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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Kauai

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Kauai? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Hualani's restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2202)

$50 and over

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Lihue

About the restaurant

Experience one of the best restaurants on Kaua'i and enjoy farm-to-table oceanfront dining from the elegant yet relaxed setting at Hualani's. Here, oceanfront dining is influenced by the seasons. What's fresh at The Farm at Hōkūala inspires the farm-to-table menu, while our bar serves up well-balanced craft cocktails that complement the seasonality of the kitchen. Our culinary experience is inspired by a sense of place and driven by local farmers, as well as fresh-picked ingredients from our on-site organic farm. From the morning harvest and the daily catch, Hualani's shines a hyper-local spotlight on the bounty of the Garden Isle.

Top review

C

CarolVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Beautiful day to enjoy hualanis gorgeous view, food & service.

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A photo of Lobster Tempura of a restaurant

Lobster Tempura

A photo of Misoyaki Seabass of a restaurant

Misoyaki Seabass

A photo of Harris Ranch Filet Mignon of a restaurant

Harris Ranch Filet Mignon

A photo of Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails

4.8

4.8 (232)

$31 to $50

Italian

Kapaa

About the restaurant

A new, upscale dining experience of modern fusion cuisine and craft cocktails, located on Kauai’s east side.

Top review

C

CurtisVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Sunday was the last night of our trip to Kauai and it was difficult to get Ubers to take us very far from Kapaa for dinner. We read about the interesting Japanese/Italian fusion at Naisla's and decided to give it a try. The outside is a bit unassuming, however, when you walk in it is just a really cool place. We had dinner at the bar and Stephanie was our bartender/server. She was engaging, very well informed about the menu and her service & attitude made the night really nice for us. Their were two appetizer specials - a cucumber salad that had an amazing umami and the wagyu hot rock with salted egg yolk and a wonderful Asian sauce for the dipping - this was nothing short of stellar. My wife had the Miso Carbonara and I had the Fettucine Pomodoro (very 'cheffy' idea to marinate the meatballs in ginger/soy braise) - we both loved our dishes. From all the restaurants we tried while in Kauai, Naisla's is at the top of our list to recommend to friends visiting the island and for a return visit ourselves. Thank you Stephanie and chef for a great evening.

A photo of Merriman's Kauai restaurant

Merriman's Kauai

4.7

4.7 (5213)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Koloa

About the restaurant

Chef-Owner Peter Merriman has brought his unique style of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine served in a casual yet elegant setting of Old Hawaii Plantation. A pioneer in the "Farm to Table" concept, Peter serves only the freshest products, at least 90% of which are locally grown or caught, using only sustainable methods. His international menu items are prepared in a manner that highlights the natural flavors of these fresh, local foods. Located in Poipu, we feature both mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) views as well as sunset veiws over the Kukui'ula resort. The aloha-friendly staff, with a food and beverage knowledge second to none, will ensure that you have an extraordinary dining experience.

Top review

S

Savanna

Dined 4 days ago

Great experience! Best dinner in Kauai for us, enjoyed it over the Beach House! Excellent service, great cocktails, and delicious classics with outside the box flair. Definitely will go back!

A photo of Oasis on the Beach restaurant

Oasis on the Beach

4.7

4.7 (2868)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Kapaa

About the restaurant

Oasis is a beautiful oceanfront location that showcases the best of what Kauai has to offer in cuisine, service and ocean views.

We strongly believe that residents and guests of Hawaii want to experience Hawaii. We use local sources for almost 80% of our ingredients, and work closely with Kauai"s farmers and fishermen to provide you with the best and freshest possible ingredients.

We work to highlight the quality and freshness of our ingredients in a style that captures the diversity of local cultures and influences without burying the delicious flavors that our local ingredients offer.

Top review

M

Mala

Dined 2 days ago

What an amazing experience!! Great view and great staff. Our server was phenomenal!! Food was so good!! The servers and check in staff all A++ Love this place !

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A photo of Apple Banana Spring Roll of a restaurant

Apple Banana Spring Roll

A photo of Pork Wontons of a restaurant

A photo of The Wedge Salad of a restaurant

The Wedge Salad

A photo of The Plantation House by Gaylords restaurant

The Plantation House by Gaylords

4.7

4.7 (5373)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Lihue

About the restaurant

Gaylords now rebranded as The Plantation House by Gaylords offers one of Kauai's most beautiful settings for lunch, dinner and happy hour. Located in the historic Kilohana Plantation home, diners are seated around an open-air courtyard with views of the plantation grounds and Mt. Waialeale in the distance. 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. Menu items include starters like fresh Ahi poke, fried brie, fresh seafood, delicious steaks and vegan entrees too. Don't forget about our famous Banana Cream Pie for dessert! Take a walk around the Kilohana grounds, shop in our assorted boutiques, visit the Koloa Rum shop, go on a rum safari adventure or take a ride on the plantation train.

If reservations are not available online, please call us anytime and we will be more than happy to accommodate you

Top review

M

MarieVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Delicious lunch and beautiful setting, sitting outdoors. Our waiter was attentive and conscious of the pacing of the entrees and desserts since we had to catch a flight. We had the monchong sandwich, crab and coconut curry, the red curry salmon, and the monchong entree. For dessert we had the chocolate lava cake and the bread pudding. All were delicious. Bread pudding was light and not heavy.

