Kaua'i Restaurants

  1. Kaua'i Pupu Factory

    Stop for local grinds, including dried, smoked fish, deep-fried ika (squid) and purple-sweet-potato tempura. If you're curious to try Hawaiian food, don't miss the mouthwatering plate lunch with laulau or kalua pork with rice, lomilomi salmon and poke (see if you're baffled by these dishes).

    Read more about Kaua'i Pupu Factory

  2. Lihu'e Barbecue Inn

    Dark and deserted on the outside, the food and friendly service inside are a surprise. The menu is almost a book, with a wide selection (but inexplicably no real barbecue). Don't expect gourmet dining, but the fish dishes are delicious, especially the seared 'ahi salad.

    Read more about Lihu'e Barbecue Inn

  3. Mema

    Not the best, not the worst, Mema serves savory dishes that can be tailored to your meat-philic or meat-phobic preference: you choose either tofu, chicken, pork, beef, fish or shrimp. The stir-fried eggplant with basil and red chili with coconut milk are favorites.

    Read more about Mema

  4. Polynesia Café

    Its slogan proclaims, it's 'gourmet food on paper plates.' And the food does take the plate lunch to another level. Favorites include the mac-nut or pecan-pesto 'ahi plates. Vegetarians can opt for flavorful tofu plates. In the dessert showcase, massive pieces of cake and brownies are irresistible.

    Read more about Polynesia Café