Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in Kauai

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best value 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!

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

GilVIP

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

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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Experience

Sakana Dinner Set & Dessert

Experience

Robatayaki Dinner Set & Dessert

Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails

4.7

4.7 (340)

$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

Leeann

Dined 5 days ago

We had the best experience from the hotels to the waitress. The food was amazing and we'll be back to try more menu items!

The Plantation House by Gaylords

4.7

4.7 (5657)

$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

Ken

Dined 2 days ago

We had a lovely evening celebrating our 30th Anniversary. Food, ambiance and service were all excellent.

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4.8

4.8 (2499)

$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

Layne

Dined 6 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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4.8

4.8 (5493)

$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

FionaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

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

Scotty Browns Poipu

4.7

4.7 (21)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Koloa

About the restaurant

Scotty Browns Hawaii is a fresh take on the already prominent brand Scotty Browns!
This location is a passion project that features the best food & drink from all five of Browns Restaurant Group’s brands. We’re constantly inspired by the communities around us and will be focusing on fresh local ingredients from the amazing island of Kauai.

Top review

Edith

Dined 2 days ago

Super friendly service and enjoyed the Blacken Chicken Alfredo!

Koloa Thai Bistro

4.5

4.5 (151)

$30 and under

Thai

Koloa

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Old Koloa Town, Koloa Thai Bistro offers a vibrant fusion of Thai cuisin We pride ourselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful and aromatic dishes. Our menu features beloved Thai classics like Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and Curry, alongside Poke Bowl.
Fresh, Local Ingredients: We prioritize health-conscious dishes made with fresh vegetables from local farms.
Cozy Ambiance: Our modern rustic décor provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Live Entertainment on Wednesday: Experience live music performances that enhance your dining experience @koloathai.com
Customer Favorites:
Pad Thai
Drunken Noodles
Hawaiian Curry
Cashew Prik Pao served in a pineapple
Mango Sticky Rice
Join Us: Whether you're craving authentic Thai flavors, fresh sushi, or an entertaining hibachi experience, Koloa Thai Bistro is the place to be. We look forward to serving you soon!

Top review

Eric

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

The food was excellent, filling and arrived quickly despite the understaffing. Only 2 of the scheduled 4 were working and in truth they needed 6 but they pulled off a small miracle and fed the masses! We had the spring rolls, papaya salad and the vegan noodle dish and I recommend all 3.

Eating House 1849 - Kauai

4.7

4.7 (3236)

$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

CraigVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great food and exceptional service! Thank you for a great evening.

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Popular dish

Misoyaki Butterfish

Popular dish

Pork & Shrimp Potstickers

Popular dish

Hapa Burger

Moa Moa at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

4.6

4.6 (223)

$31 to $50

Pacific Rim

Kapaa

About the restaurant

Moa Moa, is home to American, Hawaiian fusion, Pacific-Rim inspired faire. We focus on fresh seafood dishes. Our lanai seating provide sight-lines to our vast ocean views at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort.

FEBRUARY 14th *
Please note that our regular dinner menu will not be available on 02/14/20125. Instead, we are offering a special Valentine's Day pre-set menu designed to make your evening truly memorable.

Top review

Brandon

Dined 5 days ago

Art was our “singing waiter”, he was the consummate showman and helped us pick the perfect appetizers and entrees. The lighting and mood were perfect for a romantic night out during our honeymoon. The food was delicious and well plated, displaying the Chef’s artistic flair. Art finished our night off with a Hawaiian lullaby as we wrapped up a beautiful meal.

Japanese Grandma's Cafe

4.6

4.6 (112)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Hanapēpē

About the restaurant

We specialize in healthy, delicious Japanese Food!
Established in 2016.
The restaurant was opened with the philosophy of serving wonderful fresh food just like Japanese Grandma has fed to her family and friends!

Top review

LouisVIP

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Seated on arrival. Service was excellent. Drinks were really good. Sashimi was good but 6 pieces for $62 was pretty high. California roll was also very good.

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