Marco’s Grill & Deli
Marco’s is a popular restaurant with a great central location: right on the corner of Dairy Road and Hana Highway. If you are just getting on or off a plane, this is a good place to get a meal that will, as one of our best friends, a foodie from New York City who grew up in New Jersey put it, “weigh you down, but in a good way.” The owner, Marco, grew up in Philadelphia and owned a deli/diner in New Jersey, and you can tell. The tiled floors, art deco booths, and snappy service will be familiar to anyone who’s ever stopped off the Turnpike looking for a bite to eat.
The sausages are ground on premises, and the pasta is made in house. All the sauces are from scratch. We like the rigatoni in the creamy, perfectly seasoned vodka sauce, which comes in half and full sizes. The ravioli stuffed with ricotta and prosciutto has been described as “pockets of love.” The chicken Parmigiana sandwich is hearty and crisp. The portions are generous. While in the past we’ve felt that the menu was slightly over-priced, Marco hasn’t raised his prices in years and now a meal here nearly feels like a bargain.
There are no surprises on the breakfast menu, but the food is good and the price is right and you can get it any time (just like in Jersey). Kids love the chocolate chip pancakes.
We often visit Marco’s with modest expectations and are satisfied with the good value it offers. We recommend it if you need a filling, familiar meal in central Maui.
Address: 444 Hana Hwy., Kahului, Central Maui
Location: On the corner of Hana Highway and Dairy Road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hours: Daily 7:30am-10pm
Parking: Lot
Phone: 808-877-4446