Hawaiian restaurants in Kaua'i
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A
Aromas
You'll forget the tourist-mall setting inside the casually chic dining room of Aromas, a Pacific-Mediterranean bistro that bridges 'local' and 'gourmet' cuisine. Lunch salads, like the papaya and cashew-chicken salad, make a meal. Start dinner with the 'Poketian,' layered 'ahi poke (cubed raw yellowfin tuna mixed with shoyu, sesame oil, salt and chili pepper), crab, shrimp and rice in a martini glass.
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B
Hukilau Lanai
Locals rarely frequent touristy resort restaurants, but Hukilau Lanai is an exception. Here, find Hawaiian Regional Cuisine in a casually elegant setting. Standouts include fish preparations, feta-and-sweet-potato ravioli and 'ahi poke nachos. If you're an early-bird diner, the tasting menu pairs six courses with five wines (around US$40; food only around US$28) from 17:00 to 18:00.
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C
Caffé Coco
At this casually romantic hideaway, Coco chefs have created a winning fusion menu with staples such as the tofu-veggie peanut wrap, and Moroccan-spiced 'ahi (yellowfin tuna) with banana chutney and a curried purple-sweet-potato samosa. Sinful desserts and quality coffees are irresistible finales. Beware of voracious mosquitoes (protect your ankles!).
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D
Roy's Po'ipu Bar & Grill
Roy's, poster child of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, is suited to risk-averse foodies. Signature dishes such as pesto-steamed whitefish with cilantro-ginger-peanut oil and grilled shrimp with smoked tomato beurre blanc (classic French butter sauce) nicely blend local ingredients with gourmet preparations. Brace for long waits and loud crowds.
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E
Duke's Canoe Club
Yes, Duke's is an oceanside, open-air dining cliché. But if you want that tropical ambience, this is one of the best Eastside places to find it. The flavorful food won't disappoint. Start with savory appetizers like spicy sugarcane shrimp or crab wontons and don't miss the seven-spiced 'ahi with papaya-mustard vinaigrette.
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F
Lighthouse Bistro
Kilauea's sole sit-down restaurant is especially atmospheric at night, when the open-air dining room glows with mellow lights and rich woods. The menu focuses on local ingredients, such as Kilauea greens and goat cheese. Vegans can enjoy the Napoleon, a towering stack of polenta, grilled vegetables and greens ($18).
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G
Plantation Gardens Restaurant & Bar
If you are sick of the beach-sunset hype, enjoy dinner in a lovely garden setting instead. The menu is mercifully concise and features locally grown ingredients, kiawe (mesquite) grilling (for a rich, smoky flavor) and lots of seafood, eg island-style bouillabaisse (seafood stew in curry-coconut broth.
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H
Beach House Restaurant
A South Shore icon, the Beach House boasts an outstanding oceanfront setting and good Hawaii Regional Cuisine. The focus is fresh fish; the signature 'ahi taster includes 'ahi poke sushi, 'ahi tostadas and 'ahi hash spring roll. The kids menu will delight.
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I
Polynesia Café (Kuhio Hwy)
It might resemble a typical touristy joint, but this is a step above. Its signature 'ahi (or tofu) plates are yummy and filling, and the breads and sauces are freshly house-made. The Asian-Hawaiian-Mexican menu might seem a random hodgepodge but, hey, they make it work.
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J
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.
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K
Bali Hai Restaurant
Another feast for your eyes awaits at this open-air dining room with a panoramic view of Hanalei Bay. For breakfast, go local with poi pancakes and taro hash browns. The dinner menu is heavy on seafood. Cheaper eats are served at Happy Talk Lounge.
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L
Mermaids Café
Plate lunches for the hippie-granola set? You bet. And we guarantee you'll be tempted to try everything on the menu, from the classic seared 'ahi and nori wrap to overflowing plates of coconut curry topping veggies, tofu or chicken.
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M
Tropical Taco
Don't miss the fresh Mexican fare, island-style, at this Hanalei favorite. Wholesome and delicious tacos, tostadas and burritos are made to order with either beef, fish, or veg.
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