Restaurants
Photo by Kehaulani -- Hamura's Saimin
Photo by Kehaulani -- Hamura's Saimin
Ask Ms Kauai
dba Ask Ms Kauai LLC
LIHUE
TIP TOP Home of the Original Macadamia Nut Pancake; "Old School" Locals love the Oxtail Soup
Rob's Good Times Grill Sports Bar; Good Food - serves 'til 11pm; Live Music - early evenings; Karaoke / Trivia Night
Daddy O’s Breakfast Benedicts; SPAM® & Egg Sandwich; Hawaiian French Toast stuffed w/Blueberry cream cheese
Hamura's Saimin "Old School" Noodle Shop -- Egg noodles in a seafood broth, BBQ Meat Sticks, crispy won ton,
shrimp tempura, and another local favorite... Lilikoi Chiffon Pie; Take a Whole Pie Home!
Kauai Beer Company Burgers - Sandwiches - Salads -- Perfect Beer Food! Keiki (Child) Menu Available
Garden Island BBQ Many of my favs... Seafood Noodles, Sweet Sour Spareribs, Cold Ginger Chicken, Beef Tomato...
& Chinese Restaurant Indoor service with AC - whew!
Smiley's Local Grinds Local Favs: Prime Rib, Smiley's Chicken, Hawaiian Food, Korean Kal Bi Ribs, Pork & Peas, Frog Legs
Kauai Pasta Italian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients like Goat Cheese, Salad Greens and Sausages
Fish Express Known for their Fish Plate Lunches; Good Poke selection with 15-20 choices of toppings!
Sibling restaurant to Konohiki Seafoods; the Shrimp Tempura, Ginger Fried Chicken and the
Chinese-style Sweet & Sour Spareribs are Old Family Recipes loved by long-time locals.
I like the Ready-to-go mini-bentos and fried squid/calamari (near cash register).
HANAMAULU
Konohiki Seafoods My FAVORITE Poke Place, this side of the island... Chiirashi Bento is my Gotta-Have-Once-A-Week;
Sibling restaurant to Fish Express; Old Family Favorites are so popular, the Ginger Fried Chicken,
Shrimp Tempura and Deep Fried Won Tons are kept warm under the Hot Lamp... Ready To Go!
GOOD Plate Lunches, Grab & Go Bento Boxes, Maki & Inari Sushi and Tropical flavored Desserts.
NAWILIWILI
Duke's Great View of Kalapaki Bay; Surfer/Tropical ambiance; Open-Air; Good Food; Must Have a Hula Pie
Harbor Mall Mariachi's -- Mexican Lilikoi Bar & Grill -- Local & American Skinny Mike’s -- Ice Cream
Uncle D's Takeout BBQ Southeast Asis Cusine Kauai -- Thai & Sushi
Food Trucks Located in a Nearby Parking Lot -- Filipino Food -- Belgian Waffles -- Smash Burgers
Paradise Grinds Full-On-Old-School-Style Mom & Pop Shop; Plate Lunch - Box Lunch - Spam Musubi - Smoked Meat
& Catering LLC Local Food made with a lot of Heart using Family Recipes dating way back to Plantation Days - YUM!
PUHI
Plantation House Located at Kilohana Plantation, in the Old Wilcox Mansion -- Great Reviews
by Gaylord's
Mark's Place A Favorite with Locals; Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers, Bentos, Plate Lunch, Desserts, Beverages
Harley's Tropical BBQ BBQ Ribs with Local Flare: Salads, Sandwiches, Wraps, Kabobs, Chicken, Ribs, Steak, Seafood
Kauai Sushi Station Sushi-To-Go Food Truck located across the Costco Gas Station
Orly’s Patisserie Food Network Champions... Fancy-Dancy Desserts and WEDDING CAKES!
Small sizes available -- PERFECT for Destination Weddings/Vow Renewal Ceremonies in Hawaii
Verde Mexican Food -- Sit-in Service or Takeout; Salsa is sold at Costco Kauai
Kenji Burger Asian-American - Burgers -- Bowls -- Burritos (Sushi style) - My Fav: Ahi Sandwich
Jimmy's Grill Open-air bar-on-the-beach - American food with local flare
Food Truck Stop Poke Bowls / Korean Kal Bi Ribs / Sushi / Mexican / Coffee / Egyptian / Fresh Fruits
Chicken-In-A-Barrel Western-American style BBQ pulled pork, ribs and burgers
KAPAA
Kountry Kitchen Traditional American Breakfast cuisine with local flare... try the Coconut Syrup with pancakes.
