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THE GOOD EATS GUIDE

Top James Beard-Recognized Chefs and Their Restaurants in Maui

Maui’s vibrant culinary scene is filled with talented chefs who have been honored by the James Beard Foundation, a testament to their dedication to showcasing Hawaii’s unique flavors and local ingredients. Here’s a closer look at some of Maui’s most celebrated chefs and the incredible restaurants they lead.


 

1. Chef Sheldon Simeon – Tiffany’s, Wailuku


Chef Sheldon Simeon is a household name in Hawaii's culinary scene, known for his modern take on traditional Hawaiian cuisine. As a James Beard semifinalist and Top Chef fan favorite, Sheldon has brought his signature style to Tiffany’s Bar & Grill in Wailuku. Under his leadership, Tiffany’s offers an eclectic mix of Asian and Hawaiian comfort foods, with standout dishes like mochiko chicken, oxtail soup, and kalbi beef. With deep roots in Hawaiian culture and an unwavering passion for local flavors, Chef Simeon continues to elevate Maui’s dining landscape.


  • Location: 1424 Lower Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793

  • Specialties: Mochiko Chicken, Korean Kalbi Beef, Garlic Noodles


 

2. Chef Jeff Scheer – Marlow, Pukalani


Chef Jeff Scheer, a 2024 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific, has made a name for himself with his dedication to farm-to-table dining. At Marlow, his Pukalani-based restaurant, he focuses on wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients. With an emphasis on quality and simplicity, Chef Scheer’s creations highlight the best of Maui’s agricultural bounty in a cozy, family-friendly setting.

  • Location: 55 Pukalani St, Pukalani, HI 96768

  • Specialties: Wood-Fired Pizza, Fresh Pasta, Seasonal Ingredients

 

3. Chef Jojo Vasquez – Fond, Lahaina


Recognized as a James Beard semifinalist in 2022, Chef Jojo Vasquez brings a unique blend of global influences to his restaurant Fond, located in Lahaina. Vasquez, who previously worked at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, blends local Hawaiian flavors with techniques inspired by his extensive travels and diverse culinary background. Fond is known for its innovative small plates, fresh seafood, and artfully plated dishes that highlight Hawaii’s multicultural heritage.


  • Location: 5095 Napilihau St, Lahaina, HI 96761

  • Specialties: Creative Small Plates, Fresh Seafood, Locally Inspired Cuisine


 

4. Chef Lee Anne Wong – Papa'aina, Lahaina


Chef Lee Anne Wong, a 2023 James Beard semifinalist, is the force behind Papa'aina, a highly acclaimed breakfast and brunch spot nestled in the historic Pioneer Inn in Lahaina. Wong’s menu is a love letter to Hawaii, offering a creative fusion of local ingredients with global influences. Signature dishes such as her Hawaiian-style loco moco and kimchi fried rice have made Papa'aina a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.


  • Location: 658 Wharf St, Lahaina, HI 96761

  • Specialties: Loco Moco, Kimchi Fried Rice, Hawaiian Fusion


 

5. Chef Isaac Bancaco – Formerly of Ka'ana Kitchen, Wailea


Chef Isaac Bancaco, a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest, made a significant impact during his tenure at Ka'ana Kitchen at the Andaz Maui Resort. Known for his innovative use of locally sourced ingredients, Bancaco’s menus celebrated Maui’s agricultural richness with dishes like Ahi Tataki and Big Island ribeye. While he has since moved on to other ventures, his influence on Maui’s farm-to-table movement remains profound.


  • Location: 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753 (Andaz Maui)

  • Specialties: Ahi Tataki, Big Island Ribeye, Seasonal Farm-to-Table Cuisine


 

6. Chef Peter Merriman – Merriman's Maui, Kapalua


Chef Peter Merriman is a pioneering figure in Hawaii Regional Cuisine and a multiple-time James Beard nominee. His restaurant, Merriman's Maui, located in Kapalua, offers one of the most celebrated farm-to-table dining experiences on the island. Merriman’s dishes, such as macadamia nut-crusted fish and grass-fed beef, highlight his commitment to sustainability and the use of local ingredients.


  • Location: 1 Bay Club Pl, Kapalua, HI 96761

  • Specialties: Macadamia Nut-Crusted Fish, Grass-Fed Beef, Farm-to-Table Dishes


 

7. Chef Bev Gannon – Hali'imaile General Store & Gannon's, Maui


Chef Bev Gannon, an acclaimed James Beard nominee, has been a cornerstone of Maui's dining scene for decades. Her iconic restaurant, Hali'imaile General Store, located in Upcountry Maui, offers a unique blend of Hawaiian and global flavors in dishes such as Szechuan-style baby back ribs and macadamia nut-crusted fish. Gannon's other venture, Gannon's Restaurant, in Wailea, continues to attract visitors with its breathtaking ocean views and inventive menu.

  • Hali'imaile General Store: 900 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, HI 96768

  • Gannon's: 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

  • Specialties: Szechuan Baby Back Ribs, Macadamia Nut-Crusted Fish, Island-Inspired Cuisine


 

Maui's James Beard-recognized chefs have played a crucial role in shaping the island’s culinary identity. With a commitment to sustainability, local ingredients, and inventive flavor combinations, these chefs and their restaurants continue to attract food lovers from around the world. Whether you're craving refined island cuisine or comforting local favorites, these establishments offer unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate the spirit of Hawaii.

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