Thursday, April 19, 2012

Alternate option to Mama's Fishhouse

Hi. My husband and I are visiting Maui in April. We are staying in the Wailea area for 4 nights. One of those nights, we would like to go out on a %26#39;date night%26#39;. Some place with good service, yummy food, and has a good atmosphere (preferably nice view or outside dining). We love fresh fish. So, because of the above, I thought that Mama%26#39;s Fish House would be a good option. However, after reading some of the reviews, although I know it would likely be an awesome dining experience, my husband is not too happy about the cost, which seems to be higher/pp compared to reviews of other nice restaurants in the area. So, can anyone suggest a restaurant in the Wailea area that would be an alternate option to Mama%26#39;s where we could have our %26#39;Date Night?%26#39;





We are already planning to dine at Sansei and Cafe O%26#39;Lei two of the nights based upon reader recommendations.





I have also seen good reviews about Nick%26#39;s Fishmarket and Capische? Any thoughts on those restaurants? Will these options be as better %26#39;bang for the buck%26#39; than Mama%26#39;s? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.



Alternate option to Mama's Fishhouse


Spago at the Four Seasons - we liked it so much we ate there twice when we were there in November. We%26#39;ve been to Mama%26#39;s 3 times on 3 different trips. First time was amazing, second time not so much, third time....well, it was downright bad. We were waffling on whether or not we should give them a 4th try, but decided it was too expensive for a marginal experience.





We almost didn%26#39;t go to Spago because of bad reviews here, but we are glad we did.





We went to Nick%26#39;s a few years back. It was fairly good but it didn%26#39;t have a view. We haven%26#39;t been back, so I guess we didn%26#39;t like it that much.



Alternate option to Mama's Fishhouse


I have always loved Capische? but it had been a while since I was there and I forgot amazing the place is. I was there earlier this week for a holiday meal and I can once again say that this place is probably the best restaurant on the island. You are not beachfront, but the setting is still truly special. I like to eat on the rail overlooking the garden.





Our meals came out to about $75 per person, but it was worth every single bite, from the pu`upu`u to after dinner limoncello.





I don%26#39;t know what Brian puts in those pumpkin gnocchi, but they are incredible. The truffle risotto, `ahi bruschetta, and the tomato bisque are equally delicious, and I was glad I was with three others so we could try four different items. Good to know: they will also prepare half orders for you, if you can%26#39;t decide. Prices for starters are $12-$22 dollars





And even though are not a seafood restaurant per se, they serve some of the best fish preparations I have ever had. I usually go for the cioppino ($52), but their truffled `ahi (~$38) trumps anything I have ever had at Mama%26#39;s. They also have scallops and a daily catch, again around $40. Lamb, veal, beef and chicken choices complete the menu. Most entrees are under $40, except the cioppino and the beef selection, which is usually filet and market price.





Dessert, Tahitian vanilla creme brulée, maybe $15? By dessert I wasn%26#39;t paying attention to the prices or the other choices. Other prices: specialty cocktail, martinis, $18, wine by the glass, $8 and up, regular cocktails, $8 or 9, beer, $5 and up. I remember this because I paid the pre-dinner bar tab and I laughed about the prices because what else can you do when the bar tab is as much as a dinner tab elsewhere?





Also, Barry Flanagan and Eric Gilliom will be doing Wailea Nights at Capische? beginning Dec 20. I don%26#39;t details on other dates.





Since the place is very small, reservations are usually recommended, but, sadly, when we were their last week the place was nearly empty and you could have walked in no problem. It is off-season, though, and if you are gong to be here during the holidays I strongly suggest calling ahead.





When we left we were discussing how there are many places on Maui where you can spend $100/person for dinner, but that none really compare to Capische for value and taste. The portions are really good sized, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the intimate setting is just perfect.





I have not been back to Nick%26#39;s in a few years, and, honestly, it is off our radar. I don%26#39;t recall anyone I know saying they have been there in a while. It is good, it is pricey, but it is not, IMO, a wow.




Thanks for the info on Nicks. i was concerned about this restaurant because it seems like not many people recommend it on these forums as a %26#39;must dine.%26#39; A friend of mine personally recommended it, but they were in Hawaii 3 years ago, and from what I am reading, things have obviously changed since they went.





I appreciate the posting on Capische prices. Since the menu on their website is very limited and does not offer prices, it helps me see what else they offer in food options and what the price is compared to Mama%26#39;s. So far, this is the restaurant that I%26#39;ve seen continually pop up in TA forums as a good choice and right now is the front runner.





I haven%26#39;t looked into Spago, but I%26#39;ll check on that one as well.





Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!




This is an easy one-Plantation House at Kapaula-incredable 5 star food-great atomsphere with a sunset view to die for-food that is worth the value-not a big mama%26#39;s fan




If you want to stay in the neighborhood in South Maui, three of the islands top restauarants are just up the beach at the Four Seasons - Spago, Duo, and Ferraro%26#39;s. Duo is our new favorite on Maui, but for that shore-side open air dining, it doesn%26#39;t get much better than dining. You can check out their menuus here... http://www.fourseasons.com/maui/dining.html





If you are up for the 45 minute drive to West Maui there are some excellent options there as well to consider. Merriman%26#39;s at Kapalua Bay, and the Seahouse on Napili Bay offer terrific beachside dining. The Plantation House is up on the mountainside at the Kapalua Plantation Course club house. But the sunset views up there are awesome and the food is fantastic.




Sorry - once again I wish TA had an edit function. Meant to say that at the Four Seasons, it doesn%26#39;t get much better than Ferraro%26#39;s for outside dining on the shoreline.




Duo and Ferraro%26#39;s look like they have a nice dining atmosphere and they would be close to our hotel (Marriott Wailea). I%26#39;m not sure we want to drive 45 minutes to the West Shore as we will have driven up to Haleakala that morning and I think something close to the hotel for dinner would be nice.





Quick question - are the prices for dining at the Four Seasons less than Mama%26#39;s Fish House? There are no prices listed on their website menus. If they are less, then Mama%26#39;s must really be pricey! =)




Mama%26#39;s is no more expensive than the Spago, Duo, Ferraro%26#39;s bunch. Mama%26#39;s is so romantic and beautiful, and the food is so delicious. They have the best atmosphere. Humuhumi is probably a little more affordable (at Grand Wailea) and is very romantic with a beautiful view overlooking the ocean. They also have a mai tai they call ';Lover%26#39;s drink'; that you can share for only about $19 and it is HUGE! A second affordable option is Roy%26#39;s in Kihei. The atmosphere is not one like the outdoors ones, but the food is KILLER, just as good or better than the others. Get the chocolate souffle if you go there.




We also liked Duo%26#39;s at the Four Seasons. We both had Ono (mine had citrus butter sauce, hubby%26#39;s had just butter %26amp; herbs), and we agreed that it was far better than Mama%26#39;s. My husband also had a steak there on another night, and it was very good. The view is of the pool area at the Four Seasons, which is very nice.





Ferraro%26#39;s has the best view - they are right above Wailea Beach, but the food was slightly better at Duo.




Here%26#39;s a picture of Ferraro%26#39;s:





tripadvisor.com/…18592757





Or just go to the reviews of the FS Maui and look at the pictures.

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