Bubba's Burgers Grass Fed Beef; I like the Double Teri w/cheese -- plain (No Mayo / No Onions)
Mariachi's Mexican cuisine
Java Kai Gourmet Coffee Shop; Very Popular... long lines... more gourmet coffee @ Pono Bakery nearby
Deli + Fish + Bar "True sense of Farm-To-Table concept and a strong sense of shop local mentality"
Wahine Weenies Gourmet "Street" Hot Dogs
Olympic Cafe Traditional American Fare with local flare
Paniolo Santa Maria BBQ “Paniolo” is the Hawaiian word for Cowboy; Tex-Mex style BBQ; live bands on Wed. and Fri.
Wailua Bakery Malasadas, Donuts, Scones, Savory Meat Buns and Rolls -- Coffee!
Pono Market GOOD Poke, Plate Lunches - rotating menu, Bentos, Manju, SPAM® Musubi, Fresh Flower Leis
M-F 6a–1p/ Closed on Saturdays & Sundays. GO EARLY for the good stuff!
Paco’s Tacos Coupla doors away from Pono Bakery & Market; serves breakfast too
Island Craves Burgers -- Pizza -- Gourmet Doughnuts -- Desserts -- Ice Cream... Cookie Monster Ice Cream!
L & L Drive-in Hawaiian/Asian/American - Local Fast Food: Plate Lunch, Sandwiches, Burgers, Noodles
WAIPOULI
Aina Kauai Wed--Fri / Lunch -- Take Out Bentos only; Reservations Required for Kaiseki Dinner; A Kauai
version of Japanese style multi-course dinner, paired with Sake.
JO2 Launched by Chef Jean-Marie Josselin, who first introduced Pacific Asian cuisine to the world.
Tiki Tacos Small little Mom & Pop Shop, known for their Fish Tacos.
No. 1 Chinese Deli & Restaurant
Sensei Sushi Sushi Bar with Premium Grade Fresh Fish; Teppanyaki Style Grill; Lunch & Dinner
Wailua Shave Ice Homemade Syrups using fresh produce from local farmers... "Must Have" with a scoop of ice cream!
Tropical Dream Ice Cream with 18% butter! This brand has quickly become popular... Cookie Monster is a huge hit !!
Waipouli Deli Mom & Pop Style with great local food – Pacific-Asian-American. My fave is the ONO Fish Plate.
Monico’s My favorite Mexican Restaurant on Kauai; love the Carne Asada Quesadilla; beware of green sauce!
Wailua Drive-In fka "Saimin Dojo"; Asian cuisine with Local flare; Featured on THAT Foodie TV Show with THAT Guy
Bull Shed 40+ years and two hurricanes later, it's still Kauai’s favorite Family Steakhouse; FCFS
Kenji Burger Asian-American - Burgers -- Bowls -- Burritos (Sushi style) -- LOVE the Ahi Sandwich!
Oasis Open Air @ beachside (Waipouli Beach Resort); Wed. - Happy Hour Entertainment - Very Popular
WAILUA
Island Country Market Convenience Store with Hot Food Deli which became popular during Covid for the Prime Rib Plate
To-Go... when I see 10 construction workers waiting in line, I know the food is good!
Bobbi V's Italian: Pizza & Pasta; Cocktail Lounge; Spaghetti Dinner Special on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Chicken-In-A-Barrel Western-American style BBQ pulled pork, ribs and burgers -- Check Out the WALL of BEER
Hukilau Lanai American-Asian Fusion; Reservations highly recommended; Full Menu available in the bar & lounge
Johnny's Wingz 'n Tingz Typical American Fare with Sports Flare -- Appetizers, Chicken Wings, Fish & Chips, Burgers, Steaks
Lava Lava Beach Club Pacific-Asian Cuisine; Located On the beach @ Kauai Shores … known for “sand in your toes”.
Ask for the Manager, ROBBIE; tell ‘em "Ask Ms Kauai" sent you, he'll take good care of you.
If he doesn't... LMK.
Kintaro's Japanese Cuisine; Sushi Bar & Lounge, Teppanyaki Table, Dining Room, Private Party Room FCFS
Russell’s / HA Coffee You want Vegan? This is the place for you... Health Food Restaurant; Ask for PJ
Na Pali Brewing Co. Opened JUNE 2023; Pupus & Brews - Take a Flight with a bevy of brews; gotta have some pupus too!
Mamahune's Open Air dining, beachfront of the Hilton; Local Fare - Poke Bowls & Poke Nachos; Specialty Drinks.
