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    Vana Paia

    4.1 (346 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order Vana Paia Takeout or Delivery

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    VANA PAIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Vana Paia

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    Rolls and Rolls of Sushi
    Brian S.

    We arrived at Vana With high hopes happy to get a same-day reservation. We arrived on time and the Host very carefully analyzed the computer before Another staff member took us to our table. The Second Host greeted us but did not fill our water glasses and we had to wait a while for our server to arrive. During our wait I realized the table we were given was on a Radical Slope in an expanded part of the dining area. That seating was likely a converted parking area. It was on a substantial slope and when I was looking at my partner across the table I thought I was on the set of an old Batman TV show because the eye line was off. Looking at your Wonderful parter at a weird angle is not romantic atmosphere i was hoping for. So I kindly asked the server Lindsey if we could change tables. I could see tables were available she checked with the host and simply declined our request Lindsay said the other tables reserved and we would've had to been moved from her section if we were moving tables. Since I just met the Lindsey. I wasn't really impressed with her I could've cared less if we change servers. I did care if we changed tables so I can enjoy my dinner out with my partner. I could see tables available but our I was not accommodated and the issue was not brought again by the server. The first round of drinks we received we're good. On a sidenote I watched the bartender walk around looking empty glassware maybe they should buy a few extra glasses. I Tuna sashimi and the spring salad we ordered was very good. I was not impressed with the rainbow roll it had Gray-Orange toned farmed salmon. I've been to this restaurant about two years ago and I believe the sushi was better the last time I was there. The rolls were tighter. This time I thought the sushi was average. We had a Ikura Sushi which was fresh but it was not marinated in any particular sauce. I ended my meal with a vegetarian roll which was good. The service that I received from Lindsey was inattentive and indifferent and below average overall. It does not reflect the quality that this restaurant projects. A different server and a different table and I'm sure I would've had been provided a different more favorable experience and a better review . We actually have another reservation to go back there before the Christmas holiday and my partner wants to give this place another try hopefully it will be much better.

    Menu Nov 2021
    Rebecca C.

    4.5 stars. This was the best meal we had at Maui this time, up there with mama's fish house and Koiso (I'm kihei) in previous trips. Beautiful ambience under a huge tree and lighting. Food comes really fast which was great - we were in a hurry to get back. But if you want a long and romantic dinner, ask them to slow down. Must get: Purple daikon and seaweed salad - original. Fantastic sauce. Could use a bit more seaweed in this dish Poke bowl - really fresh. On point with flavor. Very thin and crunchy rice bowls SOLID: Hamachi kama - a bit fishy. Use plenty of sauce. Tender. Larger portion than other restaurants. SO SO: Black miso eggplant - prefer a softer version of this. AVOID: sauteed broccolini - too stalky

    Faye Anne M.

    Food was great but the service was questionable. When we got seated, it took a while until someone got us our waters and menu. Then took another 15-20 minutes for someone to take our order. I usually don't complain because my friends and I are just talking anyways but the fact that we noticed how we don't get too much attention from the servers says a lot. The server didn't even let us know that they had their last call for food. We knew about it because we overheard from another table over. So when we flagged down our waitress and ordered our food for last call, she said that the kitchen already closed. We proceeded talking with each other and planned to order more drinks. We flagged our waitress down but it took a while until she noticed us and there were literally only 40% capacity of customers left. We got tired of the waiting and decided to close our tabs once she come to us. Weirdly enough, she already closed our tabs and ready for our check even if we didn't told her yet that we're done. This was the first time I felt uncomfortable in a restaurant setting and felt 'underestimated' just because we don't look like tourists. Everyone in the restaurant were really just tourist looking that would spend a lot. Food was great but I don't think I'd go back again because of the service.

    Broccolini
    Katherine R.

