So wonderful, server was so knowledgeable how about the menu. Highly recommended the food was so tasty. I'm glad we went. Can't wait to go again. read more

Gill - waiter was a beauty! Great recommendations.We tried everything - appetizers, entrees, coffee and desserts. Everything was spectacular from the food to the service to the ambiance. 10/10 read more

This review is not about affordability, but it is about the incredible taste, quality, and overall experience. Every dish arrived like a plate of art, thoughtfully crafted for a true gastronomic experience! The waitress carefully explained each dish, and tasting them felt exactly as she described them. Every flavor was intentional and beautifully balanced. Now for the highlight - the restaurant sits at one of the most beautiful coves in Pai'a. They valet your car and even allow guests to enjoy the cove before or after dining. We swam with the turtles and the water was calmer than choppy waves in neighboring beaches. The view during lunch was absolutely breathtaking and truly a postcard-worthy Maui scenery. Reservations are a must. Book as soon as you purchase your Maui ticket because this place is an experience you do not want to miss. Just be prepared to spend $. It was one of the most expensive lunches I have ever had without drinks -- about $180 for three amazing dishes at lunch. Still, it felt worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. read more

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The best meal we had in Maui! I can see why this place gets so much attention, and it's worth it. Every bite we had was EXCELLENT! My favorite was the cru, the flavors were unique and every bite was cherished. The service was terrific, restaurant was beautiful and right on the water. Would 100% come back next time I'm here! read more

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This was my first time in Maui and my boyfriend's father insisted we go to Mama's Fish House (he had been there many times). We made a reservation months in advance for sunset, and times were tight! We structured our Maui itinerary on getting this reservation! The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. You know you are eating a fine dining location, because of the loving and exquisite attention to detail that has gone into this business. The food was fantastic. We had a tomato bisque palette cleanser and a ceviche appetizer (it wasn't called ceviche, but that's basically what it was). I had the antarctic toothfish because I was intrigued by the matsutake soy sauce. We also had a delicious crisp for dessert. We were seated just inside, with great views of the ocean and the setting sun. All of the waitstaff were outstanding. I was thoroughly impressed with Mama's Fish House and would recommend it to anyone if it's in your budget! read more

I've always heard about Mamas Fish House and was super excited when I scored a reservation two months before our visit. Parking is valet only and the grounds surrounding the restaurant are gorgeous with access to a small public beach. Loved that the fish was so fresh and our waitress was so knowledgeable about the menu items. They also have a fun craft for the kids instead of your regular coloring page. The only reason I gave it four stars was the food wasn't as amazing as I was expecting. It was super fresh but flavor was ok. The crab cake app was a 10/10 however the main courses were in line with other restaurants we at on Maui. read more