KOLOA / POIPU ALOHA SPIRIT SHUTTLE -- (808) 651-9945 FREE RIDES 5p-10p (gratuity appreciated)
**Please Note: It is a challenge to find a Ride Share or Taxi during dinner time on Kauai... most of the drivers are prone to do airport-hotel runs instead; this FREE Shuttle is a great option for those staying in Poipu -- Doug started this business when I worked as Concierge in the '90s... he still has the OG Aloha Spirit Shuttle 8-seater golf cart he would take people to/from the beaches. Now, his son does most of the driving; Doug will bring out the 8-seater when it gets busy during the summertime.
KOLOA
Koloa Fish Market Family owned, over the counter service, Hawaiian and American plate lunches and party platters
Sueoka Snack Shop One of the few Old School Mom & Pop Shops left on Kauai; known for their Cheeseburgers
Kenji Burger Asian-American - Burgers -- Bowls -- Burritos (Sushi style)
Koloa Pizza Appetizers -- Salads -- Thin Crust Pizza
Kitchen + Bar
Koloa Ice Cream Tropical flavored ice cream / Coffee / Baked Goods / Candy
& Coffee
Kauai Island Brewing Co. Daily 11a--9p; Brewpub featuring House-made Beer and Beer Food: Burgers, Pizza, Fries, etc.
Taproom & Whiskey Saloon
The Wine Shop Wine Tasting sessions available; Reservations Required
La Spezia Voted Kauai's Best Italian Restaurant Dinner / Tue--Sat / 5p - 9p || Brunch / Sat. & Sun. / 8a - 1p
Food Trucks Located in (2) areas of Old Koloa Town: Mexican / Asian / Coffee
POIPU
Grand Hyatt Kauai Ilima Terrace Breakfast
Seaview Terrace Great Happy Hour Bar & Lounge; Live Music
Stevenson’s Library Sushi Bar - Cushy Lounge designed to resemble a Library in an Old Mansion
Tidepools Steak & Seafood; Ask about Table 42 (extra fee)
Keoki’s Tropical Paradise Brother franchise to Duke’s – both have the Signature HULA PIE;
Open Air / tropical façade with waterfall—ponds; live entertainment
Beach House Ocean View; Sunset; Great Food (Reservations HIGHLY recommended)
Red Salt Tucked away in the Koa Kea hotel, it’s a step up in ambience; great food!
Brennecke's Beach Broiler Open Air; Ocean View; Convenient Location; Family Friendly. Reservations Recommended.
Bubba's Burgers Grass Fed Beef; I like the Double Teri w/cheese -- plain (No Mayo / No Onions)
Savage Shrimp Kauai Grown - garlic shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp tacos, fish tacos and more!
Leong's Market & Grill Hawaiian plates, poke, and various grilled specials for dine-in or takeaway.
HOURS: Market 10am - 7pm daily Lanai 11am - 9pm daily
Eating House 1849 A Roy Yamaguchi establishment; GREAT FOOD from Hawaii's very own Iron Chef!!
The Dolphin Open Air; Specializes in Seafood; Quaint, little Sushi Lounge (5p-8p); Fish Market (12p-5:30p)
Table @ Poipu Using locally-sourced ingredients, Award-winning Chef John-Paul Gordon creates "Culinary Art"
HOURS: Monday - Saturday Happy Hour: 3-5pm / Dining Room: 5-8:30pm
Merriman's A Pioneer in Farm-To-Table-Gone-Gourmet Dining; enjoy Fish, Beef, Lamb and Vegetarian delights
Living Foods Restaurant + Market + Cafe
Da Crack Mexican Grinds Da Crack gets its name from its location; a proverbial "Crack in the Wall" at the Kukuiula Plaza
Bangkok Happy Bowl Thai Bistro and Sushi Bar -- Takeout / Dine-in -- Lunch & Dinner
UPPER SOUTH / KALAHEO
Kalaheo Café & Coffee A great breakfast stop on the way to the Waimea Canyon, located on the West side
Menehune Food Mart Coffee, Bakery, Local Plate Lunch -- Lotsa Grab n Go delights... Manju, Mochi, Maki Sushi -- Yum !!
Paco’s Tacos Kukuiolono Golf Course… 9-hole Executive-Style golf course with panoramic scenic views spanning
across emerald green landscapes, layers of ocean blues... the Forbidden Island of Ni'ihau at a distance
PORT ALLEN
Kauai Island Brewing Co. Daily 11a--9p; Brewpub featuring House-made Beer & Beer Food; Kalua Pork Nachos - Yum!
