Kauai Cuisine
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Kauai Restaurants
As with every Hawaiian island, Kauai’s cuisine is defined by fresh ingredients, global-inspired flavors and colors so vivid they’re usually reserved for rainbows. Whether it’s fine dining, local plate lunches or just-picked fruit from a roadside stand, fresh is always in season on the island of Kauai.
Hawaii Regional Cuisine—a decades-old cooking movement that focuses on island-grown ingredients—can be sampled at restaurants like Merriman’s Fish House and Roy’s Poipu Bar & Grill, where you’ll dine on freshly caught mahimahi, wahoo and other fruits of the sea. In Koloa, Red Salt is another acclaimed, upscale option.
Reserve a night during your trip to feast on kalua pig and taro at an authentic Hawaiian luau, which you can do at several venues from Kapaa to Poipu.
Shave Ice is a distinctly Hawaiian dessert that can be found at stands around the island, while Kauai-based Lappert’s Hawaii ice cream shop is among the island’s favorite ways to stay cool. And be sure to sample fresh produce and locally made food products at Kauai’s Sunshine Markets (the local name for farmers markets), held throughout the island in towns like Lihue and Hanapepe.
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Kauai Restaurants & Dining
Gaylord’s offers one of Kauai’s most beautiful settings for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Our kitchen uses only the freshest, seasonal ingredients supporting our local farmers and fishermen. Our 67-acre sustainable farm provides much of the produce and herbs used in our dishes and cocktails.
Lovely oceanfront location. Enjoy watching the exciting surf while dining or having your favorite tropical drink
A tribute to legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, this popular restaurant and barefoot bar offers fresh island fish, prime steaks, live Hawaiian entertainment and stunning ocean views.
Chef Zack Sato creates an array of delightful preparations featuring locally-grown, organic produce and fresh-caught island seafood. Located steps from beach, poolside at Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort.
RumFire Poipu Beach is a contemporary culinary experience with spectacular views of the resort’s Ocean Courtyard, Poipu Beach and the ocean beyond. RumFire, the island’s newest hot spot, serves up nearly 180-degree ocean views from all of its 240 seats.
Located in the hip new Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapa'a on the Coconut Coast of beautiful Kauai. Lava Lava Beach Club is what you come to Hawaii for. Come get some sand between your toes! Creative cocktails, casual laid-back fare, delicious entrees on the beach with live musicians entertaining nightly.
Red Salt’s diverse menu by acclaimed Executive Chef and Kauai native Noelani Planas celebrates fresh Hawaiian seafood and produce in a casual, yet sophisticated seaside atmosphere.
Experience creative Pacific Rim and island-inspired cuisine at Kukui’s. Located poolside Kukui’s is a culinary destination for indulgent breakfast buffets, casual al fresco lunch, sunset cocktails, and dinner.
The herbs, olive oil, and spices of our classic Italian dishes will thoroughly delight you.
Nestled in sunny Poipu Beach, Keoki's Paradise is famous for its fresh seafood, local island cuisine and exotic drinks served in a jungle-like setting.
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