Mala Ocean Tavern

Mala Ocean Tavern reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. C

   Cindy

   Nevada18 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The server was very good. Always good ambience courtesy of Mother Nature. Unfortunately Mala has not returned to their yummy pre-Covid menu with more choices. Sides and preparations often miss the mark for us. Tonight a whole fried opakapaka was our choice. The menu stated the dish came Yukon Gold mash potatoes (or steamed rice or sweet potato) and vegetables with a black bean sauce drizzled over. The vegetables were overcooked, blended with the black bean sauce and into the mashed potatoes which were hardly present. The whole fish was presented beautifully atop the vegetable concoction which unfortunately a pile of mixed mush. The fish was moist, skin crunchy-crispy and very salted. The fish was very good by itself, thankfully. Honestly, we chose the fish because we couldn't figure out what else to order. We always love opakaka and it isn't a fish that is always available. In the past, the food has been very good at Mala. It is the menu that doesn't seem to have many interesting choices. I heard the original owners sold Mala a few years ago. Whatever the reason, we noticed the last few times eaten here, we didn't really find much of interest on the menu. All told, I'm not sure if we will return, for the reasons mentioned.
   

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2. R

   Ray VIP

   Los Angeles64 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   As always, Mala was delicious and provided great service.
   

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3. C

   Cynthia VIP

   New York City29 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great Location right over the water. Service was outstanding, Melanie was awesome , she kept checking in on us and our water glasses were never empty. Her recommendations were so good. We started with Ahi bruschetta, 10/10, we ordered the fresh catch to share the opakapaka , almost 3 pounds! Served with mashed purple Potatoes , rice, Yukon gold potatoes and French beans with a sauce fresh ginger lemon. Such an explosion of flavors. We always come to Mala Tavern when on island they never disappoint !
   

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4. C

   Carol

   Milwaukee13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Lovely restaurant and welcoming staff. Food was superb and ambiance to write home about. Stunning. Topped off by watching sea turtles pop their heads up to say hello before diving for more algae on the lava rocks. I recommend it highly!
   

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5. G

   Gretchen

   Hawaii5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A family of 8, we had a wonderful dining e. The food, service and atmosphere were excellent. Kenny was an outstanding server. He read ahead of time my notes and was fully prepared for our celebrations as well as our toddler grandson. Everyone’s meals were tasty, from breakfast plates to Mahi Mahi to medium rare steak. The hibiscus mimosa was lovely. We were comfortable and welcome and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The lovely ocean breeze and sound of the waves made it perfect.
   

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6. J

   Jeremy VIP

   Tahoe19 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Heavenly Maui Mornings at Māla: A Breakfast to Remember Breakfast at Māla Ocean Tavern in Maui wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience, and one I won’t forget anytime soon. I started with the smoked salmon eggs Benedict special, and let me tell you—special is an understatement. Perfectly poached eggs rested on a bed of delicate smoked salmon, layered over a gluten-free English muffin that didn’t just hold up—it showed up. The hollandaise sauce was silky and tangy, draping everything in richness without overpowering the natural flavors. Every bite was luxurious and balanced—like breakfast met a beachside spa. Next came the ham and cheese omelette—a classic done very right. Fluffy eggs, hearty ham, and gooey cheese came together like a morning symphony. Paired with a side of bacon that was crisped to golden perfection, it was the kind of meal that resets your entire day. I couldn’t choose between drinks, so I had all three—and I have zero regrets. The cold brew coffee was bold and chilled just right, the hot coffee offered deep, comforting warmth, and the orange juice tasted like it had been squeezed fresh from a tree that morning. Tropical, bright, and alive. And finally, the gluten-free toast—often an afterthought at most places—was genuinely delicious. Crunchy on the outside, soft in the center, and perfect for soaking up every last bit of hollandaise or jam. Māla didn’t just serve breakfast—they served a moment. And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself there, don’t skip a single item. This is Maui magic on a plate.
   

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7. S

   Susan

   Hawaii1 review

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Absolutely wonderful spot! Amazing ambiance food and service!
   

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8. M

   Marlon

   Chicago16 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Incredible food and views, highly recommended visit
   

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9. R

   Richard VIP

   San Francisco2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Perfect waterfront location; excellent food, much of it locally sourced,
   

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10. D

    Deanna

    Seattle9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Lunch was fabulous-great food and fun attentive server made for a special afternoon! Look forward to returning next time we are in Maui. Thank you!
    

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