Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [113]
4–369 Kuhio Hwy., Wailua. 80 8/822-7990.www.restauranteur.com/caffecoco. Reservations recommended for parties of 4 or more. Main courses $8.50–$14 lunch, $16–$22 dinner; specials usually under $22. AE, DISC, MC, V. Tues–Fri 11am–5pm; Tue–Sun 5–9pm.
Hukilau Lanai STEAK/SEAFOOD The owners of Gaylord’s in Kilohana opened this restaurant in the Kauai Coast Resort featuring local products and produce of Kauai; they promise that the dishes “are made from scratch in our kitchen.” The menu offers a wide selection of appetizers, from ahi poke nachos to sweet potato ravioli. Entrees include fresh fish, beef, chicken, and pork dishes. Save room for such desserts as banana and chocolate mousse or warm chocolate cake.
Kauai Coast Resort, Kapaa. 80 8/822-0600. Main courses $18–$28. MC, V. Tues–Sun 5–9pm. Live music Tues, Fri, and Sun 6:30–9:30pm.
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
With so much local fresh produce available year-round, Kauai can be a vegetarian’s dream. Numerous restaurants cater to vegetarians with several entrees to choose from; in particular, many Asian restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. Below are our veggie-friendly favorites.
LIHUE
Duke’s Canoe Club (In the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, 3610 Rice St., Nawiliwili; 80 8/246-9599). The best deal at this two-story, open-air “happening” eatery is the salad bar, which includes veggies, tofu, and other yummy selections; it’s all you can eat for $14.
Gaylord’s (At Kilohana, 3–2087 Kaumualii Hwy., Lihue; 80 8/245-9593;www.gaylordskauai.com). Lunch at this elegantly casual restaurant features an array of salads and a divine fettuccini, and for dinner I’d pick the fire-grilled veggies over the fresh pasta.
Kalapaki Beach Hut (3474 Rice St., Nawiliwili; 80 8/246-6330). If you are just looking for a quick breakfast or lunch, this tiny place has waffles for breakfast, veggie burgers for lunch, and lots and lots of salads.
POIPU
The Beach House (5022 Lawai Rd., Poipu; 80 8/742-1424). One of the most romantic places on Kauai, with wraparound views of the Pacific Ocean. Take your sweetheart and dine on pasta or the grilled Portobello mushroom; either sets you back about $20.
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler (2100 Hoone Rd., across from Poipu Beach Park; 80 8/742-7588;www.brenneckes.com). Across the street from the Poipu Beach Park, this burger place also features a terrific salad bar, stir-fried veggies, yummy pastas, and veggie burgers, all in the $12 to $32 range.
Casa Blanca at Kiahuna (2290 Poipu Rd., in the Kiahuna Swim and Tennis Club, Poipu; 80 8/742-2929). There are many pastas to choose from at this open-air bistro overlooking the tennis courts, but I’d recommend the vegetarian lasagna (a bargain at $16).
Plantation Gardens Restaurant (In Kiahuna Plantation Resort, 2253 Poipu Rd.; 80 8/742-2216). Dine in a garden on their yummy udon noodles with eggplant, zucchini, and pesto ($19), or you can request a vegetarian stir-fry ($21).
Roy’s Poipu Bar & Grill (In Poipu Shopping Village, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr.; 80 8/742-5000;www.roysrestaurant.com). Well-known Hawaii chef, Roy Yamaguchi, has a portobello mushroom dish ($15) that is heavenly. They will generally feature a couple of vegetarian dishes nightly, or you can request a special vegetarian dish that they will be happy to whip up for you.
Tidepool Restaurant (Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, 1571 Poipu Rd., Poipu; 80 8/742-1234). Although this restaurant’s specialty is fresh fish, vegetarians can dine in this Polynesian-style thatched bungalow. They generally have vegetarian items on the ever-changing menu. My fave is the teriyaki tofu ($25); it’s so yummy, even carnivores order it.
KALAHEO
Kalaheo Coffee Co. & Café (2–2560 Kaumualii Hwy. [Hwy. 50], Kalaheo, across the street from Brick Oven Pizza; 80 8/332-5858). This place is a vegetarian’s dream, with many veggie selections for breakfast (veggie tofu), lunch (tofu/eggplant wrap, grilled veggie sandwich, garden burger), and dinner (pasta primavera).
HANAPEPE
Hanapepe Café (3830 Hanapepe Rd., Hanapepe; 80 8/335-5011).