Market Fresh Bistro in Makawao

Summer is almost right on top of us here on Maui, and I am looking forward to its bountiful supply of fresh foods. I'm sure the folks at Market Fresh Bistro are excited by this too as they use mainly locally grown ingredients in their fare.

While they do offer extremely fresh ingredients, beautifully plated food, and healthy yet generous portions they are lacking in things for us on a gluten-free diet to eat.

According to Maui Time the restaurant uses 80-90% local ingredients. I've also read about delicious offerings for vegan and vegetarian fare, as well as something for the carnivorous of us.

Most of their lunchtime options (which is when I went) were sandwiches or burgers, and their entrees included crab cakes and another dish containing gluten. Obviously the gluten containing ingredients are no gluten containing grains are grown locally

I ordered a beet salad with a side of pan seared fish (additional charge).

I wasn't excited by their limiting menu, but the food I ate was worth it. The fish was cooked superbly, and it was a large piece. The beets were of multiple varieties, and the greens were lovely. I'm not a huge fan of beets, but I can't say I didn't enjoy them a little, even though I still think they have a weird flavor. The dressing was a pesto vinaigrette. It contained parmesan cheese, but I went for it anyway. I figured that with how much dairy I'd been consuming at home, I could handle a tiny bit out. I was correct in my thinking.

The waitress didn't understand gluten, and she had trouble with me telling her that there is wheat in soy sauce. She kept thinking I was allergic to soy too, and I had to correct her on that a few times. The head chef was out that day, or else I would have asked to see if he could come up with something creative for a gluten-free diner.

I do intend to dine there again sometime, but I'll know that I am extremely limited.

The atmosphere is quite nice, and they have outdoor seating in a beautiful courtyard. The restaurant is new, and dined at the restaurant holding the space prior to Market Fresh Bistro.

We tried to go last night for dinner, but the restaurant was closed. I've read online that they serve brunch and dinner(BYOB), but we must have gone on an off night.

To make sure you don't miss out on your chance to dine there, give them a call.

Market Fresh Bistro

Ste 102A
3620 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 572-4877

Park in the back, or on Baldwin Ave. The restaurant is in the back of the courtyard next to Hot Island Glass and a cute little boutique.