I spent over $450 at the best fine-dining restaurant in the US, and I'm already planning my next visit

Ashley ProbstJan 4, 2023, 22:49 IST

My meal at Lahaina Grill included a caviar deviled egg that cost $28.Ashley Probst

I dined at Lahaina Grill, which Tripadvisor ranked as the US' best fine-dining restaurant in 2022.
My date and I agreed that our experience was worth the steep $450 bill, which included tips.

Tripadvisor ranked Lahaina Grill as the best fine-dining restaurant in the US in 2022.

The exterior of Lahaina Grill, a top-ranked restaurant in Hawaii.Ashley Probst

I made a reservation a few weeks ahead of time.

The only available table was during the evening's last seating.Ashley Probst

Our table wasn't ready upon arrival, so we ordered drinks at the bar.

We ordered cocktails as we waited for our table to be ready.Ashley Probst

I tried the pho cocktail, a gin drink featuring pho-spiced syrup and habanero bitters.

Lahaina Grill's pho cocktail and an improved whiskey cocktail.Ashley Probst

We were both intrigued by the salad station that was set up in the bar area.

My date and I didn't expect to see a salad station behind the bar.Ashley Probst

The hostess returned to seat us before we finished our drinks.

I perused Lahaina Grill's menu as soon as I sat down.Ashley Probst

The dining room was equipped to host both large parties and intimate date nights.

Pretty much every table in Lahaina Grill's dining room was filled.Ashley Probst

Historical images adorned the restroom walls.

A black-and-white photo of Hotel Lahaina in 1938.Ashley Probst

Our table had views of the lively restaurant and the colorful artwork hanging on the walls.

My date didn't love the colorful paintings, but I thought they gave the restaurant a unique personality.Ashley Probst

The table setting had a fine-dining feel, but I wasn't impressed by the napkin arrangements.

I thought the napkins could've been folded into a more intricate design.Ashley Probst

The chef and owner introduced himself to every table.

The service was fantastic from start to finish.Ashley Probst

The server gave us bread rolls with herb-garlic butter that was marked with Lahaina Grill's logo.

The server brought us bread and herb-garlic butter.Ashley Probst

The appetizer menu offered a variety of rare delicacies — like caviar deviled eggs, foie gras, and wagyu-beef ravioli.

Our caviar deviled eggs arrived late, so the server gave us a complimentary dessert.Ashley Probst

The foie gras melted in our mouths and overflowed with flavor.

The foie gras was a rich, decadent way to kick off the meal.Ashley Probst

My date tried the seafood special for their main course.

Lahaina Grill's seafood special.Ashley Probst

I ordered the rack of lamb, one of the most expensive entrées on the menu.

The rack of lamb was one of the most expensive items on the menu.Ashley Probst

We ended our meal with a complimentary dessert sample platter.

My favorite dessert was the triple-berry pie.Ashley Probst

My date and I paired our dessert with espresso martinis.

We finished the night with a round of espresso martinis.Ashley Probst

The bill came out to about $365, and we paid a total of over $450 after factoring in gratuity.

I dined at Lahaina Grill for the first time, and the famous Maui restaurant didn't disappoint.Ashley Probst

We've already made a game plan for our next visit.

Next time my date and I dine at Lahaina Grill, we'll eat at the bar.Ashley Probst

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