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• JO2 Tapas Bar

  Kapaa, Kauai

  An exciting new tapas bar providing a chic dining atmosphere in the middle of sleepy Kapaa town, JO2 is the second restaurant offering from Chef Jean-Marie Josselin one of the originators of "Hawaii Regional Cuisine". Chef Josselin has over 25 years experience exploring the culinary arts. His famed tapas creations infuse flavors from around the world into tasty food combinations that delight the palette. Focusing in locally sourced ingredients, JO2's menu has many surprising a

• Tiki Tacos

  Kapaa, Kauai

  The best fish tacos on Kaua'i can be found midway through the town of Kapa'a at a little storefront called "Tiki Tacos". The secret is the owner whose actual name is Tiki. She brings the wealth of flavors of her experiences with her grandma's fresh restaurant cuisine from Mexico, mixed with her love of Hawaiian tastes. This specialty taco house makes its' own custom made sauces from fresh ingredients and local produce. The homemade tortillas are also a stand out, making for an

• The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant

  Hanalei, Kauai

  Serving up goodness since the early 1970's, the Hanalei Dolphin is a seafood lover's dream. This multi platform establishment has many options for some of Kauai's freshest catch fish. The Hanalei location sits aside the Hanalei River at the eastern entry into town, with its own parking lot and is easy to find with its named painted like a marquee across the front of the building.At a Glance:Cuisine: American/pacific-rim seafood/sushi

• Tortilla Republic

  Poipu, Kauai

  There are many ways to create and present Mexican food, the Tortilla Republic restaurant in Poip'u has a twin dining areas that bring island infused modern Mexican cuisine to the table. The daytime into evening ground floor "TR Taqueria and Bar" features a casual friendly environment with easy seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. For a finer dining environment the upstairs Tortilla Republic Grill opens Monday through Saturday for dinner service only.

• Red Salt Restaurant

  Poipu, Kauai

  A great discovery for a higher end dining experience, with less commotion then most other Poipu restaurant locations is the Red Salt Restaurant at the Ko'a Kea Resort. The restaurant dcor is inspired, modern, chic, airy and open, yet a great intimate setting for a date or just a quiet cocktail. Large picture windows over look the landscaped gardens of the central courtyard, pool and ocean views. The food and drinks at Red Salt are inspired by Pacific Rim cuisine, but take experimental t

• Art Cafe Hemingway

  Kapaa, Kauai

  They take the" food as art" concept to a whole new Hawaiian infused level, at Caf Hemingway. Combining flavors mixed from old world European cuisine with the influence of Kauai fresh produce and livestock, chef Jana Boemer makes her dishes with remarkable twists that engage the pallet, much like fine art. Their charming restaurant is like an antique throwback to an old world European caf, easily found in the eastside town of Kapaa.At a Glance:

• Hukilau Lanai

  Kapaa, Kauai

  Hukilau Lanai is becoming very popular for its consistently delicious food and a courteous service. There is an air of family about the place, which is surprising as they are located amidst a hotel lobby in Kapaa town. It is a very visitor friendly environment with Hawaiian slack key guitar music drifting along on the ocean breezes every evening in their lounge. The ocean is just 50 yards from the restaurant and can be seen from the upper lounge, and the lower dining areas.&lt

• The Hanalei Gourmet

  Hanalei, Kauai

  A great eatery at the hub of Hanalei town, the Hanalei Gourmet has been around since 1985. Many Hanalei restaurants have come and gone, while the Gourmet has been consistently feeding the masses. The food is approachable and slightly gourmet, but with an environment non-pretentious and inviting. There's even a bar with "happy hour" and local entertainment in the evenings.Cuisine: American/Pacific Rim

• Gaylord's and the Mahiko Lounge

  Lihue, Kauai

  The 16,000 square foot Kilohana Estate is a stately manor built in 1935 by sugar baron Gaylord Wilcox. In 1986 the visitor experience of "Kilohana" was crafted incorporating the restoration of the old manor and estate into shops, galleries, a luau grounds, and "Gaylord's" restaurant. Housed in the main house of the plantation, Gaylord's Restaurant and Mahiko Lounge showcase gourmet Hawaiian food in the courtyard and dining ro

• Sushi Girl

  Wainiha, Kauai

  Sometimes good take-out food wins over everything else in an area, such is the case in Wainiha Kauai near the epic "end of the road" beaches. Fresh, local, and organic are a rare find, but at Sushi Girl Kauai they are the key to good tasting fresh healthy eating while enjoying your day at the beach. Over the last several years they have mastered their menu, which reads simple, yet the food hits you as much more of a meal as you take each bite. Many of the single portions are l

