Restaurants in Lihue
Best Restaurants
“Simply delicious. One of our best meals on Kauai. Blackened scallops, rosemary garlic ciabatta, and the freshest arugula/honeycomb/blue cheese salad to start. I had the whole fried Hawaiian fish (that can filleted) - unbelievably fresh, moist, and crispy. My wife had the basil mahi mahi - also superb. My son went for the 45 day dry aged ribeye with black garlic. It was probably one of the best bites of steak I've ever enjoyed. Great wine list too. This place is not inexpensive but oh was it worth the splurge!”
“Wait staff, location and food were all top notch. Bread was amazinng. We had the oscar and primerib. Everything was soo good. Well worth the price. Definitely would visit again.”
“The Penang curry is very delicious! Garlic chicken is too deep fried and bit overcooked. Appetizers like the summer rolls and seaweed are light and small portions”
“After trying other boba places on island, Kauai boba and barbecue is the best spot. Bobas are always soft and chewy, drinks are always how you remembered. I've tried many food items and they're delicious with generous portions for the price. The business is family owned and operated. They get busy especially when cruise ships are parked, but enjoy the atmosphere because it's worth the wait.”
“Check out this gastropub. I like to explore different menu options, but having eaten it the last time, I could not pass up their delicious reuben sandwich. Washing down their juicy homemade pastrami on toasted sourdough with one of their cold draft beers is a nice break from the $200 frou frou dinners at the island's fancier restaurants. Wife had a burger and she enjoyed it. They have nine or more of their beers on tap. You can order a 4 oz. sample for $3, or a 16 oz. glass for $9, or a flite of several different ones, or all of them, after which you probably shouldn't drive. All their beers I've tried are great. I'll always return here when I visit Kaua'i.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Just.YUM.If you like mushrooms, GET THE MUSHROOM APPETIZER. it is TO DIE FOR.Great service. There was live Hawaiian music and hula when we were there that was also great.”
“Delicious food! We had mini loco-moco and “special” mochi waffles with chicken. Everything tastes top-notch! I was especially impressed with the service! Two girls handled a full house of customers: taking orders, bringing food, cleaning tables, bringing drinks and coffee refills - and we did not feel likewe were waiting too long for anything! 5 stars for the ladies of the cafe!!!!”
“Had lunch here the day we left, good Thai/southeast Asian food. Ok located just across the street from the harbor but limited view. Unfortunately no sushi for lunch.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Such an adorable sushi spot, one of the best on the island with an awesome atmosphere and amazing service! Can’t believe the beautiful dishes that came from a food truck !”
“Best poke we’ve had in Kauai - the selection was incredibly impressive and extensive. Hokkigai, raw crab, kimchi tako, ahi…so good. They also offer sushi and cute inari filled pockets. Butter mochi was delicious as was the pork lau lau. You dont see this place on a lot of tourist guides - it’s a local favourite and we are so glad we stumbled upon it!”
“My sister and I were recommended Rainbeau Jo’s by a local resident on our first day of our vacation. Our grave error was waiting until the last 5 days of our 12-day trip to get to Rainbeau Jo’s. This place is AMAZING. The coffee is fantastic, the vibes are impeccable, and I’m still dreaming about the Cowabunga on rosemary bagel (one of the March specials). We went every day after our first visit and were never disappointed. Beau and Jo are so enthusiastic about life and friends and sharing their love of coffee with anyone who walks through the door. They had my coffee order down pat by the third visit, which I think qualifies me as a Regular (16oz latte with nonfat milk and coconut flavor). They were both so excited to see us walk through the door every morning and we were so thrilled to be greeted with joyful smiles and endearing enthusiasm. We came for the coffee and we stayed for the vibes and the coffee and also the bagels. I can’t recommend Rainbeau Jo’s enough. Come get a coffee and be part of Beau and Jo’s family.”
“This place is to go only but you can get your food and cool with the locals eating out of their trucks. True island style. We got the garlic shrimp, garlic chicken, and local moco. Our favorite was the loco moco. Cash preferred location.”
“I have sampled multiple menu items at this cafe and have enjoyed each one. During my most recent visit, I ordered the dumplings and fried chicken, which were both phenomenal. This place truly is a hidden gem that I highly recommend.”
“Wait staff, location and food were all top notch. Bread was amazinng. We had the oscar and primerib. Everything was soo good. Well worth the price. Definitely would visit again.”
