Before traveling to Hawaii for the first time, I spent hours browsing through Instagram and TikTok foodie posts. Gathering ideas for all the delicious meals I’d eat, I had high expectations for the food in Poipu Beach, located on the south shore of Kauai.
As it turns out, this island’s food scene impressed me even more than expected. From nicer, more sophisticated spots like Red Salt Restaurant to quick bar bites at Kalapaki Joe’s, check out these best Kauai food and drink spots on your next visit. These must-visit restaurants in Kauai won’t let you down.
Kalapkai Joe’s Kauai
I accidentally discovered Kalapkai Joe’s Kauai just by walking around, and I’m so glad I did. This lively bar and restaurant may not seem luxurious, but the food and atmosphere make up for it.
I loved this restaurant in Kauai so much, I returned two nights in a row. The live music added a fun vibe to the atmosphere while dining here. Don’t skip the pork belly appetizer or the happy hour drinks here. You can walk here from anywhere on Poipu Beach.
Top menu items
- Local Style Pork Belly
- Teri Chicken Plate
- Poipu Rum Runner
- El Chapo’s Colada
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That Indian Place
I love Indian food and will make a point to grab it during any trip. This tucked-away restaurant, “That Indian Place”, has excellent food and will adjust to your spice preferences. I ordered the butter chicken (mild) and the chicken sagwala (mild), along with some garlic naan bread. The local atmosphere and outdoor dining patio really made this place stand out as one of my favorite spots to eat throughout the whole trip.
Top menu items
- Mango Lassi
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Chicken Sagwala
- Paneer Tikka
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler
Stop by Brennecke’s Beach Broiler as you stroll along Poipu Beach for a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Locals and visitors alike know this top spot as one of the best places for food and drink on Kauai. While crowded, you can grab some phenomenal bites here as well as tropical-style frozen cocktails. I loved the desserts here too. If you plan on doing some appetizer or bar hopping along the main strip, definitely make this restaurant/bar a must-visit spot.
Top menu items
- Seafood Pupu Platter
- Mango Madness
- Lava Lava Flow
- Pineapple Rum Upside Down Cake
Red Salt Restaurant
If you want to try a Loco Moco, stop by Red Salt Restaurant, attached to the beautiful Ko’a Kea Resort. This spot served the best Loco Moco I had while in Hawaii. A Loco Moco is a Hawaiian favorite comfort food, made with white rice, gravy, a hamburger patty, and topped with a fried egg. It sounds interesting, but trust me once you try it, you’ll want to order it time and time again. The ocean views from this restaurant also set the scene for a nice meal.
Top menu items
- Lemon Pineapple Pancakes
- Loco Moco
- Acai Bowl
What to Know about Kauai Food and Drink Spots
Unlike other islands with numerous national chains, Kauai offers a more locally inspired dining scene. This laid-back, down-to-earth island provides numerous options for fresh, local seafood, including mahimahi, ahi tuna, and ono. The island also has many traditional Hawaiian plates to try. I highly recommend trying at least one classic Hawaiian dish, such as the Loco Moco, during your visit. You’ll also find spam musubi almost everywhere, another classic food in Kauai.
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