Kauai Restaurant Guide

When you need flavorful pork in your life, we recommend a trip down to Porky’s Kauai. This South Shore eatery began as a hotdog cart in New York City, and their menu still features a pair of hotdog dishes that will leave a lasting impression. Among their limited menu, they put a Hawaiian spin on the classic hotdog flavors by adding pulled pork, pineapple and other fresh local ingredients. Porky’s also serves a variety of comfort food, including a gooey grilled cheese sandwich and a hearty rice bowl. Each option on the menu can be fully customized by adding bacon, Portuguese sausage, or both to kick the flavor profile up a notch. Ask for both the sweet sauce and the spicy sauce to enjoy the excellent flavors without having to be conservative with your dipping. Also, make sure to try the pineapple sausage and thank us later!

If you are starving and want large portions, you should head to Pono Market with a big appetite! A local favorite, Pono Market serves up flavorful Hawaiian cuisine on a rotating schedule. The daily entrees, pokes, and sides will undoubtedly have you dreaming of returning for more. For example, you can only get Pineapple Glazed Chicken on Wednesday, while the Beef Stew dish is available only on Monday. Try the Spicy Ahi or Shoyu Poke, and don’t forget a side of Hawaiian Potato Mac Salad to go with it. The market is takeout only, so grab some delicious food and head to nearby Kappa Beach for a picnic.

Mark’s Place is a no-frills local favorite known for Mark’s Famous Mixed Plates, featuring Hawaiian proteins like the classic Loco Moco with white rice and macaroni salad. The bold flavors are spot-on, and so is the execution, making these lunch plates an easy, no-fuss way to sample fantastic local favorites. Try Hawaii’s most famous snacks, the Spam Musubi  and the Korean Chicken Musubi. There are picnic tables outside where you can enjoy your delicious Hawaiian feast. Mark’s Place also offers omiyage snacks, which are great gifts for your friends and family. They have everything from Pineapple Rum Cake and Macadamia Nut Tea Cookies to Dried Ahi and Kamaboko Dip, although their Butter Mochi is a favorite.

How do delicious food, tropical drinks, and an open-air beachfront setting sound? Head to Brenneck’s Beach Broiler to delight in the ever-changing menu and the casual, chill atmosphere. This is a place where fine dining meets casual and fun. Make sure to leave room for dessert here, as people travel far and wide to try their famous Lava Cake. The cocktails at Brenneck’s are also legendary, thanks to their use of bright local flavors. Try the delectable Ceviche Wonton Tacos, Blackened Ahi Sandwich, or the Kauai Pad Thai. You’ll need to make a reservation before visiting Brenneck’s, or you can expect to wait up to two hours for a table.

If you’re looking for some of the best oceanfront dining in Kauai, then the legendary Duke’s is the spot for you. You can find Duke’s at the Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club, this restaurant has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and a casual yet elegant atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find traditional island favorites made with fresh local ingredients and American classics. Duke’s serves up various seafood dishes like their famous sautéed mac nut and herb-crusted fresh fish, poke tacos, and teriyaki sirloin. Other fan favorites include the slow-roasted prime rib and Duke’s famous Hula Pie. Duke’s Kauai is incredibly popular, and phone reservations are highly recommended.

Those looking for a traditional sit-down dining experience will love Merriman’s Kauai. This farm-to-table restaurant ensures its ingredients are locally sourced from sustainable farmers and fishermen. Merriman’s occupies what was once an old Hawaii plantation, and the outdoor patio overlooks a vast field with distant views of the stunning Pacific Ocean. The menu is chock full of healthy, delicious Hawaiian favorites. Try a bright and flavorful salad highlighting island fruits like papaya and spiced macadamia nuts, or dive into some of the fresh local fish bursting with Hawaiian flavors.

Have you heard of Hawaiian tapas? That’s the specialty of the intriguing Bar Acuda. That’s right, this spot has taken the Spanish tradition of tapas and put a Hawaiian spin on tapas, and it’s one of the most beloved dining spots on Kauai. Bar Acuda uses the freshest local and seasonal ingredients to create innovative and tasty shareable plates packed with flavor. The peaceful, cozy atmosphere and tapas menu set Bar Acuda apart. Don’t miss out on the Grilled Lamb Riblets, North Shore Honeycomb, and Hawaiian Fish; finish with the Lilikoi Cheesecake. Make sure to secure your reservation here as soon as possible. If they are fully booked, don’t worry – you can also get on the cancellation list.

Tidepools in the Grand Hyatt Kauai provides a truly memorable dining experience. This gorgeous restaurant offers fantastic views of Kauai’s most stunning scenery. Sit back and relax as you listen to a waterfall cascading next to you as you dine under a straw-thatched roof that makes you feel like you are floating with the koi fish in the water. The menu at Tidepools puts a unique twist on Hawaiian favorites, and the tropical cocktail menu offers bright and flavorful libations you can sip at any time of day. Tidepools is famous for its succulent seafood dishes and an impressive 200-bottle wine cellar. Try the Prime New York Strip, or the Hawaiian Catch. The dessert menu includes fan favorites like Cocoa Nib Crème Brulee and Malasada.