Kauai Restaurant Guide
The 15 Best Restaurants in Kauai
Updated November 2023
Welcome to Kauai
Fresh ingredients, vivid colors, and global-inspired flavors define Kauai’s cuisine. Whether you choose local favorites, fine dining, or just-picked fruit from a roadside stand, fresh local ingredients are always in season on the island of Kauai. Even though Kauai is one of the smaller Hawaiian Islands, there are many fantastic restaurants to try while visiting the island. Keep reading for the best Kauai restaurants.
Kauai Map
Contents
Where to Eat
The Top Neighborhoods
Hanalei – North Shore
Picture Perfect Hanalei is the laid-back town on Kauai’s North Shore that feels like a tropical dream. You can easily explore the wild and gorgeous Na Pali Coast from Hanalei. Enjoy Hanalei Bay, a 2-mile-long crescent beach ideal for kids in summer when the rough surf turns calm. Hanalei retains the essence of its charm, and you will find just enough restaurants to sustain you for your visit to paradise.
Lihue – East Shore
Kauai’s airport is in Lihue, where you will likely first set foot on the island. The town was founded by sugar planters and is populated by descendants of Filipino and Japanese cane cutters. The area is residential, but you can be sure that Lihue’s restaurants will be serving fresh Hawaiian fare. You will find great deals on dining in Lihue and one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Kalapaki Beach.
Koloa – South Shore
Koloa is Hawaii’s oldest sugar plantation town and was founded in 1835. Enjoy browsing the shops and dining at excellent restaurants and quaint storefronts under towering tropical trees. The historical plaques around town give a glimpse into the lives of the Japanese-American families who created the very first businesses there.
Budget Options
Porky’s Kauai
Hawaiian/Barbecue/American, $
When you need flavorful pork in your life, we recommend a trip down to Porky’s Kauai. This South Shore eatery began as a hotdog cart in New York City, and their menu still features a pair of hotdog dishes that you won’t soon forget. Among their limited menu, they put a Hawaiian spin on the classic hotdog flavors by adding pulled pork, pineapple and other fresh local ingredients. Porky’s also serves a variety of comfort food, including a gooey grilled cheese sandwich and a hearty rice bowl. Each option on the menu can be fully customized by adding bacon, Portuguese sausage, or both to kick the flavor profile up a notch. Ask for both the sweet sauce and the spicy sauce to enjoy the excellent flavors without having to be conservative with your dipping. Also, make sure to try the pineapple sausage and thank us later!
JoJo’s Shave Ice
Hawaiian/Desser, $
Visit the original Kauai shave ice at Jojo’s Shave Ice, it’s still the best deal on the island. The perfect cold treat on a hot day, Jojo’s offers freshly shaved ice flavored with your choice of syrups. There are 34 syrups to choose from, with shaved ice flavors such as Papaya, Blue Hawaii, Strawberry Colada, or Guava. Add a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk to make your shave ice extra rich. Order one of their classic shaved ice combinations, like Colada Special with Pina-Strawberry-Banana Colada with a scoop of MacNut Ice Cream. As a bonus, your sweet treat is helping others, as Jojo’s donates half of its profits to support free camps for disadvantaged Hawaiian youth.
Pono Market
Polynesian/Seafood/Hawaiian, $
If you are starving and want large portions, you should head to Pono Market with a big appetite! A local favorite, Pono Market serves up flavorful Hawaiian cuisine on a rotating schedule. The daily entrees, pokes, and sides will undoubtedly have you dreaming of returning for more. For example, you can only get Pineapple Glazed Chicken on Wednesday, while the Beef Stew dish is available only on Monday. Try the Spicy Ahi or Shoyu Poke, and don’t forget a side of Hawaiian Potato Mac Salad to go with it. The market is takeout only, so grab some delicious food and head to nearby Kappa Beach for a picnic.
The Fish Express
Seafood/Fusion/Quick Bites, $
The Fish Express is a local favorite that takes pride in using freshly caught Hawaiian Ahi Poke.The high-quality fish results in some of the island’s brightest and most vibrant poke bowls. While the poke bowls are sure to delight, don’t expect anything fancy here. In fact, the grab-and-go nature of this Fish Express makes it the perfect place for an authentic bite before a day at the beach or a hike. It’s also located close to the airport, so it’s great for a pick-me-up after a day of flying. Don’t miss the Salmon Lumpia, Shrimp Scampi, and the Macadamia Crusted Fish. There is very limited seating, but you can take your delicious seafood and head to Hanamaulu Beach for gorgeous dining views.
Mark’s Place
Polynesian/Hawaiian/Quick Bites, $
Mark’s Place is a no-frills local favorite known for Mark’s Famous Mixed Plates, featuring Hawaiian proteins like the classic Loco Moco with white rice and macaroni salad. The bold flavors are spot-on, and so is the execution, making these lunch plates an easy, no-fuss way to sample fantastic local favorites. Try Hawaii’s most famous snacks, the Spam Musubi and the Smoked Ahi Dip. There are picnic tables outside where you can enjoy your delicious Hawaiian feast. Mark’s Place also offers omiyage snacks, which are great gifts for your friends and family. They have everything from Pineapple Rum Cake and Macadamia Nut Tea Cookies to Dried Ahi and Kamaboko Dip, although their Butter Mochi is a favorite.
Midrange Options
Kalypso Island Bar and Grill
Seafood/Bar/American, $$ - $$$
Looking for Hawaiian comfort food? You can get your fill at Kalypso Island Bar & Grill. This place has a chill island aesthetic and flavorful dishes you will love. Using only the freshest ingredients from the island, they take local flavors to the next level. If you visit during breakfast, try their Peaches & Cream French Toast or Blackened Mahi-Mahi Benedict. Or try the Coconut Shrimp, Pipikaula Taco Trio, and Kalua Pork Quesadillas for lunch. Dine on Island Style Huli-Huli Chicken, Blackened Fresh Fish & Shrimp for dinner. Kalypso’s also offers Happy Hour each day from 3 pm – 5:30 pm, and they are famous for their Mai-Tais and Lava Flow cocktail.
Brenneck’s Beach Broiler
American/Bar, $$ - $$$
How do delicious food, tropical drinks, and an open-air beachfront setting sound? Head to Brenneck’s Beach Broiler to delight in the ever-changing menu and the casual, chill atmosphere. This is a place where fine dining meets casual and fun. Make sure to leave room for dessert here, as people travel far and wide to try their famous Lava Cake. The cocktails at Brenneck’s are also legendary, thanks to their use of bright local flavors. Try the delectable Ceviche Wonton Tacos, Blackened Ahi Sandwich, or the Kauai Pad Thai. Make a reservation before visiting Brennecks, or you can expect to wait up to two hours for a table.
Tahiti Nui Restaurant
American/Bar/Pizza, $$-$$$
For a world-famous Mai-Tai, you can’t do better than Tahiti Nui Restaurant. They serve up authentic Tahitian and Hawaiian fare, and this is also a popular spot for live music and innovative cocktails in Hanalei. Try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday night when Tahiti Nui hosts an open buffet full of menu favorites, complete with a proper Hawaiian Luau dinner experience. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Hawaiian dance, hula, music, and delicious eats on the North Shore. Try Zesty Coconut Crusted Catch of The Day or the Sunset Charcuterie Board.
Duke’s Kauai
If you are looking for some of the best oceanfront dining in Kauai, then the legendary Duke’s is the spot for you. You can find Duke’s at the Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club, this restaurant has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and a casual yet elegant atmosphere. On the menu, you will find traditional island favorites made with fresh local ingredients and American classics. Duke’s serves up various seafood dishes like their famous sautéed mac nut and herb-crusted fresh fish, poke tacos, and mahi mahi sandwich. Other fan favorites include the slow-roasted prime rib and Duke’s famous Hula Pie. Duke’s Kauai is incredibly popular, and phone reservations are highly recommended.
Hanalei Bread
American/Cafe/Quick Bites, $$ - $$$
Are you looking for a great breakfast place? Hanalei Bread is the place to go if you want delicious organic pastries, fresh bread, coffee, and sandwiches. This place serves up some of the best breakfast and lunch on the island. Menu favorites include sandwiches, biscuits, and burritos. Wake up with a cup of 100% Kona Coffee shipped directly from the big island. You can’t go wrong with the Brekkie Sandwich with a fresh brioche bun, egg, bacon, cheese, arugula, tomato, and aioli. The pastries at Hanalei Bread are equally delicious if you are looking for something sweet. They bake fresh croissants, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, sweet Nutella rolls, and more.
High-End Options
Merriman’s Kauai
Seafood/International/American, $$$$
Those looking for a traditional sit-down dining experience will love Merriman’s Kauai. This farm-to-table restaurant ensures its ingredients are locally sourced from sustainable farmers and fishermen. Merriman’s occupies what was once an old Hawaii plantation, and the outdoor patio overlooks a vast field with distant views of the stunning Pacific Ocean. The menu is chock full of healthy, delicious Hawaiian favorites. Try a bright and flavorful salad highlighting island fruits like papaya and spiced macadamia nuts, or dive into some of the fresh local fish bursting with Hawaiian flavors.
J02 Natural Cuisine
Seafood/Asian, $$$$
You will find J02 Natural Cuisine just a few blocks from the beautiful shores of Fuji Beach. If you are looking for a unique dining experience that is both artful and flavorful, then J02 is the spot for you. The cuisine draws on influences from French, Japanese, and Hawaiian cultures. This upscale eatery is the perfect place for a date night. The menu ranges from small plates to large entrees, and there is also a three-course tasting menu that features all the chef’s favorites. There are several can’t miss dishes here, including Kauai Tomato Sampler, Prawn and Roasted Chinese Duck Lumpia, and Seared Hokkaido Scallops. Reservations are recommended at J02 Natural Cuisine.
Bar Acuda
Spanish/American/Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$
Have you heard of Hawaiian tapas? That’s the specialty of Bar Acuda. That’s right, this spot has taken the Spanish tradition of tapas and put a Hawaiian spin on tapas, and it’s one of the most beloved dining spots on the island. Bar Acuda uses the freshest local and seasonal ingredients to create innovative and tasty shareable plates packed with flavor. The peaceful, cozy atmosphere and tapas menu set Bar Acuda apart. Don’t miss out on the Grilled Lamb Riblets, North Shore Honeycomb, Albondigas, and Hawaiian Fish; finish with the Lilikoi Cheesecake. Make sure to secure your reservation here as soon as possible. If they are booked, don’t worry; you can also get on the cancellation list.
Eating House 1849
American/Seafood/Fusion, $$$$
Eating House 1849 is the restaurant of renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi, and the eatery combines bold Asian flavors with Hawaiian ingredients and techniques to create truly one-of-a-kind cuisine. Art gallery-worthy eats include creative takes on classics such as slow-braised honey mustard short ribs and spicy ramen with ground pork and shrimp. The farm-to-table approach is alive and well with menu favorites that include Eating House 1849 Duo Poke, Roy Yamaguchi’s Original Blackened Island Ahi, and “Hapa” Burger. Leave room for decadent desserts like Roy Yamaguchi’s Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle. You should make a reservation at Eating House 1849 a few weeks in advance.
Tidepools
Seafood/Contemporary/American, $$$$
You won’t soon forget your dining experience at Tidepools in the Grand Hyatt Kauai. This gorgeous restaurant offers fantastic views of Kauai’s most stunning scenery. Sit back and relax as you listen to a waterfall cascading next to you as you dine under a straw-thatched roof that makes you feel like you are floating with the koi fish in the water. The menu at Tidepools puts a unique twist on Hawaiian favorites, and the tropical cocktail menu offers bright and flavorful libations you can sip at any time of day. Tidepools is famous for its succulent seafood dishes and an impressive 200-bottle wine cellar. Try Tidepools Chilled & Grilled Seafood, Prime New York Strip, or the Hawaiian Catch. The dessert menu includes fan favorites like Pine-Apple Upside Down Cake and Cocoa Nib Crème Brulee.
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