“The Penang curry is very delicious! Garlic chicken is too deep fried and bit overcooked. Appetizers like the summer rolls and seaweed are light and small portions”
“Good morning stop. Coffee is well priced, well brewed and the beans are well roasted. Had a brewed coffee which was pleasant: Roasted slightly dark, well extracted brew with balanced flavours and an easy drinking middle of the road flavour profile.Acai bowl was very good! High quality granola and great overall flavours.The seating area is questionable at best but it’s fine and there are neat murals on the street. Probably best to do take out.”
“Malasadas are amazing!! The sugar ones are my favorite.Parking: located in a mall so there is plenty of parkingWheelchair accessibility: no stairs to enter the building. Shop is located in a mall so there is plenty of handicapped parking”
“Kenji Burger Lihue: A Pleasant SurpriseReview:By chance, we stumbled upon Kenji Burger in Lihue, and it turned out to be a hidden gem. The burgers were not only delicious but also generously sized. What impressed us even more was the reasonable price tag attached to these mouthwatering burgers. In fact, they were even more affordable than the often overrated food trucks we encountered during our time in Hawaii. The quality of the ingredients and the flavorful combinations made Kenji Burger stand out among the dining options in Lihue. If you're in the area and craving a satisfying burger that won't break the bank, Kenji Burger is definitely worth a visit.”
“This is the BEST burger...EVER...we travel all over and have eaten tons of burgers... this is the best out there...the sauce is so addictive... those flavors are amazing! Great work Shaka Burgers!”
“The only fault is that there are so many tasty treats to choose from! We decided to get a pastry each (cinnamon danish is a great choice) and a decadent dessert to share.”
“Check out this gastropub. I like to explore different menu options, but having eaten it the last time, I could not pass up their delicious reuben sandwich. Washing down their juicy homemade pastrami on toasted sourdough with one of their cold draft beers is a nice break from the $200 frou frou dinners at the island's fancier restaurants. Wife had a burger and she enjoyed it. They have nine or more of their beers on tap. You can order a 4 oz. sample for $3, or a 16 oz. glass for $9, or a flite of several different ones, or all of them, after which you probably shouldn't drive. All their beers I've tried are great. I'll always return here when I visit Kaua'i.”
“Just.YUM.If you like mushrooms, GET THE MUSHROOM APPETIZER. it is TO DIE FOR.Great service. There was live Hawaiian music and hula when we were there that was also great.”
“I love supporting the culinary student program at Mark's Place but we go there because the food is really good ! The Ahi Tofu burger wrapped in lettuce is my favorite! Try the Fish or Teri Chicken if you're really hungry ! Plates are huge with rice Mac salad and green tossed salad too . You can ask for tossed green salad only and they are happy to accommodate the substitution. I love all of their sauces and the salad dressing is perfect !”
“I don’t even know where to begin. This was such an amazing experience!! From the very beginning to the very end I was captivated and entertained.Much more than what I thought it would be. Upon arriving you get your photo taken, you get the shell leis and then you get to walk around the grounds to shop with local craft vendors.Free drinks are given thru out the event until the end of dessert. They have alcohol and non alcoholic options of each drink. Which was wonderful.Watching the stories come to life thru the dance and performances was beautiful. The cast brought feelings of the struggles, love, heartbreak, beliefs and joy that the story told.It’s very well put together and I would recommend everyone to embrace the learning experience of the local Hawaiian culture.”
“Visited for a day and had a whirlwind of a time. Ended up our escapade with a nice dinner at Kiibo. Although this was my first (and certainly not my last) time here, we were met with hospitable staff and the warmest aloha. As many have mentioned, this restaurant is a staple for the local community and continues to shine on through its' refresh. We shared the agedashi tofu and mochi to start. I ended up getting the agedashi chicken katsu with some shrimp tempura on the side. All of the dishes left my stomach grinning immensely. The flavors here are quite authentic and it was giving motherland realness with the decor and ambiance. Pricing is as expected for the quality of flavor and offerings, especially coming out of the pandemic. The nice thing is that they also offer take out for those who want to experience the good flavors to-go. However--it is strongly recommended to dine in to experience the food in real time. As the indoor seating is limited, be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. You will be glad that you did. Will be back for more the next time I'm in town. Thank you again! ご馳走様でしたー！”
“We've been going to Kauai Pasta since 2016. Always loved the food and service. They recently moved their location and it's open and airy. We were celebrating my husband's birthday this go around and were not disappointed. Food is amazing. Service is exceptional. Our servers name was Jen and she was lovely. Overheard us talking about my husband's birthday and brought out a small treat with a candle at the end. Perfect way to end the day.”
