Looking for the best Paia restaurants to satisfy your tastebuds? Tasting local cuisine and experiencing new restaurants are a highlight of many people’s Maui itineraries. After a day of exploring the North shore, hiking or enjoying the ocean you’ll have worked up an appetite.
Paia is a historical plantation town on the North shore of Maui and a popular starting point for the infamous road to Hana. Filled with boutique shops, tasty restaurants and beautiful beaches, Paia is a popular town that can’t be missed when exploring Maui.
Paia is a great area to stay if you are looking for a slower pace away from the resort areas of Maui, Ka’anapali and Wailea. There are lots of things to do and places to eat it Paia that are all within walking distance.
I live in Lahaina town and work in the restaurant industry, so I assure you this is the best list of restaurants in Paia that you will need. As an added bonus I will also list the best Haiku restaurants so you will have more food options.
Restaurants are at 100% capacity and no mask restrictions. I recommend making reservations in advance as most places are dealing with staffing issues thus seating could be limited.
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Table of Contents
The Best Paia Restaurants
Cafe Mambo
Located in on the main drag of Baldwin avenue is Cafe Mambo. A staple that has been around town for many years. This vegetarian and vegan friendly menu has a collective menu of burgers, salads, fajitas, tacos and they also serve breakfast.
A few must try items include the crispy duck burger, the seared ahi tacos and the passion fruit margarita. I love the option half half option as a side so you can get fries and a salad, the best of both worlds.
Cafe Mambo is open daily from 11am-8pm with breakfast hours are 8-11 on the weekends. Happy hour is daily from 2pm-6pm. This is a great Paia restaurant to enjoy lunch and people watch.
Cafe Des Ami Paia
Another place to eat in Paia on Baldwin Avenue is Cafe Des Amis. Open: 1:30 to 8:00pm Monday-Friday and 10:00am to 8:00pm Saturdays and Sundays, Cafe Des Amis is one of the best restaurants in Paia.
This Paia restaurant has a lot of charm, a great atmosphere and pleasant outdoor seating area. The menu offers two distinct cuisines. The crepes and the appetizers offer an authentic taste of the Mediterranean. Where the delicious curries offer the genuine taste of Indian home cooking.
There are many vegetarian options on the menu. Must try items include the fish curry, lentil crepe and vegetarian Mediterranean platter.
Milagros Food Co.
With the best location in Paia on the corner of Baldwin Avenue and the Hana Highway is Milagros Food Company. Another staple in the heart of Paia, Milagros has been around town for almost 20 years.
The menu consists of a Southwest grub fare with items like fish tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and quesadillas. This is a great spot to refuel and people watch after a morning of exploring this charming, surf town.
Daily happy hour from 3pm-6pm.
Vana Paia
Vana is an excellent Paia restaurant that serves sushi. This sushi bar is one of the freshies places to enjoy sushi on the island. Indulge in classic Japanese cuisine like sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi.
Enjoy a beautiful evening out with fresh fish and hand crafted cocktails at Vana Paia.
Nylos Paia
If you are looking for a nice place to eat dinner in Paia one evening then Nylos is a great option. Owned and cheffed by my personal friend, Nylos is known for its delicate fare and with wine pairings dinners.
The small Paia restaurant offers an intimate and relaxed dining experience as the place only has about 6 tables. The menu changes daily but you can expect an elegant and upscale meal plus wine pairings available for each course.
One seating is offered nightly at 6:30pm with reservations in advance required. Prices range from $120-$175 per person for this intimate and unique dining experience.
Flatbread Pizza Company
One of the most delicious restaurants in Paia is the Paia Flatbread Pizza Company. This is the ideal family friendly restaurant to enjoy and is perfect for large groups.
The Flatbread Company has been a staple in Paia since 1998. Enjoy delicious pizza straight from the wood fire oven. Must try items include the Mopsy’s Kalua Pork and the Paia Bay Ohana.
Open daily from 11:30am-8:30pm.
Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House has one of the best locations in Paia right on the waters edge. Mamas first opened its doors in 1973 and this family owned restaurant has been a hit ever since. Voted and known for being one of Maui’s best restaurants.
Of course with a name like Mamma’s Fish House the menu is full of fresh caught fish. There are plenty of sea food choices along with the fish options including fresh oysters, lobster and shrimp.
Made reservations well in advance as this place fills up quickly. Lunch begins at 11 am and dinner starts at 4pm.
Paia Fish Market
The Paia Fish Market opened its doors in 1989 on the corner of Baldwin Avenue and the Hana Hwy and is the original restaurant. It has since grown to 3 separate locations on Maui including one in Lahaina, Kihei and even on Oahu in Waikiki.
On the menu you’ll find plenty of fresh fish options like Ono, Ahi, Snapper, Opah, and Mahi Mahi. The casual eatery is open everyday from 11am to 9.30pm. Expect a line and to share a table.
Charleys
Charley’s Paia is one of the best places in Paia to grab a drink. This easygoing hangout features hearty breakfasts and American fare. This Paia restaurants has a hopping after-hours music scene.
Charleys is closed permanently.
Paia Bay Coffee Bar
Paia Bay Coffee Bar may have the best breakfast in Paia. Enjoy fresh baked croissants, acai bowls and Maui roasted coffee. Paia Bay is one of the best breakfast spots on Maui and a perfect stop to fuel up before you start driving the road to Hana.
Open daily for 7AM-3PM for breakfast and lunch. 3PM-6PM for happy hour and 3PM-8PM for dinner.
Come here for the fresh, local, organic ingredients and sustainable practices and stay for the good vibes and inviting scene.
Headed to Hana? Check out these Guides:
The Best Places to Stay in Hana
Healthy Food Restaurants in Paia
Choice
A few of my favorite items include the POWabunga açaí bowl, Golden Buddha Bowl and Wildflower Tacos. Open daily from 9am-4pm.
Mana Foods Paia
Mana Foods in a grocery store located in the heart of Paia on Baldwin Ave. This is a great place to stock up on healthy stacks before you embark on the road to Hana.
The store is full of healthy items and snack options along with a deli and bakery. When I lived in town I used to get lunch everyday from the hot bar in the deli and enjoy it at Baldwin Beach Park, one of Maui’s best beaches.
Open daily from 8am-8:30pm.
The Best Haiku Restaurants
Colleen’s at the Cannery
Colleen’s at the Cannery is one of Haikus only restaurants. Open for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner, Colleen’s serves up an array of delicious American fare from eggs benedicts, burgers, fish & chips, salads, pizzas and a variety of fish and pasta dishes.
Open daily from 7am-9:30pm.
Nuka
Nuka is an intimate 50 seat Izakaya restaurant and sushi bar. They offer a range of contemporary Japanese fare and handrolled sushi. You can’t get fresher fish. This is by far the best restaurant in Haiku.
Open daily for lunch 10:30-2:30 and for dinner from 4:30-9:30pm. This is one of the best things to do in Haiku.
Baked on Maui
Some must try items include the Mexicali, Daddy-O’s Biscuits & Gravy and the Caprese omelette. Opens at 6:30 am daily serving breakfast all day on the weekends and til noon on weekdays.
Do you have any other favorite Paia restaurants? Let me know if the comments and as always thanks for reading.
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