Mama's Fish House
Paia, HI 96779-9708
Phone: (808) 579-9248
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Kaiholo Place
- Best of Citysearch:
- Romantic Dining 2005, Romantic Dining 2004
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-10pm
Editorial Review for Mama's Fish House – by Citysearch Staff
In Short
Once a private beach home, this friendly spot now serves up the freshest of fish, along with an ample amount of hospitality. The smallish restaurant is big on personality with a hip, retro interior that's reminiscent of Elvis's "Blue Hawaii." A bamboo ceiling and staff sporting flowers in their hair recreate the welcoming vibe of Old Hawaii. The daily menu proudly announces the day's fresh catches, along with the responsible fishermen. For lunch, try grilled ahi sandwich with smoked bacon and Maui onion dressing. Other tasty bites include delightfully crisp crab cakes and flaky shrimp wontons. Vegetarians can choose from an array of locally grown delicacies including breadfruit, paholo fern, roasted kukui nut and fresh hearts of palm. For dinner, the surf-and-turf option of filet mignon and Pacific lobster tail can't be beat. Finish off the meal with locally grown Maui Mountain Coffee.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoMama's can get crowded for lunch because of the lower-priced menu, so call ahead and find out the best time to beat the rush.
User Reviews for Mama's Fish House
07/02/2008 Posted by drxrys
This restaurant was highly recommended, but after looking at the menu and prices, I wondered why. I was told that the food was excellent and very fresh. The fish tasted good, but I have had much better at other restaurants for far less. I had a delicious fish dinner at the Four Seasons hotel restuarant in Maui and the price was less expensive there! I was really offended by the $16 cocktails. For that price, I expected the drinks to taste great and be in a large glass. I had a Mama's special cocktail and tasted a Pink Floyd cocktail and Mai Tai, all were flavorless and tasted like they had very little alcohol - definitely not worth $16. I had a much better Mai Tai at the Four Season's hotel and it was only $12 and I enjoyed it while taking in an awesome view there. The wait staff at Mama's were really friendly and nice, but considering everything that Mama's has to offer, they do not make the trip to Mama's and the cost of the dinner worth it. I would not return to this restaurant and I would not recommend it to anyone visiting Maui. If you do decide to eat at Mama's, try the Lilikoi creme brulee - it was delicious. Reviewed by someone who travels often and has eaten at many different types of restaurants.
Pros: ambiance and friendly atmosphere
Cons: overpriced, food is just OK, cocktails are awful and definitely not worth $16
05/17/2008 Posted by thepest
We have been to Mama's several times over the years, the last time in 2006. It has always been high priced but our visit this time was a great disappointment. As if the $16.00 cocktails are not bad enough, but the menu is way overpriced. The terrible onion soup is $12.00, with what seems like canned beef broth and no crouton or good gruyere cheese. The surf and turf is $115.00, and fish dishes are in the $45-55 range. Appetizers are expensive too. With a bottle of wine, expect to pay about $200.00 for dinner for two. If you pay high prices you expect perfection in food quality and service. After taking our order, the server, who looked like a spaced out beach bum, never came around again. Our food arrived COLD and the portions were small and mediocre in taste. We sent the food back and after a complaint session with the manager, who agreed that there were problems, we left without eating and paying for anything, since the manger comped the tab. We will never go back to what used to be our favorite restaurant on Maui. Better and cheaper choices are Maalaea Waterfront, Pacific'o in Lahaina, Kimo's, and Canoes for their earlybird special. At Waterfront, try their excellent Maui onion soup for $7.00.
Pros: location
Cons: prices, food quality
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