20 Best Places to Eat in Kauai (Amazing Restaurants You Can’t Miss)

Kauai is a gorgeous island, full of adventure! It’s a dreamy place for nature lovers and beach lovers alike. Oh, and the food is quite delicious with a large variety of options, even for a small island. Here are the very best places to eat in Kauai.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my disclosures.

Whether this is your first trip to Kauai, Hawaii or your 20th, it’s such an astonishing island and it truly makes you wonder how a place so beautiful even exists! With so much of the island natural and untouched, I thought finding a great place to eat would be challenging. I was wrong!

After visiting Kauai multiple times, I’ve had the best food the island has to offer. Here’s a guide on the best restaurants in Kauai, so that you can plan your trip and eat delicious food, too.

👉Don’t have time to read the whole article? This is the best food tour on Kauai, which has options on the north, south and west shores. Also get the complete Kauai travel guide for everything you need to see and do on Kauai!

Map of the best places to eat in Kauai

If you’re a visual person like I am, this map will help you find your way around the island to all the different restaurants on this list. Whether you’re hiking the NaPali Coast or you’re finding the best snorkeling in Kauai, you know what’s close.

You’ll find waterfront dining and off-the-beaten-path restaurants on this guide. There’s sooo many good places to eat on this island.

Editor note: this list is accurate as of the publication date. Because so many restaurants on Kauai are locally-owned, many have struggled over the last few years with tourism fluctuations and staffing challenges. I truly hope none of these restaurants close, but always check their website for hours before you go.

Best places to eat in Kauai

Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for some great takeout, let’s get to it! Starting off with one of my faves!

1. Little Fish Coffee

Come for: breakfast and lunch (closes at 1:00pm)
You should try: Pakala Bowl, Breakfast Bagel, coffee of your choice
Location: 2294 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756 (next to the Poipu Beach Athletic Club)
Reservations: not necessary

This just might be your favorite breakfast place on Kauai! The name says coffee, but this place has so much more to offer.

The highlight is their açaí breakfast bowls! Each bowl has a unique mix of toppings including fruit, granola, proteins and more. It’s right amount of healthy foods plus sweet treats to enjoy for a balanced breakfast on vacation.

If you grab a açaí bowl, don’t let the size fool you. The small bowls are very filling and you could probably feed a family with the large option.

Now I can’t recommend Little Fish Coffee without mentioning their coffee options! Enjoy a fresh brew from locally grown coffee beans. Try the Mexican Mocha Latte on their signature coffee menu. Yum!

Little Fish Coffee also has smoothies that could please pretty much anyone, and a great variety of breakfast sandwiches to fill you up before your adventures on Kauai.

Sit outside and soak in the fresh air and sunshine while enjoying breakfast or lunch. It’s the perfect way to start the day!

2. Duke’s Kauai (one of the best restaurants in Kauai with a view)

Come for: Lunch and Dinner, plus Breakfast on Sunday’s
You should try: Ahi Poke Bowl, Pulled Pork Sandwich
Location: 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
Reservations: Recommended

Literally steps away from Kalapaki Beach, Duke’s is by far one of the best restaurants in Kauai with a view. And everything about Duke’s is the quintessential Hawaiian dining experience. From the decor to the views, music and delicious eats, it’s a place you’ll want to go back to.

During lunch, the Barefoot Bar is open. Try the light and delicious Poke Tacos or Coconut Shrimp. You also can’t go wrong with a salad before returning to the beach!

The main dining room is open for dinner. Get there early to get beach-front views! From classic cheeseburgers to lobster or prime rib, you’re sure to find something delicious for dinnertime.

In the same family of restaurants as Keoki’s Paradise or Leilani’s on the Beach (one of my family’s favorites in Maui), they also have delicious Hula Pie. It’s so unique, you just can’t get anything like it back home, so better dig in at Duke’s!

Better keep Duke’s on your short list for your trip based on it’s location, and the fact that it’s definitely one of the best places to eat in Kauai!

3. Kalypso Island Bar and Grill

Come for: Dinner, plus breakfast and lunch on weekends (hours vary by day)
You should try: Coconut Shrimp, Mahi Mahi Tostada, Loco Moco
Location: 5-5156 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Reservations: nope

Recommended to me over and over again by locals, I had to check out Kalypso. It’s definitely one of the best places to eat in Kauai, and especially on the North Shore.

Let’s start with the fact that the happy hour nachos are not only affordable, but enough for 2 people to share. In fact, it could be your entire dinner.

Or, try one of their seafood specialties like the coconut shrimp, which comes as an appetizer or you can order the larger portion with sides. The selection of beers is one of the bigger ones on the North Shore, and if you like fruity mixed drinks, ordering a Lava Flow is a must!

Sitting by the window overlooking the mountains behind Hanalei, this is by far one of the best restaurants in Kauai with a view. An afternoon on Hawaii just doesn’t get better than this!

4. JoJo’s Shave Ice

Come for: Afternoon treat
You should try: all of it 😉
Location: 9734 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796 | 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714 | 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Reservations: nope!

You HAVE to get shave ice while in Hawaii. Unfortunately, it took me 5 trips to the islands before trying my first shave ice, and I’ll never go back! 🤦🏻‍♀️

There are multiple JoJo’s Shave Ice on Kauai, so there’s a location that will work in your schedule!

Order one of their classic shave ice combinations, like Colada Special with Pina-Strawberry-Banana Colada with a scoop of MacNut Ice Cream – yum! Or make your own with up to 4 flavors. With shave ice like Blue Hawaii, Papaya, Strawberry Colada or Guava, you can’t go wrong!

Unlike the other shave ice places on Kauai, JoJo’s gives its profits to fund free camps for local Hawaiian kids. How cool is that?

5. Kalaheo Café and Coffee Company (one of the best breakfast Kauai)

Come for: Breakfast and lunch, dinner some days
You should try: Cinnamon Bread French Toast, Island Tossed Greens, Prime Rib French Dip
Location: 2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Reservations: not necessary

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Company has something everyone will love. But their breakfast is truly the shining star here! They serve more of a traditional breakfast menu, but their taste is anything but ordinary.

Between the pastries (they even had gluten-free…squee!!) and omelette, breakfast sandwiches and scrambles, their food is beyond delightful!

You’ll find a hearty breakfast here, which is unique compared to many of the other spots on this list of the best restaurants in Kauai. The first time I stopped at Kalaheo was before hiking the Pihea Trail on the NaPali Coast. I needed lots of protein for a morning hike, and this was a great spot.

Oh, and make sure your breakfast includes the cornbread muffin and POG juice. Delicious!!

For lunch, their salads and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are a hit. Order at the counter and grab a seat indoors or outside.

Dinner is a completely different feel, with sit-down service and wait staff instead of counter ordering. The Seared Ahi is raved about, equally as much as the steak options. You can’t really go wrong at Kalaheo!

Note: check hours before you go. It varies based on the day 🙂

6. Keoki’s Paradise

Come for: Lunch and dinner
You should try: Coconut Shrimp, Seafood Risotto, Vegan Ravioli
Location: 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
Reservations: recommended

If you’re looking for a great restaurant with a tropical setting, Keoki’s Paradise is your place. With a variety of steak and island favorites, there’s something for everyone at Keoki’s Paradise. It’s also a perfect spot for a romantic dinner for 2.

Keoki’s Paradise is a bit on the high end for price. You’ll pay for what you get: the food is excellent and the ambiance is fabulous, too. It’s definitely worthy of a spot on this list of best places to eat in Kauai.

If you can get there for an early dinner, the Chef’s Tasting Menu is 4:00 – 5:30pm. It includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $26. The portions are a little smaller but so is the price so it’s a great option!

For dessert, you absolutely must try their Hula Pie! It’s a favorite dish among visitors, and a must-try when in Hawaii. Hula pie is macadamia nut ice cream layered on top of a cookie crust, with layers of hot fudge and whipped cream. You absolutely cannot go wrong!

Make sure to get it to share – one slice is rather large and can be split between 2 or even 4 people, if you’ve just had an entrée.

More of the best places to eat in Kauai

Gah! Can you believe this list?! There are seriously so many good spots for food considering the size of the island.

Let’s keep going!

7. Da Crack Mexican Grinds (one of the best cheap restaurants in Kauai)

Come for: lunch or dinner
You should try: Chicken tacos or pork burrito, chips and salsa
Location: 2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Reservations: not necessary

Da Crack is one of the best places to eat in Kauai, one that’s recommended by locals time and time again on the Kauai Life Facebook group.

They serve fresh, hot Mexican food and you can easily get a meal for two for less than $25. That’s tricky to find on Kauai! The servings are large though, so one taco per person or a burrito to share will do it. The meat tastes like it’s been marinating for days and all the toppings taste super fresh.

Pro tip: Da Crack is a to-go place only, so you won’t find any tables. It’s literally the perfect meal for enjoying some good Mexican food on the beach ini Kauai. Grab some tacos, burritos or a bowl for dinner and catch the sunset!

After multiple trips to Kauai, I can safely say this is my favorite Mexican food on the island. My mouth is salivating writing this up. Yum!

8. Gina’s Anykine Grinds Cafe

Come for: Breakfast and lunch
You should try: Loco Moco, cheeseburger and banana bread
Location: 9691 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796
Reservations: not necessary

Gina’s Anykine Grinds Cafe is the perfect spot to stop on your way to Kōkeʻe State Park or to hike the Waimea Canyon Trail. It’s a quaint little restaurant with home cooked food.

If you’re trying to eat like a local in Kauai, you absolutely must try the Loco Moco. A Hawaiian favorite meal, it’s basically a hamburger patty served over rice, topped with eggs and gravy. Gina’s at Yumi’s is also known for their cheeseburgers as they serve Kauai grass-fed beef.

You also gotta get some banana bread at Gina’s Anykine Grinds Cafe! The pieces are large and you could get it to go and use it as a hiking snack or beach snack. The pieces are large enough to share or plan to keep it for multiple snacks. So good!

9. Java Kai (another favorite for best breakfast Kauai)

Come for: breakfast or lunch, early dinner
You should try: Surfer Girl Sandwich, Açaí Berry Bowl, Vegetarian options
Location: 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Reservations: not necessary

Okay, if you like coffee, or breakfast, or açaí bowls, you need this place in your life! Serving one of the best breakfasts in Kauai, this is a must on your Kauai vacation!

I literally drove across the island for this açaí bowl, it’s so good. It’s pure bliss that you can eat with a spoon! Their breakfast bagels are to die for, too. The secret is in the schmear. 😉

If you love coffee, definitely try the Mac Nut Latte. It’s one of their best sellers, and with locally grown beans, they roast them in-house.

So basically, you can’t go wrong with ordering anything here. Prepare to be amazed at Java Kai!

Pro tip: order online in advance to avoid the wait. Because this place will have a line, for sure!

10. Poipu Food Truck Park

Come for: lunch (hours vary based on truck)
You should try: Kalua pork plate, burgers, Asian street food
Location: 5371 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756 (across from Old Town Koloa)
Reservations: not necessary

It’s hard to decide on the best food truck in Poipu, so the food truck park is listed as one of the best places to eat in Kauai!

Try the fish at the Kauai Food Truck, the Ahi at Kauai Poke Co, or the burger at Kickshaw’s. Open for lunch most days of the week, this food truck park is a great way for everyone to get what they want in one setting. The outdoor dining is perfect, too.

The Poipu food trucks pricing runs around $10-$15 each per plate, so you can get a good meal at a decent price in Kauai.

11. The Spot

Come for: Breakfast and lunch
You should try: Benedict Bowl, Wake n’ Bacon bowl, vegan soft serve
Location: 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy Suite C-103, Princeville, HI 96722
Reservations: not necessary

If you’re looking for lighter fare, then The Spot North Shore Kauai in Princeville is the right spot for you! Serving hot breakfast, açaí and pitaya bowls, smoothies and soft serve, this place is awesome! You’ll typically find a long line for breakfast, indicating you’re in a good spot! 🙂

If you’re a health food foodie, they have lots of super fresh options for you. The avocado toast is raved about!

And for the frozen yogurt, add some fruit and açaí to a bowl and you’ve got a perfect way to start your afternoon. Enjoy it to go as you head down to Hanalei Beach, one of the best beaches on Kauai.

Make sure The Spot is on your list when you’re on the island, because it’s definitely one of the best places to eat in Kauai!

12. Brennecke’s (a must-visit and one of the best restaurants in Poipu)

Come for: Lunch and dinner
You should try: Mai Tai, Mac-nut crusted fish, Surf n Turf
Location: 2100 Hoone Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Reservations: highly recommended

If you’re heading to Kauai, you’re going to run into a lot of delicious seafood. The dinner at Brennecke’s is no exception. This dinner was more pricey than most of the others on this list with dinner plates starting at around $30 each.

But seriously, try the macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi! They’re known for this dish and they cook it extremely well. The fillet of fish was large and is quite filling.

Oh, and you’ll probably have many opportunities to try a Mai Tai, and Brennecke’s is one of the best. They’ve served over 1,000,000 of them so they’ve got to be good, right?

If you go to Brennecke’s during the day, grab a table by the windows and enjoy a view of the ocean from your seat. The restaurant is right across from the beach, so you can enjoy the breeze as you grab a bite to eat.

Pro tip: make a reservation, even for lunch! When we went before the pandemic there was a decent wait. However, now that the service industry took a hit in Hawaii, you’ll need reservations a few days (or more) in advance if you want to get in.

13. Island Taco

Come for: Lunch
You should try: Cajun Mahi Mahi Taco, Tofu Taco, Kalua Pork Taco
Location: 9643 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796
Reservations: not necessary

While you’re on Kauai you’ll run into a ton of taco joints. And lots of them are delicious. On my last trip to Kauai, I think I had some type of taco every day. (And I’m not mad about it, either.)

If you love good, spicy fish tacos, Island Taco in Waimea is the spot for you!

You’ll usually see a line wrapped around the building, the tacos are so good! They offer the typical island selection…tacos, burritos, quesadillas, etc. But go here for the Cajun Mahi Mahi Tacos. You won’t regret it!

Best restaurants in Kauai – continued

Ok, we’re rounding out to the last portion of this amazing list. Sometimes you want. cheap eats and others you want fine dining. Let’s get to more variety in Kauai.

14. Merriman’s Kauai (another favorite on this list of best places to eat in Kauai)

Come for: Dinner
You should try: Mac Nut Crusted Local Fish, Crab Cakes, Kua Aina Ranch Filet of Beef
Location: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756
Reservations: Highly recommended

This is a must if you’re staying or dining in Koloa for absolutely incredible food and drinks! The seafood is incredibly fresh. Try the scallops with garlic mashed potatoes, the pork chop over risotto, grilled veggies and truffle fries – it’s all good!

The open air dining experience adds to the whole ambiance of Merriman’s Kauai. It’s romantic for couples and casual enough for friends to dine here.

This is one of the pricier places on this list of best places to eat in Kauai, but you get what you pay for with excellent food and drinks. They’re known for the Lilikoi Foam on top of the Mai Tai. So do give that a try when you’re at Merriman’s!

Just when my husband and I thought we couldn’t eat any more, we decided to add on dessert. You see, they had a killer homemade ice cream sandwich that we were dying to try.

It’s all delicious! Merriman’s is one of the best restaurants in Poipu. You’ll love it!

15. Pat’s Taqueria 

Come for: Lunch
You should try: Jalapeño Cream Cheese Quesadilla, Carne Asada, anything with the mango salsa
Location: Black Pot Beach, Hanalei Pier, Hanalei, HI 96714
Reservations: nope!

If you’re on North Shore, then you’ll want to hit up Pat’s Taqueria in at the Hanalei Pier. It’s a staple and well-known by locals and visitors alike. Stop there on a beach day or after hiking the Kalalau Trail.

Pat’s Taqueria is a little truck serving tacos on the beach – what more could you ask for?! Literally on the beach, just north of the Hanalei Pier, this taco truck is only open 3 hours a day, so go right at lunchtime to try one of the tasty tacos or a burrito and enjoy the view. 😎

Note: Pat’s Taqueria only accepts cash, so be prepared.

16. Lappert’s Hawaii (another favorite on this list of best restaurants in Kauai)

Come for: Morning coffee or afternoon treat
You should try: Coconut Macadamia Nut Fudge Ice Cream, Spiced Chai Latte, Macadamia Sticky Bun
Location: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756 | 5-4280, Princeville Shopping Center, Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
Reservations: nope!

Okay, okay. This is good stuff! And ya know a girl knows her ice cream. I once planned an entire vacation around ice cream, a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. #truestory

So when in Hawaii, it’s gotta be Lapperts! Locally made in small batches in Hanapepe, this Kauai staple has even grown to have locations on Oahu and Maui. So you know it’s good!

With fun Hawaiian flavors like Big Island Inspiration, Kauai Pie, Kona Lava Java, you’er going to find something you like. Try something new or stick with a staple. Oh, and make sure you do the waffle cone. Delicious! 

For the coffee fans, you’ll absolutely love their morning brews! Locally made from Kona coffee each morning, you’ll love the variety and intense flavors in the morning. And according to Lappert’s Hawaii’s website, “what’s a gourmet cup of Kona coffee without a delectable cinnamon roll to go with it?”

With locations in Poipu and Princeville, you’ll need to stop at a Lappert’s while on the island!

