15 Best Restaurants in Kauai You Must Try
Kauai’s food scene packs way more punch than you’d expect from Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island.
The Garden Isle knows how to feed you—body and soul. Here are the best restaurants in Kauai.
1. Hukilau Lanai
Hukilau Lanai is a must-visit restaurant in Kauai. Not only does it offer stunning views and mouthwatering food, but there’s also live music that will keep you entertained while you eat.
Enjoy fresh traditional Hawaiian dishes alongside an impressive selection of cocktails and wine.
The staff here really goes above and beyond, which makes them stand out from other restaurants around town.
2. Beach House Restaurant
Beach House Restaurant is a stunning eatery that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic sunset dinner or a family feast.
With some of the best views on the island, this restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest local ingredients in all of its Pacific Rim and Hawaiian regional cuisine.
Dishes like wasabi-buttered fresh island fish and poke tacos are not to be missed. And for those with a hearty appetite, the filet mignon is sure to satisfy.
3. Holey Grail Donuts
Nestled on the North Shore of Kauai, Holey Grail Donuts is a favorite place for all locals and visitors alike.
They offer mouth-watering donuts made with taro dough and fried in coconut oil, finished off with local island ingredients like fruit chunks and glaze.
Grab their four-pack tasting box, but be warned: once you’ve had a taste of their delicious donuts, you’ll be hooked for life!
4. Keoki’s Paradise
Embrace your vacation mode and go for an extraordinary tiki bar experience at Keoki’s Paradise.
The tropical atmosphere, cascading waterfall, rambling streams, and jungle backdrop makes this restaurant one of Kauai’s best.
The contemporary menu offers Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, and the bamboo bar serves up aloha-hour drinks that are sure to please.
Some of the signature dishes include ahi sashimi, roasted lobster tails, hula pie, and their signature mai tai.
5. Porky’s Kauai
Porky’s Kauai is a little food truck known for its pineapple sausages, rice bowls, and melty grilled cheeses.
And if that’s not enough, they also offer a complimentary drink with each meal.
If you’re looking for a taste of island comfort food, be sure to check out Porky’s Kauai.
6. Red Salt
Located in the Ko’a Kea Resort near Poipu Beach, Red Salt is an upscale restaurant with breathtaking oceanfront views.
Their menu features traditional American fare for breakfast, plus delicious sushi and Hawaiian seafood options for lunch and dinner.
Be sure to try their famous wasabi-crusted seared ahi, red salt cake, or Wagyu burger – all made with fresh island ingredients.
7. Duke’s Kauai
Duke’s Kauai is one of the top restaurants in Kauai, resting beautifully beside the oceanfront.
Named after famous Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku, this surf-themed restaurant offers fresh Hawaiian food in a fun and family-friendly environment.
This place is surrounded by various shops, resorts, and parks, making it a must-visit spot if you want to explore the area.
Be sure to try the menu favorites: the Sauteed Mac Nut & Herb-Crusted Fish or the Slow-Roasted Prime Rib.
8. Bar Acuda
Bar Acuda is a well-loved tapas restaurant on the northern side of Kauai.
This intimate eatery is perfect for foodies, offering a wide range of appetizing tapas and specialty cocktails – all made with local flavors or ingredients.
Some dishes worth mentioning include the grilled lamb riblets, Hawaiian fish, albondigas, and lilikoi cheesecake.
9. JoJo’s Shave Ice
Get yourself a cold sweet treat on a sunny day from the one and only JoJo’s Shave Ice.
They offer a wide variety of flavors, so you’re sure to find one that you’ll love.
And if you want something a little bit richer, you can ask for sweetened condensed milk to drizzle on top.
But what makes JoJo’s unique? They’re the original shave ice spot on the island!
10. Tidepools
Tidepools Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is an upscale eatery with a mesmerizing atmosphere and locally-sourced, fresh fare.
This Kauai gem is tucked away on the South Shore and boasts an open-air setting, truly making you feel as though you’ve been transported to paradise.
From inventive appies to fresh Hawaiian catches – not to mention delicious desserts and innovative cocktails – Tidepools has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a romantic night out that radiates the aloha spirit, Tidepools Restaurant awaits.
11. Oasis On The Beach
A top place to eat on the South Shore, experience fine dining in Kauai at it’s best at Oasis On The Beach.
This one-of-a-kind restaurant offers mesmerizing ocean views along with delicious farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine.
All of the dishes are cooked with fresh, local ingredients to give you a flavor-packed taste of the island.
Some favorites include the Freshly Grilled Catch, Oasis House Salad, and the Oasis Terrine.
12. Merriman’s Fish House
Kaua’i has so much to offer, and Merriman’s Fish House is one of the best places to enjoy it all.
This casual restaurant serves up delicious food in a relaxed setting, perfect for a casual get-together with friends.
Indulge in some of Kauai’s most popular dishes like the ahi ginger poke, kalua pork quesadilla, and an incredible range of fresh-caught fish.
13. JO2 Natural Cuisine
JO2 Natural Cuisine offers a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese, and French-inspired dishes.
From their prawn & roasted Chinese duck lumpia to their quinoa salad, spaghetti squash, and seared Hokkaido scallops, you won’t be able to resist trying them all.
14. Kauai Juice Co
Kauai Juice Co. is the perfect place to refuel on your next Kauai adventure.
With its variety of fresh-brewed kombucha, hand-pressed nut milk, and cold-pressed juices, this juice bar offers something for everyone.
Plus, with three locations dotting the island, it’s easy to pop in for a quick pick-me-up or a healthy snack during lunch.
15. Eating House 1849
When you dine at Eating House 1849, you’re in for a gastronomic treat.
The restaurant takes pride in using only the finest ingredients that come from local farms, ensuring that each and every dish is unique and delicious.
Try out the signature dishes such as the Duo Poke, the Original Blackened Island Ahi, Pork & Shrimp Potstickers, and the Spicy Ramen Bowl.
