Mala Ocean Tavern
American restaurant · Lahaina ·
Pacific Rim & Mediterranean dishes, ocean views, late happy hour
Pacific Rim & Mediterranean dishes, ocean views, late happy hour
"At Mala, you can watch sea turtles bobbing in the surf while sipping a crisp sauvignon blanc or fresh watermelon juice. The menu leans towards the health-conscious; many items are vegan or gluten-free, and nearly all spotlight locally grown veggies. The ‘ahi bruschetta — a quartet of flax seed toasts loaded with mashed edamame, tomatoes, microgreens, and slices of seared ‘ahi — has been a solid favorite since the restaurant opened in 2008. Brunch is especially elegant here with an array of eggs Benedict variations topped with lamb sausage, rib-eye, or grilled fish with wasabi hollandaise. Vibe check: The view from Mala’s oceanside tables can’t be beat, but the best spots are actually indoors, wedged between the bar and the lapping surf." - Shannon Wianecki
"Mala Ocean Tavern, a cheerful Lahaina restaurant, was significantly damaged but survived the fires."
"A waterfront tavern on Front Street that remained standing when much of the surrounding area was reduced to rubble; its executive chef stresses the delicate balance between needing tourists and protecting the recovery process, urging visitors to support small businesses respectfully rather than treating the disaster as a spectacle. The chef and staff are also contributing time and energy to feed first responders and displaced neighbors." - ByAli Francis
"A pioneer of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement, chef Mark Ellman showcases his thoughtful approach to cooking at Mala Ocean Tavern, a harbor-front eatery with dramatic sunset views. Come here for well-executed fusion fare like ahi bruschetta, whole wok-fried Hawaiian fish, and a vegan mushroom Bolognese pasta with local shiitakes, as well as signature cocktails like the Spa Day (cucumber, vodka, fresh watermelon juice) and the LBC (gin, passion fruit, basil simple syrup, fresh lime, and soda). Party animals will be happy to learn that the restaurant also offers a late happy hour each evening from 10 p.m. to midnight, plus live music and DJs spinning vinyl on Friday nights."
"Located on Front Street in Lahaina, this Pacific Rim/Mediterranean bistro is so close to the shoreline it almost feels like you’re floating on the water. Mala is perfect for a lively night out with people who like to share, since you’re going to want to order all the tapas-style starters on the menu. Start with a round of oyster shooters before splitting plates like the spicy lamb pita, whole wok-fried fresh fish, and charred octopus with house-made chorizo, which all pair perfectly with a cocktail, like the Makai Tai topped with fruity foam. It’s a great spot to go before heading to the bars that run down Front Street or to come back to after for a nightcap and a snack since their late-night Happy Hour with food and drink specials goes from 10pm-12am. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE" - Leah Ponichtera
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