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Mala Ocean Tavern

American Restaurant$$$$
Lahaina
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8.1/10
249
ratings
  • Stars
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    Hallie
    "Ahi Bruschetta is out of this world!"(9 Tips)
    Dina L.
    "Mahi Mahi ceviche, ahi tuna bruschetta are must first courses."(6 Tips)
    Garry T.
    "Oyster Shooters are fantastic."(7 Tips)
    Starla C.
    "caramel Miranda dessert is the best dessert on the island hands"(3 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon107 Tips and reviews
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  • Patrick R.heart icon on user image
    Patrick RJanuary 12, 2017
    Out of 5 days in Hawaii, this was by far the best meal we've had. Highly recommend the stir fry. Great view if you can manage an outdoor space.
  • Chris H.
    Chris HarrisOctober 26, 2013
    We very pleased with our meal and the service here on the last night of our honeymoon. The ahi bruschetta is very tasty. Asian fried chicken (hers) and the seafood pasta (mine) were both excellent.
  • Epicurious
    EpicuriousFebruary 11, 2015
    The best strategy here is to graze through the eclectic tapas: beets with goat cheese, spicy lamb with grilled pita, sugar snap peas sautéed with ginger and spices, and a stunning array of flatbreads. Read more
  • Nikki F.heart icon on user image
    Nikki FosterMay 8, 2021
    Great food and service! The Hawaiian Taro bread is the absolute best and I loved my stir fry entree too. Drinks were crafted well too and it's a great vibe on the water.
  • Betsy & Jason L.heart icon on user image
    Betsy & Jason LancyNovember 17, 2021
    Scallops and risotto OMG you won’t regret it! One of the best meals I’ve ever had. Incredibly tender scallops, perfect Parmesan risotto, flavorful tomatoes and onions… I’ll thinking about them forever
  • Isabella S.heart icon on user image
    Isabella SerraniJune 7, 2021
    THIS IS THE BEST RESTAURANT IN MAUI. The cocktails are spectacular, there are turtles swimming next to you and food is fresh, local and sustainable. Get 2 orders of ahi bruschetta and taro bread.
  • Giulio M.heart icon on user image
    Giulio MecocciJuly 26, 2022
    1. Taro sweetbread 2. Malo Cristo (warm soft lightly-fried brioche bread with ham, cheese + mustard inside) 3. tuna bruschetta (like an avo toast + peppery ahi tuna) 4. Great location on the water
  • Kate M.
    Kate McCormleyDecember 9, 2015
    This place is a gem! Save room for the Miranda dessert and Lilikoi (passion fruit) sorbet. Yum. The best meal I've had in Maui so far.
  • Charlieheart icon on user image
    CharlieJune 8, 2021
    Literally the best restaurant on Maui. There is no reason to go anywhere else. Every dish is pure perfection and the cocktails are to die for.
  • Glenn G.
    Glenn GApril 20, 2014
    Make a reservation if you want to see the sunset. We almost always see turtles nearby too so go early if you can.
  • Jeniece G.
    Jeniece GibbsOctober 1, 2012
    Make a reservation for a table on the patio closest to the ocean for the best ambiance. Highly recommend the ahi tuna bruschetta and a good bottle of red to start.
  • Namhee C.heart icon on user image
    Namhee ChoSeptember 16, 2016
    Try out beet salad with goat cheese with a glass of wine or beer. Get a seat at the oceanfront and enjoy the view!
  • Scott H.heart icon on user image
    Scott HMay 27, 2016
    Make a reservation and ask for a table on the water. Great service, great (for Maui) food and free valet parking.
  • Katryna S.heart icon on user image
    Katryna SpadaforeMarch 7, 2016
    Like everyone else says...get the oyster shooters and ahi tuna bruschetta! They were not overrated! Fresh fish was top notch as well.
  • Rachael Q.
    Rachael QuiselNovember 16, 2013
    The cream of potato with jalapeños soup isn't on the menu but you can request it. At $9 a bowl it's the best deal there (& a great savory treat!).
  • Constantin K.heart icon on user image
    Constantin KJune 29, 2015
    Amazing sunsets, great drinks (get the pims cup) and food is tasty. It's crowded but worth it. Touristy but in all the right ways.
  • Inna G.heart icon on user image
    Inna GApril 13, 2021
    Tuna bruschetta, beet salad and brussel sprouts were good. The bread was amazing to with beautiful sunset views
  • hooeyspewer ..heart icon on user image
    hooeyspewer .August 18, 2014
    Great view from this wonderful oceanside restaurant. Open air dining. Food and drinks done right. They're geniuses with Ahi.
  • Exclusive Resorts
    Exclusive ResortsDecember 22, 2011
    Charming seaside restaurant! The Kobe beef burger with garlic aioli was amazing and the special edamame salsa was unforgettable. Eat at the bar for excellent service!
  • Kimon R.heart icon on user image
    Kimon RoufasJune 12, 2016
    The Ahi Bruschetta are probably the best bruschetta I have ever had! Get the full size for your main course.
