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Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Kauai

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best service 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

4.9

4.9 (420)

$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

G

GilVIP

Dined 7 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

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 (2494)

$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

Layne

Dined 4 days ago

We enjoyed breakfast and the wait staff was excellent. The food was great and the experience was very enjoyable.

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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 Merriman's Kauai restaurant

Merriman's Kauai

4.8

4.8 (5490)

$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

F

FionaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Lovely ambience, fantastic server Reed, food was good, dessert delicious

A photo of Oasis on the Beach restaurant

Oasis on the Beach

4.6

4.6 (3082)

$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

M

Meredith

Dined 3 days ago

Freshly prepared dinners with great service and unbeatable ambience (ocean view and live music).

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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 Eating House 1849 - Kauai restaurant

Eating House 1849 - Kauai

4.7

4.7 (3232)

$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

T

Trina

Dined 2 days ago

Food & service were amazing. Beautiful ocean views. Husband had the short ribs, he usually does not order out and he could not have been happier. They were delicious! I had the Kanpachi with soba noodles. Fresh, light & full of flavor. We ordered the chocolate soufflé for dessert. Nothing about this meal disappointed us Food, service, ambience, all top shelf. They even gave us a little piece of chocolate decadence for our anniversary .

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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 Beach House Restaurant- Kauai restaurant

Beach House Restaurant- Kauai

4.7

4.7 (13653)

$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

B

Bruce

Dined 3 days ago

This is truly a dining experience with an extraordinary setting. We were lucky enough to have a perfect table next to the open doors facing the grassy area and ocean. There were three of us dining and each were extremely satisfied with our meal and the presentation. Our food server treated us as though we were only table. This is a very busy, active restaurant. Make reservations well in advance.

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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 Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai restaurant

Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai

4.7

4.7 (6133)

$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

S

SeanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Incredible. Authentic Hawaiian experience. Kylen server was top notch anticipated everything Daniel manager came by. Incredible work.

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A photo of Molten Chocolate Lava Cake of a restaurant

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

A photo of Prime New York Strip of a restaurant

Prime New York Strip

A photo of Hawaiian Catch + of a restaurant

Hawaiian Catch +

A photo of The Plantation House by Gaylords restaurant

The Plantation House by Gaylords

4.7

4.7 (5654)

$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

K

Katelyn

Dined 2 days ago

Very beautiful place to sit back and relax. Food was delicious but a little pricey. Overall would recommend though for experience.

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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 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

A

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 Duke's Kauai restaurant

4.6

4.6 (5994)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Lihue

About the restaurant

We are open for dine-in and takeout every day of the week. We feature live entertainment Monday & Tuesday 3:30-5:30pm; Monday-Saturday evenings 6:00-8:00pm; Sundays 9:30-11:30am & 4:00-6:00pm. Please visit our website at dukeskauai.com for current menus or to order takeout online.

With the crystal blue waters of Kalapaki Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains surrounding you, Duke’s Kauai invites you to celebrate life like the legend, Duke Kahanamoku, himself. The unique island-inspired atmosphere connects guests to the garden isle with luscious indoor waterscapes and a breezy Barefoot Bar. The Barefoot Bar is seated on a first come-first serve basis. Savor the fresh tastes of the island with locally sourced, contemporary beachside cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. The aloha spirit and Duke’s legacy live on at Duke’s Kauai.

Top review

B

Bruce

Dined 2 days ago

We have come to Kauai every other year for decades and try to dine at Duke’s every visit, at times as many as 20+ people. We really look forward to it. Never disappointed. It isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the cost. The fresh fish is awesome.

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A photo of Twisted Hula Pie of a restaurant

Twisted Hula Pie

A photo of Crispy Coconut Shrimp of a restaurant

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

A photo of Tristan Lobster Tail of a restaurant

Tristan Lobster Tail

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