Known for its selection of organic, vegetarian, and health-food fare, this market and gourmet deli is as good for eating as it is for shopping. Dining is available inside, but the best tables are outdoors, shaded by market umbrellas. Salads and soups are crafted from fresh ingredients and make terrific light snacks. A variety of daily specials ups the ante, offering chicken, fish, pastas, garden burgers, pizza, and an array of ethnic dishes. Smoothies and desserts also make yummy treats. Papaya's is one of the best places in Kapa`a for grab and go lunch to take to a nearby beach or attraction.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: As Kauai's oldest health food store, Papaya's serves healthy on the go food from the deli and hot bar.
Jade's expert tip: Get a fresh juice from the deli to go with lunch.
Healthy is the goal here with unique meals such as fish or tofu wraps, tacos, salads, satays and sandwiches. You'll find lots of veggies mixed in with the vegetarian options or the fresh local fish. They also make really great unique drinks such as hibiscus lemonade, as well as a regular and really good lemonade. It's pretty simple, order at the counter and take out or enjoy at one of the few sidewalk tables or tiny bar in the back. Great, healthy food that is quite different than anywhere else. Mermaid's is an easy place to stop and grab lunch to go or enjoy it at their few tables along the sidewalk.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Mermaid's Cafe serves up unique and healthy dishes utilizing vegetables and fresh seafood.
Jade's expert tip: Try the ahi wrap and check out the specials.
Travelers and locals alike lift up Brick Oven's as the best pizza on the island, and you will too once you sample the fragrant, hearth-baked pies. The family-owned establishment has honed its craft well over the past decades, and crisp crusts (white or whole-wheat), succulent sauces, and authentic toppings conspire to test your resolve. Local seafood, real cheeses, fresh vegetables, and even homemade sausage number among the options — and that's just to start! The menu also offers salads and sandwiches made with fresh-baked breads. They offer a good selection of local beer to accompany pizza or other classic Italian dishes.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Brick Oven Pizza is a tried and true Italian eatery, and their Thursday night buffet offers an abundance of dishes.
Jade's expert tip: If you have children, ask for a ball of dough for them to play with.
One of Kauai's most celebrated Asian establishments, Kintaro has built its reputation on sublime cuisine and unobtrusive service. Amid serene Asian decor, folks dive into sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, tempura, yakitori, and hot pot dishes. Chefs are eminently capable, crafting incredible fare from the freshest fish, vegetables, seafood, and meats. Tatami and table seating are both available, and dinners come with miso soup, pickled vegetables, rice, and tea. The sushi bar makes for a fun hangout, too. Dinner reservations are must at Kintaro, as it's the most sought after sushi restaurant on the island. Go casual or dress up for fun. It's a wonderful place for fun group dinners.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Restaurant Kintaro is known as the best sushi restaurant on Kauai.
Jade's expert tip: Restaurant Kintaro is only open for dinner and reservations are necessary.
The name says it all, the full bar and restaurant is truly a beach side Oasis. Breathtaking ocean views can be enjoyed, and both outdoor and indoor seating are available. A unique and positive aspect at Oasis is that they serve a menu that features 85 percent locally produced food. Sea food is all prepared wonderfully with a Pacific twist, meats are served in unique forms such as lamb pot pie and ox tail bao bun. For dessert, don't miss the white chocolate chiffon cake or the haupia, a classic local coconut dessert. Ideal for a date night or a family dinner.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Making a home right on the beach, Oasis uses locally grown food and proteins in their Pacific Rim cuisine.
Jade's expert tip: The Sunday brunch is one of the best on the island.
The flavor of old Hawaii runs strong at this circa-1930 Tudor estate, which was once the home of a sugar plantation executive. These days, the mansion and its surrounding 35 acres have been opened to the public as a series of quaint shops and this delightful restaurant. The dining room affords wonderful views and also allows diners to indulge in such fare as fresh seafood, steaks, lamb, and kalua pork. Lunch adds in lighter dishes, including sandwiches and salads, and the courtyard makes an ideal place to relax with a cool drink and good company. Dinner reservations are highly recommended.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Gaylord's uses locally sourced produce, meats and seafood to create exquisite gourmet dishes.
Jade's expert tip: Dance on the outdoor dance floor under the stars.
A relaxed, poolside setting characterizes this hotel restaurant, favored by guests and frequented by other diners, too. Located at the Marriott in Lihue, the comfortable place features a menu whose inspiration is culled from Polynesian and Asian culinary traditions, with a few other sparks as well. Breakfast and dinner maintain the theme of delicious food and attentive service. Just a few short minutes from the cruise port, Kukui's is easily accessible for those spending the day on land, and taking a break from the cruise ship. Enjoy the sun and ocean while sipping on a cocktail and explore the luxurious grounds of the hotel.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Kukui's location can't be beat. Resting along side the beach and the pool, it's a tropical and relaxing atmosphere.
Jade's expert tip: Drop by for a drink before walking the beach and taking a swim.
Kalapaki Bay makes a stunning backdrop for this lively restaurant, which is popular with visitors to eastern Kauai. The outdoor deck offers terrific ambiance, although the maritime-themed interior is inviting on its own. Ocean-fresh seafood is a delicious standard and includes ahi and crab napoleon, baked lobster tail, sauteed scallops, and coconut shrimp. Pastas also find a ready audience, as does the signature slavonic steak, thinly sliced and dressed with a sauce of wine, butter, and garlic. Other possibilities include lamb chops, beef medallions, pork ribs, and cold-smoked Cornish hen. JJ's has a pure chart house feeling with sailboats hanging from the ceiling and fish everywhere.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Overlooking beautiful Kalapaki Bay, JJ's is renowned for offering delicious fresh seafood and steaks.
Jade's expert tip: Order the Slavonic Steak.
In tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's renowned swimmer, surfer, and Olympic athlete, this casual restaurant offers patrons a bit of island culture. An indoor waterfall, live Hawaiian music, and fresh local seafood are among the attractions that have folks returning again and again. Lunchtime brings quesadillas, burgers, pizza, and sandwiches, while dinner offers steaks and an abundance of just-caught fish, prepared to your specifications. An incredible salad bar also pulls in patrons, and the hula pie, a house special, is not-to-be-missed. Lunch here is amazing, but if you're looking for nightlife this is a great spot too, live music and dancing after dark.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Duke's is famous for their great food and ambiance, and the ocean views here can't be beat.
Jade's expert tip: Sit outside for a great view of the ocean.