Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Hawaii

Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Kauai

Red OpenTable logo
OpenTable
Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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
Hualani's
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
CarolVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Beautiful day to enjoy hualanis gorgeous view, food & service.
Discover more
A photo of Lobster Tempura of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Tempura
A photo of Misoyaki Seabass of a restaurant
Popular dish
Misoyaki Seabass
A photo of Harris Ranch Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
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
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 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
CarolVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Great service from Charlie. Best restaurant for ocean view. Has been one of our favorites for 15 years.
Discover more
A photo of Apple Banana Spring Roll of a restaurant
Popular dish
Apple Banana Spring Roll
A photo of Pork Wontons of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pork Wontons
A photo of The Wedge Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
The Wedge Salad
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
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!
Discover more
A photo of Molten Chocolate Lava Cake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
A photo of Prime Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Prime Ribeye
A photo of Hawaiian Catch of a restaurant
Popular dish
Hawaiian Catch
A photo of Ilima Terrace - Grand Hyatt Kauai restaurant
Ilima Terrace - Grand Hyatt Kauai
4.6
4.6 (249)
$50 and over
American
Koloa
About the restaurant
Spectacular ocean and lush garden views welcome you. Indulge, island time is yours. Start your day with a grand Daily Breakfast Buffet, or a la carte Breakfast Menu, or the a la carte Lunch Menu service. Check back often for special themed Wine Pairing Dinners, and exclusive Holiday Buffets in the open-air ambience of Ilima Terrace.

Join us on Thursday, November 28 for a special Thanksgiving Brunch menu curated by Executive Chef Greg Grohowski.

11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Adults $105 | Keiki $52
Reservations recommended, $35.00 cancellation fee for no-shows.

Celebrate "A Taste of France" on Friday, December 13, a Wine Dinner Pairing featuring Duckhorn Vineyards of Napa Valley, curated by Chef RJ Udaundo & Jagger McMillin.

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
$204.00 per person (Inclusive of tax, fees, and gratuity)
$174.00 per person for Kamaaina with Hawaii state ID
Must be 21+ and over
Book on: https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/kauai-grand-hyatt-kauai-resort-and-spa/dining
Top review
Mike
Dined on Dec 9, 2024
Outstanding view, food, and wait staff. The meal was excellently prepared and the taste was outstanding. The fish and shrimp were prepared to perfection.
A photo of Eating House 1849 - Kauai restaurant
Eating House 1849 - Kauai
4.6
4.6 (3124)
$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Koloa
About the restaurant
Acclaimed Chef and James Beard Award winner
Roy Yamaguchi opens The Eating House 1849
at The Shops at Kukui'ula. Named after one of the first restaurants constructed in Hawai'i, by a Portuguese businessman named Peter Fernandez, Eating House pays homage to the popular casual eateries of the mid 19th century that incorporated a medley of flavors from the Island's growing and diverse communities.

Please call the restaurant to make reservations for parties of 5 or more. For parties of 10 or more we require credit card information to hold the reservation, and follow a 48 hour cancellation/no show policy; any cancellations withing 48 hours of your reservation date, or not showing up to a reservation will result in a charge of $20 per person.

Top review
mari
Dined 5 days ago
The food was delicious and the wait staff attentive. It was a very enjoyable birthday dinner.
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
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!!
Discover more
A photo of Sushi Pizza of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sushi Pizza
A photo of Stevenson's Lobster Dynamite of a restaurant
Popular dish
Stevenson's Lobster Dynamite
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
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 Red Salt at Ko’a Kea Resort restaurant
Red Salt at Ko’a Kea Resort
4.5
4.5 (2752)
$50 and over
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Koloa
About the restaurant
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. Modern dinner cuisine includes favorites from both land and sea, decadent desserts, tableside martinis and more, all served in a contemporary setting.

Top review
Julia
Dined 4 days ago
I took a friend and her family there for her 60th birthday. The food, service, and ambience were fantastic and made for a memorable birthday for her.
Discover more
A photo of Blue Crab Crusted Monchong of a restaurant
Popular dish
Blue Crab Crusted Monchong
A photo of Hawaiian Bread Pudding of a restaurant
Popular dish
Hawaiian Bread Pudding
A photo of Grilled Mahi Mahi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Mahi Mahi
A photo of Table at Poipu restaurant
Table at Poipu
4.5
4.5 (487)
$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Koloa
About the restaurant
I'm humbled to present to you my newest creation: Table at Poipu. Here, I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes developed through the years, always with my favorite culinary quote in mind; "quality ingredients served simply". by CHEF GORDON
Top review
Linda
Dined 3 days ago
Our dinner and drinks were exceptionally good. Our server, Angie, took very good care of us.
Discover more
A photo of Mushroom Risotto Goat Cheese Croquettes of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mushroom Risotto Goat Cheese Croquettes
A photo of Bone-In Pork Chop of a restaurant
Popular dish
Bone-In Pork Chop
Explore Diners' Choice best of Kauai
Best Overall
Best Overall
Best Food
Best Food
Best Service
Best Service
Best Ambiance
Best Ambiance
Best Value
Best Value
Explore more Diners' Choice lists
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo