Top Ten Kauai Hawaii Restaurants
Savage Shrimp Kauai
The Kauai dining scene has really blossomed in the last few years. Kauai’s best restaurants feature romantic ambience and first-rate service in addition to delicious food. Fresh local ingredients and lots of ethnic influences make Kauai’s food exciting and different from what you’ll get back home.
Be sure to eat lots of fresh fish, tropical fruit and juice, and don’t leave without having a plate lunch, some shave ice, and kalua pork.
Here are our picks for the top ten Kauai Restaurants.
1) The Beach House. If you only plan to splurge once, make it here. The ocean-front location near Spouting Horn is a big part of the appeal, and you’ll need to reserve well in advance to nab a table at sunset. But whenever you come, dishes like Macadamia Nut Crab Cakes, Truffle-Crusted Hawaiian Catch, and Roasted Duck Breast and Confit will leave you completely satisfied. Try to save room for one of their incredible desserts. One of the best places to eat in Kauai.
2) Gaylord’s at Kilohana. If you want to experience the atmosphere of Plantation-era Hawaii, come to Gaylord’s. Located in a Tudor-style plantation house that dates from the 1930s, Gaylord’s prepares many of their dishes with herbs and vegetables grown on the property. Sunday Brunch features Banana Pancakes and Blackened Ahi Eggs Benedict. The dinner menu has temptations like Hoisin Duck Spring Rolls and Island Snapper with Lobster Sauce.
3) Plantation Gardens. Surrounded by the beautiful Moir Gardens, this lovely restaurant on the Kiahuna Plantation property is one of the most romantic restaurants on Kauai. Choose a table out on one of the verandas under the twinkling lights and tiki torches. Start your meal with a Cucumber Mojito and Dungeness Crab Rangoon. Then try Sugarcane-Skewered Pork Tenderloin.
4) Bar Acuda. Specializing in tapas, Bar Acuda offers some of the most inventive dining on Kauai. Small plates like Grilled Flank Steak Skewers, Portuguese Salt Cod, and Pancetta-Wrapped Scallops set the stage for Hawaiian Onaga en Papillote and Roast Chicken Panzanella. The ambience at this Hanalei hot spot is low key and relaxed.
5) Dondero’s in the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Surrounded by waterfalls and koi ponds, Dondero’s is Kauai’s only AAA Four Diamond Award Winner. The Italian menu includes classics like Papardelle Bolognese to updated dishes like Dungeness Crab Linguini. Frequently named Kauai’s best Italian restaurant.
6) Roy’s Poipu Bar & Grill. One of the originators of Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, Roy Yamaguchi’s Asian-influenced menu features Sushi, Sashimi, Pot Stickers, and beautifully prepared local fish. Save room for the Hot Chocolate Souffle.
7) Mediterranean Gourmet. Located next to the Hanalei Colony Resort, Mediterranean Gourmet serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes including Stuffed Grape Leaves, Babaghanoush, and Kabobs. Paella is a specialty.
8) Café Portofino. In the Kauai Marriott, Café Portofino serves calamari three ways, ahi, salmon, and beef carpaccio, as well as pasta classics and grilled meat, fish, and chicken. Beautiful views of Kalapaki Bay are another plus.
9) Hanalei Dolphin. Located on the Hanalei River, this is a great place to enjoy a piece of fresh fish on the lawn. Ceviche, fish sandwiches, fish and chips, and whatever’s at the adjoining seafood market, cooked to order.
10) Hukilau Lanai. One of the most affordable options in Kapa’a, Hukilau Lanai’s menu contains surprises like Local Swiss Chard & Mushroom Tart, Lobster & Goat Cheese Wontons, plus a nice selection of local fish. The Happy Hour tastings pair some of their specialties with wines by the glass.
