If you could only choose one restaurant in Kauia, where would go? Looking for the best food, setting at any price.

The best food is probably at Roy's in Poipu or A Pacific Cafe in Wailua. Unfortunatley neither of these restaurants has a view.

The Friday night seafood buffet at Cafe Hanalei at the Princeville Hotel issumprious, pricey, and has a spectacular; make sure you arrive before sunset.

People will always recommend the upper scale gourmet type restaurants, of course. BUT I got pretty sick of all that while on Maui and LOVED Brick Oven Pizza on Kauai so much that we went there twice (Kalaheo).

I would say the Beachhouse in Poipu. It had the best view out of any restaurant we went to on Kauai or Maui. The food and service were also outstanding.

amelie

The Beach House or Tidepools (at the Hyatt).

We went in May......for great food Tidepools and Roys (Roys has no view but the food is excellent). We loved the view at any restaurant at the Princeville, but were horrifed when we saw a server at the seafood buffet put food back on the plates that had landed on the counter. The view was amazing at The Beach House, but my fish was overcooked.....we thought the food was better at Roy's and Tidepools. We would only go back for appetizers and drinks at The Beach House. They seem to all have their pros and cons!

PS we didn't get a chance to try A Pacific Cafe, we will try it when we go back in Sept.

Ps. my second choice would be Tidepools

To answer your question: Cafe Hanalei at the Princeville Hotel for the Seafood Buffet for the views, atmosphere and food. Make a reservation and get there a few minutes before they open at 5:30. That said, my favorite dining experience this last time was at Casa di Amici in Poipu. Excellent service and fascinating food. Roys and Tidepools are good, but I was underwhelmed by the atmosphere at Roy's. I agree with crazy's remarks too. It's nice to have a sandwich and frys or a bowl of noodles too. In our last two visits we stayed at a house and enjoyed cooking meals for ourselves.
-Bill

Without a doubt, the best food on the island is at Pacific Cafe, but it is located in a shopping center so not a great setting. The Beach House has the most fantastic location - view, but IMHO the food is only average. Tidepools at the Hyatt has very good food, service and is very romantic. Roy's food is very good, but not as imaginative as it once was, and the location in Poipu shopping center isn't that great. Plantation Gardens has both excellent food and a nice, relaxed setting. It is located in the Kiahuna Plantation condo development. Have to agree that Brick Oven pizza has the very best pizza on the island. Finally, I would also recommend Gaylords.

We enjoyed the Plantation Gardens restaurant too. I read some kind of negative comments about it and was a little leary. We got there really late and they went out of their way to seat us quickly and we didn't feel rushed by the staff. The food was very good and we enjoyed sitting outside on the veranda overlooking the lush gardens. I believe it is in an old plantation house so you get the feeling that you have gone back in time. I as recall they had decent drinks as well. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks! This is so helpful, I will fill you in when I get back!

The Beach House, hands down. Best scallops I've EVER tasted... watch the surfers and sunset while you eat... it was the best dining experience of my life!!

I'm late but my vote is for Tidepools!

Any favorites on the North Shore?

A Pacific Cafe wins hands down as the best food we had in kauai.

Another vote for Pacific Cafe. Amazing food. Sorry, but the Beach House doesn't do it for me. Great view, but the food and service have problems. Overpriced, too. I've been there twice, problems both times. I won't go back there. I do like Roys, a lot, but the atmosphere in a shopping mall leaves something to be desired.

A Pacific Cafe, no contest!

North shore:

Depending on what we want for dinner, here's where we go (and we go often)...

La Cascata - Princeville Hotel (Mediterranean)
Sushi Blues - Hanalei (fish, pork chops, sushi)
Sabellas - Princeville (pasta & seafood)
CJs - Princeville (steak and/or lobster)
Hanalei Gourmet - Hanalei (hamburgers, large salads, grilled fish)

Auntiemaria just wanted to tell you we tried Sabella's per one of your earlier suggestions and thought it was terrific. Definitely a top notch chef Thanks for your info!