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Why did we dine here? – Star Noodle is a popular Asian restaurant on Maui focusing on a variety of noodle dishes that originate from Japan through other Asian countries. We have been here on all our recent Maui visits.
They moved to downtown Lahaina in November 2020, and are known as Star Noodle v2. Star Noodle also does takeout but you need to call it in early. Parking lot is part of the new location!
Also check out the killer happy hour at Sansei and our other Maui Restaurant reviews.
Our last return visit was in 2021 during the Pandemic. Star Noodle closed for 8 months and moved. This restaurant not only has great food, the prices are great, especially compared to other places on Maui. We luckily scored a last minute Yelp reservation.
Chef Sheldon Simeon has appeared on Top Chef and instantly the restaurant’s business skyrocketed. He left in 2013. Simeon has since gone on and started his two of his own restaurants: Tin Roof and Lineage. After Star Noodle, he landed at Migrant in the Marriott Wailea for 2 1/2 years. We dined at Migrant and did not find it as compelling as Star Noodle. Since his departure, the menu has pretty much followed the formula he left.
Star Noodle is now next door to the Old Lahaina Luau. They have their own parking lot. Easy quick drive from Kaanapali, Kapalua, or Lahaina.
Insider Tip – This place is very popular, so try to come during off peak times.
Cuisine – Asian
Location – Lahaina, Maui
Opened – 2010
Service – We had a really nice waitress at Star Noodle. She sat down and helped explain the menu and philosophy of the restaurant. She then helped us understand the most popular dishes and award winning items. Definitely Aloha spirit here.
Verdict – Star Noodle in Lahaina is a must visit when you are on Maui. It surely is on our list. The food is excellent and very reasonably priced. While it was full of tourists, the locals also enjoy this restaurant. Reservations are a MUST now. Star Noodle is definitely on our list for our next vacation. Hard to believe they are still just executing on a old chef’s recipes.
Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Yes
Star Noodle Signature Dishes – Pohole Salad, Scallop Shots, Ahi Avo, Steamed Pork Buns, Hapa Ramen, Garlic Noodles, Pad Thai, Malasadas
Star Noodle’s Menu includes 15 starters that are designed to be share plates. 13 different noodle dishes and 3 desserts. Just a couple of vegetarian options.
Star Noodle Food Picks:
Soho Berry Sparkler ($15) Sparkling Sake, Lychee Liqueur, Fresh Strawberry and Lemon is a nice fruity drink for hot days. 8/10
Cranzu non alcoholic drink ($6) was a refreshing beverage with strong Yuzu flavors.
Ginger Strawberry non alcoholic drink ($5) had a slight sweet zest to its light carbonation.
Teazu ($4) was the best of the 3 drinks. Ice tea taken to the next level.
Beets & Pears ($10) Mixed greens, Asian Pears, Red Beets, Almonds, Mascarpone, Strawberry Ume Vinaigrette was a solid salad starter. Nice sweet tones. 8.5/10
Smashed Cucumber Salad ($8) Kula Cucumbers, Daikon, Onion, Miso Chili Sauce was also decent. Not very spicy. 8/10
Pohole Salad – Hana Fiddle Head Fern, Maui Onion, Ebi, Kombu ($15) was an interesting looking salad. A motley mixture of local greens plopped down randomly on the plate. This dish was extremely pure and fresh with crisp beans, with a slightly oily emulsion. Delicious cuttlefish and dry shrimp accented the wonderful greens.
Gailan – ($8) Chinese broccoli, Su Miso Sauce, sesame seeds, garlic were pretty good but on the small side, with about 5 pieces.
Miso Salmon ($9) Charbroiled with Su Miso Sauce is so cheap and good, it is crazy. It would cost double or triple elsewhere. Rare middle, huge portion size, a must get.
Scallop Shots – Wafu Dashi, Ginger, Scallion, Lemon EVOO ($13) recently won an award. The waitress said we had to order this dish. Three medium sized carmelized scallops, speared, and served in a light ginger broth. You can quickly inhale the scallop and then drink the tangy broth. It came with soy sauce, but really didn’t need it.
Thai Wings ($9) Wings & Drums, Peanuts, Mint, Cilantro were really good. This eggless dish had crispy freshly friend wings and a nice zesty sauce. Be sure to use the limes.
Ahi Avo – With Lemon Pressed Olive Oil, Sambal, Usukuchi (market price $20) was more expensive than we thought it would be. Topped with avocado, this dish was very good, but we’ve had better at other places on the island.
Steamed Pork Buns ($10) – Pressed Pork, Hoisin, Shiitake, Cucumber consisted of 3 healthy sized buns with a super fatty piece of pork in the middle. Hoisin sauce was on the side. An extra squirt or two, helped turn this into a must get dish. Contains eggs.
Hapa Ramen – Rich Pork Broth, Roast Pork, Poached Egg, Bamboo Shoots, Kamaboko, Choy Sum Mayu, Spicy Aka Miso ($18) is a must order noodle dish. They make their own egg noodles and it shows. The broth is robust and loaded with lots of different ingredients. Santa Ramen has a new challenger. You can also get them with eggless rice noodles. 8.5/10
Lahaina Fried Soup ($12 for large portion) Fat Chow Funn, Ground Pork, Bean Sprouts was made with wide tapioca noodles and egg whites. Not for everyone, but if you like this, order it!
Local Saimin ($12) is a mainstay in the Islands. This version had a nice wafu dashi bonito broth with tender noodles, scallions, fish cake, egg, and a chuck of spam. Simple and clean. 8/10
Singapore Noodles ($17) Vermicelli eggless noodles, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables was a HUGE dish. Cool mini limes, garlic, kumquats and a yellow curry zest. 8.5/10
Hot ‘n Sour – Chili Lime Dashi, Smoked Prosciutto, Shrimp, Cilantro, Thai Basil, Bean Sprouts, Fried Garlic ($15) was one of the weaker noodles. Extremely spicy, and situated in a Thai style Tom Yum style broth.
Garlic Noodles – Fresh & Fried Garlic, Garlic oil, Dashi, Scallions ($6/$10) were also simply stellar. Simple egg noodles done perfectly. We liked it enough to get some to go.
Pad Thai – Rice Noodles, Chicken, Shrimp, Egg, Peanuts ($17) is their most popular Home Made noodle. Includes 4 large shrimp and a thin eggless noodle. A good version for people who like this sweet, lime-sour action.
Malasadas – Chocolate and Butterscotch Caramel Sauces, Peanuts ($5) are a must get dessert. These Portuguese donut holes were freshly made and simply delectable. Several places on the island also make these including Home Maid Bakery at 4pm daily.
OK: (Order if you like this dish)
Roasted Mushrooms ($12) Pan Roasted Medley of Alii, Shitake was on the bland side. Nice selection of shrooms though.
Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None
Do you agree with our review? Have you found other similar restaurants that are better?
Restaurant Map:Star Noodle Overall Rating: 
(Excellent
Come Back? 
| Food Rating: | (Excellent) |
| Service Rating: |  (Very Good) |
| Atmosphere Rating: | (Excellent) |
| Value Rating: | (Very Good) |
Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary
| Alcohol: | Full Bar |
| Attire: | Casual |
| Parking: | Street |
| Reservations: | Yes |
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