    Pros: -able to get seated right away without a reservation on a Saturday night -the actual sushi was very good -cocktails were delicious Cons: -no soy sauce on the tables (lol what?? Had to ask our server and they were thrown off by our question ...returned a few minutes later with some soy sauce in a dish. Seriously what sushi place doesn't have soy sauce readily available?) -Inari on the menu is clearly advertised as 2 pieces per order, but I only got one (and it was the smallest saddest inari I've ever had) -edamame was very plain. Barely had a little salt on top. Wouldn't order again

    Navy Grog!
    Raheem A.

    After having drinks and an overall great time at nearby Paia Bay Coffee Bar (please read my review if interested), my wife and I noticed a secluded restaurant & bar. Intrigued by the ambiance, we entered the outdoor area and was quickly greeted by an employee. She explained to us that the restaurant was not serving food because of the main cook being out due to illness. However, she mentioned that the bar was open as usual...bingo! Highly recommended by the employee, my wife and I chose to order the "Navy Grog." The drinks mixture of various flavors was the perfect conclusion to a wonderful day of being beach bums, exploring Paia on foot, and enjoying some delicious adult beverages. Unfortunately, we were pretty tired after our drinks and couldn't fathom going for a second round. However, whenever we decide to return to Maui (hopefully it won't be too long from now), we would love to indulge in their food + drinks!

    Inside
    James N.

    First time my wife and I ate here; best sushi we'd ever had. Hands down. No contest. And we eat A TON of sushi. Probably should get checked for mercury poisoning. Oh well. By "sushi" I mean quality and flavor of fish btw. Second time we came here; STILL the best. I feel like I forgot how good it was, while still remembering that it the best I've had. I'm weird. Prices are fairly high, but not exorbitant. And the vibe is very classy/casual. The roof is a tree, so expect leaves and flowers to fall on your table. I love the natural feel. Service is top notch even for the islands. If you have to tap into your savings to try this place, do it. We did the first time and didn't regret it haha

    Tina H.

    Was excited to come here but everything was mediocre. The texture of the fish, the flavor did not come out as I was used to. Atmosphere, service was amazing. I would not recommend this place for food unfortunately. Had high hopes

    Travis T.

    Finally got a chance to check out VANA after hearing all of the craze about their food! Upon walking in, I really liked the decor, as it gave me an LA sushi restaurant vibe. The hostesses were very nice and because it is an outdoor dining restaurant, they did not need to check vaccine cards or negative COVID tests. Their menu has a lot to offer and is subject to availability, so they do their best to provide the freshest fish, produce, and other ingredients possible. We ordered: O'toro Sashimi (5 pcs) - $56 Chef's Sushi Dinner - $42 Sushi Sampler - $28 Seared Salmon Roll - $22 Dragon Roll - $24 Mussels Dynamite - $16 for 4 pcs Overall I thought the food was okay and the prices were steep for what they were. Some of the food here was a hit or miss and didn't give us that WOW factor. However, I was very impressed by the quality of the Otoro and some of their nigiri. It's like they caught the fish the same morning! (-) The rolls were a bit basic and small in portion, especially the Seared Salmon Roll and Dragon Roll. I personally don't think that the rolls were worth the price. (+) As for the Otoro, that was definitely the main character of the night. It was a melt in my mouth moment. One of the best otoro I've had on Maui. At VANA, they use ALOHA Shoyu. I personally think that whenever I'm at a sushi restaurant, Kikkoman or Yamasa should be used. The Aloha Shoyu and wasabi threw me off a bit and definitely changed the way the sushi tasted for me. I usually don't make comments about water but the water here is tap and had a funky taste to it. I wish they served it with ice or at least have bottled water as an option. We ended up asking for a bowl of lemon on the side. Be sure to make reservations on Open Table. I'll definitely be back to try their Omakase and other menu items if someone were to treat me out to dinner. I feel as if the hit or miss menu items, steep pricing, and the use of soy sauce at VANA helped me decide on my overall rating.

    Miso sauteed butterfish with pickled red onion, charred  tomatoes and shishito pepper!!
    Dylan P.

    The sushi is delicious. Mouthwatering miso butterfish and the ribs were just fall.off the bone. Me n My woman had a cute spot all to ourselves. Wish a candle lit spot just a beautiful restaurant.

