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 around Princeville, Hanalei, and Kilauea.
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: Bar Acuda Instagram
Ching Young Shopping Village, 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
This handsome, open-air dining room on the second story of Ching Young Shopping Village serves up verdant mountain views along with Mediterranean and island-influenced cuisine. The miso ginger salmon bowl, seafood curry or furikake-crusted seared ahi sandwich are solid choices for lunch or dinner; pasta lovers may go for the mushroom ravioli with a mac nut and avocado pesto or grilled salmon penne.
Ama’s motto is “you’re in paradise, try the noodles” and we heartily agree! They use only local ingredients for their delicious house-made noodles and ramen mazeman dishes. Enjoy your meal on their gorgeous patio. Ama’s sister restaurant is Bar Acuda, also in Hanalei.
5-5161 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei
808.826.7081
For 15 years, Bar Acuda has been offering an amazing tapas-style menu designed to be shared among friends — but there’s no shame in ordering to your heart’s content if dining solo. The ingredients are locally sourced, the wine list is extensive and the creative cocktails set the tone for one great meal on Kauai’s north shore.
5-5075 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
808.826.1191
Postcards’ Chef Javier Melendez has traveled the world and brings that to his dishes, combining French and Japanese technique with flavors from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. You’ll find everything from hamachi sashimi to cacio e pepe here, where you can trust in farm-fresh and ocean-to-table ingredients. Pair your meal with carefully selected wines and desserts featuring pure organic cacao. The restaurant is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.
5520 Ka Haku Rd Suite D, Princeville
808.977.1155
Welina Terrace boasts the best sunset views on Kauai from its location inside the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Nightly live music by local artists sets the mood while you explore an extensive selection of sakes, Japanese whiskies, beers, sustainable wines, and craft cocktails. Savor shareable plates from Chef Misao Masuda’s modern Japanese menu that pays tribute to Hawaii’s rich Asian culture.
4270 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea
808.828.6244
Looking for a casual bite after a day at the beach? Search no further than Kilauea Fish Market. This cozy eatery offers a variety of gourmet plates and pupus like poke bowls, wraps, and tacos, perfect to enjoy on their outdoor patio. Or take home meat from their deli — fish is freshly-caught, while beef and chicken are free-range and hormone-free. And when your sweet tooth calls, don’t miss their shave ice stand located right in front of the market.
Ahuimanu Shopping Center, 2555 Ala Namahana Pkwy, Kilauea
While this restaurant prides itself on its library-sized whiskey bar and craft cocktails, its small but excellent bistro menu needs no alcoholic accompaniment to shine (although there might be some booze used in cooking.) The pan-seared duck breast, for example, comes with a bourbon jalapeno citrus glaze and smoked polenta, while cheesecake is topped by candied bacon and a bourbon caramel sauce.
