. Based off of some reviews we decided to start with the Ahi Bruschetta which was one of "the best things I've ever put in my mouth", verbatim from my mother, and I agree. It was FANTASTIC. The prices were a little steep, but when in Rome... I, being a basic white girl (just kidding), got the Kobe Beef Burger which was MASSIVE and absolutely decadent while my mother got the Ahi burger which was also delicious. Rachel kept good tabs on us without being intruding and was incredibly sweet the entire time. When it came time for boxes Rachel did it all for us and even gave us some stickers that say "Practice Aloha" which was awesome, plus she added some of their fantastic napkins to the bag which I appreciate more than you know. Of course we had some dessert and what we had was perfect. It was coconut pineapple ice-cream with homemade caramel sauce and fresh fruit. TO.DIE.FOR. Overall we had an amazing experience and I would recommend this spot to absolutely everyone. I couldn't find one thing wrong, and i fully enjoyed myself.
(5)Yvonne M.
Dining out in Maui is expensive and this place is right up there. We each had 2 appetizers and one drink each and with tax and tip was $85.00. DH had Farmers Salad and Fried Calamari. He said salad was good and calamari not so much. I had beet salad with fried coat cheese and coconut shrimp. Shrimp almost tasted like a macaroon (good) and salad was ok. We were part of a party of 6 and were seated next to the host/hostess station and were blessed with air from a fan. Arrived at 7pm so no sunset view. Would perhaps go for late lunch/pupu happy hour in the future
(3)Becky M.
GO TO MALA. Just do it, you'll be so glad you did. I've never written a review before but these people....they do food and do it well. We started with the ceviche...really good. Then we had the ahi bruschetta - AMAZING. 18 year old balsamic drizzled over the top of this delicious pepper crusted seared ahi with an edamame spread on delicious chia seed? toast with greens. Greek salad with fresh grilled Mahi - chickpeas, snap peas, olives, tomatoes....all SO FRESH. The mahi sandwich was delicious and the frites were amazing...reminded me of Balthazar frites. We really couldn't decide what to order and can't wait to go back. Sat right by the water as the tide was rolling in and watched giant sea turtles splash around. Rob took care of us and his service was fantastic...knowledgable, friendly, attentive - great vibe! Apparently the owners own the two restaurants next door so based on this experience, I will be trying them next.
(5)Anupam S.
Amazing view of the ocean, with great service, food, and ambiance. Will definitely recommend this restaurant to a friend. This place is great for families too. Adult Mac and cheese, stir- fry, and veggie platter were delicious and there were more than enough options for vegans and vegetarians alike.
(5)Ashley T.
Our favorite place in Lahaina but marred by the front desk. We had reservations for 7 and were told rudely to wait at the bar, which had no room and then directed,again rudely, by the tall hostess to wait off to the side rather than block the walkway. Still great food but let's educate the staff on etiquette.
(4)Seth H.
We love Mala and their sister restaurant next door, Honu. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
(5)Georgie S.
They were able to accommodate a group of 12 people which was great. The fresh grilled Fish was amazing. Everyone on our table Enjoyed their meal. Our waitress was fantastic and made sure we were all doing fine through out our meal. Amazing food!
(4)Craig H.
This is a great little oceanside restaurant. The view is great, the food is very good, and the service is excellent. Also having valet parking is a major plus for an always difficult parking in Lahaina.
(5)Erin Z.
If you go to Maui, you have to make a reservation here. The food is soooo good. I've gotten the special stir fry with fish and can't say enough great things. The flat bread, I dream about... Gluten free option too. The ambiance is wonderful, especially out on the back deck by the ocean. Highly recommend.
(5)Lisa H.
The ahi appetizer is one of the best, and unusual things I have had in a long time. I was on a cruise and walked from the ship to this little gem of a restaurant for lunch. It is charming, be achy and right on the water. If you sit on the patio, you can watch and hear the ocean gently lapping the rocky shore. Highly recommended.
(5)Andrea S.
Our best meal on Maui yet. As first courses we had garlic flatbread and tuna tartare. Both had incredible taste. As main course, we chose Kobe burger and a grilled mahi mahi with Yucon gold mashed potatoes. The fish was tasty and the mashed potatoes incredible. One star less for over cooking the sacred Kobe burger which was not medium rare as ordered. The home made Pommes Alumettes and mayo are are worth coming here.
(4)Cathy I.
This review covers both Mala Ocean Tavern and Honu Seafood and Pizza. Both restaurants are owned by chef Mark Elleman, and it's a testament to his vision and cuisine and hospitality that both are excellent places. We had dinner in each place and thoroughly loved the experience, the food, and the atmosphere. That the chef was very active at both places almost guarantees well run restaurants and thus top notch meals. We dined at his earlier Lahaina restaurant, Avalon, long ago, and that was the reason we definitely had to try Mala and Honu. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend them to al gourmet diners. The valet parking is also a plus.
(5)Steve W.
Firstly I have to say that we ate nothing at this place. Although I have had the calamari here about five years ago and it was fantastic. But today we stopped only for drinks. I give this place 5 stars purely because of the location. We sat within three feet of the ocean and were memorized by the waves. We ordered beers and sat there for over an hour watching the tide come in on their open patio facing the water. When it was almost high tide I saw a number of large turtles off the patio right along the waters edge. We payed our bill and literally jumped over the rails of the patio and watched turtles for a while If that's not why you come to Maui I don't know what is. I might even go back and try some food!
(5)Steven S.
One of the top spots in Lahaina! There is nothing better than great food in a beautiful setting. I made reservations for a peak hour (during sunset) and would have been seated promptly but opted to wait for a table right on the ocean, it was well worth the extra 30 minutes, it's not like the view was any worse standing right outside the restaurant! All the food and drinks ordered by my party were just fantastic, I had the fresh market fish myself (sea bass at the time) which I thought was the best of everything my table ordered. I will without a doubt be visiting Mala again during my next trip to Lahaina.
(5)J P.
Food was wonderful! The location was pretty cool as well. We sat outside and watched the sunset over the ocean. The bruschetta was awesome, and it was pretty kid friendly, but not cheesy. Service was decent (we were there on a very busy night). I'd go back!
(4)Kshira N.
We made a reservation here for dinner and showed up on time but it seemed to make no difference since another couple without reservation right before us were given a slot before us in the outside seating. The reservation only guarantees a seat but not outdoor seating which is kind of useless because almost everyone wants to sit outside and your reservation makes no difference if you want to get outdoor seating. We were asked to wait outside and even after 45 minutes we did not get a seat. The waiter seated two other couples before us who did not have reservations and one of them was behind us in the line! I don't understand whether they forgot about us or just invited those who chose to wait at the bar first or were just racist. I hope it's not the latter. We were really hungry by 9.15 and decided to eat elsewhere. We were very disappointed as we looked forward to a nice romantic evening but had to deal with such a frustrating experience instead!
(2)Robin M.
Our lunch was a gift from a local we had met while on our honeymoon. I was not sure what to expect but it was wonderful. Friendly staff, beautiful view and relaxing and wonderful little place. The food was unforgettable. The Adult Mac & Cheese was to die for. Everyone should try the oyster shooter was great !!!! Living in New Orleans I will for sure keep trying to make it on my own but we will be back to Lahaina for the shooters for sure. We also had the ginger martini was so good and fresh candied ginger was a perfect touch.
(5)Joshua F.
Really enjoyed our dinner. The seating is a little crowded with tables very close to each other but really nice otherwise. Got the Kobe beef burger and it was delicious. Wife got the seafood pasta and it was good. Not great but good. The calamari was really good, I think better than mamas fish house but my wife strongly disagrees. Overall I would probably go back again.
(4)Natalie N.
Excellent food. Started off with the coconut shrimp which were great. I had the Maui sandwich (a special) which was also great, extremely fresh. The purple potatoes (local) were to die for. We shared the vanilla macadamia nut ice cream which was also very good. Service was excellent, extremely attentive and quick to serve. The view on the patio was wonderful; it felt like we were dining on top of the ocean. Our only complaint was how crowded the tables were. Only a few feet between each table, you could overhear everyone's conversation, not super romantic. The front of the restaurant looks like a dilapidated shack from the outside, but overall a very good place.
(4)Virginia W.
We did not make a reservation for dinner around sunset but we came in before the rush and got a table by the patio overlooking the ocean. It's a very small restaurant and feels a bit crowded and loud, but not overwhelming. My husband had the Arnold Palmer on the beach- which is an Arnold Palmer with fresh guava- so tasty! We got the ahi bruschetta which was pretty yummy- really comforting. And we also split the Kobe burger- good! Not great- but good! The prices were high, but the view was good.
(4)Senia B.
The best food on Front St in Lahiana, Maui. We come to Maui every year and eat at different places. This is the best we been too. I love everything about the menu and the view.
(5)J. B.
Been to Maui twice now ('09 and '14) and this is by far the best dinner restaurant we've been too. This is the place to go for date night with your significant other. There were kids there tonight but I think the prices are a little high to bring the kiddos. We watched the sunset tonight with our 6:30pm reservation. While the sun was setting the waves were crashing right next to our table and the sea turtles were enjoying their evening meal as well. Had the ahi bruschetta, brussel sprouts, and Balinese stir fry. All three were excellent choices. We would have gotten grilled fish but we've been eating a lot of fish this week. Look forward to returning here next time we visit Maui.
(5)Lisa K.
Seriously people...for what are the rave reviews? Went to dinner with high expectations after reading several reviews that suggested Mala was a MUST when in Maui. My husband and I found it to be cramped, outdated, and a bit dirty (dingy plastic covering the bar glasses and etched glass mirrors on the wall that weren't stylish even when mullets were in vogue). Then came the food. It started with an edamame purée that was flavorless and unappetizing--a green blob swimming in some sort of tomato-ish soup. Fortunately the Ahi Bruschetta was an uptick. It was well flavored and unique. The calamari (appetizer) on the other hand dropped back down. It was completely unseasoned, to the point that I grabbed the salt-shaker (which I haven't done since Boyz To Men topped the charts) to salvage the dish. It didn't work. We ended our meal with the filet mignon which was buried in mash potatoes and undercooked vegetables (thought I broke a tooth biting into a wedge of a Brussels sprout). The main course was the filet mignon. The steak, although cooked well, was only 5 ounces...for a whopping $45! This price rivals that of the best steakhouses in Los Angeles. To emphasize my mood here, I forwent dessert. I never--EVER--ignore dessert. And lo is the restaurant that can create such discord in me. All in all, this meal was an overpriced dismal disappointment. I wish I could join the rabble of those who have (apparently) come before me in singing its praises. But, alas, truth must prevail, and this restaurant disappoints. Badly.
(2)Janek G.
Mala was recommend by a friend who visits the Island regularly and it did not disappoint! We did get possibly the best seat in the house, a two top right on the water. Stopped in at the bar for a fantastic Mai Tai before dinner, and 10-15 mins later were seated on the ocean and very well taken care of. We tried the asian fried chicken and the seafood pasta for main course and Ahi bruschetta and a ceviche for appetizers and were totally knocked out. Very well presented, tasted incredible, great surroundings and atmosphere. Absolutely worth 5 stars and we look forward to returning soon.
(5)Zach R.
Came in just as the sun was setting, we enjoyed drinks and appetizers to a beautiful sunset a few feet from the ocean. The service was prompt and the waitstaff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made our experience very pleasant. The food was expensive but delicious. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a nice ocean-side dinner.
(4)Rick K.
I can only ask myself how?.., this establishment has so many high marks. The ahi bruschetta. It had a little flavor but the fish was sliced razor thin. So much so that all I tasted was the bread. $14. That was $7 a bite. I got 2 bites. Steep. My entree which I hoped would save the day was a huge disappointment. Hoisin glazed ribs. BabyBacks... No. These were kiddie backs. Seriously, the bones were barely 3 inches in length. Meat? What meat. 2 tiny nibbles per rib/bone. Dry and over cooked. The sauce they were basted in was tasty, but it barely masked the desiccated chewiness of the dry meat. This was a child's plate, not an entree. Her entree was the Chinese Chicken Salad. Fresh lettuce, good dressing, but only 3 itsy-bitsy pieces of chicken. Come on guys. We left hungry. I was happy we had scheduled an early dinner. The service was good, prompt and attentive. (+1star). If you are looking for a delight, I'd look elsewhere.
(2)Dan C.
The quality of food is high, as are the prices, which would be fine, except all of our dishes were circa late nineties or early 2000s. Perhaps I am being harsh, but we enjoyed several similarly priced meals in Lahaina significantly more.
(3)M D.
Another excellent meal! This time the whole wok fried ohpakupaku, it was delicious. A beautiful night sitting under the stars listening to waves lapping against the rocks. Excellent drinks, food and service. You couldn't ask for more.
(5)Leslie D.
We have eaten at Honu and enjoyed it but this was a bit disappointing after all the recommendations we had been given. Great service and good drinks. Food was marginal. Worst calamari I've ever had (and it arrived with our salads) and a completely bland Caesar. Entrees (Asian fried chicken, fresh fish and Ahi) were better but my market fish was a tiny piece buried in mashed potatoes with a lump of something on either side One was spinach not sure the other. We had the fruit dessert and it was awful. For the price I just can't imagine coming back. There are better options, including their sister restaurant.
(3)Craig T.
My first experience with a restaurant that is completely night and day, liberally, in service AMD quality. Dinner (night) service I will always recommend. Lunch however, probably never. Ou lunch service was slow with only about a third if the restaurant occupied. The phone kept ringing and the worker's complaining that the cordless phi.e was missing. Sad, cause this is a really great place to dine at night.
(2)Alex N.
Dinner at 8:00 PM. Missed the views of the ocean. Great date spot and outdoor dining. Seating is tight. Edamame purée and hummus were delicious!
(4)Beverly D.
One of the best meals I have had anywhere. The ahi appetizer was delicious as was the tofu stirfry. Wonderful waterfront location perfect for sunsets. It is on the pricey side but well worth it imho -- so much so that I am giving it my first yelp review!
(5)Nancy P.
We've been there couple times in the past couple years, the service was always super good!! Most of the food was good, we tried the whole wok fish this time, $89 for 2 people, not very much fish meet, it was alright but worth to try it. The flatbread was tasty, and the clam dish was very fresh, beets salad was nice!! I especially love the ocean front view! The only thing they should working on was the buzz sound on the top of the roof, 2 couples and us realized the problem, we worried about if we could get electric shocks when we were having dinner there since we sit very close, hopefully they fixed it already. Otherwise, we were happy about everything there! Parking was a problem during the dinner hours, but they do offer valet parking if you eat there. Or you could park by the safeway store at the other side of the street.
(4)Kira C.
One of my top 3 restaurants ever! Good service every time, tasting martinis, and fantastic food. The spicy Manila clams and ahi bruschetta are amazing.
(5)Veronica D.
A great little local joint. It's unassuming from the outside and easy to drive by, but it's definitely a must stop. Making reservations will get you a seat inside, if you want the outside patio on the beach, be prepared to wait. You're welcomed with a small bowl of chips and tomatillo salsa with a heaping dollop of puréed edemame. Unique and flavorful. I wasn't too hungry and went for the Chinese chicken salad. Get the large portion if you plan to make this your meal. The veggies were fresh and crisp with a fabulously light dressing. It was a little weak on the chicken portion, but overall it hit the spot considering I wasn't too hungry. Before I go on, let me tell you that the less than popular chicken dish on an island might be hard to find something exquisite. Mala got a home run with my picky husband who got the Asian Fried Chicken. It was a juicy boneless chicken, fried to a crispy perfection with this amazing coconut mojo sauce. If you want a break from fish and steak, this dish won't disappoint with its purple mashed potatoes and garlic spinach. And I have to give a special recognition to their caramel Miranda dessert. A half order suffices for two people. Imagine a shallow bowl with melted chocolate and caramel sauce with slightly cooked pineapples, strawberries , blueberries, blackberries, and star fruit with a scope of mac nut ice cream. Simple yet tasty and amazing. I wasn't a fan of the coquitos they served with it (I'd ask them to leave that out if they can.) Oh and the Arnold Palmer had a nice twist with a splash of guava juice for a refreshing quencher.
(5)Rob M.
Would likely be giving this place 3 or 4 stars since the food was really, really good (only 3 or 4 since kid's meals were complete rip off). However, the one star rating is simply due to the fact that the shady waiter added a larger tip then I gave them. They added an extra $10 on top of the $75 we gave them (funny thing is we always give 20% but they did mandatory 18% since we had 10 people and we simply left it at that). I mean who does that shady stuff. To add an extra tip for not even great service (they were good but nothing special). I hope mgmt fires them or keeps an eye on it. They can't do that! I wonder how many other people have been ripped off by this guy. For sure will not return here and will certainly tell all friennds and family not to go. Shame too-in future visits would have made it back for sure.
(1)Eric J.
Love this place the food is great! service (Annie) Is awesome! We couldn't leave with coming back to MaLa! The people here are great! There was an error with our reservation and they fixed it with no question! Did I say the good was great! If you come to Maui you have got to come here no matter where you are on the island.
(5)Rebecca C.
Love the waves just outside the window next to the table. Ahi Bruschetta was the most amazing dish. solid oyster shooter, and the fish cooked in Balinese style was delightful, full of flavor (just a bit spicy for the "Spicy" option). The drinks by the glass were well put together. I heard that sunset time is the most popular here.
(5)Ryan E.
The BEST food on Front St and I've eaten everywhere on that road with the exception of the chain restaurants. Service is always perfect. Make a reservation to ensure a sunset view. One visit we had a 3 year old with us, this was a year ago. They didn't have a kids menu, but they made her a special pasta dish exactly how she ordered it :)
(5)Alexander T.
Great view with decent food and drinks. The ahi tuna on bruschetta was amazing and the salmon bread was not bad. I had a really girly drink which had hibiscus and tasted like a fruit roll up at the end. Good spot for brunch.
(3)Mark F.
Unfortunately we were on our last couple of days in Maui when we went here for breakfast. If we had found it sooner I think we would have been there a lot more!! Right at the Ka'anipali end of Lahaina, we drove past it most days. It sits right on the water with stunning views - ideal for a sunset dinner. Breakfast was great and included a bunch of organic items, and some very unusual treatments of otherwise normal stuff. The owners are clearly providing food with an Ethical eye and the ingredients and recipes reflect this. We also went for dinner the next night. Although we had booked in advance and requested an outside table it seems it is first come first served as we did not get one. Some really interesting things - what appeared to be guacamole was actually made with edamame beans, and the meals were delicious - mine was a little strong on the flavours for the fish I thought but still very nice. The bar was heaving by the time we left, and lots of folks were eating at the counters, so my advise is book ahead! Recommended.
(4)Maddy S.
I love this place!! We had a party of 5 with no reservation and got seated within 10 minutes. I had the Kobe burger which was unbelievable. It was cooked to perfection and deliciously juicy. Everyone else also enjoyed their meals. The location is amazing. Outdoor seating is right on the water and around sunset it's hard to beat. This place is a must visit when in maui!!
(5)Penelope K.
Stopped in today for our first visit. Sat at the bar around 4:30 pm and waitress with blond ponytail ignored us. There were 5 other people who had been served also sitting at the bar. After 5-7 minutes, a waiter came over and asked if we were okay, and we told him that we hadn't been waited on yet, and the blond glanced over at us. She was busy counting receipts. He apologized, gave us a menu, and then never came back. So we left, and won't go there again.
(1)Joe M.
Great view! Parking is limited so be prepared for that. We ordered a couple drinks, split a flatbread for appetizer, split the kobe burger for dinner and split some macadamia nut ice cream and fruit thing for desert. They were all good. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this restaurant. And in Maui (Lahaina, Ka'anapali and others) you're generally going to overpay for food. The burger was very flavorful and the best kobe burger I have ever had. Normally I feel like a kobe burger is just an overpriced burger. This one was about $20 but it was succulent. The flatbread was also very good and tasted very very fresh. We aren't fish people, so the rest of this menu was tough for us. The desert was good too. Personally, even with the inflated pricing for Lahaina and ocean view location restaurant, I felt the desert and Mai Tai was slightly overpriced. And while the mai tai was good, people say it's the best in other reviews on the 'net and we just didn't feel this way. Good, not great. Also, this is a fast paced restaurant. If we would've ordered standard entrees each plus desert, we would've easily spent $125-150. When I pay that much, I want to sit and enjoy the location. They weren't kicking us out or anything like that, but they were turning tables. Overall, I can't knock the restaurant and would really give it 4.5 stars if possible.
(4)Bryan A.
Very expensive but if you have the money to waste go ahead and try it food is decent service is great just better places to go for my money. A cheeseburger and chicken stirfry but will run you about $50 for lunch. We went there again for appetizers and drinks because we were suckered into the Costco gift card and bought a pizza from next-door definitely not worth the $80 we spent.
(2)Eliz S.
Food was relish, drinks were good too. Only bad was the bartender recognized locals and paid little attention to us. No biggie but just saying....ate at many places and this is a good spot for a nice dinner.
(4)April C.
There food is always good, our server is the best server ever seriously! We were kind of a high maintenance table considering we had 4 1/2 kids under 7,the server was fabulous & patient & nothing but smiles! Cant remember his name older slim guy been working there for a while! The last time i went wasn't impressed with fresh made fish burger but lesson learned, everything else is usually great, a little pricey too, but they have a decent happy hour.
(5)MJ R.
Their Ahi Tuna was phenomenal! The seared ahi bruschetta is a must to try, great concept & sooo delightful. Everything was very tasty!
(5)Deb D.
I'm writing only about the incredible Kobe cheeseburger because it's the only thing that I have ever ordered! I usually split it with a friend because it's so big and I take it w/out cheese. We add extra of the most spectacular, crisp, fries with the garlic aioli. I'm too afraid to try something else because I'm so obsessed with this combo!!
(5)Steve F.
Great location literally right on the ocean. Took a same day reservation for 12 people which was impressive. The food was really good, especially the Ahi tuna plate. Park near the Safeway grocery store and walk behind it and you are at the restaurant, very convenient.
(4)D M.
Best place ever !! Haven't even left the restaurant yet and had to mention all wonderful food we had . The ceviche was amazing along with the tuna brochetta for starters was amazing we also had the watermelon salad which was also so tweet savoring. I would say I'm not from around here so the watermelon itself tasted a little weird but all together great . We also got Mahi Mahi and trying to decide what dessert to get . Is a must on your trip ! People here are so nice and very fast service I might add
(5)Jessie M.
Wasn't blown away but it was a nice evening with our table right on the water and a nice server. Had dirty martinis and started with the Greek quartet of hummus, babaganoush, and a few other things, all amazing. Like really good. For the mains we got the seafood pasta, black bean sauce clams, and the burrata salad. The clams were my favorite for sure. The pasta was anti-climactic. The bar is loud so be prepared for that.
(4)Jim L.
Wow. A great surprise today having breakfast at MÄla. All 3 dishes and the Bloody Mary were excellent. I would come back here to eat and watch the waves wash on the shore.
(5)Stephanie P.
One of the last nights in maui we ate here... Wish we would have found it earlier! food was amazing, menu was vast... Drinks were even great!
(5)James L.
I have been here several times and without resorting to overstatement, this is my favorite restaurant of all time. The food is excellent. The staff is attentive and friendly. Perhaps they cater to the real locals a bit too much, but they have always treated me like visiting royalty. It is a small restaurant with intimate dining inside and out. The deck is located directly above the rocky beach with the waves lapping beneath. They have glass partitions so the wind is not too strong and inside the doors are almost always open to the water. The restaurant faces west so there is always a great sunset. It was warm here even in "winter". Try a few apps like the Ahi Bruschetta and ask about what wines are open because they always have an excellent variety. I usually like to sample several instead of getting an entire bottle. I can hardly remember what we ate or drank as it is more of an experience than a meal.
(5)Peter Y.
Great service and friendly staff. Must have their cocktails as they are genius creations. Oyster shooter is a must for starters as well as the Mahi Mahi cerviche. Had it at the bar and at the table. Our bartender, host and waitress were great. The entree were good but were overpriced. Understanding that local sourcing cost more but portions were smaller than expected.
(4)Sage T.
Blows. $130 for lunch for 4 yesterday. Including an ahi BURGER, 2 salads with fish, and a fish sandwich. 1 marg, a fizzy drink and a beer. Plus the most irritating Barbie falsetto waitress like you might find in a Rodriguez flick. Total waste of time and money. Had a good experience here a year ago, but places do go downhill.
(2)Ben F.
Excellent food. Had the ahi sashimi in a mushroom reduction and the beet salad to start. Highly recommended. Perfectly cooked and flavors jumped off the plate.
(5)Bryan S.
We started with the fried calemari which was good; moreover, the sauce that was served with it made this dish taste even better. I had the Kobe ribeye which also had a good flavor, but was on the pricey side. I was really disappointed to see that the steak was served with French fries for the price. Finally, the table had the adult Mac and cheese which was very good. Over all the food is about a three but the service and the view are worth the extra star.
(4)Jim H.
Wow. That was a disappointing meal. We ordered the adult Mac n cheese which did not resemble anything close. It was a soupy mess and looked more like sloppy cheesy soup. The Chinese chicken salad was insipid and lackluster. Not to mention the chicken bone in the salad. Positives? Well, the staff was polite and got us in immediately for dinner w/o reservations. The view and location are pretty good albeit a little grainy with the mesh sun shades. All in all, I'll pass next time and grab some poke from food land and eat it on the beach.
(1)A H.
Mala and Honu are two of the best restaurants in Maui. Service at both sites is incredible. Food is perfect, every fish dish to die for and food that is suppose to be hot is hot. Lunch is quick and onolicious. There are many good places to eat but these two places are the best in Lahaina.
(5)Sheila B.
Really liked this place in Lahaina. it felt non-touristy, very casual ambiance. seafood is top notch, the whole fish, the calamari, and raw bar were all very good. we went there with 6 adults and a cranky toddler and the waitress was great. I would recommend this place to my friends. price is reasonable but reasonable for Maui standards. The dessert was ok, fruit, ice cream and some Carmel sauce, not worth the $20 but enjoyed by all.
(4)Gina B.
Ohhh yehh! Now this is the way to start a vacation! Our first night out in Lahaina, we hit up Mala after I see an adversement stating they can acommodate gluten free diners. That's me! I was impressed with the patience of the wait staff and the chef's ability to turn out a delish meal given all my requirements. My friend ordered the mac and cheese and he could hardly put a dent in the huge bowl. MASSIVE LUMPS OF CRAB in the dish! Massive people! This was one of the top 2 meals of my trip. The salad was even amazing out of the fridge the next day. Everything was super fresh. And the view...AMAZING!
(5)Nicole J.
We ate here on our last night in Hawaii. Very cute restaurant overlooking the water. They bring you chips and a yummy salsa w/ edamame puree. My husband liked his Asian fried chicken and I enjoyed the coconut shrimp w/mashed potatoes. We didn't feel like waiting for a seat by the water, but dinner was still very nice and so was the staff.
(4)Joan B.
We have come here many years, multiple times per visit. This time have had two bad experiences including a reservation where we were seated 45 minutes late with no apology or offer of anything to make up for it. Sadly, we won't be going back!
(2)Cath M.
Ok, I'll try my VERY best not to be biased at this restaurant... Sis suggested going out at our very last night in paradise. She said we'll go to Mala... and that I'll like it. Knowing that she and I traveled everywhere and most of the restaurants that she takes me to... I do end up liking... I told her sure. Parking was tricky...it was a Thursday and apparently it was a "happening" night. We ended up parking by the road further down the place but it wasn't a far walk. It was just sunset and it was just gorgeous. We got to the place - it was TINY! And packed! I was a bit worried b/c it had a lot of touristy folks (yes, we were tourist too but I just assumed that it was going to be with the locals... just like how my sis travels =) We were very fortunate that a table for two just opened up (on the inside not outside). We sat and it was very "intimate" - I could hear the two guys conversation on our right and the group of four on my left (they were figuring out what white wine to get!) Yup, that close together. Enough blabbing...we ordered the following (again, just reviewing my order since I didn't really try sis's food.) Sis's food: - SEARED AHI BRUSCHETTA (Flax Seed Toast, Olowalu Tomatoes & Edamame Puree) she liked it enough to do some major damage to it. - SPICY LAMB PITA (she didn't really eat this b/c it was too spicy for her) My food: - HOISIN GLAZED BABY BACK RIBS (Molokai Purple Mashed Potatoes, Shiitakes, Edamame & Coconut Peanut Sauce) ~ I loved it. It was like eating Thai food but with just ribs! Sis was laughing b/c I inhaled the food. I was so quiet! Sis asked me if I wanted rice... I wanted too but it was just a little TOO Filipino like =) It was really juicy and the flavors were just right! - for dessert, I opted for the coconut creme brulee. I was on vacation and I'm a sucker for anything coconut...man it was awesome! Loved it. Oh...sis ordered a bottle of wine...forgot which one but it was good...I finished most of it. But she loved the fact that they were serving Flowers (her BFF's wine) and she mentioned another one of her friends but by that time I was too focused on someone... At the end...service was *top-notch* and overall, they were all very attentive. PS: I loved their tagline: "Practice Aloha." I'm a designer so I had to be uber touristy by buying a shirt and a cap for me and a shirt for my bro. I'm hoping to be back and try their lunch and brunch menu...soon? =) Highly recommended and be sure to call in for a res so you can see the beautiful sunset outside...I wasn't able to experience it but next time...
(5)Malika L.
OMG!! Loved this place. Celebrated my birthday here!! Had the sea bass....super super delicious!! The calamari was good too. I wasn't too jazzed about the edamame pure they bring to the table upon arrival...but it was decent paired with the salsa and chips that were provided too. Try to get there early so you can score a window view and admire the beautiful picturesque scene!!
(5)Rick M.
Let me start by saying, I don't do mediocre reviews. A place has to be way above or below what I expected for me to comment. Sadly Mala did not deliver. For a place that purports to be the top restaurant in Lahaina it disappoints on most fronts. The location is fine, however the decor is that of a Crab Shack, not a fine dining establishment with these prices & reputation. We made reservations via Open Table a few days prior for my wife's 60th birthday; stating as much & asking for a special table. What we got was an indoor table w/ banquet. Fine. When I asked the hostess if it might be possible to move to an outdoor table when one became available? A flat "NO, we don't do that." Was her response. Let's move on. We brought in a chilled bottle of vintage Champagne to mark the special occasion which we handed to the waitress, asking her to keep it chilled while we enjoyed cocktails. When the bottle was returned to the table later it was warm & we had to ask for an ice bucket. Food. Actually most of the meal was quite good. Not exceptional. Most disappointing was the "Adult Mac & Cheese". While the flavor was good, it came with an inexplicable layer of rubbery cheese on top that had been melted under the broiler. Beneath that were what appeared to be Golden Grain Small Elbow Macaroni, swimming in a nicely flavored something. Certainly not a Béchamel base, that is the basis for any good M&C. We came here on the recommendation of friends, who had visited the previous week. We brought with us friends who own several Maui properties, so that they could add it to their list of local favorites for their guests. Unfortunately that won't be happening. Overpriced. Mediocre Service. Lots of attitude. Find a place that knows the real meaning of Aloha.
(2)Marc L.
Kobe beef burger was bomb. Drinks were great, service was good and the view of the sunset doesn't get any better. Would definitely recommend it to friends.
(5)Kelly A.
Great Brussels sprouts. Very interesting (good) oyster shooter. Fresh produce, excellent flavors. Ocean front dining. Go and give it a try. Their food is yummy!
(3)Dave C.
Time Arrived: 6pm, weekday Time Wait: NA Party: 2 Atmosphere: Far from the crowds on the strip of front street so its quiet. Also, you can look out and see sea turtles popping their heads out for air, that was kinda awesome. Seating is tight, you can hear and see what every1 else around you is doing (not really an issue for us as we mostly enjoyed our food in silence with the view of the sea and turtles!). Food/Drink: Wife had the seafood pasta which was generous with the fishes and tasty. I tried the pan fried whole sea bass, which was equally if not more delicious. I love how they cut up the side of the fish for you b4 they fry it, its hard to explain but what happens is it makes it that much easier to eat. You can just pop the meat off the fish. We also had an appetizer which i totally forgot about so it clearly wasnt mind blowing. Service: No complaints, drinks refilled, menu explained, food delivered promptly. Overall: It is not cheap here. Bill came to 120 for 2, and we did not get any alcoholic drinks. I preferred this place over laihiana grill, because it was just a tad bit more casual. And there is parking readily available.
(4)Rachael C.
The view was great and food was nice. I had a good time here and would love to come again. I otdered oyster shot (you must try it!) And blanaise (? I don't know the name of it) with fish. My friend ordered kobe beef burger and I like its side dish, fries.
(5)Erroll G.
I'm going to preface this review by stating I eat out at alot of restaurants, from really cheap to really expensive. So when a restaurant charges fine dining prices, I expect a few basic things. Reading the earlier reviews on Yelp, I knew Ma'la was on the expensive side, with a nice view of the ocean. Also, people raved about their food. So I had pretty high expectations. Now, back to the few basic things I expect: 1) a fine dining restaurant should provide cloth handkerchiefs, not paper towel napkins for dinner 2) a fine dining restaurant shouldn't have cheapo plastic tables, that are uneven and will send your drink sliding down and on to the floor 3) a fine dining restaurant doesn't end your meal by giving you a bumper sticker 4) a fine dining restaurant wait staff should be dressed in something more than t-shirts and shorts The restaurant is tiny, so be prepared to hear every word of the conversations from adjacent tables. No quiet romantic dinners here. I know, I haven't talked about the food yet. So let's get started with the appetizer. First they bring out some type of salsa with crushed soybeans and tortilla chips. This was nothing special. The chips were a little stale. We ordered the mahi mahi ceviche. Pica de gallo with hints of mahi mahi would have been a more appropriate labeling. Overall the dish wasn't terrible, but considering it was 20 bucks, I expect more. For the entree I had the mahi mahi on top of mashed potoatoes, toasted pita and pesto sauce. The entree wasn't bad, maybe a 6.5/10. The biggest thing for me was that the price you spend on dinner doesn't match the ambience of the restaurant. We spent about 120 bucks for dinner, when I think it was more on par with a 70-80 dollar meal. Part of enjoying a fine dining restaurants is the food, presentation, restaurant ambience, and the customer service. We've dined at Mama's Fish House and Lahaina Grill, which are similiarly priced, but you get a better dining experience at those restaurants (and also better food and flavors). Check out my review for Mama's Fish House if interested.
(3)Jennifer R.
Love this restaurant! Great food and excellent service. The edamame purée starter is delicious. The albacore bruschetta appetizer was fantastic. Three of us ordered the seafood pasta, one the Kobe burger, and one the mahi mahi. All of us liked our entrees. The banana bread pudding dessert was amazing. I would definitely recommend this to others - the service alone makes it a quaint relaxing experience.
(5)Leslie T.
Absolutely fabulous food and view. We shared the wok fried catch of the day that happened to be snapper on the night we ate. Wait staff was very courteous and professional. Definitely a spot for foodies with creative flavor combinations! Large wine list and we were shocked when offered a small taste of several of the higher end wines before making our selection. Very impressive restaurant!
(5)ken a.
Make a reservation (Call or Open Table) Or else enjoy a long wait (no matter the time or day or day of the week) The most delicious food I've had here was a mahi mahi sausage flat bread (aka pizza). I know it might not sound fantastic but it was a nice fine sausage texture, like you might get in the NE and had a nice little zing to it. The Coconut Shrimp will disappear right before your eyes. The worst thing was a hamburger, which literally was uneatable. Some gross texture and horrid flavor (perhaps seaweed feed cows - certainly not grassfed). I know, how can a named chef not do a burger - go figure. In-between Adult mac and cheese, which has a little blue cheese in it. It is top of the stove style, rather than baked. The mushroom flavor might turn off some but I thought it was OK. The noodles were slightly over cooked but not seriously. I wouldn't get again but it wasn't bad. The Mahi Mahi Ala Plancha was also OK. I mean it is fresh mahi mahi, so how bad can it get :-) I love ginger so wished this had a little more too it. But it wasn't that far off from something you might make at home. I probably wouldn't get it again The cocktails are fab. They make the only Mai Tai I've liked on the island. The Sunny cirtus is a wee bit sweet for me but others feel it goes down like lemonade. The cane and coco is my favorite; put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up! Oh, did I mention - you need to make a reservation (even if you call while walking on the street headed there)
(4)Alison L.
My husband and I ate at Mala for our anniversary dinner this week. The restaurant was recommended by Robert at Luna cafe down the road. We are so glad we came with a recommendation from a local since it was a bit more down to earth with a less touristy feel. We had a relaxing dinner starting with the Mediterranean plate which was delicious. I had the mahi mahi which was good but not amazing and my husband had the seared ahi which seemed a little mismatched with the sauce - good nonetheless. The drinks we were good we had the sangria and the mojitos. The really nice thing about this place was the view! Amazing ocean views at sunset and 100s of turtles to watch swimming on the shoreline while you eat. Worth the trip!
(4)Mitch W.
Mala is one of those restaurants that you dream about when you haven't eaten there in a while. On our recent trip to Maui, we ate here twice because it was THAT good. I still think about their edamame puree dip with chips. I really like that appetizer. Whenever the busboys asked if we were finished with it, I'd say No! I was tempted to ask for more like the little boy, Oliver. My two dinners there were both excellent, but I enjoyed the Kobe burger that I ate there last trip a little better. However, I decided to try two different items this trip. The first dinner I had the Ahi burger (House Made) for $17. It's fresh ground ahi w/herbs & spices, whole wheat bun, tartar sauce, romaine, tomato & frites. It was very good. Their french fries are some of the best I've had. The second dinner I had the Mahi Mahi Ala Plancha (Local) for $37. It comes with YG potato puree, mojo verde & grilled pita with romesco. The fish was very fresh and tasty. I enjoyed it very much, but part of the sauce was slightly too spicy for me. For dessert, we shared the Flourless Chocolate Torte Souffle both times. It comes with Vanilla Macadamia nut brittle ice cream, caramel sauce and whipped cream. Delicious!!! If you're in town, you must try Mala! Mahalo!
(5)Dean M.
Very good service and nicely prepared fresh food. If you want a nice dinner with the ocean at the end of your table this is a great place. It's not touristy and you are not being herded in our and out in massive numbers.
(4)MARK P.
One of our favorite places on Maui. A bit of a splurge price-wise, but it's been worth it each time we've visited. Creative apps and entrees, usually a worthy special or two, decent wine list, It's surprisingly kid-friendly, the kikei menu has good several choices, in appropriate kid-sized portions. Reservations are a must if you want an outside table. And you do want one.
(4)Maria W.
We came here two times during our vacation in Maui. Very much enjoyed the service and atmosphere, especially around sunset. It's a little overpriced, but you're paying for the view too. Great cocktails. Highly recommend the whole fried fish, it's a uniquely Hawaiian dish!
(4)Patrick A.
Ahhh, Mala. Found this place about 4 Maui trips ago, and every time we are there we make a point of going. The facade you see from the street is the epitome of nothing special. Inside you get a great vibe and beautiful view of the ocean. But the food is what makes this place worth returning to. Ironic given its great seafood, but the Kobe Beef burger is probably the best burger I've ever had, and consistant year to year, so it usually wins out when I order. Not the cheapest place, but also not as expensive as it could be given it is Maui, and the quality of the ingredients and preparation. If you make reservations, try and book a table on the patio for the best view.
(5)wingless g.
Came here for the happy hour - bit pricey for a happy hour but the view was amazing (and luckily I snagged a spot in the shade). Coconut shrimp and calamari were yummy, ahi burger just ok.
(3)Nell B.
Ahi Bruschetta. That's all you need to know.
(5)Holly G.
With no reservation we opted to sit at the bar. The bar tender was awesome and so were all other other people sitting there that night. Per the bar tenders recommendation, we tried the seared Ahi bruschetta...AMAZING! Great food, great view, highly recommend!
(5)Scott P.
Fantastic location, fantastic, food, fantastic service, this and their sister restaurant Honu are the best!
(5)Gretchen R.
My husband and I discovered Mala on our honeymoon in Maui and it quickly became a favorite-- Fresh, organic and delicious food at a decent price-- a combo that's hard to come by. In the words of my husband, "the kobe cheeseburger will make you want to be a better man before you die. But at least you'll die happy after eating one of those..." On top of delicious food and flavors, the service and atmosphere were superb. Mala is truly a superior experience and is mouth watering good.
(5)Josh F.
We arrived and found parking right outside. They have about 6 spots to park right on the beach next to the restaurant. The hostess greeted us and quickly ushered us to the back outside covered patio right on the ocean. It was late afternoon and hot/humid. They had the roll down shades out so we wouldn't cook ourselves in the late afternoon sun. The waiter (whose name escapes me) greeted us and said he's been there for five years and can answer any questions about the menu or drink list. We ordered a couple of Mai Tais (duh!) since we just landed and a cold, sweet, rum laced drink is what we needed. They claim it is an award winner (but other Maui places claim this too). It was good and came with the requisite slice of pineapple and umbrella :) On to the wine list, I swear if I cold pick a wine list it would be this one. Lots of California brands you will recognize. All the cabernets are expensive but if you want to splurge $300 for Opus One you can. They have other choices by the glass which you'll actually enjoy and not be disappointed that you wish you had a bottle instead. To start we got the bruschetta with ahi. It's excellent. It's also pretty big with 4 four good size pieces, so be careful if you aren't that hungry it'll fill you up. I had the grilled fish sandwich which came with mahi mahi. Very good sandwich. It's served with fries that are nice and crispy. It also comes with a side of tartar sauce and there's a garlic aioli. He asked if I wanted ketchup too. My wife had the entree special which was snapper on a bed of yukon potatoes and another purple potato (can't remember what kind). It came encircled with triangles of pita bread. There was also a lime cilantro sauce. It was excellent. We chatted up the waiter a little and he gave us the menu for the sister restaurant next door, Honu. They make pizza and is supposed to be great (have not been yet). Highly recommended.
