Let’s just get right to it, shall we? Since we live and work on the South Shore, this list will be the longest of the four as we share our tried and true favorites. Here are the places you’ll always find us dining at on the South Shore of Kaua’i in 2023 and beyond!
SOUTH SHORE BREAKFAST
Kind Koffee Company We come for two things: matcha lattes and avocado toast. The latter is simple but perfectly spiced and the avocados are always just right. Okay I lied, we come for three things–the chocolate chip cookies rival our own. Their adorable trailer is parked inside Warehouse 3540 in Lawai.
‘Anakē’s Juice Bar Açaí bowl heaven. My go-to is the Funky Monkey but the Poipu Paradise comes in as second favorite. This gem is tucked away at the back of Kukuiula Store in Poipu where you can also pick up some musubi for the road.
Kalaheo Cafe If you’re looking for a neighborhood diner vibe then this is it. The food never disappoints and is always worth the wait. Their Roasted Veggie Bowl is my comfort breakfast. We live walking distance from their Kalaheo spot and order takeout dinner from them weekly–dinner is only served Wednesdays-Sundays.
Kiawe Roots Brunch, lunch, dinner–we’d eat all three here if we could, it’s that good. Lilikoi pancakes, green chile skillet, caesar salad, fried brussel sprouts, smoked cheese pasta, wasabi pea crusted fish, and the kalbi are some of our favorites dishes at this Lawai eatery. Make a reservation to guarantee seating otherwise they have a seamless takeout program as well!
SOUTH SHORE LUNCH
Kickshaws Looking for something delicious and creative? You’ll certainly find it at this favorite food truck in Koloa. The Tremendous Tuna Melt is not to be missed same with the Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Chicken Sandwich. Daniel is addicted to their Wagyu!
Taco Libre We are Mexican food fanatics and are so thankful that Taco Libre joined the Koloa food truck scene. I am all about their Cali Burrito with fish (with a side of their homemade guacamole of course). Their signature salsas are an excellent addition as well.
Big Monster Sushi With three locations on island it’s extremely convenient for us to have two on the South Shore. All of their rolls are fantastic but my favorite by far is the Aloha roll and Daniel’s is the Fire Dragon.
Lawai Market The perfect spot to grab a no-frills but exceptionally tasty lunch on the go. I usually go for the Falafel Wrap with french fries while Daniel is smitten for their Gyros (with french fries because they’re really quite incredible). Better yet, the chef has recently started offering Sunday Suppers for pick up–highly recommend!
Kauai Poke Co. Breakfast or lunch after a trek along the Maha’ulepu trail, yes please! I go through phases where I’m addicted to their Ahi Katsu over salad greens (add avocado of course). Can’t wait to try more off their expanded menu now that they’re in their very own brick & mortar restaurant!
SOUTH SHORE DINNER
Koloa Pizza Kitchen Our top pizza joint on this side of the island, their menu is straightforward and down right delicious. Even the french fries are next level! My favorite pizza here is the Garlicky White Devil Pizza, give me all the garlic!
La Spezia This is the best Italian joint on Kaua’i, family-owned and cozy to boot. The Antipasti are divine. Love the ever-changing Gnocchi and Tortellini. Nonna’s Lasagna, the Short Rib Ravioli, and the Wagyu Hanger Steak keep us coming back for more.
The Tasting Room If sips and bites are your jam then you’ll find your ideal Kaua’i watering hole here. Better yet, their family also owns the wine shop next door so if you taste something you like you can pop over for a bottle (or two). Don’t miss the French Onion Soup, Charcuterie Boards, or the Fresh Burrata. And I shouldn’t have to remind you to save room for the Panna Cotta.
The Beach House You simply haven’t done dining on Kaua’i right unless you’ve at least had a pau hana here. The cocktails and sunset views can’t be beat–plus the food will satisfy your intro to pacific rim cuisine dreams. My ideal lineup: the No Ka Oi to sip on, Szechuan Stir-Fry Green Beans to start, followed by the Macadamia Nut Butter Sautéed Fresh Hawaiian Catch.
SOUTH SHORE DESSERT
The Fresh Shave Clearly we wouldn’t send you anywhere else for shave ice. Not when these syrups are made in small batches out of fresh ingredients. And did I mention that the picture-perfect courtyard is a magical place to slow down and enjoy every bite of handcrafted shave ice? My personal favorite off the standard menu is The Chevron–coconut lime syrup topped with a coconut chia seed cream. But the Secret Menu always has my attention, as do the Seasonal Specials.
Can’t wait to try all these places when we come visit at the end of March!