You’ve spent the day exploring the beauty of the Garden Isle and there’s one last thing to do before calling it a day — eat a delicious dinner. We’ve hand-collected a list of the best places to enjoy a lovely meal in Central Kauai.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
For more suggestions on best restaurants in Kauai, the best things to do in Kauai, and the best places to stay in Kauai, click here.
Feature Photo: JO2 Natural Cuisine Facebook
Coconut Marketplace, 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa
The family behind the original Leong’s Meat House in Kapaa and the roomier Leong’s Market & Grill in the Shops at Kukui‘ula in Koloa now boast another home-style restaurant, this time in the updated Coconut Marketplace. Specializing in island favorites such as mochi pancakes, loco moco, chicken long rice, grilled fish and kalbi ribs, this location is the only one open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
4–369 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa
Italian and Japanese dishes vie for supremacy at this upscale Coconut Coast dining room, but luckily you really can’t go wrong, especially if you enjoy one of the craft cocktails to start. The braised short ribs in a ginger soy reduction fuse the two cuisines nicely with both a creamy risotto and edamame on the plate.
520 Aleka Loop, Kapaʻa
808.822.0600
Hukilau Lanai sources only sustainably caught fish and is part of The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. The views here are great, and everything is made on site from scratch. There are several gluten-free options on the menu, and every night there’s a five-course tasting menu for $65, offered from 5-5:45pm. Reservations are recommended.
4-971 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaʻa
808.212.1627
Chef Jean-Marie Josselin has created a menu that merges the culinary influences of his native France, the clean flavors of Japanese cooking, and Hawaii’s multi-ethnic community. Jo2 focuses on using local organic produce and freshly caught fish. Our recommended dishes include ono ceviche with coconut water foam, tempura lobster tail ramen, and sake cured steelhead salmon.
4-1546 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa
808.822.7887
“Eat, drink, fun” is the motto at Sam’s Ocean View, where high-quality food, a stunning ocean view, and a casual atmosphere come together to form your perfect dinner spot. Their fish options change each day, and their commitment to freshness carries through to their hand-mixed cocktails — locally-sourced ingredients and never a soda gun. Try their guava, lilikoi jalapeño, or blood orange margaritas while you enjoy global twists on American dishes. You might even spot a whale out the window!
Hidden from public view amid the ultra-luxury Timbers Kauai vacation residences on the Hokuala resort, this upscale, relaxed open-air restaurant overlooks Nawiliwili Bay, Ninini Point Lighthouse and a shimmering pool to dreamy effect. Hualani’s claim of “farm to table” is real, though, since the Farm at Hokuala is just a golf cart ride away. The Hokuala Farm Thai curry with coconut milk is a piquant way to taste its harvest, as is honey roasted chicken with farm honey and a locally sourced mango chutney.
Blake and Kati Conant’s 10-barrel brewery in Wailua includes an attractively airy dining room with communal tables and a menu bridging local tastes and traditional brewpub fare, from kalua pig sliders and huli huli chicken to buffalo wings and pretzel bread. Seafood lovers will appreciate options for several kinds of poke, plus crab cakes, ceviche, smoked salmon and more. The considerate keiki menu includes chicken skewers, housemade mac and cheese, beef sliders and kalua pork with rice.