(5)Placido S.
If you want to hang with the Maui posers, this is a must visit place. Overpriced drinks were way below par. Service was not bad. We ordered the whole fried fish ($82.00)....was very, very bland and was not filling at all. Loud place too....but very trendy place. I would check out other local restaurants.
(1)Kimberly D.
I have a mixed review for Mala.. we loved the food, and the front of the house was very nice but the entire experience at the table was terrible. We had been out all day hiking and were starving, so stopped here on the way home since I had read some good reviews on it. We were accommodated very quickly especially since we didn't have reservations, and were a bit concerned as to our dress but hey, it's Hawaii and we wanted to eat some great food. From the moment we sat down, our server whose name was John (mind you-he never told us his name) was SO RUDE the entire time. My friend and I tried to order appetizers while our other 2 friends were in the restroom. He barked at us saying, "Just wait until everyone else is here and I will do it all together." Umm.. ok.. When our entire party came, he didn't introduce himself, offer any specials or recommendations or even seem mildly interested in being there. I was the first to order and after my order he said, "Anyone else?!" No, - I am just going to eat alone and my friends will watch. We couldn't believe his attitude.. either he thought we were poor because we weren't dressed up, or is just an ass. I agree with the other reviewer; BD, that if we hadn't had been so hungry we would have left. Now, I have been a server before along with my other friend who was in our party and we were flabbergasted as to how this guy is even still working there. He was rude, condescending, impolite and just an all around asshole. Sorry, but it's the truth. I would possibly go here again but would call and specifically ask that this waiter not be our server. I recommend he get a new job or the owner fire him, he is not doing anyone any favors by working here.
(3)avalon e.
Overrated and overpriced tourist trap. Didnt get to sit outside but it was dark anyway so timing was off. Instead of some fancy flatbread we were offered Doritos and some edamame paste on a watery spicy concoction. $13 you get cough-syrup tasting MaiTai served in a tumbler $42 gets you a small sauteed pc of Onaga which tasted so-so, on some Campbell tomato soup like sauce on the bottom and 2 small servings of wilted spinach. For $14 a half order of tuna bruschetta, laser thin slices of tuna on some Safeway multigrain bread. $19 for Mahi Ceviche which is overly spicy. I dont mind paying big bucks for a good meal of refined food. But this is borderline highway robbery. Could have done MUCH better eating @ the hotel restaurants.
(2)Matt D.
Of each restaurant I've experienced on Maui for the last 8 years, this is by far the worst. Expensive prices for sub-par food and horrible waitstaff. Simply awful service to our table. It seemed we were ignored for 30 minute periods at a time while every other table around us seemed to have several servers helping them. It only exacerbates my fear that our skin color had something to do with our rude, lacking service. Go somewhere else, we sure wish we had.
(1)Subir G.
Went here for dinner while on Maui for a week-long wedding. Our first trip to Hawaii, and even though we're New Yorkers, accustomed to high-priced entrees, we were a bit surprised at all the $40 entrees on the island. Now that we've got that out of the way, we can move past it. We reserved late, but were able to get a table a day before. Once we arrived though, we realized the bar is actually really nice, and the very welcoming bartender convinced us to stay at the bar (didn't hurt that our little corner was more private than the tables and it was dark outside so the views from the tables weren't worth waiting for). We had the Ahi bruscetta, the Balinese stir-fry (fantastic) and the Filet Mignon (bartender's recommendation and totally worth it). The food was great, the service very warm and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit if you can afford it!
(5)Elle M.
Thanks to the bartenter at our local "The Ritz" restaurant for turning us on to this gem of a spot. He apparently vacations in Maui quite often and raved about Mala, and he was right to do so. We arrived during happy hour which had a limited menu as compared to dinner or lunch....but still oh so yummy!! The Mai Tai's were fresh and delicious, the coconut shrimp was a very fresh take on how most prepare them and it was a welcome change & experience! My husband had the fresh fish of the day sandwich which was Mahi Mahi...he devoured it delightfully and I had a healthy salad with fresh Mahi Mahi and veggies with brown rice and an amazing peanut sauce! I would definitely put Mala on your "to do" list while in Maui!!
(4)Carrie C.
YUM! Excellent, view, food, and drinks! Its funny eating around Maui, I order food from the menu and it comes out with extras, surprises that weren't described on the menu! Which means I always ordered too much food, but so good, that you have leftovers! The service was awesome too, Thanks Rob! Next time we'll try the restaurant next door. Both of them have such excellent reviews.
(5)Fernanda W.
We really loved our evening at Mala. Service was great, the atmosphere was the laid back and original we seen in Lahaina or Maui and the food and drinks were really great. Our server, Danny, was super nice, and for the first time in Maui we didn't feel pushed out of a restaurant after a meal in Maui. All in all it was great, would recommend and go back for sure.
(5)John R.
Great food all around and the Avalon Seared Sashimi - Yukon Gold Potato Puree Shiitake Mushroom Ginger Sauce - which I had spicy was great. It is right on the water so make a reservation and time it right to catch the sunset. The food is good but no chef can match the view you get table side.
(4)Jenny L.
Mala is what I will remember Maui by. Happy hour daily from 3:00-4:30. I know, it's a weird time. But we're on vacation, so I will drink whenever I please! Mojito, mai tai, and a sangria. Check! + Tomato shiitake flatbread + Farmers salad + Ahi burger +++ Caramel Miranda - A melted dark chocolate and caramel sauce covered plate with layered and broiled island fruit, raspberries, Maui Gold pineapple, baby coconuts and vanilla macadamia nut brittle ice cream. FYI, you can get a half order for a few dollars less, and it will still be huge and fulfilling. We sat outside in the patio, right next to the ocean waves. The waiter pointed out the turtles that paddle along the shore. It was an amazing view as we caught the sunset with excellent food and delicious drinks. *Sighs in contentment*
(5)Madeleine H.
Delicious food, great service, and an incredible sunset view- but you are definitely paying extra for the view. We had the fresh fish of the day and the ahi sashimi, which were truly delicious. The famous $20 Caramel Miranda dessert was a rip-off: it's just a big plate of fruit with a little chocolate caramel sauce- maybe I wouldn't have been so disappointed if I wasn't expecting something REALLY special for a $20 dessert. So get a different dessert. Entrees are definitely priced $10-$20 over what you would find elsewhere, but that's the score with oceanfront dining, so if you care about food more than ambience, there are probably better places for the money. But we wanted the view and it was incredible. We even saw some glimpses of sea turtles feeding in the ocean.
(4)Michael L.
It's a nice place but unfortunately the waiting is very long and tiering, we had reservation and still had to wait 30 minutes.... The food was ok, nothing fancy.
(3)Monique R.
This was by far our favorite restaurant in Maui. Everything was incredible. We went there 2 years ago, loved it then ... and came back this week and it was still incredible. The mixed green salad with beets and panko crusted surfing goat cheese was insanely good. We also had a side of fries, kids pizza, burger and hummus with flatbread and it was all so so good. Desert was also delish! The patio is very cool, right on the water with an abundance of sea turtles below, beautiful view. Our server was very nice, attentive and genuine. We did overhear the server for the table next to us talking to them and he seemed very cheezy and less genuine. We may have gotten lucky there. Food was 5 star and we are critical! NOTE: This is the original Mala, there is a new on in Wailea at the Marriott which is not as good. This one in Lahaina is worth the drive!
(5)Austin A.
Stopped in for a quick lunch one late afternoon, and our experience was wonderful. Our waitress was timely, polite, genuine, and very helpful. She recommended the Hood Canal Oyster Shooter (incredibly yummy.), Spicy Lamb Pita (Amazing!), and Tomato Shiitake Mushroom Flatbread (Perfection in every way.). All in all this was a beautiful spot, you couldn't be any closer to the ocean or the sea turtles unless you were actually in the ocean. Beautiful place, wonderful service, amazing food. Prices were reasonable, low and totally worth it In my opinion. (4 Oyster Shooters, Large Flatbread, Spicy Lamb Pita for under $34) If you're near Lahaina, this place is a MUST!
(4)Lindsay A.
This depends on Location and time of reservation. I have never had a bad meal here. I have had 2 faaaabulous meals and 2 meh to ok meals. I would say the location in Lahaina is better than the one in Wailea. Although the location in Wailea has the best waitress, if I only remembered her name. She was incredible. We had the whole fish which was dynamite. I think the tartar is good. a little boring but good. The oyster shooters are great, It's a rip off because it's Hawaii, but at least it's better than the pita place they have around the corner where you pay 70$ for hummus... I digress. I would go here again.
(3)Ted H.
Great ocean front location with very friendly service. The mai tai was great. The food was also good, but just a bit heavy for me. Make a reservation if you'd like an ocean view table on the patio. Parking is also limited so budget some time to find a spot.
(3)Dana E.
Our friends recommended this restaurant, so we wanted to give it a try. The restaurant is small and intimate. It's away from the hustle and bustle in Lahaina. We asked for an outside table, and were seated on the water. The sunset is beautiful from here, so go early. The service and food is outstanding. They have the best cheeseburger, made with Kobe beef. It's the best burger I have ever had. Cocktails were really good, was tipsy from one! Would definitely go back next time in Maui! My husband loved his fish entree as well! Amazing evening!
(5)Melodi R.
I coulda skipped Lahaina completely and still loved my vacation in Maui, but to miss Mala would have been a big mistake. Lahaina was VERY touristy (including the local homeless freak shows posing for photos). Places like Bubba Gumps and Hard Rock were busier than most of the restaurants on the main drag. We just stopped in to Mala for drinks and had their chips and amazing salsa. I wished we would have stayed for dinner (reservations are needed and they book up completely, so book early). Their patio dining area is beautiful especially at sunset! The food (including the hamburgers) looked reallllly good! Eric at the bar was a super friendly guy and proved he's a great bartender as the bar and restaurant got busier and busier. I think he likes his job and it shows!
(5)Eric G.
Lunch was great. Dinner was great. The specials are worth trying. They actually are pretty freakin special. Great cocktails and pizzas to boot. Forget about the view, yes it's great but don't get distracted by that and miss out out what's on your plate! They do pack a lot of tables in there, and I'm knocking off a perfect score because countless servers and bussers alternately banged into me and our table all through appetizers. I picked the f*in table up and moved it before the entrees arrived. A Funny Story There was a drunk guy staggering and lurching around the dining room. All of the diners noticed him though he was invisible to the servers. He would occasionally visit and start talking with some tables so we kept our eyes down. I made a little joke comment to our server about the drunk stumbling careening guy in brown and she said "oh that's the owner." And I said- "Oh! I didn't mean to joke, I didn't know he had a disability." And then she said "But. He's not disabled. " I stopped talking at that point.
(4)Anthony b.
Had a 7:30 reservation, didn't get in until 8:30pm. Don't make a reservation here, won't work ! Food was good, nice location but I won't return due to the wait.
(1)Sasha C.
Get the ahi bruschetta, you will not be disappointed! Ive been here quite a few times and the other most memorable things for me that I've had are the Manila Clams (yum!) and the Mac and cheese, which was definitely not like any other mac and cheese I've had before. The only downside if I can even really say there is one is that sometimes you may have to wait, so I'd recommend a reservation especially if you want to get one of the tables next to the water.
(5)Maya T.
We had a great meal here while on vacation in Maui. We called in around 5 pm and were able to get a reservation for dinner that same day. We decided to share an appetizer (sauteed mushrooms with pita bread), salad (roasted beets with chevre), and an entree (Mahi Mahi ala plancha (cooked on plank)). All our dishes were excellent. We also had some delicious Mai Tais, which I normally wouldn't drink but decided to because I was in Hawaii. Service was very good and we had a nice table by the open deck. Only downside was the steep prices, but this is typical for the area.
(4)Trevor E.
Great experience. On my honeymoon, and asked them to make it special and the hostess and manager went the extra mile to make it memorable. This is a must for anyone on Maui. The food was great too!
(5)Kristen S.
Mala Tavern is on the ocean, if that is at all possible. Literally, ON! We went for lunch and it was gorgeous and breezy, but I can only imagine the happy hour/dinner views are to die for here. Maui sunsets no ka oi, as they say...be warned: this is a very small restaurant and you should make reservations or come at off-times - the lanai seating is first come first serve, also. The food: the food is mediterranean "themed" but really offers a good selection of fresh, local pac-rim fare as well. The flatbreads are delicious and the fish is also very good. Their bar and beer selection is quite good - ice cold brew on the ocean, with some yummy bites to accompany it? Yes, please!
(4)Jordan R.
So in visiting Maui, its been tough to find a really solid breakfast joint. LOVED this place. It gets 5 stars for the overall experience. Food was definitely some of the better we've had in Maui, though this isn't some 5-star brunch joint. The food was simply fresh, tasty, well prepared, and excellently priced. The Healthy Bread, SUPER tasty. Butter, jam, bread....instant happiness. Also, great coffee! The coffee I think is Kaanapli Coffee Company, and they brew it at the right strength. Perfect for us visitors from the Pacific NW. Our eggs were super fresh and tasty with a nice cheese in the scramble. I had the smoked salmon tartine which was pretty fantastic. Our mimosas were splendid, and had fresh OJ in them. Portions were just right. Would definitely have the hazelnut cinnamon roll thing I saw when we go back, which I think we are doing tomorrow morning! Oh, and the bacon was on point! I love good bacon, properly cooked. The view was great, sitting on the deck out back just relaxing. We got there right at 9AM when they opened, had a reservation and got prime seating along the water. The place filled up not 25 minutes later, and we're in the "low" season. I would definitely make reservations. Staff was amazingly friendly. Super attentive, super friendly, very accommodating.
(5)Melinda C.
This is our #1 restaurant in Maui. They mix flavors that I wouldn't pin together and somehow it is so harmoniously perfectly balanced. It's quite pricey but for fish this fresh and flavors this excellently executed, i can't imagine paying that much less anywhere. It was our one splurge night (~$200 for 2 martinis, an appetizer and a half, two entrees and a beer). And outstanding service to boot! You know how people hype up things and then you're disappointed? I was worried that the ahi bruscetta would be that for me between reviews and suggestions, but it was P E R F E C T, and I don't even love ahi. On an edamame puree, with DELICIOUSLY dressed tomatoes, all on a flaxseed piece of bread that is buttered and toasted then drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar (sweet and tangy) and olive oil. Thank god for the ability to order a half order or I wouldn't have finished my entree. The ceviche - so simple and perfect as well - the husband was eating it with a spoon. It tasted so pure - I was thinking I could make this at home, but I doubt it. The cilantro was present but not prevalent, which is great since I don't like cilantro. For entrees, the husband got the ahi sashimi which came in an Asian inspired sauce - it had body, it had chunks and it had no particular flavor that stuck out but again, a perfect harmony of flavors where the sum is greater than the whole. I got a lightly sauteed fish of the day served with spinach and mashed potato in a tomato cream sauce. These dishes couldn't be more perfect for us - I'm all about tomato cream sauces, and he's all about Asian influences (and he had been looking for that the entire time we were on Maui, he just didn't find it until now). I don't even like fish! But I was full after the appetizer and still sucked down my fish, so that must say something. All topped with a beautiful pear martini - light, refreshing, just vodka and fresh puree, perfectly mixed with some bruised ice. All with the sounds of the surf behind you (like 3 feet behind), and the stars above you at night, or the beautiful blue water during the day. The husband said he'll dream about this place (and he never gets that excited about food!) It will be the first place we hit up when we return. Oh, and we were able to find free parking in front of the restaurant and along the water.
(5)Nicole D.
Personally I recommend going for happy hour. Little pricey for what you get. My favorite dishes are there appetizers. Very quiet during happy hour, grab a seat on the patio. Beautiful view. Hummus is delicious, so is the garlic cheese flatbread. Great service, but bar drinks always take a little while.
(4)Corin C.
Fantastic restaurant in Lahaina ! Beautiful oceanfront, great seafood & service! Had the mahi ala plancha, roasted brussel sprouts & the best Ahi bruschetta for an appetizer. Chocolate soufflé for dessert!
(4)Chris P.
Mala seems a little overrated to me. The food is good, but overpriced. You do not have to spend $50 per person for lunch on Maui to get a good meal. You are really paying for the view at Mala as you are literally right on the beach. I had the mahi mahi ceviche ($19) for starters. It was tasty. The half-pound cheeseburger was good as well, but not $20 good. Dessert was a root beer float. It was a letdown.
(2)S. P.
Fresh, delicious food...great service...ocean front. A little pricey, a little crowded but worth the money and wait.
(4)Alizabeth S.
I want to give this place two stars, but I can't think of why. One star feels mean but I'm going to do it so you don't go. I knew I was in trouble when nothing on the menu looked appealing to me. Nothing. The prices seemed silly as well, but Maui ocean front will do that to the best of places; I ignored that for my review. I didn't like the food. Things seemed pretentious and the flavors were trying too hard and not quite making it. There was cumin in everything. The complimentary dip to start off the meal was gross to me. The chips were cold and stale. (edible, I was hungry) Anyway, just skip this place. The staff was friendly if inattentive, we did get in without a reservation and the food was served quickly and it looked pretty.
(1)Maurie F.
One word. WOW! Great wine selection. Amazing food. We had incredible, friendly and efficient service. The taste of the different menu items are all GREAT! An absolute must for dinner on Maui.
(5)Bill W.
Where do I start? My wife and I make a point to drive here from Wailea every time we visit Maui. On our most recent visit, we started with the ceviche. The portion size was large enough to satisfy, and tasted delicious. I ordered my usual, the ahi burger, and my wife ordered the fresh fish sandwich (grilled). As much as I loved my ahi, my wife's fish sandwich was better. After she let me have a bite, it was so good I didn't know if I should eat it or make sweet love to it. I honestly don't recall how much the check was because 1. I'm on vacation, and 2. It's Maui so I don't expect it to be cheap. All I know is the food and drinks were great, the service was prompt and friendly, and the view from our table was very pretty. We left completely satisfied, and look forward to our next visit to Maui so we can eat here again.
(4)Susan B.
Excellent service. Food is mediocre. Tomato burrata, ceviche, beet salad & fried chicken were good. The rest of the entrees we ordered were not that tasty. Nice atmosphere.
(3)J N.
When I first arrived, I was quite worried by the rudeness of both the host and the bartender. The host seemed less than pleased at my arrival, and the hostess looked like I was not a "welcomed tourist". I was dressed in a nice dress, but not overly dressed to the point of looking out of place, since it was clearly a casual place, and I was there to spend money. What a shock after dining at Lahaina Grill the night before. But maybe they don't want people with money to spend. On Front street? Seriously? Who really knows? I couldn't decide on a wine and I was surprised at the poor selection of white by the glass. The bartender seemed annoyed by that, and equally annoyed when we almost saved a single seat while one of our party members parked the car. (wt?) At this point, we had already waited at least 35 minutes for a table, too. We decided to give up the seat, out of fear of retribution. He did lighten up when I promised to tip him out well at our dinner. So why the five star? All of that changed when we were seated at our table. We shared the ahi bruschetta which was to die for and the pasta special which was heavenly. The mac and cheese was ordered by the less adventurous and it was amazing but too rich on its own. I don't even remember the dessert, and I don't care. It had fruit and it was delicious. This is a tough call, but in spite of the rocky start, it might very well be my fave place on Maui. Oh, and although we waited at least 45 minutes for the sunset table, we enjoyed the food and company so much that I missed the actual sunset. Can you believe it? Who does that? Yes, the food was that good. Also, I can't forget our sweet, tanned, freckled (but in a very nice way) dark-haired waiter who was the complete opposite of the grumpy bartender. He was so kind that you just wanted to order everything he suggested! This was one of my favourite, spendy, casual places so if you only want to do one casual "nice" night out, go here, but don't forget to stop to watch the sunset!
(5)Evie P.
My husband and I came here for brunch. We sat by the water on the other side of the bar and the views were great. As we looked out into the ocean we couldn't help but see all of the turtles that kept swimming over. The food was great. I had an Island Fish Sandwich and my husband had the Kobe Burger, both were soooooooo good. As far as the service, everyone was really cool and friendly. I would def. come back to this place.
(5)Chris S.
Consistently excellent food with a great water front location and terrific service. Top notch list of beers to boot. We go at least once every time we're in Maui.
(5)Daniel B.
Went on Thursday and had our usual great experience. Great service. Great bar. Had a seat right by the ocean. I had the seafood pasta excellent a friend had the fresh catch of the day very good. Definitely recommend but make reservations. The words out how good it is!
(5)Trapper L.
Mahi mahi and Kobe beef cheeseburger are outstanding. Ahi bruschetta is a must have. Can't beat the location.
(5)Hillary L.
We went to Mala when we visited Maui for our one year wedding anniversary (May 2009) and were absolutely GA-GA for this place. On our second visit (August 2012) Mala didn't disappoint, even for two semi-foodies from L.A. :) Here are our recommendations, though I suspect it's tough to go wrong at this place: BEET & SURFING GOAT CHEESE SALAD w/ Fennel Vinaigrette - the goat cheese is coated in Panko and /fried/, even so, it still tastes light with the beets and vinaigrette. MAHI MAHI ALA PLANCHA-- I love fish on the plank anytime, anyplace, but this preparation is especially nice. I think they're stretching it by calling the sauce a 'romesco', but who cares when it's delicious??? AVALON SEARED SASHIMI - the tuna is seared perfectly rare and the shiitake mushroom ginger sauce is Divine. The complimentary edamame puree and tortilla chips (served in a molcajete) is simple but yummy. In fact, I bought their cookbook just so that I could make it at home. It's a pretty successful approximation, too. A couple of other points: Cocktails/beer at this place rock; the ginger martini, michelada, Hitachino Nest (a Japanese white ale) are excellent. Servers are /beyond/ knowledgeable about the menu. I half-expected our waiter to tell me the temperature of the water used to hydrate the beets in my salad ;) Atmosphere is low-key, beachy, and romantic. If you call to make reservations, ask for a table on the patio, so you can enjoy the sound of waves lapping as you enjoy dinner.
(4)Ro M.
Food is yummmmerz! Tummy was uuuberly happy:) Try their seared ahi bruschetta...you wont be disappointed. oyster shooters were unique. Greek platter was a good appetizer. Service is awesome. Loved this place and would go back again
(5)Mohammed O.
Excellent service; good food but small portions and very pricey; overall,over rated for what you pay
(3)M K D.
Mala is a treasrue....great location, service and food! practice Aloha and go to Mala...you will be glad you did! it is one of our "must go to" places every tome we go to Maui!
(5)Andrew R.
Best restaurant in town! We tried them all, and this one hit the sweet-spot. Great food, good ambiance, friendly staff, and reasonably priced.
(5)Anhilia B.
We were looking forward to a relaxing birthday celebration but I guess we'll have to do it elsewhere. We had reservations for 4 at 6pm and we were seated right away at the best table in the restaurant. One of us is a very plain, health conscience eater who asked if she could order the Mahi Mahi broiled only without all of the fixings. The waitress said sarcastically, "Oooohkay, plain fish it is." Our drinks arrived promptly. Our food arrived almost too promptly. I ordered a second glass of wine with desert. The desert showed up before the wine so we had to go ask a different waiter for the wine. The manager kept looking into the restaurant checking on our table. Keep in mind, it's now only 7:10pm. By 7:15pm our table was cleared, our payment folio was removed from the table and they were just waiting for us to leave. $300 dollars later the 4 of us were practically pushed out after only sitting in our seats for 1 hour 30 minutes and we chugged the last of wine because they were so rude. Food 4.5 stars, view 4.5 stars, ambiance 3.5 stars, service 1 star.
(3)Ron O.
Ono, you know! Luckily, the tourist trap a few doors down was packed, so we opted for this scenic, cozy little spot. Everyone was warm and friendly. Ordered off the Sunday Brunch menu and was it ever "umami." Let's commence with the mahi ceviche. Fresh, vibrant, and onolicious. Next up, the kids fish 'n chips made with, of course, mahi! Fish was fried perfect, but the "chips" were to die for. Crispy shoestring fries tossed w/ sea salt 'n herbs. We killed them, luckily my kiddo wasn't hoarding that day. Last, we ordered the loco moco - the mushroom gravy was "da bomb." We dipped EVERYTHING into it and practically licked the gravy boat. LM served on brown rice... hmm, for the health conscious?!? Oh yeah, and the kids' lunch came w/ a scoop of vanilla ice cream (the waitress was nice enough to drizzle on some caramel sauce) - as simple as that was, we almost went UFC over the tiny scoop of melting very vanillaEEE ice cream. The Maui Bikini Blonde on draught completed the perfect picturesque meal. Maui "No Ka Oi."
(5)Ashley A.
Awesome little restaurant on Maui! Has a very local feel and it's fairly easy to get a same-day reservation. Had the Manila clams and the Balinese Stirfry which were both amazing. Favorite spot on Maui along with their sister restaurant, Honu, located next door.
(5)Jordan R.
This is my first trip to Maui and man did this restaurant kick off our trip on a delicious note. My great aunt lives in Maui half the year and instantly recommended this place as this is her 20 something something winter vacationing here We started off with the ahi tuna bruschetta which was amazing. As well as a cup of black bean soup the I devoured faster than I thought I would have. For main course the Mahi Mahi was my personal favorite out of all the dishes our family ordered. Oyster shooters were a close second. A must stop if you're in Maui
(5)David E.
Wow!!! We have eaten here three times in a week...the food, drinks, atmosphere and service are exceptional. For appetizers, the seared ahi flatbread and spicy lamb pittas are a must. The Kobe burger and ahi burgers are great. The seafood is so fresh and the ribs were good,too. You must save room for their special dessert, the Carmel Miranda...get the half order...phenomenal. Reserve an outside table and get there before sunset...bring your camera
(5)Sarah H.
The adult mac and cheese.... delicious! The chips and salsa/hummus.... delicious! The chicken entree.... so good! I'll be back to this place. I liked the food lots, and the view lots. Yay.
(4)Rafael S.
Great food and service!
(5)ciara c.
We had a great vacation on Maui and were told by someone who lives on Maui this was one of the places that's been really popular in the last few months. So, like the good Yelpers we (my husband and I) are, we looked it up to see what others of you said. Mala Ocean Tavern has many four and five star ratings, though unfortunately, it did not live up to that reputation for me. We were advised to call ahead for reservations if we wanted to sit outside on the deck. We made a reservation for the deck, or so I thought. We arrived a little early after walking down to the pier a couple blocks away and getting stink eyed by the homeless people. We told the lady at the podium who we were and went to wait at the bar. The lady kind of had a "yeah, yeah, whatever" attitude which was a bit off putting. Mala is a small place and kind of reminiscent of one of those SF or NY trendy eateries where you're supposed to be ok with people bumping into you and cramped quarters for the waitstaff to pass by. So at the bar, we're told they're known for their mojitos and martinis. I ordered a regular mojito and to be honest, it's nothing special. Have had better and less sugary ones at places in LA. When it came time for us to be seated, the podium lady brought us to a table by an open window, though not outside. We told her we had reservations to sit outside. She said those have to be made once you get to the restaurant. Really. Since the place was packed, we didn't have another choice of where to sit, and we wanted to find out what the food was like. We ordered the ahi sashimi bruschetta as an appetizer and it was exquisite. You could get 2 orders of these as your dinner and it would be awesome. Two bruschettas come in one order and although it may not seem like very much, the flavors all meld together so well that you don't need to mess them up with more. The bruschetta is a toasted flax seed toast with a perfectly seared, thin piece of ahi atop with small field greens and Kula sprouts, aged balsamic and olive oil to set it all off. This is a must-order. For the entree, I was debating between the ahi burger which I saw someone at the bar eating and it looked great, or the Opakapaka fish (quite a bit more in price might I add). The waitress steered me toward the Opakapaka. When the entree came out, it was a small piece of though buttery, tasteless fish. Underneath was a Hawaiian sweet potato mash and some vegetables. They were just alright. For around $39 for the entree, I expected a lot more "Wow!" and I can't help thinking that the waitress directed me to that one to get a bigger tip. My husband ordered the kobe beef burger and said he was very happy with it. Not sure if we'll go back to Mala next time. There's other places I'd like to try more instead. I think they need to work on all of their dishes and drinks being good, not just some. The staff could also use a bit of help with their honesty and customer service.
(3)Charles O.
Just had a great dinner best beet salad ever Order the the whole wok fried fish a little pricy But very good
(5)Nicole J.
Mala was a perfect setting! My husband and I watched the sunset over some very delicious margaritas!!
(4)Brian I.
Exquisite. After a long day of flying, my wife, mother-in-law and myself met 2 friends here. It's at the north end of Lahaina town, on the water, behind Safeway near the cannery mall. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let that dissuade you. The interior is quaint and very comfortable. The deck is perfect. I mean absolutely wonderful. It is directly above the edge of the water, and if you score a table outside you're in for a treat. They provide complimentary chips, pineapple salsa and edamame puree. Yum. Our server was pleasant and very helpful. He explained all the specials, one of which really caught my attention: tomato cheddar jalapeno soup. Turned out they ran out of it while we were still determining what we wanted to eat. Too bad! No biggie. For dinner I chose the ahi burger. It comes on a wheat bun with the usual veggies and a superb house made tartar sauce. I absolutely recommend this. Know that its actually ground ahi that is formed into a patty and grilled, though. If you want a sandwich that is an entire filet pick the fish sandwich. Back to my burger: just excellent. I gave it a spritz of lemon, loaded the bun with tartar and went to town. Delicious! Vegan wife had a spicy tofu stir fry that I kid you not, I would be tempted to order on a future visit. Sweet, tangy and spicy all at once, it was remarkable. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Mala Ocean Tavern.
(5)Lish H.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The view at sunset is just fantabulous *speechless* We went here for a nice dinner and got the best seat in the house, and when the sunset came, it was the most romantic sunset dinner....ever!!! The sunset view beats the dinner, but still foods are great and dessert....AWESOME!!!
(5)Kelly O.
Good service with knowledgeable attentive staff but pretty expensive. Ordered the clams and some pasta dishes and salad which all came in good sized portions but the bill was close to $100. Maybe would be more worthwhile if you got a patio seat overlooking the ocean but we were not so lucky. The price for each dish is around $40 which is what I expect from a fine dining restaurant but it has the look and feel of a casual eatery. Food is OK, portions are good but the price is just so disproportionate to what you get.
(3)Aida K.
I can't comment on the food because we didn't get a chance to experience it. I made a reservation for brunch on our last day here on Maui. When we walked in the place was almost empty. The host even commented on how they were expecting more customers. We were seated inside without even being asked whether we wanted to sit by the water. We were not given a menu or approached by a server. There were two servers running around looking busy even though they only had a few tables. After sitting around for 10 minutes we finally asked someone to get us a menu. Whatever they gave us wasn't even the full menu. The host kept going back and forth talking very loudly on his cell phone. After being ignored for another 5 minutes we walked out. The server apparently finally noticed us and ran out and asked if we were OK. I told him we were great now that we were going someplace else. We ended up having lunch next door at Honu. Too bad these two places are owned by the same person. I feel bad giving them my money but we were starving and had a baby with us so food searching was not an option. Honu was great though. Bottom line, horrible service. Save yourself some time and go somewhere else.
(1)Jen R.
Had a romantic dinner with my hubby. We shared a bottle of merlot, coconut prawns, Ahi bruschetta, and seared Ahi dinner. Everything was fresh & delicious! Really!!! The setting was beautiful & perfect for sunset pics! The restaurant is small & charming - reservations are highly recommended. We plan to add this restaurant to our "to do" list for each Maui trip!
(5)Briana C.
Oh Mala, Mala, Mala...I wanted to badly to love you but unfortunately that did not happen. Went to Mala on our last night in Maui for a romantic dinner. Everyone had been raving about the place, locals included, so we thought it would be the perfect spot. Maybe this is where we went wrong: expectations were high. We made an online reservation earlier in the week for a 6:00 dinner. In the "notes" section we wrote that we were honeymooners celebrating our last night in Maui, etc. hoping we'd get some love from the host stand and score a good table. We arrived a few minutes early because we were told it gets busy. When we checked in and asked for a coveted patio table, the host informed us the patio had just been sat and that a table wouldn't be available for maybe 45 minutes. We were obviously disappointed because we had really wanted a patio table and thought Mala would do their best to accommodate our request for a romantic dinner. Since everyone said it was well worth the wait to sit on the patio, we told the host we were fine to hang out in the bar until a table was ready. We walked thru the small dining room over to the bar, which was full of locals and tourists. There was only one chair available so I sat down and my husband stood behind me (gentleman!) Nearly 7-8 minutes passed before we were even greeted by a bartender. When we finally were, she gave us a friendly, "What can I get for you?," but we hadn't even seen a drink menu at that point, so it was a few more minutes before we got our beers. After about 25 minutes, the host surprised us and told us a table had opened up early! Hooray! However, when we got outside, our excitement quickly turned to disappointment again. Our table was LITERALLY one foot away from the neighboring table. We could have taken a tortilla chip from their bowl, that's how close we were! Yes it was on the patio, yes there was a lovely sunset and we were grateful for that, but being so close to the other table and not having a shred of privacy whatsoever completely put the kibosh on any romantic element of the evening. The lovely couple next to us even remarked on how close the tables were, so I know we weren't the only ones who felt a bit squished out there. We were hoping that the much-raved about food would be the saving grace, but alas, another disappointment. We ordered the calamari appetizer but it was overcooked and flavorless and just a total let down. *sigh* At this point, we asked our server, Ara (sp?) for the check. He was very nice and friendly and I'm sure he was sort of surprised we ended our night so abruptly, but we just were so over it at that point. If you go to Mala, go for a beer/cocktail at the bar and don't go into it with crazy expectations like we did. I'm sure it can't be all that bad if so many people love it, but we won't be returning. Aloha!
(2)Dave O.
This is a popular place and when you taste the food you'll see why. You might want to make a reservation. They were obviously slammed when we walked in without a reservation but they still graciously sat us after about 15 mins. The weather was terrible -- wind & driving rain -- and they could have stuck us out front facing the beach (normally the prime spot) but instead sat us in the more protected area by the bar. So we were pretty happy from the get go. I had the Avalon seared sashimi and it was excellent.. My wife picked from appetizers and sides (we had had a big lunch), and both the mushroom flatbread and mac & cheese were astoundingly good. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. This was our second-to-last night there but if we were in Maui longer I'm pretty sure we would have gone back for a second trip. Five stars!
(5)Courtney C.
This place is not a tavern... it's a quaint restaurant over-looking the ocean. It does have a bar, however, it is definitely not "taverny". The seating is tight with most tables out on the covered patio, limited view, but still fantastic. They started us with ground edamame and chips - great idea... I've never had this before! We shared the mushroom appetizer and also shared the tuna special. The Tuna was superb! Not overcooked - spicy and served with mashed potatoes. We both left very happy!
(5)J C.
Fantastic sunsets and very good food in cramped quarters. Friendly staff. Pricey menu but what you expect in this excellent location. Main course portions a little skimpy.
(4)Leah V.
Save your money and go elsewhere. While their food is decent, it's over-priced and not overly exciting. Their cocktails are $12 and served in SMALL glasses with a lot of ice. Four sips and it's gone. Better off getting one of their $6 beers. We ordered the ahi poke, which at $19 you would expect more than a few pieces of lettuce to wrap it in. Also, it wasn't as "fresh" as some I've had at local grocery stores. We both ordered dishes with fish and while they were cooked perfectly, they were in the $40s range...should've blown my mind away. We sat inside, which has zero ambiance. We're talking T-shirts for sale on the wall. I'm betting the deck is a bit better if you can get a table out there. I'd say if you do go, order beers and appetizers (except poke lettuce wraps). Service was fine.
(2)Terri J.
Mala Ocean Tavern has some of the best views in Lahaina. We were seated in the open area at a window with a great view of the ocean and a nice breeze. We spotted many sea turtles during our visit. The food was excellent, the drinks were tasty, but the view - wow! It's a very nice Lahaina restaurant.
(4)Jonathan M.
Dinner on Wed 11/7 We had a couple of drinks and a very delicious coconut shrimp at the bar, followed by a great meal after being sat. Without a reservation we waited about 40 minutes. Bar tender was excellent and the Dirty Goose Martini was awesome. We had the whole fish, chowder and beet salad. All were fantastic. Especially the whole fish. Pink Snapper is delicious. Recommend a reservation which may get you ocean front patio! Good work Mala!
(4)AsianRunningDiva S.
This was our first stop in our Lahaina restaurant/bar tour for our one and only night in West Maui. We got here at 5:30 thinking that it's happy hour, but no, they serve happy hour from 3-430. Well, how can you possibly get there that early for happy hour? The outside sunset tables are reservation only...so we didn't get one of those. The prices are a little higher than I would like to pay for a drink, but I guess when you're in the "Waikiki" of Maui, tourists are expected to pay that much ($12+ for martinis and fancier drinks...$7 for a mixed drink). Even their menu is a little steep...$41 for locally caught fish...whoa! How is anyone able to afford local foods if they charge so much? One plus: they serve free salsa, edamame hummus and chips in a black lava rock bowl (very yum)! :)
(2)Colleen F.
Recommended by staff at the Sheraton, who advised Honu next door if we couldn't get in - same owner. We got in, Monday nite, no reservations but seated right away, 7:30ish. Tiny table crammed in a corner didn't start me up, but prompt attention, chips & dip and cocktails in a couple minutes improved my outlook. Since Mr. Man and I generally share plates, we had a nice selection without the sticker shock that so many other yelpers commented on. Freshy salad, delish fresh fish dish, plus a side of fries after we saw them on our neighbor's table - excellent call! Note: beets are definitely not canned. Bottom line: tasty food, prices on the high side, good service, be prepared to be friendly, because whatever vibe you throw, you're right on top of everyone else and your attitude will determine your experience. So "practice Aloha!"
(4)Ashley S.
short and sweet. I loved this little place! I had breakfast there, we sat at an ocean view table (which all of them pretty much are). We could have been splashed where we were sitting! Food was amazing! Also has a little bar, I am interested to stop in some in evening for a brew and check out the bar fly crowd. I highly recommend stopping in here for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
(4)Mel M.
Can't beat the oceanfront location. Waiter, Adam, was super nice and attentive. The oyster shooters were oysters drowning in soy sauce. Too salty for me. The coconut shrimp was good, but slightly overdone. Mojitos were a little too weak for me. On the upside I like their motto, "practice aloha".
(2)Eme L.
Overpriced, mediocre food in tired-looking setting. Based on reviews (and tantalizing pictures), had much higher hopes. Very disappointing from beginning to end. First off, they did not have the dish that I specifically came in to try - the whole fish. Waitress said that they hadn't had it "for days." Ok... Husband had mushy, texture-less tuna burger with fries. I had clams ($34 for 1 pound) in an waaay over-salted broth that was inexplicably accompanied by sliced pita triangles. The pita added absolutely nothing to the dish. No need to come back. On a side note, we walked right past their other restaurant in Wailea and at least that location seemed to have a good view...
(1)scott o.
Gorgeous view. Food was good. Staff was very nice.
(4)Amy B.
Deep fried red snapper was amazing! Also the Kobe beef hamburger and the drinks ;) glad we came her on the first day of vacation!
(4)Loren B.
Nice little place just outside Lahaina. We got seated for lunch on their outdoor patio pretty much close enough to get sprayed as the waves came in, atmosphere was very cool. We had their ceviche and caesar salad, both were ok but far from my favorite meal in Maui. Also very spendy for what you get. They have Maui brewing beers on tap and a good selection of cockails. Overall pretty decent little place, i'd probably go back for the atmosphere and beers only.
(3)Ray A.
Great food and the prices were pretty reasonable. We were served by Scott, pretty nice and attentive guy. I had the Seafood Pasta and my gf had the Mahi Mahi,which was the fish of the day. We also had some of the black bean soup and it was fantastic. Lars Uhlrich (Metallica lead guitar) was there eating nearby, pretty cool. We were seated 10 feet from the ocean, which was also really nice.
(5)Jeanne K.
Tasty Gado Gado vegan salad & tofu stir-fry with brown rice. But, we only had take-out food because they are unable to accommodate for food allergies.
(3)Tara R.
We went here for drinks before the Old Lahaina Luau and loved it so much we went back for Sunday brunch. Very friendly staff, delicious food and amazing view. It has a Mediterranean flair and made us feel like we were in Santorini or Mykonos again Huevos rancheros and mala Benny with mushrooms were delicious! With a Turkish bloody Mary :)
(5)Kat H.
Fancy restaurant Mediterranean meets a few island paradise ingredients. Your ono will come on a bed of sauteed spinach, basically. Tasty, with great views, and the staff is so nice. This would be a wonderful spot to rent out for private parties, rehearsal dinners, or anything like that. (If they let you rent?)
(5)Gorden l.
For a 3$ restaurant the food quality was not upto the mark!
(2)Randall F.
Stopped at Mala Tavern for dinner on July 18. While the food was good, the prices were far too high, and the patio dining area far too hot! Service was only OK; the server was difficult to understand and multiple wait staff seemed haphazard. Many better values elsewhere in West Maui.
