Located in the heart of Honolulu, Mara Restaurant & Bar offers a culinary experience that perfectly blends local Hawaiian flavors with contemporary international cuisine. This vibrant dining destination is celebrated for its warm atmosphere, impeccable service, and an innovative menu that caters to a diverse palate.
Whether you’re a visitor eager to explore authentic island dishes or a local seeking a fresh take on familiar favorites, Mara Restaurant & Bar delivers with flair and creativity.
The menu at Mara is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the freshest ingredients sourced both locally and globally. From succulent seafood to hearty meat dishes and vibrant vegetarian options, the choices are as varied as they are delicious.
Beyond the food, the bar features an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails, local brews, and fine wines, making it a perfect spot for a casual drink or a celebratory night out.
Every dish at Mara tells a story of tradition and innovation, designed to delight your senses and invite you to savor each bite. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and sustainability shines through each carefully prepared plate.
With an inviting ambiance that balances elegance and comfort, Mara Restaurant & Bar in Honolulu promises a memorable dining journey for every guest.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer selection at Mara Restaurant & Bar sets the tone for a flavorful meal with a variety of enticing small plates. These dishes are crafted to stimulate the appetite and encourage sharing, perfect for groups or a light start to your dining experience.
Each item reflects the restaurant’s dedication to using fresh, local ingredients with creative twists.
The menu features a range of options including traditional Hawaiian favorites and globally inspired bites. Guests can expect to find dishes like poke bowls bursting with umami flavors, crispy calamari with a zesty dipping sauce, and farm-fresh vegetable tempura.
The small plates are carefully portioned to allow diners to mix and match, making it easy to explore different tastes.
These starters emphasize bold flavors and textures, often incorporating tropical fruits and native spices to provide a unique island taste. The kitchen’s attention to detail ensures that even the simplest dishes are elevated by meticulous preparation and presentation.
Signature Starters
- Hawaiian Ahi Poke: Fresh cubed ahi tuna, marinated in soy, sesame oil, and seaweed, served with crispy taro chips.
- Crispy Calamari: Lightly battered squid rings accompanied by a tangy citrus aioli.
- Sweet Potato Tempura: Golden fried sweet potato slices served with a spicy mango chutney.
- Island Style Lomi Lomi Salmon: A refreshing salad of cured salmon, tomatoes, and onions with a hint of chili.
“The appetizers at Mara are a perfect balance of local authenticity and global flair, each bite offering a new discovery.” – Local Food Critic
Main Courses
The main course offerings at Mara Restaurant & Bar highlight the best of Hawaiian cuisine infused with international influences. With an emphasis on sustainability and freshness, the kitchen sources premium proteins and seasonal produce to craft balanced, satisfying dishes.
Guests will find a variety of options ranging from seafood and steak to vegetarian creations.
Each entrée is thoughtfully composed to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. The chefs employ diverse cooking techniques including grilling, roasting, and sous-vide to ensure perfect texture and taste.
The menu is designed to accommodate a range of preferences, allowing guests to tailor their meal to their liking.
The presentation of main courses is as important as the flavors, with an artistic approach that enhances the dining experience. Attention to color, plating, and portion size ensures that meals are both visually appealing and deeply satisfying.
Highlights from the Entrée Menu
- Grilled Mahi Mahi: Served with a pineapple salsa and coconut jasmine rice.
- Kalua Pork Shoulder: Slow-cooked with traditional Hawaiian seasonings, paired with mac salad and steamed greens.
- Filet Mignon with Kona Coffee Rub: Accompanied by roasted root vegetables and a red wine reduction.
- Vegetarian Tofu Stir-fry: Fresh tofu sautéed with island vegetables and a ginger-soy glaze.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Grilled Mahi Mahi | Fresh Mahi Mahi, Pineapple, Coconut Rice | Sweet, Savory, Tropical | Dry Riesling |
| Kalua Pork Shoulder | Pork, Hawaiian Spices, Mac Salad | Smoky, Tender, Creamy | Light Lager |
| Filet Mignon (Kona Coffee Rub) | Beef, Coffee, Root Vegetables | Rich, Earthy, Robust | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vegetarian Tofu Stir-fry | Tofu, Mixed Vegetables, Soy-Ginger Sauce | Umami, Spicy, Fresh | Sauvignon Blanc |
Seafood Specialties
Being situated in Honolulu, Mara Restaurant & Bar takes full advantage of the abundant fresh seafood available. The seafood section of the menu is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, featuring dishes that highlight the delicate flavors of fish, shellfish, and more.
