The newly-transformed Cafe O’Lei at the Mill House serves up fresh island eats made with artistic flair. Set in the center of the Maui Tropical Plantation, this Wailuku favorite lets you kick back in tropical paradise while enjoying brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert and drinks. Although they are under new ownership, their fine dining aesthetic, flavorful foods, and incredible views are just as good as before.
While their grounds are gorgeous enough all on their own, the natural backdrops beyond take the view to the next level. If you land in the Sugar Room, you’ll get to gaze upon the East Maui Mountains all throughout the meal. End up in the main dining room instead? Enjoy looking at the beauty of the Waikapu Valley as you dine in style.
You’re also welcome to eat outside on the back patio when it’s available if you want an open-air dining experience. From that vantage point, you can enjoy the crisp island air while getting a close look at all the tropical plants on the grounds. No matter where you sit at Cafe O’Lei, you can expect exceptional service every step of the way. From the warm Alohas when you walk in to the attentive service through the end of your meal, it’s clear that the staff want you to feel right at home.
The fine dining setting, gorgeous views, and friendly service at Cafe O’Lei are sure to win you over, but the real magic is in their food. As a family-owned and operated joint, they put their whole hearts into the creation of every dish. From dreaming up the recipes and sourcing fresh ingredients to carefully preparing every selection and plating it up with artistic flair, they take pride in all they do to ensure you have a fantastic dining experience.
Fan favorites on the menu at Cafe O’Lei include:
Pork Belly Bao
The Pork Belly Bao lets you whet your appetite with savory flavors that’ll leave you craving more. They create this lunchtime appetizer by frying up pork belly until it’s perfectly crisp. Then, they put it in Chinese sweet buns along with green papaya salad.
Maui Onion Soup en Croute
Served as a first bites share plate, the Maui Onion Soup en Croute kicks off your meal with its rich, bold flavors. They start their onion soup early in the day to let the flavors meld together. For each order, they put a hearty serving of soup in a ramekin, add gruyere cheese, and put a puffy pastry crust over top, and then brown it up in the oven.
Sauteed Mahi Mahi
When you’re looking for all the best island flavors in every bite, you absolutely must try the Sauteed Mahi Mahi at Cafe O’Lei. To prepare this entrée, they saute fresh mahi-mahi in a Thai curry before topping it with mango compote, toasted coconut, and cashews. Steamed rice in a banana leaf arrives alongside to help you pick up all the flavorful sauce in every bite.
While their food might be the main focus, Cafe O’Lei goes all out in creating their specialty cocktails as well. So, don’t miss the chance to enjoy their signature drinks, like the ever-popular Cane Fire Martini. Made with lilikoi puree, citrus vodka, and their incredible Hawaiian chili pepper water, this cocktail has all the flavors you could want in a drink, but it doesn’t end there. The Cointreau float is an extra special touch that brings it all together and shows their dedication to your satisfaction sip after sip.
Insider Tips:
-Want to get an appetizer and a drink discount? Zip in from 3 pm to 5 pm any day of the week for happy hour.
-Since Cafe O’Lei is a popular venue for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions, their outdoor tables are often reserved for private parties.
-If you’re looking to put your culinary journey firmly in their hands, go for the daily business express lunch. This three-course meal is perfectly curated to satisfy your every craving without any fuss from you.