16 Best Restaurants on Kauai

Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 16 best restaurants on Kauai to savor this year. This beautiful island is home to some of the best restaurants in Hawaii.

From fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, Kauai restaurants haves something for everyone. Furthermore, Kauaian restaurants offer a fusion of Hawaiian and Asian-inspired dishes with menus that feature a variety of options from kimchi fried rice to kalua pork tacos as well.

Best Restaurants on Kauai

When it comes to dining, Kauai offers a diverse and exciting range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. With its unique blend of international cuisines and Hawaii regional cuisine, Kauai’s dining scene is a food lover’s paradise.

One of the standout features of Kauai’s dining scene is its focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and many restaurants on the island also pride themselves on their commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers and fishermen.

Now of course when it comes to restaurants, whether they are good or not is entirely subjective based on personal tastes, budgets and expectations. So this list is a mixture of ones I have tried and others that have good reviews but certainly does not mean any that are not on this list are not any good.

In fact, if you have a favourite, let me know below so I can add it to the list. Now. let’s run through them below:

Breakfast Spots on Kauai

Kauai is a paradise for food lovers, and breakfast is no exception. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a light brunch, you’ll find plenty of options on the island. Here are some of the best breakfast spots on Kauai that you should definitely check out:

1. Little Fish Coffee

If you’re a coffee lover, Little Fish Coffee is a must-visit spot. They serve some of the best coffee on the island, along with delicious breakfast sandwiches and pastries. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, making it a great spot to start your day.

2. Kauai Juice Co.

For a healthy breakfast option, head to Kauai Juice Co. They offer a variety of fresh juices, smoothies and acai bowls that are both nourishing and delicious. Their ingredients are locally sourced and organic, making it a great choice for health-conscious travelers.

3. Breakfast Bagel

If you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast sandwich, Breakfast Bagel is the place to be. They serve a variety of bagels with your choice of toppings, along with coffee and other breakfast items. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot to grab a quick bite.

Book your trip to Kauai here!

4. Kountry Kitchen

For a traditional American breakfast, Kountry Kitchen is the place to go. They serve all the classic breakfast dishes from pancakes to omelets, along with Hawaiian specialties like Loco Moco. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for families.

Lunch and Casual Dining Options

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Kauai has something to offer. Here are some of the best lunch and casual dining options on the island:

5. Bubba Burger

If you’re in the mood for a classic burger, head over to Bubba Burger. Their juicy burgers are made with 100% free-range, grass-fed beef and come with a variety of toppings to choose from.

6. The Tavern

For a more gourmet experience, try the burgers at The Tavern. Their burgers are made with locally sourced ingredients and come with unique toppings like truffle aioli and goat cheese.

7. Pono Market

Poke is a Hawaiian specialty and a must-try when visiting Kauai. For some of the best poke on the island, head over to Pono Market. Their ahi poke is made fresh daily and is a local favorite.

8. Duke’s Barefoot Bar

For a casual grill experience, try Duke’s Barefoot Bar. Their menu features a variety of grilled seafood, burgers and sandwiches. The atmosphere is laid-back and perfect for a casual lunch.

9. Loco Coco’s

Loco Moco is a Hawaiian specialty that consists of rice, a hamburger patty, gravy and a fried egg. For a delicious loco Moco, head over to Loco Coco’s. Their version features a homemade gravy and a perfectly cooked egg.

Seafood and Fine Dining Restaurants

If you’re looking for a luxurious dining experience on Kauai, you won’t be disappointed by the selection of seafood and fine dining restaurants available. From ocean views to fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few to look out for:

10. Red Salt

Red Salt is a popular option for those seeking a high-end seafood dining experience. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes including ahi tuna and lobster, as well as an extensive wine list. With a beautiful ocean view, the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion.

11. Tidepools

Tidepools is another fine dining option that boasts a stunning setting. The restaurant is situated in a lagoon and surrounded by waterfalls and koi ponds with a menu that features fresh seafood and other Hawaiian-inspired dishes such as macadamia nut crusted mahi-mahi and coconut shrimp.

