Named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Top 10 New American Chefs” in 1996, when he was still working in San Francisco, chef/owner Jim Moffatt later decided to embrace a low-key lifestyle in Hanalei. But he hasn’t relaxed his standards for expertly prepared food, in this case tapas—small plates inspired by several Mediterranean cuisines. Enjoy them on the torch-lit veranda or in the sleek, warm-toned dining room. Given Bar Acuda’s deliciously warm, crusty bread, ordering one hearty and one light dish per person, plus a shared starter of spiced olives or crostini, should suffice for a couple. But ask the server for help in ordering the right amount—some dishes, such as the wonderful seared single scallop on mashed potatoes, aren’t really suitable for sharing. The menu changes to reflect seasonal tastes and availability but usually includes a seared fresh fish and grilled beef skewers. Note that this is a more smartly dressed crowd than just about anywhere else in Hanalei.