Online Reservation Available
“Simply delicious. One of our best meals on Kauai. Blackened scallops, rosemary garlic ciabatta, and the freshest arugula/honeycomb/blue cheese salad to start. I had the whole fried Hawaiian fish (that can filleted) - unbelievably fresh, moist, and crispy. My wife had the basil mahi mahi - also superb. My son went for the 45 day dry aged ribeye with black garlic. It was probably one of the best bites of steak I've ever enjoyed. Great wine list too. This place is not inexpensive but oh was it worth the splurge!”
“Had lunch here the day we left, good Thai/southeast Asian food. Ok located just across the street from the harbor but limited view. Unfortunately no sushi for lunch.”
“The shape ice is very soft and the ice cream at the bottom is very creamy. The service was very good. All of the employees were kind. The ambience was very like a tropical theme and the flavors of ice cream were very good.”
“This was a very nice last major stop before heading out to the airport. We were sitting inside near the Koi pond. It was great and you could still see the ocean water from there. This is a must stop in Kauai. Had we known about it sooner, we would have visited multiple times. The public beach outside is just right and might be a good option if you want to spend time at the beach and return to eat something. Try the LaPina for your drink.”
“My teen and I enjoyed our food. I had tacos, she had sliders. My drink was delicious.Wheelchair accessibility: This is not an accessible restaurant. It is on the second floor. No elevator.”
“Can consistently rely on good food there. My go to place to eat at Kukui Grove Center's Food Court!! Get their Lemon Chicken, Stuffed Eggplant, and Beef Broccoli. ??”
“Friendly staff and in a great location on Kalapaki beach. Good drinks and great, reasonably priced food (we had breakfast, lunch, and appetizers here over the course of our trip). Although not listed on the menu, they have gluten free options (including bread for toast or sandwiches) if you ask. Live music in the evenings and beautiful at sunset!”
“First, I'd suggest imagining yourself in the middle of a verdant green mountainous landscape floating in the Pacific Ocean. Only a few buildings dot the miles-long single-lane path that cuts through the vegetation on this beautiful island in a place it seems that time has forgotten. That's where every review of this restaurant should begin. On Kauai, where only a few restaurants are still in business after the pandemic... On Kauai, where less than a handful of Mexican people live... On Kauai, where not every restaurant is open every day... Mariachi's is perfect for Kauai. We visited on a holiday weekend, Friday night, staying at a resort nearby. It's Kauai, so it's no surprise both local pizzerias were closed. The popular restaurant on the beach was on a 45-minute wait. The only other place in this center was also full of big families. However, Mariachi's piping Mariachi music into the air, and the hostess greeted me in Spanish. There were a few empty tables. We were taken to a balcony table overlooking the garden landscape. Soon after, we were drinking tequila shots and pouring from a pitcher of Modelo Especíal. Perfecto. The menu has everything from nachos to chile rellenos. The tempting meat options include carnitas, shredded and ground beef, roasted chicken, and fish and shrimp. The items are reasonably priced, too, ranging from $14-$22 for each plate. We ordered burritos, tacos, and nachos with shredded beef, carne asada, and chicken. The food was delicious. In this environment, at this moment, everything was perfect. I hope others get to come and enjoy the experience. The staff was really helpful and friendly too. Gracias por todo!”
“If you don’t feel like getting a plate lunch from one of Kukui Grove food court’s three local food places, Aloha Ramen is a decent alternative. Food is at Kaua’i prices, but the taste is acceptable and portion sizes are decent. This is especially the case for ramen, as they give you a ton of noodles. The one weird thing is that the miso ramen broth had a sort of a fruity flavor, almost like lilikoi.”
“Stopped here for breakfast and wow the Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict was amazing in taste and perfect portion! I left full, the service was okay not amazing or bad. Pretty views of the pool and hotel. Would go back to eat this again! Stay away from the pool food and eat here instead .”
“We chose Cafe Portofino for dinner after a long day exploring the north shore. The reviews had us apprehensive but the convenience of walking to dinner from our resort played a big factor in our decision. Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised. Our waitress Nicole was kind and friendly. Average pizza, nothing special but got the job done. The fish of the day was pretty good, the piccata sauce was just okay but the mahi mahi was delicious. It came with carrot flan, scalloped potatoes, and steamed broccoli on the side. These were a little interesting but overall yummy. We probably won't be back, but it is an easy safe choice if you are staying nearby.”
“Best açaí bowl I’ve ever had!! Got the mermaid and it was a perfect mix of dragon fruit, blue spirulina, ube, etc. It was even topped with bee pollen. Super flavorful and unique combinations.”
“Great diner!!! Only place we've ever eaten where the meal was bigger and better than the picture on the menu. And the service was off the chart!!! Cherie was the best!!! Will definitely be back before we leave the island. ??”
