We had dinner here at this award winning restaurant a total of three times. Meals here were delicious! We got what we expected - fine dining.

We enjoyed one of the chefs’ specialties – potato-crusted onaga fish filled with white-truffle mashed potatoes and a cabernet-thyme sauce. The sauce made a delicious gravy for the mashed potatoes. It was so good that we had the same meal each time we returned. It is served with a generous portion of onaga fish. The presentation of the dish was one of the best I've ever seen.

The only disappointment was, for the price (expensive), you would think the restaurant facility itself would be more upscale. You'll find retro, 80s-looking furnishings here - black laquer in a casual atmosphere.

A Pacific Cafe is located on the east side of the island (Kapaa town) in a strip-mall - within the Safeway shopping center. If you are staying in an eastside resort, this restaurant will be convenient for you. The high quality food is worth ignoring the somewhat cheap-looking decor and strip-mall location. It gets noisy in here once people have had a few drinks - go earlier to avoid a noisy crowd. Service is somewhat slow - expect island time service. Reservations are required.

Print out a coupon on A Pacific Cafe's website for $10 off two entrees: http://www.apacificcafe.com/

A Pacific Café
Kauai Village Shopping Center
4-831 Kuhio Highway 220
Kapaa, HI 96746
808/822-0013
http://www.apacificcafe.com/

We made reservations for A Pacific Café before we left New York City because we heard how popular the restaurant is. Don't let the mall location fool you. A Pacific Café's chef, Jean Marie Josselin, has won accolades and praise from Zagat Survey and from the Honolulu Advertiser.

While nothing on the menu is new, I have to admit that minus the location, it is the fanciest restaurant on the island when it comes to food because of their presentation of fresh Hawaiian seafood and local vegetables.

I decided on the tasting menu with wine pairings, while my boyfriend went a la carte to have a taste of the other entrees on the menu.

First course: Deconstructed Ahi Roll with white truffle vinaigrette and Thai Coconut Curry Soup with Tiger Prawn (paired with San Giorgio Pinot Grigio)
Second course: Wok-charred Mahi Mahi (paired with Blackwing Chardonnay)
Third course: Wild Hamachi and Rock Shrimp Risotto (paired with Firestone Sauvignon Blanc)
Dessert: Milk Chocolate Creme Brulee (paired with Selbach Riesling)

Check out the photos below to see how good they looked!

One of the best dinners I have ever had in my life. If you like Pacific Rim cuisine, this restaurant should go on your must do list. Get the Pacific Rim Sampler, it is a must. I had the potato crusted onaga, and also tasted the wok charred mahi, and both were wonderful. You may not leave stuffed, but you will leave satisfied.

This was the best food we had during our stay. A Pacific Cafe serves outstanding pacific rim food! It was delicious, wonderfully presented, nicely portioned food - nothing disappointed. They also have an extensive wine list. This place would fit in nicely in San Francisco's competitive restaurant scene!