The number one thing we get asked is “Where do I eat?” And honestly, a lot has changed here on Kaua’i since COVID hit–businesses have closed or moved, and most all are running limited hours due to staffing shortages. Still, we rely on a handful of eateries to get us through our days and here they are listed below. This isn’t a comprehensive list of our favorites, but everyone below also holds fairly regular and consistent hours too!
INSIDER TIPS
- Double check, triple check each establishment’s hours.
- If you’re opting for a food truck, call your order in ahead of time.
- Make your dinner reservations as far in advance as possible.
SOUTH SHORE KAUAI EATS
South Shore Breakfast: Kalaheo Cafe (Veggie Bowl over crispy hash browns plus amazing daily specials), Kind Coffee Company (best matcha lattes and avocado toast around), Anakes Juice Bar (açaí bowl heaven).
South Shore Lunch: Kickshaws (The Tremendous Tuna Melt or the Wagyu over salad), Taco Libre (Chilaquiles or the Cali Burrito), & Big Monster Sushi (every single roll is perfection).
South Shore Dinner: The Tasting Room (French Onion Soup and Burrata Toast), La Spezia (all the pasta) , Eating House 1849 (the butterfish, short rib or the fried chicken), Kiawe Roots (every. single. thing.).
South Shore Dessert: The Fresh Shave obviously!
South Shore Drinks: Pau hana at The Beach House.
EAST SIDE KAUAI EATS
East Side Breakfast: Russell’s (Plant-Based Tex Mex Burrito).
East Side Lunch: Scorpacciata (Pepperoni Pizza and Parmesan Fries), The Musubi Truck (need I say more?), Kenji Burger (Sushi Burrito).
East Side Dinner: Avalon (Gastropub heaven), Hukilau Lanai (Fish Specials), Fish Bar Deli (Vegan Ceasar Salad & the Fried Chicken Sandwich), Dobuta Ramen (Sunday & Monday only).
East Side Drinks: Fish Bar Deli.
NORTH SHORE KAUAI EATS
North Shore Breakfast: Hanalei Bread Co. (Brekkie Sandwich and Monkey Juice Smoothie), Holey Grail Donuts (Hot Single & Chocolate Mylk).
North Shore Lunch: Ally’s Cocina (Avocado Salad Arepa and Fried Plantains), Da Fazenda (Brazilian and Moqueca), Fresh Bite (Gaucho Bowl add Steak).
North Shore Dinner: Bar Acuda (Local Cucumber Salad and Moorish Spiced Lentils), Ama (Nuoc Cham Brussel Sprouts and Chashu Ramen), Palate (Flat Bread deliciousness).
North Shore Dessert: Pink’s Creamery.
WEST SIDE KAUAI EATS
West Side Breakfast: Mama Bear’s Kitchen (Avocado Toasties, Chorizo & Egg Lumpia), G’s Juice Bar (Butter Boy), Midnight Bear Breads (All the baked goods).
West Side Lunch: Tiki Tacos (Roasted Vegetables over salad, add fish & a tortilla), Porky’s (Grilled Cheese Sandwich), Ku’ulei’s Gourmet (Soups and more).
West Side Dinner: Japanese Grandma’s Cafe (We love it all but our favorites include the sushi and the tempura), Da Pizza Place (Pizza perfect for charging out to a Polihale sunset with).