Takeout Restaurants
“This place is a gem! They have delicious waffles with a plethora of creative and hand crafted toppings. This food truck is in a clean, safe, cozy outdoor space complete with picnic tables and sun shade.The service was fantastic and they even offer a generous Kama’aina discount of 25%.”
“I tried vegan jackfruit pulled pork so many times and failed but this place just nailed it. Best Vegan BBQ I've ever had. The Staff and owner are more than friendly and help you out :)”
“The best ginger beer I've ever had. The lavender was out of this world. The owner was super nice and personable. Well worth a stop especially if you are taking a boat or helicopter ride. This would keep you feeling good ?”
“After trying other boba places on island, Kauai boba and barbecue is the best spot. Bobas are always soft and chewy, drinks are always how you remembered. I've tried many food items and they're delicious with generous portions for the price. The business is family owned and operated. They get busy especially when cruise ships are parked, but enjoy the atmosphere because it's worth the wait.”
“Great place. First place that cooked my eggs "over medium," perfectly. The bacon was crispy, and the potatoes were perfectly done and a little crispy too. My husband loved his waffles as well.Oh, I can't forget about my latte. That was very good. I got whole milk, but they offer nonfat, oat, and almond too.Really nice place.”
“Introduced to this place by a coworker, and it's turning into kind of a go to place for grabbing lunch during fieldwork trips. Good poke and bento. Also like the self-served topping bar :)”
“Delicious açaí bowls. A tad bit too much granola for the açaí ratio but scrumptious nonetheless. Perfect to grab after visiting Wailua falls. Might have to wait a minute as there was only one girl working. Seating was plentiful.”
“Delicious food! We had mini loco-moco and “special” mochi waffles with chicken. Everything tastes top-notch! I was especially impressed with the service! Two girls handled a full house of customers: taking orders, bringing food, cleaning tables, bringing drinks and coffee refills - and we did not feel likewe were waiting too long for anything! 5 stars for the ladies of the cafe!!!!”
“I'm giving Keoki's 5 stars on atmosphere because I dig a working class place like this! No nonsense burgers and daily specials catering to the industrial neighborhood it's in. Great Mac salad with a kick of black pepper.Just a note: they're cash only.”
“Everything was amazing! A hidden gem. If you enjoy Japanese patisseries this is for you. Deliciously crafted bite sized desserts everyone would enjoy. The cream used with the profiteroles was outstanding in the green tea and vanilla we had. The prices were very reasonable for what you get and in my opinion the prices could be higher. We will be back.”
“Very delicious food! Service was great. She recommended some of the popular plates. We had the smoked meat plate, Cali plate, and deep fried pork musubi and it was amazing! Took about 10 minutes from ordering to getting our food so very quick! You can eat at the table there or take elsewhere.Vegetarian options: Veggie options are clearly labeled and alternate sides are available.Parking: Parking in the Walmart parking lot.”
“We were planning a destination wedding in Kauai and needed a wedding cake and a groom's cake. I contacted Ko Bakery and they were quick to respond and answer all my questions. I sent a couple of pictures of my ideas and the cake arrived exactly as pictured. It was delicious. They even made arrangements to have it delivered to the restaurant so all we had to do was enjoy our day, show up at the restaurant, and eat cake! I would highly recommend this bakery.”
“Visited for a day and had a whirlwind of a time. Ended up our escapade with a nice dinner at Kiibo. Although this was my first (and certainly not my last) time here, we were met with hospitable staff and the warmest aloha. As many have mentioned, this restaurant is a staple for the local community and continues to shine on through its' refresh. We shared the agedashi tofu and mochi to start. I ended up getting the agedashi chicken katsu with some shrimp tempura on the side. All of the dishes left my stomach grinning immensely. The flavors here are quite authentic and it was giving motherland realness with the decor and ambiance. Pricing is as expected for the quality of flavor and offerings, especially coming out of the pandemic. The nice thing is that they also offer take out for those who want to experience the good flavors to-go. However--it is strongly recommended to dine in to experience the food in real time. As the indoor seating is limited, be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. You will be glad that you did. Will be back for more the next time I'm in town. Thank you again! ご馳走様でしたー！”
“O M G. Am I dreaming? Dole Whip is my all-time favorite sweet treat and when I heard about Pineapple in Paradise, I knew I had to try it. Luckily the van was stopped up in Princeville and close by. I got the pineapple dole whip in a pineapple cake cone and it exceeded my expectations. If you have ever been to Disneyland, you know the Dole Whip consistency, color, and flavor is just magical. However, this one topped Disneyland's. First, the whip wasn't hollow inside. The soft serve was packed in the perfect swirl. When I got down to the cake cone, it was the most delicious pound cake tasting cone I've ever eaten. The cake was moist and so unique. Everything about this was outstanding and I cannot recommend this spot enough. If you're in Kaua'i, you need to find this truck's location, and try it for yourself.”
