Fine DINING with fresh, island- grown ingredients can be found at restaurants throughout Kaua‘i.
EATING HOUSE 1849 , located at The Shops at Kukui‘ula, is helmed by ROY YAMAGUCHI , one of the founders of HAWAI‘I REGIONAL CUISINE . This restaurant, which celebrates Hawai‘i’s culinary heritage, is causing a buzz. You’ll also find HRC cohort Peter Merriman’s MERRIMAN’S, which serves farm-to-table food, and his MERRIMAN’S GOURMET PIZZA & BURGERS , just downstairs. THE PLANTATION HOUSE BY GAYLORDS at Kilohana Plantation (an institution on the Garden Isle) relies on its own gardens to provide homegrown ingredients. HUKILAU LĀNAI , at Kaua‘i Coast Resort, also grows herbs and vegetables for the kitchen in an on-site garden.
BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT in Po‘ipū. Other noteworthy restaurants include RED SALT at KO‘A KEA and the award-winning TIDEPOOLS AT GRAND HYATT KAUA‘I . Finally, HAMURA’S SAIMIN STAND , off Rice Street in Līhu‘e, is a humble neighborhood eatery with a prestigious reputation. The James Beard Foundation has singled it out for its diversity and dedication to America’s culinary heritage. Good bets are saimin and liliko‘i (passion fruit) pie. Get your fill of Mexican cuisine at MARIACHI’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RESTAURANT . Mariachi’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can take care of your cravings for huevos rancheros, chilaquiles al pastor and enmoladas in the morning and dine on chile relleno de mariscos (a house specialty), fajitas or camarones tequila for lunch or dinner. In addition to its Līhu‘e location, Mariachi’s also has a restaurant in Kapa‘a.
Speaking of Kapa‘a, its eclectic selection of casual dining restaurants includes OLYMPIC CAFÉ, LEMONGRASS GRILL SEAFOOD & BAR , local favorite THE BULL SHED and BOBBY V’S Italian pizza. In downtown Kapa‘a, vegetarians will love MERMAIDS CAFÉ , a tiny outdoor eatery overflowing with customers.
In Waimea, pit stop at WRANGLER’S STEAKHOUSE for sizzling steaks, THE SHRIMP STATION serves up garlic and spicy shrimp, while ISLAND TACO ’s fish tacos and gourmet tortillas are a hit. Those on the go can pull over in Kōloa to pit stop at SUEOKA’S SNACK SHOP for a treat.
POSTCARDS CAFÉ in Hanalei is also well respected for its mostly organic, healthy gourmet menu. Likewise, KĪLAUEA BAKERY & PIZZA , in the Kong Lung Center on Kīlauea Road, has found a perfect match in good food and pleasant courtyard seating.
Heading back toward Po‘ipū, diners can find delicious sushi at STEVENSON’S LIBRARY located at GRAND HYATT KAUA‘I . While fresh fish dishes are what you’ll savor at BRENNECKE’S BEACH BROILER . BRENNECKE’S BEACH BROILER 808-742-7588 THE PLANTATION HOUSE BY GAYLORDS 808-245-9593 ISLAND TACO 808-338-9895 (WAIMEA) OR 808-742-7045 (PO‘IPU¯) KO¯ KE‘E LODGE 808-335-6061 MARIACHI’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE 808-246-1570 (LI¯HU‘E) OR 808-822-1612 (KAPA‘A) SUEOKA’S SNACK SHOP 808-742-1112 THE BULL SHED 808-822-3791