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This was one of the highlights of our Maui trip n is easily one of the most unforgettable experiences in our lives... INSANE Entrees Hawaiian Kanpachi: the dish that everyone talks about! If I could relive my first bite. Flaky fresh fish with an incredible umami creamy sauce and IT'S STUFFED WITH LUSCIOUS CRAB AND LOBSTA. The crab and lobster filling was so moist and reminds you of the inside of the moistest crab cake. The slight crunch from the mac nut crust. And veggies were cooked well. Wow. Opakapaka, mahi mahi, and ahi curry: YUMMMM. Extremely flavorful and well cooked and paired so perfectly with their side dishes, specifically the banana. The curry was also adjusted for shrimp allergy. Very creamy yet light at the same time. I think this might be my first fish curry n it was great. Apps: Ahi Poisson Cru: light, fresh, fatty ahi but not too fatty which I thought was perfect as it compliments the refreshingness of the dish, and the coconut was not overpowering Seared ahi sashimi: this was some of my friends' fav dish but it didn't stand out to me because it was as good as most seared ahi I had. LOVE THE PINNEAPPLE Fish Collars: oh my fat buttery melt in your mouth fish want to suck off the bone and maybe eat the entire collar fish with the slight crisp omg Mac Nut Crab Cakes: THE best crab cake I've ever had in my lil life. MOST AND FILLED WITH CRAB. most crab cakes have too much filling BUT THE WAS CRAB WAS CLEARLY THE TOPIC OF THIS CAKE. Currently rolling my eyes back. And of course mac nut makes the best crust. The mango relish was divine opakapaka sashimi: the truffle tamari! life changing We thought we were full but desserts...holy mama. I have to say the desserts weren't overwhelmingly sweet and didn't make me feel disgustingly full. Kuau Chocolate Pie: ADDICTIVE. Rich choclate yet with caramel, which I usually don't like but it made the pie almost like a TRUFFLE. And teh dang crust was amazing Lilikoi Creme Brulee: when in hawaii Coconut Mango Chiffon Cake: SO LIGHT AND AIRY AND MAKES YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH MANGO AGAIN. I need this as my wedding cake Hana Bana Mac Nut Crisp: AHHHH BASICALLY A HOT BANANA PIE ALA MODE. chills, so good Island Fruit Sorbet and house ice cream: refreshing! Also the most popular cocktail, Pua Hana, we got was fire. Not too strong and the ginger sugar rim was the best Shoutout to our serve Mike!!! He made this one of the best n memorable dining experiences. He treated us like guests at his own dining table. Also there's valet parking there. The restaurant itself is beautiful and sits right on the beach. Service was top tier. We also needed to make a reservation almost 3 months in advance for a party of 7!! read more

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Been here 3x and will continue to come every time I come back to Maui. This place never disappoints. Everything tasted so fresh. Everything was flavorful, including the cocktail drinks. Staffs are all very professional. Our waitress was very informative with the items on the menu. Oysters and octopus is a must-get every time I come. Oysters tasted fresh; no fishiness whatsoever. My husband got the Mama's Bouillabaisse and he cleaned that bowl up. I got the antarctic tooth fish in Matsutake shoyu. By far my favorite dish! Very comforting and has the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Make sure to check out the little beach that's located right next to the restaurant. It's one of my favorite spots to take family photos! And there may be sea turtle sitings as well. read more

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Ahhhhh Mama's!!! This place is amazing. There's a reason why the reservation is tough to come by. I can't wait to eat here again. As I was ordering they received a fresh batch of fish in and I HAD to have it. It was tasty, described as similar to snapper but it was more reminiscent of mahi. My husband had fish stuff with crab and lobster and boy was it delicious. I loved everything about this place. The view is amazing. My cousin is a regular here and it was the perfect place to have lunch on my anniversary read more

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I made reservations here 9 months before our trip and I can see why it is so popular. The experience was phenomenal. The restaurant overlooks a gorgeous beach with plenty of space to wade and relax. You may catch turtles! The landscaping is breath taking and the food itself is 5 stars! All of our food was really good and our waiter who was from California like us was efficient and friendly! We made great memories here. read more

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It was about 4 or 5 years since I visited this iconic restaurant. Last week, I was there for a special occasion. The restaurant was packed, but we managed to get in for an early lunch. Parking is all valet, and they are attentive and courteous. Check in as soon as you walk in, and they are waiting for you when you arrive in the restaurant. Although the prices are up from my last visit, the portions are larger. Two of the people in our party had to bag the leftovers. We all left satisfied even though we hadn't eaten an appetizer or dessert. FYI reservations are still difficult to get especially within 30 days. Book early to ensure you can get in. read more

