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Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Kauai

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OpenTable
Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Kauai? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Hualani's restaurant
Hualani's
4.8
4.8 (2202)
$50 and over
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Lihue
About the restaurant
Experience one of the best restaurants on Kaua'i and enjoy farm-to-table oceanfront dining from the elegant yet relaxed setting at Hualani's. Here, oceanfront dining is influenced by the seasons. What's fresh at The Farm at Hōkūala inspires the farm-to-table menu, while our bar serves up well-balanced craft cocktails that complement the seasonality of the kitchen. Our culinary experience is inspired by a sense of place and driven by local farmers, as well as fresh-picked ingredients from our on-site organic farm. From the morning harvest and the daily catch, Hualani's shines a hyper-local spotlight on the bounty of the Garden Isle.
Top review
Janet
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing experience, the food is on par with a Michelin 3 Star, the service impeccable and the selection of wines were excellent. The ambiance, let's just say dining overlooking the water with a full moon rising can't be beat!!
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A photo of Lobster Tempura of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Tempura
A photo of Misoyaki Seabass of a restaurant
Popular dish
Misoyaki Seabass
A photo of Harris Ranch Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Harris Ranch Filet Mignon
A photo of Merriman's Kauai restaurant
Merriman's Kauai
4.7
4.7 (5213)
$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Koloa
About the restaurant
Chef-Owner Peter Merriman has brought his unique style of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine served in a casual yet elegant setting of Old Hawaii Plantation. A pioneer in the "Farm to Table" concept, Peter serves only the freshest products, at least 90% of which are locally grown or caught, using only sustainable methods. His international menu items are prepared in a manner that highlights the natural flavors of these fresh, local foods. Located in Poipu, we feature both mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) views as well as sunset veiws over the Kukui'ula resort. The aloha-friendly staff, with a food and beverage knowledge second to none, will ensure that you have an extraordinary dining experience.
Top review
Savanna
Dined 4 days ago
Great experience! Best dinner in Kauai for us, enjoyed it over the Beach House! Excellent service, great cocktails, and delicious classics with outside the box flair. Definitely will go back!
A photo of Japanese Grandma's Cafe restaurant
Japanese Grandma's Cafe
4.7
4.7 (46)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Hanapēpē
About the restaurant
We specialize in healthy, delicious Japanese Food!
Established in 2016.
The restaurant was opened with the philosophy of serving wonderful fresh food just like Japanese Grandma has fed to her family and friends!

Top review
EleanorVIP
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
We loved this friendly spot in a lovely garden. The food was delicious—simple, fresh and nicely presented. A good value for Kauai. We’ll go back soon!
A photo of Keoki's Paradise restaurant
Keoki's Paradise
4.6
4.6 (7334)
$30 and under
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Poipu
About the restaurant
Aloha! Visit keokisparadise.com for our menu, hours of operation, weekly specials or to place a takeout order online!

Enjoy fresh fish, steak, seafood and more! Keoki's is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week while offering brunch on the weekends. Escape to your own unforgettable paradise! Surround yourself with serene waterfall features and panoramic greenery, an experience the entire family will enjoy.

Live entertainment is offered daily. Experience locally sourced ingredients which compliments the refreshing and casual atmosphere. With a strong commitment to the community and genuine service, Keoki’s is truly beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Top review
Carl
Dined 5 days ago
Everything was perfect except the seafood risotto. Pretty much tasteless and there was no salt or pepper at the table to tweak it.
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A photo of Original Hula Pie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Original Hula Pie
A photo of Fish Tacos of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fish Tacos
A photo of Fish & Chips of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fish & Chips
A photo of Duke's Kauai restaurant
Duke's Kauai
4.6
4.6 (5681)
$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Lihue
About the restaurant
We are open for dine-in and takeout every day of the week. We feature live entertainment from 3:30-5:30pm & 6:00-8:00pm daily. Except for Sunday, live music from 9:30-11:30am & 6:00-8:00pm. Please visit our website at dukeskauai.com for current menus or to order takeout online.

With the crystal blue waters of Kalapaki Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains surrounding you, Duke’s Kauai invites you to celebrate life like the legend, Duke Kahanamoku, himself. The unique island-inspired atmosphere connects guests to the garden isle with luscious indoor waterscapes and a breezy Barefoot Bar. The Barefoot Bar is seated on a first come-first serve basis. Savor the fresh tastes of the island with locally sourced, contemporary beachside cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. The aloha spirit and Duke’s legacy live on at Duke’s Kauai.
Top review
Mark
Dined 5 days ago
The Hula Pie is always a big treat for us and the food was as expected… amazing. The best part of Dukes is the staff. They go out of their way to make dining an enjoyable experience.
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A photo of Twisted Hula Pie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Twisted Hula Pie
A photo of Crispy Coconut Shrimp of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Coconut Shrimp
A photo of Tristan Lobster Tail of a restaurant
Popular dish
Tristan Lobster Tail
A photo of Eating House 1849 - Kauai restaurant
Eating House 1849 - Kauai
4.6
4.6 (3124)
$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Koloa
About the restaurant
Acclaimed Chef and James Beard Award winner
Roy Yamaguchi opens The Eating House 1849
at The Shops at Kukui'ula. Named after one of the first restaurants constructed in Hawai'i, by a Portuguese businessman named Peter Fernandez, Eating House pays homage to the popular casual eateries of the mid 19th century that incorporated a medley of flavors from the Island's growing and diverse communities.

