When you're in the market for a new house on the beautiful Garden Isle of Kauai, it is always nice to know where there's a great place to eat close to home...besides, getting to know the owners and the chefs is a good thing! Here's a listing by location and city of the many fine restaurants our island has to offer: Kauai Real Estate

Kauai's North Shore is filled with rich history and heritage of Hawaii. It is comprised of small communities that share a casual and simple lifestyle while still maintaining the amenities of modern living. It is popular for its excellent surf during the winter months and its green tropical beauty ? a result of the large amount of rain during the winter months.

Hanalei, Kauai Real Estate & Restaurants, Kauai Menu Magazine

Hanalei is quite possibly the most idyllic and beautiful little town in all of the Hawaiian Islands. The town itself is situated along a two mile crescent of white sandy beach set against a stunning backdrop of 5,000 ft high mountain peaks. Add to this an eclectic mix of people, excellent surf, stunning scenery, and a small dose of night life. In Hanalei you'll find a very friendly family environment, making it one of the most desirable places to live on Kauai. Needless to say, its desirability also makes it one of the most expensive real estate markets around.

The Hanalei Gourmet - is committed to serving the finest of fresh local produce, dolphin-free tuna, low sodium meats, fresh-baked whole grain breads and homemade dressings for an incredible Pacific Rim dining adventure in a warm, Aloha-friendly atmosphere. Located in the Old School building at Hanalei Center. 808.826.2524

Princeville Kauai Real Estate & Restaurants, Kauai Menu Magazine

Princeville is the North Shore's destination resort and residential community; it is also home to what some consider the very best golf course in all of Hawaii. Situated on a large plateau overlooking Hanalei Bay and the multi-hued reef at Anini, the numerous public amenities and thoughtful community design make for easy island living in and around Princeville. A multitude of outdoor activities attracts enthusiasts of an active lifestyle. Receiving about 85 inches of rain per year, Princeville is no stranger to waterfalls and rainbows. Condominium properties, single-family homes, and vacant land are all available to the prospective purchasers at a variety of price levels.

Kilauea

Kilauea Township and the outlying areas mark the true beginning of Kauai's North Shore . The Kilauea lighthouse is the northernmost point on the island a favored whale watching vantage point and a federally protected wildlife sanctuary. The town itself is a collection of beautiful old lava rock buildings tasteful architectural remnants of the plantation era, which are now filled with boutique shops, a wonderful bakery, and a number of small professional businesses. Some of the more affordable homes on the North Shore are to be found near the center of town with many larger parcels and luxury estates overlooking the ocean outside of town. Numerous schools, a moderate climate and a wide variety of outdoor activities make Kilauea a wonderful place to live.

House of Noodles Steak & Seafood Here you can satisfy your pocketbook and your taste buds all at the same time. Located in the heart of Old Kapa'a on the corner of Kauwila Street and Kuhio Highway across the street from the Kapa'a First Hawaiian Church. 808.822.2708

Sukhothai - Curries, saimin, Chinese soups, satays, Vietnamese pho, and a substantial vegetarian menu are a few of the features of this extremely popular -- Thai restaurant. Menu items appeal to many tastes and include 85 Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai choices, along with much-loved curries and the best-selling pad Thai noodles. The coconut/lemon grass/kaffir lime soups (eight choices) are the Sukhothai's highlights, along with the red and green curries. In the Kapa'a Shopping Center 4-1105 Kuhio Highway . 808.821.1224

Lemongrass Grill Seafood & Bar - The two-story, pagoda-inspired design of Lemongrass Grill Seafood & Bar, located in the heart of Old Kapa'a Town, is a landmark beacon for diners seeking the highest quality hand-selected seafood, prepared just the way they like it. The sparkling interior is Pacific Rim, and everywhere you cast your eyes ? at the walls, in corners of the rooms, you'll see displays of fresh orchards, art, vases, paintings, and carvings and sculptures that will fascinate you. 4-885 Kuhio Highway . 808.831.2888

The Bull Shed - The informal, oceanfront location are big pluses, but Kauai regulars also love the steaks and chops -- prime rib, Australian rack of lamb, garlic tenderloin -- and the fresh catch. The seafood selection includes broiled shrimp, Alaskan king crab, and Parmesan-drenched scallops. Dinner orders include rice and the salad bar. Combination dinners target the ambivalent, with chicken, steak, seafood, and lobster pairings. The salad bar alone is a value, and the entrees are so big they're often shared. In Kapa'a Town directly across from McDonald's . 808.822.3791

