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 on the South Shore of 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: The Dolphin
Koloa Village, 5460 Koloa Rd, Koloa
One of several dining venues creating a lively scene in the two-story Koloa Village shopping center, Koloa Thai Bistro may be the most colorful in terms of interior and cuisine. Mahimahi in yellow Hawaiian pineapple curry or green Thai curry arrives in a fish-shaped celadon platter, while the red walls are as bright as the ketchup accompanying the corn dog bites and chicken nuggets on the kids menu.
Koloa Village, 5450 Koloa Rd, Koloa
You can’t say the name didn’t warn you: All four of the main menu items at this casual spot in the Koloa Village complex feature smoky, Hawaiian-style pulled pork. Enjoy a heaping scoop of this on top of a pork pineapple sausage or a beef hot dog inside a toasted cheese bun, or inside a grilled cheese sandwich or atop two scoops of white rice, with various additions.
The Shops at Kukui‘ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa
An offshoot of the popular Kaua‘i Diner in Lihue, this site may have fancier surroundings in the Shops at Kukui‘ula but the island-style menu remains deliciously homespun. Among the worthy ribsticking choices are chicken katsu, oxtail soup and loco moco, but you can also get a classic American cheeseburger or (till 1 p.m. daily) French toast and other breakfast standards.
2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo
Off the highway in the cooler uplands near Poipu, this busy restaurant has been packing ’em in since 1994 for fresh, filling and not-too-fancy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner brings some pricier chef’s specials, a la strip steak or ribeye, but you can still opt for a gourmet hot sandwich like the Miami-style cubano roasted pork or housemade turkey burger.
2251 Poipu Rd., Koloa
855.231.4535
Kauai native and award-winning chef Noelani Planas is in the kitchen of Red Salt, located inside the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort in Poipu. Voted #1 Restaurant in Kauai by Honolulu Magazine, Red Salt offers delectable dishes like Madagascar Vanilla Bean Seared Mahi Mahi.
Family-owned and -operated for over 20 years, this place is serving seriously “ono-licious” (really tasty) food. The vibe is hip, the fish is as fresh as it gets, and the menu has got something for everyone, including all you plant-loving folk.
From the day Owner-Chef Peter Merriman opened the doors of Merriman’s original Waimea location in 1988, he proved himself to be an early champion of sustainable and locally-sourced cuisine. The Waimea location is now Hawaii’s first carbon-neutral restaurant, and the Poipu location is not far behind, as over 90% of its ingredients are locally grown or caught using sustainable methods. Check out popular dishes like the Kalua Pork Quesadilla and the Ma Kai special, which changes nightly, and stop by on a Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday for live music. Advanced reservations are highly recommended through opentable.com.
1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa
808.240.6456
At Tidepools, feel the mist from surrounding waterfalls as you dine in an open-air hale pili: a thatched-roof bungalow modeled after a traditional village. Their menu celebrates local ingredients and Hawaiian culinary tradition. Nestled by the Hyatt’s koi lagoon under the glow of tiki torches, you’ll enjoy fresh fish and steak such as the popular Macadamia Crusted Mahi, set over greens grown in their on-site hydroponic garden. You can also stop by the Hyatt’s other restaurant, Stevenson’s Library, for sushi.
5022 Lawai Rd, Koloa
808.742.1424
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or hoping to catch the sunset with a drink in hand, The Beach House won’t disappoint. Their oceanfront setting is known for its stunning sunsets, and their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients shine through in their Pacific Rim cuisine that reimagines classic favorites. Secure your spot with a reservation and explore their diverse drink menu, featuring imaginative cocktails and island-inspired non-alcoholic options.
2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa
808.742.4786
This oceanfront hotspot, found inside the Sheraton Kauai, boasts 180-degree ocean views from every seat. Enjoy Kauai’s most extensive array of rums from around the world as you enjoy modern Kauai dining with global influences. Can’t decide what to order RumFire understands. Sample up to four dishes on one plate with their entree flight options. Our tip: request Table 53, from which all net food & beverage proceeds are donated to charity.
Poipu Shopping Village, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa
Part of the restaurant chain best known for Duke’s, this exceptionally verdant oasis with babbling water features and soaring wooden ceilings has been drawing diners to Poipu Shopping Village since 1986, and it’s not just for the iconic towering slices of Hula Pie, Taco Tuesday deals or near-daily live music and hula. The locally sourced island cuisine at this conservation-minded restaurant includes several dishes incorporating the taro the staff has helped grow in Waimea, as well as Kauai-grown beef in a hearty cheeseburger and loco moco, line-caught ahi and other fresh fish in a variety of preparations.
Koloa Village (upstairs), 5460 Koloa Rd, D201, Koloa
On Kauai, staying open till 9 p.m. is considered late, making Mura Izakaya in Koloa Village can be your new late-night hangout when in Poipu. It’s also a go-to for a shot of Japanese whiskies or tasty dishes such as mochiko chicken karaage, gyoza with kurobuta pork filling and udon.
Inside Koa Kea Resort at Poipu Beach, 2251 Poipu Road, Koloa
The fine dining and sushi restaurant at the luxury boutique Koa Kea Resort hotel has a history of exciting and accomplished chefs that have made the almost-hidden spot worth seeking out. The newest in the line is executive chef Cary Roy, who is leading the intimate, monthly Pa‘ina Dinner series showcasing island- and Hawaii-grown ingredients in a creative, five-course prix fixe menu with premium wine pairings and cocktails.