Aipono Awards

 

Maui No Ka ‘Oi magazine presents

‘Aipono Awards 2008 Readers’ Choice Restaurant Awards

The ballots are in, the votes are tallied, and we’re pleased as punch to announce the winners: the restaurants you told us you love. How do we know they’re so good? Because scores of readers—folks just like you—emphatically told us so.

With twenty-five dining categories, two winners in each, this is one list you can really sink your teeth into. Now you’ve no excuse for not impressing visiting family and friends, or sailing off on gustatory adventures beyond your own zip code.

To help you start booking your reservations, we’ve thoughtfully included complete contact info (see page 66). And if, by chance, you don’t agree with these choices, be sure to cast your votes next year!


Restaurant of the Year
Gold: Mama’s Fish House, Ku‘au
Silver: Pineapple Grill, Kapalua

Chef of the Year
Brian Etheredge
Capische, Wailea


Best New Restaurant
Gold: Duo, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea
Silver: Flatbread Company, P¯a‘ia

Most Romantic
Gold: Capische, Wailea
Silver: Plantation House, Kapalua

Most Innovative
Gold: Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina
Silver: Spago, Wailea

Best Take Out
Gold: Honokowai Okazuya, Honokowai
Silver: Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill, Lahaina

Best Hawai‘i Regional
Gold: Hali‘imaile General Store, Hali‘imaile
Silver: Roy’s Restaurants, multiple locations

Best Service
Gold: Lahaina Grill, Lahaina
Silver: Nick’s Fishmarket, Wailea

Best Waterfront Dining
Gold: Mama’s Fish House, K¯u‘au
Silver: Pacific’O, Lahaina

Best Dinner Value
Gold: Penne Pasta, Lahaina
Silver: Stella Blues, K¯ihei

Best Business Lunch
Gold: Class Act, Maui Culinary Academy, Kahului
Silver: Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe, Wailea

Best Vegetarian Fare
Gold: Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina
Silver: Joy’s Place, K¯ihei

Best Asian
Gold: A Saigon Café, Wailuku
Silver: Thai Chef, Lahaina

Best Breakfast
Gold: The Sea Watch Restaurant, Wailea
Silver: Charley’s, Pa‘ia

Best Plate Lunch
Goldz; Aloha Mixed Plate, Lahaina
Silver; Da Kitchen, multiple locations

Best Lu‘au
Gold: Old Lahaina Lu‘au, Lahaina
Silver: Feast at Lele, Lahaina

Best Wine List
Gold: Lahaina Grill, Lahaina
Silver: Pineapple Grill, Kapalua

Best Pau Hana
Gold: Mulligan’s on the Blue, Wailea
Silver: Café Marc Aurel, Wailuku

Best Dessert
Gold: Hali‘imaile General Store, Hali‘imaile
Silver: Duo, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea

Best Sushi
Gold: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, multiple locations
Silver: Sushi Paradise, K¯ihei

Most ‘Maui’-est
Gold: Aloha Mixed Plate, Lahaina
Silver: Mama’s Fish House, Ku‘au

Best Place to Eat in a Bathing Suit
Gold: Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill, Lahaina
Silver: P¯a‘ia Fishmarket, P¯a‘ia

Best Late Night Dining
Gold: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, multiple locations
Silver: Mulligan’s on the Blue, Wailea

Best Place to Dine with Kids
Gold: Flatbread Company, P¯a‘ia
Silver: Seascape M¯a‘alaea Restaurant, Maui Ocean Center, M¯a‘alaea

Best Lobby Lounge
Gold: Lobby Lounge, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea
Silver: Weeping Banyan Lounge, Hyatt Regency Maui, Lahaina

Best Kept Secret
Gold: Brigit & Bernard’s Garden Café, Kahului
Silver: Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Café, K¯ihei