Hukilau Lanai - A casual, airy setting, much like sitting out on a friend's pleasant lanai, make this restaurant very relaxing and enjoyable. 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 spinach and laulau leaf dip (a creamy cheese dip with luau leaf, spinach, and tomato relish served in a homemade bread bowl) to prosciutto, basil, and prawns (jumbo shrimp wrapped with thinly sliced Italian ham and fresh basil). Entrees include fresh fish, beef, chicken, and pork dishes. Save room for dessert, especially the goat cheese tart. With special treats like 20 great wines for under $20 Just behind the Coconut Marketplace on the torch lit lanai under the palms of the Kauai Coast Resort. 808.822.0600

Pacific Island Bistro - Pacific Island Bistro is now open for business. Please come see us at Kauai Village Shopping Center in Kapaa. An array of items can be found on our menu. We offer Pacific Rim and Asian cuisine. Have a drink, enjoy the music and surrounding along with your dinner. P.I.B is the only ONE PLACE on Kauai where you can enjoy authentic Asian + Pacific Rim cuisine. For reservations: 808-822-0092

Waipouli

Wahooo Seafood Grill & Bar You'll need a snorkel to see more fish! Experience Wahooo's stunning variety of fresh seafood, steak and pasta. Here is where local ingredients and mouthwatering sauces come together in a symphony of flavors. Join them in their relaxed island-style, seafood grill and bar for a tropical libation, some Aloha spirit, a casual lunch or an intimate sunset dinner. Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to 9 PM. 4-733 Kuhio Highway. Reservations recommended: 808.822.7833

Wailua

Wailua and Kapahi are two rural residential communities situated inland or up mauka from Kapaa on Kauai 's East Side. Home to many of the island's residents, these communities offer a number of attractive housing options at a variety of prices amidst a beautiful country setting. Here you'll find friendly neighborhoods nestled into the rolling hills and meandering streams. Centrally located, residents are never too far from other destinations island wide.

Kauai Hula Girl Visitors and kama'aina all agree that the Kauai Hula Girl is a welcome addition to the Coconut Coast dining scene. Here, the past and present meet, in what has been described by one seasoned traveler as a very classic rendition of one of the most modern Hawaiian restaurants I've ever seen. Great food and drink, there's something for everyone on the Hawaiian-style lunch and dinner menu. Surfer-size portions at affordable prices are served up with gracious and friendly Aloha service. A taste of Hawaii is offered in a wide range from the aina (land,) and from the kai (sea.) there's also pasta specialties, sandwich selections, salads, tropical drinks, and Hawaiian brews. Located in the Coconut Marketplace. 808.822.4422

Tropical Burgers & More Proud to offer a wide variety of delicious food with family friendly prices from Shrimp Scampi to their signature Rum-Guava Burger there is always something for everyone. Located in the Coconut Marketplace. 808.823.8808

Mema Thai - An award winning, very refined and intimate restaurant. Mema Thai serves its dishes on white linens with tabletop orchid sprays. Menu items such as broccoli with oyster sauce and cashew chicken reveal Chinese origins. But the emphasis is on Thai dishes. A host of curries -- red. Green. Yellow. and house -- made with coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves run from mild to mouth-searing. The traditional green-papaya salad adds a cool touch for the palate. 4-369 Kuhio Highway , near the Coco Palms Resort. 808.823.0899

Smith Family Garden Lu'au - Rated The Best Lu'au On The Island!, by the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, The Smith Family for over 50 years has been sharing the Aloha Spirit with visitors and Kama'aina (those of the land.) Located in the Wailua Marina State Park in Kapa'a, this lush 30 acre botanical and cultural garden is nestled along the banks of the sacred Wailua River and below the ancient Malae Heiau Temple . After the Torch Lighting Ceremony you can enjoy cocktails, music and the luau feast. 808.821.6895

Wailua Marina Restaurant - Offering the island's only river view, this marina restaurant -- an island fixture for almost 40 years -- is a good spot to stop after a boat ride up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto. With more than 40 selections, the menu is a mix of comfort food and more sophisticated dishes; portions are gigantic. The chef is fond of stuffing: you'll find stuffed baked pork chops, stuffed chicken baked in plum sauce, and 'ahi stuffed with crab. The steamed mullet is a classic island dish. Wailua River State Park , Wailua Rd. 808.822.4311

Aloha Beach Hotel - Escape the hustle and bustle of Kapa'a town and discover a taste of aloha! Greet the sunrise with an all you can eat breakfast buffet, or start the night with an all you can eat soup and salad bar! Enjoy a light lunch at the Kahanu Grill overlooking scenic Wailua Bay . Outdoor dining, happy hour specials and ala carte menus with something for everyone. Casual dining in a truly Hawaiian setting. Located where the famous Wailua River meets the sea. 3-5920 Kuhio Highway 808.823.1643

