The 21 Essential Maui Restaurants
"At first glance, Mama’s comes across as a tourist snare; the South Pacific motif borders on kitschy and entrees cost an eye-popping $80. But this Polynesian fantasy has legitimate appeal. Waitstaff dressed in vintage Aloha wear deliver warm bread and amuse-bouches as salt air wafts in from the private cove. The kitchen’s consistency, honed by Maui-born executive chef Perry Bateman, justifies its international reputation. Each fish is listed along with who caught it and where — which, in an era of overfishing and mystery filets, is worth the price alone. Start with seared local octopus or grilled Haleakalā beef served in half a papaya, before diving into the fragrant bouillabaisse with saffron-scented chunks of Tristan lobster and Kauai shrimp. Reservations fill up months in advance, so book as early as possible." - Shannon Wianecki, Bill Addison