(2)John B.
We love this place for the view and the sea turtles. Right at the oceans edge in Lahaina. One of the greatest restaurant ocean views of all times, especially at sunset. Dozens of sea turtles feeding in the water a few yards from our table. Totally magical, romantic, not to be missed place. Oh yes, they serve food there. Come to see the turtles during the day or the sunset in the evening. Don't come for the food, service or prices. This restaurant is about the view and the turtles and you will pay for them both.
(4)Ron G.
Great view. Great service. Even better food. Cuisine is seafood oriented---with Mediterranean and Asian accents. Wife had a beet/goat cheese salad and a seafood stir fry. I went with two appetizers---humus/babagenoush and then their signature open faced ahi sandwiches. Everything tasted great. Servings are quite large especially for an upscale, popular spot. Our waiter was very good and stopped me from over ordering as I tend to do. Now not many folk can get too excited about humus, but I have had it all over including the mid-east. Mala's humus is a standout. The ahi was terrific too. Wife loved her eats also. Her beet salad equaled or surpassed those in SF, West Hollywood, BH and NYC. We could have shared her stir fry given its size. The view is wonderful. Try going around sunset. Place is right on the water. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Will go back and tell friends.
(5)Nancy M.
The place was packed!! Great food and fun atmosphere at the bar. Eric was top notch and made our night! Sitting at the bar watching him work was entertaining. He made sure everyone at the bar was taken care of. We will go back! The food was pricey but uniquely different than other places.
(4)Adri A.
Mala was yummy i agree ;-) .. the price was a bit steep i think even for Maui .. about 40 bucks for rib eye wihtout sides but it was super tasty.. 16 dollar mac and cheese??!!!! was lovely..worth 16 i dunno but , the oyster shooter was worth the 3 bucks lol for one.. we enjoyed our dinner but i highly recommend just sharing an entree and side because the portions are generous! !! We had drinks as well and the service was great but i think its a bit overrated given the wonderful options you have in Maui.. i think we would return just remember the advice to share that mac and cheese !! and maybe even an entree!!!
(4)Dan C.
Big fan of MOT. Everytime we're in Maui we make sure to make at least one stop to get a meal. I can't decide if I prefer breakfast, lunch or dinner best but they're all good. I love their chilaquiles for breakfast and the burger is a must try. Probably the best burger on the island. If you're in Maui, Mala can't be missed.
(4)Chad A.
(We didn't have dinner hear, just a couple drinks at the bar) We had dinner planned at Honu next door, so wanted to check out this place before dinner. Overall it had a great atmosphere, very small and intimate. The location fronts the ocean, and sunset was perfect. We had the "Best of Maui" mai tai, which were actually very good, very fresh. They brought out a small app, chips with pureed edamame and tomatillo salsa. Menu looked nice, a little pricey though.
(5)Scott T.
The food was decent but definitely not worth the price. It was $30+ a person. This place was located right on the beach which make it a pleasant dining expense. I don't think I would return to this place. There are other restaurants in Maui that has better food for the same price.
(3)Michele B.
We dined a Mala on our last night in Maui and what a perfect conclusion to a fabulous vacation. We started with cocktails. Mine was a refreshing grapefruit lychee concoction and my sweetie had a Spunky Monkey with banana and pineapple. I love their complimentary starter of edamame hummus & salsa served in a molcajete. I think I could just eat a vat of that! A salad course can be a boring thing, but NOT at Mala. I had a gorgeous goat cheese and roasted beet salad on arugula. It was such a generous portion I had stop eating for fear I wouldn't be able to eat my entree. My guy had a half Greek salad and it was a thing of beauty -- loaded with chick peas, edamame and green beans, plus the usual cucumber, tomatoes and olives. Try to sit on the lanai if you can. It's a small space, but so magical when the stars come out and the ocean is crashing just below you. Some tables were closed because there were in a splash zone! We saw sea turtles bobbing just past the deck, too. Lovin' the honu! Mala is charming with true Aloha spirit.
(5)Anastacia S.
You could easily drive by this place 100 times and never know it was there, as I had done. I found this place via Yelpers! I am so glad, because it is now decided that it will be a tradition everytime I visit Maui. Everyone at our table shared dishes...the fried chicken has the best crispy crust EVER. Also, the ahi sashimi is to die for. The clam bowl with pita was unbelievable. I had, in my mind, the best dish of the table. It was a nightly special which was a seafood pasta with crab, lobster, clams, scallops, and shrimp in a super-spicy red sauce over pappardelle. The price was steep, but definitely worth it (~$47 for the pasta). The drinks were fantastic. I had the monkey one, which tasted like a chocolate-banana shake. Dessert was equally as fantastic. If you dine here, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Sarah C.
This place is a gem. We walked by a few times and it was closed. We came for brunch finally and it was great. I had the mala benny with mushrooms and my husband had the great start with lamb sausage. Wow. Super yum. Great view and very friendly service. My only complaint was that a drink we had was unusually pricey. Well worth it overall though.
(4)Michael E.
I loved this place. Last night of great Maui vacation and we wanted a special dinner. Mala did not disappoint. We requested and received seating in the outside open air porch - very romantic. We split a bottle of champagne, I had an oyster shooter, we split a great large Farmer's salad. G/F had mahi mahi done to perfection and I had the market fish which was a local yellow tail with potato puree, spinach and roasted eggplant all on a tomato cream sauce - heavenly. We each had a nice glass of chard with our dinners. Saved room to split a chocolate souffle with scoop of vanilla bean ice cream - hmmm, decadent. Awesome (but not cheap at $230 with tip for two) end to a fantastic trip.
(5)David S.
My wife, kids and I all enjoyed our evening tonight at Mala. Table right on the water, picture-framed by the window adjoining the shore. Sailboats 100 yards offshore dotted the horizon in a perfect sunset dinner. While the fare has a lot of common meal themes with other restaurants, we could tell everything was prepared with care and affection for Mala's customers. We were even able to watch the Olympics from the table because of the TVs over the bar 15 feet away. Great evening!
(5)Michael M.
A group of friends and I were in town for a wedding. Mind you, this group has done trips all around the country together, and never skimps when it comes to food. We even have gourmet dinner parties at home, to celebrate the small victories like not getting fired that week, or the arrival of Friday. One milestone happened at Mala that I've never experienced before. One of the our foodie crew - a picky eater in the 18 years I've known him - made the declaration that this was the "best meal I've had, ever." Um, really? No he wasn't drunk (another thing I've never seen him do in 18 years. Well, once, but that was my fault). An astounding declaration, but sincere and true. For the life of me, I can't remember his main course, but if there is a filet mignon on the menu, there is a 90% chance that was it. However, he and I did share an 'adult mac and cheese' as a side dish. If you're a blue cheese fan, it's amazing. The server recommended a house chili sauce to go with the mac. A perfect recommendation. I suggest you ask for it. I personally had the Kobe Beef burger, medium, and it was superb. I wish we had more time to try more things on the menu but, alas, we were only in town for a short period of time... and we had Mala as our last dinner out. We also had the flourless baked chocolate thingy. The icing on the cake, if you will. Order it early, as it takes time. Make reservations, because this place fills up fast. Parking sucks a big donkey testicle, too. All of these are worth tolerating, though. I will go back to Mala, eventually. Until then, I proudly display a "PracticeAloha.org" sticker on my car here in California, and love talking to people about Mala and why it's so darn good.
(5)S ..
Came here tonight with the bf based on the reviews. We had a reservation, but arrived about 15mins early. The hostess, was very short with us and told us to wait by the bar til it was closer to our reservation time. We ordered some wine and chilled out. The space between the bar and the divider is so very small, we were constantly having to move to make way for the servers as there was no other place to go. Finally, out table was ready. They stuck us in a tiny corner near the outdoor seating area, the breeze was nice in the cramped space. We ordered the oyster shooters and popcorn shrimp as appetizers, which were super good. Unfortunately that was the best part of the meal :{ I ordered the Mahi mahi entree and the bf ordered the Market Fish Sandwich. When out entrees arrived nobody had cleared our table of the appetizer plates so the server(not our waitress, noooo idea what happened to her) had to shuffle our plates and clear the table at the same time(poor girl). The Mahi mahi was completely flavorless and a bit over cooked, it was served with some sort of pita bread covered in tomato sauce(cold) and sat in a pesto sauce, which was inedibly salty @_@ , but the mashed potatoes were good. the Market fish sandwich was okay according to the bf. After we finished, our waitress magically showed up, and we got the f* out. For the price, there is much much better; go to Mama's, the food and whole dining experience is top notch!
(2)Johnny L.
Meal number 6 on our last trip to Hawaii: Free grub, thanks to Auntie. Caesar: Good Mahi Mahi ala Plancha: Good but expensive Mango Margaritas: Good, strong, small Thanks to Mala, my first indication, after 3 days on the island, that prices in HI are borderline exorbitant. 3 adults, 2 kids, $375 with tip? Feels like a prison shower scene. Ya feel me?
(4)Missy M.
Extremely disappointed. If I'm paying $50 to $70 for an entree, I want to love it. The food is just okay (but really its not). The sauces are very bland. It would have tasted a hundred times better if I was served fish with no sauce and just poured my own shoyu (soy sauce) and a bit of salt. The ahi tar tar was terrible- no flavor. The service is bad (maybe because we weren't white tourists). The view is amazing (this is the only positive thing I have to say about Mala Tavern. There are many other places to eat on Maui with amazing food and a killer view). There are countless number of restaurants on Maui that put this place to shame. Save your money, and do not eat at Mala Ocean Tavern. Boo...Two thumbs down! I will never give it another chance. I am beyond dissatisfied!
(1)James F.
Location is spectacular right on the Pacific Ocean. The service was mediocre at best. The food was just ok. I had the ribs and they weren't very good, the meat stuck to the bone. My wife got the fish stir fry and really enjoyed it.
(3)Lizz C.
We (my parents and I) came to this restaurant with a great recommendation from my brother. The drinks were out-of-this-world (I got the Hibuscus Martini, and my parents both got a Mai Tai), but the food, for the price we were paying, was a little on the "eh" side. We ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer, and although I'm sure the calamari was fresh, it was very bland despite the number of herbs fried with them, and the home-made tomato sauce dip made it even more bland. The dip should have had more of a citrus flavor, and my dad and I found we had to put a lot of salt on the squid to get any taste out of it (we are salt people). This should not have happened for paying about $15 for this appetizer. I could've gotten better flavor from a bag of frozen calamari from Trader Joe's, to be perfectly honest. Also, the atmosphere was a little on the loud side, which made it hard to talk across the extra-wide and slightly tall tables. This was mostly because of a large group next to us, who were drinking a lot and talking and laughing at the top of their lungs. So, not completely the fault of the restaurant. However, we were also seated directly next to the tableware shelf, where servers and buss-boys were constantly dumping silverware noisily, in such a way that would interrupt our conversation. For the price we were paying, I would have expected a better atmosphere, and I would suggest they move the silverware and such somewhere away from their clients. On the positive side, my parents had ordered the One Pound of Steamed Clams, which was amazing for the price of $34 and I ordered the Ahi Burger, which was definitely tasty. So, all-in-all, the food was great, I just wouldn't recommend the squid, and I would ask for an outdoor table (out of the noisy dining room). The service was excellent, although our poor server was having trouble with his voice (the loud room wasn't helping at all). They went through pains to wipe off the table after every plate was taken away, and to give us new silverware (and napkins?) after the appetizers. They even gave me napkins when I asked for a to-go box for my leftovers. Since I don't come to Maui often, I probably will give it a few more years to come back and see if I have a better experience, but I would say you should check it out if you have the $$$.
(2)Glenn G.
I'm now back home in Silicon Valley, but for the last fine dining experience of my 2011 Maui trip, I went to Mala Ocean Tavern on Front Street. Great food while sitting right on the water resulted in a wonderful dining experience. I wanted to see sea turtles while eating, while my friend was looking for local fish. We both got what we were looking for, with the food far exceeding expectations. Our Spicy Lamb Pita was a tasty appetizer. For my entrée I chose the fillet mignon, which was cooked perfectly and was well matched with a Truffle Bordelaise Sauce. My friend wanted local fish, so opted for the local Opakapaka, which came with a wonderful Olowalu Tomato Cream sauce. The building the restaurant is in isn't much to look at and the dining room is small, but the location on the water can't be beat. The sea turtles poking their heads out of the water just yards away were delightful to watch, and as the sun went down the screens were withdrawn, the awning retracted, and tiki torches lit, resulting in a comfortable outside dining experience. Service was attentive and informative. I can easily recommend Mala and will be sure to return on my next visit to Maui.
(5)Garland R.
This is one of my favorite places in Lahaina. Some of my favorite things include the oyster shooters which I think are some of the best I've ever had the ahi bruschetta is excellent as well as the whole fried fish And the steamer clams, And if you're there for breakfast you got to try the Benedict. The other thing it's got going is the view what a great place to take someone that's never been to Maui before
(5)COURTNEY K.
Recently my boyfriend and I decided to go on a Maui fine dining excursion. Yippee!!! Mala's was by far our favorite restaurant on the island. The service and setting was excellent and the food was delicious. We came back a day later for lunch at Honu's. We love these restaurants and will keep coming back for more! Thank you for a wonderfully romantic meal with excellent service.
(5)Mere A.
I went to this place years ago on my first visit to Maui and LOVED it... So I was super pumped to visit again last month and introduce my girls to Mala on my second visit to the island! The cocktails were so yummers... all three of us gals ordered something different and tropical and none of us were disappointed. (Can't remember names of them because it's been a month.... sorry!) None of the drinks were super sweet and all had a kick! The bartender was great and gave us great recommendations so if you aren't sure, just ask! We all split a couple different dishes and everything was gobbled up! We started with the Ahi Bruschetta and it is a can't miss!!! OMG! For the main meal we ordered the mac and cheese- yep, in Maui, and we enjoyed every bite!, we also ordered the special, which was a seafood medley in a spicy tomato based sauce and tagliatelle noodles- the fish, scallops, and shrimp were excellent- I avoided the clams... and finally we tried the catch of the day which was a delightful white fish that was cooked wonderfully with a great garlicky butter sauce. The food and drinks are enough to draw a crowd but the atmosphere and location of this place puts it over the top!! It's not very big and not pretentious at all... a great spot to spend an evening or an afternoon!
(5)Hillary C.
My family and I came here for breakfast today and it was delicious! We started out with some mimosas and bloody marys- great way to begin our meal. We then ordered the ceviche, which I never tried before because I am not a huge seafood person but I enjoyed it. It reminded me of a seafood salsa type deal. Two of us ordered the french toast and I added a side of the lamb sausage. The other four ordered the eggs benedict with lamb sausage. There was not a plate that was not entirely devoured. Everyone loved the benedict! It was recommended and there was not one regret. The french toast was delicious. It was a large portion, caramel sauce, and fresh fruit. The inside of the french toast was still a little doughy which i loved and it pretty much melted in my mouth. The view was incredible- three feet from the ocean. The service was very good. Our server was attentive and very friendly and did not hesitate to crack jokes. Overall it was a great experience and the food was delicious! Mala just opened up a new restaurant next door- pizza and seafood. If we had time we would definitely be checking that out, maybe the next trip!
(5)Andrea H.
I was looking for a great place for dinner to kick off my vacation. After evaluating all of my options, I settled on Mala Ocean Tavern. Their patio seemed like it would be the perfect place to kick back with a tropical drink and watch the sunset. I called to make a reservation a couple of days before and was told that the patio is first come, first served, but since I had a reservation, the wait would likely be short. When we arrived for our reservation, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my name had already been added to the short waitlist for a table outside. We decided to have a drink at the bar while we were waiting. I ordered a mai tai and was happy when some chips, edamame puree and tomatillo salsa appeared in front of us. It was a good thing that the hostess came and got us before too long, or I probably would have devoured the entire bowl. The edamame puree was light and refreshing and the salsa was a perfect compliment. Tangy and delicious. We ended up with a table on the outside edge of the deck with a perfect view of the coming sunset and the sea turtles. I decided to start with an oyster shooter. I'm not usually an oyster gal, but I'd heard good things so I went for it. The oyster tasted fresh and the sauce was flavorful, but not overbearing. Off to a good start. For my entree, I decided to have the ahi sashimi. The dish came with mashed potatoes and a spicy shiitake mushroom ginger sauce that was to die for! I could seriously eat that dish every day. The ahi was incredibly fresh and the accompanying sauce had just the right amount of kick. I loved that they gave the option of mild, medium or spicy. I'll always take the spice! Combined with the potatoes and some lavosh, it was heavenly. This place was the perfect start to our vacation, and one of the best meals I had in Maui. You can bet I will be back again for another round of that ahi!
(5)Dr. Barry L.
Wow. A local recommended this restaurant in Lahiana. We can see why. The food was outrageously good. The service was pleasant, everyone very friendly and on top of things. We split the beet salad and ahi carpaccio for apps. The we had the sauté fish of the day which was yummy. They also have chips with edamame purée to munch on, also killer. On top of all this we sat on the deck over the water on a beautiful evening.
(5)divina m.
We found this location driving by Front st. Yelped it and yes I said lets go here:). love the location and food and service!! I ordered a Mai tai and it was the best I've ever had. Ordered a mahimahi blackened sandwich, fish was so fresh and juicy and cooked perfectly, it was served with frites that had some really good flavor. My hubby orderedthe special which was fresh caught fish full of flavor with taro and potatoes highly recommended. Kids had chicken strips and french fries was really good also. Service was awesome, our waiter and bus boy was the bomb..kudos to them.
(5)S W.
Good food but way over priced. The fresh fish of the day was $69. Most plates are about $40 and a salad is $14. Sunset was priceless but I could have seen that for free. The staff was very good and wanted to make sure you had everything you needed.
(3)Ron S.
Mala was amazing! Great food, great ambiance, great staff, great view/location! Great everything! I had the Avalon Seared Sashimi (Ahi), and my better half had the Filet Mignon. Both were absolutely AMAZING! Oh, man! A very good menu selection, and an amazing spot-literally right on the ocean! On a rough day, you might get spritzed by the crashing waves. It's right behind the Lahaina Mall on Front street. The prices are a little higher than other places, but it's worth it! Enjoy Mala!
(5)Ana C.
Meh basically sums it up. We were looking for a place to get a quick drink and an appetizer since we had food back at our place for dinner that we wanted to make so we stopped here. The patio is great. The service is faux friendly. Our waitress was really friendly until she realized we were balking at an over-priced, under-inspired menu and would not be ordering entrees. We settled for a beer each, overpriced, and some very overpriced ceviche. It was mostly tomato, a little fish and way under-seasoned and rather flavorless. I have had better at hole-in-the-wall places in Belize where no one speaks a word of English for a fraction of the price. We just didn't think it was worth it, though the scenery was nice. I'd pass and not come back to this one. There are better places with better prices around.
(2)Jocelyn N.
The French toast was unbelievable, plus you get to watch giant tortoises play on the rocks while you eat.
(4)Greg W.
Terrible service (waiter avoided us since we were eating only appetizers and brought our 2 kids). Food was OK. Not a place for kids.
(2)L G.
Great Food-garlic flat bread, a mixed greens w/fried goat cheese & seared ahi entree. My wife said that the fried goat cheese was the best she has ever had. Ahi=Excellent, my main complaint; the ahi came out drenched in the sauce, about a full cup worth of it, they should've put no more than 1/4 cup of the sauce (which had sautéed shiitakes in it) on the plate, The sauce just swamped the ahi & looked extra sloppy. Luckily they lay the ahi on top of the sauce so I was able to pluck the ahi slices out of it. I do not have a large appetite & enjoy small plates. I would've loved to experience the excellent fish more rather than being over saturated in the sauce. I would definitely go back. Order the Ahi & go light on the sauce you'll thank me!
(4)John L.
The location is great but the food was quite disappointing. They start with chips and salsa that tasted like they bought the chips at Costco. This is what I would expect from an inexpensive Mexican Restaurant. Maui Tacos has better chips. There was no quality fish on the menu the nite we dined. Mala only served Papilio and it was way overpriced for a less expensive fish. No Mahi Mahi, no Opah, no Ono. Papilio is a lower quality fish and less expensive and you should not pay $39.00 for this entre. The waiter described the fish as a deep water fish member of the jack family--- related to Mahi Mahi NOT TRUE. All of the other restaurants have Opah and or Ono on the menu. Why serve Papilio???? One of the party ordered the fish burger- it was very bad and we sent it back. We expected much better-- it was all location do not expect quality food.
(2)Mary Ellen T.
Manager was rude and arrogant. Very few good tables. Food was mediocre. Don't get the ribs or Caesar. Much better places with better service in Lahaina.
(2)Audra R.
3.5 Can you say FUSION???? Holy cow, the combinations on the plates here bordered on bizarre! It was good though... I had a $42 (CRAZY!) spicy ahi with mashed potatoes and something else, it was an odd combo but tasted good. The mahi mahi was very mexican, but then had this Indian green chimmichuri sauce, again weird, but tasted good! The salsa/avocado mash they serve with chips was bomb. Super cozy, if you want a seat on the water sunset ish I would call at least 3 days in advance. Some of the tables not so desirable if your expecting the waterfront scenery. I would give 4 stars for the creativity and quality of the food and ambiance, but wow is it overpriced and way too expensive. I def recommend for Lahaina but be warned!
(3)Janie C.
This place is super busy, so get a reservation days in advance, especially if it's near a holiday. But be warned, apparently it was like the episode of Seinfeld where he explains that the car rental company knew how to take a reservation but didn't understand how to *hold* the reservation. So we have to wait at the packed bar in an awkward space until a table frees up. Our waiter was nice, a little spotty since it was so busy--understandable. I order the blackened fish sandwich and my boy toy orders an Ahi burger. We watched the surfer wipeout DVD they have going on repeat (actually pretty fun to watch) until our food arrives. Both dishes were scrumptious. But the best part was the fries. Yea, they were just absolute perfection. They were all the same golden brown color and completely cooked through, with a nice crispy bite. And they came with this garlic aioli which made them ever more wonderful. Overall, it was a great meal and I feel like we got what we paid for. The whole reservation thing though...minus half a star. The other half a star that was deducted was because their dessert menu was blah. We went into town to look for dessert.
(4)Fernando A.
Really great food. We got the mahi ceviche and ahi tartar to start. We've eaten a lot of good poke, and I have to say that the tartar here has been the best. I got the Balinese style clams with a black bean and ginger broth, excellent. My in-laws shared a whole opakapaka, that was also excellent. Plus, the service was friendly, attentive, and excellent. It's pricey, but definitely worth it if you are looking to splurge in Maui.
(5)Meredith G.
This is a little away from the shops on Front Street in a lovely ocean side building. We arrived at our reservation time and were offered the chance to wait 10 more minutes for a table along the windows. Not a problem, we waited outside listening to the waves come in. Our waiter was very nice and helpful with making recommendations and accommodating my sister's desire for fish, but not quite what they had on the menu. We shared the Cesar salad which was really good and a dish of cooked mushrooms, also very good. And trying to eat local, I had ONE POUND of clams with tasty bread. I liked the clams, but I'm a red meat eater. But when in Rome... or in this case Maui, I thought I'd try to eat something from the ocean. Overall the evening was very nice and excellent people watching.
(4)Erin K.
The place was pretty good. It was really expensive for what it is. I felt sort of rushed the whole meal; every 3 minutes or so a waiter or busser would come by and ask if there was anything they could take away. A 3 course meal was easily finished with check signed within an hour; it was like they were trying to herd us out. Anyway, the food was pretty good. It is definitely hyped up. The ahi bruschetta was pretty good but nothing to come to the restaurant for. The burratta special was better. My beet salad was too overloaded with chunks of beets that weren't very good. My brother had the ahi tuna and he liked it. My husband had the fried chicken and liked it.
(3)Darrell A.
Nice unassuming tavern on the north edge of Lahina. Touted the best Mai Tai on the Island so we had to try, very good. Strong and tasty, a little more crushed ice and would have been closse to perfect. Seared Ahi with shitake mushroom - ginger sauce was enjoyable. Hoisin baby back ribs were tender, hot and fell off the bone. All food was good, not sure of flavor combinations. Light seared Ahi was overpowered with gold mashed potato and cream sauce, ribs were served with Molokai mashers and coconut peanut sauce. Potatoes and sauces had nice balance, however, when paired with main entree they took away instead of complimented. Side order of brussel sprouts was executed to perfection, grilled halves, sesame seeds, soy, mint was excellent. Glad we went, prices high, service friendly and efficient. Close to four stars, but enough misses to rate a solid three.
(3)Kelly M.
You have to get the Ahi Bruschetta...was AMAZING!!! And if you like Martini's...order the Habiscous Martini...and eat the flower at the bottom...delicious:) I already miss Maui!!!
(5)Bryan W.
We ate at all the nice Maui restaurants during our stay and Mala's food was the best!
(5)Ron M.
All three of our meals were sensational. The fish of the day was delicious. It was moist, flakey and flavorful. The Asian Fried Chicken was the best any of us had ever had no matter the preparation. The moloki purple potatoes had a mild taste resembling a sweet potato. Very tasty. The Mahi Mahi was also outstanding. Incredible as it sounds the service was even better than the meals!
(5)Olga L.
We've been to Mala before, about 2 years ago to be exact. This time we didn't walk out as smitten as we were the last time. If I could have given them 3 1/2 stars, I would have because 4 stars feels a bit generous. Dinner with the family just this past Sunday and we'd been looking forward to it since we made our reservations a month ago. The place was already full at 6:20 when we got there so we waited for an outside table at the bar. We had dirty martinis and they got my hubby's vodka wrong - oops. We get seated outside and our waiter Danny was really great. Here's what we ordered: oyster shooters - not as good as we remember them to be. Bruschetta - was amazing - really a great appie. We then ordered dinner and hubby and I always share a plate so he ordered the seared ahi, which frankly is one of their best dishes. However for $44, it better be. Our daughter ordered an ahi burger which was just good, nothing to rave about. Our son ordered the special seafood pasta which was a huge disappointment. His first bite had bits of clam shell in it which made him spit it out and it made eating the dish difficult. Again that dish was $45 - which was over the top ridiculous. I had the soup of the day which was black bean and excellent. The prices here have unfortunately gone thru the roof which is a precarious situation for any restaurant. When you charge $45 for a plate of food, I expect flawless execution, which they failed on with the seafood pasta. Our ahi dish was great but it was rare seared ahi with a mushroom sauce and mash potatoes - for $44? We were underwhelmed and to tell you how disappointed we were, we had made 2 dinner reservations a month ago and we got back to the hotel and had the concierge cancel the second one. $230 is what we spent for 4 people ( and we shared appetizers and I had soup for dinner folks!). You will easily spend $250+ for 4 people with drinks. The value equation is really lacking at Mala for us. Such a shame...
(4)Daniel B.
Amazing food that went beyond the typical "steak, fish, or pizza," menu of maui. Had great service, they treated my 6 and 2 year old niece and nephew great. Cocktails were fantastic, as was fish special. High Recommend.
(5)Leonard S.
This, and Aloha Mixed Plate, are two of the most beautiful spots to enjoy lunch in Lahaina. Our waiter was super nice and helped us pick an excellent pale ale to go with our "Baliness Stirfry with Fresh Island Fish" and "Ahi Burger". Here is the quickie version: - Setting: superb. - Staff: same. - Presentation: excellent. - Flavors: the Ahi was ordinary, but the French Fries stole the show. The stirfry's sauce had a good blend of flavors. Brown rice was a little crunchy and not aromatic like good brown rice can be. - Price: See for yourself (picture of the menu). We thought it's a bit high until you factor in the beautiful view and the friendliness of the staff. - Go there again: SURE!
(3)Bacon G.
Don't eat here. Way overpriced Two people in our party had stomach problems after eating Balaneese chicken and ahi tuna sandwich
(1)Rob S.
My wife and I went to Mala based on a recommendation of a local waitress. We did not have a reservation but were able to get a table by the ocean window after about 15 minutes. The ambiance is a cheap diner and certainly doesn't match the menu prices. The restaurant was uncomfortably hot inside. They opened the outdoor area retractable awning just before sunset, which cooled down that area significantly. My wife ordered the Opah and I ordered the ribs. Both came with mashed potatoes (yukon gold and purple) and vegetables. The fish was way overcooked and bland. The ribs were so tough it was hard to get the meat off the bones. The Korean BBQ sauce was not very good. The purple mashed potatoes were awful. The vegetables were pretty good. The service was a little slow. Overall, it was the worst meal we ate while in Maui. The food was overpriced and mediocre quality. The ambiance was really bad. We will not return.
(2)Lindsey M.
This place was pricy but fun and definitely a good choice from a culinary stand point. They had a diverse menu with lots of good seafood options. I had the tofu Asian salad and catch of the day stir fry w/ brown rice and neither dish disappointed. However, I will warn you that the chips and dip they put on your table that looks like salsa and guacamole is most definitely not that. Not entirely sure what the red sauce was but I think it came from a can, and the green scoop of "guac" was actually edamame paste. I'm sure it would have been good had I not expected something totally different based on the presentation... But I would say it was the least favorite part of the dining experience. Also, my husband and I ordered a margarita and Mai tai... Neither of which were very good at all. The tequila choice in the margarita was overly harsh and extra strong which made it hard to drink. And for bragging about winning the best Mai tai on the island award, I must say that we gagged through to the bottom of that overpriced drink. Definitely do not recommend visiting this place if you are expecting a good drink. Also, the restaurant was crowded and loud, and the all of the surfaces (table, chairs, booth seat, etc) were sticky and felt filthy. If you make a reservation, definitely request an outdoor table. Sitting inside is not worth it. Overall, I would recommend Mala Ocean Tavern for groups of friends / families. Be careful of the complementary starter course, go with wine or beer to drink, but don't shy away from ordering entrees. It and the view/location make it worth the visit.
(3)Jena C.
Beautiful restaurant. We had an amazing experience at the bar with Eric but the great service ended there. We got to the restaurant early...not expecting preferential seating but expecting a bit of acknowledgment. The latter didn't happen. Instead, we were greeted with attitude from the manager. Such a shame since the place had so much potential. Overall, I'm super bummed we picked this place over Mama's! Big, big mistake!
(2)Alex W.
I'm with AJ (see 1/24/2011), so many ocean-front restaurants, Maui and elsewhere, think its OK to substitute great food for ambiance while serving mediocre food at ridiculous prices. Mala Ocean Tavern is the exception. We made a reservation on Valentines Day and because we waited until the last minute all the places that were recommended by the travel guide books were booked. After looking at Zagat & Yelp I found this place and was able to make a reservation albeit a little later than I'm used to eating but hey its my fault for waiting until the last minute. I remember thinking when I walked in that the restaurant looked like a diner, there are patent vinyl booths in the inside dining room. But everyone was very friendly and when we got outside to our outdoor oceanfront table the ambiance went from 3-5 stars. Its been a while but some of the dishes we enjoyed: rib eye, brussels sprouts (excellent), snap peas, ahi tartare and the best mai tai I had on the island. And they were kind enough to split the entrees before presenting them because we mentioned we were sharing everything. This turned out to be the best meal of our trip.
(5)Vi S.
Love this oceanside tavern; one of our favorites in Lahaina. Food is good. Waitstaff and bartender are terrific. But we love it mostly because of the setting (right on the water) and the ambience (laid back and friendly.) It is the kind of place you imagine when visiting Maui. Fish sandwich is yummy although pricey.
(4)Allison L.
This place was a FANTASTIC place to spend our last night of our vacation! First off, make reservations. And if you want to sit outside on the beautiful patio literally right ON the water, show up early to put your name on the separate list for outdoor seating. We did this probably an hour earlier than our reservation b/c we read the reviews on Yelp, walked down the road to downtown Lahaina to watch the sunset, then walked back and still had about a 20 minute wait. But with a friendly bar, that 20 minutes was no big deal. We sat at the bar with our mai tai and chimay and made friends with some locals who recommended to us that we just get app's and sides since everything was so good. so DONE. We ordered the oyster shooter (amazing flavor), olives, ahi bruschetta with tomatoes and balsamic glaze (SO good - fresh, flavorful, complex...), mahi mahi civiche, adult mac and cheese, and brussels sprouts. I was expecting to love the mac and cheese the most, but i didn't - but I'm a M&C connoisseur. The brussels sprouts really are as good as all the reviews say they are. And the chips and salsa/guac they serve at the table/bar are something I could eat all night long, so save some room for eating lots of that! Wonderful service too!
(5)pslice p.
I'm going to set the record straight once and for all: Mala Ocean Tavern is completely OVERRATED. The food is average, the prices are too high (for the quality), the wait for a table is too long (even with a reservation), the decor is cheap/tacky, the bar is slow, and the service is spotty at best. The drinks never came. The ribs looked like they were plated by a child, and were covered with mashed potato. The only thing Mala Ocean Tavern has going for it is its excellent location. If you can't sit outside, it's not worth going. If it's not day time, it's not worth going. And even if you are outside during the day...there are a lot of great views in Lahaina that offer better food, prices, and service. Want good food with a great view? Try Lelani's in Whaler's Village or Kimo's on Front St.
(3)Kyla A.
Mala - Must mean delicious in Hawaiian This restaurant is focused on high quality organic locally grown food. They have a "practice aloha" philosophy, which rocks. I thoroughly enjoyed Mala, enough to go twice. This review is split into 2 parts - brunch and lunch. Brunch: It can be a bit difficult to find a great breakfast on the island that's not in a hotel. Seriously, this place is a great choice for brunch. The bloody Mary's are the best I've ever had. They contain FRESH grated horse radish and a fresh wedge of Japanese cucumber and green olives. I wish I could have these EVERY weekend. I decided to go with the chilaquiles (if you don't know what those are, they are a great Mexican dish prepared with eggs, tortillas, salsa, and cheese, YUM). I finished my plate because it was sinfully good. My boyfriend went with the loco-moco. A typical local dish consisting of a Kobe beef patty, egg, and rice. He likes the more local flavor, so he ordered the mushroom sauce on the side, and used soy sauce. I have to agree that's the better way to go. It is an absolutely mouthwatering, taste-bud exciting combination. Lunch. I had a mojito, apparently something they are known for there. I hate to say not my thing only because it has a hint of anise, and I absolutely loathe the taste of black licorice. If you like that flavor, then by all means you will probably enjoy the mojitos. There are specials of the day, and I would definitely recommend asking your server what's good. That day they offered brussel sprouts in soy sauce with a hint of mint. I had actually never had brussel sprouts before the occasion, and all I can say is A-MAZING. What a tasty way to eat something nutritious. Then my boyfriend and I shared the farmer's salad. Which has Kula Greens, cucumber, tomato, Maytag Bleu Cheese, and toasted walnuts. The salad was so good and flavorful. The bleu cheese is some of the best I've experienced. We had two entrees, but although both were good, the one I really remember and hands-down recommend is The Snake River Kobe Beef Cheeseburger - SO FREAKING GOOD, it must be the burger of the gods. It has the perfect fat content, making it so juicy and flavorful. Bonus, the meat they use contains no hormones, again nutritious and delicious. For the cheese you have the option of cheddar or bleu cheese, and I must say the bleu cheese is so incredible and high quality so I think that's a great choice. Honestly, I don't know if there's a way to go wrong with this restaurant. I absolutely adore it, and wish I could go there this weekend. If I go back to Maui, I'll definitely be going here again. P.S. - Parking is great and convenient!
(5)Ivy K.
"M" is for the "Meh" in "Mala." An acquaintance recommended this place to us (she later turned out to be batsh!t psycho and a permanent rider of the Crazy Train, but that's a story for another time) and apparently her mental instability also carried over to her tastebuds... Mala was a great disappointment. We started with the cerviche which was bland and boring. Everyone tried it and then left it... not a good sign the waiter took it away, barely touched. I had the seared ahi bruschetta which was okay, others ordered the lobster mac and cheese (with minimal lobster), kobe burgers (blah), and seafood pasta (fishy and disappointing despite being the special that night). We shared a warm fruit dessert which had sour bits in it and split a creme brulee which was the only decent thing that we ate that evening (granted, it's hard to mess up a basic creme brulee). The food was WAY overpriced for the quality and really mediocre at best. Definitely won't be back - Lahaina Grill is worth the money, Mala isn't.
(2)Jayne A.
Mala is one of our favorite restaurants, period. We went last night for our anniversary and were impressed yet again. The food is to die for... Anything on the menu...venture out and order something you normally wouldn't, you will be amazed. Phenomenal service and attitudes of all of the staff. Avalon ahi is worth every penny. Do not skip Mala... Reservations recommended.
(5)Juan H.
Best place, best food, best service and great atmosphere and the best dining experience in Maui. Everything from the weekend breakfast, burger, fillet mignon, manilla clams to the CIOPPINO was amazingly delicious. We began and ended our vacation at Mala and will be booking a trip to Maui just to return to once again. Excellent service every time and we even recieved recomendations for other spots from the staff which was strange but it was a big fator in our returning. Mama's Schmamas... Mala has everything. Seafod steaks and a view. Don't leave maui without giving them a try.
(5)Valentina G.
Amazing setting and ambiance. Service varies a lot depending on who's your server. Food is very good, ingredients are impressive. Pricey for the level of service, but still a must go...
(4)Keith M.
The food was fantastic. The location is a 10. I can't believe that I didn't know about this place before. I will never come to Maui without trip to Mala.
(5)Matt C.
Loved this unassuming waterfront tavern in Lahaina. We dined at a number of spots while in Hawaii last week. From oppulent (Merriman's - excellent), to basic (Local Food - yum Kalua pork), to outdated (Longhi's - time to raise your game!), to deli-style (Leoda's - tiny ham sandwich $13.95, ouch). The best was Mala Tavern. There was an error on the reservations, we came on the 24th, reservations were for the next night. The place was very full, but they accomodated us, and we even had a nice view of the waterfront. A great Ketel martini was followed by stir fried mahi for her and a perfect blue cheese burger for me. You get packed in tight at Mala's, and its fun to chat a little bit with your neighbors - everyone having fun and sharing stories. Dessert was an ice cream - almond, I think, which was good enough please my non-dessert-oriented wife. And everyone who worked there was laid-back, cool and easygoing. Our last meal on the island was the best. Thank you, Mala Grill!
(5)P A.
Hostess was rude, server was nice. Calamari was dry / overcooked. Beet salad with fried goat cheese was good, but definitely canned beats. Brussel sprouts were cooked well but drowned in soy sauce, so ended up being too salty. Catch of the day was Opakapaka which is a pink snapper. Fish was excellent. It's a mild fish - not too fish. It was well seasoned and went great with the yukon gold potatoes. We had a good wine but the whole list is well over-priced for what the wines really are. $48 for Punto Final Malbec which is $13 retail. Location is great to watch the sunset, but doesn't excuse the lack of attention to the quality of the food.
(2)Neil M.
Have been to Mala twice for weekend brunch and had a very good experience both times. The view is spectacular and the service is very friendly and efficient. All selections have been good for the whole party, but really like their version of loco moco.
(4)D V.
We waited 1.25 hours for our RESERVED table. After finally getting seated, the waitress took our order while neglecting to mention the specials, which sounded delicious when described to the table next to us. The waitress also didn't check with us after the food came, which would have been nice, since my entree was dry and tasteless. The view was spectacular (once we finally sat down) and the rest of the food was okay (though not worth the price, even for Maui), but the poor service spoiled what should have been a nice dinner out.
(1)Jcee K.
So yummy.
(5)Carol D.
My husband and I spent an entire month on Maui during January & February of this year. We traveled, stayed and dined all over the island (Kapalua, Napili, Lahaina, Wailea, Makawao and Hana) -- so we got well acquainted with a variety of what Maui has to offer. Mala Ocean Tavern was a wonderful find! It was so good we went 3 times! The first time was for brunch and the Chilaquiles were incredible -- as was the Hibiscus Champagne drink (like a Mimosa only with champagne, candied hibiscus flower & syrup) It looked beautiful too! On my next visit I tried their Gado Gado Salad served with warm peanut-coconut sauce. I'm not a vegetarian -- but I could eat this salad everyday for the rest of my life and never need to eat meat again. It was that satisfying! Plus it's served on a bed of red rice -- which may come from Bhutan. I could go on and on, but the point is: the standard of quality, creativity and service is very high here. The setting is fabulous too. Get there just before or after peak dining periods and you will have your pick of ocean side tables. It's both classy and informal at the same time -- a rare combination. Is it cheap? No. But it is reasonable in that you get what you pay for - - an interesting menu where the food is innovative and high quality. I do think their 'Happy Hour Menu' could be a little happier -- better drink specials or small plates -- but that's more of a suggestion than a complaint. We also tried Mala Wailea -- same great menu and we choose to eat on the terrace of the bar (rather than the more formal dining room) and enjoyed the more casual atmosphere and ocean view. Mala Ocean Tavern is a wonderful restaurant! I live in New York City and I know what good food is :-) Aloha!
(5)Rikki G.
It's always hard to go to a restaurant in maui when your not a seafood lover. Mala though had such a great selection of other meals. I got the Asian chicken dinner and WOW it was so good!! The chips and salsa they give at your table was also so yummy. I recommend this place to everyone and give it two thumbs up!
(5)Shane S.
