11 Amazing Kauai North Shore Restaurants You Need To Try

It’s no secret that Kauai North Shore Restaurants have some of the best food on the island. There are more than a few restaurants in Hanalei that are super fun and offer delicious cuisine, and some in Princeville as well.

I’m always seeing people ask for recommendations on the best food on the North Shore of Kauai. So I figured I’d share some great options for dining in Hanalei and Princeville.

But first, take a look at this post if you’re looking for the best food trucks on Kauai!

Without further ado, here are some top recommendations on where to eat when you’re up North on the Garden Isle.

Kauai North Shore Dining

One Kitchen

Located at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, this North Shore restaurant on Kauai offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their dishes feature ingredients found on the island, supporting local farmers and growers every chance they get.

For breakfast, indulge in Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, a 3 Egg Omelet or their signature Breakfast Buffet. Lunch ranges from fish tacos and turkey clubs to burgers and a Kauai Style Spicy Poke Bowl. Dinner options include Next Wave Island Chicken, Grilled Mahi Mahi, Crispy Fried Local Snapper and Roasted Cauliflower Steak.

Don’t forget to order dessert, and check out their extensive wine list.

View the entire 1 Kitchen Hanalei Bay Menu here.

Tiki Iniki

The island’s most exotic tiki bar, Tiki Iniki on Kauai offers North Shore dining and drinks to both locals and tourists. They are conveniently located in the Princeville Shopping Center and open Tuesday through Saturday from 11-9. Reservations are encouraged but walk ins are welcome and seated on a first come, first served basis.

Their lunch menu (served from 11-2:30) includes dishes such as Kalua Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, Asian Chicken Salad and Sticky Sweet Ribs. Dinner (served from 4:30-9) consists of choices like the Famous Grilled Iniki Burger, Pulled Pork Sliders, and a variety of Fresh Catch Dinner Entrees (varied depending on availability) that offer some gluten and dairy free options.

Many people like visiting this Princeville restaurant for their drinks! Have a look at Tiki Iniki Cocktails and Drinks Menu.

B’s Kitchen

Another great place to eat on Kauai, B’s Kitchen is also located in the Princeville Shopping Center. They’re serving up lunch from 11-3 Monday through Friday, and dinner nightly from 5:30-9pm. Reservations are accepted for parties of 6 or more.

One of only a few Italian restaurants on Kauai, they feature Italian food ranging from fresh pasta and Neapolitan Pizza to seafood and local fish.

Delight in Panzanella Salad, Grilled Chicken Panini or Margherita Pizza for lunch. And Rigatoni Bolognese, Mushroom Radiatore, Seared Scallops and Prime Bone-in Ribeye for dinner.

For dessert, indulge in Tableside Tiramisu or Lemon Bundt Cake.

Follow B’s Kitchen Kauai on Instagram to see more of what they offer, or view the B’s Kitchen Kauai Menu.

Best Restaurants in Hanalei Kauai

Tahiti Nui

Located in Hanalei, Tahiti Nui is famous for its romantic vibe that features live music, great food and a fun, lively atmosphere. They’ve been serving the community and tourists alike for over 60 years. Family owned and operated, ‘The Nui’ is proud to support local farmers and fishermen while creating a unique dining experience.

Dine on salads, seafood, ribs, burgers, pizza and much more. Enjoy live music nightly from 6:30-8:30. I love how this family is focused on the community and also educating visitors about native Hawaiian traditions and culture. A must visit spot on the North Shore of Kauai.

View the Tahiti Nui Menu , visit Tahiti Nui on Facebook or Tahiti Nui Hanalei on Instagram.

Kalypso Island Bar and Grill

Whether you’re hungry for lunch or dinner, this restaurant in Hanalei, Kauai has you covered! Open from 11-9 every day plus open for breakfast Sat and Sun 8am-2pm, you’ll find an extensive selection of yummy dishes.