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Everyone hypes Mama's Fish House like it's the hardest reservation/best restaurant in all of Maui, and honestly the reservations part is true. This place is booked out months, sometimes even a year in advance. I tried for weeks before finally landing one, and pro tip a surprising number of reservations open up in the middle of the night a few days before, so keep checking. One thing they are known for, and I'll give them credit for, is how fresh the fish is. They work directly with local fishermen, and the menu actually lists the fisherman and where the fish was caught that day, which is a really cool touch and something you don't see often. We went with an early dinner reservation, and I'll be honest, I might've gotten the wrong things, but I just wasn't impressed. We started with the complimentary tableside bread. A local at my hotel hyped it, but it was nothing memorable. The drinks we got were the Waikulu Passion and a Mai Tai. Both were fine, but they didn't stand out. We added the Maui greens salad, which was just okay and very forgettable. I went with the Panang curry entree, around $72, and this is where it really fell flat. The dish had a coconut based curry with Thai style spices and seafood, but it lacked depth and punch. For that price, you expect something bold, elevated, and memorable, and this just wasn't it. The vegetarian entree was even worse. The tofu was bland and poorly executed, honestly disappointing. I've had much better vegetarian dishes elsewhere, and if you are a vegetarian, or don't like fish you are not missing out. Service didn't help either. My server wasn't particularly warm or attentive, which was surprising given the reputation. I had heard this place is known for top tier service, and it just didn't match that expectation for me. The service was 10x better at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. I did stop by the shop and ended up buying some souvenirs, which was a nice touch and probably one of the more enjoyable parts of the visit. I hate to do it, but I have to be honest, this felt like a lot of hype without the substance. Maybe I just got unlucky with my order, but for the price and difficulty of getting a reservation, I expected more. If you are a vegetarian or not big on seafood, you are not really missing out. I'm going to give it three stars. Beautiful setting, iconic reputation, but the overall experience just didn't live up to it for me. I'm hoping to give them another try! read more

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The best dining experience ever! The parking is a little bit confusing, but it's complementary valet. We went at night and the lights were beautiful, and it felt very tropical. They started us off with complementary bread and soup. Both were amazing. We had the best waiter who provided excellent service. I tried them mai tai, which I thought was just OK. We had the papaya grilled beef appetizer. The meat was grilled perfectly and was so flavorful and tender. For our mains , we got the kanpachi and the curry. Both were so tasty. The stuffed kanpachi was flaky and buttery with great veggies and rice. The curry was Liverpool and came with several sauces to make the flavors stand out even more. For dessert, we got the chocolate pie. Our waiter said that the pro was a little overrated. In retrospect, I wish I had tried the pearl. The chocolate pie was just OK. Overall, an amazing experience and I highly recommend recommended to everyone! Food is very expensive in Maui so comparatively, this is not that much more than most food there. read more

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Okay I know this place is world famous and we booked nearly three months in advance, it is super duper expensive. Expect to pay $70 per entree! I think the views are great and most of the food is good but it's overpriced for sure. The complimentary mushroom soup was my favorite bite of the day and that says a lot! The strawberry salad was $25 and was nothing special. But the mahi mahi curry was light, creamy, and delish. That was the better of the entrees we ordered. Service was great and there are constantly people coming to and from the table. I will note they messed up and brought out the wrong entree and the person had to wait for their meal however it was removed from the bill read more