Ate there last week while on vacation. My wife ordered a non-alcholoic mohito because she's pregnant and got to the end of the drink and pulled out what she thought was a seed. It curled out - it was a worm!!!! We shared this with our server who replied, ok, glad it picked a non-alcoholic drink and quicky said "so, where you guys from?" to get off the subject. They didn't take the drink off the bill or even apologize for the worm in the drink. Unprofessional and obviously they don't care about "out of towners" as they assume they won't be back or at least for a while so they don't need to address this kind of stuff. Well, guess what? Welcome to the world of online reviews. Shame on you and your restaurant for not addressing worms in drinks properly! I'll never be back.
(1)Natalie N.
One year later and still loving Mala. Went here twice for dinner over the week course I was here and both times not disappointed. The service is very good. They don't bother you too much. They let you sit, relax and enjoy. Neither time were we able to get on the balcony (without waiting an hour after our reservations) but to me this was not a big deal. The edamame puree made to look like guacamole with fresh chips is delicious. We had to wait at the bar both times we came here, but we were able to sit and enjoy the chips and dip with a great martini or margarita off the large drink menu. The bartenders are really friendly and fast too. I recommend the local fish sandwich which is $19 (ask for it fried of course) if you want to spend a little less than the $30 entrees. This was a ton of food for me!
(4)Cheryl c.
It is deceptive...as soon as you see the place you are surprised by all the great reviews. It really is a little dive/ hole in the wall, but the food was really good. The really nice thing is that you can come very casual and eat casual-- or come a little dressy and eat a little higher end. You can get a Kobe burger, or a nice fish or steak entree... This restaurant is great for kids or a romantic evening. Very versatile little place!
(4)Monica H.
We are visiting from Northern California, Mala Ocean Tavern was recommended by a friend who raved about it. It was everything she said and more. The food, vibe and service were stellar. We sat outside with the surf right below us, the waiter was excellent. We ordered an appetizer, entree, and dessert, which we split between the two of us. My husband has a glass of wine. It was plenty of food for both of us. The bill was just over 100 with a 25% tip. We WILL be back!
(5)Gayle M.
Absolutely loved the Seared Ahi Bruschetta appetizer, which was recommended by our waiter, who was genuinely friendly and helpful. Flat bread topped with edamame paste, the ahi, a drizzle of balsamic, greens. Not sure what else, but everything went together beautifully. Definitely delicious and not something we'd be making ourselves. This was definitely one of the best things we ate this trip. Beet salad with Surfing Goat cheese was also good, but everything was overshadowed by the bruschetta. Had a table outside by the water. It was dark out, and the view and sound of the ocean was wonderful.
(4)Mike B.
Overall: Slightly above average. My girlfriend and I ate here based on the recommendation of the concierge at the Westin Kannapali. The recommendation was good, but not great. The food was above average, and service was good except for the fact that our waiter forgot to put in our appetizer order. The restaurant has a nice ambiance because it's on the water, but it's very small so you don't have much privacy. The food is too expensive for what you are getting, but that seems to be the norm for Hawaii. My 3 star rating is reserved for restaurants that meet expectations. If my girlfriend's dish was better and/or this place had better value, I would have given it 4 stars. Food: I had the Mahi Mahi, which was excellent (I recommend it). Plenty of flavor - the cilantro pesto drizzled around the side really makes the dish pop. My girlfriend had the Fresh Fish Stir-Fry - this dish left something to be desired. The stir-fry sauce overpowered the fish...we couldn't distinguish between the 3 types of fish. My girlfriend thought it was "something she could probably make at home". In general, the $39 for Mahi Mahi and $31 for the Stir-Fry were too expensive. There's minimal transportation cost for seafood on the island compared to the mainland, right? Why so expensive?!? Environment: This place is cozy. It's on the water, and the tiki torches are a great touch. However, it's very small, so don't expect any privacy. Make reservations! Service: Our waiter was excellent. He was very attentive, polite and helped us sort through the menu. However, he did forget our appetizer order and obviously placed it much later than normal. We ended up getting our appetizer late, and our main course two minutes later. I think this is a one-off thing, though.
(3)Mike E.
This was our best meal in Maui...the food spoke to us. The black bean clams, the mahi stir-fry and the lava flow were all big highlights. Walking in, the ambience is underwhelming...but the food is really exciting. $70 for two for lunch including tax and tip with us trying several courses each, but well worth it.
(5)Joe C.
Loved this place. We had a hard time finding a nice brunch spot near Lahaina. The fancy overpriced luxury hotel brunch buffets are just not my style. The restaurants on the strip all seem to specialize in the art of cooking prepackaged frozen foods in deep fryers. But we drove by Mala and just by the look of it it seemed like the right kind of place. And it was. The decor is like any simple brunch destination, but with seating right next to the ocean. The service is good. The coffee is good. And they have this dish called "Loco Moco" - it's a poached egg, on top of a Kobe beef burger, on top of a nice serving of organic brown rice, all slathered in mushroom gravy. It's so delicious I stole the recipe and I've made it at home. Mala was so yummy that we went back again, twice! The second time I had my Loco Moco with Hollandaise sauce, just for kicks. It was just as good that way. Mala Ocean Cafe - I love you.
(4)Monique C.
Yummy this place is awesome! Right on the water! Food is killer too! Beet and goat cheese salad is my fav. They also serve Maui Brewing Co. beer...always a plus! A little pricey but worth it! It's my favorite place in Lahaina town to grab lunch...I wish I could sneak over there now...haha
(4)Christopher N.
Mala has the best burger on the island. I love it!! It's not a cheap burger, but it's worth it. Kobe beef with melted bleu cheese and bacon? Seriously? Yep. Too good.
(5)Lauren L.
I went here after reading many good reviews and hearing personal compliments about the restaurant. I was however very disappointed. The location is right on the water with beautiful views if you can get a table out there. The place is small and they try and pack in as many people as they can as well as the people that are waiting for a table. The menu is extremely limited and I would think with the reputation and price that anything on the menu should be good... right? I was sadly mistaken. The cheapest entree is $30 and the dish was uneventful. At this price, I expect much more than a stir fry. Bottom line, for the price you're paying just go to Mama's for much better food and ambience.
(2)Bob B.
This unpretentious waterfront restuarant would have been off our radar if we had not gotten a recommendation from a friend. We were lucky enough to get outside seating with an excellent view of the sunset and a couple of sea turtles playing in the surf. My wife and I shared a seared Ahi Bruschetta that was melt in your mouth perfect. The Filet was quite good and cooked to perfection. I had the sirloin and was a bit dissapointed as it was a thin cut and rather on the bland side. My mistake for ordering beef on the beach. The service was friendly, knowledgable and top notch. I would recommend this a great meal in a great location. Tip: make a reservation and go a little early to eat outside which is less noisy and croweded than inside.
(4)Prettylilredhead H.
Food was good, but I guess my expectations were too high for this place. I also feel like it is about 25% overpriced. Our waiter was a little snotty as well as inconsiderate. While my plate of overpriced fish was still sitting on our table, they rolled back the canopy over the patio. A guy held up two round trays to catch the leaves that fell while the canopy was being moved, but of course stuff fell onto my plate. I got no apology. The view is just sorta meh, but I feel like there are much better views on different beaches in Maui. Lahaina is just meh, in my opinion. Tables are placed very close together as this is a very small place. Reservations are needed.
(3)John G.
This place is busy, in a good way. Good apps and entrees. Kid friendly, cause the atomosphere is kinda loud...we had the kids, including the one that had a mid dinner meltdown! My brother-in-law ordered the Kobe Burger, but didn't eat it 'til later cause of the meltdown. He said that it was still good! Our only warning...Drink the whole bottle of wine, cause they won't let you take it home corked!!! Oh well, hopefully somebody enjoyed the rest of the Rombauer chard. I will return.
(4)Jennifer G.
We called at 6:30 to make last minute reservations based on other Yelp ratings and were able to get in at 8:00pm. There was one table left on the outside deck which was great! It is quaint, but the staff is sooo friendly and the food was excellent so who cares!? My husband ordered the seared Ahi which was fantastic, serving was more than enough. I ordered the Kobe beef cheeseburger (normally I would order a salad, and I have never ordered a burger at a restaurant, ever, but it sounded sooo good with cheddar cheese and grilled onion served with thinly cut and lightly seasoned fries...it was worth every penny!) We each had a mixed drink (they are not chintzy with the alcohol either!) and in the end we paid $84 for our meal/drinks. Which, considering the fact that its Hawaii and the food was excellent, I would definitely recommend and eat here again.
(5)Kathy W.
Super packed! You must sit out on the patio. We thought it was a little pricey, but what isn't in Maui?! The best thing was the Caramel Miranda for dessert! A half order is enough for two. Great service by the way, although there was a little confusion with the reservation in the beginning.
(4)Mark T.
It is all about the food. Yes, they pack you in a bit tight and the place is too loud for meaningful conversation, but we were too busy reveling in the food to talk anyway. The Ahi Bruschetta was a great play on a classic appetizer. My wife declared both the beet salad and her seafood pasta entree special "best ever"; a significant statement for someone who never passes up the opportunity to order a beet salad or a seafood special. Doubling down on the Ahi, my Avalon Seared Sashimi melted in the mouth with a flavorful shitake/ginger sauce. Service was fine, in fact a bit too quick with the food, and the place will set you back at least $100/per, but the inventive and flawlessly prepared food is what makes Mala a memorable experience.
(5)P J.
Mala's is good. Really good. Funny, we got the recommendation to go here from a waitress at Hula Grill. I'm glad we acted on it. We started with the calamari, and it was fairly tasty. Light batter, good sauce. I had the "Avalon Seared Sashimi" - a seared tuna dish and it was delicious. Everything was just right about it. I don't usually do sashimi, but decided to take a gamble. We also had the Keoki sunset beer, quite nice. For dessert, we had the Caramel Miranda. We chose it because the woman sitting next to us said she'd been craving this dessert for THIRTEEN YEARS, since she had it on her honeymoon. I heard her talking to her friends about it when my boyfriend had left the table to use the facilities. When he got back I was nearly giddy and told him about what I'd over heard. I told him with a loud whisper, behind my hand, "That lady had this dessert on her honeymoon THIRTEEN YEARS ago. She came back for it with her girlfriends. We HAVE to try it." In my mind, it was like the dessert was a celebrity, really. If someone remembers something, while on a honeymoon, that was that good, I've got to try it. I mean, there's a lot going on with a honeymoon, I hope. You might not leave your room. So if you remember a dessert standing out what with all that in room activity ... So we ate it. OK, folks. The Caramel Miranda was good. There were tiny coconuts imported from Nicaragua in it. Like magical coconuts, something only Willy Wonka could make. But other than that? It's an expensive dessert, and its OK. Just OK. The dessert is certainly not a celebrity. It makes me wonder what the rest of that woman's honeymoon was like.
(4)Jessica J.
This is a great place for a romantic dinner. Great view and a fabulous location. Food is fresh and delicious. The owner definitely takes pride in his establishment. A front street must.
(4)Sally V.
happy hour 3-430 was a disappointment. our waiter was good, our drinks were okay but by the end of our visit we were being rushed out of the restaurant. the manager wanted us to leave in time for the dinner crowd. never mind that we were paying customers, needless to say these locals won't be returning as we can get better service elsewhere and for cheaper.
(1)Debbie S.
Great service. Crowded,but part of the ambiance. Had a great table right on the ocean. We waited for that. Fish of the day and Ahi were prepared perfectly. We also had appetizers ( cerviche and a beet salad) that were excellent.
(5)marygrace w.
We always eat at Mala Ocean Tavern when we are in Maui. We brings friends and have always recommended it to acquaintances who are headed to Maui. We made reservations early and requested an outdoor table. After arriving early for our reservation, we were told to wait in the bar and they would come and get us shortly. After 45 minutes and watching people who arrived ahead of us be seated, I went and ask about our reservation. It was obvious they had forgotten us, but were quite short and said our table would be available shortly. They then proceeded to seat two people outside who came in for a later reservation and put us at the table for two in the very noisy bar after that. To add insult to injury, my husband's expensive entree was not all that good. We will give this place one more try because of our past experiences, but some customer service would be nice, even if it was just an apology. We were planning to buy tee shirts, but after this, we don't want to be reminded of that evening or do any advertising for them. We understand that you do not always get outside tables and the views are wonderful from almost everywhere. I do want to give kudos to the bar staff who were going out of their way to handle, serve and be nice to everyone in a extremely busy bar.
(3)Thu S.
Just look at the photos of the food I've uploaded. Need I say more? The whole wok fried fish is the best fish I've ever had and I've eaten more whole fried fish than anyone you know. If a restaurant serves it I'll order it. Will never miss a chance to come here whenever we're in Maui.
(5)Rego S.
My only qualm was that they kept asking to take away plates before we were finished with them, making us feel rushed. Even so, this was the best of the week's worth of restaurants I visited in the Lahaina area. I recommend calling to reserve a table outside (which has very limited seating).
(4)morgan b.
One of my favorites. Very busy for dinner. You can walk in and eat at the bar with the same menu. I had the Ahi Tartare and the Ahi Bruschetta for dinner. Let me tell you...the Bruschetta is awesome! We usually sit at the bar. Great bar tender and some real unique drinks. Great atmosphere. Right on the water. We've also been there for lunch which a similiar menu and no reservation required. Beautiful view of the ocean. I loved the Lychee Martini and the Mojito. Prices are pretty good for Maui.
(5)Cin S.
Adorable little place - it's right on the ocean so you can watch the waves and the sunset. The menu is surprisingly sophisticated and upscale. We had the greek salad which was crispy and fresh - and very refreshing from what we had been eating while on vacation. Highly recommended! Also, it's a couple of dollars off drinks and food during their daily happy hour.
(4)Leon B.
The spicy lamb pita was especially good
(5)R L.
We definitely enjoyed Mala's. The food was excellent, great ambiance with the outdoor seating and unobstructed view of the Lahaina harbor sunset. The only issue is there was a funky ocean smell in that area...but you get used to that after 10 mins :)
(4)Willis W.
My faith in Yelp has never been stronger. This place was great to bring our toddler for a sunset dinner. The staff were super cool and friendly. Our service was fast and helpful. The food was excellent, healthy, and of good portions for the price. My ahi burger was juicy and big.
(5)Al S.
This is one of the best values on Maui. Food is excellent and the service is very good. We dined on the lanai where we watched turtles swimming in front of us while we got a little wet from the waves crashing. Sangria is Spain worthy. Flatbread appetizer is amazing.
(5)K I.
We went there on our last day in Maui and it was my birthday. Outdoor seating is right by the ocean, although a limited number of tables are available. So make your reservation in advance and be prepared to wait for atleast 20 minutes if you really need outdoor seating by the ocean. There are benches outside the restaurant facing the ocean where you can watch the sunset while you wait for your table or you can sit in their bar area. Their parking lot has limited slots so good luck finding parking there. There is a safeway across the street where you can park and walk across the street towards the ocean. The food is simply amazing. I'm vegetarian and they had tons of options for me. They substitute any entree containing fish or chicken with tofu. So herbivores you have many choices, apart from salad. The food quantity is decent. Our server (Annie) was the best. It is pricey, but worth it.
(4)Nancy B.
My husband and I went last night for dinner. I was a little nervous bc the recent yelp reviews werent great but figured we had to try it out and see for ourselves. App: got the ahi bruschetta and lamb pita. Both were ok. Not out of this world but good. Cocktails: Mai tai was awesome but also $12.50. Could have had 3 somewhere else for that price. Dinner: ordered the brussel sprouts bc everyone raved about them. They were cooked nicely and had a nice flavor. I got the seafood pasta special and it was ok. Nothing I would write home about. Hubby got the ahi sashimi. Cooked perfectly and nice flavor. dessert: chocolate soufle. Just ok. I wanted to get the bread pudding but too many ppl on yelp advised against it. So here we are the morning after having spent $223 on a meal for two ppl and are sad. Just think about the damage we could have done at our favorite sushi place with that kind of money.
(3)Craig L.
The service here was outstanding, and they have this special Sauvignon blanc served over shaved ice with a lime slice that is memorable. Food was good yet not awesome.
(3)Matthew W.
Note: This is a breakfast review. We heard about Mala on the local cable "Visitors Channel" 7, so we tried it for breakfast on a Saturday morning, as they only offer brunch Sat-Sun from 9am-3pm. The location is north of Lahaina Town and, assuming you find the small sign outside the nondescript entrance, parking can be a little difficult. We got there right around opening time and we were able to get a space and an ocean-side table. Score! The service was very good and the breakfast was very good. My fiance and I each had the Great Start Breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, grilled "health" bread and Mala's own take on hash browns. The eggs were excellent, the bacon was decadent, the hash browns unique and not greasy and the health bread was good, although dry as these type of multigrain breads can be. I give Mala a strong 4 stars for breakfast.
(4)Jeff H.
Went here on the last night of our recent vacation. We had a reservation at 7:30 which we arrived on time for. We got seated 20 minutes later and had a very friendly waitress. I ordered a stirfry which was supposed to include a fresh local fish. What I got was a chicken stirfry which was good, but definitely didn't include fish. When I mentioned this to our waitress she took my meal back to the kitchen were they assured her it was fish. She relayed the message but this dish was clearly chicken ... Had they owned up to the mix up I wouldn't have given them such a poor review. Other food looked good. Ahh one other negative, the bar is divided from the seating area by a free standing low wall. While this keeps the noise from the bar out of the restaurant area it does not keep bar patrons from putting their drinks on the top of this wall, precariously perched above people eating dinner. One waitress asked someone to move their drinks but this could lead to a potentially terrible night for someone seated in the wrong spot. At minimum it was a distraction for me while I was eating dinner wondering when my mother or sister might get a beer shower. For the price of this dinner these issues should not have existed. I would not go back.
(2)Dave T.
Great place and great people. The ahi brouchetta was great.
(5)April B.
I was quite impressed with how fresh everything tasted. I especially love how their menu includes vegan dishes as well as organic chicken. Even husband gave this place a thumbs up and said that the food was "genuinely good." I think their lava flow was pretty darn tasty -- tastier than what the resorts offer. This is one place I can imagine visiting more than once per visit to Maui. Update (2/22): We returned to this place for brunch and everyone in my party has concurred that it made up for last night's dismal experience at the Ohana Bar & Grill. I just had to upgrade my star rating to give these guys some love.
(5)Ange M.
Love this little place. Went during happy hour. Warning - still not inexpensive, but good to save a few bucks when you can. This place is a prime piece of real estate. You cannot be closer to the water and legally drink alcohol and have wait service. We literally felt the ocean spray. Food was really good and did not disappoint. Ordered way too much but did a good job anyway because it was just too good to not eat until we were stuffed. Can't wait to go with a bunch of people for some drinks and a good time. This place looked like it would be a lot of fun during sunset / evening hours.
(4)Ekika E.
The creamiest and tastiest lava flows. We had ahi tuna sashimi and the filet mignon. The tuna was seared and swimming in a creamy mushroom sauce.....ohhhhhhhh. The filet had a divine truffle sauce and was perfectly tender, melting in your mouth kind of tender. Wait there is more, desert. Desert was total OMG. Fruit with caramel and chocolate sauce topped with vanilla macadamia nut brittle ice cream did I say omg? We didn not speak to each other during dessert. Service was fine but a slight bit off, the sister restaurant Honu had excellent service and we sat at the bar too. I would say this was the best meal we had in Maui.
(4)Ryan S.
Absolutely delicious... Can't say much beyond that. The garlic appetizer I had was amazing and the main courses, although varied, were enjoyed by my entire family! Pricey but a great night out, especially on a nice Hawaiian vacation night
(5)Hilda B.
Unexpected high quality food. Seared ahi bruschetta was amazing.
(4)M L.
food - 1 million stars service - 1 million stars ambiance - 1 million stars summary - absolutely recommend this place!
(5)CB H.
Friendly service, but food was just okay. The entrées were expense compared to the overall taste and presentation of other local restaurants. I have no idea how the chef would think its a good idea to plop strange mash potatoes and mushroom on a plate completely devouring simple seared ahi. Oh, by the way it's not cheap.
(3)Jessica A.
Mala has dishes with amazing flavor. We tried the ahi tuna with mashed potatoes. Amazing! Highly recommend!!! The adult Mac and cheese was ok...sit on the lanai and watch the sea turtles along the coast. A must do.
(4)Steve A.
Yay, Mala! I'm hardly one for hotel concierge recommended restaurants, but this place didn't disappoint. I was told that sea turtles swim up to the restaurant regularly, but I didn't see one in the three hours at the restaurant. Still, the food was good, the wine very fine, and the dessert so refreshing. I won't get into the details of the order since I think the offerings change regularly. One of my best dinner experiences on Maui.
(5)E S.
Good food, service, and amazing view. Friendly staff.
(4)juls j.
One of my favorite restaurants from the trip. We had so many dishes I don't even know where to begin: Ceviche, cheese plate, farmers salad- all well presented and really fresh flavors. Whole fried fish and some other mahi mahi plate. The whole fried fish is my favorite. It's not too heavy and the fish becomes flakey and buttery as a result. Plus the vegetable and purple potato accompaniment is delicious. Dessert- Carmen Miranda- eh, meh, un. It wasn't the most interesting way to end but good enough. Attentive, helpful service. A lovely view. Really well done presentation and great quality food. Will definitely return.
(4)Samantha V.
I wasnt sure what to expect with from this place, none of my group had been and the reason we chose it was because it was suggested as a highly vegan friendly restaurant (two in the group are extreme vegans) and that can be very hit and miss to us carnivores. As we arrived i could see the view alone deserved five stars, its quaint and sits on the shore which at dusk was lit up with sailboats buoyed floating in the sunset, the restaurant is rather small but lively, great for dates. Our server was Adam and he had a great energy to him, he was straight to the point and very attentive as was his supporting staff, waters were filled and plates removed immediately. He suggested the ahi bruschetta which was the best bruschetta i have ever had, the toast wasnt stiff and crumbly like the usual way it is served and the taste was amazing . We ordered the ceviche and baba ghanoush and hummus appetizers also five stars dont miss these ones. For my entree i had the balinese stir fry, incredible, it was light but flavorful, i tasted my mothers hoison baby back ribs..also delicious. It is a bit pricey entrees are in the 30's. But the experience was remarkable. Thank you Adam and Mala's! You will forever be a destination for me and my family when we visit your great island.
(5)Stephanie D.
Ahhhhh. Food was good but I wouldnt ever pay $41 for the ahi I had. I had to eat dinner after my dinner!
(3)Jessica F.
12/6/09 My husband and I were driving around on our first night in Maui looking for a place to get dinner. We stumbled upon Mala and are still so grateful we did. We didn't have reservations but luckily were seated right away. The vibe was mellow with candles and torches, ocean sounds and yummy scents wafting through the air. The waiter got us started on drinks and appetizers without delay. He was super friendly and gave us great food recommendations. I had the hood canal oyster shooter, ponzu, wasabi, tobiko Caviar & chives. It was HEAVEN. Followed by the sauteed Local OPAKAPAKA, Potato puree, garlic spinach, roasted eggplant and olowalu tomato cream sauce. I still dream of those beautiful pureed Purple potatoes!!!! YUM! I left with a cookbook and a very very happy stomach. If you are in Maui this place is a MUST!
(5)Scott M.
Food is excellent but we were a little disappointed when our reservation ended up an hour later because they ran out of tables because the reservation before us came in 25 mins late. Since this place is so small they probably should not take reservations. But again, the food is excellent and it is right on the water.
(4)Jonathan L.
This place is good! Make reservations and ask to be seated along the outside perimeter of the patio out back. We were there during the sunset. Wow. The temperature was perfect, the beer and wine were refreshing, the food was very good (baby back ribs and ahi burger are best) and the view was definitely a lifetime top 10. I will say it again, make reservations. This place is pretty small and it fills up quickly. So unless you want to have dinner at 3pm or 10pm, call ahead! It's a 10 minute drive from the hotels just up north (Westin, Sheraton, Marriott). It's also not very pricey, dinner for 2 with drinks and an appetizer are $75-100.
(4)Jenny V.
Truly one of those places that you can go back to again and again for any meal. It's a funky little shack on the water with a true island vibe. We had lunch outside, with the island breezes blowing in. We both had the same thing because we could not promise to share it if someone got something else. We had the house made ahi tuna burger which was unlike anything we'd had before. Ground ahi with spices on a perfect whole wheat bun. Doesn't get much better than that!
(4)Reena U.
Loved everything about this place. The food, the ambiance, service. no doubt its expensive but its worth it. Make reservations well in advance especially if you want to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful view. A must for sunset.
(5)Jennalyn M.
Originally, my BF and I were at Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar for dinner. We left that place because we were not happy at all with our appetizers and didn't want to risk ordering any entrees. So we decided to come to Mala Ocean Tavern and boy am I glad we did! Food was excellent. I don't remember exactly what I ordered but take a look at the pics I uploaded and let them speak for themselves. I also recommend getting a mango mojito. It is not listed as one of their cocktails but if you ask they will definitely make one for you. And remember to save room for dessert!!!
(4)Sandra P.
Fabulous food! Attentive staff, casual atmosphere. One of my 2 best meals on Maui!
(5)Kenn D.
Very cool place, I highly recommend a stop in (or reservations) to view a sunset, great great service, and bask in the feast before your eyes. Sit right next to the waters edge and you should see turtles pass through as the sun sets.
(5)Big E.
This is not to be missed by any person serious about good eats. We went here on the recommendation of friends and are glad we did. The location is great on the water, a tad noisy but this is Maui in the 21st century. Want quiet, go to Kauai. Tried beet salad with goat cheese, ahi bruschetta, avalon seared sashimi and stir fried brussel sprouts. All were fantastic. This was on the suggestion of our server who was also fantastic. Like most places on the water they are pretty busy at sunset, but it thins out fairly quickly after 8ish. You need to go here if you don't mind paying a little more for something really really good!
(4)van t.
The food was ok. Alright maybe my standards were set a little high since I had a couple of friends recommend this place as a must visit. The food just wasn't flavorful. My kobe wagyu rib eye so charred that it was bitter. Normally I don't send things back but since I was paying 44 bucks for a tiny piece of steak and French fries, I had to do it. Besides, it was bitter. I couldn't eat it.
(2)kai m.
Sitting here at Mala this moment for lunch on a bright sunny Hawaiian day. I must say there isn't anything better then sitting beside the ocean to enjoy lunch. The day is nice especially with the trades blowing to keep everything nice and cool. I can imagine if it were a Kona wind day it would be humid and yucky at the worst. I've heard about their Kobe burger and that's what I am having. The burger is huge and it's quite tasty it's also pretty pricey no doubt.
(4)Terry P.
The food was excellent, but the waiter was preoccupied with chatting up the pretty girls at the next table rather than pay attention to two older folks who could afford to give him a large tip.
(4)April W.
Great food, great service, great location, great prices, great view. GREAT GREAT GREAT!
(5)Lars G.
Points off for "snooty" service. The atmosphere and food were amazing, but saw multiple examples of preferential treatment to certain types of guests. It was approaching 3pm and the bus boy comes and starts lowering sun shades in front of the tables that sat an elderly couple and a group of international visitors. The couple wanted to enjoy the view but left feeling run off. Meanwhile a yuppie type and his trophy wife show up and the bus boy ran over and immediately raised the shades. The waiter spent significantly more time servicing that couple than many of the others the restaurant. This was the most-hyped restaurant I read about coming on this trip and watching this behavior made it a real turn off for me.
(2)Sarah B.
Stopped in for some drinks and snacks at sunset. They have great oceanfront seating outside on the deck. This restaurant is located at the north end of Front Street away from the bustle of tourists with easy parking. Great drink selection. I hadn't planned on having a martini but the drink menu talked me into it. Had one with pineapple infused vodka. Delish and strong! Yay! And tried another with hibiscus flower vodka complete with a real candied flower in the bottom (that looks crazy but tastes like the best gummy bear of your life). Our snacks were the quartet of Mediterranean dips and the calamari (yummy mildly spicy dip). Both were amazing. We are in LOVE with the feta cheese mousse that came in the quartet. Try it! Overall, this is a great spot to relax after a long day of snorkeling, admire a gorgeous Maui sunset, and leave happy. Can't wait to return!
(4)Rachel H.
We had our best meal in Hawaii here! I highly recommend. Definitely make a reservation, though.
(5)Ben S.
My review is mixed; we were seated promptly however next to our table was a large bachelorette party that was extremely noisy and it was difficult to have a conversation with my significant other. However there was nothing the restaurant could have done other then try to move us. Our beverage order was taken promptly and they brought out some chips and salsa for us to munch on that was to die for. We ordered the beet salad to share and as with the chips and salsa it was excellent. I heard the hamburger was to die for so I was contemplating between that and the Stir Fry. We were here for dinner and since I was fished out having already been on Maui for 10 days and I wanted something different. I inquired and the waiter suggested the ribs. Boy was this a mistake, the ribs were fatty, the meat stuck to the bone but even worse was that when they cut between the ribs I had bone fragments within the dish and needed to be careful that I didn't pick one with my fork as I was eating the vegetables. I think the restaurant needs to rethink this dish. My significant other ordered the Mahi Ala Plancha and thought is was above average but not excellent. Aside from the main courses the service was very good however the waiter seemed intense however this maybe because of the pressure he was under at the time of our seating, view and experience was great and I would give them another chance. :)
(3)Darina H.
DRINKS and DINNER on 11/06/12 Great local and small establishment that we drove by and wanted to try out. We didn't have reservations so we walked in and the hostess encouraged us to enjoy a beverage at the bar until a table was available outside. The bartender was really sweet and friendly, made me a delicious martini. She even asked us where we were from and super helpful with drink menu. We were even given complimentary chips and dip (which was yummy) while we waited. When we were finally seated, I ordered the Chinese chicken salad and the chowder. Both very good although I wish there were less crispy won tons in the salad. The chowder option was also a great pick, unique and yummy. The service and food were both outstanding and we even recommended this place to our friends. This is a definite MUST GO if you're in MAUI!
(5)Bryan H.
Really tasty and adventurous menu with different takes on favorites. Very generous portions. A bit pricy, but worth it. Only drawback was noise level. Hard to hold a conversation or hear the waiter, who spoke quickly and was hard to catch his words. Go here instead of Fleetwood's.
(4)Eva M.
When you're on vacation you want to be treated in a special way and have special dinners with family and friends. Thats what the Mala Ocean Tavern did for us. The night started off a little rocky while we had reservations for 7:45 we were not seated until about 8:20 however, it was very well worth the wait. The service, the staff and especially the food ...it all made up for it! The Mahi Mahi-delicious....the seared ahi tuna with shitake mushrooms was phenomenal. We were a party of 9 and everyone absolutely Loved their food. Mala is fantastic and its a must when you're in Maui. The absolute best meal we had while we were in Maui. PRACTICE ALOHA
(5)Karla W.
Best food in Maui!! Loved this place! Great drinks! The bruschetta is amazing!!! Don't go to Maui without going there!
(5)Dustin B.
Mala was recommended by a friend with family on Maui, so we had high hopes. Everything we ate was better than I hoped. These guys cook like they mean it. The ahi bruschetta was delicious and the seafood pasta was ridiculous. We don't eat much pasta so we were happy that it was not all noodles...it was almost more of a stew. Best thing we had though was the ahi entree. Still thinking about the sauce they put on there. Aside from the food, the view is great and the staff was all really nice. This will be the go to dinner for us on any Maui trip.
(5)Amy D.
Mala Ocean Tavern has a fantastic view of the sunset in Lahaina. I had the BEST appetizer - ahi bruschetta - better than imagined. Ironically everywhere we went locals recommended this place and first thing they said was to order that. Of course I had to and loved it. We had a few appetizers and drinks and really enjoyed our time there. I highly recommend this spot. Make a reservation if you want to catch the sunset and/or be on the patio.
(4)Eve K.
Small spot on the water with excellent appetizers and mai tais. 3.5 stars Food: 4, Atmosphere: 4, Service: 3 Cost to worth it ratio: 2.5 (entrees in the high 30s and 40s) Return worthiness: maybe Highlights: - Ahi bruchetta: HUGE piece of ahi that my teeth just sank into. Piled under were the thickest, freshest tomato slices and a lovely edamame puree lining this thick soft and chewy warm flax seed toast. Amazing appetizer - Burrata special: this was fantastic as well with a pile of creamy burrata in the middle of a fanned presentation of the same tomatoes and toast in the bruchetta - Mai tais: delicious, tall glass, and umbrella--all good. - Atmosphere: felt like a casual, neighborly place. Very small with personality and jutting out on the water. Lowlights: - Entrees: nothing memorable and very pricey I'd considering returning for the ahi bruchetta and the view.
(4)Bettina S.
We came here upon recommendation. The restaurant has a great sunset view, good service, and good food. It's quite crowded though and can get quite noisy (Granted we were part of a group of 24 so we took up like half the restaurant)
(3)Christine I.
On the last night of our honeymoon in Maui we decided a nice dinner was in order. We're not big planners when it comes to vacation, we have enough schedules in our daily lives we don't like to vacation that way. We go where Yelp or locals tell us and we're so glad we did. We were able to get a late night reservation at Mala with a table right on their patio overlooking the rocky beach. I recommend getting a reservation in advance, it was packed all the way until closing. The food alone is something to rave about, but the ambiance and wine selection, while limited, were both wonderful. I ordered the Asian Fried Chicken with Moloka'i purple potato mash and sautéed spinach, it was heavenly and fresh. Hubs ordered the filet with roasted vegetables and yukon mash; his steak was perfectly cooked to medium rare. Ended the night with coffee and port and couldn't have been more pleased.
(5)Christina A.
This place was decent but not extremely memorable. The view was incredible but there are limited seats outside so we were stuck indoors. Its sorta the luck of the draw. The servers were VERY friendly and helpful though and the location is pretty great - in Old Lahaina.
(3)Kathy W.
We had lunch there after an early morning visiting sites. 1. Crunchy Calamari - very crunchy and I love it that they keep the crown. 2. Ahi Burger - Very flavorful and the fries (garlic butter was very yummy) 3. Local Fresh Island fish (mahi mahi) - very juicy 4. FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTE SOUFFLE - very good (makes me want to try their signature dish, maybe next time). I am fan now!
(5)Bryan Z.
Dinner at Mala was really beautiful. Superb quality, excellent table overlooking the water. It is truly paradise. I'm looking forward to going to Mala's sister Honu next trip. I think I had Ahi with every single meal while in Maui and this was one of my favorites. Service was exceptional and, again, the view was the best you could have possibly asked for. Tip: Make a reservation One unique thing is their starter at the table is this unique edamame bean dip.
(5)Jen C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. I just love all of the food, drinks, service, location on the water, and humbleness and laid-back vide of the place. We ate here twice on our last stay on Maui, once for brunch and once for lunch. For brunch I had the chiliquiles and a bloody mary; the chiliquiles were expertly prepared and incredible delicious, albeit a tad spicy. The cheeseburger they serve here is one of the best I've had, ever. Probably in my top three world-wide. You have to order it medium rare so you can taste the Kobe beef. You can actually taste what the animal ate, it's amazing. The fries are really great too, and the garlic aoili makes it such a perfect meal. It was made even better with a glass of Mirror Pond, which they sell by the bottle. Next door at Honu they serve it on tap!
(5)Rich T.
We ordered several appetizers and entrees. Most were okay. I would not recommend the calamari or BBQ ribs. The calamari just lacked seasoning and the BBQ ribs are overcooked so making it a little tough to pull the meat off the bone. Overpriced for a $35 entree.
(2)Kiersten M.
Great outdoor seating if you can get it. Food is good but doesn't seem to change menu items year to year
(4)Krissy H.
Delish!!! The food was great, drinks great. We saw this restaurant from the street and didn't think much. Great out door seating, service was excellent. Would love to go back. Ordered the pan seared fish of the day and would totally recommend it. Yum!!!
(5)Brian T.
A little cramped but makes for a communal atmosphere. Right on the ocean, with the sounds of crashing waves. Beautiful sunset views. Food is excellent. Ahi poke appetizer was delicious and the Ahi Burger was the best I've had. Definitely should check this place out.
(5)Susan W.
What a great spot! Right on the beach with ocean breezes coming in the big open windows. Excellent food, great service and charming atmosphere.
(5)Rebecca M.
We walked in and it was a 20 minute wait so we grabbed two chairs at the bar, Haddy was our bartender/server/entertainment for the night. Not only was the food amazing, but so was the service and the welcome from the local regulars. Definitely eat here if you are on the island, great food, great service, lots of Aloha!
(5)Terry L.
Best ceviche EVER! Awesome view and amazing food. Dianne (sp?) was on the money with recommendations and service. Watched the turtles grazing on the rocks 15 feet away the whole time we ate. The aioli for the fries was superbly tangy and yummy. The flatbread was also rockin'. Best meal we had all week on the island. (see pics) Cheers All, Aloha Mala!!
(5)C N.
Food was excellent - as the previous reviewers stated. Large portions and good quality fish & meats. My Mahi-Mahi was delicious and my wife's Ahi tuna was tender and tasty. Friends ordered soup, salad and Kobe burger which they really enjoyed as well. The service was excellent and being right on the water was a nice setting. It is a bit on the pricey side as mentioned in Yelp but the food was commensurate. I would recommend this to other visitors!
(4)Rich H.
Summary based on one dinner: --ok food. I had the Balinese stir fry that didn't resemble anything I've seen in multiple trips to actual Bali. It was ok, though. Waiter said it had sambal. Big deal. Sambal is chili sauce. --service was ok. Orchestrated if you like that sort of thing. --pricey --setting was ok. Kinda casual. --parking just ok. --customers seemed well off and easy to please considering the food was just ok. Probably won't return.
(3)Jen L.
I wasn't crazy about this place. Minus one star because they couldn't get us a spot to see the ocean, that day there was only two options : i would have to sit in awkward bar stools or sit in the adjacent room. I didn't want to flash anyone in a skirt and opted to sit in the next room. When we looked at the menu the server suggested the fish which should be more fresh in Maui. I had mixed rice and some fish and a pizza star. Although presentation was nice the best thing was the pizza or. Marinara slices that I got. It didn't feel Asian fusion. And I didn't want to eat pizza in the beautiful island of Maui. The mahi mahi was all a little dry, not moist how I usually like my fish 3 stars would I come back ? Maybe
(3)C H.
Right next to. Honu on the water but tables re so close to each other they are almost touching. That made it quite difficult to have a conversation. Views are treat and ahi bruschetta is delish! Seafood entrees are pretty pricey (around $44) and everything is all carte.
(4)Joyce J.
The Ahi Bruschetta till now is the best one that I have tried. The source is mixed with oil with the scent of apple or other fruit. A very delicate dish! The second dish that we order is a full snapper. It was so good that when you eat the meat with mashed potato along the side.
(4)Richard B.
Prices now in Tourist Trap realm. Food not worthy of price. Was one of the better restaurants in Lahaina. No longer on my recommended list. Trend lightly. Only the flat bread and salads seem worthy.
(2)Aly R.
We visit here every time we come to Maui, ambiance is great and beautiful views right on the ocean. Food this time was good, bill for 2 adults, 3 kids and a glass of wine each was over $200. We may skip it next time, so many great places to try in Maui.
(3)Marion P.
Underwhelmed. We went here for our first dinner in maui. My husband got the mai tai (which he said was terrible despite reviews saying it was the best). We had some bean dip and chips that was given to everyone which was decent. Then we had the ceviche - average, nothing special. I had the seated Ahi which was very bland (although I really liked the mushrooms it came with) and hubs had the mahi mahi which was average (perhaps even boring?). Service was good. View was beautiful over the ocean but we were in more of the bar section. Without dessert, one app, 2 drinks (I had wine) and 2 entrees came to $140. I would rather spend my money elsewhere !
(2)LuLu M.
An AMAZING dining experience!! Both mainland friends and locals said this was a must-do while in Maui and I am so glad we took their advice. You definitely need to make reservations otherwise it's a good 1-2 hour wait. We lucked out and got seats at the bar. The restaurant overlooks the water and has a patio for dining and open air windows. We stuffed ourselves with the Hamachi oyster shooters, the ahi tuna tartare, and the super duper yummy roasted brussel sprouts, and the Mala salad. To top it all off, we had two desserts: the turtle caramel cheesecake and the chocolate souffle. Oh! And the cocktail menu has so many tropical choices and we enjoyed all of our drinks. You will not regret coming here! Just make sure you have room in your stomach to order a lot :)
(4)Courtney M.
Awesome Brunch over looking the ocean. Had the chiquilles, sister had huevos ranchos, mom had standard eggs and toast, dad had french toast. We all shared the sticky bun. It was delicious! We enjoyed this place very much, and was easy to get a reservation on open table. Must come back for dinner ASAP
(4)Eric J.
Excellent mahi mahi sandwich, if not the best ever x:) but, I have found some of the best so that's still pretty tasty! My wife loved the hummus and pitas. I had a mai tai, and it was a little too sugary for my taste. It couldn't top MonkeyPod for the Mai Tai throne!
(4)Raj G.
We ordered ceviche for appetizer. ..best we have tasted. Sashimi and Stir fry for entre...big portion sizes, amazing flavor, soft fish that melts in the mouth. So, you may ask why one star. ..I had a small fish bone, about 1/4" long, brought it up to the waiter who didn't even bother to apologize nor discount any of the $140 check. Eat at your own risk.
(1)Kara S.
This place feels like an off the beaten path gem! From the outside it looks a little run down but the inside is so charming. We sat outside during sunset and it had such a beautiful view. Dinner was delicious! Husband and I shared the sautéed fish entree (fish of the day was opaka paka) and ahi tuna entree and both were incredible. The ahi bruschetta and coconut shrimp apps were delicious as well. Service top notch. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)Ninette B.
