Location: Kapaa
Top Restaurants in Kapaa
Top 10 restaurants in Kapaa, United States
Kapaa, also spelled Kapa'a, means "solid" in Hawaiian. Travelers find this small town, nestled at the base of Nounou (the Sleeping Giant) Mountain on Kauai tourist friendly with its diverse array of hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants. The Kinipopo Shopping Village is a favorite for its fun eateries and small keepsake shops. Look for the "Kauai Made" logo for products made by local craftsmen using traditional materials. Kappa also offers water sports, including water skiing and kayaking.
Things to do in Kapaa
1. JO2 Natural Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 705 reviews
Reviewed By CalifTravelerOne - San Jose, CA
OK. Maybe keep your socks on but be prepared to be amazed at the range and quality of what they serve here. They offer an Asian fusion using local ingredients. (And some not local.)
From a recent menu: Duck and lobster lumpia, Poached scallop ravioli, and Polenta crusted diver scallops with Vietnamese passion fruit.
We took advantage of the early dinner with wine pairing. The wine pairing was only $10 and perfectly complemented the courses.
Don't try to show up without a reservation.
This is another restaurant we visit every time we come to Kauai.
2. Hukilau Lanai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Mirmi2204 - Montreal, Canada
Food, service, the view , everything was wonderful : our family had as appetizers the Adam's poke nachos and calamari and as entrées filet mignon, pasta of the day, Nairagi(marlin) and the prime ribs just delicious. We enjoyed very much our last dinner in Kauai. One note : since we were sitting outside , there were mosquitos , so we mentionned to our server and she brought us some insect repellents.
3. Sam's Ocean View
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
We make EVERYDAY GOOD FOOD here at S.O.V. We make most everything in house, including all our desserts, dressing and sauces. We use Imported Chocolate that will take your breathe away. We Hand-Cut our fries from fresh Russet Potatoes everyday. Our Fish is delivered fresh daily and we NEVER, EVER use frozen fish. Aloha to our local fishermen. We have the Best Fish and Chips on Kauai Island. Our bread is baked locally and in house. Our greens are Organic and we cater to GLUTEN FREE ALLERGIES. Our Meat is Kauai Grass Fed and will melt in your mouth. Our Ice Cream is Lappets of Hawaii, the Best on the Island. Our cocktails carefully crafted and make with imported purees and fresh squeezed juices.
Reviewed By digitaleye3 - Santa Barbara
Great, little find, kinda hidden but sporting a great ocean view. It's a bit of an odd space but in a totally cool way. Wedged between a private residence and a small hostel, the restaurant is actually upstairs. And though it's easy to spot from the beach side it's a bit tougher to see from the street. Parking is pretty tight but there is some in front as well as directly underneath the place. Overall it's a bit small but doesn't feel small due to the giant glass roll up windows and very clever bi-level seating. Food was very good all around, waygu sliders being a fav, but, as usual on this island, the fish selection was amazing. Interesting SB connection as well. The GM of Sams is Jill, formerly of Fresco fame :-). Small world it is. Didn't try the actual bar but they sported a short but solid list of tap beers, mostly local-ish with good variety. Service was friendly and great all around. I'd recommend a reservation if at all possible, though if you have to wait they have a comfy little space right next to the bar where you can order food and drinks while you do so. Closed Tuesdays.
4. Tacos Al Pastor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By GoodToGo541 - Eugene, OR
We were greeted by the folks in this truck, friendly & knowledgeable. We had the fresh tuna tacos, cooked to med rare, and shared a shrimp taco. Both were not overcooked or dried out, perfect seasoning and accompaniments. Would go back daily if we were there.
5. Pono Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Reviewed By WellTraveled3 - Lexington, MA
The Pono Market has great Hawaiian food to take out, including many kinds of poke, salads, BBQ, as well as a coffee shop. So just stop and take your poke bowl or other meal out to the tables in front or to the beach.
Nice staff--very helpful to both locals and clueless tourists like us!
Right in the middle of Kapaa--closed on Sunday, though.
6. Street Burger
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 600 reviews
Reviewed By ILuv2Mingle - Culver City, California
We stumbled on this place as we were heading somewhere else. In talking to a lady in the parking lot, she told us how great the Burgers and Fries are AND that they have an awesome Veggie Burger! We had an immediate and sudden change of heart and headed to Street Burger. We sat outside on the patio, met several other tourist and locals. The Veggie Burger wrap was excellent as were the fries and the mint lemonade. Burgers were $16 and $1 to add jalapenos.
7. Sleeping Giant Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
"Name change only" still serving same great local cuisine, fresh local fish,fresh poke made daily, salads, wraps, tacos, burritos, plates with vegetarian dishes and gluten fee options. Keiki menu also available. BYOB and we will supply bottle openers and wine glasses
Reviewed By asiana747 - Toronto, Canada
Went to try this place for lunch with my family while vacationing at a resort close by.
It is a fairly small place geared towards more of take out. There are few tables and chairs both inside and patio area. Water, utensils and condiments are self served from a small counter located beside the kitchen. We tried teriyaki chicken platter and grilled shrimp platter. They come with rice and small salad. They were both excellent. Price is definitely not cheap but we thought the quality and quantity was rather decent.
8. Verde Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Local fave spot.
Reviewed By Maui2014NMR - Colorado
During our recent stay in Kapaa, we walked to the nearby Verde restaurant. Despite its small size, we were seated immediately. The margaritas were good, although a bit weak. The food was delicious. The portions were enormous - - plenty for two people to share unless you're starving. Although we walked to this establishment, there seemed to be plenty of free parking available if you drive there.
9. Caffe Coco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Reviewed By Reggie_lu - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This place looks lovely in and out, the menu selections were a lot to choose from, a lot of healthy and organic options. I came in the evening however beware that there are a lot of mosquitos around i was literally being eaten alive, they have bug spray which you can apply, but recommend you to cover yourself. I couldn't finish my meals in peace so i had to take home the rest and they offer you a cute box which was very nice.
10. Smith Family Garden Luau
Overall Ratings
4 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By BRIANandRONNIE2010 - New York City, New York
The longest running luau on Kauai is also the most authentic: while others showcase cirque-like acrobatics and athletes, Smith is a family experience, as the entire Polynesian family participates in the tour, in the food prep, in the restaurant, and in the show. All dance numbers are authentic and remarkably enjoyable.
The food? Incredible!!!!! The pork especially, but also the beef, the chicken, the sides, and the desserts. It is buffet style but well managed. There is enough to eat, and while dining, the Smith Family sings local favorites.
This was an extraordinary night. Our sister joined us, and I haven’t seen her smile and laugh like that in a very long time. This is a great treat that will create timeless memories.
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