When you want fine dining food but don’t want to compromise on the casual setting, you can get the best of both worlds at Postcards Café in North Shore Kauai. Their talented chef, Javier Melendez, goes above and beyond in creating the perfect blend of flavors in every dish. His culinary influences span the globe, allowing him to blend French, Japanese, Spanish, and Caribbean cuisines while using fresh, local ingredients.
The results are mouthwateringly good and look just as phenomenal thanks to his artistic plating techniques. Great thought goes into how each element lands on the plate, ensuring that the final dish looks like a fine work of art. Fruit, herbs, and sauces all serve as decorative accents to kick off your culinary journey well before you take your first bite.
Once you do, the rich flavors in every morsel aim to throw you through a loop. With just one taste of their offerings, it’s readily apparent that they take the time to track down the highest quality ingredients from all over the island. Their proteins range from melt-in-your-mouth tender lamb chops to the freshest market fish around. They never leave anyone out of the fun either by offering many different dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes on their menu.
Despite all this culinary splendor, their café allows you to enjoy a no-pressure, casual dining experience whether you dine indoors or out. If you want to soak in the ocean breeze, you can sit in one of their two outdoor dining areas, although their indoor dining room has an open-air feel as well. No matter where you sit, you can count on your server to provide exceptional service from the beginning to the end of your meal.
You definitely need to try their:
Crispy Leek Salad
A delicious vegan offering, their Crispy Leek Salad boasts big bold flavors in every bite. They create this salad by swirling together crispy leeks and cold soba noodles. To that, they add sliced asparagus and shaved pecorino romano cheese. Yuzu, truffle oil, and tosa-zu come in at the end to bring it all together beautifully.
Pistachio Crusted Prime NZ Lamb Chops
The Pistachio Crusted Prime NZ Lamb Chops treats you to a smorgasbord of flavor without the gluten or dairy. They create this dish by encrusting their quality lamb chops in pistachios and then cooking them to a perfect rare. Alongside the lamb, you get tomato ragout, roasted Alii mushrooms, and gem lettuce. A saba balsamic sauce goes over the top to elevate the rich flavors even more.
Yellowfin Tuna
Anything but ordinary, the Yellowfin Tuna takes a simple fish to the next level with an expert blend of flavors. They start this entrée by covering the tuna in a wasabi-panko breading. Then, they cook it to your liking before putting it on the plate with mustard greens, namasu, and a carrot-ginger fondant.
As you select your appetizers and entrée, keep in mind that dessert awaits. You’ll definitely want to save room in your belly for their sweets since they’re made with all the same flair as the rest of their dishes. If you love rich caramel, go for their Tres Leches Cake, while chocolate lovers will want the 70% Valrhona Dark Chocolate Marquesa. If you’re not sure what to get, you cannot go wrong with their Chevre Goat Cheese Cheesecake. With its rich cheesecake base, apple-pear compote, and lilikoi gel, it’s the perfect way to end a delightful meal.
Insider Tips:
-Tables fill up fast, so call or go to their website to reserve your spot well ahead of time. Flying by the seat of your pants? That’s okay. Just call for takeout and schlep your meal off to the beachside instead.
-Want to celebrate your special occasion in style? Ask about their private parties for 69 guests or fewer. Book 30 days in advance for a personalized menu, full dinner service, and drinks in a chill setting.