Mama’s Fish House

Glistening moi is caught off leeward Oahu, then wok-fried with Kula vegetables and topped with mango-lychee blackbean sauce. Deep-water ahi is hooked by Kamaki Everett outside his home port of Hana Bay, then peppercorn grilled with Hamakua mushroom-basil sauce and served with a side of sweet potato “mash.”

Mama’s Fish House reigns as royalty in 2009, when it comes to serving the Best Seafood on Maui. Readers voted for this landmark restaurant in Kuau, not only because of the sheer volume it serves, but because it utilizes only the freshest local products. And, you know it remains consistent as it’s a multiple previous winner in this prestigious classification.

“It’s nice to work for owners who care more about quality than price,” says longtime Executive Chef Perry Bateman. “We have no limitations, really, when it comes to buying the best. We serve the most expensive lobster in the world, from isolated Tristan Island (part of great Antarctica) and we buy the freshest catch from local fishermen.”

Mama’s even has its own “fish guru,” Mike Pascher, who examines fish brought in to the loading dock in front of his chilled Fish Room. After an intense inspection, his team slices and fillets countless whole specimens from the deep, and then Mama’s go on to sell it — and no other restaurant in the state of Hawaii can top its volume.

For those who want a taste of Polynesia, try the fresh mahimahi and pork laulau steamed in a ti leaf package, which is opened tableside by the waiter, who then pours aromatic coconut milk into it. The laulau is accompanied by grilled Hana banana and tropical fruit. Mama’s presentation of this timeless Hawaiian dish takes seafood to a whole new level.

First place:
Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Place
Kuau, Maui
808-579-8488

Second place:
The Maalaea Waterfront Restaurant
50 Hauoli St. • Maalaea • 808-244-9028

Third place:
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
1881 S. Kihei Road • Kihei • 808-879-0004
115 Bay Drive Unit 115 • Kapalua • 808-669-6286