5 Restaurants to Try in Upcountry Maui 2024

I believe good food brings people together and unites a community! In Upcountry Maui, you’ll find amazing culinary experiences that will keep you coming back for more!

Restaurant Marlow

Restaurant Marlow’s Mortadella Pizza with Jalapeno and Pesto

Imagine being in Pukalani and stepping into a restaurant and instantly you are transported into the swankiest LA restaurant (in the best way possible!).

Marlow has quickly become an upcountry favorite! From delicious sourdough pizzas to unique and flavorful appetizers and share plates, to the best cocktails on the island, it’s been difficult to keep this gem a secret. Chef Jeff Scheer is a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the Pacific / North West category. They partner with local farmers and ranchers, and the fresh flavors from each dish burst forward with each bite.

The staff here is also top notch, and the ambience could not be better. It also ends up being a spot where you’ll likely run into your neighbors if you live upcountry! If you don’t, its worth the trip up the hill anyway. The first time you come, you will probably think to yourself, this will be an awesome spot to come for special occasions, but it’s amazing how quickly ‘Tuesday’ will become day worthy of a special meal!

Best Cocktail on Maui “Chef’s Day Off” made with Mezcal

• Hours: Breakfast & Lunch 7am – 2pm, Dinner 4:30- 9pm
• Reservations: NEW early 2024! They now offer reservations on Open Table!
• My favorites: Nothing on this menu disappoints, but you can’t go wrong with the shrimp appetizer (featured in the top photo) or the Mortadella Pizza, which started off as a special but has deservedly moved to a spot on the permanent menu!
• Hot Tip: Save the sauce from the Shrimp for dipping your pizza crust!
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Ocean Vodka Cafe

This is another spot that quietly opened up a couple years ago, and the lucky few people that found out about it really held it close to the chest. I was a latecomer to this special location, but once the cat was out of the bag, it has become one of Maui’s hottest spots for drinking, dining, meeting up with friends and taking in the best sunset view on the island! This is another spot that you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. From the poke nachos to any of the farm breads (like a pizza, but if you were eating pizza at a farm?), it’s delicious. They’ve also started Sushi Nights on Wednesdays from 3-7pm, head to Open Table to book your spot! In addition to vodka, they also now produce rum and gin. They have a wide mix of cocktails and mocktails that offer something from everyone, whether you are looking for a sweet tropical beverage or a classic cocktail or even something spicy! The distillery tour is also a great activity for visitors or locals alike that are really into the magic of distilling!

Live Music Every Night at Ocean Vodka: Featured is Fast Freddy and Blue Lava Blues Band

• Hours: Cafe: 11:30 to 7:00pm
• Reservations: NEW! If you haven’t been in a while, they just recently added the reservation option, booking through Open Table!
• My favorites: The Blue Cheese and Pear Salad, and the Wild Mushroom or Tree Pua’a Farmbreads are must tries!
• Hot Tip: This is an awesome spot to look for the green flash at certain times of the year. They also now feature live music every night! As this is an ‘open-air’ venue (there is a small cafe if it’s raining) this is a great spot to head on a sunny, not super windy afternoon. Bring a hat for sun protection until the sun goes down.
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Makawao Public House

Upcountry Maui doesn’t get a lot of ‘new restaurant’ openings, so the much-awaited opening of Makawao Public House in the old Makawao Steak House location was the hot spot of the 2023 holiday season! They knocked it out of the park with the decor, and the menu is a really fun combination of local favorites and pub classics!

Makawao Public House: Burger and Short Ribs

• Hours: Tue- Sun 4pm – 10pm
• Reservations: NEW!  Early in 2024 they added reservations on Open Table.
• My favorites: I’ve only been one time so I don’t have a favorite yet but the Bangers and Mash was delicious!
• Hot Tip: This hopping spot also has a bar and lounge area so it’s a great place to meet up with friends.
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Mahalo Aleworks / Upcountry Sausage

Is there anything greater than having an excellent craft brewery only a few miles away from your house? Mahalo Aleworks is an open air brewery that always has several different house made beers on tap, so you never get bored, even if you go weekly! In addition to beer, they serve a few different types of wine.  For non-drinkers they also have juices and kombucha. It’s a family-friendly establishment with a variety of seating, from outdoor countertops, lounges and traditional tables.  For food options, they have a food cart right inside the brewery! Upcountry Sausage offers a variety of sausages, a smash burger, and a truly excellent chicken taco plate. They also are totally fine with you bringing over pizza from their awesome neighbor Marlow (see first post!) Tuesday night is especially busy with their hugely popular trivia night! They also feature live music most days of the week. Check out their Instagram page for weekly updates of the schedule and to see what’s on tap!

Beer and Tacos sit upstairs for a view

• Hours: 10am – 9pm Daily
• Reservations: walk-in only!
• My favorites: They are constantly creating new beers, so the fun part is trying something new every time!  You can sample before you purchase, or better yet, order a flight!
• Hot Tip: They open at 10am (according to the server, they get visitors in the morning after checking out the sunrise at Haleakala), sounds like a reasonable time to have a beverage if you’ve been up since 2am!
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Casanova

Casanova has been a long time fixture upcountry, and while they may not have Ladies Night on Wednesdays anymore (IYKYK), they still have really good Italian food, impeccable service, and a lively atmosphere that’s perfect whether you are going for a family gathering or a romantic evening out. I recommend starting with delicious focaccia bread, fresh out of the wood oven, and for dinner you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu from the wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and fresh seafood dishes. This is definitely a spot that you’ll want to save room for the dessert – the tiramisu is the best on the island!

Wood-Fired Focaccia Bread

• Hours: 5pm – 9pm
• Reservations: Open Table
• My favorites:  Check out the Kaesar Salad (Caesar salad but with Kale!), the Fiorentina Pizza, and the Rigatoni Chicken Vodka Beverly Hills Pasta!
• Hot Tip: This spot absolutely LOVES if you make a reservation. They do tend to get crowded during peak dinner hours, but even if you are going early, book on Open Table before you head in!
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Upcountry Maui Living

Upcountry Maui offers a laid-back lifestyle with many properties falling under Agricultural and Rural zoning, allowing for some extra space between neighbors. In addition, the convenience of amazing restaurants, outdoor activities and a short ride to the beach further add to the high demand for Upcountry properties. I’m passionate about food and Real Estate, feel free to reach out with any questions and be sure to say hi if you see me at one of these restaurants!