Best Authentic Restaurants in Maalaea

Ate here on Christmas night. The place was hopping, but not too loud. The service, food and ambiance was wonderful! Highly recommend Matteo’s versus overpriced resort restaurants. We will go back!

Dinner was a full Moroccan experience from the decor, to the food and entertainment. The flavors are delicious and the whole restaurant was invited by the belly dancer and staff to join in dance at the end of the evening.

Had an incredible experience for Christmas Eve. The wait staff made us feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant. Different staff stopped by to check on us and even asked if we liked the bottle of wine, then gave us some insight. Very attentive. Our server was Jessica and she chatted with us like we were friends. Amazing time!

We are huge fans of Merrimans and Monkeypod Kitchen and visit when we are lucky enough to get a resy and the location in Wailea has the best service despite being in a strip mall a little further from the ocean. Our Christmas Eve lunch did not disappoint. We tried some new things on the menu, their market fish was prepare perfectly and we ended the meal with the pies. The mai tais are also the best in Hawaii.

Food was very good. One downside was with the fajitas. Only get 3 small tortillas and a massive amount of meat & vegetables. Each additional tortilla is $0.50… and took forever to come out. Food was cold by the time they arrived. Tbh should just get the tacos since it’s basically the same thing and you get more for your money. Doesn’t really make sense. Otherwise food was great. Margarita was great. Server came by like 4 times asking if he could take our plates away while we were still eating. Not sure what the rush was since the restaurant was half empty.