12 best local restaurants in Kauai [ eat like a local 2024]

Fortunately for you, deciding where to eat can be easy when you know Kauai’s tried and true local gems. I appreciate the most about Kauai is the food quality in a wide range of eating establishments, where every dish has its history. Drawing from edible events: New geographies of food, Kauai presents an alchemy of shelter, memory, and encountered experience through that quintessential of edible events – the restaurants.

There are nights you may be enjoying raw fish poke while wearing flip flops, and still, within the evening, get clad in formal dinner wear as you look at cliffs. I assure you, my friend, these are not just the locations for fantastic food but all about what Kauai offers. So let it begin – are you prepared for this tasty ride? Let’s dive in!

12 Top local places to eat in Kauai

1. Coffee On Kauai

So far as coffee on the island of Kauai is concerned, the available diversification there is the best thing I like.

On the north shore, the food trucks scene is already offering charming crafts that are perfect for a great start to the day. You can order more than a cup of coffee here —dietary options such as fresh fish tacos and white rice bowls!

Another popular eating place is Mark’s Place, where you can grab a cup of coffee and plate lunch.
Also, they have picnic tables.

The Beach House Restaurant here offers great-tasting coffee and live music if that’s your jam. Lastly, do not forget to visit Hamura Saimin, which serves a bowl of good noodles, and The Rainbow Cafe, which serves locally brewed coffee. While these attractions are already a big hit on Kauai, their coffee selections send it over the top.

2. Little Fish Coffee

Little Fish Coffee, a South Shore Kauai favorite, offers yummy coffee to start your day well. When the morning hunger pangs kick to a level where you are not in the mood for a big breakfast but something more filling than a croissant or pastry, Little Fish comes through with menus that will delight your palate. With all that, I like their dishes, such as the açai bowls, the bagel sandwiches, and fruit from the local farm, which are tasty.

If there is one place that gets crowded very early in the morning, this is a perfect venue for fans. The coffee served at the school is delicious and prepared from the beans produced on the island’s north shore. And you know where else you can find this scenic treat? Kohala Coast in Hawai’i Island, of course! Do not leave without savoring fresh air on the lānai—It means an outdoor veranda in Hawaiian. Little Fish Coffee is one of the best cafés, if not the best cafés I’ve come across in the South Shore area; it is beloved by the locals and those tourists who have stumbled upon it.

https://littlefishcoffee.com

3. Dark Horse, Old Kōloa Town

Another outstanding restaurant I recommend is Dark Horse in Old Kōloa Town, which is something to remember. Each time I come, it seems like everyone is promoting something new and exciting on the island! Immediately upon entering, you get a warm atmosphere and taste of the dishes specific to this category of restaurants. Being a seafood restaurant, their dishes are known for their freshness – and when paired with the exquisite taste, it was a delicious meal fit for kings.

As you can see, there is one serious advantage – the ocean view: it is just magnificent. As a lover of meals, I prefer walking within Old Kōloa Town. It is a beautiful part of town with many shopping center where I can shop and not forget my drinks or stop at the juice bar. Yes, people can easily have a good time in Dark Horse on the Hawaiian island, and the choice of dishes from Mark Oyama is impressive. Be sure to check with your tour guide about where to find this spot while visiting Kauai.

https://www.darkhorsecoffeeroasters.com/locations-3

4. Hā Coffee

Ha Coffee, found at Rice Shopping Center, is a perfect place for every coffee novice or enthusiast visiting Kauai Island, Hawaii. What used to be a bus became a place for brewing freshly brewed coffee, tea, and even tasty specialty lattes like the bee sting with a speck of honey, which I love. They provide various fresh milk and some other milk products using fresh milk, including all from local farms.

And don’t worry about getting hungry; you can also order items called ‘munchies,’ which include açai bowls and bagels. The criteria that set this place apart are the casual dining atmosphere and the utilization of fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The only downside? There are sometimes queues, especially in the late morning and at noon, but they serve excellent coffee and some exquisite tropical fruits. Once you have taken a cup of Joe Coffee and are out there, you may have more exciting places to visit, such as the Kilohana Plantation or
Keoki’s Paradise, or relax at Hā Coffee.

https://www.hacoffee.store

5. Poke at Koloa Fish Market

You cannot patronize Kōloa Fish Market without ordering the customized poke bowl if you are a poke lover on Kauai. Though this market is in Old Kōloa Town, they also have a more traditional jar where customers can buy poke by the pound like in grocery stores. However, they also serve poke bowls with rice, and there is a side menu that includes items such as kimchi and wakame, which is seaweed salad, thus making the place convenient.

