Kauaʻi's food scene runs from barefoot food trucks and plate-lunch counters to oceanfront fine dining built on the island's farms and fishing boats. Sunset dinners cluster in Poʻipū (South) and Hanalei (North); the best local plate lunch and saimin are in Līhuʻe and Kapaʻa; and the island's Sunshine Markets are the cheapest, freshest way to eat like a local.
Fine dining & oceanfront
The Beach House Restaurant. Kauaʻi's classic sunset dinner — tables at the water's edge; reserve weeks ahead for a sunset seating.
Tidepools (Grand Hyatt). Thatched-roof bungalows over koi lagoons; named one of OpenTable's top hotel restaurants. Romantic splurge.
Bar Acuda. Chef Jim Moffat's Mediterranean small plates from North Shore farms — the North Shore's foodie anchor.
Eating House 1849 (Roy Yamaguchi). Roy Yamaguchi's plantation-era-inspired menu at The Shops at Kukuiʻula.
Red Salt (Kōloa Landing). Polished contemporary dining and a strong sushi bar; great for a quieter special night.