Lihue Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lihue

April 15, 2018 Lashaunda Abraham

Lihue, Kauai's capital city, is also served by the island's only airport, making it the most popular port of entry to Kauai and a hub of industry on this small island. However, Lihue retains its island charm and emerald beauty despite its urbanization. Spend the day sunbathing and dipping into the temperate waters at Kalapaki Beach before enjoying a luau at Kilohana Plantation. Step out of town to witness breathtaking Wailua Falls cascading over tiered stone to a drop of 80 feet.
Things to do in Lihue

1. The Fish Express

3-3343 Kuhio Hwy, 3-3343 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766 Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, Hawaiian, Fusion, Gluten Free Options Lunch SGD 7 - SGD 14 +1 808-245-9918
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 581 reviews

The Fish Express

Hawaiian plate lunches Ginger fried chicken and shrimp. Fresh fish lunches between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fresh and frozen full service counter. We pride ourselves as being one of very few on Kauai serving fresh Hawaiian fish. Specialty Poke Bowl Stop. Poke bowls with self service poke bowl toppings bar.

Reviewed By Autumn M - Stamford, Connecticut

This is a great take out place. I had the pork plate it was delicious. My boyfriend had the fish and loved it. They have a great selection and quick service.

2. Mark's Place

1610 Haleukana St Ste A, Puhi, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-8990 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Fast Food, Asian, Polynesian, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner +1 808-245-2722
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 429 reviews

Mark's Place

Reviewed By NetRobin - Florida

No frills counter order/take out lunch spot. Picnic Tables outside. I ordered a mini teriyaki chicken plate with 1 scoop rice and noodles. Husband had full combo plate lunch with fries chicken strips, beef stew, teriyaki beef with rice and macaroni salad. (huge portion) could have easily split. We sat outside and watched plenty of locals picking up theirs orders. Good standard lunch fare, huge portions. Glad they offer a mini size!!

3. Duke's Kauai

3610 Rice St, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-1705 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Seafood, Soups, Polynesian, Hawaiian, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 39 - SGD 39 +1 808-246-9599
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Duke's Kauai

On the sand at Kalapaki Beach, Duke’s is dedicated to legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha. The restaurant’s open-air design offers stunning, sweeping ocean views while the 30 foot waterfall plunges into a koi pond below that meanders through the tables. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, romantic dinner, or tropical cocktail in a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Reviewed By JenniferT999 - Saint Paul, Minnesota

We ate there as our last night on the island. It was the perfect place to get one last Hawaiian dinner and walk along the beach before heading to the airport (a short drive away). The staff was friendly and funny. My daughter and I split their specialty Ono dish that evening and it would have been the perfect amount had I not filled up on their salad bar a little too much. The salad bar is one of the better ones on the island that we experienced. We also shared with the rest of the table their chef's featured hula pie which happened to be with chocolate chip mint ice cream that evening. YUM!

4. Kauai Beer Company

4265 Rice St, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-1330 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks +1 808-245-2337
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 432 reviews

Kauai Beer Company

Reviewed By Tom B - Salida, Colorado

For me the best part was their beer. 8 different beers on tap ranging from Porter to IPA's.
The beers I had were fairly well crafted. Lunch menu is limiting with not a lot of choices. The downside was the service and my meal preparation. Service was slow and not overly friendly and disorganized. My entree had seen the grill way too long. Possibly they were having a bad day.

5. Kauai Pasta Lihue

3-3142 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-1140 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 13 - SGD 33 +1 808-245-2227
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 812 reviews

Kauai Pasta Lihue

Lihue Location is open daily from 11am-9pm

Reviewed By jammerspot - Minnesota

This has opened within the last couple months. We had both an evening meal and a breakfast there. Many choices of pasta dishes and salads with a variety of combinations. Servings in evening were large. Food excellent, service excellent.
Wonderful view from patio.
Breakfast was also excellent with choices of crepes, pancakes, inlets, loco moko.
Food was very good for breakfast as well.
Excellent restaurant.

