Best Restaurants in Maui

A frequent visitor question we hear: "Is Mama's Fish House really worth it." The answer is yes, but it also depends on your perspective. Mama's is the best fine dining experience on the island from before you even enter to the time you leave, but the prices also reflect that perfection. The location is unique- on a Northshore beach, with tropical grounds that look very natural. The food is over the top and always amazing, including the freshest local fish. The prices are just above other fine dining, but skip lunch if you have to and indulge.

Gerard's has been combining romantic ambiance with incredible French food since 1982, inviting you to linger and savor. Guests can order ala carte, but the special chef's menu is recommended. On a recent night this included seared foie gras medaillons, shrimp in hazelnut oil and fresh pasta with truffle butter, chilled cucumber soup with surfing goat cheese, baby spinach salad with scallops, locally caught Hawaiian snapper. And in true European style there was an intermezzo of sorbet with a splash of Champagne before the next savory course of lamb, followed by dessert.

We can't decide which is best- the incredible location overlooking Kapalua Bay, or Peter Merriman's creative menu. If this is your first visit, the sharing menu provides samples of many dishes. It's a good way to sample an entree you might want to have again (and again) like wok charred ahi sashimi, macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi, or ribeye steak with Maui onion. Merriman's Hawaii cookbook is a great souvenir to purchase- containing a fascinating history of the farm to table movement in Hawaii, and great recipes.