Coconut’s fish taco. Courtesy photo.

Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Kīhei has been recognized for having the best taco in Hawai‘i.

“The fish taco is a work of art,” reads the article published on The Daily Meal, a popular go-to source for recipes, entertaining, ideas, travel and food news. “It’s a masterpiece.”

According to the article, the state-by-state list was compiled from an earlier listing of the Top 75 Tacos in America. From there, The Daily Meal researched for the highest-quality ingredients, skill in preparation and authenticity.

“This ranking proves quality and people build success,” says Michael Phillips, founder of Coconut’s Fish Café. “On any given day, the ‘ohana at Coconut’s feeds thousands of people at our locations in Hawai‘i and the mainland. Each one of them benefit from our commitment to using the best ingredients and working only with the best people.”

Coconut’s Fish Café’s fish tacos feature grilled Mahi Mahi and Ono, as well as a coconut milk-based coleslaw, fresh tomatoes, mango salsa, red tomato salsa, and melted cheese. Stacked high with seven different layers of flavor and textures, the taco was designed to balance sweet and savory flavors, for instance, the sweet coconut milk is balanced with a hint of wasabi.  Learn more in Kiaora Bohlool’s dining video, Coconut’s Fish Café:  A Wish for Fish.

In April, Coconut’s Fish Café will celebrate ten years since opening the doors on its first location in Azeka Mauka shopping plaza in Kīhei, HI. To commemorate the landmark, Phillips and his family are already planning on partnering with local charities to give back to the community. During the 5th anniversary in 2014, Phillips and his family raised money for the Maui Humane Society and the Maui Marching Band to help send them to the Rose Bowl Parade.

“Ten years, our neighbors and visitors in Kīhei have supported Coconut’s,” said Phillips. “This latest accolade is yet more evidence that a hole-in-the-wall restaurant can do great things if people believe in it.”

Michael Phillips, a successful entrepreneur several times over in the restaurant industry, founded Coconut’s Fish Café in 2009 in Kīhei, after initially retiring on Maui. Seeking a restaurant with fresh foods and outstanding service, Phillips started Coconut’s to enjoy great-tasting meals with his neighbors in Kīhei. Coconut’s continues to grow in the fast-casual restaurant sector with its fresh, healthy and affordable menu options, featuring wild-caught fish and a wide selection of fresh, authentic Hawaiian ingredients.