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Best Dining Bets
Bar Acuda (tel. 808/826-7081): After two successful restaurants in San Francisco (The Slow Club and 42?), chef/owner Jim Moffat moved to the tiny town of Hanalei and opened this sleek, romantic restaurant specializing in his favorite tapas dishes from the Southern European regions along the 42? latitude (southern France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal). In an atmosphere of candle lights and exotic mouthwatering aromas coming from the open exhibition kitchen, wonderful food and terrific service make this a "must" stop on your trip.
Blossoming Lotus (tel. 808/822-7678): Even if you are not a vegetarian, you will be pleasantly surprised at the creative cuisine in this elegant eatery in Kapaa. Most people can't believe that healthy, non-meat dishes could be this delicious, and even the desserts look sinful (but aren't).
The Beach House (tel. 808/742-1424): All reports are good from this beachfront magnet in Lawai. Though there has been a major cosmetic overhaul, the food is as good as ever. The Beach House remains the south shore's premier spot for sunset drinks, appetizers, and dinner -- a treat for all the senses.
Caffe Coco (tel. 808/822-7990): This gets our vote for the most charming ambience on Kauai. Caffe Coco is just off the main road at the edge of a cane field in Wailua, its backyard shaded by fruit trees, with a view of Sleeping Giant Mountain. Gourmet fare is cooked to order -- and at cafe prices. The food is excellent, with vegetarian and other healthful delights such as spanakopita, homemade chai, Greek salad, fish wraps, macadamia nut-black sesame ahi with wasabi cream, and an excellent tofu-and-roast-veggie wrap.
La Cascata (tel. 808/826-9644): The North Shore's special-occasion restaurant is sumptuous -- a Sicilian spree in Eden. Try to get here before dark, so you can enjoy the views of Bali Hai, the persimmon-colored sunset, and the waterfalls of Waialeale, all an integral part of the feast. Click your heels on the terra-cotta floors, take in the trompe l'oeil vines, train your eyes through the concertina windows, and pretend you're being served on a terrazzo in Sicily.
Dondero's (tel. 808/742-1234): If you are looking for a romantic dinner either under the stars overlooking the ocean or tucked away at an intimate table surrounded by inlaid marble floors, ornate imported floor tiles, and Franciscan murals, this is your best bet. All this atmosphere comes with the best Italian cuisine on the island, served with efficiency. It's hard to have a bad experience here. Dinners are pricey and worth every penny.
Duke's Canoe Club (tel. 808/246-9599): Tropical atmosphere overlooking the ocean, great fresh fish at attractive prices, and dependably good meals. Don't miss the wallet-pleasing drink prices at happy hour.
Hanapepe Cafe (tel. 808/335-5011): Now under new management, Hanapepe maintains the same wholesome cuisine in a casual, winning ambience that has drawn foodies for a decade. During lunchtime the place is packed with businesspeople who drive 30 minutes to eat here. On the Friday-night dinner menu, the Italian specialties shine: lasagna quattro formaggio with spinach, mushrooms, and four cheeses; crepes; and other goodies. There's no liquor license, so if you want wine, bring your own.
Kilauea Fish Market (tel. 808/828-6244): Perfect for a takeout lunch or dinner on the beach, this tiny deli (with a handful of tables outside) pumps out incredibly delicious meals (even dishes for vegetarians) with fresh, healthy, locally grown and caught ingredients.
Mermaids Cafe (tel. 808/821-2026): This tiny sidewalk cafe, with brisk takeout and a handful of tables on Kapaa's main drag, serves healthy, organic, home-cooked meals. Mermaids uses kaffir lime, lemon grass, local lemons (Meyers when available), and organic herbs, when possible, to make the sauces and beverages to go with its toothsome dishes.
Roy's Poipu Bar & Grill (tel. 808/742-5000): This is a loud, lively room with ceiling fans, marble tables, works by local artists, and a menu tailor-made for foodies. The signature touches of Roy Yamaguchi (of Roy's restaurants in Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Tokyo, New York, and Guam) are abundantly present: an excellent, progressive, and affordable wine selection; fresh local ingredients prepared with a nod to Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.
Tidepool Restaurant (tel. 808/742-1234): An ultraromantic setting (literally hanging over the water), fabulous creative cuisine, and quick, efficient service with a smile make this restaurant in the Grand Hyatt a stand out.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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