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It took me a while to write this review because, honestly... you'll understand why soon enough. Before our trip to Maui, multiple people highly recommended Mama's Fish House. I tried so hard to get a reservation before vacation and had zero luck. I checked every single day, and finally, out of nowhere, I managed to snag a last minute dinner reservation. We were absolutely elated. We had heard nothing but amazing things, so our expectations were sky high. To make matters worse (for comparison purposes), earlier that week we had eaten at another upscale restaurant on the island and had one of the best meals we've ever had. In hindsight, that probably didn't help because now we had something incredible to compare this experience to. For starters, the venue itself is beautiful -- romantic, charming, and filled with old-school décor that makes you feel like you've stepped into another era. Our server was also phenomenal, and I'm intentionally leaving his name out because I don't want this review to reflect negatively on him at all. He truly did a great job. Unfortunately, things started going downhill pretty quickly. While waiting for our drinks, we noticed several spider webs hanging from the light fixture directly above our table. I understand it's an older restaurant, but this is also considered a high-end dining experience where people are spending serious money, so it was already a little disappointing. Then my drink arrived... with a fruit fly in it. I mentioned it to the food runner, who kindly offered to replace it, but also casually mentioned that "it's been an issue lately." Not exactly the most reassuring thing to hear. The replacement drink arrived shortly after -- and somehow also had a fruit fly in it. At that point, I just gave up and tried to ignore it because we were genuinely trying to enjoy our evening and I didn't want to become "that customer." As for the food, it was fine. The fish was obviously very fresh and clean tasting, but nothing really stood out. Maybe our expectations were too high, or maybe we were still comparing everything to the incredible meal we'd had earlier that week. Either way, nothing felt particularly memorable. What truly shocked us happened at the end of dinner. Our server came by to offer dessert, and while we were deciding, we noticed roaches crawling on the neighboring table. At that point, all we could really do was laugh in disbelief. We were completely gobsmacked. Our bill for four people came out to just over $700 -- roughly 30-35% more than the other upscale restaurant we had visited earlier in the trip -- and we walked away feeling more disappointed than impressed. Safe to say, this won't be making our list of must-visit spots next time we're in Maui. read more

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Best meal in Maui. The claim to fame is the fresh fish, caught fresh daily with descriptions of who caught the fish where. We started with an amuse bouche that was a version of a mushroom bisque, and it was delicious. I could drink a whole vat of that. The honey poppyseed bread was also a nice touch. We got the seared ahi and curry fish for entrees, and both were delicious, especially the curry. The awa awa spritz mocktail was so-so. Service was a bit off for us. There was heavy rain when we arrived, and we weren't offered an umbrella. There's an open path to walk down to get to the restaurant, and I've read in other reviews they offer umbrellas, so when the hostess shrugged and said they ran out, I was a bit annoyed. We had to ask a different person who found us an umbrella. Luckily there was a break in the rain after our meal, and we got to walk over to the beach area and see some sea turtles chilling on the beach. Reservations are hard to find, but if you check their site every couple days starting two weeks before your trip, spots do open up. I also heard a party of 2 being quoted a 30 minute wait for walk-ins, so it's worth trying to see if you can get in if you're in the area. read more

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Kanak attack beware! (Hawaiian for food coma). This place lives up to the hype! The arctic toothfish entree was amazing! Similar flakiness to a sea bass. How an arctic fish got to Maui.. no idea but it was hella good. Apps Grilled Octopus w cauliflower Tuna crudo w taro chips Haleakalā beef in papaya Keiki size mahi mahi in Mac nut crust Finished off with Kaanapali coffee. YUM!! We're trying to come back tmrw! read more

Mama's Fish House - Exterior - private beach - Seafood Near Me - Paia, Hawaii

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I've never had a meal this fantastic--I truly don't think ever in my life. And I've eaten all over. Everything about the experience was unbelievable. The service was beautiful--warm, attentive, and somehow perfectly timed without ever feeling rushed. The setting was absolutely stunning, with gorgeous flowers everywhere and being right next to the beach made it feel magical. It was one of those evenings where every detail came together perfectly. I'm so happy we chose to celebrate our wedding anniversary here--it made such a special occasion even more memorable. read more

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Fifth time in Maui, and every time I'm like 'meh let's pass on Mama's it's probably overrated.' Bit the bullet this time - aka got a reservation - and it lived up to the hype. Incredibly fresh food, one of the most beautiful restaurants I've been to (and I'm the man so I've been to a ton), and the service was top notch. Also, superb tiki drinks! Loved it, and would go back in a heart beat. Would suggest it for lunch, so you can see the water and sea turtles!! read more