6. Hamura Saimin Stand

2956 Kress St, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-1323 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available Japanese, Asian, Soups, Hawaiian Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 26 +1 808-245-3271
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 943 reviews

Hamura Saimin Stand

Reviewed By HRIII - Colleyville, Texas

If you go here and like Japanese food, you won't be disappointed. The menu is limited to saimin bowls, shrimp and fish dishes and soup ... but all choices are outstanding. This is the restaurant we spoke about more often to others as a highlight and interesting place to go for a lunch ... you won't be disappointed !!!

7. Gaylord's at Kilohana

3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, 3-2087 Kaumuali'i Highway, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-9505 Buffet, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Accepts Credit Cards American, Hawaiian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 16 - SGD 47 +1 808-245-9593
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Gaylord's at Kilohana

Gaylord's offers one of Kauai's most beautiful settings for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Located on the ground floor of the historic Kilohana Plantation home, diners are seated around an open-air courtyard with views of the plantation grounds and Mt. Waialeale in the distance. Our kitchen uses only the freshest, seasonal ingredients supporting our local farmers and fishermen. Our 67-acre sustainable farm provides much of the produce and herbs used in our dishes and cocktails. Menu items include starters like fresh Ahi Poke, Seafood Spring Rolls and Organic Greens Salads; Local Fish, Meat and Vegetarian Entrees; and Banana Cream Pie for Dessert! After your meal take a walk around the Kilohana grounds, shop in our assorted boutiques, visit the rum shop or take a ride on the plantation train. Join us at Gaylord's to enjoy the best of what Kauai has to offer in island food and experience. Call for reservations and details on weekly entertainment. Memorable by day...Unforgettable by Night.

Reviewed By Teramo48 - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

I had high hopes (for some reason) for this restaurant when my husband, a friend and I stopped here for lunch after touring Kilohana. And my experience was much worst than theirs. That being said, there is a large, covered, u-shaped lanai that you pleasantly dine on. My husband had a cup of clam chowder and a Cesar salad that actually had anchovies on it so he was quite happy. Our friend had the fish tacos (the same as I) and made no negative comments. However, my fish tacos were cold and the tortillas hard and stale. The beans were probably just taken out of the can with cheese on top--no heat, no melting. In addition, we had to remind the waiter about my cocktail which was delivered to the table AFTER the entrees. The waiter must have been new because he wandered around looking like he had nothing to do or didn't know what to do.

8. Kalapaki Beach Hut

3474 Rice St, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-1711 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available American, Fast Food, Hawaiian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 7 - SGD 13 +1 808-246-6330
Excellent
45%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 934 reviews

Kalapaki Beach Hut

Reviewed By Holger C - Berlin, Germany

This restaurant has an ice shop attached at which one can buy shaved ice soaked with different flavours. I took the “Hawaii style”, which also came with some vanilla ice cream.
This shaved ice is a good refreshment for a warm and sunny day. But also, it’s not an overwhelming culinary experience.

9. Kikuchi's

3501 Rice St, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-1765 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Asian, American, Fusion, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch +1 808-855-5789
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 69 reviews

Kikuchi's

Reviewed By Marianne A - Mukilteo, Washington

Just off the road, this was easy to get to with covered tables for eating and waiting for your order. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich and the ginger fried chicken. My husband enjoyed the pork sandwich and fries. Nice seasoning on the fries. The chicken was lightly breaded and tucked into a sweetbread pouch. Tasty salad and loved The surprise of a cup of potato salad. My only suggestion, as it is a food truck, would be to provide a container for the salad. Difficult to eat the way it's served next to the sandwich.

10. Rob's Good Times Grill

4303 Rice St, Rice Shopping Center, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-1359 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Pub, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 808-246-0311
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Rob's Good Times Grill

Reviewed By Bookworms2010

We chose Rob's to get good pub grub and watch an important basketball game on a big screen. Rob delivered. The waitress was not very attentive and closed out our tab early but we still enjoyed it and the place was packed!

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