Service was great. They started us off with an edamame puree and tortilla chips. Yummy. I honestly should have gotten something other than the adult mac and cheese. I wasn't super impressed, and I felt that the mushroom taste was super overwhelming. My husband got the ahi burger. I honestly thought that, along with the fries, was pretty good. He thought it was only ok. The space is small. It's gorgeous at sunset, when they pull back the roof and you're al fresco. For whatever reason, people decide to bring infants to a tiny restaurant with a romantic setting. I mean, it's not Mala's fault.. they can't discriminate against messy babies but sigh.. i wish they could.
(3)Robin L.
Nice atmosphere. Average food. Whole fish stir fry was not tasty. Balinese Stir fry was better. Restaurant too pricy.
(3)B D.
Mala has one of the best views in Lahaina. It sits right on the water and provides an atmosphere for a great sunset. The food is good, not the best on the island, but still enjoyable. My biggest complaint every time we go here though is how rude the staff is. Last time we were here, my mother-in-law asked whether we could sit on the patio to enjoy the sunset and the host went off on her. He was so rude that had we not been starving we probably would have left. He started yelling at her while he was on the phone with another patron that he couldn't let her sit on the patio because it would screw up the rest of his reservations for the evening, and that everyone with reservations smaller than us would take priority. I am not saying that we had to sit on the deck, but there are many ways he could have handled this better. If I were the owners or the manager I would have fired him on the spot. As for the food it is good. I had their special beet salad and it was a nice meal. The cocktails are good. It is a great low key restaurant on the water that is perfect for a relaxing night. I would recommend it for the food and if you can get that coveted seat on the deck, but be prepared to be treated like your business doesn't matter.
(2)Rebecca A.
During our 11 days stay at Maui, we went back to Mala twice! We are a real foodie family, and we all liked Mala and their next door sister restaurant Honu! Both owned by the same chef. Beautiful location, right on the water on Front Street. Food is really good, great quality ingredients, and very fresh! Drinks are good, but could be better. My favorite dish is their Adult Mac and Cheese! It's creamy and tasty! And portion is huge! And they comes in half portion for $13! We ordered a Mahimahi entree, a beet salad and the adult Mac and cheese to share. My kids had the cheese pizza and cheeseburger. Their menu is $14 per child, comes with a drink and dessert! My 4 year old son loves their vanilla ice cream and my 8 year old son loves their passion fruit Lilikoi sorbet! Everybody walked out full and happy!
(4)Christina M.
I love the sister restaurant next door so we decided to try this one. We didn't have a reservation so we had about a 30 min wait, which we spent in the bar area. They have a decent wine list by the glass. The food was great! We ordered the ahi bruschetta for an app... This is my favorite!! They serve it next door at Honu also. For entrees my ordered the ahi which was served with a mushroom ragu and masked potatoes. Sounds odd but it was amazing! I had the lamb meatballs and pita from the appetizer menu as well as the mushrooms. Both were AMAZING! Service was good and the outdoor patio in the evening was lovely. I will definitely come back here!!
(4)Liza K.
After a week on the island we learned if you want a good fish dish you are definitely going to be paying up for it. ProTip: Mala is situated on the ocean front, ask for a patio seat and you may be lucky enough to dine with some sea turtles at sunset : totally magical! The first night I had the special. And damn, it sure was!! Confession: I haven't ordered a pasta dish since Oct 2011 since I vowed I would not eat anything pasta related since having eaten at Babbos NYC. Jet lagged and hungry-I folded..and was not disappointed. This pasta dish was swimming in seafood. Ahi tuna, baby manila clams, scallops, fresh blue crab, squid, all in a chinese/italian fusion tomato sauce. My favorite part was that the seafood to pasta ratio was 2:1. It was REALLY good. My husband got the Ahi Tuna plate with flaxseed toast points. He was also pleased with his dish. To give you an idea 2 entree's and a beer yielded a tab with generous tip of $112.00...Yup.. At dinner service they serve a very unassuming tomatillo salsa with edamame puree. The two flavors blew my mind..tart tomatillo, creamy edamame. Simply delicious. We came back again for HappyHour. The menu is broad but the prices aren't much different..Food was still so amazing. Round 2: we got 3 beers and the SEARED AHI BRUSCHETTA Flax Seed Toast, Olowalu Tomatoes & Edamame Puree Again: DELICIOUS, Worth it? to me, yes. I'm a foodie freak so I'll pay out the arse for good bites. at least this round our HH tab was under $60? I didn't bother looking.. All in all I'm down for some good fish and Mala has it. Nevermind the $$$$$ because they know what they're doing :)
(4)Betty N.
**OMG BEST MAUI MEAL EVER. LIKE EVER.** Super nice greeters, hostesses, and waiters. We sat outside the lanai and it was very romantic; even with the heavy storm. Our waiter, Jeremiah, was helpful and attentive. Cool dude. His recommendations made our eating experience memorable and satisfying on Maui. MUST MUST ORDERS TO SHARE (for the full 5 star): *OYSTER SHOOTER ($4 each) - The best. Super duper fresh. Sauce and juice were amazing. Best Oyster Shooter I've had. *AHI TARTARE ($17) - Generous portion and again, super fresh. The herbs and subtle spices made this dish memorable. *BRUSSEL SPROUTS ($9) - Best fried brussel sprouts in the world. OMG good. Texture, organic freshness, and wonderful flavors. *SEAFOOD PASTA ($45) - Best seafood pasta we've had in our lives. The fresh seafood was HARD TO BEAT. Quality of the crab meat, mussels, and fish were evident and unsurpassed. We didn't order cocktails except some Arnold Palmers ($5 each) which had fresh guava juice. Also amazing. Our dinner without drinks and tip came out to be $103 (note we shared all plates tapas-style). Man oh man, what a fantastic meal. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
(5)Vicki L.
We were disappointed as we walked into Mala. We were expecting fine dining (table clothes, etc) and that is not the case. The restaurant is very small and the outside patio area is small, too. We didn't get a table outside which was a little disappointing. The tables for two are tiny and really crammed together. You are having dinner with others whether you want to or not. That being said, the food and service were outstanding. We shared the coconut shrimp appetizer which was the best I have ever had. We both had the mahi mahi which tasted like it had just been caught. Truly fresh and wonderful. The mashed potatoes, however, were pretty ordinary. The fish did make up for that, though, which was presented in a delicious verde sauce. Although I think Merriman's Mai Tais are better, Mala's come pretty close. They were very good! The service was great. We always had a full glass of water and our waitress checked on us just enough. Between the appetizer and main course, we received new napkins and new silverware which I thought was very Å„ice. All in all, we were happy with our choice and would go back again.
(4)Andrew S.
Atmosphere was nice, servers were excellent. Location is awesome, you can park at the cannery mall or in front of Safeway. That being said the food is pricy for what you get here. I opted to get a Kobe cheese burger instead of the overly priced entrees. The burger itself was 20 dollars. The burger was tasty but not the best burger in town. Fries or frites as they call them were delicious with a garlic side dip. Drinks were good and about average for pricing. All in all not a bad spot to eat but there are cheaper places with much better food.
(2)Loren L.
We had lunch and arrived about 11:15am. The host seemed a bit busy and just handed the menus and pointed to our table. It then took them awhile (he seemed to be the owner or manager) to serve only after a waiter came by and asked if we had been waited on yet. There was only three other tables occupied at the time. The host came back by and asked if we had ordered drinks. My wife asked for a certain wine by the glass and he seemed miffed at the question by his reaction. We were appalled. A few minutes later, my wife challenged his reaction by asking if she had offended him by the question. He then, of course, said no. Anyway, we were off on the wrong foot and fortunately the waiter was somewhat nice. The food was OK but nothing spectacular as some of the ratings indicate. We will not go back due to the service and also the food. There are way too many good restaurants in the area.
(1)Paul G.
The food is very good. The drinks are below average, and the same goes for the service. At the price, there are better places to dine in Maui.
(3)Adam B.
Really good seafood, good service. Gets quite busy at dinner time, so plan accordingly.
(4)Maryna B.
Our family favorite place for special celebrations. Sunset and turtles, friendly staff. The whole wok fried fish is always in the order. Hibiscus martini and desserts.
(5)Briana T.
Ive never been to a tavern before, but stepping in to the place I was afraid I was overdressed. I thought this was a $$$ and fancy place but the decor was confusingly casual. The stale and hard outdoor seats looked like they were from IKEA. Upgrading outdoor seating seems like a must. Other than that tho, its a really great place to eat. My family and I got a waterfront table and an hour before the sunset hit, it was HOT. My brother and I had to keep switching seats cuz the heat was intense...! However, once the sunset hit, the intensity lessened and the view was breathtaking. Mala opens the shades and the roof to give a 270 degree fantastic view of the sunset. Food:: the opening complimentary dip featuring an edamame mini scoop in a tomatillo salsa bath with chips is very delicious and creative. I thought the ceviche and beet salad were good, but the ceviche wasnt awe-inducing. I had the chicken and it was alright, a lil tough, but the purple mash potatoes and garlic spinach were REALLY good. Service:: Waiter was attentive and informative. The water peeps were really nice and smiley. Food was served at a nice pace.
(4)Michael G.
Mala is always on my list while in Maui. Adult Mac and Cheese is very good fresh porcini mushrooms maytag blue cheese very rich but a few spoonfuls is mandatory. Kobe burger is one of the best ever order med rare to get most flavor. Fresh fish nightly in a variety of preparations. Cocktails very generous and reasonable. Parking next door make a revs for sunset you won't be disappointed.
(4)T S.
The one thing I am disappointed with is that we chose to eat here on our last night in Maui! We weren't able to go back! We made a reservation which I highly recommend and were seated promptly. Based on the outstanding yelp reviews we ordered the ahi bruschetta. I could live on their ahi bruschetta for the rest of my life. I'm in love with it. You just have to get it!!!! For our meals we ordered mahi mahi which they served red snapper style since I was not thrilled about the cilantro description it came with. It was so delectable. It was a very large portion of spinach with mushrooms, mashed potatoes, mahi mahi and delicious red sauce which could have just been a bowl of soup with sour dough bread it was that good! My husband ordered the special which was ahi sausage flatbread pizza. It was very intriguing. It confused our taste buds in a good way because it had the classic seasonings of traditional sausage with the buttery flavor of ahi. I highly recommend it! We didn't save any room for dessert unfortch, but we had our 1 year old daughter and the manager asked if he could bring a little treat. We said sure! It was the best ice cream with caramel sauce ever. We know because we ate it. (Sorry Violet, too young for sweets;) The service was as amazing as the food here. They really went out of their way to make it a memorable night in Maui! The restaurant has a rustic beach charm and if you were to drive by it appears very unassuming. Without researching it first, we never would have come here. The hand painted high chair detail did not go unnoticed! Nice touch! 5 stars!!!!!!
(5)Eric H.
They accomdated a party of nine well for dinner and service was excellent. The food was outstanding. I wanted the whole wok fried fish but they were out; so sad. Had the seafood pasta and it was awesome. the ahi bruschetta was great; good seafood chowder; oyster shooters definately recommended, the manila clams with a black sauce and pita bread was awesome. I can go on but it was all really good. Please, if you have to opportunity for dinner; you will not be disappointmented. Good Job Folks!
(5)Michalle R.
The restaurant is right on the water at the edge of town (behind the Safeway). It was a great escape from the midday heat, ans we saw sea turtles right from our table. The fresh farm salad was great. And they had micheladas - my favorite beer drink.
(5)Paul F.
good, not great, food was probably a 4, but the interior was a 2, kind of a dump. I don't mind casual spots, but when you drop $44 on an entree I expect a little more. Tuna tartare was excellent, pink snapper, good, just a little overcooked. Shoudl be $$$$, not $$$. There are better spots in Lahaina.
(3)Monica M.
The SEARED AHI BRUSCHETA! (absolutely incredible a must get, I wish I got more The nono martini and the mojito is amazing!!! THE KOBE BEEF BURGER WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD WITH AMAZING GARLIC AOLI SAUCE!!! Mmmmmmm Out of everything tho YOU MUST MUST MUST GET THE CARAMEL MIRANDA!!! ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!!! I went back twice for it! We came back for a THIRD time DEFINITELY GET THE CARMEL MIRANDA OR YOU WILL MISS OUT ON THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE
(5)Kate C.
I really can't understand why everyone raves about this place. Yes, the view is beautiful. The food, however, was not. We got the quartet of Mediterranean dips, which was tasty but not $18 tasty. For entrees, I had the ahi burger and my dining companion had the Balinese stir fry. The burger was dry and uninspired and came with greasy and over cooked French fries. The stir fry would have been mostly fine if it wasn't covered in an overly sweet sauce that totally killed the natural flavor of the fish. Definitely not worth the inflated price.
(1)A K.
How do I put this...Mala is...AWESOME. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon, we stayed one week on Maui and one on Oahu...out of both islands, Mala was probably one of, if not, our favorite dinner out. What I love about this place: the atmosphere = incredible...laid back, friendly, comfortable. the staff = amazing...so kind, caring, on top of their game. the food = some of the best we had on hawaii, to be honest...and we went to MANY places. I like the location of Mala and the set-up of the restaurant. We were here last year so I'll do my best remembering what we had...I remember these clams we got that were incredible, the drinks were great, the fish we had was awesome...honestly, everything on the menu looked incredible and what we had tasted great. We took a short taxi ride to Mala from our hotel, the Westin Maui in Lahaina. On Maui, we ate at Star Noodle, Sensei. Merriman's, and more...Mala topped them all (sorry, Star Noodle). I definitely recommend this place and cannot wait to go back.
(5)Steve G.
Wife and I always make a point to have lunch and dinner here when in town, Tonight had Rachel serve us. No reservations but even on this busy night got seated quickly. Food was again EXCELLENT and service wonderful. Coconut shrimp appetizer was delicious as was the fresh tasting Greek salad and market fish of the day. Another terrific experience. Thanks to the entire staff!
(5)Laura C.
Wowie! Fantastic restaurant. More casual than you would think when looking at prices but well worth it. Definitely worth the wait for a table on the patio overlooking the water. The seafood bruschetta was outstanding. We just did the half order (2 pieces). I had the tofu entree which was huge. The tofu is some of the best I have had when dining out. And yes I know it's criminal not to be eating seafood when in Maui. My boyfriend had the M&M (??) with opah and said it was very flavorful. I researched, researched and researched some more for restaurants during our trip. We were only there for 5 nights so wanted each meal to be perfect. Trust me, you won't be disappointed if you eat here. I highly recommend making a reservation. We were there on a Thursday night and it was packed!
(5)Alex T.
Food was delicious. Service was not great. For the price I think you would expect better table service. We has the ahi tuna burschetta which was delicious. We had the special fish of the evening which I am kicking myself for not remembering the name. It was a local and rare fish and it was delicious. I highly recommend the food and the view but the service was classic island style.
(3)Elisabeth Z.
So great we had to go twice! First trip was for brunch and we got to sit out on the coveted patio! Always make a reservation, it doesn't guarantee you a patio seat, but it makes sure you get on the list. We saw dolphins playing out in the waves while we were there around 11AM. We also heard that an entire family of sea turtles hangs out there, even if the food wasnt awesome the view was one of the best in the area. Total relaxing sunday brunch. I got the mahi mahi ceviche and it was fresh and amazing and came with their made in house chips, so the perfect brunch meal. We all had their hibiscus mimosas and they were refreshing and an awesome twist on the regular brunch beverage! Make sure to eat the candied hibiscus flower that comes in the drink! This place was also the perfect place to catch a sunset. We headed back here on our last evening for a happy hour beverage. They do not seat you without a dinner reservation on the patio but their little bar still has a perfect view. I again had to go with one of their hibiscus drinks, getting the hibiscus martini, and it was the perfect happy hour drink. Light, crisp and flavorful! We also had another round of the mahi mahi ceviche because we just couldn't help ourselves, I promise its a musty try! This place is on the NY Times list, and an absolute on mine now too!
(5)Akshaya M.
The most amazing view with the most flavorful food - such a delight! We came back for the Lava Flows, Mai Tai and the Balinese Stir fry. So delish!
(5)Melinda A.
Delicious food, special and perfect location. We were recommended this place from a friend who lives in Lahaina. He said that it's a spot that is frequented by locals as much as tourists. I loved the laid back attitude in the restaurant, the food that was so lovingly prepared and sourced, and the gracious and open attitude of the strangely good looking wait staff (not to be missed, ladies). At the end of the meal, they gave us these little bumper stickers that said "Practice Aloha." Just the message you want to bring back with you to the mainland, right?
(5)Russell C.
Great place to come at sunset and hang out. You'll get lucky sometimes and see swarms of sea turtles in front of the restaurant. Ambience is nice, when it gets crowded it does get loud in there. Kobe burger was pretty good, I'm a bleu cheese hoarder, so im kind of bias on this. Fries were great especially with the garlic aioli on the side. The Adult Mac and Cheese was awesome, probably because of the bleu cheese in there. Ahi Burger, although im used to the seared ahi type, is a grounded ahi meat with some herbs and spices and formed into a patty, but tasted pretty good also. Food didn't blow me away but it was pretty good, and combined with the location and sunset made for a really good experience.
(4)Gregg B.
This place is a "Jewel in Paradise". The location is an A+! People are an A+! Food an A+! Service an A+!! Do not miss coming to Mala! Make sure you sit outside on the patio where the waves break on the rocks no more than 5 feet from the tables.
(5)Michael G.
Favorite spot in Maui. Great food, comfortable setting. Already on our second meal here in three days. Sprouts (brussel and kale) are amazing ! Clams are great, tuna bruschetta is perfect. Don't really need to go anywhere else for brunch/lunch or dinner. Little expensive, but well worth it.
(5)Erica A.
This was our first dinner on the island. We were very pleased with the service.. we had a reservation, arrived early, and were promptly seated at an ocean side table. It was perfect enjoying the water view and the turtles out there! We had the ahi bruschetta appetizer, and for dinner, the seafood pasta and the stir fry. Everything was made very well, with great flavor. It is a little pricey, but worth it, especially with the turtles! We had a wonderful first time experience at MaLa.
(5)Peter T.
I wish I could give Mala more stars... Or less, still unsure. The thing is the food is legitimately good, the Pink Snapper was terrific and the Seafood Pasta was chock full of oceanic delights, but exactly how good can be quantified. Mala cost too much money to be anything short of orgasmic. If pasta is still made from semolina and seafood is still found in the water, where or when it started costing north of forty dollars is a huge mystery. The ahi was good but so was the same amount of ahi at a small shaved ice place in Paia. Both local, both super fresh, it just cost $33 more at Mala. If you have the cash then by all means go, the Ahi Bruschetta was standout fantastic and nothing was bad, just know upon entering that you are paying an extra 40% for a view nearly as good as the one in your timeshare.
(3)sherry x.
I really like this place! I have come to this place 2 days in a row. It's definitely one of the top choice in Lahaina area. The restaurant located not in downtown area, which makes parking much easier. it has a very good sunset view. While waiting for the seat, (we did not make reservation one night), we just busy with taking pictures of the gorgeous view, no one even complained a bit about the wait :). First day, I came with my husband. We 2 ordered the half order Ahi Bruschetta, sauteed fresh fish, stir fried brussels spouts and chocolate souffle. That's way too much food! I am mostly impressed with the Ahi Bruschetta, it's just so good and refresh: seared ahi, with avocado, tomatto, and some herbs, combine together is just wordless. I was so regretted that I only ordered half order. The fish dish and brussel spouts are good, but not too distinguish. The chocolate cake is actually very good as well. It's not the best I had have, but one of the best :) (top 5?) I specially like the icecream come with the cake. I also very like their service. The waiter is not bothering you at all during the meal, but always appear on time when you need anything. They split the fish dish my husband and I ordered, in a very pretty way. It seems to me most people come here only order 1 main dish, as the quantity is pretty good. Since it's so good, and specially due to the Ahi dish, I came back the next day with my husband and 2 other friends. I ordered the Ahi dish (full order) as my main dish, while others either get the same or get the burger (try to control the cost). It turned out to be a very affortable meal (4 people $150). I will definitely come back when I visit maui again.
(4)Lorrie K.
Best burgers on the planet! Awesome fried baby kale. Ahi bruschetta is one of my favorites. Service is always professional and friendly. We come here frequently for lunch and they never disappoint.
(5)linda F.
We are normally Happy Hour folk, but we decided to break tradition to try this place, I had eaten at Avalon a million years a go so was excited to try the chefs re-creation. Of course we had to have the Ahi Bruchetta, and of course I wish we had gotten a full order, so good! Everything else we had was great but that was my stand out favorite, also the Miranda for desert was wonderful as well- also service and view were perfect, will definitely revisit.
(5)Brian B.
Just recently got back from my honeymoon in Hawaii (which was basically a food tour of Hawaii) and I cannot rave enough about this place (and so many others!!) First, I have to say, we went towards closing time during the non busy season and it was DEAD... which was very romantic for a honeymoon. We were able to sit on the water, and watch the moon set behind L'anai. Yes, you heard me right, the moon sets! Our server was extremely kind, and very well versed in the local area and the food on the menu. A+. The special was an Opakapaka, so without second thought, we ordered it. Little did I know that it was a whole fish, on a bed of rice... well, here we go! Food adventure. We picked up the chop sticks, and before we knew it, all that was left were some bones, the head and the tail... wow wow wow!! Then it was time for dessert... a hot "lava" type cake that took 20 minutes to prepare, and boy do we know why. Lastly, the chef (famous in Hawaii) gave us a signed book that he penned because it was our honeymoon... What?! Talk about special... so special in fact, we told everyone we met about this place. And now, I'm telling Yelp! GO HERE!!!
(5)Jim C.
A service nightmare. We have eaten here at least4 times a year for the past three years. Obviously we think highly of the place. But our last visit was a disaster. We had a great table, we did not have to wait. We got our menus immediately. And that's the end of the good part. Our wait person was curt, non-communicative, annoyed and created a tense atmosphere. She seemed to have no knowledge of the drink or food menu. Long waits for both. The clams were good. The fish was overcooked. The desert was great. But the total experience was a chore.
(2)Tyler K.
Hands down one of the top 10 meals I've had in my life. I'm a fan of any place that uses fresh local products and this place does it as good as any. My Sautéed Onaga was perfectly cooked; crispy skin with delicate meat. The Balinese Stir Fried Onaga was also ono. We capped off the meal with the soufflé, I don't think I've meet one that I've ever met a souffle that I didn't like and this one easily is on the level of Roy's. OH and the sweet mashed potatoes...WOW! They're also the only restaurant in Hawaii, that I know of, to carry Delirium beers; some of the best in the world. Mala is located in an unassuming building literally right on the waters edge. The atmosphere is homey and comfortable. Service was friendly, some might say the servers don't come around enough but I like to be left alone with my food and prefer to not have someone check on me every 5 mins. They also passed the water test. 5 stars all around.
(5)Jessica H.
Great view! Amazon waterfront ambiance. The ahi appetizer was the best item we ordered. The ahi dish was good, but heavy on the sauce and expensive for what it was ($44). We also got the Balinese stir fry which was good. We ordered it moderate spicy and it hit the spot. Bread pudding for dessert. 4 stars only because of the price ($25 corkage fee!) Would recommend.
(4)Rick S.
So we go to Maui every year , we are very blessed to be able to do this !! My wife and I started to go to Malas about two years ago. We have been greeted w/the same server there by chance the last two years & she just happens to remember us & remembered my wife's name on top of that! I LOVE the ahi dinner w/there home made mashed potatoes , my gosh that dish is AMAZING!!! it is one of there signature dishes and you just can't go wrong w/it . My wife can't eat seafood she is allergic to it So she had the adult Mac & Cheese ! All I can say about that dish is DECADENT .... I did not take any photos but I will next time. I have seen a few people complained about the cost of some of the drinks ! OMG people get over it , you are in Maui on vacation , have you ever sat pool side in the resorts and ever ordered a drink before ??? Or any where else on the island for that fact is pretty pricy !! Unless you are going to the local liquor store and drinking in public on the beach or in your room . If you want great food & Great service I recommend this restaurant . The service is good the owners are on hand to help you out & the food is exceptional ...
(5)Chuck B.
Excellent dinner and a beautiful place to catch a sunset. Really enjoyed the Ahi Tuna! Great Mai Tai! Wonderful Wait Staff! My favorite dinner spot in Lahaina.
(5)Debra B.
We ate here last night and loved it! The wait staff was great and knew a lot about the food and was committed to us having a great dining experience. They start you with chips and salsa. The salsa is great very tasty with a dollop of edemame and tomatillo puree that would have been worth the whole evening right there. We had the Ahi Bruschetta on the recommendations of fellow yelpers and loved it! We had the 1/2 order and it was almost enough for a meal. The Beet and Surfing Goat Cheese salad was divine! I love the emphasis on using local vendors. My sister has now had Mai Tai's from Roy's, Lahaina Grill, Leilani's and Hula Grill - she rates Mala's as the best! Good rum, lots of it, fresh juices and a big chunk of pineapple made it #1. The Seafood Pasta was great, tons of fish and great pasta. It's an intensely flavored tomato-based spicy dish. Delicious!! The Asian Fried Chicken was divine. It was in a coconut mojo sauce that was soooo good!! The chicken was moist and I don't even like breast meat but I loved this. It came with purple mashed potatoes and spinach. The last dish was the fish sandwich and by far the loser of the group. The breading was not what one would expect on fried fish and the fish was dry. Definitely the downer of the evening. I actually make a better fried fish than this. For dessert we had the Caramel Miranda. It's a big scoop of Vanilla Macadamia Nut ice cream sitting on top of melted chocolate and caramel sauce, surrounded by broiled fruit. Simply delicious! The fruit was really nice scooped up with a sauce of caramel and chocolate. Can't get better than that!! The ice cream had a great flavor and all in all, it was a great combination of flavors. Due to a slight hiccup in our dessert order they comped our dessert which was very nice. The decaf coffee was not so good and I think it was served with milk not cream. It tasted slightly burnt as if it had sat for too long blech! But who knows maybe I just didn't like the beans they use. So why didn't I give a 5? In this day and age are we getting too picky? I would give it a 4.5 if I could or a 4++ if I could - Yelp give us more choices here. This is better than a 4 star but not quite a 5 due to the fish sandwich and the coffee. But I would unreservedly recommend anyone not miss this restaurant!! Tip - Not a quiet romantic place though although it could be nicer out on the lanai. Inside it was noisy and quite a lot of bustle.
(4)Dan G.
We arrived during happy hour, so I can't speak to the regular menu, or to how things are when the place is busy. Our meal was almost cliché--we had Mai Tais, a salad with grilled Mahi Mahi, and coconut shrimp. But it was a perfect cliché: fruit juice and salad veggies were fresh; the shrimp and fish were large, tender, and well-seasoned; salad was large and perfectly dressed. Service was just right, and the patio is right against the water; we watched crabs skitter across the rocks, and saw a couple of bobbing seals. Looks like the dinner menu is more creative, but pricier; I suspect it's worth it, but if you're not sure, check them out for happy hour.
(5)Mark S.
Everything all 4 of us ate was fabulous. The waitstaff were perfect and the scenery could not be beat. The crispy fish haunts my girlfriend all year long until she can return to satisfy her craving.
(5)Karla S.
The Ahi burger is awesome. Expensive but good for those 'I'm in Maui so I'm gonna treat myself' times. Of course, if you're in Maui, you've already treated yourself so why not?? Unfortunately this time our service was lacking. Diane was our server and although polite, she obviously wanted to be elsewhere. She did the obligatory check back with you 1 minute after receiving your meal and that was it. Had this been our first visit, we would probably not return.
(4)Deep g.
The view is incredible, the food is great, and the bartenders are fantastic. My wife and I (on our honeymoon) stopped in for a late lunch, and were able to sit by the water and just relax. I also saw a table next to us get chips and salsa "off the menu" so that is an option as well. Highly recommended. A bit pricey, but frankly much cheaper than any hotel restaurant.
(5)Marco L.
Tip: Maui Costco sell their gift card, $ 100 for $ 75, better buy two because this place ain't cheap. Killer ocean front location, we had the window table looking at the ocean and the beautiful sunset, plus the sea turtles. We ordered the Seared Ahi bruschetta, wok fried whole fish, Hoisin glazed short ribs. The seared ahi bruschetta is the best dish out of them. It is so good that even my wife, who doesn't eat raw fish, loved it.
(4)Teresa F.
Great ocean front seating and breeze. We love the Mai Tai's made with fresh orange juice. All the food we had was relish. Made our trip to Maui even more delicious and fun. We went in twice while on our trip. We really enjoyed it!
(5)Ryan P.
Okay... i normally don't walk into restaurants that look like a bait shop from the outside but my waitress, Sarah at the Cain and Tarro (see my review for them), recommended this place with promises of surfing turtles and a beautiful view. Needless to say I'm just a little skeptical whenever anyone mentions animals or mammals engaging in sports be it on land or in water. As I walked inside, the bait shop facade fizzled away and I realized that I was in a pretty swanky place right on the beach. We were shuffled over to a table with a great view of the ocean. The place smelled of delicious food and was full of people, only these people all had their heads up, ignoring their food. What were they all looking at? Was i missing something? Was my fly down? Nope, Turtles, surfing turtles!! That's right, I saw it with my own eyes. Sure they don't use surf boards but they sure do like to hang out in the break, you can see them every time a wave crests just a few feet off shore. We sat there for hours racking up an impressive bill. I even managed to get a sun burn on the entire left side of my body.. The food was of amazing quality but a little pricey. I would have rented the place out for the week if I was a bazillionaire. I highly recommend visiting just before sunset. As it turns out turtles are notorious for hanging out in the bay that this restaurant is situated on, so if you can't afford the delicious meal be sure to at least walk the beach. I seriously look forward to coming back to this place the next time i visit Maui.
(5)mark w.
I cannot keep my wife out of this place! It is one of the best on the island and for the money, you cannot beat it. Food, Service, wine selection and price are all outstanding. It is also a place to just hang in the bar and watch the sunset! Love this place and will visit every time on Maui atleast twice!
(5)Matthew S.
Jalepeno potato soup and micheladas were excellent. The Kobe burger was so big that a man on a boat 200 yards away saw it and thought it was the fucking lighthouse and crashed.
(4)Mike V.
Don't let the stars on this one throw you, this place should be a 5-star from everyong. The Oyster Shooters are insane. We travel from the north shore three times a week just to get them. (and now that they are doing ka'amaina til summer, we've started going 4+ times a week). Note: they only do the oyster shooters after 3 PM (call ahead, sometimes they have them early) And the Beet Salad (don't be shy, I wouldn't get it either) with the Surfing Goat cheese from upcountry in TO DIE FOR. Oh, and the sweet and spicy martini (forgot the name, second from the top with cayenne pepper on the rim) is amazing. Really not to be missed.
(5)Jessica W.
Very impressed, but they need lessons on bread pudding! My boyfriend wanted to try this place after watching the "tourist" channel while in Maui-- the food was considered Mediterranean/Asian, so it sounded interesting. The place is very small (looks like it was converted from a house) so make reservations-- and they don't take reservations for the patio section, it's only if there's availability when you arrive. They serve complimentary edamame guacamole in an old stone dish which was tasty! We tried the ahi tartare (can't get enough ahi while on Maui), the man ordered fish and i had steak--- both were cooked to perfection. And the surprising dish we loved were the stir fried brussel sprouts!-- it was incredibly tastey and I could eat a whole plate of it!. For dessert we tried their signature broiled fruit with macadamia nut ice cream-- that was worth the wait! We also tried the bread pudding... and although beautiful in presentation it was like dry stacked toast with sauce and ice cream-- that is not bread pudding.. so we're disappointed in that. Otherwise we're pleased with our food. The other note is that there's no A/C so was hot and humid with a very "slight" trade wind breeeze, but otherwise pretty sweltering!
(4)Darrel P.
This cozy little eatery by Mark Ellman sits right on the ocean in Lahaina. We got there about 8:30 pm and the place was pretty full...but we did get seated on the outdoor lanai. We were immediately brought water and got some tortilla chips with an edamame "salsa" (which was yummy). Our Waiter, Carlos came soon enough and told us of the specials (which again, sounded yummy). After perusing the menu, which has the just the right amount of selections, I decided to have the Olowalu Tomato salad...and my friend Alex, had the Quartet of Hummus. Both items came quickly and both were tasty. After dinner, we were debating about dessert, and Carlos convinced us to get their "special dessert" of the day...but disappointed that they had just run out so we opted not to have any. In all, this is a great place to hang out with friends. The staff is quick and friendly, and of course the food is great.
(5)Sajjad T.
Most delicious and flavorful food I've had in Hawaii! The seafood pasta was made to perfection with a tasty red sauce and a little bit of kick. Highly recommended!
(5)Patty S.
When you drive up, you wonder...is this it? It's right on the beach and looks like a little shack but the people and the food are both great! We had such a good time and felt so welcome! Give it a try! Aloha spirit, all the way!
(5)Derek H.
Everything in the menu was attractive. We ended up ordering too much! The staff was super helpful and pleasant even though they were slammed "Practice Aloha" Back next time we go to Maui
(5)Tim D.
Valentine's Day found us at Mala Ocean Tavern for the first time, with our appointed hour reserved through Open Table. When the four of us arrived (5:30pm), the Lanai was full, but we were seated at the doorway leading to the Lanai, affording us a great view of the ocean and subsequent sunset. The wait staff was great and efficient. Answered our questions about the specials and menu items. Drinks were ordered, two of which was the Mala Mai Tai, with the pronouncement that it was the best Mai Tai on the island for four years running. The two who ordered those drinks would not have voted for it as the best, as it was overpowered by the lime juice. But let's get down to the main course. Our orders included Balinese Stir Fry with Fresh Island Fish, two orders of Fried Chicken, and Hoisin Glazed Baby Back Ribs for the last diner. The portions were a nice size, and no one was begging for more. Nice presentations of the food and tasty to boot. We topped the evening off with bread pudding and a red velvet cupcake with fresh berries. All four us would definitely recommend the Mala Ocean Tavern when you want an enjoyable night out with a great sunset.
(4)Matt M.
Brussels sprouts ... Good lord these are awesome! Deep fried and seasoned to perfection. Everyone hates Brussels sprouts but these are a must have. Adult Mac and cheese ... Rich, creamy, delicious! Ahi burger ... Tasty and the side if fries was seasoned perfect. Ceviche ... Fresh and light. Overall a great place to eat. A bit pricy but the food is amazing. I'll be back :)
(5)Ahmad N.
my favorite restaraunt in Maui. We had the ceviche and the Kobe Burger and both were delicious. Sitting on the edge of the ocean while eating was also a great experience.
(5)Penny M.
Love this spot....it's new to my Maui visits!
(5)Vy H.
Definitely a fan. We went here for lunch but since they didn't offer the sea bass for lunch only for dinner, we only had a bloody mary and came back for dinner. The bloody mary was really good. Instead of a celery, they use a cucumber. We had the oyster shooters, the sea bass and the black bean tortilla soup. All very good. The only thing I didn't like about the sea bass is that it had ginger. I'm not a huge fan of ginger. Other than that, very good. The service was good too. You also get complimentary dip made with edamame with chips. That was so good. If you are in Lahaina, great place to try with a very awesome view. You can't go wrong.
(4)Ty C.
Heard from three locals that this place is great! Meh! Not so, food is mediocre, ordered the spicy clams medium spicy and they were ok , came swimming in a red spicy broth with onions garnished on top of them it was pleasant tasting buy nothing to write home about. My friend ordered the honey mustard salad with chicken, the chicken was tender and the salad portion was a bit on the sweet side. Zagat rated, I don't think so. Sorry to say I feel this place is way over rated. Service was great! I think people tend to eat here for the view and the food being secondary, although we were here for lunch. The manager had an attitude and was not friendly. I guess Malah does mean "Meh" Best to go Mama's Fish house for a superb experience. Run from this place like the plague!
(1)Lisa D.
1) Make sure to sit outside on the deck 2.) Go for brunch and get the chilaquiles 3.) Go for dinner and plan on a delicious meal. Make sure you start with the oyster shooters.
(5)T J.
The owners at the B&B that we stayed at recommended Mala and we were so glad that they did. Our waiter John was really helpful in creating an order that was both interesting and filling. The location is also just the best. What better way to watch the sunset!!
(5)Josh B.
Didn't quite live up to the hype for me. As far as startes, the ahi bruschetta was amazing. Entree wise, the whole wok fired fish is ok but way too heavy with all the rice, veggies and sauce. Ratio of veggies, rice and sauce was off - was very "mushy" under the fish. Wife's filet mignon unfortunately came butterflied and (surprise!) was overdone, but was corrected. The refire was not butterflied (surprise surprise) and cooked to perfection. Purple mash potato also great. Brussels tasty but nothing special. Great spot on the beach view wise. The correction on the meat saved the meal and rating.
(3)Heather F.
Excellent! This restaurant is busy busy, yet the staff was very attentive and accomodating. Food was amazing. The place is small but has a great vibe. Noisy but everyone is in such a good mood you just go with it, it's Maui! The Mai Tai's are good, but come prepared to spend your money this place is $$$, yet worth the splurge.
(5)D R.
Spicy ahi tuna is out of this world. The shitake mushrooms come with a slight ginger sauce that is amazing. Have the Hitachino Nest Beer with your meal as it's as well perfectly paired as cold saki.
(4)Dan M.
Being the fact this place is on the water and could be viewed as cheesy. NO WAY!! Food was awesome. Make reservations. The staff was great. The food was AMAZING!!! I mean wow! Have fun and enjoy
(5)A K.
I am a great skeptic of restaurants directly on the water - mostly because my experience is that if it is on the water, they feel they don't have to serve great food because they know people will come for the location. However, this was not the case with Mala Ocean. This place was fantastic. It was our BEST meal of the trip. We very, very much adhere to the "no chains on vacation" rule, so we're always in search of somewhere fresh and delicious. Mala Ocean was just the thing. Definitely slightly overpriced, but even our waiter admitted that - but he also said, "But, I'm not gonna lie. It is great food." That was absolutely true. We went there on Saturday night at about 9pm. We had made a reservation, but it somehow got lost. No biggie, the hostess was really sweet and hustled something up on the lanai to make up for it. The lanai is basically directly ON the waves. The sound while sitting there was perfect. I ordered a Mai Tai because I'm from Oregon and I am a SUCKER for tropical drinks. It wasn't overly sweet, which is so nice, since all the ones I had the whole week were a bit too sweet for my taste. It was $12.95 so pretty expensive for a basic drink, but they did it well. To start we had the Ahi Tartare, which was WONDERFUL. Perfectly fresh, perfectly spiced, perfectly plated, and delicious with the salad leaves they threw on to wrap it up. I had to keep reminding myself to slow down and enjoy it. We also had two oyster shooters, which were probably the best I'd ever had, For dinner we decided to split the fish special of the day - which ended up being Red Snapper. It came on a some potato puree, surrounded with like, something that tasted like tomato soup but was so much better than that. Plus some sauteed spinach and eggplant. I also had to remind myself to SLOW DOWN and enjoy. So awesome and fresh. But the highlight of the night (oh the highlight!) was the stir fried brussels sprouts. Holy mother of God in heaven, those things were ridiculous. I'm not even going to elaborate, but I pretty much insist if you read this that you get them. Even if you hate brussels sprouts - get them. Our waiter (I can't remember his name) was awesome. Super helpful and attentive. But also funny, witty and interesting (and not too intrusive). All in all this place was great. We will go as many times as humanly possible whenever we're back in Maui. Go. Enjoy.
(5)J. K.
We went to Mala for our last dinner in Maui. Great food, great view, great service. Price is definitely on the higher side so do know that although you will leave very satisfied within, your wallet will my much lighter. I have a semi-home in the South and know fried food. Their fried calamari wasn't all exciting, so I'd avoid anything that's not considered "Hawaiian" (although, after a week in Maui, I'm still confused as to what actually is Hawaiian...).
(4)C R.
Probably one of the best meals we had on the island, but it was also probably the most expensive outside of the luau..the Mahi mahi was spot on..purple mashed was a real treat...calamari was tasty as well...I feel like they really took advantage of the fresh seafood and really excelled....the service was spot on...I would book this for a special dinner...or if your ready for an excellent meal..
(4)nina B.
You MUST eat here if you eat seafood and you are on Maui! Freshest and local ingredients only! We had two dinners here on our honeymoon on Maui; these foodies were in honeymoon heaven at the Mala Tavern. Lisa the GM (yes, we are on a first named basis with this lovely lady whether she likes it or not-this place just feels like home/aloha the moment you step in!) is *really* good at her job. Her staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu-also good looking :) Night 1: Oyster shooters-do it, trust me. Ahi Brushetta: Served with 100 year old balsamic and their soybean paste-ridiculously good! Pasta Special: The ocean with a little bit of pasta (mussles, crab, shrimp, calamari, to name a few suspects). Red sauce was perfection with a hint of kick. Red Snapper Special: Fish was cooked just right and very flavorful sitting on top of the mashed potatoes and tomato bisque like creamy red sauce. YUM! Night 2: Repeat Course 1 Friend Calamari: husband loved, i liked.. The Calamari was really fresh and cooked well, not rubbery like some restaurants. My beef was with the 'breading', just not crispy enough. Better then most calamari restaurants serve up. Ahi Tartare: YES. GET THIS. Clam Entree: Neither one of us really loved this, but we give the chef big props for unique and different flavors. It had a gingery flavor for me and needed some kind of starchy side with it besides the pitas (pasta? noodles?). Blackberry Chocolate Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce: Massive portion and really tasty. We couldn't finish this incredibly decadent dessert. We sat outside both nights, so close to the ocean we could practically dip our toes in (thank you, Lisa). A lovely location, attracting locals and tourists, serving up unique recipes with QUALITY ingredients. Wine list is impressive and delicious. Definitely give Mala Tavern a chance and skip the touristy plastic food.
