Kauai Real Estate Blog | Anne Eliason

Don't let its small size fool you, Kauai restaurants have a lot of offer diners. Living on this island is an experience in and of itself, and dining out is no different. The key to finding delectable food is to experiment and don't be afraid to travel to other parts of Kauai to try out new places. Or you can read our guide to the 5 best Kauai restaurants and learn where you can expand your palate!

Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi

This Koloa restaurant specializes in plantation cuisine with Hawaiian influences and will have you begging for more. The Eating House is proud to use the freshest ingredients grown by local farmers and the freshest seafood caught by Kauai fishermen. From blackened island Ahi to wild boar burgers, this restaurant will not disappoint. The chef, Roy Yamaguchi, is considered an international culinary visionary and has published three cookbooks. His heavenly Hawaiian fusion cuisine will have you coming back for years.

The Dolphin Restaurant, Fish Market & Sushi Lounge

The Dolphin Restaurant has been a local favorite for over 30 years and has a popular fish market and sushi lounge right next door. If you're dining here, you have to try their seafood dishes– they're the best and freshest around! From their fresh fish of the day to the dolphin Tahitian poke, you'll want to savor every mouth-watering bite. Or if you don't eat seafood, you can try their delicious Hawaiian chicken and beef tenderloin. Dessert lovers will relish the Hawaiian butter mocha or the Lappert's lychee sorbet.

Bar Acuda

Any tapas lover will delight in Bar Acuda. This Hanalei gem specializes in using seasonal and local ingredients to create small savory dishes and the wine list is handpicked to perfectly complement the menu. Some of the more prominent dishes include the seared scallops with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and truffle reduction and grilled lamb riblettes with French feta cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes and curry oil. With these divine flavors, it'll be difficult to resist ordering the entire menu.

JO2 Natural Cuisine

JO2 recreates traditional dishes into innovative and exquisite masterpieces. The chef, Jean-Marie Josselin, combines Kauai's heirloom vegetables with the freshest seafood to bring about new unique flavors. From poached scallop ravioli to crispy quail to ono ceviche with coconut water foam, JO2's menu is unlike any other. For the less adventurous, try the roasted pork tenderloin or the slow cooked wagyu beef cheek. All of the menu items at this Kapaa restaurant are ingenious and heavenly.

Duke's Canoe Club

If you're looking for a casual restaurant on the beach, head to Duke's Canoe Club in Lihue. This restaurant pays tribute to Hawaiian Olympic legend, famous for his surfing skills. Popular menu items include the chicken and beef tenderloin skewers, mango barbecue ribs, and the delectable Hula pie. Or for the seafood lovers, you can choose from a few different fish preparation options including avocado and black bean relish, lemon and caper butter, and a garlic, lemon and sweet basil glaze. Your server will let you know what the fish of the day is, as it was likely caught only hours before cooked.

Kauai is small compared to the other Hawaiian Islands, but the dining choices are endless. With so many incredible options, it's hard to only pick the five best restaurants on Kauai. If you didn't see your favorite eatery on this list, please comment below and let us know where you like to eat!

If you'd like to learn more about my favorite Kauai restaurants, contact me today. Or if you'd like to start your Kauai real estate search, you can reach me directly at 808-855-5808.