10 best restaurants in Wailea Maui [FOODIE GUIDE 2024]

Speaking of dining and Maui’s Wailea, if you are hungry enough, get ready for an exotic meal. I have been fortunate enough to have some of my personal favourites while visiting some of the restaurants this culinary heaven offers. Every time has been a fine journey, from delicious seafood freshly caught from local fisheries to uncovering news tastes in Hawaiian and international tastes.
The purpose of these restaurants goes beyond just feeding people; indeed, they entertain and enchant their guests. No matter whether one is looking forward to standing in front of stunning Wailea’s dinner tables, spending time with family, or just having an elegant night out, the dining experience here won’t disappoint. Please read about the restaurants I have highlighted below to feel the real taste and satisfaction you seldom find in low-grade bars and restaurants.

10 Top Restaurants in Wailea Maui

1. Lineage

The first impression was like stepping in for a culinary tour. Lineage is located in Wailea, Maui and offers the diner magnificent views of the ocean, perfect lighting, and an aura of happy eating. In every gulp of the food to the last, one was asked to bow in appreciation of fresh and quality food materials from nearby producers.
Just by looking at the menu, I felt like there were so many options multiplied by different cuisines that I wanted to try all of them. The dinner menu, for example, was very delicious, with various foods and drinks, such as the mouthwatering mahi mahi and other meat courses that I wished I had more of.

Due to the popularity of the food served at Lineage, it has quickly transformed into a favourite eatery, especially for the guests at the Hotel Wailea. The selfie opportunities were present: the best showed the artistic approach to recreating some of the dishes inspired by Wolfgang Puck.

Finally, the breakfast buffet is a genuinely sensual experience best described as lavish with a feeling of luxury and a notch above the rest. In a world where restaurants tend to add their spin to otherwise traditional food to cater for their specific market, Lineage focuses on delivering flawless and innovative Hawaiian cuisine in a region that already boasts unparalleled rich culinary heritage, even in the up-scale neighbourhood of Wailea. When I ate at Lineage, I was not just absorbing food into my stomach but having a blast, and I wanted more.

https://www.lineagemaui.com/menu

2. Humble Market ‘Kitchin’

The Humble Market ‘Kitchin’ has been serving the people of Wailea Maui and is considered one of the best dining spots in Wailea for some of the finest cuisine and ambience. I chose some service dominants that described the best restaurants I often visited. I can highlight the Humble Market ‘Kitchin’, which has become where I prefer to celebrate significant events.
The restaurant lacks a roof and offers outdoor dining exclusively to Friday night’s live band music, making the night memorable. When I entered the restaurant, I smelled good food and could hear other people’s voices expressing their joy about the meal they would have.
Humble Market ‘Kitchin’ has been dully provided with the elements of an outside eating area, with a view over the area that adds more attractiveness to the place. However, there’s no doubt that I had to taste the delicious short rib, one of the specialties of Chef Ryan Cruz, one of the masters of cooking that CUPO is home to.
Since other outlets in this chain have offered me delicious dining experiences in places such as Monkeypod Kitchen and Matteo’s Osteria, I can tell that I was in for a treat at the Humble Market ‘Kitchin’.

If you go through the well-organized service, great choice of meals, stunning presentation of dishes, and passionate staff, it is quite clear that all the aspects of the dining experience were just phenomenal. The newly branded restaurant Humble Market ‘Kitchin’ perfectly captures the knowledge of the best dining destination in Wailea.

https://www.royyamaguchi.com/humble-market-kitchen-maui

3. Morimoto Maui

In the spectacular Wailea Maui region, Morimoto Maui is one of the remarkable culinary dining destinations in the beautiful South Maui—Wailea Resort area and earns its place among the top and best restaurants in the region. As an expert on Maui, as I reside here permanently, I get to sample the eateries, and I must say, this one has been impressive each time it has served me.

The moment you enter the restaurant, you are met with professionalism and a warm environment that creates the best platform for the meal. I laid down my food expecting to enjoy the picturesque abode of the four seasons, the beautiful scenery of the Wailea Blue Course and the neighbouring Wailea Beach Resort Marriott.

Morimoto Maui is more than a steak restaurant; it is an entertainment place where you will experience revolutionized steak. Whether you enjoy daily Happy Hours or dining on elegant creations of world-renowned Chef Morimoto, it’s all exciting and fun.