“Nice coffee and tea, but really delicious. The iced tea was black loose leaf, pressed, then iced. The mocha was awesome with a very cool design on top. Totally worth visiting.”
“This was a very nice last major stop before heading out to the airport. We were sitting inside near the Koi pond. It was great and you could still see the ocean water from there. This is a must stop in Kauai. Had we known about it sooner, we would have visited multiple times. The public beach outside is just right and might be a good option if you want to spend time at the beach and return to eat something. Try the LaPina for your drink.”
“Verde is one of our family favorites...Kids love it we love it. The atmosphere is epic, the food is awesome, and major shout out to our most recent server! She was attentive, but more than that she was dynamic and seemed like she genuinely cared about our experience. She was behind the bar when we first arrived and then our server, she interacted with our son and equally with us offering suggestions and a great experience. Mahalo nui loa to Kolo and Verde for providing a excellent family night out in the big city!”
“Our experience was very good! We were seated promptly and our server was extremely attentive. The drinks were good, food was good- my fish was excellent , sides were done well but a little cool for my liking. Almost looked like it had been waiting too long before my fish was ready. My father raved about his lobster and steak. The ambience was excellent and the scenic picture from our table was amazing!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“We bought the Kauai Loaded Avocado toast our daughter "best she has had on the island" and I had the Ahi Panini.."so good!" The pickled onions and the crunchy cucumber...and don't forget the Lilikoi dressing makes the salad! We are definitely going back. There is so much more I want to try! Great service too oh yeah...don't forget to tip! They all work hard to serve amazing fresh food!”
“Obviously Taco Bell is not fine dining. I enjoy some fine dining!But as far as fast food goes, it don't GET no betta! The food is consistently good and always looks and tastes very fresh. AND in this time of a fast food burger meal costing upwards of of $17, it's pretty darn reasonable!”
“Standard Burger King however expect sticker shock on the prices. BK app doesn't have any specials for this location and we basically paid double from any other BK on the main land. Whopper tastes the same so food was still decent.Parking: Lots of parking around the restaurant”
“I love their French fries and chicken pot pie!! Wasn't expecting it to be delightfully delish! The light coating of the fries make them crispy!! The pot pie's crust was an unexpected yummy surprise!!The employees I've had contact with were friendly and helpful!They renovated their dining area, so it nice and bright!”
“Some of the normal attitude , no smile, no interaction. Just hand you a bag out the window and you don't even know if you're done and that's everything. Had ordered two large fries amongst other things and asked for ketchup, and was given four little packets. I wasn't even going to write a review, but Google popped up asking me for one not long after I left, so ....”
“My teen and I enjoyed our food. I had tacos, she had sliders. My drink was delicious.Wheelchair accessibility: This is not an accessible restaurant. It is on the second floor. No elevator.”
“I only tried the fries, but they were good. The staff at the grill/pool area were super friendly. My only big disappointment was paying for two upgraded margaritas and two virgin lava flows that turned out to be about $111. I feel that the bartender on staff for that day totally upcharged us, Each margarita was $35 plus 18% gratuity already included, Served in an 8 ounce plastic cup by no means worth $35!!! To put it in perspective. We had a whole 4 meals 4 drinks and 2 added salad bars, That included lava flow and alcoholic drink, lobster tail, macadamia crust fish, ribs&chicken, chicken tenders meal and calamari appetizer etc. for $230 at Dukes. The comparison was nothing compared to $110 tab for four drinks at the driftwood bar and grill!!! I wish I had kept both receipts to show the atrocity of the drinks cost lol.”
“This show is a MUST SEE. It's so beautifully done, not cheesy AT ALL and the dancers are incredible. The singer and the performers take so much pride in their culture and share it in a way that even captivated my skeptical teen.”
Cheap Eats
“Cute vibes, delicious food, kind staff, and right on the beach! Ordered an everything bagel with jalapeño and artichoke cream cheese, breakfast sandwich, and a bunch of their pastries - everything was 10/10. Coming back for their banana pudding…must visit for breakfast if you’re staying at the Royal Sonesta or Marriot.”
“Best sailing in the world so good it takes you back to the good old days and they have the best BBQ skewer beef or chicken the best in the world hands down jaw drop n broke da mouth”
“Came looking for drip coffee, got the pourover. Honestly, it's the best I've ever had. That first sip literally made me say, "Wow" and write this review. I'm sad I found it on our last day here and not sooner!”
