Waimea Canyon & the Westside
The eye-popping deli counter at this famed Japanese supermarket is guaranteed to revive even the most jaded palate. With local favorites like kim chee sea…
Must-see restaurants in Kauaʻi
Poʻipu
Exceptionally good value by local standards, this popular barbecue restaurant occupies an attractive upstairs dining room adorned with carved doors from…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
Line up with in-the-know locals at this spacious fish store-cum-takeout. It serves outstanding poke in all flavors (spicy kimchi is the hands-down winner)…
Lihuʻe
One of the island's biggest and best farmers markets, in partnership with the Kauaʻi County Farm Bureau, brings a bonanza of locally grown, often organic…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
This tumbledown shack looks like it’s been closed for decades, but find your way in through the side door for a quintessential Kaua‘i experience…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
Adored by locals and visitors alike, this always-busy cafe has a spacious dining room and brews strong coffee. Order egg scrambles with grilled cornbread…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
With its local take on Japanese cuisine, this smart little restaurant has earned a sky-high, island-wide reputation. The sushi is impeccable, but there’s…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
Out of a shiny vintage Aristocrat trailer comes the best shave ice on the island, made using fresh, organic ingredients such as apple bananas and coffee…
Wailua
The coolest spot in Wailua has hammered-aluminum tabletops, a chalkboard craft-beer menu, and an open grill where gourmet burgers are made. And they are…
Wailua
Known for burgers catered to any time of day. Breakfast burgers and egg sandwiches come in a Belgian waffle bun, while traditional burgers are smothered…
Hanalei
This no-reservations offshoot of neighboring Bar Acuda enjoys Hanalei’s finest outdoor setting, facing mountains cascading with waterfalls. Treating…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
This plantation cottage makes a romantic venue to enjoy excellent food. Lunch ranges through burgers, salads and sandwiches, while dinner options include…
Kapaʻa
Line up for local grinds (food) at this longtime hole-in-the-wall serving generous plate lunches, homemade sushi rolls, spicy ahi poke bowls, savory…
Wailua
One of the most consistent restaurants on the island, seafood is king here, with a half-dozen fresh-catch options, paired with locally grown vegetables…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
Hands-down Kaua‘i‘s best bakery, this small organic cafe offers everything from delicate pastries and cinnamon rolls to sourdough loaves and baguettes and…
Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
Calling itself ‘the original social network,’ this lively bakery-cafe is Kilauea’s all-day comfort food and social hub. Order from the amazing array of…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Saimin (Hawaiian-style noodle soup) is the star here – we can't go past the bowl with kimchee and garlic cilantro shrimp. But the whole menu is brilliant,…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
Super-friendly casual restaurant in a plantation-era structure where there’s live Hawaiian music in the central garden courtyard (6-8pm). The simple pub…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
At first it looks like your basic minimart, but hidden among the cold drinks, snacks, flip-flops and sunblock is a damn good deli with sushi and a range…
Kapaʻa
A farm-to-table gastropub with imaginative dishes like beer-battered tuna belly, spicy buttermilk-fried chicken, starfruit Caprese and lamb empanadas. It…
Hanalei
It’s worth paying a few dollars extra at Hanalei’s finest shave-ice stand for their organic rather than their regular syrups; the liliko‘i (passion fruit)…
Poʻipu
In a plantation-style building with two levels, you'll find a buzzing margarita bar and taqueria downstairs, and a dining room upstairs that's…
Poʻipu
In his Kaua‘i showcase, legendary restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi offers an island-appropriate menu of ‘plantation cuisine,’ with six appetizers and six…
Poʻipu
A sublime oceanfront location makes Kaua‘i’s favorite special-occasion restaurant perfect for a romantic sunset dinner; book well in advance…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
This gourmet food truck serves lunch three times weekly at Warehouse 3540. The changing menu features self-taught chef Seth Peterson’s rich, upscale take…
Lihuʻe
You won’t find an evening spot more fun and lively than Duke’s, which offers a classic view of Kalapaki Beach. The steak-and-seafood menu is none too…
Poʻipu
Celebrated chef Peter Merriman runs two very different but equally good restaurants in the same plantation-style building. Upstairs the Fish House offers…
Lihuʻe
There is no doubt that the historic Wilcox home at Kilohana Plantation provides a handsome setting, particularly on the veranda. You can daydream amid…
Kapaʻa
The most popular food truck of the bunch, this is a real-deal, authentic taco truck with fresh fish tacos and burritos, terrific al pastor (spit-roasted…
Poʻipu
Standing alone in lush green lawns peppered with well-shaded tables on the mauka (inland) side of the highway, this little shack makes a great place to…
Hanalei
Reserve well in advance to dine and drink in this smart ‘tapas and wine’ restaurant, which is Hanalei’s most chef-driven spot. It typically takes four or…
Lihuʻe
Despite neighbors including auto repair and welding shops, this is a prime destination for Lihuʻe's freshest seafood and meat. Poke servings are some of…
Poʻipu
This old-style grocery store has much more local flavor than its big-mall rivals; stock up your condo kitchen here to sample some genuine Kauaian foods…
Plantation Gardens Restaurant & Bar
Poʻipu
Spreading through a historic plantation house open to the ocean breezes amid tropical gardens lit by tiki-torches, this charming restaurant probably won’t…
Lihuʻe
Chef Joshua Stevens’ Mexican, New Mexican and California-style cooking might put whatever style of tacos you’ve been eating back home to shame, at this…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
The only restaurant west of Hanalei is so close to the beach that ocean breezes waft through the windows. Its well-judged menu includes everything from…
Poʻipu
Natural woods, tiki torches and water features combine to form a warm jungle lodge atmosphere. The higher-priced, dinner-only dining room offers grilled…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
Come to this seafood-lovers’ dream to pick up a piled-high poke bowl or rice plate topped with seared fresh catch. Despite the name, they also serve all…
Poʻipu
A guilty pleasure, this taco shop is just a hole in the wall of the Kukui‘ula Market grocery store, with no tables nearby. Lines form daily to get hold of…
Hanalei
Great coffee and breakfast specials – like bacon and onion pizzas with soft eggs cracked on top – draw morning crowds to this organic bakery and cafe in…