Morimoto Maui offers something unique that appeals to the cutting-edge taste buds of even the most spoiled diner from Los Angeles. It stands behind the conception and flawless realization. But if a little sport with the food is one’s desire, Morimoto Maui sometimes hosts sporting event occasions for its guests. Whether a resident of Maui or a tourist on the island, one can reserve a table at Morimoto Maui with the belief of experiencing dining like nowhere else in Wailea Maui.

http://www.morimotomaui.com/

4. Ka’ana Kitchen

Tucked in the pulsating dining heartbeat of Wailea Maui, Ka’ana Kitchen is quite the epitome of mouthwatering food. As an eatery enthusiast, it is pretty rare for me not to be dazzled by what Ka’ana Kitchen offers, from the dishes to the exceptional services provided.

The mere positioning of Ka’ana Kitchen within Plumeria Way’s world-renowned resorts of Wailea sets the table for diversified Hawaiian flavours with a tinge of sophistication. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you feel genuinely welcome and taken care of.

The time-honoured furniture of Ka’ana Kitchen allows you to relax in an adjoining bar and enjoy cocktails prepared by professional bartenders. As I took my glass with the drink, I could not help but be impressed by what was done to the food to create those dishes.

Based on my previous experience dining in other restaurants owned by Roy Yamaguchi, including Tommy Bahama and Hotel Bel-Air, I was aware that I would also like Ka’ana Kitchen. The Korean fried chicken was one of them, and so was the Kalua pork benedict, both of which overwhelmed the sense of taste thanks to the chef’s skills in preparation and perfect mixture of spices and herbs.

The mandated design of Ka’ana Kitchen’s exterior space even extends to the parking lot, for the owners know that nobody wants to leave their car in an unsightly area when they could be leaving it in a quaint lot like this. Whether you are a resident of Oahu and looking for a place to try out or a tourist who wants to experience Hawaiian food, Ka’ana Kitchen will not disappoint you.

https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/oggaw-andaz-maui-at-wailea-resort/dining?src=corp_outlets_gmb_seo_OGGAWR1

5. Matteo’s Osteria

Matteo’s Osteria is a tourist attraction restaurant ideally located in the centre of Wailea, Maui. It guarantees its visitors a trip through Hawaiian tastes. Matteo’s Osteria was grateful to be part of such an exciting and entertaining restaurant show. I must say that this restaurant became one of my favourite places in Maui to eat.

The picturesque sunsets over the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains start upon entering the beautiful restaurant gates. The lighting creates the surroundings that serve as the background for the night one will have in the restaurant.

Featuring artisanal ingredients from local producers, Matteo’s Osteria exclusively cooks fresh, healthy, and delicious meals. After reviewing the breakfast menu, I figured I could not dine at a restaurant like this without ordering the chicken katsu—a fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian dishes.

In one instance, the team of cooks at Matteo’s Osteria, mentored by Chef Raymond Weber, has demonstrated the extent of their appreciation of Japanese art through culinary representation. The presentation of the food, from the exotic sushi to the tasty parmesan cheese, is a culinary delight.

The same can be said for the staff, who also strive to get along with customers and anticipate all their needs to cater to their satisfaction. Personally, I am a big admirer of restaurants, and I have been to numerous places in Southern California. However, I was never impressed by the service or the food quality until I arrived at Matteo’s Osteria.

https://www.matteosmaui.com

6. Fairmont Kea Lani

At just a stone’s throw distance from the upscale One Palauea Bay and the luxurious Polo Beach Club, Nick’s Fishmarket at the Fairmont Kea Lani is an eating establishment that stands out in the South Maui area of Wailea. This restaurant has been ranked as one of the best seafood restaurants on the Island and is highly recommended for its Pacific Rim/Mediterranean-style cuisine. The sunsets here are lovely, with the West Maui Mountains as the backdrop daily. The Greek Maui Wowie salad, an appetizer, consists of Maui onions, avocado, and tomatoes.

Some stand-out dishes include the Shrimp Cocktail with a cocktail sauce infused with Maui Ocean Vodka. You can’t miss the daily “Day Boat Catch” made with an Asian-Pacific style and the Opah with candied peanuts. This adds to the quality of service, which enhances the dining experience. For the full-time residents of Maui or tourists from Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, this gastronomical trip is unmissable.

https://www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/?goto=fiche_hotel&code_hotel=A564&merchantid=seo-maps-US-A564&sourceid=aw-cen&utm_medium=seo%20maps&utm_source=google%20Maps&utm_campaign=seo%20maps

7. Esters Fair Prospect

Esters Fair Prospect is a diamond in the rough town of Wailuku, which is far from the beaten path for tourists and provides visitors with a different kind of food experience. Enjoy the inspiring street art painted on the walls of the city’s buildings, and then enjoy the atmosphere of this tiny tiki bar with its patio. Sip on tropical libations like the Surf and Go Naked, a delightful mix of gin, lilikoi juice, and IPA caramel, or the intriguing Mercury in Retrograde, which blends mezcal, absinthe, and pineapple-coconut shrub. The happy hour here is a must, with classic daiquiris for just $8. Their tasty bar snacks, including fresh guacamole and a charcuterie board with prosciutto, triple cream, and pineapple jam, perfectly complement the drinks.