(4)Kelly T.
Mala Ocean Tavern is a casual and approachable restaurant with great food. This place receives five stars because it was my favorite stop while I visited Maui. Why? SEARED AHI BRUSCHETTA. It's pricey but you have to get it! The complex, unexpected flavors really wowed me. Employees were all attentive and friendly. They are careful to change out settings for every course and keep the table tidy. I noticed our server was very knowledgeable about the menu. The only thing that wasn't ideal was the price. Cost of food is higher than what I'm used to for a place with this casual of an ambiance. "Practice Aloha" bumper stickers are everywhere, employees all wear t-shirts, and the restaurant really hams up the beach scene. My mom bought a signed cook book - very nice - but be aware if you're a real chef the flimsy book will not last you long in the kitchen as it has a soft cover and the book will not stay open on its own. I'm curious: does Alice Cooper ever visit?
(5)Angela W.
Amazing food, amazing service (request waitress Tilly), very accommodating manager! MAKE RESERVATIONS. This place is tiny, & it's packed! We enjoyed our meal so much that we made reservations to return in 2 nights. Definitely not cheap; 1/2 order appetizer, 1 salad, 1 split meal, 1 dessert, 2 sodas was $140 w/o the tip. But the food was FRESH, unique, elegantly presented, delicious, & the service was the best I've ever experienced!
(5)Michael K.
i've eaten here several times over the years. Prices have risen considerably, along with this restaurant's success. Many of the dishes here are inventive and executed well, but some miss the mark. The edamame guacamole and chips are nice, but the fried calamari was very greasy, and gave me a queasy feeling after eating it. The space is cramped inside, and very noisy. You might find it easier to overhear the people talking at the next table, then to try to carry on a conversation with your dining companion over the din. Sit outside on the patio, if possible. I'm more critical where it costs $200 to have a meal for two, with a couple of cocktails or beers. I'm not talking wine here, which is expensive everywhere on Maui. I would not be opposed to eating here again, but don't feel that it is a good value. I will give it four stars overall for the food, but have to deduct one star for the steep cost and claustrophobic atmosphere.
(3)Lisa R.
We enjoyed Mala and Honu. While dining at Mala, the owner bought us the Peanut Butter pie - delicious. Although we enjoyed the price and menu options better at Honu. Loved the service at both restaurants.
(3)Tera Paleka P.
I eat here a lot. The view is unreal with the trade winds gently blowing. I love the food and wait staff. Well worth every penny. Live Aloha!
(5)Katherine B.
When you first walk in, don't be alarmed - you are not at the International House of Pancakes. Make sure you make a reservation and ask for a patio seat. We went at 5:30pm to enjoy the sunset - it was lovely but I did get a sunburn. Right as the sun starts to set, the flies come out like there is no tomorrow. Landing all in our food and on our drink glasses. The flies seem to go away right after the sun set, so perhaps making a later reservation may help. The food was delicious - I'd say 8.5 out of 10. Appetizer, 3 beers, 1 martini, 2 entrees, and dessert - $150 with tip. Not completely overpriced. It's a small restaurant with tables very close together - as much as I loved listening to the table next to us discuss the presidential debate. Overall tho, a good experience. One of the better restaurants in Lahaina.
(4)Irene B.
Holy. Moly. My husband and I stopped by for some drinks and appetizers this past Friday, and immediately cancelled our reservations at a different restaurant for dinner Saturday. My gut told me to come back and end our vacation on a good note, and so glad I did. Mala's is a cozy restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean, incredible food and drinks, not to mention some top notch service. We sat at the bar with our server Eric who is an absolute gem, and had ourselves our favorite meal in Maui! For starters I have two words: OYSTER SHOOTER. The best oyster shooter I've ever had, and the tiny wasabi ball on the shot glass? Magical. We also thoroughly enjoyed the fried brussel sprouts, beet salad (with fried goat cheese - so delicious!), and the steak flatbread they happened to have as a special. For the entree we ordered the whole wok fried fish which happened to be Parrotfish. When in Maui you have to get the seafood no? It was amazing. For dessert we opted for coffee and the flourless chocolate souffle that takes an extra 15 minutes? Worth every minute. I am not a dessert person, nor am I fan of goat cheese, but when restaurant can somehow hypnotize me into polishing off plates of things I don't normally eat...it's a very good sign indeed. Cheers to Mala's!
(5)Gary G.
Stopped in on a whim one afternoon and were looking for a quick meal. I don't think this place is necessarily meant for a quick meal, but they did an amazing job accommodating us as we were in a bit of a hurry. There were 4 of us and we all decided to order a different dish and split them amongst ourselves. It has been 3 months since I have been there and I am still thinking about it! Each of the dishes were amazing to say the least! And the prices not bad! Aside from the food, it is right on the water! We would recommend this place to all! Can't wait until we make it back out there!
(5)Betsy C.
Amazing venue right on the water...it's pretty small, so get reservations! I highly recommend the whole fried fish. While I'm not a huge fish fan, it's simply amazing and the best fish I've ever had. The staff was extremely friendly and let us taste different beers and wine while waiting at the bar. Definitely a must-eat while in Lahaina!
(4)Phillip C.
It's been a while since I've eaten here, but while doing a review on another restaurant, I was quickly reminded that I never took the time to review Mala. I have to say -- this place is busy with locals for a reason. It's friendly, yummy, and has a great vibe. It's a little loud at times, but it gives you a feeling that you are among the people who appreciate Lahaina and Maui. Just a really nice atmosphere in general (don't expect ultra luxury -- it's very homey). The beverage selection was quite good and food selection was what you would expect with a few fun twists. We both opted for a fish dish that we wouldn't normally eat at home, and we're not even big fish people. But it was amazing. Perfect preparation, perfect presentation, etc. The staff are cordial but clearly quite busy. So don't expect your down home "chat" with the staff - but you will be treated quite well. For anyone visiting, I'd definitely recommend giving this place a shot.
(4)Nutchanat P.
"I waited 'til I saw the sun... I don't know why she didn't come... She left us by the house of fun... I don't know why she didn't come by... I don't know why she didn't come..." We drove passed Mala every time we were on the food hunt. This place isn't in the dense restaurant area of Front St. but closer to the end. It's kind of an old looking beach house. Nothing fancy about it just from the looks of the exterior. We stopped by here one night after our fun on the beach. The hostess (manager) looked at us with a not too welcoming smile. She asked for our name and if we had a reservation (who knew we needed one). She wrote down our name and told us it would be about 15-20 minutes. We could wait by the bar and she'd come get us when the table was ready. Time passed by, a couple of Maui brew coconut beers gone, a complimentary chips & salsa gone, two couples that got there after us got their table before us, the hostess never did come get us even though there were empty tables available! We ended up ordering our food at the bar. I wasn't comfortable chowing down on the whole fish at the bar, but WTH, we were hungry and the bartender took good care of us like he promised. GREAT, FRESH fried fish with ginger garlic black bean hot sauce, veggies, rice and mashed sweet potatoes. The $76 whole fish is enough for two; add the drinks and the whole dining experience cost $105 (before tip). You can expect to drop a bill or more on dinner for two with a few drinks at most nice restaurants here in Maui. Too bad I didn't get to sit at a table and pick the fish meat off the bone like I wanted to.
(4)Josh N.
Incredible view!!! Right on the ocean. A lot of places live off of their location and serve crappy food. not Mala. Had the SNAKE RIVER FARMS KOBE BEEF CHEESEBURGER With Smoked Apple Wood Bacon, Caramelized Onion, Maytag Bleu Cheese, Frites, Romaine & Tomato, Served on a Whole Wheat Bun. juicy burger perfectly cooked. Watch out this place is expensive.
(4)Matt M.
Seared Ahi Bruschetta and the warm goat cheese beet salad were insane!!!
(5)Jorgen M.
We dropped in for lunch and it was great. The setting is very nice sitting right on the water overlooking Lanai Island. The Ceviche is fresh and tasty, they have a edamami that is served like guacamole..I liked it! For lunch I had the Mahi fish sandwich and it was great, and loaded with a nice size filet. Others had the Kobe beef burger and I tasted it...one great burger! Service was spot on and friendly too!
(4)Greg J.
We dined here on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 7PM. Our concierge recommended this place and said it was great. Well... First, it is really busy. We showed up about 5 minutes early for our reservation and all the tables were full, the bar was full, the area around the bar was full, and the service staff was trying to make their way through the crowd. We were told we'd have to wait a bit, for an indoor table and a while longer for an outdoor table. We were hungry and said we'd take the first available. We did manage to nab a beer at the bar, but it was a challenge and we kept having to dodge service staff no matter where we stood. The menu is varied, Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, Hawaiian influences. We started with the ceviche, which was just OK. Nice, but a little underwhelming. For entrees, I ordered the Ahi Burger, which was bland, definitely nothing I would order again. My partner ordered the seafood pasta, which had a lot of seafood and wasn't swamped by marinara sauce. It was a good dish, but not extraordinary. Our server was very pleasant, very fast, and knowledgeable about the menu. She had a great sense of humor and kept the (rather drunk) 60-something gentleman at the next table in check. While there is certainly nothing wrong with the food, I just didn't feel it offered a great value for the price. More middle of the road food and a higher price point (even for Maui) than I would expect. I might test it out for happy hour again some time, but probably won't go back again for dinner.
(3)Reviewerz L.
Great food and great service. We sat outside, with a great view! Enjoyed the delicious vegan salad (not common for Maui). We have seen many salads on the menus around town. We also had the ahi bruschetta, calamari, and lamb pita! I would recommend them all! Took off one star for tables and chairs and decor, could use updating. But, next time we're in Maui, we'll return!
(4)Gordon R.
This place was great. Great service, and even better food. If we lived in Maui (I wish) this would be our regular date night spot. I highly recommend this place.
(5)ROB L.
We did return here this year. This time, we came with my sisters, too. We got the ceviche again since it was so bomb last time, and a myriad of other dishes. With five of us at the table, the small bowl of chips and edamame guacamole got finished pretty quickly. The waitress asked if we wanted more, took the bowls, and never brought back more. That was more than disappointing. Sandra got the kobe beef burger, Em and Michelle split the mac and cheese and a , and Katy got the ahi burger. I got the sauteed opakapaka. Everything was as good as I remembered, but I felt like the prices went up! We over estimated how long it'd take to eat, and we left before the sun set. Mala, I like you, you have good food, but I just don't think we'll be back.
(3)S. M.
Very good food, and very good service. The bartender knows how to pour, which is not a bad thing either. Great location... you are basically on the water and yet away from the very touristy places. The prices are stiff, more of a $$$$ than $$$, but at least you eat quality food.
(4)Vanessa S.
Enjoyed the meal. Sat oceanside and it was wonderful to hear the waves roll over the rocks. Enjoyed the amuse-bouche brought to the table as well. Ordered the coconut shrimp which was excellent, especially the dipping sauce. Husband had a fish dish that he enjoyed. My only complaint was the $14 charge for the kids meal which consisted of 2 Chicken Strips and some fries and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
(4)Ron B.
Good and interesting food! Chinese Chicken Salad great and fish sandwich good. Be prepared for sticker shock, resort prices in a little beach shack. Service was good and location almost feet wet so close to the water. It is no longer the Smokehouse.
(4)Sunny B.
Yes, yes and yes. Got lit here at a sea side open window table. Counted sea turtle heads popping up for air. Martinis are good, not great. The ceviche is outstanding though. Didn't have dinner - just cocks & apps. I'll be back for more shenanigans!
(4)Alyssa K.
I had brunch here and it was great! I ordered the brunch special, which was a smoked salmon tartine. Delicious with grated eggs. My boyfriend ordered the benny something. Which was toast & bacon with scrambled eggs and hollandaise sauce, with a side of potatoes.
(5)Larry Y.
I was really excited when I arrived. The view is awesome, and I got a great patio spot. The menu also looked pretty unique. So, I started out with oyster shooters for the appetizer, and then I ordered their special fish of the day. Overall, the food was just ok, but the price was pretty expensive. I had Mama's the day before and I think I paid around the same but the food was much better. Overall, I would recommend somewhere else. You have tons of options.
(2)April D.
We first went here for brunch and had a fantastic experience! The view was amazing as we were seated right in front of the window viewing the ocean the entire time! I had the great start breakfast with smoked pork shank (suggested by our waiter -- it was great!) and my husband had the Chilaquiles. The jam for the hearty grained bread was awesome as was the hash brown patty! My husband's Chilaquiles were amazing, with a good amount of spice... he cleaned the plate! We also shared a bloody mary that had a fair amount of horseradish and an awesome olive stuffed with a spicy pepper. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful as well. We revisited because we were told the sunset there was awesome and advised to get there early. We got there right at the end of happy hour. The drinks are $2 less during happy hour and there were food specials as well. Since we got there for happy hour we were not offered the chips and dip that you normally receive at dinner service. Margarita and Mai Tais were good but for me the Lava Flow was the best. We didn't order traditional entrees, rather we just split a couple of appetizers. We both had about 3 drinks a piece but I must say I felt like we were kind of shrugged off at times as the dinner service picked up. We actually did not stay for the sunset because we were brought our check without being asked and we felt kind of hurried out. Overall, we would definitely return because the food and views were just breathtaking!
(4)Foo F.
- THE PLACE: Casual Elegance. This restaurant literally sits on the ocean. Listen to the waves crash while eating dinner. Thats some ambiance. Upscale dining but you can come in your flip flops :) - YYYIIIPPPEEE: Sea turtles swimming by while eating dinne
(4)Meredith M.
We came here for our first breakfast on Maui. I had the french toast and my husband had the chilaquiles. My french toast was OK, nothing special. The chilaquiles, on the other hand were delish! They were a little spicy but so good. The view more than made up for the french toast and the service was great.
(3)Tiffany K.
We tried out Mala because a friend recommended it and the reviews were good. I'm not gonna lie, the food was delicious. But in the world of resort-Maui where everything is expensive...this is way overpriced. We went with the ceviche as a starter. It was ok....I've made and eaten better back at home. We then took the server's advice and each ordered his favorite dish, the opaka paka served on mashed potatoes and a tomato cream sauce (tastes like Von's tomato bisque soup- which is delicious but not when you are paying $40 for it). The fish was fresh and cooked well, but we had the same quality fish at other restaurants. Service and ambiance were phenomenal. Good beer and wine selection. Oh and to the extremely annoying newly wed couple from Ohio who sat next to us- Shut Up! Yes a single serving of Chimay comes in a small bottle, cause it's a premium beer, stupid! I do not want to hear your 20-year-old opinion about everything WE ordered! Do not go to the most expensive restaurant in the area and each order Chinese chicken salad and water! Mahalo bitches!
(3)Blondiee L.
Wow! We were very pleasantly surprised by this place. We received a gift card to try this restaurant on our honeymoon. we made a reservation because like most restaurants in Maui they book up fast. It was busy when we got there but were seated right away. Our seats were the worst seats in the place that really shouldn't even be a table. We were jammed in a corner that I had to squeeze to get into. It was the tiniest most uncomfortable table ever. That was my only complaint about this place. They actually had a couple of other open tables that sat empty almost the whole time we were there. They could have put us in a couple of other places. Anyhow, we had the ceviche which was very good and the calamari. The calamari had an interesting spice to it. I wasn't into it but it was very fresh. Our entrees on the other hand were the best meal we had in Maui! I had the filet with mashed potatoes and carrots and mushrooms. It was SO good! I ate every bite of it almost. The portions are great. Everything about the fillet was amazing, the meat, the potatoes, the sauce. My husband had the Avalon seared Sashmi. OMG It was SO good! The sauce was the most delicious sauce ever. And the mashed potatoes are super creamy. The service was also top notch. Our waitress was very sweet and nice. All the waitstaff were on point. Our glasses were never empty. They checked on us a lot and were great! If we had time we would be going back again and ordering the same exact meals, they were that good. Oh and we also saw about ten sea turtles right outside while walking to our car. We sat and watched them for a good 30 minutes. It was very cool.
(4)Ian M.
One my favorite places in Maui to get fish. Make sure to sit by the water and always try the fish of the day.
(5)Stephanie W.
I was looking forward to trying this restaurant as it is 'new' for my annual trip to the island. So happy I did!! This was my favorite meal of the trip and is deserving of 4.5 stars. We ended up getting food 'to go' because it was the end of our trip and we didn't have reservations (and quite frankly were starving and didn't want to have to go home after our day at the beach, shower, and wait for a table!). They did a wonderful job packing up our meal for us (we ordered it from the car on our way home from the beach in kihea, and it was ready for us when we arrived). We ordered: - the Mediterranean quartet app (hummus, babaganush, etc.) - Yummy, though I didn't love the raita (which is usually my favorite! It tasted very strong like there was blue cheese in it). The house-made olives were fantastic! - chinese chicken salad - delicious and so fresh!! Lot of veggies which I loved. - opakapaka with potatoes & veggies - good! - adult mac & cheese - words can not describe how delicious this was - a must have!! We cannot wait to dine in the actual restaurant on our next trip as the location is fantastic, and the view is top notch. I also want to try their desserts!!
(4)Debbie C.
I am in total agreement with the positive reviews of Mala. Great vibe and mix of locals and tourists (we count in the tourist class). We asked for a Lanai seat and got an even better spot in the bar at the window - literally 5 feet from the shore. Top the great ambiance off with entertaining and attentive service and 3 courses that were so good! We started off with Oyster Shooters that were addictive. I had a good Beet Salad that could have been shared it was so large and rich. Hubby had the Farmer's Salad that was standard. Final course was fish (of course). Hubby had the Opakapaka whole fish special. He didn't want to stop eating it - but really it shoulda been shared (it was a "1-2"). I went for my Ahi fix with an interesting and very rich seared Ahi with mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce. Unfortunately we had no room for dessert. One final comment - fabulous wine list. Especially the Chardonnay selections.
(5)Brian B.
We wandered in here for lunch and were pleasantly surprised. It looks like an old diner on the ocean, but the menu impressed me. The first thing was the calamari sauce, which was to die for. The gado-gado, seafood dishes and everything else was amazing, not to mention strong, top-shelf drinks. Will definitely be back for dinner next visit.
(5)Amy V.
Delicious menu offering such a fantastic variety! There is really something for everyone. Most recently we enjoyed a steak and cheese flatbread, Onaga with mashed potatoes, spinach and yummy tomato puree, Adult Mac N Cheese and Bread Pudding. All were magnificent as were the margaritas and mai tais!! The staff is wonderful and the reason we keep coming back :)
(5)Jenn S.
Don't let the name or exterior from Front Street fool you - there's a creative gourmet menu inside! We were seated within minutes to a great table on the "patio". I put this in quotes because the restaurant is basically open-air. We ordered as an appetizer chips and salsa with soy bean puree - the soy beans were like creamy guacamole except yummier! Very generous portion and reasonably priced. My husband got the Adult Mac n Cheese with Asiago and Bleu cheese with mushrooms - divine. I ordered the Thai stir fry with tofu - perfect in texture and spice. We accidentally ended up at Mala because it was the first restaurant we saw on Front Street, but we know we will go back and recommend it to friends who visit Maui.
(5)Vince L.
I saw the good reviews and decided to try the place out. To be honest, I am not that impressed. We ordered the Hoisin Ribs and the Lava Rock Chicken and they were not delicious enough to justify the $40 and $30 we paid. The ribs tasted like they were warmed over in a microwave. The chicken was a little better but not great. The portions were also small, leaving us hungry even after finishing every single scrap. I expected more after paying about $100 for the two meals.
(2)Anthony S.
My five stars are for breakfast at MALA's! We rented a condo down the street and wanted to find somewhere to stop in for breakfast on the weekend. Mala's is, by far, the BEST breakfast in town. We started with the Mala juice... DELISH. For an appetizer we had the stir fry brussel sprouts... AMAZING. We had the special omelette of the day, an egg white, feta, and paholo deliciousness. The view, is WONDERFUL. Loved EVERYTHING about breakfast at MALA. Our server, Jalana, was PHENOMENAL. Exceptional food and island knowledge, friendly, adorable... PLEASE request her... she'll make sure your day is perfect. ... okay... now for the bad... We went for dinner... We had heard from everyone that we would be very happy. ... I didn't love it. The drinks were NOT good.. we had the bartender make us a mala punch with vodka.. sort of saved the night. Get the burrata and heirloom tomato salad. It was delicious. Feel free to skip the cheeseburger. Not my favorite. We didn't have dessert. Basically, if you can get in for breakfast... (it was PACKED) you need to. It's the best we've had on the island for the last two weeks. Ask for Jolana.. LOVE HER.
(5)Tim Y.
Went during sunset though we were seated inside. Still, we could easily see the beautiful skyline and water. We order the Kado Kado salad (small, $10) which comes with tofu, edamame and other veggies over brown rice. It's vegan and comes with a peanut sauce. It was a great starter and very filling. We're glad we tried it. Our entree was the pork ribs with peanut sauce and it was very good ($32). A little on the dry side but with pork it's always safer to cook a little bit more. The sauce was very good and garnished generously with mushrooms and snap peas. We were stuffed. There were probably about 10 ribs on the plate. Complimentary chips and tomatillo sauce with pureed wasabi came to the table. Our mai tai was good but nothing special ($10). Overall a good experience and I'd recommend to give it a try as it's reasonably priced for a nice dining experience with creative food. It was crowded so do make reservations if you want to catch the sunset. Parking can be limited at peak times.
(4)Camille R.
This place was right on the water, no joke. The location is unbelievable! The food is right there along with it. Everything we tried was great. I had the mac n cheese and wasn't even hungry but I ate the whole thing! My bf had the seared ahi. I gave this restaurant 4 stars because the ahi was the ONLY dish we didn't share during our entire trip to Maui and he had horrible food poisoning all night because of it. Thank god I didn't eat it and was able to take care of him... Watch out for that. Otherwise, I would definitely suggest everything here :) Nice staff, well made food. It made up for our horrible experience at David Paul's.
(4)Daraius U.
Very overpriced for pretty average food. I really wanted to enjoy the meal and give this place a great review. Sorry no go!
(1)Edna F.
great view! the food was pretty good with decent portion sizes.
(4)gillian c.
The first time we had dinner here, we were so lucky. My family had planned on going to the mixed plate restaurant a few stores down, but were deterred by the line. So, we walked down Front street to Mala. They were able to fit us into a table that had just opened up and we were seated within a few minutes. The next party that walked in was told that it would be a 25 minute wait for a table. We felt totally blessed. The menu is unlike any that i saw in maui - dishes inspired by places as varied as italy, the mediterranean, indonesia, and america (the mac and cheese sounded awesome). We started with the quartet of fresh greek feta, baba ganoush, hummus, and raita with fried chick peas and house-cured olives, served alongside fluffy pita and homemade flaxseed flatbread, all of which was perfect. I barely had room for the gado gado i ordered. My brother had the seared sashimi - completely fresh and served over potatoes and a sauce of ginger and shiitake deliciousness. My dad went for the balinese stir fry with fish, which was just as good as everything else. My mom ordered the tomato shiitake flatbread appetizer in addition to her own gado gado, so we ended up having a lot left over. The flatbread is one of the best deals on the menu, though - for just twelve dollars, it's viable as a main course. The Gado Gado is so much more than a salad- it's packed with rice, tofu, edamame, chick peas, and tons of vegetables, all topped with a warm peanut-coconut dressing. It's unlike any salad i've ever had AND it's vegan. p.s. you might as well order the small because the large is really just served over a bigger heap of rice. This was, by far, our favorite meal on Maui, so we decided to make a reservation for our final night of vacation. Again, we got the quartet and flatbread along with the farmers salad, the greek, and the whole fried fish, all of which made for another incredible meal. The lemon-tahini dressing that accompanies the greek salad is incredibly unique and absolutely to die for.
(5)Orville C.
If you're a fan of tapas and are on your way from the Kahului airport towards the North West portion of the island this is defiantly worth the stop, I love Mala. If not just for the food then to take a break from the drive and enjoy the view that Maui and Mala have to offer. This tapas bar rests on the water and has both indoor and outdoor seating, provides a wonderful view and is a great spot to enjoy a couple of bites to eat and a drink before arriving at your final destination. As much of a fan as I am of recommending a dish or two I really find myself in a hard place when it comes to being decisive here all of the tapas are just so good. If you are truly fortunate, you will catch the turtles surfing inward on the light waves towards the restaurant.
(4)Polly W.
My husband and I stopped in for a couple cocktails the other day. Service was excellent - drinks were top shelf. Atmosphere was great - open windows right on the water overlooking all the sailboats that had just finished the Vic-Maui race. We weren't hungry (after huge breakfast at The Gazebo) but we'd heard their Kobe burgers were to die for. Next time I'm there, it's on my list for dinner!
(5)Todd O.
This is THE place now in Lahaina in my opinion. Longhis was the star back in the day, but move over, cause this place knows what they're doing. We had the special of the night, which was a whole red snapper surrounded by vegetables...enough for two to split. The parking was a bit tight, but it is all over Lahaina. This was an amazing meal, service, food, everything. Atmosphere was relaxed, easy-going. You could tell by the menu these people know what they are doing. Lots of tables in a small restaurant but that's how things are in tourist areas these days. Great place to watch the sunset too. Could have used more salsa for the chips though. They had to bring it three times, instead of putting more in the bowl. Will go back. Second best meal on the island.
(5)Paul R.
This gem of the island was so good that I had to try it twice. I literally went back the very next night to have an exact repeat of my meal. The location of this restaurant is right on the water, so it gets the highest star rating for the view as well as everything else. The service was impecable. We walked in after trying to get a reservation, but Mala was sold-out both nights, so we opted to sit at the bar. Great choice! Even if you can't get a table, the bar and bartenders are a great find. Lisa, our bartender, was super knowledgable about the menu, and extremely accommodating. I had the Malbec from Argentina, which drank like a fine $100 wine at $9/glass. They offer local catch of the day, which in my case both nights was the Mahi Mahi. This was served with starches, which I opted out of because of my Paleo diet. They substituted with a large supply of veggies instead, with no extra charge. The Mahi was served with two great dipping sauces, one pesto-type, and another red pepper-ish sauce. Every bite was a 10, and the ohhh's and ahhh's coming from our mouths sounded more like a fireworks show than a dining experience. RUN, don't walk, to Mala Ocean Tavern, and don't take no for an answer. If they can't get you ressy, just walk in and sit at the bar. You won't be sorry!
(5)Tom S.
Of all of the restaurants in West Maui, Mala Tavern ranks among the top 3 in my list of favorite places to eat. We've been to Mala about 6 times over the past few years and everything I've had has been amazingly delicious. I've had the burger, the fish, the salads and everything in between and seriously, it's so good. Besides the great food, the ambiance is great. It's small and the staff makes you feel very welcomed. If you can, get a table on the outside patio.
(5)A H.
So we were told about this place from our concierge (who by the way at the Sheraton doesn't know squat). We made 8:30 reservations but little did we know they close at 9 so as you can imagine we were politely nudged all night to hurry up. My BF wasn't very hungry so he ordered off the apps the lamb dish with pita bread. I on the other hand ordered the stir fry which was supposedly prepared with a variety of fish. The food was awful! His lamb had that awful lamby smell and my dish was overdone. The fish was hard and stale. The also here was a complete disappointment too. Nice and dandy it's on the beach but so are most restaurants. The seats were steele and very uncomfortable. For a $40 meal I at least expect cushions. And to add the icing on the cake, when I came home I was in the bathroom the whole night... Awful place.. Don't do it there's so many better choices like Mama's fish house or Sonz at the Hyatt
(1)Brenda D.
While in Maui, we found this little gem. They are always busy so if you are picky about eating at a certain time, make a reservation. First night, we just showed up. While waiting for a table, we ended up at the bar and decided to eat there and we loved it! The bartenders are great - very friendly and helpful. Blair was our bartender that night and he was great. I had the Opakapaka and it was fabulous. Hubby had the mussels with spicy buttery sauce. They offer their dishes, 3 ways - mild, medium or spicy. I love spicy foods but not all foods are good spicy. If you are unsure, ask the waitress or bartenders - they will steer you right every time. We were in Hawaii 15 days, 3 islands and this is by far the best place we ate. Can't wait to go back. They fix food like not one else. The only problem now is we're home and we ordered mussels at a really nice restaurant only to be disappointed by their mussels. This is what Mala will do to you. They raise the bar on food!!! Our last night on the island, we went back for more. This time we had the pasta special and the ahi sashimi. The ahi was perfect and there was a lot of it! This time I ordered spicy - excellent!! We sat outside on their tiny deck listening to the ocean roll in. A great place to watch the sunset. Because Mala is located on the very north part of Front Street away from the crowds. Eat here first, then drive to the more populated area.
(5)Bugaboo P.
Date: 11/28/12 Party of 9 and 2 Children. $640.00 without tip (and that was with 2 split entrees). For nearly sixty Dollars a person I would expect a cloth napkin, excellent service and amazing food. The round of Drinks we had were weak as far as alcohol content. For 12.00 Dollars I expect a somewhat good pour. I myself had the Fish Special of the evening which was fresh tasting but served on a unrecognizable mashed Potato mush of different colors with a strange sauce. I couldn't identify any of the flavors. Others in our party didn't enjoy their food either. I would never visit this restaurant again nor would I recommend it. Horrible experience. Very disappointed considering it was recommended by our hotel.
(1)Anatoliy A.
Dinner at Mala - perfect food, perfect wine, go for the spicy lamb pita - simply a very good dish!! And Caramel Miranda dessert is to die for!!!! So, on the heels of the first perfect dinner, we decided to go again. We were greeted by GM/hostess(Lisa) who was pretty snobby - she gave special treatment for the people she knows and the rest of the crowd got a below average recognition. Food was still good, our waitress was great, but this time it was nothing special. Hopefully when we visit this place again, we'll be greeted by a different hostess, like we were the first time...
(4)Malia M.
LOVE the Quartet of Hummus and the Oyster Shooters! It's a must get each time we're there!
(5)Leslie T.
Had a wonderful meal here last night for our anniversary - wonderful with regards to the food. The atmosphere was a bit frenetic for a relaxing meal, but the food was great. Yes, it is expensive but you get huge portions! We both ordered a small salad AND an entree and I took 1/2 of my entree home in a box! I started with Mark's Caesar Salad and my husband had My Big Fat Greek salad. They were good, but nothing off-the-charts. The entrees were the stars here. I ordered the Seafood Pasta with what tasted like house-made papperdella pasta...lots of crab, scallops, shrimp, chermoula-marinated ahi, clams, shitakes, tomatoes, mint, basil, & parmesan! Killer folks, killer! I ordered it "medium" spicy and it was perfect. For a nice change, there was more seafood and less pasta. Most restaurants seem to put waaayyyyy too much pasta in dishes like this one. My husband had the Balinese Stirfry with the fish of the night - which I think was some sort of snapper. He ate every.single.bite! I snatched a bite off his plate before he scarfed it all down, and I have to say it was delicious! At the end of the night, I could not decide which entree I liked better - mine or his! Now onto the drinks: we both ordered a cocktail prior to dinner. My husband ordered their "famous" Mai Tai and it was REALLY good. I chose one off their signature list called Cane and Coco (or vice versa - not sure) and it was - meh. I had to ask the waitress if there was even alcohol in it! Don't waste your $12-$13 bucks on that one - get the Mai Tai! Now about the service - from the hostess/host to the "water boy" to our waitress...everyone was friendly. We had a res for 7:45, but arrived early and they seated us right away - which was amazing since it was so dang crowded! It is a small place and so it fills up quickly. We even got to sit outside on their deck but not DIRECTLY over the water, which was ok as it was getting dark. They do cram a lot of tables into this little place and I don't think I like that - but I understand it is about the "bottom line". As I mentioned earlier, we both felt the energy was too frenetic and maybe that is why some of the negative reviews on YELP felt a bit rushed in the service dept. I work at a small luxury boutique "sport" hotel at the front desk and we have an upscale restaurant on the property with only 10 tables - but we are #1 on YELP in our area and I believe part of that is due to the fact that the service is always relaxed even when we are sold out. I have eaten there more than once, so I'm not just talking out of my you-know-what. I don't have any suggestions for the owners of Mala on how to fix this problem they have with the chaotic atmosphere during dinner (which, of course, the servers pick up on) but they should be aware of it as I think in the long run - they will lose customers over the frenetic/crazy energy we experienced last night.
(4)Kirsten S.
I can't say enough about this place! We loved every minute of our amazing dinner from the warm greeting, to the best Mai Tai I had in Maui, to our awesome server who had knowledge and charisma, our finger licking good meals and the breathtaking sunset which served as the back drop. Mala did everything right and I thank them for such a lovely and yummy experience!!!
(5)Ahamdreza A.
This place has the best seafood on the island. Every person in our group just loved it. We had fish and some other people had shrimp and one had cheeseburger and we all agreed that they quality was near to top. I like the ocean view table we got and waiter was more of a help to our questions.
(5)Caroline H.
Let me start out by saying I am NOT a fan of fish but like they say "When in Rome!" (or in this case Hawaii). My dad got the red snapper special, mom and I got the mahi-mahi and brother got the burger. Our food was to die for! I was so pleasantly surprised, the sauce complimented the fish very well and the mashed potatoes were awesome (although they were full of butter so I could only have a couple bites). To top it off Chris Burman was sitting a table away! We sat on the patio and got to watch the sunset and turtles swimming about 5 feet from our table. Definitely make reservations, we did for 6 o clock and were still able to catch the beautiful sunset plus we didn't have to wait to sit outside! TRY MALA! If it can make me a fish-lover that says a lot.
(4)Julia K.
This is our absolute favorite place to dine in Maui- and ranks in my top five favorite restaurants ever. I have dreams about the edamame salsa and the ahi bruschetta. The fish is always as fresh as it can be and creatively prepared. Make reservations, go early and enjoy dinner on the lanai as the sun sets over the impossibly beautiful near the Mala pier. Can't wait to my next vacation so I can come back to Mala!
(5)Paul W.
Visited Mala's for dinner for the first time on a recommendation from friends. The deck is terrific with views to make any evening great. We had the Ahi and Mahi Mahi, and both were excellent. The service was also spot on and they never missed a beat. Will definitely repeat next time.
(4)Kris P.
If you are vacationing in Maui, this place is a MUST. You definitely want to make reservations as it is not a very big place and was super packed when we went. The key is going early and getting in line to sit outside. We went around 6:30 pm and we're sat within 5 minutes. We had the mahi ceviche, which was stellar, and shared the special of the day. It was a red snapper with some veggies and potatoes. All of the food here is excellent and served very prompt. We also tried the cheesecake on recommendation from our server, great choice! Seriously, you have to go here if you're near Lahaina.
(5)Mike L.
Had rsvp at 8p (3/20/13). Blonde hostess was no help at all and gave my wife a smart ass attitude. What's rsvp for if you still gotta wait at least another half hour. She didn't even try to help.
(1)Aaron A.
Reserve early, request an oceanside table at sunset. Ahi bruschetta will make your eyes roll into the back of your head, phenomenal combination of flavors. Corkage fee is $45 which is outrageous.
(4)Stephanie M.
This is a great location - right on the water. We got there early so we sat at the bar. I ordered a Mai tai which was one of the worst drinks I have ever had (warning do not order it). The edamame and salsa like combination they give complimentary to every table was interesting but lacked flavor. We chose to order tapas style with only appetizers. We had the COCONUT SHRIMP, QUARTET OF HUMMUS, RAITA, OLIVES, BABAGANOUSH, FRIED CHICK PEAS & GREEK FETA BEET & SURFING GOAT CHEESE SALAD all of which were good. My boyfriend had the ceviche and tartare as well which he enjoyed. I would totally recommend this restaurant to someone traveling to Maui.
(4)S T.
YUM. We ate here twice while on Maui, once as our after wedding brunch with friends, and another time for dinner. Oyster shooters were amazing, Ahi appetizer was also a favorite. Apparently the burger was one of the most amazing ever?! MM KOBE BURGER. I had a blackened fish sandwich which was absolutely fantastic. Everything was top notch. I personally love the laid back atmosphere and ocean side location. No better place to enjoy some fresh fish. Everything on the menu is gourmet quality... with fresh ingredients. Everyone in our group is a New York foodie, and definitely tough to please. We all agreed it was fantastic. Everyone in our group returned on the trip for at least one other Mala experience. On a side note, the back right corner table on the terrace MIGHT get you soaked with a pacific wave if the tide comes in. FYI. It got a little splashy.
(4)Neen J.
With a delicious menu, fabulous porch overlooking the water and great cocktail menu, this is a wonderful place for sunset happy hour or dinner. A little pricey but the food was innovative, delicious and creative. We loved the beet salad, the Nene Cocktail was wonderful and the atmosphere is great. The service is OK. It is easy to park along Front Street. We suggest you make a reservation. It is first come first served for the porch area. We had a group of 6 and each of us thoroughly enjoyed what we had ordered.
(4)Shaun W.
Pretty darn good. Food good, service ok. Great view.
(4)Vince C.
If I could only write one sentence to describe my experience at Mala, it'd be... "WOW, THAT KOBE BEEF BACON CHEESEBURGER WAS INCREDIBLY GOOD!!!" That by itself gives this restaurant 4 stars. But on top of the awesome food, the view from the window and patio is amazing. Don't be fooled by the exterior as you walk up (we missed it the first time as we drove by, cuz we didn't think this seemingly "hole in the wall shack" was the place). Once you enter through those doors and see the open views of the shore line, while feeling the inviting ocean breeze comb through your hair, you'll think, "yeah, this is what Hawaii should feel like!" ps. the Ahi Bruschetta with edamame spread is a must!
(4)lauren m.
Tiny place with a lot of character. We went here on the advice of our guidebook, and it didn't disappoint. We had the ribs and the ahi burgers. I love a good burger, and this one was delicious. I'd recommend going early, or resigning yourself to waiting at the bar. We didn't get an outside table, but it looks awesome out there.
(5)Stacey S.
This restaurant bills itself as casual dining, but don't be fooled. This is no burger and fry joint! The dishes are creative, tasty and huge. You can't go wrong here.
(4)Carla K.
We waited for a table by the waterfront and it was nice as the inside was a little crowded and loud. The food specials were great and we had a wonderful server. Prices were fair, but a little on the expensive side, parking can be a problem, but we parked by the Cannery Mall and walked. Overall it was a good experience.
(4)Henry S.
FANTASTIC!!! This is the kind of place that i really enjoy. It is a small restaurant that is right on the ocean. Many write ups wrote about guaranteed turtle sightings. Well, i would have to disagree. But the location can't be beat. RIght on the edge of a rocky beach. If you are at one of the ocean front tables, you can get splashed by the break of the waves. They have a tiny outside area with 3 tables on the edge of the ocean. We didn't request one of those tables, but got a corner bar table at the tavern that is right by the window. It is amazing eating a wonderful meal while staring at the sunset, seeing the sun gradually go down. Ok, on to the food. A starter of chips and edamame salsa was brought to the table soon after we got seated. We started with the Hood Canal oyster shooter. A plump briny oyster with ponzu, wasabi, tobiko, and a single chive acting like a straw in a cocktail. Tastes like the ocean and a great start to a great meal. Next up were crunchy calamari. Super tender calamari in a corn meal breading, with a dipping sauce of pomodoro, mojo verde, and aioli. A little Italian red, green, and white sauce, very different from the usual Italian tomato sauce. Entrees were fish and fish. The Mahi Mahi ala Plancha is a tender piece of grilled mahi, on top of super creamy Yukon Gold potato puree, the same mojo verde as with the calamari, wedges of grilled pita, and romesco sauce. It is a simple preparation, made special by the combinations of flavors. The house specialty, a wok-fried moi, came in a ginger, garlic, and black bean sauce, with sauteed shiitake, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas, on top of both Yukon Gold and purple yam puree. Heaven. The flavors were so complex. Moi, the fish of Hawaiian royalty, was very very tender and moist. The fish is presented whole, and the staff will offer instructions on how to enjoy it. The sauce can also be ordered mild, medium or spicy. I got it medium and there is just the right amount of gingery kick. We had a bottle of the 2008 Conundrum white. A blend of Sauv Blanc, Muscat, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Great floral on the nose, but minerally with hints of citrus on the taste. A conundrum indeed. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The restaurant is very casual, but the food rivals any white table clothed 5-star restaurant. As i've said, it is precisely the kind of place i enjoy. Why 5 stars? Unpretentious, but amazing food. On a tuesday night, the place was busy, busy, busy. Great views, great vibe, great food. What else can be better?
(5)Jimmers B.
Have past this place many times on our trips to Maui. Decided this time to check it out. Made lunch reservations via open table. Arrived just as they opened. Bloody Marys were very delicious. I had oyster shooter...awesome.... Partner and I flat bread garlic cheese...yum. Entree, I had the fish of the day which was well prepared and tasted great. Partner had Kobe beef cheeseburger, he says it was the best burger he ever had. Next trip will go for dinner and see the sea turtles.
(4)Jason K.
