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Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Kauai

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OpenTable
Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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 Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai restaurant
Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai
4.7
4.7 (6128)
$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
Lisa
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful ambience, delicious food, and top-notch professional service!
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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 Hualani's restaurant
Hualani's
4.8
4.8 (2489)
$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
Ellen
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful for lunch, especially, when the view is awesome and the ocean sparkles.
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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 Coconut Shrimp of a restaurant
Popular dish
Coconut Shrimp
A photo of Ilima Terrace - Grand Hyatt Kauai restaurant
Ilima Terrace - Grand Hyatt Kauai
4.6
4.6 (270)
$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
ArtVIP
Dined on Jun 22, 2025
Went there for lunch on a Sunday and it was a nice and quiet setting. Beautiful scenery. The seared Ahi sandwich and the fish and prawn salad- both were fresh and amazing! Service was friendly and prompt. Would definitely come back.
A photo of Oasis on the Beach restaurant
Oasis on the Beach
4.7
4.7 (3081)
$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
kelsyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Ryan was a great server, food was excellent and so was the view
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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 The Plantation House by Gaylords restaurant
The Plantation House by Gaylords
4.7
4.7 (5648)
$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
KipVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Gaylords is our favorite dinner place for anniversaries. We had our wedding dinner there with friends and family 13 years ago and our 10-year celebration with the same friends and family. The food is always great and the plantation house and grounds are amazing.
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A photo of Quick Fried Brie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Quick Fried Brie
A photo of Shrimp Scampi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp Scampi
A photo of French Onion Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
French Onion Soup
A photo of Merriman's Kauai restaurant
Merriman's Kauai
4.8
4.8 (5489)
$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
Dennis
Dined 5 days ago
Top notch dining experience start to finish - excellent service, fresh local produce, elegant and beautifully presented food - worth the price
A photo of Keoki's Paradise restaurant
Keoki's Paradise
4.5
4.5 (7821)
$30 and under
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Poipu
About the restaurant
Aloha mai kākou!

Visit us and discover our tropical paradise. Locals and visitors alike love enjoying our family dining experience, with a refreshing atmosphere, bringing you right into the spirit of our lush island with open-air dining, tropical surroundings and live entertainment daily. It’s the place to be on Kaua'i’s south side.

Our thoughtful menu, curated by our Hawaiian chef, Shalei Shintani, is inspired by Hawai'i’s farmers, fishermen and ranchers, featuring locally sourced ingredients crafted and served with aloha. Enjoy fresh fish, steak, seafood and more! Keoki's is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week, while offering brunch on the weekends.

Surround yourself with serene waterfall features and panoramic greenery, an experience the entire family will enjoy. With a strong commitment to the community and genuine service, Keoki’s is truly beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Top review
ScottVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Lovely evening with the family. Live music made the atmosphere great.
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A photo of Original Hula Pie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Original Hula Pie
A photo of Fish Tacos of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fish Tacos
A photo of Fish & Chips of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fish & Chips
A photo of Beach House Restaurant- Kauai restaurant
Beach House Restaurant- Kauai
4.7
4.7 (13647)
$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
Kris
Dined 3 days ago
Seth was amazing creating a wonderful experience for our anniversary. Great service, delicious food, beautiful location
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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Keiki Fish of a restaurant
Popular dish
Keiki Fish
A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Bisque
A photo of Aina Kauai Restaurant restaurant
Aina Kauai Restaurant
4.9
4.9 (419)
$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
GilVIP
Dined 4 days ago
The food itself was close to perfectly done. The portions were a bit too small, or dinner was one course short. My large complaint is with the drinks. The pairing was of no value to the meal, and the cost of drinks was a bit of a joke. Service was too relaxed and inattentive.
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A photo of Robatayaki Dinner Set & Dessert of a restaurant
Experience
Robatayaki Dinner Set & Dessert
A photo of Sakana Dinner Set & Dessert of a restaurant
Experience
Sakana Dinner Set & Dessert
A photo of Stevenson’s Library restaurant
Stevenson’s Library
4.6
4.6 (2015)
$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
MarcyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Ben and Ashley were great. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience . Marcy and Dale Rice
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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 Sashimi Moriawase of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sashimi Moriawase
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