Where to Eat in Kauai: Food Guide

North Shore Kauai: Places to Eat in Hanalei Bay & Kilauea

Hanalei Bread Company

Starting off your day at Hanalei Bread Company is an absolute must while in Hanalei. From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in the enticing scent of freshly baked goods, making it nearly impossible to resist the urge to sample one of everything. We gave in to the temptation of their fresh-baked bread without a second thought.

The avocado toast is heavenly: whole wheat bread generously topped with creamy avocado slices and watercress, all finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s a generously sized plate, perfect for sharing.

Their “brekkie sandwich” stands out—egg, bacon, and cheese nestled in a flaky croissant. The quality of the ingredients elevates this sandwich to something truly special.

Beyond breakfast, Hanalei Bread Company is also a fantastic lunch spot. If you plan an afternoon at the beach, inquire about their picnic backsets.

Bar Acuda

When piecing together this post, a big question arose: “If we could only recommend one dining spot in Kauai from our last trip, which would it be?” Hands down, the tapas spot in Hanalei won our hearts. Our meal at Restaurant Bar Acuda was the best. We made a point of booking Bar Acuda in advance—it was the only reservation we made before landing on the island.

Bar Acuda serves tapa-style meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is meant to be shared. They always have a few specials alongside their regular menu. We dove into two: I had the whole tuna ceviche, and then we split an incredible cucumber salad with feta and crunchy, spiced chickpeas.

We went for the papas ajos and lamb riblets off their standard menu. After such a standout meal, skipping dessert just wasn’t an option. We rounded it off with a mango cheesecake and a chocolate pot de creme.

This is the place to book for dinner to treat yourself or celebrate a special occasion. Their menu and specials are always changing, so what we had might not be available when you go. But honestly, this is the place to throw caution to the wind and try some of everything.

Tahiti Nui

Tahiti Nui quickly became our 2nd favorite spot in Kauai, not just because they keep the lights on later than almost anyone else in Hanalei Bay, but because there’s something about the place that draws you in. It’s the kind of laid-back, friendly vibe where everyone feels like a local, and if you’re on the hunt for the best Mai Tai on the island, this is where you’ll find it.

Our only regret is never being hungry enough to tackle one of their main dishes. One night, we ended up next to these two couples, and our eyes nearly fell out of our heads when we saw what they were having—these gorgeous fish dishes with a pop of purple sweet potato mash that looked too good to be true.

But, let’s be real, the Mai Tais had my name written all over them, so that’s where I focused. We couldn’t resist ordering the coconut shrimp, not once but twice. Hubby branched out with the Huli Huli chicken pizza and this ribeye beef poke he can’t stop talking about.

For someone like him who hates fish, their ribeye beef poke bowl was a game-changer. We’ve always joked back in LA that poke places should throw in a beef option, and Tahiti Nui did just that. It’s like everything you love about a poke bowl, but with beef.

Tahiti Nui also has a weekly Luau. For $125 pp (adults), you get an open buffet and a show. Had we known ahead of time, we would have booked it.

AMA Restaurant

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Ama is tucked right next to its sibling spot, Bar Acuda, offering a cozy escape into a world of ramen noodle bowls, steamy buns, and inventive cocktails. On our first night, intrigued by their menu, we landed at Ama and snagged a spot on their gorgeous terrace overlooking the lush mountains—a view you don’t want to miss. Tip: dine early to catch the scenery in daylight because once night falls, you’ll miss out on the view.

Dinner was all about ramen bowls that night. The ahi tuna in one of them was incredibly fresh and tender—I couldn’t get enough of it. But let’s talk about the real MVP: the Bao Buns. Imagine steamed buns stuffed with crispy fried chicken, slathered in slaw and some magical sauce concoction—they were so good, we could’ve easily gone for another round.

That evening also marked my first Mai Tai of the trip. It was good, with a quirky twist. We appreciated the mocktail options for those skipping alcohol; hubby gave a thumbs up to a tropical non-alcoholic mix from their cocktail menu.

The Hanalei Gourmet

Hanalei Gourmet is a no-frills bar where you can eat, drink, and relax. We found ourselves eating here multiple times, enjoying the laid-back Aloha vibe and watching locals claim the bar’s back corner as their spot. The food is straightforward but tasty.

One night, we opted for fish and chips, and on another, we enjoyed massive clams in white wine sauce. This place is known for its daily catch and offers a variety of fish dishes. Their burger isn’t shabby, either. Ask the server for local beer recommendations to complement your meal.

Hanalei Gourmet is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night bites past 9 PM, sometimes featuring live music.

Kilauea Fish Market

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Ahi tuna tacos and peppered pork from Kilauea Fish Market.

