Mama's Fish House

Alex and Allison on the beach at Mama's Fish House

Mama's Fish house on Maui is one of my all time favorite restaurants.  We went to this restaurant the last time we were in Maui, and it was definitely on the Must Do list for this trip as well.

When I reviewed this restaurant the first time, I mentioned it's resemblance to Trader Vic's, except this is the real deal.  It's right on the beach, but unlike most beachfront restaurants, it's got it's own private beach.  No "well-oiled tourists" wandering by as you eat.  The restaurant is indoors, but the fourth wall is non-existent; the restaurant just sort of melds into an open-air lanai, leading right out to the beach.

Caroline and Lani at the table in Mama's Fish House

And the food.  Oh the food.  So good.

Last time I was there, I had fish, which was wonderful, despite the fact that I'm not actually much of a seafood lover.  This time, in honor of my also-non-fish-eating brother (who was with me), I got the braised short ribs.  I have been addicted to braised short ribs ever since I ordered them at the France pavilion in Disney World, and these did not disappoint.  They were melt-in-your-mouth tender and incredibly flavorful.  With a dish like this, low fat is not what you are looking for, and these boneless ribs were just fatty enough to make them sinfully rich, without having big chunks of fat you need to trim.

They are very good about knowing their menu and explaining your gluten free options.  They even brought me out my own special appetizer (coconut spears) to substitute for the bread I couldn't eat.

Coconut Spears at Mama's Fish House

The meal was so rich that I didn't dare try a dessert, but instead opted for a glass of strawberry wine, made locally in Maui.  It was very nice (though not as good as Strawberry Splendor from Goosewatch in upstate New York).

I also had a "lava flow" with my dinner, which is a pina-colada with strawberry puree down one side of the glass.  Yummy.

Sandy and her "Lava Flow"

Mark and his Mai Tai

I have to say that by mainland standards, Mama's Fish House is incredibly pricey.  It worked out to about $50 per person.  On the other hand, restaurants on Maui are notoriously expensive, and this is one of the best restaurants I have every been to, so I'm going to say it's worth every penny.

Sandy