“Best Loco Moco on the island! We ate here every morning and were treated by the friendliest staff. Breakfast views from their upper seating cannot be beat. Looking forward to our next stay and our Loco Mocos from Noka!”
“Both the pad thai and the pad see ew were good! I had the tofu pad thai and my husband had the chicken pad see ew, he thought they were a little too sweet. The people working were super nice. There are two picnic tables you can eat at but this place is busy so you may have to share a table.Vegetarian options: Tofu and veggie options”
“So good and such a great deal especially compared to some of the other touristy places on the island.. Quick and easy as well, and tastes very authentic and delicious. Chicken adobo was to die for, I loved the noodles as well. I’m not even sure what the other thing I got was but it was so good, you can’t go wrong with anything.”
“They only have one long table for outdoor seating, but this place seems like the locals' favorite. I see many orders multi box lunches. You have to go to the back of the store for the breathtaking view (hopefully we didn't intrude on private properties). The deluxe box lunch is the best deal for less than $14, lots of food, so I can see why the locals love this place.”
“Combination of grocery store, bakery, and restaurant. Frequented by old ladies and young male workers -- positive indicators of quality and value.We got a small marinated pork ($8), custard pastry, and sticky rice for a total of $12.Pork was super flavorful though I was unable to identify anything.The custard pastry was mind-blowing.”
“Recent visit to Kauai and their Korean style dish with an island twist were AMAZING!!!! The Kalena special was my favorite because I could sample 3 to 4 main dish (Kalbi, meatjun, bbq chicken and pork belly) and loved how we can select three homemade sides. I selected the Mac salad, fish cakes, noodles and I got to taste the cucumber, eggplant plant and seaweed salad too! You know the place is good when lots of locals go there to eat!!!! It’s close to Lihue airport, but make sure you go there before 2 pm M-F only!!! CASH ONLY!!!OHANA definitely love what they do!!!!Kid-friendliness: Local and family owned restaurant with plenty of Aloha!!!”
“Found this very busy sandwich shop and decided to stop for a late lunch. It is located in the interior of the shopping center. There is plenty of parking out front and a short walk to the entrance.Lots of sandwichs, salads, and daily soup selections to choose from. We ordered a turkey, bacon sub sandwich, a tuna avocado sandwich without bread, and a cup of corn chowder.Waited about 15 minutes for the sandwiches to be made and sat inside the smaller dining area to eat them. Everything tasted delicious and fresh. Will definitely return in the future for other sandwiches to try.”
“Excellent local eatery specializing in plate lunches. Favorite entrees include pork adobo, various stews and curries, tempura and fried chicken. The Hawaiian plate with pork lau lau is also a standout. A friendly, family atmosphere with hard working employees.”
“Who made this place? Because…hailey’s tropical barbecue…. 10/10.- Cajun Shrimp so fresh and tender not over seasoned- Beef Ribs BBQ, tender and amazing bbq sauce- Pork belly nicely chard and grilled.Best food in Kauai so far.”
“Stopped into Costco last night upon landing in Kauai to stock up for the week. We were informed by the checker that the food court and bakery are closed for renovation. We were still able to stock up on treasures in other departments. I thought I would pass the information along so future travelers can plan accordingly.”
“Have known this restaurant for more than twenty five years. Always enjoyed the food. Need to remember it's Chinese BBQ and not American style of BBQ. It's not a tomato base BBQ.”
“Jamba in Kauai Mall is a delightful spot for a refreshing treat! The smoothies are simply divine, bursting with flavor and made with fresh ingredients. The service is friendly and efficient, making it a must-visit while shopping. I'll be back for more! ??”
“We stayed at the hotel and found ourselves here at some point every day. Melia was the best server, fun, upbeat and positive with lots of great recommendations! Loved happy hour (both of them!) with drink specials and $7 pupus/ small plates - all of which were really delicious. Also enjoyed the live entertainment each night, relaxing views, great way to unwind in the evening. Knocked off a star because they changed the menu halfway through our stay, and the new things on the menu were not as good as what we had on the old menu - skip the spare ribs, drenched in overly sweet sauce.”
“This is great. The service is awesome, they have a variety of foods to order, they also have darts and karaoke! Good place to kick back and just enjoy the ppl around you”
“Friendly staff and in a great location on Kalapaki beach. Good drinks and great, reasonably priced food (we had breakfast, lunch, and appetizers here over the course of our trip). Although not listed on the menu, they have gluten free options (including bread for toast or sandwiches) if you ask. Live music in the evenings and beautiful at sunset!”
“Awesome food. We hung out here while waiting for our flight to show up. One waitress was working and the place was packed and service was still great. I swear the burger I ordered was out in under 5 minutes. Excellent experience!”
