Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Kauai

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Merriman's Kauai

4.8

4.8 (5434)

$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

DamarisVIP

Dined today

I have no idea where to begin with the amazing experience we had tonight. First the food: incredible! We had 2 of the specials: Ono Poisson Cru, and the Ma Kai, the taro falafel, beet salad, and the pineapple bread pudding (recommended by the best server we have ever had). For drinks, we came for the famous Mai Tais, but also enjoyed No Ka ‘Oí and the Coco Loco. The atmosphere was incredible with the ocean breeze, beautiful sunset and a beautiful musician Bonnie Vannoy. But our server, Ashlyn was warm, friendly and made us feel like Ohana. Her recommendations and overall presence was top notch. If I could give more than 5 stars I would not just for the food but the service. The runners and bussers also incredible.

Eating House 1849 - Kauai

4.7

4.7 (3213)

$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 6 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.

Top review

LeonardVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful experience!! The staff was welcoming and as friendly as a family. The food was excellent. The head on shrimp small plate was extraordinary I highly recommend the brussel sprouts and cauflower small plate. The ramen was unsual and very tasty. The seared steak in a cast iron pan was delighful. This was one of the best meals we had in Hawaii.

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