Maui Real Estate Blog: Best of Maui 2009: Restaurants

Readers of The Maui News have responded and results have been tallied for the Best of Maui 2009!  I always look forward to reading this annual publication to see if my favorite restaurants have made the list again, or to learn about which restaurants, bars, or activities I need to try next.  (Read my other blog to learn the results for the Best Activities on the island)

It wasn't surprising to see that Mama's Fish House won for best ambiance.  Dining there is an unforgettable experience!

It seems Komodo's Bakery wins every year for best bakery, and once you try their cream puffs, which they are known for, you know why. 

I've now got to try Gazebo's for breakfast.  I've read so much buzz about this place and I'll be in the area for my Maui Tacos run this weekend. I've also heard there is always a line, but hopefully not too long since we'll be dining with our 2 year-old daughter :). 

Also, got to love Mana Foods in Paia!  I could roam the store's aisles all afternoon!  Good to see that Flatbread Pizza beat out the chains for their pizza!  The pizza there is fantastic and the vibe is hip and fun (also great for kids).

Here are the winners for the various restaurant categories:

Best Restaurant Overall: Stella Blues Cafe (Kihei)
Honorable Mention: Mama's Fish House (Kuau) and Lahaina Grill (Lahaina)

Best Service: Nick's Fishmarket-Maui (Fairmont Kea Lani Maui in Wailea)
Honorable Mention: Lahaina Grill (Lahaina) and The Maalaea Waterfront Restaurant (Maalaea)

Best Dessert: Roy's Kahana (Kahana)
Honorable Mention: Marco's Grill & Deli (Kahului) and Stillwell's Bakery & Cafe (Wailuku)

Best New Restaurant: Cuatro (Kihei)
Honorable Mention: Lulu's Lahiana Surf Club & Grill (Lahaina Cannery Mall) and Merriman's (Kapalua)

Best Ethnic Restaurant: A Saigon Cafe (Wailuku)

Best Breakfast: Gazebo Restaurant (Napili Shores resort)
Honorable Mention: Kihei Caffe (Kihei) and Charley's Restaurant (Paia)

Best Local Food: Sam Sato's (Wailuku)
Honorable Mention: Da Kitchen (Kahului) and Aloha Mixed Plate (Lahaina)

Best Chef: Beverly Gannon (Hali'imaile General Store)
Honorable Mention: Michael Lofaro (Humuhumunukunukuapua'a Restaurant at Grand Wailea) and Alex Stanislaw (Plantation House Restaurant)

Best Ambiance: Mama's Fish House (Kuau)
Honorable Mention: Humuhumunukunukuapua'a Restaurant (Grand Wailea Resort and Hotel) and Sarento's on the Beach (Kihei)

Best Brunch/Buffet: Ka'anapali Beach Hotel (Ka'anapali)
Honorable Mention: Maui Prince Hotel (Makena) and Grand Dining Room (Grand Wailea Resort and Hotel)

Best Coffee House: Starbucks (various locations)
Honorable Mention: Maui Coffee Roasters (Kahului) and IHOP (Kahului)

Best Bakery: Komoda Store & Bakery (Makawao)
Honorable Mention: Stillwell's Bakery & Cafe (Wailuku) and Home Maid Bakery (Wailuku)

Best Sushi Bar: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Kihei and Kapalua)
Honorable Mention: Kobe Japanese Steak House and Oku's Sushi Bar (Lahaina) and Isana Restaurant (Kihei)

Best Steak: Ruth's Chris Steak House (The Shops at Wailea)
Honorable Mention: Outback Steak House (Kihei and Lahaina) and DUO Steak and Seafood (Four Seasons in Wailea)

Best Cheap Grinds: Aloha Mixed Plate (Lahaina)
Honorable Mention: Da Kitchen (Kahului and Kihei) and Sam Sato's (Wailuku)

Best Caterer: Dani's Catering (Wailuku)
Honorable Mention: Celebrations/Bev Gannon (Haili'imaile) and Bentos & Banquets by Bernard Inc (Kahului)

Best Seafood: Mama's Fish House (Kuau)
Honorable Mention: The Maalaea Waterfront Restaurant (Maalaea) and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Kihei and Kapalua)

Best Health Food: Mana Foods (Paia)
Honorable Mention: Down to Earth (Kahului and Makawao) and Alive & Well Natural Health (Kahului)

Best Business Lunch: Cafe O'Lei at the Dunes (Kahului)
Honorable Mention: Marco's Grill & Deli (Kahului) and Koho Grill & Bar (Kahului)

Best Pizza: Flatbread Company (Paia)
Honorable Mention: Pizza Hut Restaurants (various locations) and Round Table Pizza (Kihei and Ka'anapali)

Best Kid-Friendly: Ruby's Diner (Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului)
Honorable Mention: Outback Steak House (Kihei and Lahaina) and IHOP (Kahului)

Best Wine List: Son'z at Swan Court (Ka'anapali)
Honorable Mention: Cafe Marc Aurel (Wailuku) and The Maalaea Waterfront Restaurant (Maalaea)

Best Resort Resaurant: Humuhumunukunukuapua'a Restaurant (Grand Wailea Resort and Hotel)
Honorable Mention: Spago at the Four Seasons (Wailea) and Nick's Fishmarket (Fairmont Kealani Maui in Wailea)

Best Cocktail: Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe (The Shops at Wailea)
Honorable Mention: Mala's Wailea (Wailea) and Longhi's (Lahaina and Wailea)

Best Pupu: Tiffany's Bar & Grill (Wailuku)
Honorable Mention: Mala Wailea (Wailea) and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Kihei and Kapalua)

Did your favorite Maui restaurants make the list?