This July, we were lucky enough to make it out to Maui. And to our surprise, we found a hidden gem of a meal at our very own hotel. In short, there are some meals that feel less like lunch and more like an experience. Our midday escape at Morimoto Maui, tucked inside the stunning Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, was one of those unforgettable moments.
Just a few steps from the beach, we settled into our table, waves rolling softly in the background, while our kids happily crafted nearby (a genius family-friendly touch we didn’t know we needed). It felt like the kind of meal where time slows, and every detail—every sip, every bite—becomes part of the memory.
The Wagyu & Wine Pairing
The Wagyu & Wine menu, offered on weekdays from 12–2 PM, is $115 per person (with Kamaʻaina pricing available) and worth every penny. Here’s how it unfolds:
Starter
We began with a Wagyu beef carpaccio dressed in yuzu soy, ginger, garlic, and mitsuba—a delicate dish that practically melted on the tongue. Paired with Morimoto Dream Cabernet Sauvignon, the richness of the wagyu and the depth of the wine created a perfect harmony.
(Tip: For an extra indulgence, you can add a wagyu bao course for $20. Highly recommend.)
Sushi
The A-5 nigiri was the kind of sushi that stops you mid-sentence—tender, buttery, and so fresh. The Hartford Court Pinot Noir added a gentle earthiness that complemented the richness of the wagyu, while the cucumber aki served as a refreshing palate cleanser.
Entrée
For the main course, I chose the wagyu filet bop over fried rice with local vegetables, prepared tableside. Watching it all come together felt almost theatrical, and every bite was as satisfying as it was beautiful. All this paired with Chateau Pavie Bordeaux that delivered bold, velvety layers of dark fruit and spice.
Dessert
We ended on a light and refreshing note with the chef’s sorbet of the day—a tropical, slightly tart finish that was exactly what a Hawaiian lunch deserves.
Why Wine Pairings Matter
For anyone studying the craft of wine, understanding pairings is essential. Great pairings go beyond taste—they create balance, contrast, and sometimes even unlock hidden flavors in both the food and wine. A sommelier isn’t just identifying grapes or regions; they’re curating an experience where each element enhances the other.
At Morimoto, this became crystal clear. The Morimoto Dream Cabernet Sauvignon deepened the richness of the wagyu carpaccio, while the Hartford Court Pinot Noir added just enough acidity to lift the buttery A-5 nigiri. Each wine was chosen with intention, and tasting these pairings side by side offered a masterclass in how food and wine can transform one another. I even went as far as to re-visit the wines with the final course, and I quickly realized how well of a job the sommelier did. Respect!
The Setting: Andaz Maui & Morimoto
The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a slice of modern paradise—sleek design, open-air spaces, and unbeatable ocean views. Michelle and I have been going for years. Morimoto, with its casual elegance and focus on precision, fits perfectly into this luxurious setting. The service was warm and attentive, and the proximity to the beach made it feel like we were dining in step with the ocean itself.
This was a new offering, when compared to other lunch offerings of similar caliber was an absolute steal. If you’re planning a special lunch on Maui, this is the spot. The combination of A-5 wagyu, world-class wines, and the serene beachfront atmosphere creates something truly rare—a meal that’s indulgent yet relaxing, sophisticated yet fun.
Final Thoughts
For $115 per person, the Wagyu & Wine pairing feels like an absolute steal, considering the quality of the wagyu, the generous wine pairings, and the setting that’s as close to paradise as it gets. It’s the kind of experience that lingers long after the last glass is emptied.
Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.
Alex, Founder of Wine Scholars