    My husband and I are staying at the Paia Inn and decided to stop by Vana for a quick night cap after a day of traveling. Well that quick night cap quickly turned into a wonderful night sitting at the bar being helped by the fantastic bartender Charlee. She was so nice and welcoming and quickly served us two delicious cocktails (hibiscus kiss and town & country). She was experimenting with a few new cocktails with fresh ingredients from the local farmers market and they were incredible!!! She gave us so many tips for our trip and created a wonderful experience. We ended the night with Makai Dragon and she made me a special tequila drink with the fresh strawberry juice from the farmers market (put this drink on the menu it was incredible!!!). Annie the manager stopped by to check in on how everything was going and was just as nice and welcoming! She recommended the Vana Citrus Roll and Rainbow roll, we ended up getting both. The Citrus roll was the best sushi roll I have ever had (and I love sushi). The presentation was beautiful (forgot to take a picture before we dug in so a few pieces are missing in the picture!!) The ambience is so romantic and they had live music starting at 7pm. We didn't want to leave and will be going again tonight for more drinks!

    Sashimi box
    Tram H.

    Boyfriend chose Vana as our date night restaurant during our second night on Maui and it did not disappoint. The interior reminded me a lot of the sushi restaurants in Seattle or LA with dim lighting and a lot of natural/wood decor. We started off with drinks where I enjoyed a nice guava mojito and my bf got a drink with absinthe which he didn't enjoy as much but it definitely did the job of getting him buzz buzz buzzed. We ordered the following: Hamachi Carpaccio Ceviche Sashimi Box Sake Maki Otoro Maki and a Scallop and mushroom dish All of the seafood tasted super fresh, the texture was soft but firm, and it was one of the best food experiences I had in Paia. Would definitely come back maybe during an earlier time because we made a late reservation (8pm) and they were already out of miso soup ): Definitely give it a try and enjoy a nice cocktail on the side (:

    Omakase
    Alexis R.

    SPECTACULAR!!! From the hostess, to the waitstaff/bar staff to management, the sushi chef and the musician! We cannot say enough about this restaurant. We started with gyoza, some nigiri (otoro and salmon) and 2 recommended cocktails. Then we ordered the omakase and the steak with a larger bottle of unfiltered sake (our favorite). Every bite was better than the last. We were in heaven. It's expensive but isn't everything in Maui? We splurged and it was worth every penny. We're even considering going back for more night tonight. I let them know it was our anniversary when I booked through open table and the hostess greeted us by saying happy anniversary! The music and atmosphere was Devine. Id give 6 stars if I could. Thanks to everyone who makes this place run. We can't wait to come back (again, possibly tonight) and recommend to everyone we know. Don't go anywhere. You're perfect

    Vana Paia is the place to try ..AWESOME
    Carrie S.

    Vana Paia is a sushi restaurant to try .. great ambiance with live music and the food is very tasty . We got seated right away and the service was fast . Our waitress was super nice will definitely go there again ..

    Breakfast!  A delicious French toast!

