8 Best Restaurants in Upcountry, Maui

While the rest of Makawao Town eases into the day, fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this garden café in the shade of a sprawling Argentinian coral tree. With options like huevos rancheros, French toast, and housemade biscuits and gravy, it feels like Sunday brunch every day.

Chef-restaurateur Beverly Gannon's first restaurant remains a culinary destination after more than 30 years, serving exquisite dishes like Bev's Famous Crab Pizza, sashimi napoleon, BBQ pork sandwich, and the macadamia nut--crusted fresh catch. There are daily and nightly specials, hand-crafted cocktails, and local beers as well. The big, rambling former plantation store has two dining rooms; both are usually full, so reservations are encouraged.

One of Makawao's landmarks is T. Komoda Store and Bakery, a mom-and-pop shop that has changed very little over the last century. If you arrive early enough, you can get an incredible "stick" doughnut, cream-filled malasadas, or delicious cream puffs. The store makes hundreds daily but sells out.

An authentic Italian ristorante, Casanova is smack dab in the middle of Maui's paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao. Imported from Italy, the brick wood-burning oven has turned out perfect pies and steaming-hot focaccia for more than 20 years. Sunday brunch is new and exciting, with omelets ordered to your liking, specialty benedicts, and flowing mimosas. Generous portions and fresh, local ingredients make Casanova the perfect stop.

If you're taking a drive through the gorgeous Upcountry, this is a great place to stop for a truly homegrown, organic cup of coffee. The Franco family has been perfecting their coffee since 1918, growing the beans, handpicking, drying them under the Maui sun, then roasting them at the coffeehouse. Their menu is a true reflection of local culture, the meals tutu (grandma) made for the ohana (family). Pop in or order take-out online; the baked goods, bagels, or burgers will hit the spot.

Nestled on the slopes of Haleakala, this bistro's atmosphere is reminiscent of trattorias in northern Italy. Serving up home-style food with a splash of Italian, this eatery makes the scenic drive worth it. Start the day with any of their benedicts, frittatas, or the indulgent white chocolate macadamia nut pancakes. Grab any one of their outstanding paninis for lunch, or enjoy dinner from specialty pasta, prime rib, house-made vegetable lasagna, signature pizzas, to the local favorite loco moco.

This roadside Thai food truck fronts the 40-acre Maui Nui Farm, owned by Nui and Kit. You can expect fresh produce and ingredients that change with the seasons. The menu changes often, but everything is delicious. The curry and pad Thai are perennial favorites. Stop and grab a bite to eat, then tour their beautiful farm.

A Makawao staple since 1981, Polli's is set in the town's only intersection. Polli's is a lively Mexican restaurant that serves up the best fish tacos on the Island. The portions are generous, with classic fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas; there are vegetarian options.