  • Norman L.
    Norman LiangApril 25, 2014
    Try to get on the patio around sunset. It's dramatic watching the owner climb around putting up the tarp as the sun dips below the horizon.
  • Albert L.
    Albert LDecember 29, 2014
    Has a sister restaurant next door, but expect a full house for both. We were lucky to get seated at the bar. Fresh fish!
  • Jerry S.heart icon on user image
    Jerry SJanuary 21, 2018
    Small, intimate place right on the beachfront, open to soft breezes and with great view of Lana’i and the setting sun.
  • J T.heart icon on user image
    J TNovember 29, 2016
    Try to get outdoor seating for dinner, if you want a pleasant seaside dinner experience.
  • John S.
    John StaffordJanuary 30, 2019
    Happy Hour 2 to 4:30pm. Pita wraps, flatbreads, Mai tais, margeritas. Get there early as parking is limited.
  • Dara-Ann B.
    Dara-Ann BaumanJanuary 14, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    A must on Maui. Get there by 5 at the latest to sit on the patio. The sangria is wonderfully refreshing, and really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
  • Diana P.
    Diana PfaffAugust 29, 2012
    Amazing oyster shooter. The view ain't bad, either. Be sure to look for the sea turtles!
  • J M.heart icon on user image
    J ManSeptember 3, 2021
    Happy Hour is from 3:00 to 4:00 and is AMAZING! Great appetizers, drinks and GREAT value!
  • Raelinn D.heart icon on user image
    Raelinn DotyAugust 24, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Sit at the bar. Everything I've tried here is delicious!
  • Epicurious
    EpicuriousAugust 24, 2010
    This seaside restaurant not only has the view but an excellent menu also. Nibble on the wide variety of tapas while relaxing and watching the sun set over the breaking waves.
  • Valentin G.heart icon on user image
    Valentin GuerinApril 13, 2021
    Good mai tai, and we got stuffed with their delicious sweet bread.
  • jesus jones j.heart icon on user image
    jesus jones james johnsonNovember 30, 2019
    Great tartare! Food is delicious and the service is amazing.
  • Hallieheart icon on user image
    HallieJanuary 18, 2018
    Ahi Bruschetta is out of this world! The clams are great too
  • Peter B.
    Peter BergJanuary 16, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    One of the best burgers I have ever had in my life. Fantastic. The whole fish is great, too.
  • Erica G.heart icon on user image
    Erica GonzalezDecember 7, 2014
    Great view! Try the huevos rancheros! Chilaquiles are good and spicy!
  • Dina L.
    Dina Laul TouchonFebruary 14, 2012
    Mahi Mahi ceviche, ahi tuna bruschetta are must first courses. Miranda dessert you can't pass up - amazing!
  • Holls W.
    Holls WojcakAugust 16, 2013
    The Mala Cup and the local fresh catch, great service, tops sunset views. Win.
  • Fodor's Travel
    Fodor's TravelJuly 25, 2018
    Every item on the menu is delicious, and there's a focus on ingredients that promote local sustainability. Read more
  • Holls W.
    Holls WojcakAugust 16, 2013
    The Mala Cup if you love ginger, the butger is rad and anything local of the day is amazing!
  • Alex G.
    Alex GolodMarch 3, 2014
    Seaside, excellent views, really good and fresh seafood, competent service.
  • Hunter O.
    Hunter OwensDecember 6, 2020
    Grab a Mai Tai and enjoy it right on the water. Great Happy Hour
  • Bally K.
    Bally KehalMarch 25, 2010
    Mango smoothies and there brunch menu is awesome ! And they serve Chimey with a nice large choice of wines . it is on the water so great for romatic brunch or dinner .
  • Michelle K.
    Michelle KellyJuly 10, 2013
    Very accommodating for kids. Healthy options and we were even given a toy!
  • Eric S.
    Eric S.May 17, 2010
    Open with an oyster shooter, follow with calamari, then go for the Kobe beef burger and adult mac-n-cheese for the table, finish with an amazing sunset.
  • Tara A.
    Tara AngiolettiFebruary 17, 2012
    Late afternoon lunch is the perfect time for a cocktail & you avoid the evening crowd. It's my favorite time of day to go to Mala.
  • Stephan V.
    Stephan VNovember 11, 2013
    Wifi password - malamala. But be sure to put the phone down for a bit & enjoy the view.
  • Amanda M.
    Amanda MJuly 11, 2011
    The food here is amazing! Try the fish stir fry or the clams with black beans and ginger sauce. Yum!
  • Liza S.heart icon on user image
    Liza ShirinskayaJanuary 6, 2018
    Tuna sashimi is must try!!!
  • Andrew G.
    Andrew GlassDecember 30, 2012
    One of the best seafood restaurants I've ever been to!! Also they have very good margaritas.
  • Phil C.heart icon on user image
    Phil CarrollSeptember 12, 2021
    Omg the scallops - soooo good
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