Seemor
Matteo's OsteriaB+Worth Trying
161 Wailea Ike Pl A107, Wailea, HI 96753
· Italian restaurant, Bar, Family restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (906 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Polished Italian in Wailea delivering standout pastas and short ribs, strong gluten-free options, and attentive service, with premium pricing and some reports of rushed seating and inconsistent hospitality.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Matteo's Osteria delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with strong food quality anchored by house-made pastas and braised short ribs that earn consistent praise. However, inconsistent execution during busy periods—occasional bland dishes and rushed pacing—prevents grade A territory. Attentive service and warm design are genuine strengths, but tight seating and Wailea-level pricing without exceptional distinction keep this a reliable but not exceptional choice for Maui Italian dining.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a polished wine wall and open kitchen, a spot where vacationers and regulars settle in for pasta and a bottle. Staff praise is common—“our server read our taste and nailed the wine”—though a few nights feel too rushed when the place is slammed. The cooking leans elevated Italian comfort: house-made tagliatelle bolognese, baked lasagna, and squid ink frutti di mare share the stage with espresso-braised short ribs. Execution is often confident and satisfying rather than showy; think rich sauces and good Maui sourcing over flash. Prices are Wailea-level, but many diners leave saying the flavors justify the splurge. Families are welcome, and a real Bambini menu (cheese or pepperoni pizza, simple pastas, chicken caprese) makes it easy on kids. Gluten-free pasta and bread are available for celiac diners, plus vegetarian standbys like eggplant and butternut ravioli. Portions skew adequate over huge, so plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- House-made pastas and short ribs consistently praised
- Strong gluten-free accommodation including pasta and bread
- Premium pricing and portions that some find small
- Occasional rushed pacing or curt management interactions
- Kid-friendly menu with several safe picks
What Sets It Apart
- house-made pastas with Maui sourcing
- strong gluten-free program
- espresso-braised short ribs
What People Love
- Deep, slow-cooked sauces that feel crafted
- Servers who recommend spot-on wines
- Cozy, polished room with a visible wine display
- Gluten-free options that do not feel like a compromise
- Signature short ribs that melt apart
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($35+ pastas, $48–64 mains) which may surprise casual diners
- A few reports of rushed seating or time limits during peak hours
- Some dishes called bland or overcooked on off nights
- Review patterns show normal polarization for a busy resort spot rather than manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$70-95 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share an antipasto, pick one pasta per person, split a dessert to manage cost; wine by the glass pairs well with rich sauces
Perfect For
- A celebratory vacation dinner with wine
- Pasta lovers seeking a reliable bolognese
- Gluten-free diners wanting real options
- Families needing a solid kids menu
Location Insights
Area: Upscale resort district catering to visitors and special-occasion diners; polished but relaxed mall-adjacent setting.
Safety: Well-lit, high foot traffic from hotels; perceived safe and maintained.
Nearby: Near Wailea resorts, shopping centers, and Wailea Town Center parking; close to beaches and golf.
Wailea ResortThe Wailea Resort neighborhood is characterized by its high-end resorts, luxury condos, and fine dining establishments. The dining scene here caters mostly to tourists and resort guests, offering upscale and diverse culinary options in a relaxed, scenic environment with ocean views and resort amenities.
Wailea IkeWailea Ike is a micro-neighborhood within Wailea known for its condominium complexes and proximity to resort amenities and beaches. It offers a quieter, residential feel compared to the busier resort core, with easy access to upscale dining and recreational activities.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday16:45–20:30
Wednesday16:45–20:30
Thursday16:45–20:30
Friday16:45–20:30
Saturday16:45–20:30
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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