Kapaa & East Shore Restaurants

The East Shore of Kauai has lots of restaurants, in all price ranges.  Whether you’re looking for a plate lunch, a nice piece of prime rib, or some saimin.   You can choose from Thai, Korean, Mexican and pretty much everything in between.

Duke’s Canoe Club overlooking Kalapaki Bay has a lot going for it – affordable pupus, good cocktails, the best salad bar on the island, and a cool, casual attitude.  Fresh fish is always a good choice here.  It’s been a favorite Kauai restaurant for years.

Hukilau Lanai, next to the Coconut Marketplace, is another reliable option with nightly entertainment, plenty of seafood and char-grilled steaks.  It has lots of Hawaiian ambience and a fun, tropical vibe.

Portofino and Kauai Pasta are two of Kauai’s best Italian restaurants.  And Kintaro has the best sushi around, as well as teppanyaki.  It has some of the most enjoyable Japanese food in Kauai.

Gaylord’s Restaurant in the Kilohana Plantation is the best place to relive the elegance of colonial Hawaii.  The sophisticated menu includes temptations like baked brie in crispy phyllo and New Zealand venison.  It’s also a great place for lunch or Sunday brunch.

For the best local Hawaiian food, try Hamura’s Saimin Stand on Kress Street and Mark’s Place on Haleukana Street.   People come from all over Kauai for Hamura’s noodles and lilikoi pie.  If they’re out, you can order a shave ice at Halo Halo, inside Hamura’s.

Mark’s is the go-to spot for loco moco, chicken katsu, teriyaki, and other local favorites.  It’s only open for lunch and everything is take out only.

If you’ve never tried malasadas – yummy fried Portuguese doughnuts – they’re absolutely delicious, especially when served warm.  The best are available at a stand in front of the K-Mart on Nawiliwili Road, but there hours are pretty unpredictable.  They open around 9AM and close them the run out of batter.

Find the top restaurants on Kauai’s North Shore.