Best Restaurants in Kauai (2025 Guide Where to Eat)

Introduction

Kauai may be best known for its tropical rainforests and free-roaming chickens, but did you know it’s also home to some of Hawaii’s best food? Between casual roadside eats, classic shave ice, and sunset oceanfront dining, the Garden Isle is bursting with flavors you won’t forget.

After eating my way around the island, here’s my guide to the best restaurants in Kauai — a mix of local favorites, hidden gems, and must-try spots that belong on every foodie’s itinerary.

Kauai Food Staples: Top Local Specialties

These are the dishes Kauai is most famous for. Be sure to sample each of these at least once.

Shave Ice

A Hawaiian staple, shave ice is lighter and fluffier than your classic snow cone. Head to Skinny Mike's Hawaiian Ice Cream in Kapaa for a taste. Their POG (passionfruit, orange, guava) flavor is a must, and if you love macadamia nuts, try adding a scoop of their macadamia nut ice cream to your order. We got our shave ice with a snow cap for extra richness. They're currently low on staff and high on demand, so service can be a little slow, but it's worth it!

Loco Moco

Loco moco is a beloved Hawaiian comfort food featuring a hamburger patty, savory brown gravy, and an egg over a bed of white rice. Visit Kalaheo Coffee Co. and Cafe in Kalaheo for my favorite loco moco on the island, where the gravy is rich and thick, and the hamburger patty is seasoned to perfection. Just a heads up, though — they get busy, and service can be a little slow at times.

Fresh Fruit Smoothies

As you drive around the island, you're sure to pass signs for smoothies and fresh fruit on the side of the road. Take a moment to pull over and try one — the best mango smoothie I've ever had was from one of these stands. Truly phenomenal.

Classic Dishes With a Local Twist

Kenji Burger (Kapaa, Lihue, Koloa)

This Kauai restaurant is home to my favorite burger on the island. Juicy beef, creamy aioli, sweet teriyaki glaze, crunchy arugula, tomato, and melted cheese come together in perfect harmony. The furikake fries, tossed with aioli, teriyaki, and seasoning, are equally addictive. Don't miss this unique Hawaiian spin on the classic burger and fry combo. To read my full review of Kenji Burger, click here.

Saimin

This comforting noodle soup, a local favorite, is best experienced at Hamura Saimin in Lihue. Their recipe, which features a traditional, savory broth and toppings like green onions, ham, fish cake, and vegetables, offers a taste of Kauai's culinary history. Though I don't find saimin particularly flavorful, Hamura Saimin is a great place to go if you want to immerse yourself in the island culture. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, listening to their childhood tales of the island while slurping up this classic Hawaiian dish, is an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. Note: they only accept cash here!

Puka Dog (Poipu)

Named one of the top hot dog stands in America by the Travel Channel, Puka Dog features Hawaiian-inspired toppings that sound unusual, but work surprisingly well. I was a bit skeptical ordering a hot dog with mango relish, passionfruit mustard, and garlic lemon secret sauce — but somehow, it worked. The sauces were light and flavorful, and the sausage was juicy. Puka Dog uses sweet buns with a single hole down the middle (instead of a traditional split bun), designed to hold all those delicious toppings in place. Mine was just a bit too bready for my liking, but the unique Hawaiian sauces were a delightful, memorable twist on an otherwise simple dish. Messy, flavorful, and a Kauai staple you have to try at least once.

And, if you like sour, try their fresh lemonade with a shot of lilikoi for a bold drink to accompany your meal.

Poke

Tender, flavorful, and a true Hawaiian staple, poke in Kauai can be fresh and delicious if you know where to look. Don't miss The Fish Express in Lihue for a build-your-own experience, or Koloa Fish Market in Koloa for a variety of tasty options, like their shoyu ahi with furikake and spicy aioli. Pair it with a side of cucumber salad for a light, refreshing crunch.

Best Casual Dining Spots in Kauai

Porky’s Kauai (Hanapepe)

Try the #3 kalua pork sandwich for fresh, Hawaiian-style pulled pork tucked inside a warm, gooey grilled cheese, and topped with a perfect sweet and spicy sauce. The sandwich also comes with grilled onions and fresh-cut pineapple, though I asked for the pineapple on the side (I'm not a big fan of the pineapple + pork combo). The pork itself was smoky and packed with flavor, while the creamy mac salad on the side offered a nice balance to the richness of the sandwich. This was one of my favorite stops in Kauai.