Hands down, one of the best restaurants on Maui...which is saying a lot! If you have patience...or are lucky...definitely hold out for a seat by the ocean. Honestly...you're sitting as close as you can without having your feet actually in the water! In addition, there's been several instances of sea turtles playing in the surf right outside the restaurant...so like I said...can't get much better! Back to the food. I would HIGHLY recommend the beet and goat cheese salad! The goat cheese is sourced from the Surfing Goat Dairy (on Maui), and is lightly coated in Panko breadcrumbs and flash fried so the cheese is nice and melty. Couple that the sweetness of the beets, and you have a perfect pairing of flavors! Entrees are all good...went back two separate times, and was happy with the entrees each time. That said, the one item that I wasn't crazy about was the Gado Gado salad. It's a lot of stuff (lettuce, rice, beans, tofu, etc.)...but wasn't all that flavorful. Last thing...although it's pricey ($18?) you HAVE to save room for the Caramel Delight. It's a plate of fresh seasonal fruit, almost all (if not all) are sourced from the island, and are served on a plate drizzled with dark chocolate and caramel. It sounds much heavier/richer than it actually turned out to be...so give it a go...you won't be sorry!
(5)Kirstin E.
A friend of ours recommended this place. We must have been there during a down time as there was zero wait and a ton of empty tables. Our waitress was super nice and very personable. We told her we were headed to Piai and she told us all the places we couldn't pass up. She was really super awesome! We had a starter of the frites with a tasty garlic aioli, super yum. I got the Chinese chicken salad, it was very fresh and crisp. Hubs got the Snack farms Kobe beef cheeseburger, he ate it all and didn't complain so I am guessing it was good! The view was amazing, we would for sure go back if we ever get back to Maui!
(4)C. Edward B.
Okay imagine this. Your sitting outside with the pounding surf coming up to your outdoor deck. You decide that you don't want a bottle of Paul Meyer Chardonnay, but rather just a glass. After having your first sip you then say "hey..you know what go really well with my Paul Meyer? some fresh burratta cheese." Then you Decide to finish off the night with a beautiful ahi tuna entree spiced nicely. Well my Friends the fantasy is known as Mala Tavern and don't let "Tavern" fool ya. This place is a truly delectable price of paradise on the island of Maui and if your a foodie its on the must visit. Do not confuse this place with Mala Tavern at Wailea. This is the original mal's and from I hear the food at the Wailera (its in the Marriott) is not that good. Parking is tough and you ill need to find a spot wither along the road or in a lot. People complain about the price but to get and serve such diverse fair in an island cannot be easy and I found the price, the variety and the location to be about right for really excellent fare. The ahi tuna bruschetta is really great. The waiter steered us away from the wok fried fish to other entrees, and the fresh bruchetta was the icing on the cake for me. Enjoy.
(5)Darcey K.
Fantastic, friendly service with great food and atmosphere. The Seared Ahi Bruschetta will not disappoint!
(5)Mike M.
Go here, do not pass this place up. The looks from the outside does this place no justice... But the food is to die for. Get the clams, med spice, and ask for more bread. Also had the ground ahi burger with fries, very good... The sauce from the clams dish was so good we were dunking our fries in it, and the burger!!!! Watched over 20 sea turtles, no more than 100 ft away, during our lunch.... We were seated 10 ft off the shore line.... Price for lunch 50.00 excl/tp ..... Food. 5 stars ++++. Service 5 stars, view 5 stars ..... Mike from Montana
(5)Chuck B.
What a wonderful place with fantastic food. We went on our last night in town and we wish we had gone sooner. We started off with the hummus and grilled pita appetizer. My wife had the Sashimi and I had the ribs. All of it was absolutely wonderful. They have an excellent wine list. We managed to arrive in time for seating on the water and enjoyed a beautiful sunset as well. All in all, excellent service, excellent food, superb environment.
(5)Danielle H.
Such a beautiful breakfast experience. Dining, again, on the waterfront with waves crashing is the perfect way to start a Maui day. I had the chilaquiles (tortilla chips soaked in ranchero sauce, then baked soft) topped with eggs and feta cheese with pico de gallo and it was a unique treat for breakfast. I tend to like mexican style eggs and this dish delivered. I will be back to try various menu items, including the muffins that they ran out of just moments prior to our arrival.
(4)Ana S.
We went twice and the first time, my husband says he had the best chicken he's had in his life. The second time, I had a fantastic filet mignon. By far and away the best meals we've had in Maui, and deffo in the all-time top five. This is the first time my husband has ever wanted me to Yelp about anything, he's that passionate about the chicken here.
(5)trexD C.
This place was outstanding! Called to get a reservation and spoke with Lisa who was simply lovely and charming. We ate on the lanai in hopes of seeing the turtles, but it was too dark. No worries though! The Mai Thai's were delicious, the Maui IPA was spot on (and local!), the Mahi ceviche was FRESH and yummy, the Ahi Tuna burger was well-seasoned and also FRESH, and the macaroni and cheese (!), well ladies and gentlemen, you just can't eat here without ordering their mac and cheese - you'll never eat anything like it again. We may be back before our visit in Maui is complete.
(5)Wendy F.
This place has a lot of hype behind it and to be honest, it was just okay. We were expecting more for the prices we were paying. The Greek salad was excellent, but everything else was missing something. If I am going to spend this kind of money on dinner, I will most likely go back to Momma's. Sorry!
(3)Ruth H.
The food is different in a good way but don't eat here if you are picky or not hungry. Noise level is loud for being a high priced place. Seafood chowder was wonderful and the coconut shrimp was the best I've had on this trip.
(4)Robert A.
Absolutely amazing food and atmosphere!! We are completely in love with this place!
(5)Joie P.
I can't believe what people are saying about this place! It is an over priced spruced up diner - that happens to have a spectacular ocean front view. But good luck getting a view of it unless you have reservations. Also its pretty far from the rest of the shops on Front street - not walking distance. The entrance is literally three feet from the street and very crowded. I did not find the service to be as good as everyone has stated. In fact I found them a bit snobbish (especially the shriveled up senior citizen version of the Olsen twins hostesses). We ordered the WHOLE WOK FRIED FISH with ginger, garlic, black bean sauce, shiitakes, tomatoes and snap peas and the Adult Mac and Cheese (mushroom cream, mozzarella, pecorino & maytag blue) The Mac is only good when its super hot afterward it turns into rubbery mass of pasty goo. The fish was not good - despite all the ingredients it lacked any kind of flavor. In the end we paid almost $80 (only had 2 drinks total). Don't Go.
(1)Katie B.
My wife and I just visited Maui for nine days for our honeymoon. We came across Mala Ocean Tavern by a fluke because it was next door to another place we wanted to eat at. We made reservations via open table and they met our special request to a perfect T by getting us a great table. The server was awesome and very attentive to us. The best part was the food. No other place we ate at came close to Mala at all. The mahi mahi ceviche was to die for.... We wanted to eat here everyday.... Make it a must eat at....!!!
(5)Darlene G.
Absolutely our favorite place to eat in Maui! The food is incredible (the ahi dish the night we were there was the best I have ever had- not only did the tuna melt in your mouth but the sauce was so delicious there wasn't a drop left and the mahi was so tender and moist and again the sauces were outstanding- complimenting the fish perfectly!) The atmosphere is fun and funky and the wait staff are well trained and friendly. Do not miss this restaurant!
(5)Lesley Ann G.
Food was delicious, could watch the sea turtles, best hamburger my husband has ever had, the calamari was top notch, great service and right on the water with great views.
(5)Daren C.
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I always eat at MALA everytime I visit the beautiful island of Maui! The food, presentation and the service are top of the line! Do not miss out on the fabulous eatery if you visit Maui. Remember to make reservations or you will be sorry!
(5)Annette D.
Best meal on Hawaii so far! The Asian fried chicken ranks up there with one of the top 3 meals of my life. I wanted to take a bath in the sauce of the plate, which had similar flavors to tom kha soup. Purple mashed potatoes were unique and tasted great with the sauce as well. Dining companions had Kobe beef burger, Mac and cheese and the fish special. Everyone loved their meal but agreed mine was the best. Margaritas and Mojitos were made with fresh ingredients and plenty of alcohol. A little pricey, but well worth it! Hope to eat here again this trip!
(5)Michelle T.
My favorite place on Maui. Hands down. We've returned here multiple times three years in a row and we've always been happy with the food, service, ocean views,and casual vibe. This last trip, we ate here four times on our week-long vacay. When we come for dinner, we always share a bunch of the starters and maybe one entree. I definitely prefer the starters to the entrees - they're delicious and easy to share. Our favorite items are the seared ahi bruschetta; quartet of hummus, raita, babaganoush, and Greek feta; spicy lamb pita; beet and Surfing Goat cheese salad; any of the flatbreads; and the Brussels sprouts. Brunch is very yummy as well. We love the omelet of the day, Sergio's killer French toast, Sergio's huevos rancheros (for people who love black bean sauce), and the Great Start breakfast. Although the hash browns are good, you can sub them out for a really nice fruit plate. I love that the toast is a locally made whole grain toast and all the veggies/fruit are ripe and delicious. For whatever reason, brunch is never really crowded here. Why people will stand in line for an hour for the shit served at Gazebo is beyond me. Mala is very kid-friendly. As soon as you show up, they set your kid up with crayons and paper and a toy to take home. The kids menu is pretty tasty and my four-year old loved the strawberry-mango smoothie. You should definitely call for dinner reservations because the place gets crowded. Brunch and lunch are pretty easy to get in and you will probably get a coveted seat near the ocean. Parking tip - park at the Local Motion, especially at dinner time when the store is closed. There is no doubt we will return next year.
(5)Jon E.
Nice view, decent food, slightly run down. This place has so much potential to be excellent, being directly on the beach, a few cosmetic improvements would make it feel much more upscale. Food was good, the local fern and garlic spinach omelette was generous, tasty and only $12 with homemade toast and hashbrown potatoes. The salmon on toast entree was good, but the greens on the plate were not seasoned with anything. I am looking to try the one in wailea at the marriott which has a special 50% kamaaina after 8 pm.
(4)nicky f.
Henri S. from Chicago sent me a message for my review of: Mala Ocean Tavern, and I quote, "I'm a negroni guy myself. Any bartender who poo-poos (haha pun intended) a negroni should be sent back to bartending school. Or maybe he didn't go to bartending school? ;-)". Thanks Henri! I'll get over it someday Mala.
(4)Joanna D.
Best mohito in town and terrific, tasty oyster shooters. Great service, lovely ocean view with sea turtles popping their heads put of the water in the evening. Always our first stop when we come to Maui.
(5)Melinda W.
As a part time resident of Maui we have tried most of the restaurants on the island. Mala is easily one of the best! Would recommend any of the fish dishes. Local, fresh ingredients are used. Of course the Caramel Miranda is wonderful. Be sure to share it, it is BiG.
(5)Lisa L.
Love this place! Such an amazing location, even more amazing at sunset. I was in Hawaii for a total of 6 nights and went here for dinner twice because it was that great. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. The menu and specials are great! I would recommend it to everyone!!
(5)Rima K.
Ok so food is great and location is awesome , staff was friendly I'm giving them 3 stars though because I can't get over the kids lunch menu prices I mean we are talking about $14 plates for kids lunch ? Are u kidding me? We had dinner at roys for gods sake and their kids menu was $12 for a 4 course meal.. i can understand lunch prices for seafood for the adults but everything on the kids menu (except for the ceasar salad - $9) was $14..we're talking a $14 kids pizza if they are trying to discourage families with kids, they shouldn't have a kids menu so i don't get what's the deal with that! if you are a couple that wants a good lunch with a nice view, this is the place, if you are a family with a bunch of kids, def not a good lunch spot..well unless you're bill gates or something
(3)Sue H.
We had perhaps the best meal I have in 20 years! I hosted a rehearsal dinner for my brother. We had @ 20 people and multiple courses. The GM,Mr. Anderson and staff were BRILLIANT! The food was superb, each course unlike anything we had before and the service was beyond intuitive. I can't imagine a more perfect, comfortable, and memorable evening! I expected good or perhaps great but we received was off the chart. If you choose one place to dine, Mala's is the one! It is not cheap but, in my opinion, worth all and more you will pay. Thanks Mala's! I will never forget! sue hood
(5)Charles H.
I was very pleasantly surprised by Mala's. During my last trip to Maui, I ate at most of the more well-known / recommended places for visitors; Mama's, Pacific'o, I'o, Sansei, etc. Overall, I thought Mala's blew them all away in terms of quality and price. The service was really good, the ambiance was great. I had the wok fried opakapaka with wild rice and mashed potatoes and it was really really good. We liked this place so much that we went there for happy hour and ended up coming back for dinner that same night. Definitely recommend the place.
(5)Martin S.
Wow, the reviews are right. Went here for lunch on Saturday. Didn't want the brunch menu, so they made us the Quartet appetizer. Yummy dips with pita. Combined that with a Greek salad topped with perfectly-prepared Mahi. Food was excellent. Very fresh, flavorful. Didn't like the high price of the salad and really didn't like the $1 splitting fee. Really? $1 added to a $24 lunch entree? On the other hand, the split salad seemed like twice the size of a normal salad, so maybe that $1 was a bargain. Either way, it's Maui. Given the amazing view and terrific flavors of the meal. I left with a big smile.
(4)Chris S.
So I finally got to writing this review. Went here after running the Maui Ocean Front Half Marathon. Funny I was born and raised on Maui, but hated travel ling to that side of the island. Wish I knew better. Had the Kobe burger which I thought would taste like a regular burger. I am happy to admit I was wrong because that was one hell of a good burger. It might have been that I was tired and super hungry, but dayum...It's probably my favorite burger I've ever had so far. Next time I visit the family in Hawaii, I'm gonna have to make it out to Mala to chow down on some Kobe burgers.
(5)Tracey C.
We dined at Mala last week on our trip to Maui. My husband and I are self-proclaimed "foodies." We enjoy finding and dining at nice restaurants while on vacation. We were there for 3 nights and ate at Mala on the 3rd night. Unfortunately, this was the biggest let-down. Let me tell you what we were expecting: Fresh seafood prepared the way a 5 star restaurant should prepare meals. Good ambiance, nice atmosphere, next to the water. Our expectations were pretty much that. We checked the ratings on Open Table and Google...everyone gave this place a thumbs up. So, we booked a reservation. Here's what we experienced: This place was PACKED. And by packed, I don't mean in a good way. The restaurant itself is tiny. Teeny-tiny. The outdoor seating area is no bigger than my formal dining room at home and it had 10 tables CRAMMED in there. My husband and I were literally sitting shoulder to shoulder with another couple. The chips they served with their special bean dip were stale- like a week-old opened bag of Trader Joe's tortilla chips kind of stale. The waiter sold us on the "Amazing" tuna bruschetta, which was actually not too bad. We had hope. Not for long. The meal itself was bland, boring, tasteless and EXPENSIVE! We knew that the restaurant was $$$$. We expected the food to taste like $$$$, but it was no where near that. I noticed people around us (how could I not!) sending their plates back with tons of food left. What was left? Well, let's start with the heaping pile of mashed potatoes. Yes, they served mashed potatoes. Nothing fancy. Just drenched with butter. A lot of potatoes. My dish was the mahi mahi and the gigantic plate came with 8 big triangles of (again, stale) pita bread in a circle around the plate, like it was the main entrée. The mashed potatoes were plopped in the center, toward the top. The mahi mahi was fresh (that's good!) but it was tasteless. Nothing special about this dish at all. My husbands dish? Opakapaka. It was the "special catch" of the day. His tasted almost exactly the same! Oh, and he had a giant pile of mashed potatoes on his plate, too! I am seriously wondering if all these people on Yelp who praised this restaurant were paid to write these stellar ratings or maybe the owners wrote them. I don't know. But it was the most painful $200 meal we've ever had. If you still insist on eating here, make sure to order a bunch of good wine. You're gonna need it!
(1)ron f.
Funky little place with a fantastic staff and great food. Do make early rese's to get a spot next to the window and most certainly do get the whole fish for two. We started with a Mai tai and a pineapple martini.. The Mai tai was advertised as the best in Maui. I'll say not hardly, the one I'm making in my hotel blow them away but I digress. We started with a roasted beet and the Greek salad. The beet salad was so good with warm crusted goat cheese. Our kid got the kids pasta which looked ok and she ate it. The Ulu fish for two was off the charts good with a great black bean sauce with shiitakes and mashers. I can't imagine a better way to prepare ocean fish. If you're not fussy about ambiance and like great food, just go!
(5)april k.
Oceanfront with a big 'patio', but make reservations, or you won't be able to sit out there. Pretty good view of the harbor from inside too, though. The staff is friendly, and they like kids! We were seated, and immediately, out came toys for the guys, crayons, and paper. Menu: malaoceantavern.com/menu… As an opener, they brought out house-made edamame guacamole - they have a cookbook you can buy with a lot of their recipes, wish this one was included, I would have purchased a copy - so good! Had the mojito, which was unlike any I'd had before, really good. Followed this up with a key lime martini, couldn't really finish that one, had to be able to walk out of the place, but from what I remember it was pretty darn tasty. The salad special was tomatoes, mozzarella, and a 50 year old balsamic reduction - the real stuff, it was sweeter than I expected, Would like to have it again. Entre was Mahi Mahi, Perfectly seared and delicious. Nothing extraordinary, but good. Would come back.
(3)Eli C.
This place was awesome. Right on the water and you have to make reservations before 630pm since the sun sets at around 650pm. Watching the sunset with a drink in your hand, unbelievable. We were in Maui for 5 days and we ate here twice. Definitely go early in your trip so you have an option to go a second time. Their mahi mahi ceviche was great and their martinis are strong. Definitely recommend.
(5)Ibrahim A.
What a great place. Original and delicious food. Great atmosphere and gorgeous outdoor seating (if you can get it) . The staff is playful and attentive, the menu is vast, delicious and unique and the decor is charming and relaxing. There are a couple of places with a little better food or slightly better environment, but if you balance it all out, I would say this is Maui's best restaurant. Enjoy!
(4)Jim H.
This is a great place to stop for a fish dinner. Located right on the water front with an open air view of the boats moored anchored offshore, it provides great atmosphere while you enjoy dinner. We tried the sautéed onaga (a local red snapper) and the Balinese stir fry with fish. Both meals were very well prepared and offered a great combination of tastes to satisfy your cravings. The portions are large so come hungry or be prepared to take home some leftovers.
(4)Frank P.
Very Disappointed our restaurants going to figure out a good host or hostess is key ,Your First impression .Arrived early for a 7:00 res.was seated at 7:15 and it was like the Hostess was doing me a favor.Seated walk in before our party.The food is very good,well prepared but the portions are small for $42 i expected a little more.i agree with other reviewers that service was average at best.Great view but you pay for it.
(2)Jennifer K.
This was an unexpected highlight of our Maui vacation. One important tip, even if you have to wait a while, get a table on the balcony. Having the ocean nearly spraying right on my toes turned this from a diner with great food into an incredibly relaxing and memorable lunch. The food was great. A lady at the table next to us ordered the kobe beef burger and sounded more like she was having a religious experience eating it than just lunch. I didn't know if I felt bad or good for her husband at the table. :)
(5)robert a.
kampache was phenomenal, at $40. The kobe beef burger was huge and yummy, but $19. Ahi burger underwhelming. The Asian chicken salad was fairly good. Did not much care for the bruschetta. The 'famous' mojito was bitter and carbonated. The service was reasonable but not polished. The atmosphere was noisy and very casual. Even given the Lahaina waterfront location, I did not think the prices were appropriate. Example: $14 for a kids cheeseburger?!??! That is a joke. Roy's serves a 4 course kids meal for $12. The ambiance and level of service did not justify the prices. The food varied from 'off' to 'excellent' but the consistency, atmosphere, and service simply were not enough to warrant the prices. This place was ok, but there are other, better options in Lahaina.
(3)J. T.
Awesome location right on the water! You can't get much better sunset views, other than being on a boat. The place is cozy and tight, not a lot of seats. Get there early for the best outside/water views. Food is very good, interesting selections of dishes, especially locally grown produce and seafood. Dishes are pricey, but between the quality of the food and the views, it's totally worth it!
(4)Kendra C.
Fantastic setting, innovative menu and friendly service are just a few of the things that keep us coming back to Mala. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful and many menu items are unique. Try the stir fry and the ribs if you get the chance. Both will surprise you.....I know you think fish is the way to go at a restaurant so close to the water, but trust me, you won't be disappointed with either dish....ok, if you must have fish - try the ahi bruschetta. It's fabulous. Lunch is the way to go....less crowded and very laid back. Enjoy.
(4)Theodore S.
Over-priced, over worked plates of globbed together food. Our $41 fish plate had so much goop on top that I couldn't taste the fish AND it sat on a bed of weepy grey mashed potatoes. Then we ordered the Red Velvet cake....tasted old and gummy. Never to return here. For the $$$$ I spent, I could have had several plate lunches, specials, or taco truck food faire. Felt sick and ripped off when I got home.
(3)sideshow b.
What an awesome lunch!! Were intending to hit David Paul's but the menu didn't hit her in the right mood. Scouted out MOT on yelp and went on to a fantastic lunch. I had the quartet with good babaganoush, great hummus and raita, and an incredible feta cheese spread! She had the greek salad with mahi and an absolutely amazing mojito. Yes, the best in town and she is pretty much trying them all! : )
(4)Jen K.
Waited 2 hours and never got a table. Yup, it's true. We were told the wait was an hour and 15 minutes.. ok, cool, we can handle that. After an hour and 15 minutes, we went inside to ask where we were on the list. Next? Sweet! 45 minutes later, 4 couples had been seated and we were still first on the list?? Then the family of 5 next to us, who certainly had no reservation and arrived well after us was seated. and yet we were STILL "first" on the list? We left, and went to David Paul's Island Grill and it was FANTASTIC.
(1)Thu M.
Hate giving bad reviews but thought I should warn people. Don't come here unless you make a reservation because they just give you an attitude. Not cool. We ended up leaving since we werent helped for awhile and the place wasn't even crowded. Ended up going to pulehu's instead at our hotel and had a much better experience.. despite not having reservations at pulehu's, they sat us next to the koi pond and were super nice to us. If you're going to charge this much for food, at least be nicer to the customers... reservation or not.
(1)Robert M.
Food is good enough, and the menu is creative enough to keep me interested. but the real gem of this place is watching the sun set and hanging out with the sea turtles while having a few cocktails outside.
(3)Laurel T.
My adventures in Maui! This place is great. The waiters are extremely attentive not to mention gorgeous and the food is delicious and fresh. We were seated immediately upon arrival due to the parental units making reservations (highly advised). There was a black bowl on the table that appeared to be filled with guacamole and salsa. After a few initial dips though, we became very suspicious about that "guacamole". We asked our waitress what this lime green paste was and she informed us that it was pureed edamame with salt, pepper and EVOO. It was excellent, definitely a unique flavor. We then received a complimentary pizza loaded with goat cheese, mushrooms and grape tomatoes. It was melty and toasty and downright yummy. Time for the drink orders, I drank wine with the parents, we ordered a Spanish vino from the Rioja region. It was older, a Reserva and opinions varied at our table although I really enjoyed it. Now for the food! I ordered the Greek salad. It was full of fresh, organic veggies including radishes, chickpeas, tomatoes..... and it really hit the spot on this hot, humid night. My brother and dad got the wok fried fish. It is not for the weak of stomach, it is a whole fish, eyeballs included, beautifully prepared and from what they said, extra tasty. Other choices included the adult mac and cheese (not the favorite of the 8 year old sister but made a great lunch the next day), the ahi burger and the farmer's salad. I enjoyed this place immensely and the customer service was superior.
(5)Kelly R.
Two different recommendations brought us to Mala for an early dinner on a weekday night. One friend said, "Don't let the exterior fool you," which I would like to remind you when you drive or walk up to it... Yes, it's behind the Cannery Mall... or more accurately, behind the SAFEWAY at Cannery Mall. The edamame is different if you're used to guacamole with your chips. It can fill you up though so be warned... save room for your meal, it'll be worth the wait. Just about any fresh fish here is tasty and yes, the view is great too. We saw sea turtles peeking out of the waves to say hello as we dined. Make sure you have reservations on the patio if possible... and please don't tell too many people about Mala because then there won't be any room left for me!
(4)Juli K.
Food and view was nice but not spectacular. Maybe I'm not a huge ocean person since I'm not too fond of the smell and don't care for seafood much. Food was ok. We got the hummus, mac & cheese & Asian chicken. The Asian chicken was not bad. It had a coconut sauce and mashed sweet potatoes. It also had a nice bubu arare crust with maybe some ginger. Wasn't too fond of the Mac & cheese since it was really really rich. Not sure what the hype on that was. We couldn't eat the whole thing. On the other hand we did have a lot of goat cheese on this trip. Seems like there's always pineapple, kula strawberries or goat cheese on the menus in Maui since it is Maui after all. Not complaining though since I like when restaurants local products. As for ambiance, it felt like an expensive Ryan's on the shore. Service was great & our server was friendly.
(3)miss o.
charming. bright. prime stop on an afternoon bike-ride. sit at the bar. order charbay green tea vodka on the rocks - it's hard to find. the bartender was personable and attentive. i got the impression that the staff work well together, which is ideal; it breathes life into a place.
(4)M E.
We love Mala, go here a lot. Enough that we are noticed as return customers by the staff (most of them anyway). Mala offers a kamaina, which is great for us locals. We have had the same, pleasent waitress many times and she never recognizes us as local returning customers. Therefore, she never offers us the discount. This drives me crazy. I'm tired of asking her for it. Good customer service includes recognizing repeat customers and the locals that spend there hard earned money at there establishment. Also, good customer service would include allowing a customer with a three year old doing the "potty dance" to use the bathroom before an employee, (who saw my daughter needing to use the restroom and practically darted into the one stall bathroom leaving us to wait.) Meanwhile our food was getting cold while we waited for the employee to exit the restroom and takecare of our own business. My husband had to fend of bussers from taking our plates two times while we were gone. I felt this was rude. Another irratation about the restroom is they always have the fan blasting and you can never get the paper seat protector to stay on the seat, it just blows off. I had to give up and just let my daughter use the toilet before she pee'd on the floor.The food is always awesome, I'm just a little over the thoughtless staff.
(4)Joel S.
Food here was pretty good, but it was nothing compared to the view. Went while on vacation and was overlooking the sunset the whole dinner....amazinggggg. Great ambience and just an amazing time. The appetizers were really good, particularly the mozzarrella flatbread. Entrees were good, not amazing but definitely good. It was just the view that put the meal over the edge though. 3 stars for the food, 4 stars for the experience, 5 stars for the view.
(3)Nick H.
First off let me start by saying this place is totally a relaxed and beautifuly located, right by the water which is amazing any time of the day. Don't let the half star that is missing fool you. The only reason that it is missing a half is because at first glance the things tend to be a little pricey, but not at all outrageous, espicially for the quality of food and service (only at about 20% higher than average). Again by the time you will receive your bill you will be pleased to find it was not as much as you expected. And surprisingly the specials were half the price of the listed entree. The service was great from the smiling hostess to the waiter's suggestions. Each meal there has it's own little spunk to it and this place will delightfuly fill you up wether you are vegetarian or meathead. This Is a total fun and and friendly local place with some very unique styles of food. Also to you wine lovers out there, they have a great wine list more than sophsitcatedly priced for a "tourist" island. Best Oyster Shots I have ever had! Im here on vacation for 4 nights, came here on my second, will be coming again before i leave! Mahalo!
(5)Karen C.
What a jewel! Great food great service and view to die for! Highly recommend.
(5)Eveline Z.
Awesome! The food, service, view- everything was perfect. Very kid friendly even for toddlers. We got there at sunset with no reservation and everyone was so accomodating. They are definitely practicing Aloha at MALA. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Mattinlivys M.
Amazing meal at Mala. Don't be fooled that it looks like a casual fish market from the outside. It's an eclectic, very fresh restaurant with a great chef. The views are amazing and my family and I thought it rivaled many great Los Angeles restaurants. Food was perfect. The sunset view is amazing as well. Feels more like a place locals rather than tourists flock too. Reserving the last star only because it is fairly small and somewhat difficult to get a reservation at.
(4)Donna S.
Best kobi burger ever!!
(4)rm c.
I'm going gaga over Mala!! One of our best finds during this trip to Maui. The concierge at the Westin said it was a local favorite and a must-try. The restaurant is located before the hustle and bustle of the Lahaina strip, on Mala Wharf, so I bet most tourists miss this little gem. Reservations are highly recommended. We arrived 30 minutes beforehand just so we could get a good table. Lisa Chappel - the GM, was fantastic. We wanted to sit right near the water and she made sure we were aware of the wait. No problem, we sat at the bar and the owner greeted us with a smile and tempted us with some complimentary chips with salsa and edamame dip. The dip was delicious - reminds me of guacamole, but made with pureed edamame, some garlic, and olive oil! YUM! We had one of the best tables at the restaurant - worth the 20-30 minute wait. Any closer and Art and I would have been in the water! Most of the dishes are cooked with your heart in mind. Nothing here is too heavy and most of the small dishes were created with healthy ingredients. The flat breads all sounded incredible. We had the mushroom and tomato version - similar to a thin crusted pizza. Had we known it would be comparable to a smid (small-med) pizza, we could have done without the fried calamari. We had more than enough food here, believe me. We even left without dessert! My favorite item was the ahi tuna bruschetta. Made on flax seed toast with a good amount of fresh tuna and held intact with more of that tasty edamame puree. The bruschetta fit perfectly in my hand and even after one bite, the bruschetta didn't break apart. It simply just left me craving another piece. This is healthy done right! We also ordered the steam clams. The broth was potent - in a good way. It also came with soft, warm pita bread. Ahhh...the perfect item to dip in the spicified broth. It's just a shame that we discovered Mala toward the end of our trip. I would definitely come back here on our next adventure to try their weekend brunch.
(5)Susan P.
Awesome place, not enough can be said!!!!!! View, service and food, everything just so fun and great. Don't miss this place! Reservations strongly recommended, ask for patio seating at sunset!!!!!!!!
(5)Darren W.
Three weeks eating up and down and across Maui. So very glad we saved one of THE best for last at Mala Ocean Tavern With our fantastic server, Danny, AKA Danny at the Tavern. Mahi Mahi moist and supreme and seafood pasta was phenomenal! I had mine spicy! Ocean side seating available with turtle sighting, gratis! How does Mala train those kids? Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you.
(5)Anita J.
I am a little behind on my yelp reviews, my husband and I went to Mala in Jan, and it was a great experience!!!! It's amazing food in a casual atmosphere that is waterfront! I don't think we could have asked for more. The service was good too, our waitier was very helpful with suggestions on what to eat and drink. It was consistently busy with both locals and vacationers. We got one of their special of the day so can't remember the name and the hoisin short ribs. Both were fantastic, the drinks were a bit strong but good too. Save room for dessert!!!! I would rather have ordered one entree to share, and a couple appetizer then got two orders of the VANILLA MACADAMIA NUT BRITTLE ICE CREAM!!! It is homemade and fantastic!
(4)N L.
Overpriced food and small menu selection. Example is stir fry tofu and brown rice for about $20. Chinese chicken salad is about $15. I didn't like the hoisin sauce on the ribs which costs about $33.
(2)Loretta H.
We went early at 5:30 pm and it was no problem to have our kids there. They have a good kids menu and an amazing menu for adults! You can't beat the view either. Bring your cAmera for an amazing sunset...all the old trees surrounding Mala make for amazing photos! Loved the ponzu oyster shooters!
(5)Jenn M.
Wow this place is great! Our local Maui friends took us to Mala because it is their favorite restaurant and I can definitely see why. Our dinner at Mala was easily the best meal of the trip. I am disappointed that I didn't leave with a copy of their cookbook which they sell up front, but I guess I have at least one more reason to go back to Maui... The restaurant is a little on the small side, and feels like a cafe, but sitting outside on the patio, right on the waterfront, is fabulous. The service was great, and our waiter was very attentive, so I have no complaints about that either. He also happened to be brutally honest, and surprised me big time, but more on that when I get to the food. We ordered the local Mahi Mahi Ceviche appetizer on our friends' recommendation, and the four of us absolutely devoured it. It always makes sense to eat what is local and what is fresh, and in Hawaii that means fish. I attempted to order the Balinese Stir Fry for dinner but the waiter made a face and told me I'd probably be happier with something else! I honestly do not think that has ever happened to me before and I was a little taken aback. But if the man who works at the restaurant actually has the (ahem) balls to tell you that he is not a fan of the item you ordered, you don't argue with him. At least I didn't. He recommended two other choices and I picked the Wok Fried Fish. Now, besides sushi, I am not a big fish eater, and I was also a little disturbed that they didn't tell you right off what kind of fish it was actually going to be. But as I already said, we were in Hawaii, so why not? I think they said that day the fish was opah, and it was AMAZING. It showed up on the plate literally whole and I had to ask how exactly to eat it, but damn that was really great meal. The ballsy waiter was right. For dessert, we all shared the Caramel Miranda and that was also really good. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can resist macadamia nut brittle ice cream when offered. I also discovered that I love baby coconuts! All in all, a great meal with great friends and a memorable experience.
(5)Chelsea S.
The food here was excellent! The only downside was how pricey the food was. My brother in law got the seafood pasta special which sounded fantastic, but I couldn't justify spending $45 on dinner when I had already downed 2 beers. I opted for a salad and added grilled Mahi Mahi to it ($26) which turned out to be perfect in regards to portion size, taste, and price! While sitting at the bar waiting for our table, we got a complimentary edamame-salsa dip with chips which was also delicious. My husband loved this place so much he took his dad and brother back again 2 nights later and raved about the bruschetta.
(5)Blue L.
We ate at Mala Ocean Tavern twice during our week long stay in Lahaina and loved it both times. Once for brunch and once for dinner. This was our favorite restaurant of all the Lahaina restaurants. It is very popular for good reason. The food is all excellent and creative. The Mala-Rita was excellent, too. Excellent wine list. Service was perfect and the servers and bartender were cool. Loved the location right next to the shore and the stunning view of the ocean. You can't get any closer to eating next to the ocean unless you are eating while standup paddling.
(5)Kitt H.
We dined at Mala's for brunch; it was a tasty way to start the day. My Ketel One Bloody Mary was delicious, and I kicked it up with additional pepper and tabasco. My mother- and sister-in-law both had mimosas, which were good. I had the moco loco, a "kobe" beef patty in mushroom gravy over brown rice, with over-easy eggs on top. It was ok, though it was a little hard to distinguish the beef from regular beef, especially since it was cooked through; and the flavors were a bit plain -- though perhaps that's the nature of the dish. My mother-in-law had some feta nachos, which were quite good. The service was fine, and we were able to sit on the patio looking out into the bay, a nice setting.
(3)denise t.
Such a charming restaurant! I went there three times while I was on my vacation...and Lisa, the bartender, remembered my name and my drink each time. It's best to get a table over the water, but if they are full I would suggest ordering your meal at the bar...Lisa was sweet and funny! Also, she's good at helping you out if you're feeling indecisive. I love this place and the locals do too!!!
(5)Nicole L.
Definitely recommended. We came here on a weeknight and got a table outside. We had made a reservation, and they said that this didn't guarantee an outside table, but it gave you priority. So that worked out nicely. When we first sat down, they gave us the most amazing salsa and a guacamole-like dip made with mashed edamame. The coconut shrimp were the best I've ever had. For dinner, we both got the opakapaka filet served with pureed potatoes, eggplant, greens, and a very tasty sauce. It was excellent, and the fish was cooked perfectly. The wine list was great, with lots of good new-world choices. Sadly, the waiter gave us our check without offering us the dessert menu, even though the couple next to us got one and we definitely would have ordered something. Why? I have no idea. We weren't loud/drunk/obnoxious, so it is a mystery.
(4)Kate Z.
Delicious! One of our favorite meals on Maui. We hate tourist-trap kind of restaurants but this place was recommended by a local and was awesome. Wait for a table on the lanai, it's so worth it. Amazing ahi tuna and mahi mahi, delicious seafood pasta special, delicious (and expensive) mojitos.... and the brussels sprouts! So damn good! It definitely gets pricey but we were glad we went here for our "splurge" meals on Maui (we went twice)! Enjoy!
(4)Evan J.
Best food in Maui. Went 3 separate times last year when were here for a week. Glad to be back in Maui so I can go back. The Kobe burger is insane.
(5)Jules T.
View is spectacular. We were lucky to have Jeremiah as our waiter and he was excellent and gave us good tips and advice on what to order (and he didn't pick the most expensive menu items - which I greatly appreciate). The ahi burger ($16) and Kobe burger ($19) were both juicy and delicious. Fries outstanding. The whole fish flash fried was excellent with a Thai flavor and sauce. The opakapaka ($38) was excellently prepared. A reorder. The Mahi Mahi ceviche was very good and great for a light eater. Very fresh. The gratis tortilla chops and dip were a nice since our group was so hungry. I wasn't thrilled with the dip but it was free. The mixed drinks were very good Especially the spunky monkey. The front hostess was very pleasant as was the entire waitstaff. The view, the view! Casual attire is fine.
(4)Jan H.
Mala Ocean Tavern is very close to my husband's dive shop, Hawaiian Rafting/Dive Maui, at 1223 Front St, and we eat here often. The best deal is for happy hour with food and drink discounts. Lunch is great as well. I own several vacation rentals (visit westmauilodging.com ) and I recommend this place to my guests. They always love it here. The oceanside seating is the best and the food is consistently excellent.
(5)Sheila D.
Another great find in Maui. Thank goodness for "Maui Revealed" for the recommendation. We would have never found it on our own. This charming restaurant is located in Lahaina but way down Front street in a less popular area with lots of parking nearby. We came for lunch and sure were not disappointed. We got to sit at a table next to large windows that were open and seriously 10 feet away was the water. It felt very much to me what I'd expect Maine to be like. The restaurant is very bright and sunny and it's quite peaceful to sit by the window, listen to the surf and the chirping birds. As for the food... we loved everything. We started with Mojitos (man they were strong but delish). Our waiter was very attentive and suggested some specialties. If you go, try the fried calamari with cilantro/aioli sauce... phenomenal. We then shared a lamb flatbread pizza and a salmon salad. The food tasted very clean, simply made with good flavors. It almost tasted healthy but I'm no fool! I could definitely see this place being a go-to destination at sunset. The menu was definitely suitable for lunch or dinner.
(4)Roger E.
I agree with Joie. Evidently this place is inconsistent. We arrived at 9:30 PM and the bar was in full swing. We didn't have reservations but were seated in less than 5 minutes. Not many diners. The location is right at the waters edge. You can see and hear the waves hitting the shore. Great atmosphere. As for the food it left a lot to be desired. Since we eat at many of the 4/5 star restaurants on Maui our expectations were very high. The food did not match the price. Service was good but the food left much to be desired. I felt that the establishment did the majority of their business at the bar. We left disappointed as more people entered the bar. Not in the same league as Mama's Fish House.
(1)H. B.
Best food we had the entire time we were in Lahaina. Great oyster shooters. Mac and cheese to die for. Great fish dishes...especially the opakapaka. Great service. Recommended.
(4)Carol K.
Love it! Great view! Reservations needed at night. The Chinese chicken salad was outstanding & so was the bruchetta!
(5)Antoinette T.
I LOVE Mala!!! My mother and sister took me here on one of my many trips back home to Maui and I loved it! They serve this soybean paste/fire-roasted salsa thing with chips that i crave.... watch out tho... only the first one is complimentary! Mojito's are crazy here.... and so is just about everything else they serve. I've had the salads, breads, burgers, and soups and there isn't one thing I didn't love. The butternut squash soup was to die for!!!! They tried to trick my mom by bringing it out un-assembled (with just the embellishments in the bowl, no soup) and I totally fell for it... I was about to have them take it back! Luckily, they gave up the rest of the soup before I made an ass out of myself. DELICIOUS. The kobe beef cheeseburger also amazing.... I couldn't even eat the whole thing.... Definitely try to sit outside because the view of the ocean is spectacular... and 2 of the times I've been there we've seen two sea turtles kickin' it in the surf. Also... this place gets really REALLY crowded... so make reservations and show up a little early because parking is a bit scarce. Definitely one NOT to miss while in Lahaina.
(5)Frances F.
Mala - a new love but ohhh, so far away. We have driven by this small cafe many a times but have never stopped to eat here. Our concierge at the Westin recommended this place and it was so good that we went on our 2nd to last and last eves. Just in time for sunset. One night we got to our reservation early (we were starving) and had to sit inside the second evening we just made our reservation early and sat outside on the deck. The service is impeccable. The food is all seasonal, locally grown/caught and organic. The flatbread, the hummus and baba ganoush delicious, the pita bread is made at the restaurant and fresh and warm when you get your appetizer. My hubby and I shared the fried "moi" fish for two and it was amazing. We basically licked the plate clean - leaving a little carcass of fish bones. They have a great wine list a lot from California (unfortunately my only knowledge) and reasonably priced for a restaurant. My daughter had an amazing flatbread pizza (yes I steal from her plate too) and the help is great with kids even though most customers at the time were adults. When I come back I will come see you!
(4)Julie M.
I am a resident of da island and I like this place for Happy hour. Great apps and good prices during HH. If you see a few ladies sitting there in the late afternoon laughing way too much...just might be me and my GFs. life is good on da island.......expensive but good.
(4)Ryan H.