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A photo of Quick Fried Brie of a restaurant

Quick Fried Brie

A photo of Shrimp Scampi of a restaurant

A photo of French Onion Soup of a restaurant

French Onion Soup

A photo of Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai restaurant

Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai

4.7

4.7 (5795)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Poipu

About the restaurant

The most romantic setting on Kauai. For the ultimate in ambiance, delectable food and stellar service, Tidepools is the place. This quintessential Hawaiian setting has a backdrop of waterfalls with thatched roof bungalows that seemingly float above koi-filled lagoons. Savor modern island-style cuisine in this distinctive open-air setting. Diners rave about the exceptional service and fresh fish and steak options with a unique island flair including macadamia nut crusted fish, grilled ahi or a succulent steak. Salads feature greens grown at our hydroponic farm on site and the desserts are luscious. Don't miss this delightful experience.

Top review

M

melissa

Dined 5 days ago

We don’t splurge this much on food, but it was worth EVERY cent and would do it again in a heartbeat. Friendly staff, excellent food, and so, so endlessly perfect!

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A photo of Molten Chocolate Lava Cake of a restaurant

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

A photo of Prime Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Hawaiian Catch of a restaurant

A photo of Beach House Restaurant- Kauai restaurant

Beach House Restaurant- Kauai

4.6

4.6 (12814)

$50 and over

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Poipu

About the restaurant

Our stunning ocean-front location with spectacular sunsets makes the Beach House an iconic destination on Kauai's south shore that has won the Hale 'Aina Award for "Best Restaurant - Kauai" for 20+ years.

Our philosophy at the Beach House is simple - take aloha, blend it with fresh and high-quality ingredients, and add an ocean view to deliver a handcrafted, Hawaiian experience. Executive Chef Marshall Blanchard makes the most of local ingredients by sourcing our fish directly from island fisherman and our beef from neighboring ranches. We incorporate fresh and local produce throughout our menu, highlighting Hawai'i farms and the resources that surround Kauai.

Reservations are highly recommended for a dining room table in our open-air restaurant. We also offer lounge seating on our lawn, where the full menu and full service are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please check in with the bar host for lawn seating.

Top review

P

PamelaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service from our server who knew from memory the gluten free selections. Our steak and Ahi were both prepared perfectly. Ambience as always, breathtaking. Everyone, from the valet, to the welcoming committee at the desk, to the expediters really take a moment to make a connection however brief. Amazing in this age where it seems people are losing the ability to communicate. But the coup de gras? Gluten-free Mochi cake! Thanking the team for a gluten free dessert that is unique and memorable.

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Keiki Fish of a restaurant

A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of Japanese Grandma's Cafe restaurant

Japanese Grandma's Cafe

4.7

4.7 (46)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Hanapēpē

About the restaurant

We specialize in healthy, delicious Japanese Food!
Established in 2016.
The restaurant was opened with the philosophy of serving wonderful fresh food just like Japanese Grandma has fed to her family and friends!

Top review

E

EleanorVIP

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

We loved this friendly spot in a lovely garden. The food was delicious—simple, fresh and nicely presented. A good value for Kauai. We’ll go back soon!

A photo of Koloa Thai Bistro restaurant

Koloa Thai Bistro

4.6

4.6 (102)

$30 and under

Thai

Koloa

About the restaurant

Due to high demand for Teppanyaki table. Please call us to book our Teppanyaki table. At Koloa Thai Bistro, we take pride in offering a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends the vibrant and exotic tastes of modern Thai cuisine with the artistry of Japanese sushi and teppanyaki. Our menu is a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of both cultures, creating a fusion that is both innovative and delightful.

Top review

D

DianaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Finding the location was the most challenging in this day and age when gps is second nature, it sometimes neglects to say the building is listed on the street but actually set back on the second floor of the building on the street in a shopping complex, but we found it. Allowed time. Food and service were very good. Atmosphere was clean and second story allows for cross breeze cooling since that side of the island is warmest. An enjoyable meal.

A photo of Stevenson’s Library restaurant

Stevenson’s Library

4.6

4.6 (1820)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Poipu

About the restaurant

This luxury nightspot offers a truly unique and welcoming atmosphere with a 27-ft koa wood bar, outdoor lanai and intimate lounge seating. The bar features beautifully carved koa in traditional sugarcane and pineapple motifs.

Chef Jin and his team create delectable sushi creations nightly. Relax, enjoy the views and sip on a tropical, martini, beer or sake. Stevenson's also boasts an extensive selection of Whiskeys, Cognac, Port and Wine.

Stevenson's is the place for sushi & spirits.

To Go orders: Offered between 5-6PM only due to high demand
High-Top seating: This is a tall table located in the bar area. This is a request and is not guaranteed.
Regular seating: A regular dining table located in the restaurant.
Lanai Seating: Balcony seating is limited. We do our best to accommodate requests, however it is not guaranteed. Mahalo for your understanding.

Top review

M

Mona

Dined 3 days ago

Always wonderful local service! Poke, sashimi, sushi pizza and lobster dynamite is always outstanding! Our 4 sushi rolls were fresh and delicious! Side Uni on rice and our dessert was amazing! Our fav place to go for dinner on the south side!!

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A photo of Sushi Pizza of a restaurant

A photo of Stevenson's Lobster Dynamite of a restaurant

Stevenson's Lobster Dynamite

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