Best Restaurants in Kapalua: Top 6 Gem Places Revealed!
Welcome fellow food enthusiasts!
If you’re anything like me, a vacation is never complete without indulging in the local cuisine. So, when my boyfriend and I recently took a trip to the breathtaking Kapalua Resort in Hawaii, we knew we couldn’t miss out on the chance to explore its diverse culinary scene.
Picture this: picturesque beaches, crystal clear waters, and the most mouthwatering food you can imagine. That summarizes our experience in Kapalua. We made it a point to try as many restaurants and eateries as possible during our trip, sampling dishes that left our taste buds singing with delight.
As a self-proclaimed foodie with years of experience trying different dishes, I had to share my findings with you all. I’ve combed through our Kapalua dining adventures and put together a list of the best restaurants in the area. My selections include factors like food quality, accessibility, price points, and staff service.
Warning: Reading about these amazing eateries might inspire strong cravings for Hawaiian cuisine that might be difficult to resist.
With that out of the way, let’s dive head-first into the delectable world of Kapalua’s finest restaurants. Bon appétit, my friends!
Merriman’s Kapalua – The Perfect Fine Dining Experience in Maui
Nestled on the beautiful west bay of Maui, Merriman’s Kapalua boasts an elegant atmosphere complete with high ceilings and tasteful décor. This restaurant is truly a love at first sight destination, offering unparalleled views combined with its romantic appeal.
Merriman’s has become a popular venue for weddings and special occasions—and upon visiting it during our Hawaii vacation, we quickly discovered why. Keep in mind that making reservations here is essential as they tend to fill up fast.
As we indulged in their delightful three-course meal, my boyfriend and I couldn’t help but fall in love with the delicious offerings. To start, we enjoyed Parmesan Potato Gnocchi which were utterly chewy followed by delectable Cavatelli Pasta and Peter’s Original Caesar as our main course. Their braised meat was succulent while adding just the right touch of flavor to each bite.
The divine desserts deserve special mention—the Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding and Cheesecake had us swooning over every mouthful! Each dessert struck the perfect balance between sweetness and flavor.
Merriman’s Kapalua is an ideal spot for couples or groups seeking relaxation amidst pristine surroundings:
- Sourcing nearly 90% of ingredients from local producers
- Offering a superb fine dining experience
- Exuding an intimate ambiance perfect for memorable moments
Make sure you visit this lovely gem when planning your vacation—it will undoubtedly leave you yearning for more!
Burger Shack – A Blissful Beach Escape for Burger Lovers
Situated on the sandy shores of Kauai, Burger Shack delivers an irresistible combination of mouthwatering burgers and breath-taking ocean views. This laid-back restaurant offers a much-needed respite from all the fine dining in Hawaii and serves as the ideal spot for some quality beach downtime.
My boyfriend and I were thrilled to indulge in their hearty burger offerings—I opted for a tasty Teriyaki Cheeseburger while he devoured a Double Cheeseburger. The generous portions were so satisfying that I couldn’t finish mine!
Besides their amazing burgers, we indulged in fantastic shakes—including Calamari Shakes—and sipped refreshing cocktails at the bar overlooking the shimmering waves.
While it’s true that prices could be considered steep by some standards, keep in mind that you’re paying not only for top-quality food but also for an enchanting beachside panorama—a combination well worth splurging on during your visit to Hawaii.
Thankfully, parking won’t be an issue; there’s a lot just 90 seconds away from this charming eatery. So dive into delicious bites amid stunning scenery at Burger Shack:
- Casual dining complemented by divine views
- Relaxed open-air atmosphere perfect for unwinding
- An expansive variety of scrumptious menu items
Head over to this hidden gem when hunger calls—it’ll beckon you back with each gentle lap of those azure waves!
The Plantation House – Impeccable Dining with a Touch of History
With its exquisite cuisine, elegant atmosphere, and historic golf course setting, The Plantation House effortlessly takes fine dining to the next level. Despite being a world-class establishment, it maintains a relaxed air devoid of pretentiousness.
Their extensive list of diverse options—along with specialized breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus—ensured our culinary experience was nothing short of sensational during each visit.
My taste buds still crave their fluffy Upside-Down Pineapple Cake! And as for that iconic Ribeye? It left us feeling thoroughly satisfied after every bite.
The large windows and balconies overlooking the verdant expanse of the lush golf course contribute to an unforgettable ambiance unique to The Plantation House—and one you’ll want to return to again and again!
Here’s what you need to remember about this gem in Kapalua:
- Graceful styling without antiquated trappings
- A strong commitment to sourcing local ingredients
- The alluring charm of its historical golf course location
Don’t pass up the opportunity to revel in this marvelous venue when visiting Kapalua—it will be an indulgence that lingers on your lips long after you depart!
Sensei’s Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar – A Daring Delight for the Culinary Adventurous
At first glance, Sensei’s Seafood Restaurant may appear unassuming amidst its cozy setting of low ceilings, cream-white walls, and wooden furnishings. However, one look at the crowded tables and eager queues speaks volumes about a dining experience like no other.
This gem is renowned for its daring flavors, experimental food pairings, and unforgettable sushi rolls. My affection for their Butterfish and Dynamite Shrimp still lingers—and let me tell you: since visiting Sensei’s, no other sushi restaurant comes close!
While prices can be on the higher side, the irresistible taste of each dish makes it worthwhile. Plus, take advantage of their Sunday-Monday happy hours to savor discounted delicacies without compromising quality.
Their infamous Tuna Rolls with Panko Crust are not to be missed! And don’t shy away from adventurous creations such as Mango Crab Rolls—these gems prove that innovation can yield mouth-watering results.
Here’s what we love most about Sensei’s:
- Thrilling open-concept sushi bar with up-close views of masterful chefs in action
- Engaging conversation opportunities with culinary wizards behind your meal
- The haven it provides to guests seeking delightfully bold cuisine
Trust us—the moment you step into Sensei’s world of extraordinary tastes, there will be no turning back!
Wrap-Up on the Best Restaurants in Kapalua
No trip is complete without a memorable food experience, and Kapalua is no exception. Despite its picturesque scenery, the thing that sold it for us was its fantastic food.
There are many restaurants in Kapalua, which is why this list focuses on some of the best. Just a short walk from the traditional Hawaiian canoe houses, you’ll find a host of diverse and award-winning restaurants to tantalize your taste buds. I made sure to include places that specialize in different cuisines, so you don’t get bored eating the same food.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant is a must-visit, especially if you love fresh fish. This award-winning sushi restaurant is known for serving the freshest fish on the island, a claim backed by locals and tourists alike.
If you’re in the mood for something different, try some Italian cuisine at a family-owned restaurant. They serve a variety of Italian food that’s as authentic as it gets. Be sure to save room for their banana cream pie, a favorite among patrons.
For a more laid-back option, consider Sea House Restaurant. This casual restaurant is perfect if you want to grab lunch and enjoy outdoor dining with a view of the beautiful Kapalua coastline.
And if you’re up for exploring, several restaurants are within walking distance of each other. With just a short walk, you can sample different types of cuisine, like the fresh island fish served in many establishments here.
Last Updated on May 28, 2023 by Brigitte