How far in advance should we make reservations (for July) for restaurants such as: Mama's Fish House, Sarento's, or the Beach House (for sunset)? 2 months? 3 months? weeks?

I was discussing this in another thread... but would like some more opinions.

Do I ask for a table with the best view, or do all tables have good views (any tips on seating at a specific restaurant)?

Thanks!

Amelie

I would say a month ahead of time wouldn't hurt. We reserved at the Beach House for a couple of weeks and still ended up with a table by the kitchen and sweating. BTW, we were not all that impressed. Don't know if they have gone downhill, or what, but with the exception of the salad, the rest was not worth bragging about. And we found other couples stating the same thing. Next time we will just go even earlier and have an appetizer and drinks in the bar.

Most of the restaurants here on Kaua`i won't take reservations more than a month in advance --- and many are now limiting reservations to parties of 6 or more (why??).

I echo the Beach House dining review by "knowing". We've been there twice and won't be going back anytime soon. The view is lovely, but the service was lousy and food certainly didn't justify the high prices.

It seems like there are a lot of diff opinions on The Beach House the past few years.

I believe jill just got back and found it to be one of the best dining experiences ever.

The few times we ate there, it was pretty good, service, too. The only prob for us is that it's in Poipu and (I can't believe I'm saying this) it's too far to drive for dinner! (Am I getting "localized" AuntieM or what?)

Knowing and AuntieM-What were/are your fave dining experiences on Kauai?

I just got back from Maui last week. I booked our reservations about 1 week in advance without any problem for the times I wanted. We had to change our reservation at Sarento's to the next night and they still had a few reservations time available (for 2 people).

As far as seating, at Mamma's fish house, I think there is a difference on where you sat (as far as your view). We just got lucky and they sat us right next to the window with a great view of sunset. I'm sure you can ask for good seats, if you are willing to wait for them. Don't forget to check the sunset times during the months you are gonna go and reserve accordingly.

Last summer we had a lovely dinner at Sarento's. We called about 5 days before and asked for a beach front table and got seated at a table in the outside seating area right against the beach (which is not actually inside the open air area of the restaurant). We loved our table, but also would have been happy with the "inside" beachfront tables. Highly recommend this restaurant! We are going back in July and I can't wait.

Kal,
We were happy with just about every place we ate, except the Beach House. My husband refuses to ever go back. Our faves? Hard to pick the "Best" but our list of half a dozen of "the best" is:
Neide's - So good we almost cried
Roy's - Both of us loved this one
Wrangler's - West side, but great food
Duke's - Hard to do better than Duke's
Keoki's - Hula pie was HUGE and good!
Ilama Terrace - Very romantic

Kal, we out often (I'm trying to "retire" from cooking) -- everything from plate lunch to $$$$. My faves?

Hanalei WakeUp Cafe (breakfast-only)
Hamura Saimin ("one lilikoi pie, to go")
Hanalei Gourmet - Hanalei
La Cascata & Cafe Hanalei - Princeville Hotel
CJs Steak House - Princeville
Foodland (excellent, fresh sushi)
Lighthouse Bistro - Kilauea
Coconuts - Kapa`a
L&L Drive Inn & Chinese - Kapa`a
Wrangler Steakhouse - Waimea
Duke's Canoe Club - Nawiliwili
Green Garden - Hanapepe

You're making me drool....

Thx...the both of you have me slurping!!!

All that an HULA PIE!!!!!!

Shhh on Wake Up Cafe!
We've missed Neide's twice already. Gotta do it this trip.
Still haven't done Roy's. Wish they and Pacic Cafe had better locations.

Duke's salad bar and Taco Tuesday's are the best.

Our westside dining has been limited due to the Brick Oven Pizza tradition. Don't want to spoil that meal. Plus, you don't want to eat TOO much on your way to a Waimea Canyon hike or a day at Polihale if you know what I mean.

I hear L&L is opening up some stores here in the Sacto area shortly. Are they a chain????

Lighthouse Bistro (they have Blockheadia Zin wine fer cryin' out loud) and Coconuts are 2 good ones too.

Ahhhhh....293 mo' days.
Kal