Buzz’s Wharf

Buzz’s is a Maui landmark, and it seems like nothing much has changed in the forty years they’ve been in business — from the bird of paradise napkin folds to the aloha print rattan chairs and stools. Located on the wharf in Ma’alaea, their great views — especially during whale season — are consistent, and they’re still using the same good ingredients, but the Love factor is slipping.

Or maybe it’s just that the exquisite New Caledonia prawns they serve are no longer exclusive to their restaurant. We’ve had them at several other places that are just as good. But the “Sweet Prawns Tahitian” preparation at Buzz’s Wharf, a baked dish using vermouth, dill, and parmesan cheese, has not been duplicated (that we’ve seen), and is still our favorite. The sweet (lobster-like), exceptionally tender shrimp are butterflied and perfectly set off by the slightly puckery sauce. Only five come on a plate, but if we ate more than that, we’d expire of a heart attack on the spot.

Fish dishes are generally OK, and only the lobster tail is truly expensive. If you’re in Ma’alaea and have your heart set on fish, give Buzz’s a try but keep your expectations in check.

Address: 159 Ma’alaea Boat Harbor Rd., Ma’alaea, Central Maui
Location: Ma’alaea Harbor Village, down on the water.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Pupus
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Parking: Lot
Phone: 808-244-5426
Website: www.buzzswharf.com