“First, I'd suggest imagining yourself in the middle of a verdant green mountainous landscape floating in the Pacific Ocean. Only a few buildings dot the miles-long single-lane path that cuts through the vegetation on this beautiful island in a place it seems that time has forgotten. That's where every review of this restaurant should begin. On Kauai, where only a few restaurants are still in business after the pandemic... On Kauai, where less than a handful of Mexican people live... On Kauai, where not every restaurant is open every day... Mariachi's is perfect for Kauai. We visited on a holiday weekend, Friday night, staying at a resort nearby. It's Kauai, so it's no surprise both local pizzerias were closed. The popular restaurant on the beach was on a 45-minute wait. The only other place in this center was also full of big families. However, Mariachi's piping Mariachi music into the air, and the hostess greeted me in Spanish. There were a few empty tables. We were taken to a balcony table overlooking the garden landscape. Soon after, we were drinking tequila shots and pouring from a pitcher of Modelo Especíal. Perfecto. The menu has everything from nachos to chile rellenos. The tempting meat options include carnitas, shredded and ground beef, roasted chicken, and fish and shrimp. The items are reasonably priced, too, ranging from $14-$22 for each plate. We ordered burritos, tacos, and nachos with shredded beef, carne asada, and chicken. The food was delicious. In this environment, at this moment, everything was perfect. I hope others get to come and enjoy the experience. The staff was really helpful and friendly too. Gracias por todo!”
“Ate here while waiting for flight back home. Didn’t expect much from airport location but had their basic burger and it was actually really good. Service was average. It was air conditioned inside and the beer was cold so overall 4 of 5.”
“Old school ambiance, but it's all good because that's what I remember growing up on O'ahu. Portions were huge. I love fish Jun and ordered the "mahi Jun" and it came a little too breaded for me but I ate it because I was hungry. We ordered the cold tofu and that was delicious with bean sprouts, carrots, zucchini. Portion was huge too. Hubby had the combo with teriyaki chicken and kalbi. He said the chicken was really tender and seasoned just right. So was the kalbi. Kimchee banchan was good too. Like many place coming out of COVID they were busy with limited wait staff. It was worth the wait tho. Will be back next time we're in Kaua'i.”
“Stopped here for breakfast and wow the Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict was amazing in taste and perfect portion! I left full, the service was okay not amazing or bad. Pretty views of the pool and hotel. Would go back to eat this again! Stay away from the pool food and eat here instead .”
“Place got a bad wrap in my opinion! Skinny Margaritas were on point and the food was tasty…I was leaving so my mood wasn’t great, definitely earned this review!”
Latest Reviews
“I'm giving Keoki's 5 stars on atmosphere because I dig a working class place like this! No nonsense burgers and daily specials catering to the industrial neighborhood it's in. Great Mac salad with a kick of black pepper.Just a note: they're cash only.”
“The shape ice is very soft and the ice cream at the bottom is very creamy. The service was very good. All of the employees were kind. The ambience was very like a tropical theme and the flavors of ice cream were very good.”
“This was a very nice last major stop before heading out to the airport. We were sitting inside near the Koi pond. It was great and you could still see the ocean water from there. This is a must stop in Kauai. Had we known about it sooner, we would have visited multiple times. The public beach outside is just right and might be a good option if you want to spend time at the beach and return to eat something. Try the LaPina for your drink.”
“Simply delicious. One of our best meals on Kauai. Blackened scallops, rosemary garlic ciabatta, and the freshest arugula/honeycomb/blue cheese salad to start. I had the whole fried Hawaiian fish (that can filleted) - unbelievably fresh, moist, and crispy. My wife had the basil mahi mahi - also superb. My son went for the 45 day dry aged ribeye with black garlic. It was probably one of the best bites of steak I've ever enjoyed. Great wine list too. This place is not inexpensive but oh was it worth the splurge!”
“Such an adorable sushi spot, one of the best on the island with an awesome atmosphere and amazing service! Can’t believe the beautiful dishes that came from a food truck !”
Most Popular Restaurants
“We chose Cafe Portofino for dinner after a long day exploring the north shore. The reviews had us apprehensive but the convenience of walking to dinner from our resort played a big factor in our decision. Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised. Our waitress Nicole was kind and friendly. Average pizza, nothing special but got the job done. The fish of the day was pretty good, the piccata sauce was just okay but the mahi mahi was delicious. It came with carrot flan, scalloped potatoes, and steamed broccoli on the side. These were a little interesting but overall yummy. We probably won't be back, but it is an easy safe choice if you are staying nearby.”