After landing in Kauai, we snagged our rental car and made a beeline for the North Shore. The island’s beauty captivated us so much that we spaced on lunch. Scanning for something on our route, we hit the jackpot with Kilauea Fish Market. Nestled conveniently close to Kilauea Lighthouse and Anini Beach, this spot offers amazing food without denting your wallet.

I dove into the ahi tuna tacos, which were loaded and delicious, while the peppered pork with a side sauce hubby picked was a hit. The place shines with its quality fish offerings.

We sipped on Strawberry Guava Aloha Maid drinks to wash it down—the flavor screams Hawaii. Our tip? Always go for the local tastes when you’re exploring.

East Side of Kauai: Places to Eat in Kapaa

Java Kai Coffee

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Oh, Java Kai, you’ve truly won our hearts. We purchased a hat and a mug as mementos of those fantastic coffee moments and our favorite light breakfasts. Our frequent stops for iced coffees and lattes throughout the week were a testament to our love for their iced macadamia nut latte—thinking about it makes me want one now!

That bagel loaded with cream cheese, housemade pesto, and tomatoes? Absolute perfection. It seems like pesto’s a big deal in Kauai—it popped up on nearly every menu we looked at! We’d never encountered this particular bagel combo before, but we plan to recreate it at home.

On another morning, we opted for their sunrise breakfast, which featured a half papaya filled with fruit, granola, and strawberries. As always, hubby couldn’t resist a good breakfast sandwich.

Java Kai is always busy, so brace for a bit of a wait at peak times. But it’s worth it, not just for the food and drink but also for the super friendly staff. We even half-jokingly pleaded with the manager to open a branch in Los Angeles.

If you find yourself in Kapaa, make Java Kai a part of your routine. Trust us, you won’t regret it.e

Kountry Kitchen

Loco Moco, eggs with Portuguese sausage, and cornbread. They use Spam containers as receipt holders. Cute touch.

For an authentic local breakfast experience, Kountry Kitchen is a must-visit. Popular among tourists and locals, this spot has been a fixture on the East Side of Kauai since 1975, serving up classic diner fare with a local twist.

At Kountry Kitchen, breakfast and brunch are the stars. They feature island favorites like loco moco, macadamia nut pancakes, and a few lunch items. The moment you’re seated, you’re greeted with a slice of warm cornbread, setting the stage for the deliciousness. The menu has tempting options, making choosing just one thing a real challenge.

As a brunch lover, I found it hard not to order everything on the menu. We ended up dining here multiple times, even sampling their loco moco—a must-try Hawaiian comfort dish typically made with rice, ground beef, eggs, and smothered in gravy. It’s a hearty meal that easily serves two. And don’t miss out on their macadamia coconut pancakes with homemade coconut syrup.

Next door: Kountry Kitchen Cafe
Pressed for time and can’t sit down for a meal? Conveniently located right next to Kountry Kitchen’s restaurant, you’ll find their café—perfect for grabbing something delicious on the go!

On our last day, we hit their café for homemade waffles with roasted pineapples on our way to the airport. Crisp, airy, and delicious, these made-to-order waffles—and their bonus toppings—are unforgettable.

Bubba Burger

Every vacation has that moment when a burger craving hits hard. What’s your go-to craving? After a beach day, we stumbled upon Bubba Burgers, buzzing with locals and tourists. The line out the door was a good sign. And wow, did they deliver—In-N-Out, step aside! It’s a laid-back spot where you order at the counter and wait for your name to be called. Plus, the staff was super friendly.

South Shore Kauai: Places to Eat in Poipu

Puka Dog

Thanks to Anthony Bourdain, we stumbled upon Puka Dog, one of his top picks. Curious about the hype, we had to check it out.

So, what’s a Puka Dog? Imagine a hot dog or Polish sausage snug in Hawaiian sweet bread, topped with their secret sauce, your choice of relish, and Auntie Lilikoi’s Hawaiian Mustard. The crowd-favorite? Their mango relish, the Kauai Special, which we tried fully loaded.

The verdict: tasty, but maybe not a repeat for us.

If you’re nearby and intrigued by one of Bourdain’s Hawaiian favorites, Puka Dog is worth a visit at least once.

Da Crack Mexican Grinds

Da Crack’s unique name and logo caught our eye, and this Mexican take-out spot did not disappoint. Known for its fish tacos, burritos, and more, we decided to try it after a quick Yelp search.

One day, famished, I ordered the ahi tuna burrito. It was enormous, incredibly satisfying, and delicious—perfect for anyone looking for great Mexican food on a budget.

Other Kauai Eats You Should Look For

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO KAUAI, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:

• How to Plan Seven Days in Kauai
• What to Do in Kauai
• Pack These Items for Your Trip To Hawaii