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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Kauai

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Kauai? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Hualani's restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3125)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Lihue

About the restaurant

Experience one of the best restaurants on Kaua'i and enjoy farm-to-table oceanfront dining from the elegant yet relaxed setting at Hualani's. Here, oceanfront dining is influenced by the seasons. What's fresh at The Farm at Hōkūala inspires the farm-to-table menu, while our bar serves up well-balanced craft cocktails that complement the seasonality of the kitchen. Our culinary experience is inspired by a sense of place and driven by local farmers, as well as fresh-picked ingredients from our on-site organic farm. From the morning harvest and the daily catch, Hualani's shines a hyper-local spotlight on the bounty of the Garden Isle.

Top review

G

gus

Dined 2 days ago

Great venue and food. Service was great and friendly.

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A photo of XOXO Potstickers of a restaurant

XOXO Potstickers

A photo of Lobster Tempura of a restaurant

Lobster Tempura

A photo of Warm Chocolate Cake of a restaurant

Warm Chocolate Cake

A photo of JO2 Natural Cuisine restaurant

JO2 Natural Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (1412)

$50 and over

Asian

Kapaa

About the restaurant

JO2 transforms nature’s bounty into exquisite dishes incorporating Kaua`i-grown heirloom vegetables and the freshest ingredients from the sea.

With the culinary influences of native France, clean flavors of Japanese cooking, and ingredients inspired by Hawai`i’s multiethnic community, JO2’s succulent offerings are both creative and rooted in tradition.

Top review

S

StarlaGold

Dined 3 days ago

This spot is amazing! The cocktails and food are first rate. We tried the prix fix ( early) menu and were bowled over by the flavors and presentation. I highly recommend this restaurant and cannot wait to return!

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A photo of Early Dinner Special of a restaurant

Early Dinner Special

A photo of Avalon Gastropub restaurant

Avalon Gastropub

4.8

4.8 (199)

$31 to $50

American

Kilauea

About the restaurant

Chef owners, Gabe and Ali Avalon have pulled from the collective experiences to create a culinary experience unlike anything on Kauai. Creative and flavor driven small plates, Neapolitan style pizzas, entrees, and desserts, all given the attention they deserve, with a cocktail program and spirits list that is second to none on Kauai. The first and largest whiskey bar on kauai along with a bottle shop to purchase our single barrel whiskeys, craft spirts, and specialty beers and wines.

Top review

S

Sheldon

Dined 2 days ago

Despite being a post-hurricane menu, the food was terrific. Service from Chelsea was top-notch. Drinks were amazing as always. We make it our goal to eat here as often as possible.

A photo of Merriman's Kauai restaurant

Merriman's Kauai

4.7

4.7 (6073)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Koloa

About the restaurant

Chef-Owner Peter Merriman has brought his unique style of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine served in a casual yet elegant setting of Old Hawaii Plantation. A pioneer in the "Farm to Table" concept, Peter serves only the freshest products, at least 90% of which are locally grown or caught, using only sustainable methods. His international menu items are prepared in a manner that highlights the natural flavors of these fresh, local foods. Located in Poipu, we feature both mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) views as well as sunset veiws over the Kukui'ula resort. The aloha-friendly staff, with a food and beverage knowledge second to none, will ensure that you have an extraordinary dining experience.

Top review

J

JennaGold

Dined 4 days ago

Best dinner we had in Kauai this trip! The mac crusted fish and the pork shank were incredible!!! They also made me a coconut martini that I couldn’t find anywhere else and had been craving. Loved the live music, the view, and the great service by Eric. I will definitely recommend this spot and come back next time.

A photo of Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails

4.7

4.7 (550)

$31 to $50

Italian

Kapaa

About the restaurant

A new, upscale dining experience of modern fusion cuisine and craft cocktails, located on Kauai’s east side.

Top review

A

Anthony

Dined on 13 Oct 2026

Incredible experience! Best steak on the island hands down… highly recommended A+++

A photo of Oasis on the Beach restaurant

Oasis on the Beach

4.7

4.7 (3349)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kapaa

About the restaurant

Oasis is a beautiful oceanfront location that showcases the best of what Kauai has to offer in cuisine, service and ocean views.

We strongly believe that residents and guests of Hawaii want to experience Hawaii. We use local sources for almost 80% of our ingredients, and work closely with Kauai"s farmers and fishermen to provide you with the best and freshest possible ingredients.

We work to highlight the quality and freshness of our ingredients in a style that captures the diversity of local cultures and influences without burying the delicious flavors that our local ingredients offer.

Top review

R

RonaldGold

Dined on 5 Sept 2026

Michael was a great server. Food was outstanding.

