Sam Sato's

Food: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Atmo: 9/10 Tried their dry mein and it was OK. The beef skewer was the best, by far. The manju was really different and interesting. Service felt a bit stretched thin but we received our food relatively quickly, considering how packed they were. We had ab a 20min wait to get in on a Wed morning just before Noon,

So glad we came here to try the noodles. My spouse and I each got a large order of the dry noodles and realized our eyes were way bigger than our stomachs! We could’ve easily shared one large. So, the portions are generous! We got both flavors of the manju as well as a beef stick and a chicken stick. All amazing. So cool to taste a piece of Maui’s history at Sam Sato’s!

A uniquely Maui take on noodles that have so much subtle yet comforting flavor you'll feel like you've come home, The staff is enthusiastic sweet and knowledgeable they will give you the best recommendations with the warmest smile Their beef BBQ sticks are the best on the island I will fight you over that Their pancakes I don't even like pancakes But I wish I had more stomach to eat more pancakes and then the banana pancakes You have to get both they're both delicious for different reasons And you have to get a side cheeseburger Yes in Hawaii it's an appetizer deal with it It's amazing perfect Then they tease you with a case full of manju Get the lima bean because it shouldn't be delicious but it is nice and subtle crispy caramelized crust that's like a millimeter thick of pure caramelization You can eat there everyday and be content feel like you're in heaven Worth the wait everybody has good Aloha knowing that they're going to get years of dedication in the food and truce sincerity with the service I think I need to go back I got a price ticket now

The service was great and the atmosphere was decent. However, the food was extremely disappointing. My family and I ordered 4 dishes and 3 sides: large dry noodles without meat (although no menu items are vegetarian, you can order by request), small dry noodles, won ton mein, small chow fun, yakitori chicken, and BBQ stick, and french fries. The BBQ stick and the yakitori chicken were decent but the main dishes were flavorless and bland. My won ton mein was difficult to eat because of the lack of flavor and the fact that the meat in the wontons kept falling out. The only good aspect of the dish was its broth but overall, it was a chore to eat because of its bland meat and noodles. The reason I rated the restaurant 2 stars was because the food's rating carries the most weight in my decision for what I will rate the restaurant.

As an Asian who appreciates delicate flavors and elegant cooking techniques, I find dry mein to be quite different from other types of Asian noodles. It lacks the subtle nuances and is instead bland and greasy, resembling oil-rinsed Udon noodles with only soy sauce for flavoring. If you enjoy other types of Asian noodles like yakisoba, udon, or chow mein, don’t get your hopes too high for this dry mein.

Was recommended by some locals about this place, definitely didn't disappoint. The dry noodles were fantastic. The wait can be a bit long depending on when you come so be prepared. Inside the restaurant is pretty chaotic, but in a good way. If you're looking for a quiet place to eat I'd take it to go.

Sam Sato’s is one of those spots where you walk in as visitors and walk out feeling like part of the neighborhood. My friends and I stopped by and were instantly swept up in the warm, local vibe — friendly staff, quick service, and an ambiance that feels both classic and comforting. We tried a little bit of everything and honestly enjoyed it all. The cheeseburger deluxe hits that perfect old-school diner nostalgia. The signature dry noodles are a must, and the super dry noodles with vegetables takes it to another level. Don’t skip the yakitori — simple, smoky, and delicious. Beyond the food, what really makes Sam Sato’s special is its heritage. From a humble general store in the sugar-cane fields back in 1933 to a beloved Maui institution today, you can taste the generations of care in every dish. It’s the kind of spot where recipes and smiles feel like they’ve been passed down through the family just for you. Whether you’re grabbing takeout or sitting in for a quick bite, Sam Sato’s serves up flavors that linger long after you’ve left. “ʻO ka ʻai i loaʻa ke ola” — food that gives life — has never felt more true. A must-visit on Maui for anyone who loves great food, great people, and a real local classic.

They are usually very busy so we ordered take out, but were pleasantly surprised to find out there was only a very short wait if we wanted to dine in. The parking lot is small, so it helps to have someone wait in the car and another person run out to pick up the food. Service was quick and friendly! The Dry Noodles are highly recommended so we ordered some other items to try. The Teriyaki Plate Lunch came with a large scoop of rice, scoop of mac salad, and generous portion of teriyaki beef. Although it doesn’t look pretty, the beef was so tender and flavorful! Definitely an underrated dish here. The Lima (Butter Bean) and Azuki (Red Bean) Manju were also nice little treats to have after our meal. Soft and subtly sweet. The best local manju we’ve had!

Delicious food in a local spot that reminds me of HK cha can ting. Everything was homey and comforting. Especially loved the wonton noodles. The wontons tasted handmade with a thick, chewy wrapper, and a juicy, chewy meat filling. Would go back if I visit again!

Down to earth place with fantastic food. Their dry saimin noodles are out of this world. The yakitori chicken is also very delicious. The staff are very friendly and the service is super fast once you get seated. There is often a wait for seats but it is quite worth it. For a 4-5 days trip, we ended up dining here twice. Goes to show great this place is.