Tortugas Authentic Mexican Opens in Maui Mall

By Maui Now Staff

A Tortugas’ Torta. Image Courtesy Tortuga’s Maui Facebook page.

Tortugas Authentic Mexican Restaurant has joined the 30-plus merchants operating in the Maui Mall.

The casual dining restaurant is located next to Baskin Robbins and features lunch, dinner and dessert menus.

This is the first Tortugas restaurant in Hawaii, but representatives note that “the family-owned chain has already established a reputation for serving up authentic Mexican cuisine in several locations across southern California.”

The name – meaning Turtles in Spanish – coincidentally works well for the island.

Tortugas reports that they are best known for their extensive selection of tortas, a hot Mexican sandwich using a Mexican bread roll, stuffed with meat, veggies and/or cheese. Traditional ingredients include, beef Milanesa (breaded steak), grilled pork, chorizo, cream, cheese, avocado and refried beans.

Tortugas also offers a variety of aguas frescas, or Mexican drinks made with fruits, grains and seeds, water, sugar and sometimes herbs or spices.

The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and – according to the Maui Mall website – employment opportunities are available as well.