Here are a few places I’ve enjoyed a Maui lunch at in the past few months.
Seascape Restaurant
New to me – the Seascape Restaurant, attached to the Maui Ocean Center. You do not need to pay admission, there is a separate non-ocean center entrance. The restaurant has a beautiful view of Maalaea Harbor.
For lunch I had the fresh ahi poke with kim chi, served on a bed of salad (not rice – this is different). It was great. We also shared a side of sweet potato fries. Oh yum. They were amazing.
Coconuts Fish Cafe
Sig and I had an expiring gift certificate for Coconut’s Fish Cafe. This is a little place located in Central Kihei’s Azeka Plaza with surfboard tables and benches and named after the owner’s cat (Coconut). They are known for their fish tacos which are amazing while Sig prefers the more traditional fish and chips. Coconut’s has a lease on the old Denny’s across from Kamaole II beach. The sign says they will be opening there in the next few months. I am not sure if they are moving the restaurant or will have two locations in Kihei.
Tin Roof
I had a quick working lunch at Top Chef Sheldon Simeon’s new lunch stop Tin Roof on Dairy Road in Kahului. Sheldon Simeon used to be at Star Noodle in Lahaina, then Migrant at the Andaz. This spring he started his restaurant, a tiny take-out lunch place with five bar stools, open Mon-Sat 10am-2pm. Yes, it is take-out. Portions are decent, prices good, the flavors amazing. Order ahead on their squareup page, or go in to order (there is a secret menu I am told, that you have to ask about, but then you’ll have to wait).
By the way, Sheldon Simeon will be back on the new season of Top Chef (airing beginning December 1) with former contestants competing against newbies!
Gannons
Last week we had family visiting in town. We all love Gannon’s for lunch – you just can’t beat the view from the golf course (Gold and Emerald Course in Wailea), overlooking the ocean and Molokini. The restaurant isn’t air-conditioned, but somehow they always have a nice breeze on their lanai. I tried their poke, the others had the Grilled Salmon Stack, Double Kobe Cheeseburger (amazing fries) and fish tacos. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.