Enjoy shrimp and fish tacos, Kalua pork sandwiches, and Loco Moco burgers, just to name a few. Soups, salads, steak, pasta and much more grace the menu.

Happy Hour is from 3-5pm every day, you can get discounts on drinks and food. This North Shore restaurant is located in the Chin Young Village Shopping Center.

Visit Kalypso Island Bar and Grill on Instagram or Kalypso Island Bar and Grill on Facebook.

The Hanalei Dolphin

Now the Dolphin is more than just a restaurant on the North Shore. They also have a fish market and a sushi lounge!

They are open 7 days a week and no reservations are taken, it’s a first come, first served basis. Enjoy chicken dishes, steak and seafood on the banks of the Hanalei River. Their wine list includes a vast number of selections to enjoy with any meal.

Visit their website to learn more about the variety of fish they offer and to take a look at The Dolphin Menu .

And don’t forget about the sushi! View the Hanalei Dolphin Sushi Lounge Menu here!

Check out the video below, they were featured on the hit TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.

Hanalei Gourmet

Located in the old Hanalei Schoolhouse, the Hanalei Gourmet is one of the best places to eat on the North Shore of Kauai. It’s spectacular view of the mountains and open air atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The family run restaurant has been in operation for over 30 years. They serve an American menu with both vegan and vegetarian-friendly dining options. Dine on Pupu’s, fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers and fresh fish. They’re open 11-7 with live music on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Check out their website to learn more about Hanalei Gourmet hours or to view their menu.

Bar Acuda

I’ve seen it time and time again, Bar Acuda comes highly recommended as one Kauai North Shore restaurant that visitors must try. But in order to do this, you need to book a reservation in advance either through Yelp or their website. And they do fill up quickly.

They’re open Tuesday -Saturday from 5:30-9:30pm and offer dishes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy Seared Sea Scallop, Grilled Lamb Riblets, Bruschetta, and more. The menu does change regularly as it’s dependent on the ingredients available as well as the chef’s choices.

You’ll find an extensive wine list, with beer and specialty cocktails also available. Visit their website to make Bar Acuda reservations.

More Kauai North Shore Restaurants

Happy Talk Lounge

There aren’t a lot of restaurants in Princeville, Kauai. But located at The Hanalei Bay Resort is this popular North Shore dining establishment, Happy Talk Lounge.

Open 7 days a week from 3-9pm, they offer a wide variety of Pupus, Salads, Desserts and Main Course Dishes. Indulge in Pesto Pasta, Kalua Pork Tacos, Volcano Poke and their famous Happy Talk Smash Burger.

Happy Hour is from 3-5, and live music nightly 6-9pm. Seating is on a first come, first served basis and reservations aren’t accepted.

Check out the here.

Opakapaka Grill and Bar

“If you go further, you won’t eat.” Located in Wainiha at the end of the road, this North Shore restaurant offers ocean front dining that is truly an amazing experience.

Open daily from 11-8, Opakapaka Grill & Bar offers a mouth watering selection of steak, fresh fish, pasta, crispy wings, burgers and more. Experience the tastes of Hawaii right at your table!

Walk-ins are welcome. Visit their Facebook page to learn more about the Opakapaka Grill and Bar Menu and see photos of their dishes.

Postcards Restaurant

Here’s another place to eat in Hanalei that we have to include in this line up. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 5-9pm they’re serving up Seafood and Vegetarian food that’s locally sourced. You’ll find dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and organic options clearly outlined on the Postcards Cafe Menu.

From Ahi al Pimenton to Roasted Rack of Lamb, they offer a fine dining experience that is also down to earth and genuine. Although reservations are recommended, walk ins are also accepted.

Read more about why Postcards Restaurant is one of Kauai’s most beloved restaurants here.

Well there you have it, 11 Amazing Kauai North Shore Restaurants you need to try! Let me know which one is up first on your list to check out during your next visit, leave a comment below!

And if you’re heading South, check out this post on popular restaurants on the South Shore of Kauai.