From flying saucers and saimin to kūlolo, Kauaʻi is known for a few signature dishes. But beyond its iconic foods, the Garden Isle is also home to unforgettable eateries that are off the beaten path. You just need to know where to look.
1. Japanese Grandma’s Café
Tucked in the colorful town of Hanapēpē, Japanese Grandma’s Café serves a blend of authentic and modern Japanese dishes. From kurobuta pork tonkatsu and ʻahi katsu bowls to specialty sushi rolls, the café is a standout for Japanese cuisine on Kauaʻi. japanesegrandma.com
2. Red Salt
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Red Salt is a hidden gem that can be found in Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipū Beach. The resort’s signature restaurant marries the island’s history and traditions with culinary creativity. Here, diners can enjoy inventive dishes and specialty cocktails made with ultrafresh ingredients in an intimate setting.
From starters like the seared Hokkaido scallops that melt in your mouth to popular entrées like the Kona lobster gnocchi and Madagascar vanilla bean mahi mahi, every dish is exquisitely prepared. The same attention to ingredients and techniques goes into each sushi roll. Favorites include the Spicy Shiso, which is rolled with hamachi, salmon, ʻahi, pickled jalapeño and shiso; and the Aliʻi Surf and Turf, which includes shrimp tempura, lobster, Australian Wagyu and butterfly pea flower-infused purple rice. redsaltkauai.com
3. Kalalea JuiceHale
Just off of Kūhiō Highway in Anahola sits a little orange bungalow. Here, the family-run business whips up revitalizing smoothies, picture-worthy acai bowls and refreshing juices—and you’ll want to try one of everything! @kalaleajuicehale
4. Kīlauea Fish Market
Photo: Courtesy of Kīlauea Fish Market
Since 2004, Kīlauea Fish Market has served poke bowls and plate lunches in the historic Kīlauea Plantation Center. From Korean barbecue chicken and Hawaiian chile pepper pork to a vegetarian plate, there is something for everyone at the restaurant.
5. Tip Top Motel, Café & Bakery
Tip Top Motel, Café & Bakery has a home away from home for locals for more than a century. The business turns 110 years this November, and throughout the decades, the restaurant has become a favorite for its homestyle breakfast plates, including stacks of pancakes and hearty omelets. But the restaurant is famous for its legendary oxtail soup.
6. Sueoka Snack Shop
Photo: Courtesy of Sueoka Market
Sueoka Snack Shop is tucked on the side of Sueoka Market in Kōloa. You’ll spot the shop because there’s usually a line of customers at the window. Sueoka Snack Shop is known for its local plate lunches with options like hamburger steak and mochiko chicken. The shop also has weekly specials, too.