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A photo of 8oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant

8oz Filet Mignon

A photo of Roasted Tomato Soup of a restaurant

Roasted Tomato Soup

A photo of Apple Banana Spring Roll of a restaurant

Apple Banana Spring Roll

A photo of Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai restaurant

Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai

4.7

4.7 (6777)

$50 and over

Seafood

Poipu

About the restaurant

Recognized as one of the most romantic restaurants in the US, and the most romantic on Kauai*. For the ultimate in ambiance, delectable food and stellar service, Tidepools is the place. This quintessential Hawaiian setting has a backdrop of waterfalls with thatched roof bungalows that seemingly float above koi-filled lagoons.

Savor modern Island cuisine in a distinctive open-air environment, where the bounty of the islands comes to life. Tidepools is celebrated for its fresh, island-inspired dishes—like macadamia nut crusted fish, grilled ahi, and succulent steaks—crafted with the finest local ingredients. Crisp salads feature greens grown in our on-site hydroponic garden, and the decadent desserts are not to be missed.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking in the serenity, Tidepools promises an unforgettable dining experience that captures the spirit and beauty of Kauai.
*Honored by OpenTable and Kayak.

Top review

JS

JeremyS

Dined 3 days ago

It was an amazing experience. The food was so, so good. My wife and I both got the same items on the menu, and everything was delicious. The service was top-notch, and they treated us so nicely. Hearing that it was our anniversary, they provided us with free champagne and dessert.

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A photo of Lobster Chowder of a restaurant

Lobster Chowder

A photo of Dynamite Crab Cakes + of a restaurant

Dynamite Crab Cakes +

A photo of Hawaiian Catch + of a restaurant

Hawaiian Catch +

A photo of Eating House 1849 - Kauai restaurant

Eating House 1849 - Kauai

4.7

4.7 (3575)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Koloa

About the restaurant

Acclaimed Chef and James Beard Award winner Roy Yamaguchi opens The Eating House 1849 at The Shops at Kukui'ula. Named after one of the first restaurants constructed in Hawai'i by Portuguese businessman, Peter Fernandez, Eating House 1849 pays homage to the popular casual eateries of the mid 19th century that incorporated a medley of flavors from the island's growing and diverse communities during the Plantation Era.

Please call the restaurant to make reservations for parties of 5 or more. For parties of 5 or more we require credit card information to hold and confirm the reservation, and follow a 24-hour cancellation/no show policy; any cancellations within 24-hours of your reservation, or not showing up to a reservation at all, will result in a charge of $20 per person. Significant changes in party size may also result in a charge of $20 per person.

Top review

C

CatherineGold

Dined 2 days ago

Highly recommend. Superlative cuisine and service.

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A photo of Misoyaki Butterfish of a restaurant

Misoyaki Butterfish

A photo of Pork & Shrimp Potstickers of a restaurant

Pork & Shrimp Potstickers

A photo of Fried Brussel Sprouts & Cauliflower of a restaurant

Fried Brussel Sprouts & Cauliflower

A photo of Beach House Restaurant- Kauai restaurant

Beach House Restaurant- Kauai

4.7

4.7 (15137)

$50 and over

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Poipu

About the restaurant

Our stunning ocean-front location with spectacular sunsets makes the Beach House an iconic destination on Kauai's south shore that has won the Hale 'Aina Award for "Best Restaurant - Kauai" for 20+ years.

Our philosophy at the Beach House is simple - take aloha, blend it with fresh and high-quality ingredients, and add an ocean view to deliver a handcrafted, Hawaiian experience. Executive Chef Marshall Blanchard makes the most of local ingredients by sourcing our fish directly from island fisherman and our beef from neighboring ranches. We incorporate fresh and local produce throughout our menu, highlighting Hawai'i farms and the resources that surround Kauai.

Reservations are highly recommended for a dining room table in our open-air restaurant. We also offer lounge seating on our lawn, where the full menu and full service are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please check in with the bar host for lawn seating.

Top review

M

myrnaGold

Dined on 2 Sept 2026

Kaya was amazing! She was so attentive and personable. She gave a perfect 10 out of 10 service! She made our last dinner on Kauai even more special. We will definitely be back and hopefully we can request her! Thank you so much Kaya!!

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Fish & Lobster Pasta of a restaurant

Fish & Lobster Pasta

A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of Mura Izakaya restaurant

4.6

4.6 (86)

$30 and under

Japanese

Poipu

About the restaurant

Tucked upstairs in Kōloa Village on Kauaʻi’s south shore, Mura Izakaya is your neighborhood spot for Japanese-inspired food, good drinks, and even better company.

From sushi and ramen to shareable plates, Japanese beer, and sake, we’re all about good food and bringing people together.

Whether you're a familiar face or visiting for the first time, there's always a seat for you.

Eat • Drink • Stay

Top review

V

VictoriaGold

Dined 4 days ago

Great food, great service by friendly staff! We will definitely be back for the ramen!

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