One of the best hotel restaurants on Kauai, this is also one of the smallest and hardest to find, tucked inside the discreetly located Koa Kea Hotel & Resort. Although rivals offer more dramatic ocean views in plusher settings, Red Salt has consistently executed elegantly presented dishes from a menu first designed by El Bulli–trained chef Ronnie Sanchez in 2009 and expanded by later chefs. The latest is Kauai native Noelani Planas, who trained under Joel Robuchon and Wolfgang Puck, among others. She serves seared mahimahi with forbidden black rice (as the nutritious grain is known) flavored with Madagascar vanilla bean, while her Kona lobster gnocchi benefits from charred leeks and cremini mushrooms. The latter is on Planas’ four-course tasting menu ($79). On most nights the adjacent lounge serves exquisite sashimi and sushi, along with small plates such as kalua pork potstickers and crabcakes. Red Salt is also open for breakfast; the house specialty, lemon-souffle pancakes, take 20 minutes, but are worth the wait, and possibly the cost ($22).
Kauai
Travel Guide
Kauai› Restaurant
Red Salt
2251 Poipu Rd., Poipu, HI
Our Rating
Neighborhood
South Shore
Hours
Daily breakfast 6:30–11am, dinner 6–10pm; sushi lounge Tues–Sat 5:30–9pm
Phone
808/828-8888
Prices
Main courses $11–$22 breakfast and $26–$52 dinner (most $35–$39)
Cuisine Type
Hawaii Regional
Web site
Red Salt
Other
Dinner reservations recommended. Valet parking
Map
2251 Poipu Rd. Poipu HI KauaiNote: 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.