by Maui Restaurants Blog Team on June 9, 2009
Waterfront restaurant featuring seafood, steaks, and tapas from Mark Ellman, one of the founders of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Full bar, ocean and sunset views, outdoor seating. Reservations recommended. See what local restaurant reviewers James and Molly Jacobson think about Mala on West Maui’s Front Street in Lahaina.
Tagged as: Founders, Hawaiian Cuisine, Mark Ellman, Ocean Sunset, Regional Cuisine, Steaks, Sunset Views, Tapas, Waterfront Restaurant, West Maui
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent food, and ambiance out of the patio is great. Had a storm brewing so the wind screens were down and the surf was breaking on the first set of chairs on the rail. Eventually it calmed down enough to lift the shades and sit next to the rail to watch the turtles feeding. Food was terrific! The recommendation on the calamari was dead on. Had fresh Uku and she had the Balinese stir fry. Both excellent, with stir fry for lunch the next day. Most of the folks dining seemed like regulars, which speaks well for the continued quality.
Ate here on our last visit to Maui – loved the setting! Had the ahi tuna bruschetta for an appetizer and it was outstanding. The edamame dip they serve as a complimentary appetizer is also very good.
When on Maui we always make sure to have brunch at Mala at least twice. The food is always excellent, and service top notch. It is a great way to start your day in the sun on the patio overlooking the ocean. Favorites of ours include the loco moco, lamb sausage, and fresh fish. They never fail to make us feel special and the value for your dollar here is good as well.
2 times to Maui, went to Mala multiple times each visit.
Dinnner, lunch – it’s hard to beat the tasty and yes, healthy! food here.
The view was great and the service relaxed, attentive and superb.
We’d go at the drop of a hat.
Wailea Mala needs a bit of work, ut it’s getting there….
Hands down the best waterfront dining experience on Maui. Sometimes, if you get a table on the outer rail, the waves are breaking right beneath your feet, with turtles breaking the surface just offshore. The hamburger was the best I’ve ever eaten (ethereal) and the calamari and wings are super to die for. When we were there the manager, Lisa, saw my Ducks Unlimited hat and introduced us to “Pate” the hen duck, who was sitting on a clutch of eggs at the base of a tree along the shoreline at the edge of the parking strip—hope her brood made it.
We enjoy Mala and always have at least one meal. Make sure you ask to seat outside to see the turtles. Nice sunset.