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    Casual

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    Nuka

    Nuka

    4.3
    (615 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    We live on the other side of the island and while we have an excellent Japanese restaurant (Takumi…read more- try the omakase) we decided to drive over to experience Nuka as it has so many fantastic reviews, and we really appreciate and enjoy Japanese cuisine. Nuka was exceptional. Authentically Japanese, the restaurant is beautifully yet serenely decorated, the staff are welcoming and well versed in the menu and flavors, and pricing is competitive for island restaurants. In fact when you know the healthy ingredients are the best available, locally grown/caught/raised and cooked to perfection it takes it up a notch. We arrived just as they opened for lunch at 11.30am and luckily managed to be seated straight away. I've read that dinner is much harder to get a table and there is a long wait so arrive accordingly ;) Parking is available in the car park next door beside the gym, free and self parking. So, what did we order?......... Grapefruit lychee spritzer - we chose the mocktail version but you can make it a cocktail too. Sooo citrusy and thirst quenching. Not sweet, zingy. Very refreshing on a hot Maui day Miso - earthy, salty, brothy, umami, steaming hot in a bowl to start off your extravaganza of a meal Shio koji cabbage - finely shredded with sesame and house milled bran and seasoning, like an elegant Japanese coleslaw, I loved it! Nasu Miso eggplant - slightly sweet because of the miso, I liked the taste but it wasn't a texture I'm used to eating, which I found a lot in Japan, eg mochi. But I can't fault the dish because of that, the miso umami was richly broiled and it was a popular dish House Nuka pickles - crunchy, fresh and sprinkled with sesame (daikon radish, carrot and cucumber), a good palate cleanser and a nice texture to complement the eggplant above. Not vinegary, just fresh Saba Nigiri - two pieces of moreish mackerel sushi, melt in the mouth with so much flavor, decent sized nigiri too Shiso Country sushi roll - on the specials list, and it was amazingly special! Ahi, habanero masago, orange masago, shaved shiso leaf, ponzu, so many flavours and textures combined into a party in the mouth, with a slight heat build as you ate it. A favourite Miso Butterfish - OMG it looked so amazing and was another popular dish, for a good reason, it is delicious. Melt in the mouth, flaky, savory cod, a nice sized serving, and the miso sauce is sooo good with the buttery fish Lilikoi ice cream - hubby only had room for one generous creamy scoop served with chocolate wafers and decorated with fresh mint. Perfect end to a delightful meal We both felt that this is definitely one of the best restaurants on island, culturally and gastronomically, pricewise and food presentation, authenticity and awareness of local produce....it all adds up to an outstanding dining experience. We will most definitely be returning even though we have to drive an hour and half to get there! "Gochisousama deshita"

    Performance: 3 45 minute wait for a table, got order wrong…read moreonce but fixed surprisingly fast, staff generally pleasant humans. Environment: 5 Amazing location, lovely to walk around in while waiting for table, little store down the way, great weather. Meals: 3 Very filling, only had two rolls and didn't need anything else, pretty average sushi though, nothing to write home about. Drinks: 4 Large selection, overall pretty creative, however quantities of ingredients could have been much better thought out, very nice. Ambiance: 3 Average sushi vibes, bar puts you elbow to elbow with the person next to you, very loud inside, better layout needed, good decor. Space: 2 Restaurant is way too small, tables too close and bar too small, bathrooms smell of chemical leaks and are full of trash, cool sink.

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    Still busy after 8pm
    Still busy after 8pm
    Haleakala Roll
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    Best Sushi Place
    Hali'imaile General Store

    Hali'imaile General Store

    4.2
    (1.5k reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$
    35 years in business
    Family-owned & operated

    We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and time spent here. The whole space is very inviting and also has…read morea lot of interesting items for sale, including very unique and original art. We made dinner reservations through Open Table and were seated immediately when we arrived. Everyone was very friendly and happy to be there. That positive attitude goes far and really makes the dining experience a more pleasant one. I ordered the lamb chops and split them. I'm glad we did because it was such a generous portion. For $8 more they will give you the same amount of sides per split plate. It was a good idea and then we had room for the pineapple upside down cake, which was a nice way to end our meal. Our guest had the noodles and they had a wonderful flavor and were cooked perfectly. The menu had several great options and specials for each night. The dinner at HGS was the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal out. We were visiting with family and we felt as though we were at our own kitchen table. We were well cared for and not rushed at all. I hope you enjoy your time here!

    I was really looking forward to the spot because it was recommended to me by my Airbnb host and a…read morecouple other friends. However I don't really understand why this spot is so popular and is so historical. I thought the food was very mediocre and we tried many things on the menu. We also thought that the drinks were too sweet. We tried a bunch of things on the menu too. I think you can get better tasting food at other spots like Monkey Pod and Mama's Fish House at a similar price point. that said the service was good and it was a nice ambiance sort of like a rustic Hawaiian vibe.

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