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Consistently excellent food and service. Location and ambiance incomparable. We go twice a year for our anniversary and birthdays. The fish with curry sauce and the hamachi kama appetizer are our favorites. We also had the hamachi stuffed with crab and lobster with a butter sauce. I wonder if next time we can order that with the curry sauce... read more

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Beautiful classic Hawaiian restaurant. Great views of the ocean, friendly, fast service and incredible food. Our server was very helpful describing pretty much every dish. We ended up with the papaya beef appetizer,mahi, toothfish and kanpachi. The papaya beef could have been a meal itself. Beef was super tender and paired surprisingly well with the sweet papaya. The mahi was our favorite fish. The toothfish was very traditionally Japanese in preparation - light and clean. For dessert we had the lilikoi crème brûlée and chocolate pie. Both were great to finish off the meal. While it's a pricey night out, the serving sizes were generous across the board. Highly recommended, lives up to the hype. read more

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One of the best dining experiences in my life. Came here on my honeymoon and became the highlight of our trip. Amazing food, views and service! read more

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A must visit restaurant to celebrate any occasion when you're in Maui!! Make sure you make reservations 2-3 months in advance if you want good seats. It's okay if you didn't get a reservation because we did a walk in around 11:30 am and got seats at the bar. The view of the restaurant is amazing. There are really pretty spot to take photos around the restaurant. They have free valet parking which is a plus! For the food, the must get items are the Kanpanchi with crab and lobster and the Pearl chocolate dessert!!! I don't think there are any other restaurants that would have a dish like the kanpanchi!! The other items like Haleaka beef and mahi mahi were good, just not memorable, but I feel like everything would be a safe good option here. The server was pretty nice and attentive. The price is on the higher end but just know that you're there to pay extra for the view, and the atmosphere. Overall, 100% recommend this restaurant if you want to try at least one really nice restaurant in Maui. read more

Mama's Fish House - Seafood Near Me - Paia, Hawaii

The hype is real. One of my most favorite meals as a NYC foodie. Absolutely delectable flavors that I wish I could get more often. Hawaiian culinary excellence through and through. It was worth the nearly hour drive from Kaanapali. The service was top notch. And food was scrumptious. So happy we snagged a table in this hugely coveted spot! read more

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I finally broke down and made the reservation for Mamas fish house despite the price because of all the recommendations from people. The service was amazing! Our waitress went above and beyond for our table. She had great recommendations. I got the mahi curry which had a great flavor! We got crab cakes and shrimp wontons for an appetizer. I thought the crab cakes were better than the wontons. For dessert we got the chocolate pie and the Hannah banana. We skipped getting the pearl because I am not a big mousse fan. The hannah banana was amazing! I enjoyed Mamas fish House but I probably wouldn't go back just because of the cost. read more

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This was my first time at Mamma's Fish House and I must say it did live up to the hype! The atmosphere, food and service made for a memorable experience. Beautiful fresh flowers throughout the restaurant. Their menu changes daily depending on the fresh fish of the day. We started off with a couple of their signature Mai Tai Roa Ae. They have the right balance of sweet and lime flavor. Mai Tai Roa Ae means "the very best." We ordered the Ahi Poisson Cru - Tahitian Lime, Coconut Milk and kalo crips for our appetizer. For our main course, we selected the Mama's Opakapaka, Ahi And Mahi-Mahi Curry - Mama's mango chutney, Hana banana, macadamia nuts and sambal; and the Hawaiian Kanpachi with Lobster and Crab in a Macadamia Nut Crust - Caught off the coast of Kailua-Kona near Keahole Point. Get your reservations early. They can easily be booked out 3-4 months in advance. read more

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Alysa was amazing. She was cute and enjoyable as our server. Now the food... They went above and beyond for us. I have a corn allergy and my mom has a coconut allergy and they made sure each dish was clear for us. Our first introduction to this place was at a hotel presentation. The sales agent was demanding and told us we had to go. After she pulled strings regardless of us not wanting to go we cancelled. 2 yrs later we finally made it at a suggestion of a family member and now we understand its not just a fish house. Its an experience. Its hard for me to give 5* because I have expectations that service and food must be amazing to get that rather than 5* because they tried. You earn your tip and review and for me this place earned both. read more