Hilton Kauai Beach Hotel - Dining at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort is a superb experience. We are known throughout Kauai for our award-winning cuisine and friendly service. Select from several distinctive dining settings guaranteed to satisfy all types of appetites - including an award-winning, full-service Kauai restaurant, a casual bar and lounge, and convenient room service. Located on the eastside of Kauai, two miles from the Lihue Airport . 4-331 Kauai Beach Drive 808.246.5567

22° Restaurant - serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a fabulous Sunday Brunch and is an especially popular choice for the holidays. The menu includes foods and preparations to please the traditional diner as well as the more adventuresome. Set in the restored Wilcox Mansion on the Kilohana Plantation Estate. 808.245.9593

South Shore

The South Shore of Kauai is known for its sunny, warm weather and blue waters throughout the year. This makes it great for relaxing and enjoying the many activities, including golf, snorkeling and surfing (summer months). There are also a variety of shops and restaurants.

Poipu

Koloa/Poipu The Sunny South Side is where you'll find the busy little towns of Koloa and Poipu. As with most of the older towns on the island, Koloa has it roots in the sugar plantation era and the revitalized town center is a charming reflection of this island heritage. The adjoining community of Poipu, which is situated along a 5-mile stretch of coast line, is home to many of the island's largest and most lavish hotels and luxury resort condominiums. It is an excellent surfing and diving destination with numerous days of sunshine year round. A variety of restaurants, boutique shops, pedestrian paths, golf courses, spa facilities and other amenities are all close at hand.

Brennecke's - Established in 1983, this fun, upbeat restaurant is a must-see at Poipu Beach on Kauai 's sunny south shore. Literally just steps from the beach, you can enjoy steaks seafood, pasta, sandwiches and the south shore's best salad bar at prices that will feed the whole family. Want lighter fare? Stop by the bar for pu pu's and catch the game. Either way the second floor, open-air dining room has spectacular views over looking Poipu Beach Park and the ocean. Great food, friendly service, and a casual beach-front environment all add up to a great day at the beach! 2100 Hoone Road . 808. 742.7588  

Poipu Tropical Burgers
Hours: 6:30am to 9:30pm. Family-style dining with a diverse breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. House specialties include a rum-guava cocktail and Poipu Surfer burger. Unique and affordable.
Located in Poipu Shopping Village. 808. 742.1808

Kalaheo & Lawai

The neighboring towns of Kalaheo and Lawai are located on the South Side of Kauai and nestled up against the foot of Mount Kahili approximately 3 miles inland from the ocean. Due to their location, Kalaheo & Lawai get a bit more rainfall than does Koloa or Poipu, and on most days a passing shower is the norm (often together with a rainbow or two). In both towns you'll find a very friendly family environment, surrounded by large tracts of agricultural land that are planted in coffee, sugar, tea and macadamia nuts, tinting the hillsides in multihued shades of green. In the surrounding areas there are many new and beautiful housing subdivisions that offer spectacular coastal and mountain views with a bit of ?Up Country? feel.

Eleele

Grind's Café
Stop by Kauai's best on your way to Port Allen or the Waimea Canyon and let us wrap up some tasty stuff "To Go" for your picnic, your hike, or the beach. Or come in and relax on their new patio with an ice cold beer or nice glass of wine with your meal! On the corner at the Eleele Shopping Center 4469 Waialo Rd., Eleele. 808.335.6027

The West Shore is home to sunny skies, dry air and open spaces. Its small towns provide old country flavor reminiscent of past Hawaii. This side of the island provides great hiking, camping and boating as well as affordable community housing.

Hanapepe Coined Kauai's Biggest Little Town, Hanapepe has become widely known for its many fine art galleries and is a Mecca for artists of all kinds. Many of the charter boats that explore the famed Na Pali Coast depart from the nearby Port Allen , making Hanapepe a busy little tourist hub during daylight hours. However, at night visitors typically return to their accommodations elsewhere on the island and Hanapepe drifts back into time. The old town center of Hanapepe is characterized by ancient plantation buildings that are being held together by the sheer number of termites in their walls. Ripe for revitalization, Hanapepe is a real glimpse at the past.

Waimea Waimea is nestled at the entrance to Waimea Canyon, coined the Grand Canyon of the Pacific by Mark Twain during his visits to the island in the late 1,800's. Home to a few small super markets, two banks, and a public High School, Waimea is the regional center of the West Side . However, don't be fooled?if you blink you may miss it!

Kekaha This small old plantation town sits right along the beaches of Kauai's West Side . Typically dry and warm; Kekaha serves as a great escape when the rest of the island is rainy and cool. Because of its location, there are numerous vacation rentals and holiday homes being built along the shoreline.
So now that you've found the perfect restaurant.