Sustainability is a key focus, with seafood sourced responsibly to ensure the health of local waters.
The preparation ranges from simple and elegant to bold and adventurous, ensuring every guest finds something to delight their palate. Whether grilled, seared, or served raw, the seafood dishes are always fresh and vibrant.
The chefs often incorporate local ingredients such as seaweed, tropical fruits, and native herbs to enhance the maritime flavors.
Seafood dishes are also paired thoughtfully with sides and sauces that complement and elevate the natural tastes. The culinary team balances tradition with innovation, providing a seafood experience that is both authentic and exciting.
Popular Seafood Dishes
- Butter Poached Lobster Tail: Served with garlic mashed potatoes and a lemon beurre blanc.
- Seared Ono with Macadamia Nut Crust: Accompanied by roasted asparagus and a passion fruit glaze.
- Fresh Island Poke Bowl: A customizable dish featuring ahi tuna, octopus, or salmon with rice and seaweed salad.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce with steamed vegetables.
“Mara’s seafood is a true taste of the Pacific, where each dish is a tribute to the ocean’s freshness and the island’s spirit.” – Seafood Enthusiast
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Mara Restaurant & Bar is committed to inclusivity, offering a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options that rival their meat and seafood counterparts. These dishes are designed with the same care and creativity, ensuring plant-based diners feel equally celebrated.
The menu emphasizes wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients that provide both flavor and satisfaction.
The vegetarian and vegan offerings showcase the versatility of island produce, from sweet potatoes and taro to fresh greens and tropical fruits. Innovative cooking techniques enhance the natural textures and flavors, often incorporating bold spices and house-made sauces.
These dishes prove that plant-based dining can be both exciting and deeply flavorful.
Whether you follow a strict plant-based diet or simply want to enjoy lighter fare, the options at Mara provide a refreshing and wholesome alternative. They invite guests to explore the richness and variety of Hawaiian-inspired vegetarian cuisine.
Top Plant-Based Selections
- Grilled Taro and Vegetable Skewers: Marinated in a tangy tamarind sauce and served with quinoa salad.
- Vegan Coconut Curry: A hearty mix of local vegetables simmered in a creamy coconut broth.
- Jackfruit Tacos: Pulled jackfruit with spicy slaw and avocado crema on corn tortillas.
- Hawaiian Seaweed Salad: Fresh seaweed mixed with cucumber, sesame seeds, and a citrus dressing.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Cooking Style | Health Benefits |
| Grilled Taro Skewers | Taro, Bell Peppers, Tamarind Sauce | Grilled | High Fiber, Antioxidants |
| Vegan Coconut Curry | Mixed Vegetables, Coconut Milk, Spices | Simmered | Rich in Vitamins, Healthy Fats |
| Jackfruit Tacos | Jackfruit, Cabbage Slaw, Avocado | Slow-Cooked/Assembled | Low Calorie, Plant Protein |
| Seaweed Salad | Seaweed, Cucumber, Sesame Seeds | Raw/Marinated | Rich in Iodine, Minerals |
Craft Cocktails and Beverage Selection
The bar at Mara Restaurant & Bar is renowned for its inventive craft cocktails and extensive beverage list. The mixologists blend traditional Hawaiian flavors with contemporary techniques to create drinks that are as unique as the island itself.
Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, the bar’s offerings are sure to impress.
Local ingredients such as fresh tropical fruits, native herbs, and artisan spirits are key components in many of the house specialties. The drink menu also includes a curated selection of wines, local and international beers, as well as non-alcoholic options that complement the food menu perfectly.
The ambiance of the bar encourages relaxation and socializing, making it a popular spot for both pre-dinner drinks and late-night gatherings. Knowledgeable staff are always ready to recommend pairings or create custom cocktails tailored to your taste.
Featured Cocktails
- Pineapple Basil Smash: Fresh pineapple juice, basil, rum, and a splash of soda.