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The food was delicious and worth the wait time. Everything was super fresh and cooked to perfection. There isn't a bad view from any table. The wait staff is awesome and very attentive. Mamas Fish House is always on our schedule when we are on Maui. read more

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Mamas fish house is a must visit when in Maui! I was a week late in making reservations as slots get filled up 3-4 months in advance. But when in Hawaii, you don't want a strictly structured schedule anyway! They accept walk ins but they seat you in a lounge by the bar without a view of the ocean. The menu changes daily and you can see what fish was caught for that day. They offer complimentary mushroom fennel soup and poppyseed bread, and the soup was perfection I wish I could keep ordering it. The mahi mahi curry is light and smooth but well spiced. Fish is perfectly tender and each bite is an explosion of flavor in your mouth with the condiments they provide. The papaya with beef is a much needed app to start. The papaya is ripe and sweet, and the beef is salty and flavorful! We went for a birthday and they don't do anything special, if that is something you want to consider. read more

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This is the hardest reservation in Maui for a reason! Beautiful restaurant that has the best views you can imagine. Food was out of this world. The ahi poison cru was so refreshing, with the perfect touch of creaminess and acidity. Fish fried collars are to die for, but the star of the night was definitely the Mac nut crusted Kampachi that is stuffed with lobster and crab meat! Really attentive service as well, they make you feel at home for sure. read more

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Second visit to Mama's Fish House and it's just as good as it was 12 years ago. It's such a beautiful restaurant that achieves a fine dining atmosphere balanced with the laid back, Hawaiian vibe that you would expect from its name. The food here is EXCELLENT. They served me the best piece of salmon I've ever had, along with very good appetizers and desserts. I was also very impressed by the service, which is something that stood out last time as well. Now the prices... my goodness Mama's is expensive. Do I think it's overpriced? Personally, I think it is. But so is everything in Maui and at least Mama's will deliver a unique and memorable dining experience. Treat yourself and get a reservation. read more

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The open air beach setting did not disappoint! We had the crab cakes and shrimp wontons and both were excellent! Of course the Mai tai proved to be one of the best on the island! We got the grab and lobster stuffed Mac not crusted fish and it was the best we've had so far! Our waiter was nice and stayed on top of all of our needs. Definitely worth the hype! Will be back! read more

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Mamas fish house is an absolute must when visiting Mauí. This was our first time and we absolutely loved it! Spectacular ocean views, airy atmosphere, and a menu that complements the coastal scenery with high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Service was impeccable! Our sever made some great recommendations, which really made our dining experience special. Definitely make a reso ahead of your planned trip. This place gets booked months in advance! Overall, we had an AMAZING fine dining experience. Afterwards, we walked around the property and enjoyed watching the sea turtles bask in the sun on the sandy shoreline. We are definitely coming back! read more

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No surprise that we are back! An island favorite!! We got so lucky to find a reservation after 2 months of watching and waiting for one. We came 20 minutes early to enjoy the beach before our reservation (which we told them), but they messaged us that our table was ready early so we headed in, but then got stuck waiting at the hostess stand for 15 minutes - kind of shitty service. Seating was ok - we never sat in the back area which is a bit underwhelming compared to inside, but ok. A bit chillier since it's more open air so I wish I had brought a jacket. And there were a bunch of flies that kept bothering us and got in our butter - yuck. Not a fan of that back patio space at all. Quite disappointed honestly. Our waiter was lovely. Ka'ala (not sure how to spell it, sorry) was fantastic!!! He was the highlight and very kind and fun. The food was perfection as always. The starter bread is always so so soft and yummy. The ahi appetizer was like butter it was so soft and tender with amazing wasabi straight from the root and delicious pickled accoutrements. The kanpachi stuffed with crab and lobster had a generous amount of stuffing and was delicious - there's a reason it's a menu regular item at this point. The ahi entree my husband got was cooked perfectly to order (he wanted more raw than is standard). The creme brûlée was great but perhaps a bit oversold. The drinks were good, though nothing exquisite, but the mai tai was large and fun! Overall, great food as always, fantastic service, and well some room for improvement on that back patio space and check in process. I shouldn't feel like I got shoved in the back and have flies bothering and getting in my food for a $300 bill. read more

