You’re in Hawaii. It’s time to relax, sit on the ocean, hike to some of the most beautiful overlooks of the island, and indulge in a little fine-dining. Lucky for you, Kauai is full of delicious eateries that you will not be able to get enough of. Wanting to wind down after a strenuous hike? Head to a fancy restaurant and get your fill of high end cocktails and plates! Simply wanting to enjoy some of the finer things? Any of these 13 choices will keep you coming back every time.
Here are 13 unbelievably tasty fine dining restaurants located in Kauai:
Beach House Restaurant
Starting off with this beachfront eatery, Beach House Restaurant offer fine dining with spectacular views of the ocean. Located in Koloa, get your fill of tropical cocktails while you watch the sun go down upon the shore. This is the Kauai restaurant you’ll want to go to to get some of the best views on the island. Plus, who wouldn’t want some seafood linguini or pumpkin patch ravioli?
Hukilau Lanai
In Kapa’a, you’ll find another great island-atmosphere restaurant. With inventive drinks and plates full of flavor and style, Hukilau Lanai is a definite game changer. Find yourself smitten with the local seafood and incredible views surrounding you. You will truly feel like you’re placed in a tropical paradise with each bite that you get from this fancy establishment. Indulge in some filet mignon or some lobster bisque. You’ll want to bring each bite home with you after one visit to this fine dining restaurant.
Oasis on the Beach
Because who doesn’t love even more waterside dining service? With menu items such as farmers market curry and bacon truffled fried rice, you will enjoy each second at this fine dining establishment. Oasis on the Beach is exactly what the name states… an oasis on the beach. All of the dishes made are made with local ingredients as well, so find yourself truly embracing the aloha spirit as you sit at your table.
Merriman’s Kauai
A Hawaiian dinner like you’ve never had before — Merriman’s Kauai is set in an old Hawaiian plantation setting. Only the freshest products are served here, with local fresh catches of the day and locally farmed vegetables greet the table. Try out some mac nut crusted locally caught fish or some smoked taro hummus! A delight for all, you can never go wrong with any of the Merriman’s locations.
Red Salt
Red Salt is an upscale restaurant residing on Kauai’s south shore. Find yourself at the Koa Kea Resort and stumble into a restaurant of your fine dining dreams. Interested in a nice brunch? Come during the day to get your fill of pancakes and Eggs Benedict. Later, head on over to grab your fill of charred octopus or seared Mahi! Each dish presents itself with color and flavor like you’ve never imagined. A sure choice when picking out a fine-dining restaurant.
The Plantation House by Gaylords
Located at the Kilohana Estate, you’ll stumble upon the Plantation House at Gaylords. After a fun and exciting day of hopping on the Rum Safari adventure or touring the Kilohana Estate by train, get your grub on at this restaurant! Live music, savory dishes, and delectable sweets await at this spot! With fish tacos, vegan options, filet, and much more — you might have a hard time deciding which dish is your favorite.
Eating House 1849
Let Roy Yamaguchi astound you with each plate at Eating House 1849. With large windows presenting the dining area, this restaurant definitely sets the mood for fine dining. This restaurant is located within The Shops at Kukuiula, so before you eat don’t forget to peruse around the different stores that they have available. Enjoy some blackened island Ahi or some duo poke! This restaurant also offers combo dinners for two if you can’t just decide on one thing and want to share with another.
Bull Shed
Surf n turf meets traditional steakhouse at the Bull Shed Restaurant. You’ll find this local establishment located on the Royal Coconut Coast of Kapa’a. Bull Shed is THE place you’ll want to go for some incredible steak. In fact, the steak is so good here that it has consecutively been named the best by Garden Isle Magazine. Get your eat on with a rack of lamb or maybe some lobster with filet mignon. Their cocktails are also something to revel at. Don’t miss getting some martinis flowing or some delicious coffee with added spirits!
Tidepools
The Grand Hyatt offers some delicious and buzzing restaurants as well. Tidepools is a restaurant with some truly incredible views of a stunning lagoon and nature. Catch some delicious island style poke or some prime new york strip at this bar and restaurant. This intimate restaurant will keep you coming back for the views and the food, making each trip worth your while.
Stevenson’s Sushi & Spirits
Another Grand Hyatt dining option, Stevenson’s Sushi & Spirits/Stevenson’s Library gives you the ambiance you’ve been looking for all along. Indulge in some sushi favorites like nigiri and sashimi as you sit down at the wooden bar or play a round of pool at this hip yet intimate dining experience. Sip on their famous Grape Gatsby drink while you wait to be seated. A truly inventive fine dining bar and restaurant with both excellent food and incredible atmosphere.
Cafe Portofino
North Italian dishes wait at Cafe Portofino. Listen to the harp music playing in the background as you chow down on special treats like chocolate mousse or scampi al limone. This open air dining room offers the dimly lit intimate feeling as soon as you step inside, and incredible views of Kalapaki Beach doesn’t hurt either. Browse the wine list and get your fill of Italian fare at this exquisite fine dining restaurant.
Rum Fire Poipu
Seafood classics like you wouldn’t believe — Rum Fire Poipu completes this list of tasty fine dining restaurants located in Kauai. Sit at a table next to the window with stunning views of the ocean as you eat each flavorful bite at this restaurant. For sunset hour, indulge in a cocktail or two as you watch some of the most unbelievable colors fill the sky. Love some poke flatbread — how about some mushroom ravioli? Rum Fire Poipu is your place to come for some truly unique plates that you can’t get at most other places.
Kauai has many places to choose from when you get hungry. Whether you decide to stop at a food truck, a sports bar, a fine dining restaurant, or your regular local favorite — you will fall in love with each place and each flavor. When you do decide that you want the upscale experience, however, you can never go wrong with any of these restaurants. Enjoy, take a sip, and relax — you’re in Kauai!