12. Merriman’s Fish House

Merriman’s Fish House is a must-visit for seafood lovers. The restaurant sources its fish from local fishermen and offers a variety of fresh catches, including Ono and Opah with a menu that also includes other Hawaiian-inspired dishes such as kalua pork and poke.

13. Fresh Seafood

If you’re looking for a more casual seafood dining experience, Fresh Seafood is a great option. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as fish tacos and shrimp scampi with an atmosphere that is laid-back and family-friendly.

Book your trip to Kauai here!

Unique Dining Experiences

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience on Kauai, there are a few restaurants that stand out. These restaurants offer a combination of fusion cuisine, tapas, sushi and more. Here are some of the best options to consider:

14. Bar Acuda

Bar Acuda is a tapas-style restaurant that offers small plates with big flavors and features a variety of dishes including seafood, meat and vegetarian options. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting and a rustic decor. You can enjoy your meal at the bar or at one of the tables and the restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with a focus on Spanish and Portuguese wines.

15. Eating House 1849

Eating House 1849 is a restaurant that celebrates the flavors of Hawaii’s plantation era. The menu features a mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes and modern interpretations with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Some of the standout dishes include the poke tacos, the kalua pork belly, and the pineapple upside-down cake.

16. Chef Roy Yamaguchi

Chef Roy Yamaguchi is a well-known chef who has several restaurants across Hawaii. His Kauai location is located in the Poipu Shopping Village and offers a fusion of Hawaiian and Asian flavors. The menu features a range of dishes, including seafood, meat and vegetarian options with a modern and sleek decor. Some of the standout dishes include the misoyaki butterfish and the macadamia nut crusted mahi-mahi.

Restaurants with a View

Now, I have listed my top 16 above however as I have also said before, when it comes to dining on Kauai, there are plenty of options to choose from. So to help you out, I’ve compiled a list of some of the other the top-rated restaurants based on dining type:

Outdoor Dining

One of the best ways to enjoy the view is by dining outdoors, and Kauai has plenty of restaurants that offer outdoor seating. Some of the best options include:

• Beach House Restaurant: Located in Poipu, this restaurant offers oceanfront dining with stunning views of the sunset. The menu features locally sourced seafood and produce.
• Duke’s Kauai: This popular restaurant is located on the beach in Lihue and offers outdoor seating with views of the ocean. The menu features Hawaiian-inspired dishes and live music.
• Makana Terrace: This restaurant is located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Poipu and offers outdoor seating with views of the resort’s gardens and the ocean. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and Pacific Rim cuisine.

Sunset Views

Watching the sunset is a must-do activity on Kauai, and there are several restaurants that offer stunning sunset views. Some of the best options include:

• Nanea Restaurant and Bar: Located at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, this restaurant offers panoramic views of Hanalei Bay and the sunset. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
• The Beach House Restaurant: As mentioned earlier, this restaurant in Poipu offers oceanfront dining with stunning views of the sunset.
• RumFire Poipu Beach: This restaurant is located at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu and offers oceanfront dining with views of the sunset. The menu features Pacific Rim cuisine and a wide selection of cocktails.

Hotel Restaurants

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a view that’s conveniently located at your hotel, there are several options to choose from. Some of the best hotel restaurants on Kauai include:

• Makana Terrace: As mentioned earlier, this restaurant is located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Poipu and offers stunning views of the resort’s gardens and the ocean.
• Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach: This restaurant is located at the Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue and offers oceanfront dining with views of Kalapaki Beach. The menu features Hawaiian-inspired dishes and a wide selection of drinks.
• Naupaka Terrace: This restaurant is located at the Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu in Poipu and offers outdoor seating with views of the resort’s pool and gardens. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and Pacific Rim cuisine.

FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it; my 16 best restaurants in Kauai for a great feed. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anything you think I need to add.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul