Ama ama

[yitbos96bb]

Early reviews of AMA AMA were terrible. How has people's experience been at the restaurant lately?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Even when there were so many poor reviews we had 4 very good meals there. Didn't understand most of the reviews other than people being shocked by the prices.

 

[DenLo]

I too was hearing bad reviews when we had a wonderful meal at Ama' Ama'. We have already made a reservation for our October 2014 vacation because the food was so good.

 

[jedspad]

Glad to hear, planning on doing this for DH's 60th birthday next February!

 

[dreaming4disney]

We had a great breakfast there in June. Service and food. Not to mention the view is beautiful.

 

[dreaming4disney]

Double post

 

[Cinderpamela]

Another vote for loving Ama Ama.... we too did not understand the poor reviews, we have had great experiences there on our July/Aug 2012 trip to Aulani and then again in Dec of 2013.

 

[islandtimect]

We ate there in June and thought it was pretty good but not great and not worth the money.

 

[SingingMom]

Good to know! We have reservations for dd 21st birthday later this month!!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[yitbos96bb]

Even when there were so many poor reviews we had 4 very good meals there. Didn't understand most of the reviews other than people being shocked by the prices.

The reviews I saw more complained about the service. The food was listed as OK but compared to places like Alan Wong's, supposedly doesn't hold a candle. Going to Alan Wong's regardless, debating if I want to do Ama Ama or go to a place like Chef Mavro, which will cost more at $95 a person but is supposed to be freaking amazing. That being said, I kind of feel like I should do one of the table service restaurants at the resort and it probably will NOT be the buffet (not a buffet fan)...

We actually signed up for the Hole in the Wall Tour and North Shore Tour, two food tours from Hawaii Food Tours. Reviews of the Hole in the Wall tour have been fantastic and I'm stoked for both of them.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The reviews I saw more complained about the service. The food was listed as OK but compared to places like Alan Wong's, supposedly doesn't hold a candle. Going to Alan Wong's regardless, debating if I want to do Ama Ama or go to a place like Chef Mavro, which will cost more at $95 a person but is supposed to be freaking amazing. That being said, I kind of feel like I should do one of the table service restaurants at the resort and it probably will NOT be the buffet (not a buffet fan)... We actually signed up for the Hole in the Wall Tour and North Shore Tour, two food tours from Hawaii Food Tours. Reviews of the Hole in the Wall tour have been fantastic and I'm stoked for both of them. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

We had perfectly adequate service to good service by personable servers. Not freaking amazing but enjoyable, I'd select it over the buffet for certain.

 

[Pooh2]

I have read that reservations are recommended at dinner for Ama Ama. Is it possible to walk-in at breakfast or lunch and get a table with planning ahead?

 

[abdgeek]

The reviews I saw more complained about the service. The food was listed as OK but compared to places like Alan Wong's, supposedly doesn't hold a candle. Going to Alan Wong's regardless, debating if I want to do Ama Ama or go to a place like Chef Mavro, which will cost more at $95 a person but is supposed to be freaking amazing. That being said, I kind of feel like I should do one of the table service restaurants at the resort and it probably will NOT be the buffet (not a buffet fan)...

We actually signed up for the Hole in the Wall Tour and North Shore Tour, two food tours from Hawaii Food Tours. Reviews of the Hole in the Wall tour have been fantastic and I'm stoked for both of them.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

I've eaten at AMA AMA during my trips to Aulani in 2012 and 2014 for breakfast and dinner. IMO the food is really good, plentiful, and I've never had a bad meal there. I wish they had more variety for dinner though. Over a week there's only about three or four of the entrees I want to eat--so have to double dip a bit.

On another note, I ate at Alan Wong's Amasia on Maui and the food was out of this world! I did the tasting menu and wine pairing and I was blown away. AMA AMA is definitely not at that level, but if you've eaten at V&A or Remy they are. The waiter told me that the Alan Wong's in Honolulu(Pineapple Room or something) is a must do also. They had a BOGO special on the tasting menu from 5-6 pm, so you may want to check and see if the Honolulu location has the same deal.

 

[abdgeek]

I have read that reservations are recommended at dinner for Ama Ama. Is it possible to walk-in at breakfast or lunch and get a table with planning ahead?

I think it's always recommended that you have reservations for AMA AMA regardless of when you want to eat. However, they do take walkins but you will have a wait. Maybe try going to AMA AMA when you get to Aulani to make your reservations if you don't want to make them ahead of time. Of course, there's no guarantee.

 

[dreaming4disney]

We didn't have a reservation for breakfast, but we did go right after opening.

 

[jerseygal]

We had a very good sunset dinner there celebrating our younger son's graduation! Beautiful views!

EXPENSIVE though imo, only interested in eating there once for a nice dinner!
Our waiter was very attentive. Thought it was so nice for him to bring a nice dessert gratis for his celebration!

Also, didn't read good reviews about the buffet and heard that it was SO OVERPRICED!

Enjoy if you go there!

 

[Pooh2]

I think it's always recommended that you have reservations for AMA AMA regardless of when you want to eat. However, they do take walkins but you will have a wait. Maybe try going to AMA AMA when you get to Aulani to make your reservations if you don't want to make them ahead of time. Of course, there's no guarantee.

Thanks. I know we would like to try each meal there, just not sure which days over a 9 day trip. Guess I'd better makes some reservations soon!

 

[dvcdisney]

I read the bad reviews as well. On our 2 week stay, we dined there 4 times and it was great each time. The only thing I didn't like was the chaos at the check in desk. Our reservations were all fine, but every time we went, there seemed to be one or two families upset about their reservations. We had to wait to get to the desk for 10 mins at one time. We were 2nd in line. When we got there, the hostess was very flustered. It took us 2 seconds to be checked in.

Other than that, we had a not-so-great table on the 3rd visit. But no big deal. The food was wonderful.