I really enjoy that they have fresh seafood that is locally sourced, which gives them better quality. Since the place does not have a seating arrangement, it is advisable to take a poke bowl and lau lau or kalua pork plates for lunch and go to one of the south side beaches to eat. Later on, it may be possible to move around Kauai and visit the Kilohana Plantation estate or Keoki’s Paradise or indulge in some sweets from Holey Grail Donuts. This store is one of my favourites.

https://koloafishmarket.com

6. Saimin at Hamura Saimin

Saimin at Hamura Saimin is one stop to go when you’re in Kauai, and I don’t know any other place that is better than this. Ramen tastier than this is called ‘saimin,’ which is, to some extent, Hawaii’s version of ramen; a humble shack that has been serving up arguably the best saimin since 1952. There are many things that I adore about this place; first of all, and perhaps most importantly, it doesn’t care about trends of the moment; it’s been consistent all this time, and it remains a haven of the best simple food called sushi you find on these streets: the menu has remained short, and it hasn’t changed much either. The portions are pretty large yet hearty; I would suggest getting a smaller size and trying their excellent skewered chicken or beef BBQ and signature lilikoi chiffon pie. This is ideal for those who want to give their palate the feel of the local cuisine offered in Kauai. So, you might want to continue exploring the area after your dinner and check out Lava Lava Beach Club or Kōloa Fish Market, among other great restaurants in Kailua-Kona.

https://hamura-saimin.res-menu.com/#google_vignette

7. Hanalei Taro and Juice Company

First, I recommend one of the most popular restaurants in Kauai, called Hanalei Taro and Juice Company. They have gained popularity for their sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, and they include a section on dishes primarily made with taro, a root vegetable significant in native Hawaiian culture. To those making a list of food trucks to try in Kauai, it should now include this establishment. It has many delicious meals; they offer regular traditional meals like the ‘Taro Veggie Burger’ and other famous Hawaiian creations such as ‘Hawaiian Taro Hummus.’ The recommended dish is their speciality – laulau, which is made with pork and fish, wrapped in taro leaves, steamed, and served piping hot. The blend of tropical fruits in their smoothies & juices offers a perfect balance and complements their delicious meals.

I have a piece of chicken here in Hanalei Taro and Juice Company on Wednesday night and another Friday for a formal dinner. Due to their relatively cheap meals and the excellent tastes, it is perfect to take your tastebuds on a tour. The rice bowl or one of the exquisite plate lunches offered is just outstanding. I usually follow the meal with the delicious Waikomo Shave Ice or the lip-smacking liliko’i chiffon pies. For more leisure and reasonable prices, a trip to Waimea Canyon or a train ride at Kilohana Plantation will be an excellent way to make the day perfect. This spot has a vibrant production of Kauai’s agriculture and must add to the favourites of every gourmet who wants to try Hawaiian food.

8. La Spezia, Old Kōloa Town

My criteria for selecting restaurants include but are not limited to location, atmosphere, type of cuisine/food offered, cooking style, and costs. Especially if you enter through their lovely screen door that gives you a taste of Hawai’i plantation houses, let your eyes feast on this lovely brunch menu. Some of my favourites are to enjoy the omelettes, benedicts, quiches, and banana pancakes they offer. The boys who love pans, pancakes, egg loaves, and French toast sticks make it appropriate for family breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even the tiny bar section, fully equipped with Italian wines, gives extra value to the overall impression.

Dinner at La Spezia is just as gratifying, investigating brilliant and traditional antipasti, house-made pasta, and other entrees using the highest quality local ingredients. They have several different types of gnocchi, which I like, such as the short rib ravioli and eggplant parmesan. The interiors and furniture are comfortably arranged, inviting, and friendly, making patrons feel at home when they sit for their meal. As for good places for a cup of coffee after dinner, located on the south shore, Kōloa Fish Market or Little Fish Coffee can be the most amicable conclusion to the day. Whether for breakfast or an evening meal, the items on the menu give diners a delectable sense of exquisite dining with a metrosexual twist.

https://www.laspeziakauai.com

9. Tip Top in Līhuʻe

Tip Top is one of those places to drop by, especially if visiting Līhuʻe on the island of Kauai. Serving customers for over a century now, the café has a very non ostentatious air, making customers comfortable. I try to have breakfast there with the banana – macadamia nut pancakes they are famous for, and great coffee – what a way to begin the day. Lois’ loco moco and their oxtail soup are traditional home-style meals offered in Hawaiian households and can be relied upon.