Uncle D's BBQ (Lihue)

For some warm, cheesy comfort food and BBQ that's bursting with flavor, Uncle D’s BBQ is a must-try. We ordered the mac-n-cheese boat topped with half brisket and half pulled pork. Both meats were tender, juicy, and infused with a tangy, smoky BBQ flavor. The mac-n-cheese itself was ultra cheesy, with a slightly gritty texture that helped balance out the boldness of the BBQ. The mild barbecue sauce complemented everything perfectly.

Service was great, too. Even though they were busy, the staff was friendly and threw in some extra mac salad on the house. The salad was light, creamy, and loaded with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, onions, and peas.

Portions were very generous. I only made it through half of the mac-n-cheese and most of the mac salad, and that was more than enough for lunch.

Kaua’i Diner Koloa

Come hungry — this spot serves up generous portions, phenomenal service, and Hawaiian comfort food full of personality. The food was good, but what really stood out was the warm, welcoming vibe from the staff. If you're looking to experience local plates and genuine Hawaiian hospitality, this is the place to go.

The loco moco had a nice flavor, but we especially enjoyed the chicken katsu — it was perfectly crispy and flavorful, and the tangy sauce on the side was a nice touch, adding just the right amount of moisture to the meat. For something sweet, the Dirty Mud Boba was the perfect drink to pair with the meal.

Dining With a View

The Beach House (Poipu)

For a romantic night out, nothing beats The Beach House in Poipu. Set right on the beach, it’s known for its gorgeous ocean views and upscale but welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to time your visit to catch the sunset — the views are unforgettable. While it’s on the pricier side, sharing an appetizer and entrée made the experience surprisingly affordable. The food was tasty, the service was attentive, and the setting was absolutely dreamy. Perfect for a date night or special occasion.

Best Desserts in Kauai

Koloa Mill Coffee & Ice Cream (Koloa)

Serving creamy scoops, refreshing shave ice, and pineapple Dole Whip, Koloa Mill is a must-visit in Old Koloa Town. Their classic Dole Whip is rich and packed with flavor, while the Kona Mud Pie milkshake is creamy, decadent, and the perfect balance of chocolate and coffee. Their shave ice is quite yummy, too.

Lappert’s Hawaii (Poipu, Princeville)

While not exclusive to Kauai, Lappert's is consistently one of my go-to dessert spots. They offer a lot of tasty options, but their Kona Mocha Shake is a top choice for me (clearly, I'm a huge fan of coffee shakes). It's thick, rich, and absolutely delicious — perfect for cooling down after a warm day of exploring.

Final Thoughts

Kauai’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes, from hidden smoothie stops and no-frills noodle shops to romantic oceanfront restaurants. Whether you’re craving a burger that blows your mind, a generous helping of fresh pulled-pork, or shave ice that melts like snow, the Garden Isle delivers.

If you’re planning your trip to Kauai, bookmark this guide and check out these other articles for more inspiration:

• Ultimate Guide to Kauai Snorkeling

• The Best Airbnb in Poipu, Kauai

For great deals on Kauai airfare, car rentals, and hotels, click here. For travel tips, suggestions, and guides on more amazing destinations, be sure to check out travellinds.com. Happy traveling!

FAQ

What food is Kauai known for?

Poke bowls, loco moco, shave ice, and saimin.

What are the best restaurants in Kauai?

My favorites are Kenji Burger, Porky's Kauai, and Kaua'i Diner Koloa. For something a little lighter, I'd try Koloa Fish Market or Puka Dog.

Where are the best restaurants in Kauai?

You’ll find great places to eat all over Kauai, but Koloa and Lihue are where I’ve found the most standouts. They offer a variety of delicious, authentic options that never disappoint.

Where do locals eat in Kauai?

Popular choices among locals include Hamura Saimin, Kaua'i Diner Koloa, and Koloa Fish Market.

Is food in Kauai expensive?

It can be, but food trucks and casual Kauai diners offer affordable, filling meals.

What’s the best restaurant in Kauai for couples?

The Beach House is the perfect romantic oceanfront dining spot.

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