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Destination: Maui Article Source: Copyright © 2012 by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House Inc. All rights reserved.
The younger—okay, some would say "hipper"—sister restaurant of Pacific'O just across the walkway, focuses on fresh fish and produce from the owners' Upcountry farm. The influence, though, comes more from the Mediterranean than Asia. The nautical decor is contemporary, the menu is clever, the patio tables are truly beachfront, and the service is good. One of the partners—Stephan Bel Robert—is a wine connoisseur, so the lists at both restaurants are fantastic and surprisingly well priced. www.iomaui.com. Credit cards accepted. No lunch.
You don't have to wrestle with the restaurant's formidable name (it's Hawai'i's state fish); simply tell the valet or concierge you're going to Hoo-moo-hoo-moo. The Polynesian-style thatch-roofed, open-air restaurant "floats" atop a saltwater lagoon. It's exotic, romantic, and well suited for special occasions. Dinner is accompanied nightly by heavenly sunsets. Obviously, fresh fish dominates the menu here, but there's also Kobe beef, lamb, and even a vegetarian plate. For dessert, try an over-the-top coconut rice pudding tower or Humu hula pie. www.grandwailea.com. Credit cards accepted. No lunch.
A bustling and family-oriented spot on Kaanapali Beach at Whalers Village shopping center, this restaurant designed to look like a sprawling '30s beach house represents a partnership between TS Restaurants group and Hawaii Regional Cuisine pioneer chef Peter Merriman. They serve up large dinner portions of everything from fresh local fish and Maui Cattle Company beef to Hula Grill "traditions" like rosemary- and wood-roasted rack of lamb to sweet potato ravioli. Just in the mood for an umbrella-adorned cocktail and some pupu? Go to the Barefoot Bar where you can wiggle your toes in the sand while you sip. The beach is called "Dig Me"—you'll understand why after just a few moments. www.hulagrill.com. Credit cards accepted.
Right next door to their popular Mala Ocean Tavern, celebrity chef Mark Ellman and Judy Ellman opened this oceanfront fish house and pizza restaurant in 2011. Much of the seafood comes from the East Coast and Pacific Northwest: clams, crabs, mussels—and yes, Maui finally has lobster rolls. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired brick oven (is there any other way?). The wine list is fabulous. Judy designed the sleek, bright interior with white walls, abundant use of wood, and large windows: Honu makes the best of an unparalled ocean view. All in all, it's a hot new entry on the Maui dining scene. www.honumaui.com.
Chef-restaurateur Beverly Gannon's first restaurant remains a culinary destination after more than two decades. The big, rambling former plantation store has two dining rooms: sit in the front to be seen and heard; head on back for some quiet and privacy. Classic dishes like crab boboli, Asian duck tostada, grilled lamb chops, and many more are complemented with daily and nightly specials.To get here, take the exit on the left halfway up Haleakala Highway. www.bevgannonrestaurants.com. Credit cards accepted.
Sandwiched between a dive shop and a salon in a nondescript mini strip mall, this small place only has a few stools and a couple of tables outside, but it's fast and the food is consistently good—all it takes to keep the place filled with locals. The mahimahi with lemon capers, and beef black bean chow fun are the top-selling favorites. There's plenty more including vegetarian and lighter fare such as Grandma's spicy tofu, egg fu young, and even a veggie burger. The fresh chow fun noodles sell out quickly. No credit cards. Closed Sun. and between 2:30 and 4:30.
If you're taking a drive through gorgeous Upcountry Maui, this is a great place to stop for a truly homegrown cup of coffee and snack. All of the coffee is grown right on the slopes of Haleakala and roasted on the premises in a 100-year-old roaster proudly on display. The baked goods and food are enjoyable and the variety of menu items for breakfast and lunch is vast. Eggs, omelets, crepes, and fantastic home fries are served for breakfast; salads, sandwiches, lasagna, and more can be ordered at lunch. Enjoy your coffee and goodies on the lovely deck; sometimes a Hawaiian musician is there playing a tune. www.grandmascoffee.com. Credit cards accepted. No dinner.
Breakfast is the reason to seek out this restaurant located poolside at the Napili Shores Resort. The ambience is a little funky but the oceanfront setting and views are spectacular—including the turtle, spinner dolphin, and, in winter, humpback-whale sightings. The food is standard diner fare and portions are big. Many folks think the Gazebo serves the best pancakes on West Maui. Have them with pineapple, bananas, macadamia nuts, or chocolate chips, or make up your own combination. You will almost certainly have to wait for a table, sometimes for quite a while, but at least it's a pleasant place to do so. Credit cards accepted. No dinner.
For nearly three decades, classically trained French chef Gerard Reversade has remained true to his roots and kept his charming restaurant classically French. A native of Gascony, Reversade came up through the ranks, starting as an apprentice in acclaimed Paris restaurants when he was just 14. His exacting standards—in the dining room as well as in the kitchen—have been the hallmarks of his eponymous restaurant year in and year out. He cooks his way, utilizing island ingredients in such classics as mushrooms in puff pastry, escargots forestière, Molokai shrimp consommé, terrine of foie gras, confit of duck, and lobster pot au feu. The wine list is first-class. Floral fabrics and white tablecloths echo the look of a French country inn. www.gerardsmaui.com. Credit cards accepted. No lunch.
You'll love the amazing ocean and mountain views at this outpost of acclaimed chef Beverly Gannon, as well as the splashy Red Bar. Here you'll find Beverly's style of food, which consists of local products prepared with international flavors. For a starter, try the warm goat cheese Maui onion tart with roasted pears, and follow that with fennel-chilli-crusted ahi with lemon beurre blanc. Breakfast is especially nice here. The outdoor lanai seating is cool in the morning and overlooks the parade of boats heading out to Molokini. www.gannonsrestaurant.com. Credit cards accepted.
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