Bright, bold flavors and refreshing takes on familiar dishes are cornerstones of the philosophy towards food at Star Noodle. A mainstay on the Maui culinary scene since 2010, the popular restaurant has made a name for itself with its fresh, house-made noodles and inviting family-style dining. Located in Lahaina on iconic Front Street overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this popular restaurant offers everything from steaming bowls of ramen to sharable plates inspired by the flavors of Japanese, Filipino and Southeast Asian cooking. Whether you are gathering with friends or enjoying a meal with loved ones, the vibrant atmosphere at Star Noodle and expertly crafted dishes will make every visit memorable. 

Director of Food and Beverage, Nicky Boskoff, explains that the restaurant’s long-time success is largely due to the restaurant’s inventive menu. “We pride [ourselves] and focus our energy on taking Asian dishes and exploring them, taking apart the recipe, thinking, tasting. Then, we create the dish in a way [that is] unique to Star Noodle,” says Boskoff. By taking familiar dishes and flavors, and revamping them with their creative twist, guests can explore the flavors of Asia in a way that is both relatable and yet new. Another key to their success is the family-style dining which allows guests to try a wider variety of dishes and enjoy different flavors and textures in a relaxed atmosphere. “Our menu is based on Asian small plates. Everything is designed to be shared, from our house-made noodles to the specialty plates,” adds Boskoff. 

To start your meal, you can order a few of Boskoff’s favorites, including the Ahi Belly and Grilled Tako. Located on Star Noodle’s “Star’s Stars” portion of the menu, the Ahi Belly is served with slices of ginger and pickled onions, topped with fried garlic chips and lemon-pressed olive oil. The tako is located on their “Shares” portion of the menu and features a substantial serving of grilled octopus served with an Asian herb pesto and topped with refreshing pickled onions.

When it comes time to decide which noodle dishes to order, it can be an exciting challenge because of the different types of noodles offered and flavor combinations. From the Hapa Ramen with rich pork broth to the Star Udon, which features their thick and chewy homemade udon noodles served with roasted pork belly and a soft-boiled egg, their noodle dishes are out of this world. They deliver the perfect balance of flavors and sauces, keeping each bite exciting.

The Garlic Noodles is one noodle dish Boskoff highly recommends and keeps devotees returning for more. These start with cooked ramen noodles sautéed in garlic oil and minced garlic. Shortly after the noodles are loosened in the oil, a sweet shoyu (soy sauce) and hondashi (Japanese bonito stock) sauce is added to the pan. Once the sauce is evenly distributed, the noodles are plated and garnished with green onions, creating the perfect sharing dish.  But after a few bites, you may decide to keep this one for yourself and order another round for the table ... it’s that delicious.   

Another must-try on their menu is the Pork Shumai, which starts with a savory mixture of pork and spices, tucked into an egg dough wrapper before being steamed. The tender shumai is served on a lettuce bed and topped with a drizzle of mustard shoyu sauce. 

But no matter how much you order, save some room for dessert, which is equally as popular as their savory dishes. One great ending to your meal is the Annin Doufu, a Japanese-style silky almond panna cotta served with Jasmine tea syrup, a delicately sweet dish and a refreshing finish to a flavorful meal. If you are in the mood for something more indulgent, their Matcha Tiramisu might be the perfect dessert for you. This twist on the classic Italian dessert blends earthy matcha and nutty black sesame with the velvety texture of mascarpone cheese. 

To pair with your meal, Star Noodle’s beverage menu has an extensive selection featuring diverse beers, wines, sake, shochu and Japanese whiskey, ensuring something to suit every taste. If you want to treat yourself to something extra special, enjoy one of their expertly crafted cocktails or mocktails. One cocktail that is perfect at any time during your meal is the Celebration, which serves as the perfect palate cleanser, blending vibrant flavors of passion-orange-mango vodka, sparkling sake and a touch of zesty yuzu (Japanese citron) juice for an invigorating sip. For those who want to indulge in the flavor but pass on the alcohol, Star Noodle offers numerous mocktails to add some fun to your meal. The Mt. Fuji features Fuji apple cordial and cold brewed oolong tea, combining the fruity notes of apples with the aromatic richness of tea for a refreshing experience. 

For nearly two decades, Star Noodle has consistently delivered exceptional flavors and unforgettable dining experiences, earning a loyal following of guests who continue to rave about the quality and creativity of their dishes. After the devastating Lahaina wildfires, Star Noodle re-opened at their Front Street location next to a few restaurants on a small stretch of land. With everything safe and secure in the area where the restaurants are open, now is the perfect time to support this beloved local restaurant that relies on the community’s support to keep business strong. 

Star Noodle, 1287 Front Street, Lahaina; (808) 667-5400; starnoodle.com; open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended.