logo ×

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Top 5 Luxury Restaurants for Fine Dining in Kauaʻi

In Hawaiʻi, food is everything. Island culture revolves around food; you will even hear songs on the local radio stations about the Hawaiian love of food. The adoration of food on Kaua‘i shines through in the wealth of quality eateries on the island, and you’ll find no shortage of excellent fine dining in Kaua’i. We know you would rather spend your time exploring one Kaua’i’s stunning beaches than researching restaurants, so we have compiled this list of the best restaurants in Kaua’i for you. Bon appétit!

The Eating House 1849 Kōloa

2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Rd. Ste. A-201, Kōloa
(808) 742-5000

At The Eating House 1849 Kōloa, award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi serves up some of Kaua‘iʻs most mouth-watering fare that pays homage to planation days cuisine. Chef Royʻs Hawaiian-Asian fusion of flavors from numerous planations cultures produce such delectable menu items as bubu arare salmon, Kamameshi (hot pot rice bowl), and steamed clam cataplana. Consisting only of ingredients locally acquired from farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, Chef Roy offers unrivaled delights for every culinary palate.

Red Salt at Ko‘a Kea

2251 Pōʻipu Rd., Kōloa
(888) 471-4206

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Red Salt at the Ko‘a Kea Resort in Kōloa showcases award-winning Hawaiian seafood with a Pacific Rim flair, making this easily one of the best restaurants in Kaua’i. Relax oceanside while sampling exquisite fare from Red Salt’s creative menu. Acclaimed chef and Kauaʻi native Noelani Planas takes Pacific Rim cuisine to a whole new level, offering fare such as Kona lobster gnocchi, fruitcake and wasabi-crusted seared ahi, and grilled branzino. You can also enjoy fresh sushi and top-shelf cocktails in the Red Salt Lounge.

Tidepools

Grand Hyatt Pōʻipu
1571 Pōʻipu Rd., Kōloa
(808) 240-6456

If you’re looking for romantic fine dining in Kaua’i, the ambiance of Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt is second to none. Dine on sumptuous Polynesian-inspired cuisine in thatch-roofed bungalows that are suspended above a koi-filled lagoon next to a cascading waterfall. Rated by OpenTable as one of the most romantic restaurants in the U.S., Tidepools features the exquisite culinary creations of Chef Kevin Horan. Chef Kevin served as sous chef at the Michelin 3 Star restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas, and prepares his gastronomic marvels using only the freshest of locally sourced ingredients.

JO2

4-971 Kūhiō Hwy. Kapa‘a
(808) 212-1627

For the finest in Asian fusion cuisine, head to JO2 on Kaua‘i’s east side. The menu at JO2 changes daily in accordance with the availability of locally sourced ingredients; however, menu mainstays include delightful offerings such as seared Hunan-style rack of lamb, seared ono shrimp risotto, and seared Hokkaido scallops.

Bar Acuda

5-5161 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei
(808) 826-7081

Last but not least on our list of top restaurants in Kaua’i is Bar Acuda in Hanalei. Though Bar Acuda humbly bills itself as a tapa bar, this establishment is a casual yet top-notch fine dining experience. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Hanalei’s mountains, waterfalls and ocean, Bar Acuda chef and owner Jim Moffat offers enticing and complex Mediterranean cuisine with a Pacific Rim flair. Recognized in 1996 by Food and Wine Magazine as one of the “Top 10 New American Chefs,” Chef Jim serves up delectable creations such as grilled lamb riblettes Pimenton, and local North Shore honeycomb with Humbolt Fog goat cheese and crisp Fuji apple.

Relax After a Night of Fine Dining in Kauaʻi

When you’ve had your fill of delicious cuisine at one of the top restaurants in Kaua’i you can unwind at one of our luxurious Princeville Vacation Rental homes. Relax in the pool or witness one of our famous Hawaiian sunsets from the privacy of your own balcony. Book your Princeville Vacation Rental home now!