“ Delicious spot in Honolulu and great for groups or a nice dinner for two. The staff were friendly and attentive. Menu had something for everyone and a lot of flavorful dishes. My only complaint is I wished the server was a bit more honest about the portion sizes...they're huge and we ordered way too much Favorite dishes were Grilled Octopus (mezze), Whipped Burrata (spread), Brussels Sprouts (side), and Kabocha (side). I'm still dreaming about that Whipped Burrata dish and how it incorporated the roasted beets. So so good and the unlimited pita bread too! ”

“ The service was wonderful! Our server was very patient and friendly with our indecisive party. The appetizers and desserts were delicious! We especially loved the spread trio, beef kibbeh, fried calamari, and pavlova. The pavlova was suuuuuuuuper yummy! The brussels sprout and potato sides were also tasty. The one star down is because we didn't enjoy the main dishes as much. They were prepared well, but the flavors didn't seem special. ”

“ We visited Maya for the first time recently to celebrate a birthday with the family. Reservations were easy for a weeknight evening, and free validated self-parking is available at the hotel (valet is also an option). We could not be seated until at least 3 of our 4 diners were present. We started with the tasting trio with pita and dips which was beautiful and delicious! The pita was warm and fluffy and refills were plentiful. We also ordered the zucchini chips (basically thin sliced zucchini in fried in tempura batter) based on reviews, but I thought it could have used a bit of salt. For our entrees, the lamb dish available for the evening was a lamb curry/stew served with yellow rice that wasn't on the menu. We also ordered the hand-cut shrimp pasta. Both entrees were very yummy but took a very long time to arrive. Also a bit on the small side for the price. Thankfully we had endless pita in the meantime... For a complimentary birthday dessert, we were served a scoop of dragonfruit gelato with a candle! Smooth, creamy, and delicious! Overall, we enjoyed our experience. Would probably return for happy hour and just get the tasting trio though! ”

“ We ate at Mara with a party of four with a 6:45 reservation on 01/20/2025. This was my first time at this restaurant, located in the Renaissance Hotel. Overall, our service was great. We had a very attentive server, as well as a in training server, and there were no complaints about service The atmosphere is nice, and it is as dressy or casual as you want it to be. Our table started with the tasting trio which included Hummus, Tzatziki and Burrata. It was so yummy. For my entree, I had the scallops prepared Moroccan style, which was a generous portion for the price (particularly in Hawaii). I also had some of the sprouts, which was shared by the table. Overall, I give this experience a 5 out of 5, and I would return again. ”

“ Went to Mara for a special holiday meal with family. First off the food was delicious! There was not one thing we did not enjoy. The bad, as many other reviewers have mentioned, is the service. We had to wave down our server a few times for water, to remind him of orders, and finally to order dessert and get the bill. The scallops were surprisingly small for the price, but others were well sized. It was very odd. Great food but overall the experience was pretty meh, so likely would not be back. ”

“ Where to start because all of it was absolutely amazing from the ambiance to the food to the service. Park in the hotel parking and parking is validated. Entrance to hostess stand is near the hotel entrance. It's quite a cozy waiting area with plenty of seating. The high top booth my friend and I sat at was quite comfortable, very chic and mid century meets contemporary. Our server gave great recommendations. Between two people we had plenty of food, actually more than enough and needed many to go boxes. We came during brunch time on a weekend. The menu changes depending on the time of the day you go. I am all for a good mocktail. Hands down be returning even though this place is a bit pricey. It's perfect for a date night or lunch date with a friend. ”

“ A stand out in the Kapiolani Corridor jungle. The area was slated many, many years ago for renewel. Slowly but surely, the Kapiolani corridor is being developed. Over the last couple of years I didn't even notice a condominium hotel complex going up on the property just ewa of the Keeaumoku/Kapiolani corner. As others have said, you enter from either Makaloa street or Kapiolani blvd. You can valet or self park on the second floor. Pay attention to pillar signs designating the self parking stalls. They are generally the first stalls you see on the makai end of the second floor. With Mara validation you get three free hours. There is an elevator to the first floor on the makai-ewa corner of the parking area that will take you to Kapiolani Blvd. Just exit the door on the ground floor and turn to your left as you face the street. Mara will be on your left through a glass door. This first opportunity was with former colleagues from work, we met there for breakfast on the weekend. Mara is located on the first floor of the Renaissance Hotel. The restaurant is not large, but quite actually spacious. Very clean, friendly servers. My review is of course based on the dish I had, which was Shakshuka. A baked egg, chick peas and urfa greek yogurt dish with a tomato sauce type base. It is served with freshly made pita bread, straight from their oven. A most unusual breakfast, but a delicious and filling dish. This dish is definitely worth sharing. Breakfast options are more what is typical of what one would expect for breakfast. We saw many diners ordering egg/meat breakfast plates- they looked good. This first experience with Mara was a winner and will definitely be back to try their lunch and dinner offerings. ”