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Five star dining on the north side. Beautiful place right on the beach with a great sunset view. We tried a couple of apps. Crab cakes and shrimp wonton. Most crab cakes are mostly cake. These are mostly crab! Both apps had great garnish. Next was a fantastic Waipoli green salad. Entree was the ahi with charred pineapple and bananas. Incredible mix of flavors. Our server Crystal was exceptional. She picked the dessert for us, Polynesian black pearl chocolate mousse which we devoured. Do not miss this place. Make reservations well in advance. It's not a walk in place. read more

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This is a very special occasion restaurant for most people because of the cost. Now, is it worth it? I have to say yes because the service is exceptional and the food outstanding! Our server was very knowledgeable and has worked here for 12 years! He really seemed to love his job and was great at gently up selling dessert and ice cream. Our food was delicious. My three fish curry dish was perfect. Creamy curry, fluffy rice and perfectly cooked pieces of fish. The portion was so generous that I took half home. Free valet parking is your only option which is fine and allows you to take the short walk down to the entrance. Beautiful ocean bay view. Beautiful interior with lots of wood carvings that must be polished regularly because it is gleaming! What an experience! read more

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Let me start off by saying, this is worth the hype. The food was absolutely amazing. Everyone at my table got different things and we all loved every bit of it. Macadamia Nut Crab Cakes - 8/10 The Mac nut crust was just a nice touch. It was a good touch but nothing crazy crazy. Still delicious Crispy Fish Collars - 9/10 This is very similar to Hamachi Kama at a Japanese restaurant but the crispyness was just too good and the sauce was a perfect pair. Hawaiian Kanpachi with Crab & Lobster in a Macadamia Nut Crust - 10/10 THIS was the star of the show. The crust paired with that creamy sauce was perfection and the bits of lobster was a nice add on. I still dream of this for sure. Mama's Mahi-Mahi, Ahi and Opah Curry - 9/10 This curry tasted super similar to Thai green curry. It was more sweet than savory but the sweetness was perfect and the pair with seafood was just unexpectedly good. It came with a side of a few things so def an experience with this one but a great one. Mahi-Mahi Sautéed with Garlic, Capers and Hamakua Mushrooms - 9/10 This was super creamy and delicious. The gnocchi and mushrooms were a great addition to the dish. It was a dish that was packed with flavors but you could taste each thing one by one with nothing overpowering the other. I didn't get to try the Mama's Bouillabaisse but the person who got it said it was good haha. The food was awesome, the service was exceptional and the view was phenomenal. The whole place was super cute as well. This place is a MUST if you're able to get a reservation. read more

