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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Kauai

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

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 Aina Kauai Restaurant restaurant

Aina Kauai Restaurant

5.0

5 (416)

$50 and over

Japanese Speciality

Kapaa

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Kapa‘a town, ‘Āina Kaua‘i offers creative and delicious Japanese cuisine that highlights the flavors and bounty of Kaua’i. The menu features produce harvested at peak freshness from local farms, highlighting each element through refined Japanese cooking techniques. The open kitchen allows guests to observe the preparation of courses, while the choice “Chef’s Counter” features four exclusive seats where guests can interact with the chef throughout their meal. Guests can select libations from a drink menu which includes premium sake, Japanese beer, and wine. Hale ‘Aina Award Winner "Best Kaua‘i Restaurant" 2023 and 2024.

Reservations required. Dietary restrictions must be confirmed by email (eat@ainakauai.com) before making a reservation. No refunds, changes, or cancellations.

Top review

M

MadelineVIP

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Āina Kauai is not to be missed if at all possible! We had a delicious dinner prepared by the chef who is extremely passionate about Japanese cuisine and cooking techniques. He seamlessly merges that knowledge with locally sourced ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind meal you couldn’t get anywhere else. Make time in your schedule for this experience (currently offered on Thursdays and Saturdays). You won’t regret it.

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A photo of Robatayaki Dinner Set & Dessert of a restaurant

Robatayaki Dinner Set & Dessert

A photo of Sakana Dinner Set & Dessert of a restaurant

Sakana Dinner Set & Dessert

A photo of Hualani's restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2468)

$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

L

Lindsay

Dined 3 days ago

It was beautiful and one of the most delicious meals we had. Great food, service and atmosphere!

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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 Coconut Shrimp of a restaurant

A photo of Ilima Terrace - Grand Hyatt Kauai restaurant

Ilima Terrace - Grand Hyatt Kauai

4.7

4.7 (269)

$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 Sunday, April 20, 2025 for a special Easter Brunch menu curated by Executive Chef Greg Grohowski and his culinary team.

11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Adults $109 | Keiki $52 (12 years and under)
Kids under 6 eat free with purchase of adult buffet.
Reservations highly recommended, $35.00 cancellation fee for no-shows.

Top review

J

Joan

Dined on May 11, 2025

The hostess and host who took us to our table was very welcoming. The waitstaff was so hospitable, too. The food was very delicious and way too much for Mom and I to try everything offered. The food servers behind the carving stations were so nice, too. A must try for all who visit the Ilima Grand Hyatt at Shipwrecks Kauai. Go try the Ilima Terrace!!!

A photo of Merriman's Kauai restaurant

Merriman's Kauai

4.8

4.8 (5471)

$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

K

Katee

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent overall. Good value great service. Nice location

A photo of Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails

4.7

4.7 (329)

$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

A

Ashley

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing food, from apps to cocktails! Our waiter was also so kind and knowledgeable.

A photo of The Plantation House by Gaylords restaurant

The Plantation House by Gaylords

4.7

4.7 (5634)

$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

Mahealani

Dined 3 days ago

Had a great business lunch at Gaylords. Our server Chanee was outstanding! Everyone enjoyed their food, The fried Brie is A MUST!!!

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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 (6110)

$50 and over

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 Hawaiian Pacific Rim cuisine in a distinctive open-air environment, where the flavors of the islands come to life. Tidepools is celebrated for its fresh, island-inspired dishes—like macadamia nut crusted fish, grilled ahi, and succulent steaks—crafted with the finest local ingredients. Crisp salads feature greens grown in our on-site hydroponic garden, and the decadent desserts are not to be missed.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking in the serenity, Tidepools promises an unforgettable dining experience that captures the spirit and beauty of Kauai.

Top review

T

Thomesina

Dined 4 days ago

Ron was our server and he was wonderful. He was also knowledgeable about the menu and had great recommendations.

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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 Eating House 1849 - Kauai restaurant

Eating House 1849 - Kauai

4.7

4.7 (3226)

$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 5 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. Significant changes in party size may also result in a charge of $20 per person.

Top review

A

Amy

Dined 2 days ago

My husband and I agreed that this was the best meal we've ever had. Everything was fabulous.

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A photo of Misoyaki Butterfish of a restaurant

Misoyaki Butterfish

A photo of Pork & Shrimp Potstickers of a restaurant

Pork & Shrimp Potstickers

A photo of Hapa Burger of a restaurant

A photo of Oasis on the Beach restaurant

Oasis on the Beach

4.7

4.7 (3067)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

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

L

Leslie

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic service by Henry! Aldrine Guerra and his Ukulele were amazing & wonderfully entertaining!! Food was delicious!

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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 Beach House Restaurant- Kauai restaurant

Beach House Restaurant- Kauai

4.6

4.6 (13582)

$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

T

TerryVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Enjoyed a wonderful celebratory dinner--such beautiful ambience and such outstanding staff!

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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

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