Lunch at Mama's Fish House on Maui's North Shore

When you next visit Maui's North Shore, you absolutely must dine at Mama's Fish House. It's been a family-owned island institution since 1973 when the Christenson family set up shop. It's truly one of the finest restaurants we've encountered in our travels around the world. We love this place because the food is spectacular (the freshest of ingredients are served), the setting is gobstoppingly gorgeous (right on a white sand beach), and the service is attentive and friendly. (The family also operates an inn on the same premises.)

Executive chef Perry Bateman fuses ethnic Hawaiian recipes with German, Tahitian, and Asian influences to create something unique. While the menu at Mama's changes daily, here are a few favorite dishes that may be available when you visit:

• Ono & Ahi in a Coconut—Tahitian Style
  Ono and ahi marinated in coconut milk, lime, tomato, Maui onion, cumber, and cilantro served in a coconut with breadfruit crisps
  
  
• Seared Beef Polynesian
  With tomato, Maui onion, garlic, and cilantro and served in a grilled ripe papaya with olive oil and Kula lime juice
  
  
• Mahimahi
  Caught by DeWitt Lickle along the North Shore of Maui, the mahimahi is stuffed with lobster, crab, and Maui onion and is based in a macadamia nut crust
  
  
• Crispy Kalua Duck
  With Mango-mui glaze and baby bok choy
  
  
• Polynesian Black Pearl
  Chocolate mousse and Liliko'i cream in a pastry seashell

Mama's is not inexpensive, but it certainly is worth it. We highly recommend Mama's on Maui!

Here are some photos of the veritable feast we enjoyed last week at this excellent restaurant:

Ginger Bisque

Seared Ahi Tuna

Shrimp Wontons

Kula Tomato and Maui Onion Salad

Macadamian Nut-Crusted Pork and Grilled Shrimp

Opa

Mango Sorbet and Vanilla Ice Cream

Polynesian Black Pearl Chocolate Dessert

Polynesian Black Pearl Chocolate Dessert

Where: Mama's Fish House is located at 799 Poho Place in Paia, right off the Hana Highway near Kalholo Place.

When: Mama's is open for lunch daily, 11:00 am to 3:45 pm. Dinner is served from 4:15 pm to closing.

Reservations: Call (808) 579-8488 between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm HST, or reserve your table online.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photos courtesy of Leonard Hospidor