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~ WHEN ISLAND DREAMS MEET THE DINNER TABLE ~ Mama's Fish House has long been one of those bucket-list Maui spots, so we felt incredibly lucky to score a last-minute reservation. This place is almost always booked out, and it's easy to see why once you arrive. The setting is truly stunning. Valet was seamless, and the walk toward the restaurant with ocean views, tide pools, and palm trees immediately sets the tone. It's very much a "wow, we're in Hawaii" moment and definitely encourages a few pre-dinner photos... so allot some time in for that!! We were welcomed warmly and seated right on time. The complimentary soup tasting and fresh bread were a nice touch and helped kick things off on a high note. The menu highlights daily-caught fish, which adds to the apeal, and everything is presented absolutely beautifully. We started with the yellowtail collar, which was flavorful and well prepared. For our mains, the signature stuffed mahi mahi was rich and indulgent, and while it was good, it didn't completely blow us away... given the price point. Other dishes we tried were fresh and thoughtfully done, but again, more "very good" than unforgettable. Service was professional and polished, though at times it felt a bit formal rather than warm. Drinks were solid, the pacing of the meal was relaxed, but the ambiance... ocean breeze, elegant tropical decor, and sunset light... honestly does a lot of the heavy lifting here. Overall, Mama's Fish House is more about the experience than just the food. It's absolutely worth visiting at least once for the setting, service, and island charm, especially if you're able to snag a last-minute reservation. Just go in knowing you're paying a premium for the atmosphere as much as what's on the plate. read more

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Always such a fun and special and delicious place to eat a meal. We have come several times over the years, but this trip was extra special bc we had our kids with us to enjoy the menu and experience. Service, as always, was top-tier and the unique interior is awesome. For appetizers, we went with the opakapaka poisson crudo, the Hawaiian Omaha sashimi, and the shrimp wontons. Wouldn't change a thing! The opakapaka was my favorite of these. The temari truffle sauce was delicious. We tried a lot of dishes and shared as a family. Our favorites were the Opakapaka, mahi mahi and salmon curry, the Hawaiian kanpachi with crab and lobster in a macadamia nut crust, and the blue prawns. These were each truly excellent. The filet was cooked perfectly with a nice crust and perfect internal temperature. After all this we only had room to share a slice of chocolate pie, and it was also amazing. I just don't think you can go wrong with the menu at Mama's. Can't wait till the next trip! read more

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Places like Mama's Fish House always make me a bit uncomfortable, and I haven't really been able to put my finger on why, so I'm going to use this digital canvas to try and process these emotions. I was beyond excited as we walked on a paved pathway through the Maui sand into one of the hardest reservations to get in Hawaii. We were sat in a booth and I took in the ambiance. You can hear waves crashing on the shore about 50 feet away, palm trees in your peripherals, and an interior that feels like a true mom and pop Hawaiian restaurant. It's likely a similar environment to the picture you have in your head when you hear the word "paradise." When I scanned the menu, my excitement turned to uncomfortability as the cheapest entree was $65. $65?!? It just felt like a slap in the face. No way a working class local Hawaiian could ever afford this place. These kinds of restaurants make me feel like I'm in a black mirror episode. I looked around to see every single seat in the restaurant filled with tourists like myself, and it just felt dystopian to me. Tourists come and say how much they love Hawaii and will point to Mama's Fish House as how good Hawaiian cuisine is. I hate to have this holier-than-though attitude, but I pride myself on trying to put myself in other peoples shoes when traveling. I prefer to eat where the locals eat, or at least try to. It just felt so backwards having these servers dressed in Hawaiian shirts, a little umbrella in your cocktail, and an interior cosplaying a local no frills Hawaiian ambiance, and then turn around and charge you $72 for a plate of fish curry. I'll be honest, I wanted to hate it so bad. But the $72 fish curry was absolutely delectable. I've never had anything like it. The $40 seared ahi sashimi was sensational. Every single overpriced item we got was SMACKIN. One of the best meals I've had this year. I hated that I loved it so much. The food, ambiance, and service are all top tier. The sick part is I will 1000% come back one day. It's the ultimate honeymoon, anniversary, or celebration meal. At the end of the day, I think it's on me for having expectations. Walking into this open air, no frills "island vibes" ambiance, I was expecting $30-40 an entree. Not legit steakhouse prices. Once again, I am learning the hard way that expectations are the root of all heartache. I also think part of it is that I feel bad that not everyone is able to have an experience like this. Some of the best, highest character people I've ever met just don't have the money to do something like this, and the reality is they deserve it way more than I do. It makes me sad. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo read more

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