Restaurant Recommends – Our Favorite Places to Eat on Kauai
There are other places in Kukuiula Shopping Village as well as Poipu Shopping Village, but we’re just listing our “favs” here.
Kukuiula Shopping Center
This is a relatively new shopping center in Poipu, just off the Poipu “roundabout”. There are many fine boutiques, art galleries and a variety of restaurants to choose from. From Hot Dogs to high end cuisine, it’s worth checking out.
The Dolphin Restaurant
Sushi bar and restaurant. Like all fine dining on Kauai prices are steep, but quality and freshness is unsurpassed. Lots of tables. We like to sit at the sushi bar and tell the chefs to just feed us with their specials and favorites. We are never disappointed.
Merriman’s
Merriman’s is in the Kukuiula Shopping Center as well. I’ve only gone for happy hour in the downstairs area which was good, but self service. Truffle fries are great. High end staek and seafood restaurant on the upstairs.
Tortilla Republic
Great Mexican food, upstairs is more upscale and downstairs is a bit more casual. Happy Hour from 3- 5 daily. Visit their website for more information.
The Lanai
Newly opened restaurant adjacent to Living foods, which is as close to a Whole Foods as you get on Kauai.
1849 Eating House
This is Roy Yamaguchi’s (The famous Roy!) new specialty restaurant. A wide and varied menu with unique local local menu items. This is a great spot with fantastic chefs.
Lapperts Ice Cream
Lapperts Ice Cream is the best for ice cream. Tutus Anniversary is my “fav”, but all flavors are wonderful.
Poipu Shopping Village
Poipu Shopping Village hosts a number of mid tier specialty restaurants, including Thai food, Puka Dog (island style hot dogs) the big Olympic Cafe and others. Worth checking out.
The Beach House
The best location for sunset and ocean views (if you are NOT staying at one of our condos!) Good food, good service and that VIEW! Call for reservations for a table about a half hour before sunset.
Hamura’s Saimin
State-wide, this Lihue saimin (noodle) restaurant is known for its funky atmosphere and a meal that will fill you up and leave your wallet intact. Try the house special saimin, and the teri-stick. Leave room for the lillikoi chiffon pie for dessert! Old linoleum and stationary seats may turn you off, but the saimin cannot be beat! Be prepared to wait, and possibly not even sit together for this informal meal. A local favorite. Take out too.
Pizzetta
Pizzetta in Koloa is a good place for pizza, salads and pasta. Nothing special but good food.
Brenneckes
Brenneckes at Poipu Beach Park. Great views of the park, but no big gastronomic delight. A fun place to eat and good happy hours.
Brick Oven Pizza
In Kalaheo, about a 20 minute drive from Poipu, but the pizza is unsurpassed. No delivery, but there is take out. This pizza parlor has been around for decades, for good reason. The pizza is fabulous! Kids get dough to play with while you wait for dinner. They are also on the east side near the Wailua River.
Fish Express
Our personal favorite in Lihue for take-out and local pupu’s (appetizers or side dishes). You can even get plate lunches here. If you are brave or really appreciate fish, try some of the local dishes. Some are hot and some are just plain amazingly tasty! They have many different kinds of poke. You can also buy fish for the grill here. Sashimi and shrimp cocktails are a bargain. Located on the main road in Lihue across from Walmart.
Koloa Fish Market
Another good fish market if you don’t want to drive to Lihue. Not as large of a selection, but consistent. Plate lunches, laulau, sashimi, poke, and spring rolls. Usually fish to cut and buy for dinner as well. Located on Poipu Road just out of Koloa.. Cash only!
