17 Best Places to Eat in Kauai (2024) (2024)

With so much natural beauty to be found in every corner of the island, it’s no wonder that visitors often overlook the gastronomic delights of Kauai.

This lush and verdant paradise has all the makings of a foodie’s dream come true – you’ll love eating your way through this gorgeous island.

From fresh seafood to decadent desserts and everything in between, here are the 17 best places to eat 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 co*cktails and wine.

The staff here really goes above and beyond, which makes them stand out from other restaurants around town.

Definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.

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.

Experience Hawaii’s natural beauty at its finest at Beach House; you won’t be disappointed.

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.

It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends and family to enjoy good food and good company.

5. Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant

If you’re looking for an amazing dining experience on Kauai’s east side, you have to check out Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant.

Located right on Kapaa Beach, the restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean – perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

But it’s not just the location that makes Sam’s worth visiting, the food is absolutely incredible.

The restaurant serves American-style seafood and dishes, all made with fresh local ingredients.

And of course, no meal is complete without one of their delicious co*cktails.

From start to finish, everything about Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant is simply perfect.

6. Porky’s Kauai

Who doesn’t love a good pork dish? And when you’re on the island of Kauai, there’s only one place to go – Porky’s Kauai.

This little food truck is 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.

So if you’re looking for a taste of island comfort food, be sure to check out Porky’s Kauai.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 co*cktails – all made with local flavors or ingredients.

Some dishes worth mentioning include the grilled lamb riblets, Hawaiian fish, albondigas, and lilikoi cheesecake.

With its inventive cuisine and cozy atmosphere, Bar Acuda is sure to make your Kauai vacation extra special.

10. 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!

So next time you’re looking for a cold treat, be sure to check out JoJo’s Shave Ice.

11. Tidepools

On the hunt for an upscale eatery with excellent service, mesmerizing atmosphere and locally-sourced, fresh fare?

Look no further than Tidepools Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa.

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.

The best part? The food. From inventive appies to fresh Hawaiian catches – not to mention tantalizing desserts and innovative co*cktails – Tidepools has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a romantic night out that radiates the aloha spirit, Tidepools Restaurant awaits.

12. 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.

But it’s not just the food that’s noteworthy at Oasis On The Beach; they also offer a wide selection of signature co*cktails, wines, and beers to pair with your meal.

13. 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.

Feast your eyes on the beautiful view of the mountain and ocean while you savour some of the local favorites.

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.

From starters to main courses, you’ll find something to suit your taste buds.

14. JO2 Natural Cuisine

Get ready to enjoy some of the best culinary creations on the east side of Kauai.

JO2 Natural Cuisine offers a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese, and French-inspired dishes that will leave your taste buds singing for more.

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.

With mouthwatering flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more, it’s time to indulge in some of the best fine dining food that Kauai has to offer.

15. 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.

16. 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.

With a range of global cuisines on offer, you’re sure to find something to your taste.

Try out the signature dishes such as the Duo Poke, the Original Blackened Island Ahi, Pork & Shrimp Potstickers, and the Spicy Ramen Bowl.

17. Coconut’s Fish Cafe

Island cuisine has never been so delicious! Head to Coconut’s Fish Cafe for some of the best seafood around.

With various local-style plates to choose from, you are sure to find something that you love.

You can’t go wrong with their favorite dishes like Fish Tacos, Seared Ahi, and Local Style Kalua Pork.

In addition to seafood, they also serve bold-flavored vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, so everyone can find something they love.