8 New Standout Restaurants on Kauai

Photo: Fresh Bite Kauai.

Sprinkled throughout the gorgeous vistas of the Garden Isle are a number of great places to dine. Bring a hearty appetite because each of these new establishments offer an array of palate pleasing options.

NORTH SHORE

1. Fresh Bite Kaua‘i

Photo: Fresh Bite Kauai.

A trendy food truck that boasts “Farm to Beach” (get it?) servings of salads and sandwiches that incorporate ingredients straight from local farms. It’s also an ideal place to try poi (pounded taro) made with seasonal fruit, granola and coconut honey syrup.

2. Piazza

Photo: Piazza Kauai.

A casual but chic Italian eatery that specializes in wood-fired oven pizza like mushroom garlic with truffle oil. Located at the Princeville Center where CJ’s Steak and Seafood formerly operated, the digs have since been spruced up and the new layout includes a large, open dining room with modern rustic décor.

3. Hanalei Bread Co.

Photo: Hanalei Bread Co.

This organic bakery is operated by the same chef who owns Bar Acuda. This is a good choice for morning coffee paired with a pastry or frittata. The open-air seating is perfect for enjoying comfortable ocean breezes, as well as people watching.

4. Palate Wine Bar and Restaurant

An elegant, European-style tasting room that features wine and tapas located in Kīlauea. The wine is carefully curated from small vineyards around the world, and a selection of cheese and meat plates are presented on classic wooden cutting boards.

KAPAA

5. Sleeping Giant Grill

Cajun Ahi Salad. Photo: Sleeping Giant Grille.

Ahi wraps and grilled ono (wahoo) plates are among the specialties served here. The restaurant’s simple, yet filling entrées are served with rice and salad; and their grab-and-go offerings are fantastic for a day at the beach.

6. The Garden Island Grille

Formerly the location of Tomkats Grille in Old Kōloa Town, this restaurant is all about fun. Colorful Hawai‘i-themed decorations and live music entertain patrons while menu items satisfy everyone in the family’s hunger.

WESTSIDE

7. Café Lure

Poke bowls. Photo: Cafe Lure.

Located in the paniolo (cowboy) inspired town of Waimea, this quaint family-run establishment is a great place for authentic local grinds like fried saimin. This is also a perfect spot for breakfast on the way to Waimea Canyon with choices such as sweet bread French toast or biscuits and gravy.

8. Little Fish Coffee

This operation got its start in Hanapēpē but is now open in two new locations – Pō‘ipu and Kōke‘e. Its presence at Kōke‘e Lodge is all the rage because customers can now casually sip warm lattes by the fire and gain a refreshing respite from the crisp mountain air.