Please call the restaurant to make reservations for parties of 5 or more. For parties of 10 or more we require credit card information to hold the reservation, and follow a 48 hour cancellation/no show policy; any cancellations withing 48 hours of your reservation date, or not showing up to a reservation will result in a charge of $20 per person.

Top review
mari
Dined 5 days ago
The food was delicious and the wait staff attentive. It was a very enjoyable birthday dinner.
A photo of Stevenson’s Library restaurant
Stevenson’s Library
4.6
4.6 (1820)
$31 to $50
Sushi
Poipu
About the restaurant
This luxury nightspot offers a truly unique and welcoming atmosphere with a 27-ft koa wood bar, outdoor lanai and intimate lounge seating. The bar features beautifully carved koa in traditional sugarcane and pineapple motifs.

Chef Jin and his team create delectable sushi creations nightly. Relax, enjoy the views and sip on a tropical, martini, beer or sake. Stevenson's also boasts an extensive selection of Whiskeys, Cognac, Port and Wine.

Stevenson's is the place for sushi & spirits.

To Go orders: Offered between 5-6PM only due to high demand
High-Top seating: This is a tall table located in the bar area. This is a request and is not guaranteed.
Regular seating: A regular dining table located in the restaurant.
Lanai Seating: Balcony seating is limited. We do our best to accommodate requests, however it is not guaranteed. Mahalo for your understanding.
Top review
Mona
Dined 3 days ago
Always wonderful local service! Poke, sashimi, sushi pizza and lobster dynamite is always outstanding! Our 4 sushi rolls were fresh and delicious! Side Uni on rice and our dessert was amazing! Our fav place to go for dinner on the south side!!
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A photo of Sushi Pizza of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sushi Pizza
A photo of Stevenson's Lobster Dynamite of a restaurant
Popular dish
Stevenson's Lobster Dynamite
A photo of Beach House Restaurant- Kauai restaurant
Beach House Restaurant- Kauai
4.6
4.6 (12814)
$50 and over
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Poipu
About the restaurant
Our stunning ocean-front location with spectacular sunsets makes the Beach House an iconic destination on Kauai's south shore that has won the Hale 'Aina Award for "Best Restaurant - Kauai" for 20+ years.

Our philosophy at the Beach House is simple - take aloha, blend it with fresh and high-quality ingredients, and add an ocean view to deliver a handcrafted, Hawaiian experience. Executive Chef Marshall Blanchard makes the most of local ingredients by sourcing our fish directly from island fisherman and our beef from neighboring ranches. We incorporate fresh and local produce throughout our menu, highlighting Hawai'i farms and the resources that surround Kauai.

Reservations are highly recommended for a dining room table in our open-air restaurant. We also offer lounge seating on our lawn, where the full menu and full service are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please check in with the bar host for lawn seating.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
An amazing time as always, and Andy provided exceptional service and banter.
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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Keiki Fish of a restaurant
Popular dish
Keiki Fish
A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Bisque
A photo of Koloa Thai Bistro restaurant
Koloa Thai Bistro
4.6
4.6 (102)
$30 and under
Thai
Koloa
About the restaurant
Due to high demand for Teppanyaki table. Please call us to book our Teppanyaki table. At Koloa Thai Bistro, we take pride in offering a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends the vibrant and exotic tastes of modern Thai cuisine with the artistry of Japanese sushi and teppanyaki. Our menu is a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of both cultures, creating a fusion that is both innovative and delightful.
Top review
DianaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Finding the location was the most challenging in this day and age when gps is second nature, it sometimes neglects to say the building is listed on the street but actually set back on the second floor of the building on the street in a shopping complex, but we found it. Allowed time. Food and service were very good. Atmosphere was clean and second story allows for cross breeze cooling since that side of the island is warmest. An enjoyable meal.
A photo of Cafe Portofino restaurant
Cafe Portofino
4.3
4.3 (2213)
$31 to $50
Italian
Lihue
About the restaurant
Authentic Northern Italian fare, also specializing in seafood and steaks. Cafe Portofino is a beautiful upscale restaurant overlooking the ocean located at the Royal Sonesta Resort. Please come and enjoy our award wining cuisine and breathtaking views. Official parking for the restaurant is available at the Royal Sonesta Resort.

Please note, all seating is first come, first served- no special seating requests can be honored. For parties over 6, online reservations are not accepted, please call the main number.

If you have children in your party, please leave a note on your reservation or message the restaurant so that we can better accommodate your seating. Grazie.
Top review
AllenVIP
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Always a great place to eat when you're at the resort the first day.
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A photo of Meat Lasagna of a restaurant
Popular dish
Meat Lasagna
A photo of Chocolate Mousse of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chocolate Mousse
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