- Kona Coffee Old Fashioned: Bourbon infused with Kona coffee beans and a hint of vanilla.
- Spicy Mango Margarita: Tequila, mango puree, lime, and a touch of chili pepper.
- Non-Alcoholic Hibiscus Cooler: Hibiscus tea, lime, and agave syrup served over ice.
“Mara’s cocktail program elevates island flavors with creativity, making each sip a celebration of Hawaii’s spirit.” – Mixology Expert
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Ending the meal on a sweet note, Mara Restaurant & Bar offers a selection of desserts that highlight both traditional Hawaiian sweets and modern favorites. The dessert menu caters to a variety of tastes, from rich chocolate creations to light, fruit-based treats.
Each dessert complements the overall dining experience with thoughtful balance.
The chefs use locally sourced fruits such as pineapple, passion fruit, and coconut to add natural sweetness and tropical flair. Many desserts are made in-house, emphasizing freshness and quality.
Whether you crave something indulgent or refreshing, the dessert offerings provide a satisfying finale.
Presentation plays a key role in the dessert experience, with dishes carefully plated to delight the eyes as well as the palate. The flavors are layered and nuanced, designed to leave a lasting impression.
Popular Dessert Choices
- Macadamia Nut Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake with a crunchy macadamia crust and caramel drizzle.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Moist cake topped with caramelized pineapple and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Passion Fruit Sorbet: Light and refreshing, perfect for cleansing the palate.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm chocolate cake with a gooey center, served with coconut whipped cream.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Best Paired With |
| Macadamia Nut Cheesecake | Cream Cheese, Macadamia Nuts, Caramel | Creamy, Crunchy | Espresso |
| Pineapple Upside-Down Cake | Pineapple, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Ice Cream | Moist, Soft | Moscato |
| Passion Fruit Sorbet | Passion Fruit, Sugar, Water | Light, Smooth | Green Tea |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Dark Chocolate, Flour, Coconut Cream | Rich, Gooey | Port Wine |
Brunch and Breakfast Offerings
Mara Restaurant & Bar also shines during the morning hours with a brunch and breakfast menu that draws on island flavors and hearty classics. The brunch offerings are designed to energize and satisfy, blending traditional breakfast items with Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
It’s an ideal way to start the day with fresh, wholesome food in a relaxed setting.
The menu includes a variety of egg dishes, sweet and savory pancakes, and fresh fruit bowls. Emphasis is placed on locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and authenticity.
Many dishes feature tropical fruits, local honey, and homemade syrups to add a distinctive twist.
Whether you prefer a light, healthy start or a more indulgent brunch, Mara provides options that cater to all tastes. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with flavorful food and attentive service, makes brunch at Mara a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
Brunch Favorites
- Kalua Pork Benedict: Classic eggs benedict topped with slow-cooked kalua pork and hollandaise sauce.
- Pineapple Coconut Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes infused with coconut milk and topped with caramelized pineapple.
- Acai Bowl: Blended acai with granola, fresh berries, and a drizzle of local honey.
- Island Omelette: Filled with mushrooms, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese, served with taro hash browns.
“Mara’s brunch captures the essence of Hawaiian mornings—fresh, vibrant, and full of life.” – Food Blogger
Conclusion
Mara Restaurant & Bar in Honolulu offers a menu that truly embodies the spirit of Hawaii through its thoughtful combination of traditional flavors and contemporary culinary techniques. The diverse offerings ensure that every guest, whether seeking fresh seafood, hearty mains, plant-based dishes, or indulgent desserts, finds something to savor.
Each section of the menu showcases a deep respect for local ingredients, sustainability, and creative presentation.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident not only in the food but also in the beverage selection and overall dining experience. From craft cocktails that fuse island influences with classic mixology to the warm and inviting atmosphere, Mara stands out as a premier destination for both locals and visitors.
The attention to detail and passion for flavor make it a place where memorable meals are crafted every day.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Mara Restaurant & Bar promises a culinary journey that delights and surprises. Its menu is a testament to the rich culture and bountiful ingredients of Hawaii, presented with a modern twist that invites exploration and enjoyment.
Mara is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of island life on every plate.