However, the restaurant offers fresh local ingredients that make every dish special, even though the establishment has a casual dining theme. The only drawback is that one has to spend a considerable amount of time waiting in a queue. However, staying in a queue to be served here is much better. On waking up, a delicious breakfast sets the day off right, after which we can visit places like the Kilohana Plantation or even stop at Keoki’s Paradise for a drink in the evening. I recommend it to residents and tourists, as it is one of the top restaurants in Kauai and represents the local cuisine.

https://www.tiptop-motel.com

10. Ko’a Kea Resort in Po’ipū

next to the extended glass doorway of the indoor restaurant, the most private tables are those that can look at the seaside in the distance, creating the right atmosphere for a romantic dinner for lovers. I recently dined under the executive chef Noelani Planas, who offered an excellent menu of dishes of local seafood and seasonal produce. One was a fresh catch of the day, coated with the out-of-the-world umami furikake and the lobster risotto indulgent. More so for vegetarians, the cauliflower fried rice with crispy tofu and root vegetables is a delicatessen.

St.freqs are advised to depend on the crowd on Wednesdays, although it is hardly a weeknight. The Island’s most famous dishes include Wailua shaved ice or the les flying restaurant Lilikoi chiffon pies nearby. This is quite helpful, especially after such a wonderful meal that needs to be followed by a sweet message. For those who wish they had time for more dining recommendations at Ko’a Kea Resort, activities such as hiking up Waimea Canyon or catching a show improve the experience.

https://www.koakea.com

11. Merriman’s in Poʻipū

Merriman’s in Poʻipū can be considered among the best places to dine in with affiliates luxury while on the island. This delightful restaurant is situated in the Kuku’iula Shopping Center. It has breathtaking views of the ocean and an incredible traditional cuisine but is more inclined to Pacific Islander cuisine. Affordable: Hawaiian Regional Cuisine was started by Chef Peter Merriman, who focuses on local sourcing of products, working closely with farmers and food producers in Hawaii. To this day, I relished their fresh fish dishes and was thrilled with their lilikoi chiffon pies, which were the essence of the dinner.

The other thing I like most about Merriman’s is that you get the best fusion and islander deuces. The environment is rather friendly, and there is music and dancing, which enhances the twilight mood. Still, it is categorised as a fine dining restaurant, and the prices are not high, so even if it is still relatively expensive, this is an ideal place for a particular date. One evening meal: Sweetheart, following a delicious dinner together, you may walk around the fish pond or enjoy the Waikomo Shave Ice. If you have some leisure time upon leaving the place, an extraordinary train ride through the natural awe-inspiring feature known as Waimea Canyon can be good to go through before moving on.

https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/poipu

12. Bar Acuda in Hanalei

Bar Acuda in Hanalei is among the best places to be on the island of Kauai if only you are in a certain mood for something different, especially if you are in the mood for some of the tastiest meals ever. This place is highly rated for excellent tapas and Mediterranean cuisine; therefore, it is a perfect spot on the north shore. This is the best local Hawaiian food and has a Mediterranean taste, and its portion for small plates is adequate for sharing. The way they obtain fresh fish and local tender vegetables makes every meal they cook stand out with the freshness factor.

Even more than the exceptional food, Bar Acuda is unique thanks to the ambience. There are large areas for group seating and food preparation, and it even has a stage for live music, making it suitable for an easy-going after-sun activity or beach BBQ. It is fantastic for an evening with friends and for lovers of fresh seafood, although, to be honest, for anyone, there is nothing wrong with poke bowls and anything with fresh fish. For example, I might walk to the neighbouring Beach House Restaurant afterwards or get coffee at Little Fish Coffee next door. Undoubtedly, Bar Acuda is a place where people enjoy themselves, and it is worth recommending the place to everybody residing on the north of Hawaii.

https://www.cudahanalei.com

Conclusion

Choosing a restaurant on Kauai must feel like a fun story when you know some time-tested Hawaiian traditions of great eating places. The thing I love about Kauai is that one is assured of quality food service regardless of which restaurant or food outlet they are in. Formʻs and their stories are with every meal. For the dining of Kauai, one has to acknowledge that it covers the ignitions of shelter and memory to create a marvellous experience out of every meal.

Whether one is enjoying fresh Hawaiian fish poke on sandy beaches wearing flops or dressed up for a wine dinner on the cliffs, Kauai it isn’t just about the food; there is always much more to the Hawaiian gastronomic experience or, in fact, any other experience on this lovely island represented in its culinary tapestry. Let’s jump in and take a bite of these delicious insights: It’s time to find out what culinary masterpieces can be tasted in Kauai, so let’s explore the best restaurants there!

WHO AM I ?

Hello !

I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover
I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.

I believe that travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world and about yourself. When you travel, you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. You learn about different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life. You also learn about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.
Travel can also be a great way to make new friends. When you’re traveling, you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, and you’re all in the same boat. You’re all there to explore and experience new things, and that can create a bond between people.

Let’s connect together !

I hope that my travel blog will inspire others to travel and to see the world. I also hope that it will help people to learn about different cultures and to become more open-minded.