Some of my picks for the best restaurants in Wailea come from the years I lived in South Maui, when happy hour at Monkeypod was a regular part of my routine. From Mai Tais and poke tacos to an elegant meal at Spago, Wailea has plenty of places I’d happily return to.
This guide brings together longtime favorites, nicer resort restaurants for a meal with a view and a few spots I’d like to try. Whether you’re craving Italian food, sushi or a steak dinner, here’s where I’d start.
My Quick Picks for the Best Restaurants in Wailea
- 🍻 Happy hour: Monkeypod Kitchen – my longtime go-to for Mai Tais and poke tacos.
- 🍾 An elegant dinner: Spago – my pick for making an evening out of dinner.
- 🥩 Steak and wine: Ruth’s Chris Steak House – steak, honey butter and a glass of wine.
- 🍣 Sushi: Morimoto Maui – Japanese food at the Andaz.
- 🍱 Lunch before an adventure: Spoon & Key Market – a great stop before exploring the island or relaxing on the beach.
- 🏈 Drinks and watching a game: The Pint & Cork – a fun sports bar where I used to catch up with friends.
Breakfast, Coffee and Quick Bites in Wailea
Spoon & Key Market
Spoon & Key Market is a great lunch stop before an adventure around the island or a day relaxing on the beach. Its sandwiches, wraps and salads work well when you want something to take along.
The daytime deli also serves breakfast and coffee, making it a convenient stop before heading out to explore Maui.
Akamai Coffee
Akamai Coffee’s Wailea Village location is a handy stop for your morning coffee. If you’re keeping breakfast simple, grab a cup before getting on with your plans for the day.
Island Gourmet Markets
Island Gourmet Markets at the Shops at Wailea has a deli alongside its groceries, so you can pick up a meal, snacks and supplies in one place. Keep it in mind for packing lunch or taking food back to your accommodation.
☕️ For more morning food stops around the island, check out my guide to the best breakfast on Maui.
Casual Wailea Restaurants
Monkeypod Kitchen
Monkeypod was one of my regular happy hour spots when I lived in South Maui and is one of my favorite restaurants in Wailea. I love the Mai Tais and poke tacos, and it’s one of the first places I think of when someone asks where to eat in Wailea.
After I moved to West Maui, I was stoked when they opened a location in Kaanapali (one of the best restaurants in Kaanapali), too. If you’re choosing just a few Wailea restaurants from this guide, Monkeypod would be near the top of my list.
Pita Paradise
Pita Paradise is one of my picks for Mediterranean food in Wailea. The delicious food is what makes it worth a stop. The menu includes Greek salads, hummus, lamb gyros, chicken kabobs and fresh fish specials, giving you plenty of options for lunch, happy hour or dinner.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
Tommy Bahama is a classic dining spot at the Shops at Wailea. They had a nice happy hour when I visited, and it’s a good choice for a relaxed meal with friends. If you’re already browsing the shops, it’s an easy place to stop for lunch or dinner.
Matteo’s Osteria
Matteo’s is a good pick for an Italian dinner in Wailea. It’s somewhere I’d happily return to when I’m craving pasta. This Wailea restaurant is one of the places open later, which was handy when dinner plans got pushed back.
Wailea Restaurants for a Special Dinner
Spago
Spago, located at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, is one of my picks for an elegant meal. It’s a place I’d choose when I want to dress up a little and make an evening out of dinner.
For a date night or a celebration on Maui, Spago would be on my shortlist. Plus my good friend Matt works behind the bar, if you see him, let him know how you found him.
Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar
Ferraro’s brings Italian dining to the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. It’s an option for an evening when you want the resort setting to be part of the experience.
If you’re deciding between Ferraro’s and Matteo’s, I’d choose based on the kind of night you want: a resort dinner at Ferraro’s or a more casual Italian meal at Matteo’s.
DUO Steak & Seafood
DUO is also located at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, one of the best places to stay on Maui. It’s a nice steak and seafood spot, especially if you’re craving steak while someone else at the table would rather order seafood.
Nick’s Fishmarket
Nick’s Fishmarket at the Fairmont Kea Lani is another good dinner spot in Wailea. I’d keep it in mind when you’re craving seafood and want a nicer sit-down meal. You don’t have to be staying at the Fairmont to dine here.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris at the Shops at Wailea is my pick when I’m craving steak, butter and a glass of wine. Sometimes that’s exactly what I want from a dinner out.
Ruth Chris Steakhouse has been a staple in Wailea (and used to be in Lahaina) for many years. For a classic steakhouse meal, this is one I’d add to your Wailea plans.
Morimoto Maui
Morimoto Maui at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is one of my picks for sushi and Japanese food. I’d order a few dishes to share and take my time over dinner.
Ko Restaurant
Ko at the Fairmont Kea Lani has a personal connection for me: I used to work by the pool at the resort back in the day. The menu celebrates the different cultures that shaped Hawaii’s food, making it a good choice for trying local flavors in a resort setting.
You don’t need to be staying at the Fairmont to come for dinner. If you’d also like to spend a day at the resort’s pools, the Fairmont offers non-guest day passes.
Wailea Bars, Lounges and Happy Hour
Botero Lounge
Botero Lounge at the Grand Wailea is a nice spot for drinks in a setting that’s as much about the art as the lounge itself.
Fernando Botero was a Colombian artist from Medellin, and Joe and I saw his work during our month traveling around Colombia. Seeing his art on Maui brings back memories of that trip.
The Pint & Cork
The Pint & Cork is a fun sports bar at the Shops at Wailea where I liked to grab drinks and watch a game. A few of my buddies worked there, so it was always a good time. The atmosphere made it a favorite for a casual night out with friends.
Tikehau Lounge
Tikehau Lounge is a craft cocktail lounge tucked downstairs in Wailea Village, between the Shops at Wailea and Monkeypod. I haven’t visited yet, but I’d like to try it on my next trip to Maui. It’s on my list for cocktails and a change of scenery from the resort lounges.
Tips for Dining in Wailea
For the nicer resort restaurants, I’d book ahead, especially if you have a particular evening in mind. Check the dress code when making your reservation so you know what to pack.
You don’t have to stay at a resort to dine at its restaurants. If you’re driving over, check the parking or valet arrangements and whether the restaurant validates parking.
Many restaurants in Wailea close relatively early, so I wouldn’t leave dinner plans until late at night. Check when the kitchen closes, since food service may end before the bar does.
For happy hour, check the current menu and hours. Monkeypod and Tommy Bahama were spots I enjoyed, and an earlier meal can fit nicely after trying some of these things to do in Wailea.
More Places to Eat in South Maui
Neighboring Kihei is worth exploring for food, too. Some of my regular stops when I lived there were Horhito’s for fish tacos, 808 Deli for sandwiches and Hawaiian Moons for the hot food section.
My guide to the best restaurants in Kihei has more of my favorites if you’re spending time in both areas. For ideas between meals, my guide to things to do in Kihei will help you plan the rest of your day.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Wailea
Leave room for both a happy hour and a dinner you’re excited about. You can mix a few quick food stops with an evening at one of Wailea’s resort restaurants, depending on your plans and budget.
If you have a favorite Wailea restaurant I’ve missed, let me know. I’m always happy to add another place to try on my next trip back to Maui.
More Maui Restaurant Guides ↓
📍 Exploring beyond Wailea? These guides will help you find more places to eat around Maui.
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