• Kauai Beer Company

  Lihue, Kauai

  Come for the beer, stay for the food, both at unbeatable pricing. The Kauai Beer Company is right in the middle of the central city of Lihue and is only 2 miles from the airport, making it the perfect arrival or departure stop. The locally crafted beers on tap are flavorful and inspire the mixed menu of great food pairings all designed to enhance the flavors without over-stuffing you, leaving more room for enjoying beers on tap at Kauai's only brewery.At a G

• Kilauea Bakery and Pau Hana Pizza

  Kilauea, Kauai

  When exploring the North Shore of Kauai it is easy to get a hunger for a snack. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, a universal choice for a great food-stop while touring along the North Shore region can be found in the little town called "Kilauea". The Kilauea Bakery, sits in the historic Kong Lung Shopping Center, the default center of town. From light pastries to pizzas this longtime staple bakery delivers the baked goods all day.At a Glance:

• BAR Acuda Tapas and Wine

  Hanalei, Kauai

  Kauai's favorite North Shore restaurant is known for flavorful tapas and cocktails, located in the shops in Hanalei BAR Acuda has quality dishes and twists of ingredients that make you taste buds celebrate. The atmosphere is less country and more hip making this the nighttime favorite of many a visitor and local alike. It is Hanalei, so make sure you get seated by 9 pm because a late night in these parts wraps up by 10 pm. Reservations are recommendedAt a Gl

• Duke's Kalapaki

  Lihue, Kauai

  Looking to kickback for a beachside cocktail or pupus (appetizers) in a uniquely Hawaiian environment. "Duke's Kalapaki" sits astride the beautiful Kalapaki Bay and Beach. Named after legendary Hawaiian waterman, surfer, Olympic medalist, and ambassador of Aloha Duke Kahanamoku, "Duke's" is a charming and designed for visitors'. It is especially enjoyable during their Happy Hour service in the afternoons before sunset. Live music is featured most evenings on the down

• The Beach House

  Poipu, Kauai

  For dining in a classic Hawaiian setting on the oceanfront in balmy Poipu, you can look no further then the aptly named Beach House restaurant. If you want the sunset make sure to place reservations and be ready for a packed house of lots of happy visitors and residents alike enjoying the Pacific Rim cuisine and ocean air through the huge open sliding glass windows. If your looking for less crowds but equal access to the delicious food, try the lunch seating and hit the beach

• Nanea Restaurant and Bar

  Princeville, Kauai

  Located on Kauai's North Shore, Nanea Restaurant and Bar is a great find, especially for those staying in Princeville. Situated in one of the smaller resorts, Nanea offers casual fine dining options poolside in a landscaped environment of small waterfalls and koi ponds. It's a very relaxed atmosphere, but the service is top notch and the food and drinks as well. The menu features lots of local ingredients, plus some harder to find mainland fare that the Westin can fly in due to their ex

• The Plantation Gardens

  Poipu, Kauai

  An oasis of fine dining, hidden amongst the resorts of Poipu, the Plantation Gardens, Restaurant and Bar utilizes a renovated 1930's era plantation house as its platform for serving amazing food and drink. Chef Kannon creates surprising contemporary twists on familiar and unfamiliar dishes. The full service bar pours some of the most affordable high-quality mixology we found in the area. At a Glance:Cuisine: Pacific Rim/Hawaiian/Seafood &

• The Bistro

  Kilauea, Kauai

  The Bistro has been hosting great food and entertainment on Kauai's North Shore since 1999. Located in the heart of the quaint town of Kilauea, you instantly get a much more laidback relaxed feel here, yet the service dwarfs many of the other establishments in the area serving gourmet caliber food and drink. The open aired ambiance lends itself well to casual lunches or dinners, rain or shine.At a Glance:Cuisine: European and Pacific Rim

• Kauai Pasta

  Kapaa, Kauai

  Kauai Pasta hosts two restaurants on Kauai's eastside. The family owned restaurants thrive on a core menu of Italian comfort foods, mixed with daily chef specials, and signature cocktails. Offering many choices for great pasta meals, plus dining atmosphere that allows for some sit-down intimacy at booth or table seating.At a Glance:Cuisine: Italian fusionPrice: $$/$$$$Location: Kapaa and Lihue, Kauai Hours: D

• St Regis Hotel Bar

  Princeville, Kauai

  Hyped by many as "THE place to go" for sunset cocktails in Princeville, we decided to check out the St. Regis in ourselves. Make no mistake the view IS absolutely beautiful making it ta romantic or special occasion "go-to", but be ready for the luxury hotel gamut of slow-paced high-priced options for any sort of seating or eating. Your easiest option with the best view would be a visit to the St. Regis Bar, and here are some tips for how to get the best out of the ex