Esters’ dedication to using sustainable products and building relationships with local farmers shines through in every dish. Whether you are a connoisseur of excellent restaurants or simply an admirer of great food, this exquisite restaurant features stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and friendly staff, which makes this restaurant one of the best in Maui.

https://www.estersmaui.com

8. Hotel Wailea

If you do dinner at Hotel Wailea, you MUST go early and enjoy drinks at their lobby bar, The Birdcage. It’s unique enough to make the journey over just for drinks, even if you aren’t staying for dinner! The vibes are magical – this trendy open-air bar/lounge offers panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains and feels like a giant birdcage. Real love birds flying around enhance the ambience, along with subtle bird decor and serving ware. The little touches make it that much more special! In addition to drinks, the food menu leans towards Japanese cuisine, featuring some of the best food around. Enjoy sushi and other delights like chicken katsu, garlic Szechuan noodles, and Korean fried chicken.

This popular restaurant is among the significant places in Wailea Maui. The adjacent lounge area and friendly staff add to the experience, making it a perfect spot for a memorable evening.

https://www.hotelwailea.com

9. Mama’s Fish House

When in Maui or planning to visit Maui, you must have come across Mama’s Fish House. Is it tough to make a reservation here? Yes. So, is it overrated or worth the attention? Absolutely! For your special event or a memorable romantic dinner, Mama’s Fish House will always ensure you have your desired experience. It has a special significance for us as this is the place where we had our first married dinner. The quality of service, the taste of the food, and an enchanting view of the sunset make dinner here unforgettable.

The atmosphere there is quite romantic – it is located on the slope of the West Maui Mountains. Make sure to make the reservation at a time when you will be able to catch the sunset. What to order: It was wonderful, 100 per cent bouillabaisse. I still do! It is recommended that you book your table 4-6 months in advance, so if you plan on visiting Maui, make this reservation soon. Mama’s Fish House is a beautiful place where anybody can have some good food with family and friends. The bar is open to the air, and the people attending to the customers are amiable.

https://mamasfishhouse.com

10. Spago, Maui

Spago is located at the Four Seasons Maui, a restaurant owned by the famous chef Wolfgang Puck. Spago is a great restaurant with an upscale ambience featuring fresh seafood. You can take your spouse out for a romantic evening dinner while watching the sunset. First, I advise you to make a reservation in advance, as many people usually want to get there. We had our dinner there one Valentine’s Day, and the pre-fixe menu was featured, with every dish of freshly shaved truffle available, and everything was superb. I received excellent service, and the ocean views were beautiful.

This place is perfect for a reservation at around 6 p.m. or a little before, and make sure to ask for a table outside. Spago brings beautifully crafted food from the farm to the table, and Chef Ryan Cruz’s expertise has created dishes like the mahi mahi and the short rib. This is one of the best dining places for dinner dates, celebrations, or any special event since it provides delicious meals and a great ambience.

https://www.fourseasons.com/maui/dining/restaurants/spago/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organicsearch&utm_campaign=tor-mau-fab-mid-seo-na&utm_content=na-na&utm_term=na

Conclusion

Wailea, a small town on the island of Maui, is the epitome of dining destinations where food transcends the basic need to feed the belly but instead engages the palate and pleases the eyes. From the luxury at Spago to the ambience at Mama’s Fish House, each restaurant is a gastronomic experience.

When indulging in fresh seafood at Lineage, having a drink and listening to music at the Humble Market Kitchin or sipping tropical cocktails at the Esters Fair Prospect, the dining experience in Wailea is always a delight. These restaurants and many more perfectly represent unique Hawaiian and other world cuisines, making Wailea an ideal dining destination.

WHO AM I ?

Hello !

I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover
I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.

I believe that travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world and about yourself. When you travel, you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. You learn about different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life. You also learn about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.
Travel can also be a great way to make new friends. When you’re traveling, you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, and you’re all in the same boat. You’re all there to explore and experience new things, and that can create a bond between people.

Let’s connect together !

I hope that my travel blog will inspire others to travel and to see the world. I also hope that it will help people to learn about different cultures and to become more open-minded.