Taverna Maui

A Local’s Review of Lunch in Kapalua

Taverna Maui sits at the heart of Kapalua, offering a laid-back yet upscale experience right on the golf course. On a recent perfect Maui afternoon, I decided to take my family there for lunch. With our two kids in tow, my wife and I had the chance to see if Taverna was worth the buzz it’s been getting. Here’s our take on the whole experience—straightforward, honest, and without the fluff.

Taverna Maui
The Bay Course – Kapalua
2000 Village Road
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 667-CIAO (2426)
Taverna Maui

Atmosphere & Setting

We opted for outdoor seating, as the weather was ideal. Taverna’s patio overlooks the rolling green of the Kapalua Bay Course (driving range), a scene that immediately sets us at ease. There was a light breeze, and we watched golfers in the distance—close enough for some atmosphere but far enough that it didn’t feel intrusive. The environment is casual but refined, a balance that Taverna seems to have nailed.

Service

Service was attentive without being overbearing. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely cared about our experience. We arrived during happy hour, just moments after lunch had been closed, but he talked the kitchen into serving us whatever we wanted. He checked in regularly but wasn’t pushy—a delicate balance that not every restaurant gets right. Considering we had our two kids with us, I appreciated that he was accommodating and patient.

The Food: Honest Impressions

Now to the most important part: the food. We ordered a variety of dishes to get a good sense of what Taverna has to offer for lunch.

• Fritto Misto: This was a mixed bag of calamari, shrimp, and seasonal vegetables, all lightly fried. It arrived crisp and hot, with a nice balance between the seafood and the vegetables. The calamari was tender, and the shrimp were perfectly cooked—no rubbery texture here. The portion size was generous, making it an ideal starter for sharing. My son took it upon himself to polish it off.
• Margherita Pizza: We also ordered the Margherita pizza. With its thin, crisp crust and fresh ingredients, it was a hit, especially with the kids. The tomato sauce was bright and flavorful, not overly sweet, and the mozzarella was fresh. It’s simple but done right—and that’s all you can really ask for with a classic like this. We all ended up having at least one slice. We especially enjoyed watching the chef make it in the outdoor oven close to our table.
• Tagliere: This sandwich was perfect, featuring a mix of cured meats, cheeses, and rich sauce. It offered a good variety of flavors without overwhelming the palate. The prosciutto stood out—thinly sliced and not overly salty. The bread was fired in the pizza oven. Basically, it is a very light, airy pizza dough folded in half. It was perfect!!!!!
• Cesare with Fish: We also ordered a Caesar salad topped with their catch of the day. The salad was fresh, with crisp romaine, an underwhelming dressing, and a dusting of Parmesan. The fish was cooked perfectly: flaky, moist, and seasoned just enough to enhance its natural flavor without overpowering it. It really needed some salt. The dressing was pretty bland.

What Worked (and What Didn’t)

Overall, we were pleased with our meal, but a few things could be improved. The food was generally well-prepared, with fresh ingredients and attention to detail. The standout dish for me was the Tagliere, while the Margherita pizza and Fritto Misto were solid options that did what they needed to do. The salad was a big miss, unfortunately.

Pricing is also something to consider. Taverna is more costly than more simple lunch spots, and while I’m all for paying for quality, the lunch menu might be a bit steep for some. It’s pretty on par (pun intended) with pricing across the island in resort areas. Basically, you’re paying for a good meal with an incredible view.

Final Thoughts

Would we come back? Absolutely, but probably for dinner or a special lunch when we’re in the mood to linger and enjoy the view. The setting, the attentive service, and the quality of the food all made for a pleasant afternoon. It’s easy to see why Taverna has become a staple in Kapalua—it’s got that mix of casual elegance that works well for both visitors and locals.

For more info and reservations, visit Taverna Maui.

Mahalo for reading!