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Mamas Fish House
Tips for Mamas Fish House
Disappointed with the food but beautiful Scenery. I read many reviews on this restaurant before visiting Maui. I felt this was a must stop visit and I booked reservations ahead of time. When arriving the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous with one of the best views. We were seated and I just feel in love with the restaurant and ambiance of the place. The food however was just average food and not at all what I expected. I guess after reading so many great reviews I was expecting the food to be fantastic and was highly disappointed by the quality of the food. I felt very mislead to eat here and didn't even finish my food. However the drinks were very good and the atmosphere was amazing so if you don't mind spending a lot of money on just average food you will definitely be impressed with your surroundings and cocktails.
I sent the Shrimp Won Ton back.
My new bride and I went to Mama's on our honeymoon based on the recommendation of good friends. The prices were not just high, they were staggering. For instance, just a cup of coffee at Mama's (not a specialty drink like a latte, just a cup) was twelve to fourteen dollars.
Nothing prepared us for the appallingly low quality of food at this Maui legend. The shrimp in the won ton was tasteless and rubber-like, a sure tip off of either frozen or less-than-fresh crustacean. I sent it back and had it replaced with the crabcakes, which, as it turned out, were scarcely any better, Crabcakes should taste like fresh crab, with perhaps a hint of seasoning. These tasted like pure bread crumbs, with the consistency of a wet paper towel. Perhaps if one doesn't live in an area blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood, food like this - leavened with the heady tropical setting and Maui winds - might pass as enjoyable. The soup tasted like canned, and the cheese was a clotted mass floating on the surface like an over-sized banana slice. My wife, who can cook circles around any of the "cooks" at Mama's, opined that it was cheddar cheese, not the usual good quality gruyere found in decent restaurants. Last, and least, was the so-called coconut cheesecake, again lacking any real, satisfying coconut taste. It was just a notch or two below Sara Lee, with none of the texture of the latter that distinguishes cheesecake from frozen pudding.
The view? Priceless. Food? Overpriced IMHO. We knew this place would be expensive...but we were shocked at the high price and small portion. My husband got a whole THREE spears of asparagus on the side of his Mahi Mahi stuffed with lobster and crab ($50). It just wasn't worth the money. The view however was spectacular and the service was excellent. I loved the towel given to you by the server at the end of the meal, soaked in almond oil...I will go back, but more prepared to spend more than I wanted to last time!
Wonderful meal. I won't repeat the other great reviews, but just say the food was superb, the restaurant itself is gorgeous, the ambiance pleasant but not stuffy, and the service was great. It is more expensive than Citysearch ranks it (in the $$$$ range), but totally worth it. I will go there gain for sure next time I am in Maui.
A smile to your palate. For appetizers we had sashimi, crab cakes, shimp wontons and the seared beef polynesian. The sashimi was excellent. Crab cakes and wontons were my least favorite. They were a bit greasy and over cooked. The seared beef was wonderful. The beef is served on ripe grilled papaya. The sweetness on the papaya was balanced with the olive oil and lime juice. The flavors complimented each other. The food is unbelievably fresh. Fish were caught minutes before arriving on our dinner plate. For our main course we had Opah and Mahimahi. The Opah was juicy and flavorful. The Mahimahi was the better out of the two. The macadamia nut crust added a light crips to the soft, flaky, buttery fish. As we had dinner we sat and overlooked an ocean sunset, for the restaurant had no walls or windows. From our dinning table we gazed at the orange and yellow hues reflecting off the soft white sand beach as the sun slowly shadowed the curved coconut trees. Great ambiance, great food. The only set back was the service, but theres room for improvment. I can't wait to return.
making memories!. My Sister insisted that we try Mama's Fish House, forgetting to tell us to bring our piggy bank. In spite of the total bill $250+ I have absolutely no cons. We were greeted and seated promptly and had a wonderful view of the ocean which is almost right outside of the large window. We splurged on specialty drinks and appetizers that were just so delicious! The whole meal was outstanding and very fresh. We couldn't help but have an exquisite bottle of wine with our dinner. After dinner we tried Mama's special coffee and a marvelous dessert. Priceless... well uh, almost.
Fantastic Fresh Seafood, Incredible View.
Mama's is the best Overall Restaurant in Maui.
We spend several weeks a year here and have been everywhere, regardless of price.
It is expensive , but what isn't on Maui?
Ordering Appetizers and Splitting a Main Course for Lunch is the best way to enjoy Mama's at Lunch time.
Why the hype?. My husband and I weren't impressed. Yes, the decor and atmosphere is wonderful, especially as the sun sets. However, the food was so-so. We were expecting a lot because EVERYONE raves about mama's fish house. We don't understand what the hype is all about.... because it's definitely not about the food. During our 10-day stay in maui, we fine-dined every night... and mama's fish house is pretty much near the bottom of our list of fabulous maui restaurants. Gerard's (located in the Plantation Inn in Lahaina) is definitely the best in Maui.... If there is one restaurant you must try in maui, it's Gerard's..... so skip mama's.
Fantastic views and good food. During lunch you can watch the surfers and wind surfers while eating lunch. The service is excellent but you must get your reservation in quickly to get your perferred time to eat. A few days is the best time.
You Must Expereince This.
Our friends took us to dinner and we were excited and truly looking forward to the experience. We were not in the least disappointed. We arrived just as the sun was setting and as we walked down the steps, past the car, were amazed at the setting and ambience. Here was a restaurant literally steps from the beach, full of energy yet entirely in control. We had reservations but did have to wait a few minutes which allowed us to take pictures and relax on the benches outside. Once seated, we were treated with true Aloha. Our waiter was knowledgeable, courteous and prompt with true attention to detail. This did not change the entire evening. While reviewing the menu, the prices did stand out, but the food lived up to the expectation that was promised.
All fish is described by the fisherman it is received from, being caught that day and ready to be enjoyed. The preparations did not mask the flavor but enhanced the actual fish itself. All were cooked perfectly, presented clean and simply. Doneness, texture and freshness are the key items here so when you are eating your meal remember that care was taken to preserve the simplicity and straight-forward flavors your are experiencing.
Most important to remember is what you are getting. Don't look at the menu and think "Ouch", think "I came here to enjoy the experience, and that is exactly what I am going to do." Dining in such a restaurant with the sun setting, the windows open, the breeze lightly playing across your table, the excellent food in front of you, the good company at your table and the attention to your overall experience the staff supplies more than makes up for the price you will pay.
If you are staying in Lahaina or other areas that will take you awhile to get here, take the trip. As I sit here in Los Angeles and remember Maui and my limited time there, Mama's made our last night memorable until our next visit.
Mamas Fish House
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