Mala an Ocean Tavern

Photo: Mala an Ocean Tavern
1307 Front Street, Lahaina
808- 667-9394
$$ - $$$
www.malaoceantavern.com

Photo: Mala an Ocean Tavern

Imagine an outstanding restaurant that features not just terrific atmosphere and food, but beautiful sunsets and surfing turtles, right on the water in Lahaina. Well known Chef Mark Ellman and his wife Judy took a rather run down small restaurant space, gutted it and created a light-filled, sophisticated restaurant/bar that serves great food in a beautiful space with an oceanfront lanai and charming interior. The philosophy of the restaurant is organic when possible, small plates, whole grains, no preservatives or hydrogenated oils and everything in proportion. Healthy, fresh as possible and it's all quite delicious. The menu is extensive with the Sat. & Sun. Brunch featuring eggs prepared in various ways, a local favorite, Teddy's Loco Moco, great French toast, Huevos Rancheros and even fresh fruit, yogurt & Muesli. Tavern food includes a wonderful Snake River Farms Kobe Beef Cheeseburger with Smoked Apple Wood bacon, caramelized onions, cheddar or Maytag blue cheese, with Frites (French fries), lettuce & tomato served on a Whole Wheat Bun - hard to beat this one. If you prefer fish over beef, they serve a terrific house made Ahi Burger with herbs & spices, Whole Wheat bun, Tartar sauce with lettuce, tomato and Frites.

Photo: Mala an Ocean Tavern

To start your meal try an order of house made olives, a tasty Seared Ahi Bruschetta or an order of Sugar Snap Peas with ginger, Sambal & Sesame, served medium or spicy. The Farmer's Salad is a good choice served with a Maple Dijon Vinaigrette, Kula greens, cucumber, tomato, Maytag Bleu Cheese and toasted walnuts. Entrees include delicious Steamed Manila clams and pita with a Ginger Garlic Black Bean Sauce or in the same sauce you can order a Whole Wok Fried Moi that will melt in your mouth. Another two entrees to try include the Balinese Stir-fry with fresh island fish, snap peas, Shiitake mushrooms and organic brown rice and the Prime Flat Iron Steak with caramelized onions, Ancho steak sauce and Frites.

Photo: Mala an Ocean Tavern

Leave room for dessert, especially Mark's Signature dish, Caramel Miranda that features a melted dark chocolate and caramel sauce covered plate with layered and broiled island fruit, including raspberries, Maui Gold pineapple, baby coconuts and vanilla Macadamia Nut Brittle ice cream - an absolutely dream dessert. There is a full bar - and even a mega Martini menu - and a nice selection of after dinner drinks and cocktails. This is a very popular restaurant, so reservations are recommended. Open Mon. to Fri. for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm, Happy Hour 3 to 5 pm, Dinner 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm or so. Sat. & Sun. brunch from 9 am to 3 pm, Happy Hour and Dinner hours are the same as weekdays, Sun. dinner from 4:30 to 9 pm.