Kauai offers fine cuisine from world-class restaurants as well as local favorites around the island’s small towns. Hawaii Regional Cuisine is highly recommended and an excellent way to further discover the local culture as well as the various flavors infused into this delicious fare.
What is Hawaii Regional Cuisine?
By infusing Hawaii flavors and diversity with world cuisine, 12 renowned Hawaii chefs ignited this culinary movement in 1991. Enjoy the freshest Hawaii ingredients including cattle raised on the uplands of Hawaii, mouthwatering fruits and vegetables grown on volcanic rich soil in Upcountry Maui, and tropical fish fresh from the ocean.
Roy Yamaguchi, the first winner of the prestigious James Beard Award, is one of the original chefs developing Hawaii Regional Cuisine. His famous restaurants span across the islands, including Poipu on Kauai, where you can dine and drink at Roy’s Poipu Bar and Grill.
Peter Merriman’s restaurant in Waimea, Hawaii has been named “The Best Big Island Restaurant” for 11 consecutive years. You can taste his cuisine on the South Shore at Merriman’s Poipu.
Another restaurant by Roy Yamaguchi located in Princeville is a great family restaurant with casual attire. Enjoy delicious Mai Tai’s, perfectly prepared fish, and an engaging experience for the kids. This is an indoor restaurant with fantastic views of the golf course. Expect a community experience with average noise levels and dishes inspired by Yamaguchi’s Grandfather’s original tavern in Maui.
If you are looking for a trendy restaurant that you may find in a big city, the hyped Bar Acuda is an excellent place. Featuring delicious cocktails and tapas style restaurant, this is an excellent place for a date night or a romantic meal. Expect smaller portioned meals (tapas) and outdoor as well as indoor seating. Located in Hanalei, just a short drive from Princeville, this trendy and romantic restaurant is a perfect restaurant for a fun meal that doesn’t break the bank.
Foodland Deli
This place is perfect for grabbing lunch before you hit the beach! Enjoy poke, sushi, and deli sandwiches. Located in Princeville in the Foodland, find great and inexpensive food perfect to take to the beach or pack for a quick hike!
Pat’s Taqueria
Located on Hanalei Pier, Pat’s is an excellent food truck open Monday-Friday 12pm-3pm. Please note the hours and cash only! Excellent carne asada, perfectly portioned kids meals, and fun to enjoy on the pier, Pat’s is a great lunch spot that is easy and fast! Adults usually enjoy 3-5 tacos and the fish tacos are superb! Enjoy a fun and inexpensive lunch treat!
The Livingroom located in Princeville Resort
Killer views! Drink service starts at 5pm so if you are in the area, check this place out for great sunset views! Stick with sake, beer, or simple mixed drinks. Also note, this place is no longer a sushi bar. Again, this place is recommended for the view…keep that in mind if you try is out. Great place to watch the sunset and sip sake or beer!
Sushi Katsu Japanese
The location is odd…but the food is amazing, the value is great, and BYOB, making this a fantastic place for sushi without spending an arm and a leg. Note that they are open Tuesday through Sunday 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Great food, great value, and remember to bring your own Japanese beer and sake.
For more local recommendations, give us a call! 800-800-8637