17. Bubba’s Burgers

Come for: Lunch and Dinner
You should try: Double Bubba, Teriyaki Burger, Beyond Burger
Location: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St Building L, Koloa, HI 96756 | 4-1421 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Reservations:

Known for taste by locals and tourists alike, Bubba’s Burger is an old-fashioned burger place. And it’s one of the more affordable restaurants on Kauai. Win!

They use all Kauai grass-fed beef and have menu options like chocolate shakes (which are delicious)  and the Double Slopper, this place is exactly what you’d expect in a good burger place!

I know you’d probably not going to pick this place for the salads, but I do have to say my last trip to Bubba’s I was staying on the healthier side of things and really enjoyed the Cesar Salad. 

If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Kauai and are looking for a simple spot, Bubba’s in Kapaa or Koloa is perfect for you!

18. Aloha Juice Bar

Come for: Lunch or afternoon treat
You should try: Reefer Smoothie, Acai Bowl, Dole Whip
Location: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Reservations: nope!

One of the best restaurants Kauai North Shore for a midday snack or light lunch, the Aloha Juice Bar is refreshing as ever, serving local fruit in their specialties.

From fresh squeezed juices to smoothies and their delicious açaí bowls, this is a perfect stop after spending some time at the beach! It’s located in the parking lot of the Ching Young Village, so grab your smoothie and check out the local shops.

Editor note: as of 2022, there are some bad reviews on Google for poor customer service. I didn’t experience it and really enjoyed my drink here, so I’m still including Aloha Juice Bar on this list of best restaurants in Kauai, based on the menu selection and location for food of this kind in the area. Let’s hope they get the customer service worked out 😊

Note #2: bring cash as there’s a surcharge for cards.

19. Sleeping Giant Grill (one of the best spots for fish tacos on Kauai)

Come for: late lunch or dinner
You should try: Salad with Grilled Fish, Ahi or chicken burrito, Ono Fish Tacos
Location: 440 Aleka Pl, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Reservations: not necessary

If you’re serious about fish tacos, you’re going to need to check out Sleeping Giant Grill in Kapaa. The secret is in the breading. Wrapped in a soft tortilla, each taco is like a little slice of heaven. Enough said!

This is a great spot to grab food after going tubing down the mountain or visiting Wailea Falls, some of the best things to do on Kauai.

While many places on Kauai have outdoor seating, Sleeping Giant Grill does it right for the cost-conscious traveler. They have a BYOB policy so grab yourself a beverage and enjoy a delicious meal without the hefty price tag for drinks.

20. Road Side Fruit Stand

Come for: Afternoon snacks
You should try: anything home grown on Kauai!
Location: Ala Kinoiki, Koloa, HI 96756 | Maalo Rd, Lihue, HI 96766 | plus various around the island
Reservations: nope 😆

My last recommendation is to eat as much fresh fruit as you can in Kauai!

The pineapple just doesn’t taste the same anywhere else. Don’t be afraid to stop at a roadside fruit stand as you explore the island. You could taste the best pineapple of your life, incredible banana bread or a variety of other goodies that might just hit the spot!

I found fruit stands in Hanalei, Waimea, Kapaa and Poipu. Just keep your eyes peeled – and be ready with cash!

Best places to eat in Kauai

Well there you have it! There’s a huge variety of restaurants in Kauai, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great meal, although those are delicious too!

Let’s recap this list in a quicker fashion…

Best restaurants in Kauai

1. Little Fish Coffee
2. Duke’s Kauai
3. Kalypso Island Bar and Grill
4. JoJo’s Shave Ice
5. Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Company
6. Keoki’s Paradise
7. Da Crack Mexican Grinds
8. Gina’s Anykine Grinds Cafe
9. Java Kai
10. Poipu Food Truck Park
11. The Spot
12. Brennecke’s
13. Island Taco
14. Merriman’s Kauai
15. Pat’s Taqueria
16. Lappert’s Hawaii
17. Bubba’s Burgers
18. Aloha Juice Bar
19. Sleeping Giant Grill
20. Road Side Fruit Stand

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More Kauai content:
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Best Snorkeling Kauai – 10 Beautiful Beaches You’ll Love
Hike the NaPali Coast (Kalalau Trail) – the First 2 Miles
Hiking the Waimea Canyon Trail: Unbelievable Views Included
Underrated Hike on Kauai You Need to See – Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
Your Perfect 7 Day Itinerary on Kauai

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