Top 5 MUST eat dinner places in Maui

There are so many restaurants to choose from while you’re on the island. If you are looking for local restaurants and insta-worthy meals from casual to dinner date, be sure to check-out these top 5 local restaurants.

1. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman’s

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman’s-the Mai Tai here is a MUST. The Mai Tai is topped off with honey lilikoi foam, What’s that? It’s a light fluff foam made from honey flavor with yellow Passion fruit. Want to savor the taste? Toss the paper straw that comes with it and take a sip for yourself. If you aren’t able to catch a Mai Tai here make sure you do at Merriman’s (steakhouse) their sister restaurant, with an oceanfront view on Kapalua bay.

The menu at Monkeypod has options for every family member including kids and picky eaters. Start with some Roasted Chicken Wings and Garlic Truffle Oil Fries or Fresh Island Herbs Farm Organic Kale Salad. Try some Fresh Caught Fish Tacos or Organic Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Fish. Not a seafood fan, not a problem. You can opt for a Maui Cattle Company Cheeseburger or Certified Anus New York Steak. Want a little spice, try the Bulgogi Pork Tacos topped with kimchee, jalapenos, sriracha aioli, and Asian pear mixing the flavor with a sweet and spicy-ness. Dining with kids? They have hand-tossed pizza, crust made from scratch. Dance the night away on good food and a live performing band.

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2. Merriman’s

Merriman’s on Kapalua Bay. A view worth dining at for a sunset of a lifetime. The ambiance is very relaxing. Farm to Table concept- on the menu using at least 90% locally grown or fresh-caught. The menu is limited but well worth the view. The restaurant offers a 4-course prix fixe dinner for $30. You definitely CANNOT beat the price because most one-course entree is $30 by itself. Reservation is required and valet service is available for FREE- however, make sure to bring cash for a tip.

3. Lahaina Grill

Lahaina Grill in the hart of Lahaina. Listed #8 of the top 10 fine dining restaurants in the U.S. including the best Maui restaurant for 28years in a row. Want to get your fancy on while on vacation make sure to stop here for some wine and dine. Reservations are highly encouraged. Plenty of options on the menu. They have a variety of salads and soups, from land to sea, including vegetarian options. Make sure you top the night off with some delicious dessert like the Road to Hana-layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and macadamia nut caramel covered in chocolate ganache, too much chocolate? You can opt for Vanilla Bean Cream Brûlée.

4. Kimo’s

Kimo’s Located in Old Lahaina Town serves lunch and dinner. Home of the famous Hula Pie and known for their signature prime rib to classic Kimo’s style fresh fish. Sip on some fun cocktails. Can’t go wrong with a Pina Colada or Lava Flow. Start with the Fire Roasted Vegetable Dip or Kalua Pork Lettuce Wrap to Roasted Beet Salad. Fresh fish and seafood on the menu baked “Kimo’s Style” or Kimo’s favorite- Parmesan-crusted Fresh Fish (catch of the day). Not a fan of fish or seafood, you can opt for Koloa Park Ribs or Wild Mushroom & Spinach Ravioli. Don’t forget the best part- dessert. Hula Pie is made with macadamia nut ice cream stacked high on a scrumptious chocolate cookie crust, covered in a layer of chocolate fudge top with macadamia nuts and whip cream. Dessert big enough to share with multiple family members.

5. Miso Phat Sushi

Miso Phat Sushi in Kahana- East side of Kaanapali. Looking for good sushi on the island. Miso offers 10 different specialty rolls- come in 8pieces. Great selection of fish, over 17 different types of Nigiri including 10 different types of Vegetarian Rolls to choose from. Kids can choose from baked Teriyaki Salmon or Shrimp Tempura.