Port Allen Sunset Grill & Bar 10:30a - 10p; Closed Mondays. Local Bar Fare high-lighting Seafood and Tropical Drinks
HANAPEPE
Japanese Grandma's Cafe Generations of modernized Family Recipes; the only restaurant open for dinner in Hanapepe
Midnight Bear Breads Wed--Sat/8a - 3p; Thur. Open @ 9a; European style Artisan Bakery; Breads and Pastries
Bobbie's Restaurant Mon--Sat/10a--3p; Local Mom & Pop Style Hawaiian Restaurant
MCS Grill M--F / 10:30a--8:30p; Family-Style / Ho-Style / Local-Style Comfort Food
Unko's Kitchen Fri 6-9p / Sat-Sun 7a-1p; Home-Style Local Food
Wong's Chinese Restaurant Tue--Sun / 10:30a--8:30p; Usual Asian fare, Hawaiian Food, and Bakery PIEs
Aaron's Kitchen M--F / 10a--7p; Sat 9a--6p; Filipino Food
Amaize Inc Foods Wed--Fri / 12p-7p & Sun 9a-1p; Mexican Food
Kuulei's Gourmet Tue--Fri / 10a--3p; Local Favorites: Soups, Salads, Seafood, Sweets with Gluten Free options
Omoide Bakery & Deli Tue--Sun / 10a--8:30p; Old School Chinese Deli-Style Food; Locals love the Pies & Cakes
Zensai Kauai Style LLC Tue--Fri / 10a--5p & Sat / 10a--3p; POKE BOWLS and Hawaiian Food Plate Lunch
WAIMEA
Porky's Kauai PULLED PORK (4) Ways: In a Bun, On a Sausage or a Dog; With Grilled Cheese; or Rice Bowl
Island Taco Mexican Food with Local Flare... try some Seared Ahi, Blackened MahiMahi, or Kalua Pork
Wrangler's Steakhouse Dinner Only
Shrimp Station Shrimp Dishes: from Sweet & Spicy to Spicy Hot -- Sauteed, Thai, Sweet Chili, Coconut
Gina's American, Hawaiian; Vegetarian Friendly, Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Yumi's American; Lunch, Breakfast; Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible
Da Booze Shop Great Lunch Stop; American; Lunch, Dinner; Takeout, Seating
Chicken in a Barrel BBQ Kauai's first self-serve beer wall is now open at Waimea Plantation Cottages
Kokee Lodge American Fare; Soups & Stews, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Breakfast & Lunch, Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar
KILAUEA
The Bistro Known for Prime Rib, Burgers and Wine Selection
Kilauea Bakery & Pizzeria Baked Goods and COFFEE... next door to The Bistro
Kilauea Fish Market Poke Bowls and Plate Lunches
Trilogy Coffee & Tea Bar Great Coffee and Baked Goods
Kilauea Market + Cafe Boutique-style Grocery Store with Cafe; Poke Deli; assortment of Grab n Go items
Healthy Hut Market & Cafe Health Food Grocery Store
PRINCEVILLE
North Shore General Store @ Last Gas Station: Grab n Go--Breakfast Burritos & Bagels, Pizza Slices, Plate Lunch, Drinks
B’s Italian Restaurant
Happy Talk Bar & Lounge Pacific-Asian Cuisine; @ Hanalei Bay Resort
Tiki Iniki American / Pacific Asian – Restaurant & BAR
Hideaway's Pizza @ Pali Ke Kua
HANALEI
The Dolphin Seafood – Sushi Shop in the back
Postcards Café Dinner Only
Tahiti Nui Old School style 70s Tiki Bar & Restaurant; it's a Mai Tai MUST STOP!
Luau on Wednesdays only.
Kalypso Island American – Mexican – Pacific Asian Mix
Bar & Grill
Northside Grill Asian-American menu, Sushi Bar, Full Bar to include Japanese Sake
Bar Acuda / AMA “Tapas” style dining / Noodles (fire pit facing a mountain of waterfalls) - Dinner Only
Hanalei Gourmet Lunch / Dinner – Appetizers, Burgers
Hanalei Bread Co. Known for their BREADs; try the Avocado Toast or Honey Banana Toast
L&L Pacific Asian cuisine; Local-style Plate Lunch -- Everything is TO GO… No Dine In.
Chicken in a Barrel Pulled Pork is popular; (4) locations on Kauai: Hanalei, Kapaa, Coconut Marketplace, Waimea
Village Snack Shop Local Food; Home of the Original Chili Pepper Chicken Plate Lunch
& Bakery
Ask Ms Kauai
dba Ask Ms Kauai LLC