A Pacific Café--Kauai Village shopping center, Kappa, 808/822-0013
Although you would never know it, since this restaurant is located in a strip mall (and quite a drive from Princeville), the food is excellent, and they serve Continental cuisine. The restaurant boasts that its cuisine is an east-meets-west feast. The menu had nice selections, but they were not very extensive. The atmosphere was happening, loud, and it was crowded at the bar/door. Dressy-casual, mid-30s to 40s crowd. There were no children the night we were there, and I'm guessing that's because the food tends to be eclectic. I had poached scallop ravioli and the mahimahi, while Frank had filet mignon and a chocolate soufflé. We were very happy with our selections. Make reservations. Recommended.
Hanalei Dolphin--Hanalei Dolphin Center, Kauai, 808/826-6113
This is the kind of place you come to after skipping lunch. We, however, didn't know that. They serve you so much food--it's insane. Down to the salad, you just can't finish anything--they might as well call it family-style. Reservations are not taken here; they instead have a strict first-come, first-serve policy, and the dress is very casual/come as you are. Frank had the NY strip, and I had the Haole chicken. Both were delicious, but we could barely touch anything after the calamari appetizer and the huge salad we packed down. The atmosphere is fun and loud, and we got the feeling it was a major local hangout. I like that because I always know how good the food is. It is a great place to hang out for a few drinks or even to bring the kids, because the price is right. Highly Recommended.
Lighthouse Bistro--Kilauea Road, Kilauea, 808/828-0480
Although the website will call it fine dining, we walked into this restaurant and almost walked out because it looked a little bit too casual for what we expected. The service was asleep, as far as I was concerned, but the food was surprisingly good. I had the fusion chicken, and Frank had the stuffed pork. They also offer an all-you-can-eat pasta bar for $14. We got that and split it as an appetizer. Overall, we enjoyed our experience. I would say that although there are better choices on the north shore, this is definitely worth a visit. No reservations necessary. Recommended.
La Cascata--Princeville Hotel, Kauai (north side of the island), 808/826-9644
This is located in the Princeville Hotel and boasts incredible views of Bali Hai (prior to sunset). Many of the dishes are made with local treats in a Sicilian style. They have a huge wine list for even the pickiest of people (my husband). I had the roasted tomato soup--incredible--and the penne pomodoro. Frank had the beet tartar and the duck. Our meals were fantastic, and the service was excellent. It had a very romantic setting, with no children, and was a bit pricey, but the meal was worth it. If you book in advance, you can secure a seat by the window, which is extraspecial. Dressy-casual, and you must have reservations (even if you are a guest of the hotel). Highly Recommended.
Wishing Well--Shave Ice Stand, north side of the Island--Hanalei
Although this really isn't a restaurant, I wasn't sure where else to list it, and I feel it would be a shame if I didn't share this place with you. Shave ice is considered a must-try while in Kauai. It has by far the best shave ice (not shaved ice) on the island (and we tried quite a few). The difference between what we know as a snow cone and a shave ice cone is how the ice is chopped. Shave ice is lighter and fluffy (I know this sounds ridiculous)--I guess the best way to describe it would be by saying you won’t be chomping on any ice chunks. Serving since 1983, the truck offers at least 50 ice flavors and a whole slew of the ice cream/ice flavors. The picture below says it all--beat up truck, questionable awning, and handwritten signs everywhere (almost childlike). The owners (who work in the truck) are older and slow, keeping with the relaxed Hawaiian theme. It is known for its "rainbow" flavor, which of course my husband had to try. I had the passion fruit, which was better than anything even remotely similar that I’ve had in the past. Frank actually considered going back for another right after the first was finished--need I say more? This is a must-try while on Kauai. Don't be turned off by the old truck, the shave ice is delicious. Plenty of parking and close to some shopping if you want to make an afternoon out of it. Highly Recommended.