“Kenji Burger Lihue: A Pleasant SurpriseReview:By chance, we stumbled upon Kenji Burger in Lihue, and it turned out to be a hidden gem. The burgers were not only delicious but also generously sized. What impressed us even more was the reasonable price tag attached to these mouthwatering burgers. In fact, they were even more affordable than the often overrated food trucks we encountered during our time in Hawaii. The quality of the ingredients and the flavorful combinations made Kenji Burger stand out among the dining options in Lihue. If you're in the area and craving a satisfying burger that won't break the bank, Kenji Burger is definitely worth a visit.”
“Great place. First place that cooked my eggs "over medium," perfectly. The bacon was crispy, and the potatoes were perfectly done and a little crispy too. My husband loved his waffles as well.Oh, I can't forget about my latte. That was very good. I got whole milk, but they offer nonfat, oat, and almond too.Really nice place.”
“This place is to go only but you can get your food and cool with the locals eating out of their trucks. True island style. We got the garlic shrimp, garlic chicken, and local moco. Our favorite was the loco moco. Cash preferred location.”
“Best poke we’ve had in Kauai - the selection was incredibly impressive and extensive. Hokkigai, raw crab, kimchi tako, ahi…so good. They also offer sushi and cute inari filled pockets. Butter mochi was delicious as was the pork lau lau. You dont see this place on a lot of tourist guides - it’s a local favourite and we are so glad we stumbled upon it!”
“Best sailing in the world so good it takes you back to the good old days and they have the best BBQ skewer beef or chicken the best in the world hands down jaw drop n broke da mouth”
“The shape ice is very soft and the ice cream at the bottom is very creamy. The service was very good. All of the employees were kind. The ambience was very like a tropical theme and the flavors of ice cream were very good.”
“I love supporting the culinary student program at Mark's Place but we go there because the food is really good ! The Ahi Tofu burger wrapped in lettuce is my favorite! Try the Fish or Teri Chicken if you're really hungry ! Plates are huge with rice Mac salad and green tossed salad too . You can ask for tossed green salad only and they are happy to accommodate the substitution. I love all of their sauces and the salad dressing is perfect !”
“Cute vibes, delicious food, kind staff, and right on the beach! Ordered an everything bagel with jalapeño and artichoke cream cheese, breakfast sandwich, and a bunch of their pastries - everything was 10/10. Coming back for their banana pudding…must visit for breakfast if you’re staying at the Royal Sonesta or Marriot.”
“Introduced to this place by a coworker, and it's turning into kind of a go to place for grabbing lunch during fieldwork trips. Good poke and bento. Also like the self-served topping bar :)”
“just left after having the BEST Sub in YEARS! I had given up imagining I could find a restaurant especially a mostly takeout...that actually had amazing subs, until today. Daddy O's, 2645 Gessner! 713-939-8000! I practically inhaled it! The bread was fresh, crunchy in all the right places, meatballs and sauce (give me an Italian word for AWESOME)...”
“Fast and friendly service. The choices were fresh and lots to choose from. Don't pass up if your looking for something to even use as a buffer before a big dinnerThe atmosphere is clean and located right near the mall..”
“My sister and I were recommended Rainbeau Jo’s by a local resident on our first day of our vacation. Our grave error was waiting until the last 5 days of our 12-day trip to get to Rainbeau Jo’s. This place is AMAZING. The coffee is fantastic, the vibes are impeccable, and I’m still dreaming about the Cowabunga on rosemary bagel (one of the March specials). We went every day after our first visit and were never disappointed. Beau and Jo are so enthusiastic about life and friends and sharing their love of coffee with anyone who walks through the door. They had my coffee order down pat by the third visit, which I think qualifies me as a Regular (16oz latte with nonfat milk and coconut flavor). They were both so excited to see us walk through the door every morning and we were so thrilled to be greeted with joyful smiles and endearing enthusiasm. We came for the coffee and we stayed for the vibes and the coffee and also the bagels. I can’t recommend Rainbeau Jo’s enough. Come get a coffee and be part of Beau and Jo’s family.”
“This place is a gem! They have delicious waffles with a plethora of creative and hand crafted toppings. This food truck is in a clean, safe, cozy outdoor space complete with picnic tables and sun shade.The service was fantastic and they even offer a generous Kama’aina discount of 25%.”
“Fast and friendly service, tasty food and nice portion sizes. Their oxtail soup/mein is underrated, and a nice option on a rainy day. Daughter loves it here. Reminds me of the Chinese restaurants that we enjoyed during my childhood across the state.”
“Such an adorable sushi spot, one of the best on the island with an awesome atmosphere and amazing service! Can’t believe the beautiful dishes that came from a food truck !”