Came here 2x my first time in Maui. The food was soooo good. We also went to Lahaina Grill and Mama Fish and in my modest opinion, i think this place was slightly better. I recommend the Kobe cheeseburger and the Ono fish.
(5)Lesley W.
We decided to try this place after hearing great things about it. Even from some locals. The bruchetta is spectacular and a must try. Other than that, I had the fish sandwich, which was good, but nothing great. Overall the food was good, the only negative I can comment on is we had to wait over an hour for a table with reservations.
(4)Philip W.
First place we had dinner in Maui. Very good service, but a bit crowded. We sat in a covered area, but the sun was beaming in making it a bit uncomfortable and the staff had to squeeze behind me to get to other tables. Food was very good, the Hoisin Ribs were excellent. Our waiter was definitely a professional, catering to our needs even before we had to ask and chatting with my 6 year old son. Perhaps a bit pricey (I know it's Maui, but $140 for 3 adults and a kid seemed a bit much for what we had). If Yelp had half stars I'd give it 3.5....4+ for service, 4 for food, but 3 for the seating arrangements and price.
(4)Jimmy D.
This place has great, fresh, tasty food. Well prepared and thought out. Service has always been good every time. The Ahi Bruschetta and the Beet Salad with goat cheese are both sublime. Great Humus Plate too. The reason for the three stars is simple. Way overpriced! So if you don't mind a fifty plus dollar lunch without even alcohol...... and dinner is even more. Too bad because I would eat there a lot more if it was reasonable.
(3)kahau m.
great spot! front street, behind the cannery, on the ocean. I would definitely go back. food was great, atmosphere, people and drinks. interesting eclectic menu. just go!
(4)Ramu k.
Very good food. Loved the food, CS and the ambience.
(5)C. H.
Food is excellent, but ouch on the cost! Their Margaritas are wonderful, but at $12 per drink it really drives up the cost of the meal. I high recommend eating here, but you may want to get your adult beverage elswhere.
(4)Roberto H.
I'm sure this place gets nothing but rave reviews. Let me add another. My wife and I celebrated the evening of our 14th anniversary at Mala's. She loves the adult mac & cheese. I tried the sashimi--delightful! Although our wine choice was on the fringe of good pairing, it was a one of our favorite varietals, Cab Franc. The best part of Mala's, next to the food and Caramel Miranda dessert, is the turtles that entertain while you dine. I highly recommend reservations with a request for the ocean room, with a view of the sea turtles. ~r
(4)Joseph F.
We found Mala to be one of our favorite stops in Lahaina for dinner, from beginning to end they did not disappoint. Starting with the edamame puree with tomatillo salsa is a great intro into the food Mala prepares, fresh, imaginative and just plain yummy. I bought the cookbook just for this recipe, which I was told was imported from Charlie Trotters. My wife and I split the braised short rib and an order of the adult mac & cheese. Both wear excellent, prepared to perfection and the service was attentive and very friendly. The atmosphere is what you expect for the location, you're on the water and it's laid back and comfortable. Overall, a great place!
(5)S N.
The best in Maui. For all the reasons stated by others. This is the real deal. Leave the kiddies at the hotel and take a break here to fall in love again. The food is that good. Lunch is nice there too - watching the sea turtles eat the crabs off the rocks-right next to your table.
(5)Sean M.
I was in maui a few weeks ago on my honeymoon and came across mala. it was by far the best food and restaurant my wife and i ate at in maui if not a top five we have ever went to. After eating there once we came back four different times on our trip. The down side is the gm Blair. He yelled and degraded the employees in front of us and made my wife and my self very uncomfortable. If it wasn't for our waitress (forgot her name) and the bar tenders (eric and mike) we would of not came back. After a few drinks that were 3 nenes martini made by mike, the best i ever had and his recommendations for Avalon seared ahi sashimi. (that I ordered all five times i went there) I could of died and went to heaven. It made the experience unbelievable. There cocktails and food are so good it was easy to look over the gm's Blair attitude toward his employees. Every time we go back to Maui my wife and I will eat there and i only wish they open a restaurant in so cal. I only hope the owners can see the negativity that the GM brings to the restaurant and how great there service is and that the manager Ara covers for Blair. now I understand why I see so many practice aloha sticker here in Southern california. I can only say try there food and you will be hooked like us.
(5)John B.
Mediocre food which is not all that different than just about every other restaurant in the Lahaina area. The only major exceptions were the condescending fat waitress and outrageous prices. I spent something like $70 without alcohol on lunch for 2. Our waitress was a rather rotund women who talked down to the patrons. The location is outstanding.
(2)Van D.
Went here for lunch. Great view of the ocean and food was great too. Inventive dishes with good local ingredients
(5)Morris N.
Kind of have a fusion feel in the way the food spice. Ahi Sushimi tastes very fresh. The seafood pasta (day special) are all fresh in taste, and the scallops in there were cooked to the perfection in turn of texture and chewriness. Kids' menu is acceptable. We ordered the cheese pizza, and the kids actually ate them ( even though they only like pepperoni pizza).
(5)Neil W.
We went to the one on Wailea first and had appetizers and a drink. I enjoyed it. The MaiTai was good, not overly sweet and tasted fresh. The lamb pizza, i think that's what it was, tasted good. My wife seemed to enjoy herself. We were near Lahaina and thought, since we enjoyed Mala in Wailea , let end the trip at Mala in Lahaina. Fisrt let me begin by saying the staff was very nice. the location is good, but there were a few down falls. They really pack you in at this place. It's not cozy, it's packed. The chips and salsa are nice, but the salsa was a little bland. The order's do take time to come out, which don't normally mind, but I was hungry. The Kobe burger was bland and watery. There was an atmosphere in the place that was kinda uppity with the diners that wasn't at the on in Wailea which I thought was the opposite of how it should be. I am not sure why, but we just did not enjoy ourselves as much as the Wailea bar. Mala is nice, but go to the one on Wailea. It's just a better experience.
(3)Ron G.
Great view, friendly service, good food. Worth eating at while in maui.
(4)Donna S.
The food was ok, but the service horrible. Our server, who shall remain nameless, came over told us about the specials, took our drink order and then came over and told us that someone else would be taking care of us. The next server came over and repeated the specials, took our order and we never saw him again. In fact, after waiting 30 minutes after our entrees were finished, my husband had to hunt him down and tell him his service was unacceptable and waiting 30 minutes after we were through was unacceptable. He was very attentive to his other tables next to us but we had become invisible. When we told him that he asked if he could buy us dessert to make it up to us and we said, just give us the check we just want to leave. He kept gravelling to no avail. If you are looking for great food and excellent service for the same price try Lahaina Grill, the best in Maui. We will not be revisiting Mala.
(1)jack a.
1st time visit, but it won't be my last !!! Actually took clients. Upon driving up to the location I thought , I might have made a mistake. Don't let the looks fool you. After we got in, got comfortable, began eating and drinking and taking in the local atomsphere, we were totally sold. The uniqueness of the location is as cool as the menu. You can go meat or fish and you'll be thrilled. MAKE A RESV. if you lucky enough, get out on the deck and watch the sunset and take in the sea turtles.
(4)Marline P.
I have mixed feelings about this restaurant. Hubbie had a great dinner of their unique cucumber salad and Mac n Cheese, but my Farmers salad was nothing special ( at $9) and the Mahi Mahi was downright boring ( at $41!). At this price they should serve it with something more impressive than mashed potatoes and toast points. Maybe drinks and appetizers would be a better deal before sunset to get mileage out of their great location. Great service, but not worth the price.
(3)Jamie C.
Good food and nice presentation. Made a reservation but was still seated inside without being asked if we wanted to wait for an outside table. If you must sit inside consider another place as you are paying for the view and location as much as the food.
(4)Marco F.
We order the fish of the day and a mahi mahi burger. Service was good but food was so and so and overpriced. I will not go back to this place.
(3)E. M.
Must go! Kid friendly. It is pricey, but you're in Hawaii. We liked the whole fish, ceviche, and cucumber salad. And definitely leave room for dessert!
(4)Kristin L.
Been to Maui 12 straight years, and just went here last year after trying all the ones you here first, David Paul's, mommas fish house, etc... This was by far my favorite... Absolutely loved it!!
(5)Joan B.
The food is outstanding and the presentation is beautifully done. I did not have a reservation but went early(4:30) and took a chance. We were greeted by a "gentleman" who said he could seat us BUT we had to be out of there by 5:30 as they were booked solid the entire evening. He was bound and determined that we would promise to be gone by 5:30...we agreed. I told the waiter that we had to be gone by that time....no response. We got the bill at 5:35 and walked out with numerous vacant tables...........hmmmmm? Take a chance, the food and service was worth it!
(5)Garry K.
I had low expectations going to this place since from the outside it doesn't look interesting at all. These guys need to some to fix up the front of the building. Once I went inside though was pleasantly surprised. It's a nice looking place and the views are excellent from most of the tables. The food good and very well prepared. The prices are high, even for Lahaina, for the main entrees, but some of the regular items are priced more affordably. I ordered the special Unu and it was excellent but pricey at $43 imho. The chips and dip at the beginning were great. The beer selection on tap was good. I would consider this place kid friendly but I didn't think the menu was that great. My son didn't like his rather bland pasta dish.
(4)Erin T.
Amazing food, view, and service! Enjoyed the casual ambiance (we showed up in beach attire) and laid back atmosphere. The food was incredible --- the kobe beef burger and the edamame dip were both to die for. My only complaint was that I didn't love the flavor of my mojito (I prefer a bit more mint). But overall, definitely a hidden gem that you don't want to miss when visiting Lahaina. My family liked it so much, we went twice. Two thumbs way up!
(5)Luke H.
Busy busy, but beautiful location and a no background late booking still seated fairly. Staff a sublime combination of attentive / chilled. This reviewer's recommendation - go with your waiter's recommedation; they're knowledgable, not chasing the highest price menu items, and honest in their recommendation of "what's best" today. Would definitely revisit.
(4)Debbi K.
Pacific Rim Food that is outta this world! But it gets even better, this place is so awesome with great sunsets anywhere in the small place Catch a site of the turtles in the waves, sit back enjoy a cocktail & some of the best food on the west side of the Island. It's the real Aloha!
(5)Marla F.
The best meal we've ever eaten! My husband and I were told about Mala by a local. We had mentioned that I love seared ahi. It was the best tip we've ever gotten. We started with a Big Fat Grey Goose Dirty Martini which was very well made. For appetizers we chose the Hood Canal Oyster Shooters (wonderful) and Mahi Mahi Ceviche (also quite good). On the local's suggestion I ordered the Avalon Seared Sashimi with Yukon Gold Potato Puree. It also had a Shitake mushroom ginger sauce so that it appeared to be a "meat and potatoes" dish. My husband ordered the steamed manila clams with ginger garlic black bean sauce and pita points. There are no words to describe how delicious these dishes were. We ALWAYS have food left to take home but not this time. We ate until we were stuffed as we couldn't stop eating. I can honestly say that my Sashimi was the best I've ever eaten. The sauces on the dishes were crazy good. I had no room for dessert but my husband ordered the fresh fruit, berries, and figs served on a warm plate with caramel (so that it stayed creamy) with ice cream in the center. It was almost too pretty to eat. Yes, it was on the expensive side but worth every cent we spent. We've dropped more money than that on food that was only half as good as this. The staff were friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. We sat on the balcony with the water crashing into the rocks. We went early but I would suggest reservations as it started getting busy as we left. This place is a true find and we will definitely return there on our next trip.
(5)Joe S.
This is the best place on the island. Make reservations and ask for a table outside. the view is insane and you are right on the water. I had the shrimp pizza...oh man, blown away, it was great. The Blue moon was cold and great. Lisa is the General Manager and just the sweetest woman. I was here on a sales trip with Allstate and she and I became friends and we snuck her in to the Bon Jovie concert! Go here and have a blast!!!
(5)Robin C.
Spent Christmas dinner here. AWESOME location, be sure to request table on their teeny tiny porch outside. Right on the water. BEST dinner in all of Maui -- had the special fish of the night. Super friendly, great drinks. Awesome staff. Casual. Local favorite for sure. Glad to have had it recommended to us!
(5)Gwen C.
Make a reservation! We had the beet & goat cheese salad for appetizer. I don't even like beets. It was g o o d! Next we tried the lamb balls on pita - these were so good I wanted the recipe, and talked to the chef Sergio, who autographed the cook book I bought. The mahi mahi ala placha is supposed to be spicy. I don't think it was. Wear your sunglasses if you are there for sunset, absolutely beautiful setting. Couldn't get any closer to the water without getting wet. We've been there before and I can vouch for the Kobe Burger - delicious.
(4)Iche S.
The ambiance of this restaurant is wonderful. They have a patio sitting that overlooks the ocean. Very romantic. However, They get docked two stars for the food and price. I didn't think the food is that great.I was pretty disappointed because with that kind of $$$, I was expecting a "WOW".
(3)Mebby M.
The food is very good, as others have noted -- inventive flavors and not your typical Maui fare and I like the low-key vibe. It was our favorite place to eat when we were in Maui last visit, so were looking forward to coming back this time. We wanted to come for dinner, but knowing how crowded they get and having two kids, we asked about reservations -- that's where things get a bit dodgier. They have this kind of faux reservation system where you kinda have a reservation to get on a wait list instead of a table. Got there about 10 minutes ahead of time, requested the outside table as we were told to by our waiter on a previous lunchtime visit. Told there would be a 1/2 hour wait. Again, I have two kids and a reservation -- huh?! The hostess spoke to me as though I was an idiot as she explained that a reservation wasn't for a time, but to get on the list to wait. Well, that's not how a reservation works in the rest of the world, but OK. Then 5 minutes later (during which not a single other party came in), the hostess ups it to a 45 minute wait. My blood was boiling -- good food is good food, but stupidity and bad service speak for themselves as well. If it had just been me I would have left on the principle of the thing, but at that point it was peak hours and I had two hungry kids and no fallback plan. Then miraculously a table opened up 10 minutes later -- which shows that the hostess clearly doesn't have adequate restaurant experience to gauge the room. It takes a lot to get me this hopping mad and I have to say that it ruined the meal for me -- good food does not make up for rude and inefficient service.
(2)Ann G.
How could I possibly be the first to review this INCREDIBLE restaurant? We stopped here after a show for a late dinner. The hostess sent us out some complimentary yummies while we reviewed the menu (which took forever because we couldn't decide!). Exceptional vegan, veggie and meat options, wonderful service, and a great wine list. The only bummer was that we found it too late in our trip. If I lived in Lahaina I would eat here regularly. You leave this restaurant feeling the way YOU SHOULD feel after a meal: healthy, inspired, satisfied. The salads were fantastic, the ahi appetizer was incredible and that green stuff that looks like guacamole? Oh that's whipped edamame. YUM.
(5)Jyl L.
Strong drinks and amazing food! a bit pricy, but we thought the quality of the food was well worth it.
(4)Michael B.
We ate at Mala on our last night in Maui. What a great way to end our trip. The food was AWESOME and watching the sea turtles peek their heads out of the water while watching the sunset was a nice addition.
(5)s s.
Simply one of the best meals I've ever had. Creative dishes. We had the asian cioppino-type dish and a grilled fish dish (can't remember what the fish was). Amazing. Unfortunately, we did not have room for the signature dessert. But the mai-tai was also delish (though a bit spendy at $12.50 each).
(5)Sharon L.
Incredible atmosphere right on the water in Lahaina. After a week of eating out every night, we were looking for a slightly more casual dining experience and found it at Mala. Light, med cuisine...loved the lamb pizza, greek salad, coconut shrimp, and ceviche. We will definitely go back.
(5)Casey H.
My husband and I honeymooned in Maui, HI December of 2011. We didn't discover this place until 2 nights until we left and wish we would have known about it earlier. Our dinner at Mala was not only the best meal we had our entire trip (we ate out at a different place each night) but it was one of the best meals we have ever had period. The delicious salsa with edamame puree and chips they give you to start was not only a refreshing change of pace from the regular "chips and salsa" we are all familiar with but it was exotic and refreshing. I would literally eat an entire bowl if I had the chance. I chose to start with the seared ahi bruschetta and my husband had the coconut shrimp (he always orders coconut shrimp). The bruschetta was huge! The tuna was perfect, clean and fresh with the most delicious sweet and juicy local tomatoes. My husband said the coconut shrimp was in the top two of the best he has had in his life. For my entree I ordered the local beet salad with fried goats cheese topped with grilled opakapaka. The fish was so tender and moist and the beets were perfectly sweet paired with the saltiness of the fried goats cheese. Perfection! My husband ordered the Fried Chicken special which is totally out of character for him but the waitress' description was too tempting for him. It was cooked perfectly with a light flaky crust according to him but the part that I tried was the most amazing mouthwatering version of mashed potatoes I have ever put in my mouth. It was the Molokai Purple Potatoes and I nearly cleared them off of my husbands plate! To die for! Over all the atmosphere was bustling with excitement and cheer, we had a window table with the ocean waves meeting the rocky shore just 4 feet from us. It was a magical night and I highly recommend the experience.
(5)Robert L.
Just returned to Maui and came back to Mala's. Had 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Sitting on the lanai having a weekend breakfast is heaven. My wife loves the Sergio French toast and has it every time. I usually have the Chillichiles (one time) which is great. I had this time the great breakfast. This was good but for me too much. Some may say for the price you should get that much food but it is gigantic. For dinner you can eat cheap or expensively. We love the fish which is excellent but is $39. We also have the flatbread pizza for $12 which is great. Service is good to excellent but can be rote or lackadaisical at times depending upon the server.
(5)Jae P.
Food was on par or better than a lot of the restaurants at whalers village and nearby resorts but service was slow.
(4)Hunter O.
this place get 3 stars for the view only..the food is way over priced for what you get. the mac and chesse are super great but at 17.00 it better be. and the mushrooms in the apps are good. the fish dinner i have made better my self at home. and 39.00 a plate is a lot for local fish.
(3)barry k.
Small, cute and on the water. More of a beach shack than a resort but food was great, and we're foodies. Have the brussel sprouts with balsamic. Kids loved the kobe burgers. Attentive service. Good wines by the glass.
(5)Jill B.
Oh happy day when we found Mala Tavern - after one too many days of eating god-awful resort food (which is dang expensive, and still taste-less), our concierge recommendned Mala's. We were in Maui for a week and went 4 times, no joke! And had this great, super friendly, completely on top-of-it waiter named Jeremiah. Granted, it's small, it's crowded on the weekends, but the food was really exceptional. The waiter let me try a couple different wines before selecting one, once we made it clear we wanted table outside (and were willing to wait), we ended up right next to the water, and ended dinner on a high note with chocolate bread pudding and flourless chocolate cake (my favorite!). I would go back in a heart beat; I only wish it was around the corner. :)
(5)Sarah S.
Had dinner here in Christmas Eve. By far one of the best dining experiences in Maui. Highly recommended. Sit at the bar and ask for Eric.
(5)Austin T.
FIVE beach side cafe with great service. Extra star for the view and service. Food was good and not expensive for basic beach front upscale cafe.
(5)Nicole S.
I have never been so mad at a restaurant in all my life. I avoided writing a review for a few weeks hoping I'd calm dowm, but now just thinking about it gets me all riled up again!! I made a reservation a few weeks in advance for 8 people. Well at the last minute we wound up with 20, so I called to see if they could accomodate. They said yes of course, but they had a party coming in at 8 so if we could not linger it would be great. Ok, fine. Fair enough, I've waited tables before I get it. We ALL arrive on time at 6pm. The waiter didn't come to take our drink order until 6:30. Drinks come, but doesn't ask to take our dinner order until 7. We were all there waiting, hungry, and ready to order entrees by 6:30. Food arrives at 7:30, not too bad, but we had JUST finished eating at 8. The manager comes over and FLIPS OUT and says "we had an agreement, you said you'd be out by 8, you all have to leave RIGHT NOW". Um, we finished eating like 30 seconds ago lady and you HAVE'NT GIVEN US THE CHECK. Why don't we just pull that total our of our butts. Perhaps if your waiters HAD TAKEN OUR ORDER IN A TIMELY MANNER we would be done. 20 people takes a few minutes to sort out a bill, everyone was throwing in money. The manager comes back, lectures us AGAIN and tells us to just pay on one credit card and sort it out later. Um, we're trying to pay you, skank. The party pulls up in a bus and comes in and the manager has the nerve to tell the party "they won't leave", so the party ring leader comes over and starts screaming at our table to leave. He had booked this party 3 months ago blah blah... um... it's 8:07, you can wait FIVE MINUTES while we pay. What kind of establishment allows customers to come over and tell other customers to leave. CUSTOMERS WHO JUST RACKED UP A $2000 bill in 2 hrs!!! HOW DARE YOU!!! So in summary, AWFUL AWFUL hellacious, rude, disrespectful, obnoxious, slow, miserable service. There are no stars low enough for the horrible way our party was treated for no reason. Boycott this place on basic principle that they don't know how to treat a customer!
(1)Sal R.
Started off with a phone call asking what their corkage fee was. $45 probably highest on the island. Waiter seemed forthcoming and honest. When inquiring about the Chicken entree the waiter told me that it was " almost a half chicken minus the leg". What I got was 2 boneless thighs pounded out and breaded for $34. My wife chose the Ahi dish that was smothered in sauce that made the Ahi non existent. Server bragged that all dishes were good size portions. What he should have said that they were going to fill you up with starches. I don't know what people are raving about. We are in the restaurant industry on the "main land" and are very spoiled. But this is an ridiculous. If you want to see for yourself by all means. I know I won't return here or go to any of this chefs neighboring restaurant. No one even said congrats to us on our honeymoon like they have at all the other places we have visited. I don't know who they think they are.
(1)Lisa E.
I want to go to there....again and again....I went twice on my last trip....awe-some, honest, delicious food and bevvies in spectacular setting just a bit farther down on Front St. so not terribly overrun with ugly tourists.
(5)Antonia M.
I have to say I'm a really big fan of this place. It has the perfect casual ambiance, great food and the prices are extremely reasonable (relatively speaking). We had the Seared Ahi Bruschetta, the Spicy Lamb Pita and the Beet and Surfing Goat Cheese Salad to start. I had the Filet and my BF had the clams and ended with the Souffle (we ordered a lot of food as we needed to see if a variety of things were good) - everything was great! We're hoping to have our arrival / rehearsal dinner here after trying MANY restaurants (expensive and cheap - over the last week) in West Maui.
(4)Anthony S.
Yesterday nov 17 was our third or fourth dinner at Mala. Our reservation was for 6pm and we were seated promptly in the dining room. We were greeted promptly and courteously. The table was very small and with two large menus to shuffle there was not a lot of room for water and drinks. drink orders were taken promptly. We were served an appetizer of chips and edamame paste and a very bland salsa, may have been better if it had some distinctive flavor but otherwise a waste of time. The wine list was extensive but we ordered a cocktail and a pint of beer. The cane & coco drink was yummy, the beer was good but not cold enough for my taste but typical of the tropics. We ordered the hoisin ribs served with purple potatoes and veggies, and the balinese stir fry. The presentation was stellar, the potatoes and the veggies were delicious however the ribs were bit gamey, Chilis ribs are much better. The Balinese stir fry was good, very spicy, almost to the point over powering the other flavors.. The brown rice was very good.. Now we, my wife and I, may have some disagreement on this point, my take on Mala is mixed, I am not in hurry to go back and if I do it will be for a burger. Her take is, great mix of old, Lahaina and eclectic ambience. In conclusion we have been coming to Maui for 28 plus years, hundred of restaurants have come and gone. There are hundreds of fine eating places on the island. In my opinion Mala is 6 out of 10 and I would try other local establishments before I go back.
(2)Angela P.
I would give this place 3 stars but the salsa/edamame dip you get in the beginning is well worth the 4 stars! DELICIOUS! The atmosphere here is very Mediterranean and with the ocean right next to us, you feel like you in the Mediterranean! The service was very good and the server made some good suggestions to us for our shared meal. We had the baba ghannouj/hummus platter, seared ahi bruschetta, crunchy calamari and the Greek salad. The ahi bruschetta was the highlight of the meal! One of the best combinations I have ever eaten!! Yumm!! The calamari was so not good...I think it was frozen and you would think that being right on the ocean that they could have done a little better with that. But we will definitely be going back here when we make it back to Maui to try some of the other things on the menu and also because I can't stop thinking of that dip! =]
(4)Tim C.
Oh, too bad this place is in Maui and not in Los Angeles. If it were closeby, I'd be there every week. I was in Maui for 4 nights recently and went to Mala twice. First off, the setting is amazing--oceanside. The staff is attentive without being overbearing. But it is the food that is the star here. The first night I had the adult mac and cheese: great dish, but I couldn't finish the large portion. What blew me away the first night, though, was the Brussels sprout appetizer. I mean, who ever thinks of Brussels sprouts as an appetizer? It was eye-opening. They were perfectly stir-fried with mint and soy sauce. Fantastic. The next night I had the house-cured olives and tofu stir fry. Again, great food. Make sure you stop by here if you are in West Maui!
(5)Rachelle M.
My husband and I just ate there about 2 weeks ago and were fans the minute they brought out our ahi tuna bruchetta! It was fantastic! It's a small place with a pretty good bar and awesome local service. I would choose this place over any other place in Lahaina! Make a reservaton!
(4)Dustin H.
Great fresh fish, amazing salads, patio view is spectacular with a great wine list.
(4)Annika L.
AMAZING FOOD!!! Everything on the menu looks so delicious that we decided to order a bunch of smaller plates- itsvery hard to make a decision because it all looks good. The oyster shooter was the best I've ever had, highly recommend. I also suggest the beet salad and the tuna bruschetta. Our dessert was phenomenal...a cookie sandwich w macadamia nut ice cream. To die for. If you're in the mood for some delicious cocktails, head over to the bar on your way out. We tried three different cocktails and all were good. The service is great and all of the staff is very friendly. It's my first time in Maui and Mala gave me a reason to come back...I need to try more things on their menu!
(5)V L.
we loved this place, seared ahi bruschetta, niman ranch burger (yes i said buger!) awesomely delicious!
(4)Voice Of The People S.
delicious locally caught fish sandwich and ceviche YUM. beautiful view and really great service.
(4)Joe E.
Wow. Some of the best food I've ever had in one of the nicest locations. I literally got a little wet because the restaurant is so close to the water. Make sure to make your reservations well ahead of time because they book quickly. Really top notch service with excellent food and drinks. Pretty pricey, but worth it for a special occassion. I was proposing to my girlfriend and they went above and beyond to make sure the evening was perfect.
(5)Veruka K.
We love this place, been several times and it never disappoints! Weird location, don't let that deter you. Come for sunset and have a drink or two, they're good - and strong. All the appetizers were great, and no bad entree yet. Not cheap but not crazy expensive, either. The tables are slightly cramped, no problem though, esp if you're on the patio, the views (turtles! Whales!!!) are Heavenly. Come here early on your vacation, you're going to want to come back!
(4)L L.
I'll keep this simple... Been around food, worldwide, since day 1. Nothing makes me angrier than a bad meal (to be polite)... Except a shitty espresso after a great meal! Lived in Maui 8 years ago and after all this time, it saddens me that there are still only 2 restaurants that satisfy me-Gerard's and Sansei. Until my old roomate (who never left) told me to check this place out! If you're visiting from a town with a palet, then save yourself some aggravation and don't hesitate on this place. If you're not, try it also! (and stop eating all that mediocre Mexican and such. Time to raise the median bar people) Cheers
(5)L K.
I really wanted to LOVE this place & give it 4-5 stars. My experience borders on a 3.5. We had a large group (10) and therefore didn't get the patio ambiance, which I think made a big difference. The inside has a bit of a diner feel, although I did like the beach scenes played on the flats screen tv. I loved the edamame dip, and thought the ahi bruschetta and ceviche were excellent although we could have used more chips with the ceviche. Beet salad was good but really heavy on the beets which I liked by my fiancee didnt'. We split the Omakamaka for 1 person which was plenty of food & excellent (whole fish). So why the 3 star rating? 2 things. 1. A tablemate of mine ordered the Mahi Mahi & it arrived blackened. He complained & sent it back & they refused to give him the same dish & insisted he order something else because 'thats the way it comes'. Strangely 4 others had that dish & non of theirs was blackened. They did comp his dish (all $38 of it) which I thought was great but he felt he should have gotten another Mahi Mahi. 2. Because my dinner partners didn't want to just split the bill down the middle we had to do the dreaded itemization game at the end. With a combo of credit cards & cash we pulled it all together with a few dollars over the total which included gratuity. The waiter made a few comments when he returned our bill that we were under (we hadn't tipped on our cc statements yet) & then ran us down in the street complaining that we'd underpaid. After doing the math *again* we convinced him that no, we had actually paid over & he never even apologized. Both #1 & #2 did not happen directly to me -so I feel a little bad dinging my review - but my dinner companions were so upset that I just can't give it a 4. I vow to come back, have a private, romantic dinner for 2 on the patio by tiki torch, hope for some turtles & change my review.
(3)pete b.
Great restaurant - without a reservation on a busy night they squeezed us in. Did get almost beaten up by angry locals outside....
(4)Leslie M.
We went here on the first night in Maui on a recommendation of a friend. It was the best recommendation ever. We sat out on the beautiful deck, right on the ocean. The stir fried brussel sprouts were the best thing I had and I am still craving them today!
(5)Justin B.
I didn't eat here, but enjoyed some cocktails. The food that kept going passed me had me wondering why we were not eating here. I will be dining here very soon. The bartenders are great and I can't wait to try this place out as everyone says it is great.
(4)Barry R.
Mala has become our favorite Lahaina area restaurant. We have been to Maui nearly 40 times. The on-the-water location, the food, service, and the wine list are an unbeatable combination. While not cheap, Mala gives value for the price. On a budget? Try the burger. We love their version of the lamb slider. But, since life is really just about chocolate, remember when ordering to have them fire up the chocolate souffle, which is as good as any in memory--and they will bring some extra caramel if you ask nicely. While they take reservations, they cannot guarantee the deck--you just have to be lucky or patient, or both.
(5)Gino Z.
The atmosphere casual, the food is creative, and the overall rating is high marks. The location is good, in Lahaina towards Ka'anapali, but not excellent. the view of the sunset was solid, but the doggie diner feel is a bit shocking given all of the great things you might have heard. but don't let this unpretentious little restaurant fool you, they pack one hell of a punch. From the edamame salsa to the coconut shrimp appetizer, all the way to the ahi, shitake, mashed potato masterpiece, this place is top notch. It was one of our favorite's and the next time I think we would both order the Ahi. The island fish stir fry turned out to be just good, but the Ahi was so incredible that I know we will go back there again. The service was fast and efficient, but the atmosphere does not lend itself to the finest dining experience. The food makes up for that though, so this is still a great place to get a wonderful meal and a fabulous sunset.
(4)Alexandra T.
This place was a nice surprise from the other touristy restaurants on Front Street. The atmosphere was peaceful and the waitstaff friendly. We didn't have a reservation but arrived late enough in the evening to get seated right away. The food was amazing with both my husband and I opting for fresh catch-of-the-day entrees. The edamame puree is a pleasant surprise. Recommended overall for a nice romantic dinner.
(4)E C.
We stopped in for brunch and had a very nice combo plate of eggs and lamb sausage. Service was very good and the atmosphere was Lahaina deck and ocean, perfect for munching and drinking. Have not been here at night to try out the drinks, but will make it someother day. This is a much quieter part of town, just behind the Safeway and Longs and away from the tourist traps further south.
(4)imuy h.
The food is actually really good but the last time I went there, there was a cockroach on our table. The Manager condescendingly told us after we asked our waiter if we could switch tables "you guys are from here right, then you know that this is just part of living here." She did not say sorry and spoke in what we all felt was an unpleasant tone. Yeah, I'm from here but it isn't common practice for us locals to let cockroaches crawl on our table while eating. To be fair it is an open air establishment so of course something is going to fly in every once in a while but come on lady that's no excuse for your behavior. We didn't ask for a comp meal or anything, just wanted to switch tables at 9:30pm. I never had a roach crawl on me when eating outside anywhere else. I think she might of thought we weren't worth good service because we were getting half off our meals for being Kama'aina. Well, we were prepared to pay full price and han no idea that they gave out this type of discount until we got it. There was also another waiter who basically told my friend to move because she was in his way trying to avoid the roach. While I was eating I noticed the manager telling all the leaving patrons goodbye but when we left she didn't even look at us. It's ironic that they pass out these stickers saying "Practice Aloha" when some of you working there can't even show Aloha to the locals. I know they don't care if we ever come back but we won't.
(1)Mitch M.
We just ate here Tuesday night. Great experience. First, we were lucky, walked in and got the last table on the water. Fantastic view. Very quaint and low key restaurant. Our server was awesome. This menu is a mixture of many flavors and our head was spinning a little after he explained it. However, no rush and his suggestions were great. Very attentive with everything. We started with the local seafood ceviche, served with tortilla chips. It was fantastic, very fresh fish and tasty salsa. They also give you an enadame salsa when you sit down. Different and delicious. My wife and I split a fish dish, which was great and the adult mac and cheese. Wow! really tasty. We finished with coffee and the coconut cream puffs. Best diner we had during our trip. I heard about this place when I went on a Lanai dive with Extended Horizons, great company by the way for diving Lanai, used them last trip. They were right on about Mala, definately go there and check it out. Time it though, because it's small and they won't rush you through diner, so even with a reservation you could wait if they are busy. They only have so many tables on the water.
(4)jay m.
great service every time we go..great for locals and visitors. food and ambience always just right. and yes..the brussels are the bomb.
(4)Aron A.
The food at Mala's is absolutely, positively, out of this world. We were overwhelmed with how great it was. As good as we have eaten anywhere. Everything our group ordered was great. The Ahi Bruschetta appetizer is worldly. Fish entries wonderful. Service friendly and relaxed. The place is a mix of locals and visitors. Small setting. Busy, active and fun. I highly recommend this place. Yummmmmy!
(5)Gail L.
I would normally give this place five stars as I LOVED it the last time I visited in 2011. The food is still excellent, the ambience is just as wonderful, but I was disappointed and bewildered by some of the attitudes of the wait staff. We came for lunch twice, and this time was the second visit. When we arrived all window tables were taken. When one opened up within minutes of our arrival we asked to move, they did move us but not with the best grace in the world. The tall bespectacled busboy's rude and sulky service was almost comical. We had to laugh amongst ourselves at his obvious reluctance to clear our dishes! We are not a rude family, so we were puzzled at first when we thanked him for refilling our water glasses and he practically rolled his eyes. It was crazy! Our waitress was very friendly for most of our service. When we ordered dessert, however, things went downhill. The Caramel Miranda took at least 20 minutes to arrive, which was okay as the fruit had to be prepared, but the other ice creams we ordered was melted into a pool in the dish, and we never received a root beer float and had to ask that it be taken off the check. No apology from the waitress, either, and no goodbye from the waitress. Too bad, as this is a remarkably good restaurant, but way too pricey for that kind of treatment. There were about six other tables occupied in the restaurant so it's not like they were slammed either.
(4)Not That Gu Y.
Food was very good, view was superb, service was great, price was on par with similar restaurants on the island, 5 Stars!
(5)Maggie S.
Wish I could give it 5 stars but it just didn't live up to the reviews, in my opinion. Everything was good, just not great for the price. I did like Mala's in Wailea quite a bit more because even though it's in the Marriott, the bar area and the dining are are expansive, with many tables overlooking the water. The Mala's in Lahaina has a tiny outdoor area which isn't horrible, but they have a screen between the tables and the outside, which detracts from the view. I thought that menu had a few more options as well. The mojito was fantastic, the mai tai yummy, and the edamame spread delish, as everyone says. My husband had the tofu stir fry as he's vegetarian and that was really good. I got all geared up for opakapaka, only to be told it's a restricted fishing time which I totally understand, but the pink snapper they substituted for the same price was flavorless and overwhelmed by the cream sauce - so I didn't even finish this $39 entree! So all in all, pretty good just not the greatness I was hoping for!
(4)B L.
The brunch was decent to pretty good. Since we both had egg plates, I would encourage you to try something off the lunch or dinner menu. The ground ahi burger sounded interesting. Unfortunately, I had my fill of poke during this trip!
(3)Runners I.
we read great reviews about this place and decided to give them a try. the hostess seemed to have a look-down-on-patrons attitude, and wasn't very friendly. we were told there's a long wait to get a table, and they didn't seem to care. go to leilani's instead - much better service and great food.
(1)Lyn G.
Food was delicious. Only had tapas - specifically remember the spicy lamb pita and the ahi tartare - think this was what it was called - it was basically ahi ceviche. Delicious food. Service was efficient and nice but not in your face. The review might be outdated - the last time I came here was a year and a half or so ago. But I do remember the food and the amazing view. The restaurant at the time was not too crowded and we scored a seat right next to the ocean. Would like to give it five, but the hubs remembers it more like a three and a half so i'll compromise with a four.
(4)Peter S.
This place has great food, nice staff and amazing views of the ocean during sunset if you sit outside. It's pricey but well worth the extra couple bucks for a quality meal in a great environment.
(5)Steve C.
Better for lunch than dinner - that's a guess. Dinner? Ambiance of restaurant is somewhere between a diner and a bistro. Nice setting on the water, but the dinner entrees are as high as anything on the island. Not supported by either the taste or the atmosphere. Paper napkins. No table cloths. My wife and I are cleary in a minority looking at other reviews of Mala, but if you're thinking of a fine dining experience for your money, search elsewhere. We had a great evening at Merrimans!
(2)Jessica B.
mala's is by far my favorite place to eat when i visit maui! i was just there and it was better than ever and super crowded!! when my family first started going, it was more of a place with lots of small plates, tapas style. now they have small plates, salads, main entrees. its great. they bring out a delicious edamame paste with chips as an appetizer. it resembles guacamole but is more tasty and healthy. mark is always great to us! this last visit he brought out some fresh ceviche which was great!! my favorite dishes are still the small plates. this last time we had: sweet & spicy chicken wings, calamari, the lamb with raita, clams, ahi bruschetta, and a salad. it was all delicious!! however, my favorite thing is the signature dessert: the caramel miranda. this is to DIE for!! fresh fruit nestled in caramel and chocolate with macadamia ice cream. soooo good. the best part is the baby coconuts. they taste just like the real thing, but are barbie sized!! i love this place and would defintely recommend it to anyone. the service is great, food is outstanding, drinks are strong, kid friendly, and reasonbly priced. enjoy!
(5)Robin R.
Went back to Mala. Had a last minute reservation and loved the table we got. Very good service. We ordered a lot of pupus and they filled us up. Very upbeat and active. We will definitely go back.
(5)Helen G.
A Kobe beef burger from Mala is one of the best rituals of our Maui vacations. They are a religious experience. I know there are other great items on the menu, but we don't even look at the menu any more. Awesome burgers.
(5)matt b.
Overall, dinner was great. This place was bustling, and while the waitstaff was apologetic, it was always unnecessary. We waited for 2 minutes at the bar for a drink, and I think 3 people let us know we'd be served shortly. The bartender was great, and made fresh mixed drinks quickly. Our server was comfortable making suggestions, and the food was very good! Our waiter at Sansei suggested (insisted) that we get the seared ahi bruschetta, which was definitely a good snack, as was the calamari. I got the Avalon Seared Sashimi "medium spicy". Good, but not spicy. Girlfriend got the Sautéed Loup de Mer, was delicious. Seating outside with an ocean view, but avoid the rail if you want to stay dry. Next day we even went to brunch here. Solid again. do it.
(4)Alexandra A.
This place was a great find. The location is awesome! And the food is good and prepare well. They have a fun menu - lots of basic things with a twist. I had breakfast there & had a lemon scone with mint & creme. It was good. It was light and a nice start to my day. I had an egg & bacon dish that was quite good. They cooked it very well and the service was good.
(4)Kimberly Q.
One of the best places i've been for upscale island cuisine, even compared with Honolulu, which has many more restaurants. The location is excellent, right on the water, with several parking spots. Joe, the barman, knows his stuff about the food and drinks and is personable, sharp and funny. He makes excellent martinis as well. Foodwise, the clams are a must-have. My boyfriend didn't think he liked black beans, but after the clams, he's a huge fun. Other faves with our group: mac and cheese, opakapaka, and the ahi tartare. We were all jonesing to try the brussels sprouts, which were a hot item, but they ran out right before we tried to order them. Joe, very coolly, had someone run to the nearby Foodland, but they were out too. Btw, Mala fills up quickly, but the four of us had a great time sitting at the bar, so don't shy away from that opportunity. Aloha!
(4)Glenn G.
Now I know what all the fuss is about! I would give a 4.5 stars if I could. Mala was recommended to us by our hotel concierge. We almost didn't make it there but so glad we did on our last night. Prices were a little more than I was expecting for the type of place but well worth it. The atmosphere is average but next to the ocean. The food, however, is amazing. We shared the wok fried opakapaka for two over rice (with black bean sauce & edamame) and we ate it all! Fish so meaty and sauce not too salty and great textures. The cocktails were very good too. Top shelf and lots of tropical twists. Dessert was really good too. I had the chef's special dessert...so subtly decadent with tons of berries with the macadamia brittle ice cream. YUM!!! We bought their cookbook so we hope to recreate some of their tastes back home.
(4)J K.
*The food was good, but a bit overpriced for what it was. *But, the on-the-house appetizer is awesome! *The waitstaff was excellent. * If you're going, I'd recommend a reservation. We went on a Thurs night, and they were booked.
(3)