The Mill House

"Located on the grounds of Maui Tropical Plantation, the Mill House sources much of its menu from agricultural tenants on its surrounding 1,800 acres of land. Executive chef Taylor Ponte—who was born and raised in Upcountry Maui and grew up hopping the fences of many of the ranches he now works with—then uses those ingredients in a variety of dishes that honor the men who emigrated from Japan, China, Spain, Korea, Portugal, and other distant countries to work in Maui’s sugarcane industry more than a century ago. Standout options include mushroom croquetas , pork musubi , taro leaf risotto, bean stew, and coffee-glazed rib eye with smoked potato puree. Reserve ahead and consider making a day of your visit. Along with fine dining, the plantation offers farm tours, a boutique selling locally made art and products, and a free, family-friendly park inhabited by wild birds."

"You won’t find this spot on the “resort rows” of Wailea or Kāʻanapali, but it’s worth the 20-30 minute trip from your hotel to Central Maui for dinner at The Mill House. Not only is the menu farm-driven, but it’s also farm-located, right in the middle of the Maui Tropical Plantation. Get here early to wander the property and take in the views of the Central Valley over Happy Hour cocktails and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. Dinner is definitely more upscale and expensive (though, this is still Maui, so flip-flops are always welcome), but if only one big night out is in the budget, The Mill House is where you should spend it." - Leah Ponichtera