Mala Ocean Tavern

Mala Ocean Tavern Restaurant Review:

Chef Mark Ellman---the man behind the late Avalon and Maui Tacos---is back with Mala, an ocean tavern. He mixes crowd pleasers (huge Kobe-style beef burgers), local produce (organic when possible), a specials list of more upscale dishes (saffron-braised ahi over creamy polenta, grilled opah with mojo verde) and small-plate servings to create a casual waterfront restaurant that's a Lahaina hot spot. The tapas-style dishes are bigger than the usual grazing size. And while the regular menu items may read overly familiar---guacamole, fried calamari---they're all made with choice ingredients, often locally grown. And what really sets this modern American bistro apart is its wine list, dotted with exclusive boutique vintages from California wineries. Reservations are recommended---try to grab a lanai table overlooking the water.