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 with Gluten-Free Menus because: Offering a huge array of steaks and seafood, it's easy to find hearty gluten free dishes at JJ's.
Jade's expert tip: Order the Slavonic Steak.
With a fish market next door, it's no surprise that impeccably fresh seafood is the house specialty. Diners indulge in their favorite preparations along the shores of the adjacent river, savoring baked shrimp, ceviche, crab, and incredible fish cooked to perfection by the skilled kitchen. A selection of steaks and chicken dishes will also satisfy. While you wait for entrees (which can be pricey but are well-portioned), nibble on an order of stuffed mushrooms. The nautical themed restaurant as located right after the Hanalei bridge as you descend into Hanalei Valley. It's a great place to dress up for a date or family time, or come in casual.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Hanalei Dolphin is renowned as the best seafood on Kauai, and fresh seafood is often a gluten free favorite.
Jade's expert tip: Choose an outdoor table to enjoy the magical views of Hanalei.
Read more about Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant and Fish Market →
A hit with locals and visitors, the Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. is a spot that all visitors need to stop at and enjoy. Very local style, the restaurant is a local style lunch wagon resting roadside in Hanalei. Serving traditional Hawaiian food, but with a modern twist, this is your best bet to fill up on taro, the root crop that sustained Hawaiians for generations. Here you can find taro and many other healthy ingredients prepared with a modern twist, such as a taro smoothie, Hawaiian plate lunches, taro hummus, taro veggie burgers, and even taro acai bowls- the list goes on.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. offers a healthy and gluten free array of smoothies, taro and other dishes prepared with produce and fruits.
Jade's expert tip: Try the taro smoothie.
One of Kauai's most celebrated Asian establishments, Kintaro has built its reputation on sublime cuisine and unobtrusive service. The eater is hands down a local favorite. 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. Open only for dinner, Restaurant Kintaro is one one of the best eateries on the island, and you can dress up or go casual.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Kintaro is a tried and true Kauai eatery known for their array of some of the best gluten free food around - fresh local fish.
Jade's expert tip: Restaurant Kintaro is only open for dinner and reservations are necessary.
Owned and operated by two local friends who have a knack for making a great steak, Killah Steaks quickly became a local favorite as soon as the road side steak wagon opened. Very casual, and pretty quick, this eatery is a low key, low priced option for a great steak. They have expanded from a simple two item menu and now offer fresh local fish, shrimp, and multiple steak plates. Enjoy at the onsite and road side picnic table or take to eat at a nearby beach. Each plate comes with local side staples such as mac salad, a simple green salad, or rice. Sometimes they sell out and close early.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Killah Steaks offers delicious, pure and simple gluten free dishes - steak and salad.
Jade's expert tip: Get there right when they open to guarantee availability.
To peel or not to peel, that is the question at the Shrimp Station. Some dishes come with peeled shrimp, while others, like the coconut shrimp come peeled. Either way, all of the food is great and worth getting your hands a little messy for. Very casual, road side spot with meals enjoyed as take out or at picnic tables under a tent roof. The portions are huge, so you won't leave here hungry. This is a great option for lunch on the west side in Waimea, or last stop before heading out to Polihale Beach or inland to Waimea Canyon.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: The Shrimp Station offers an abundance of gluten free seafood dishes.
Jade's expert tip: Eat on site, the portions are too large and messy for the car.
Find healthy food in Hanalei at Harvest Market Natural Foods and Cafe. If you're looking for healthy groceries, this is the spot. And, if you're looking for a healthy deli and salad bar, this is also the place to go. It's a great resource for natural and organic groceries to bring back to your hotel, vacation rental, or the beach. The hot bar, deli items, salad bar, and pre-made and packaged food can be enjoyed on site or taken to a nearby beach for a picnic. Everything is organic and natural, and the by far the healthiest on the go meal to find in Hanalei.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Offering gluten free meals, snacks and groceries, Harvest Market is the ideal place for GF diners.
Jade's expert tip: Bring a reusable bag.
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. As one of Kauai's more upscale eatery, Gaylord's is perfect for a date night or nice family dinner.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus 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.
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 with Gluten-Free Menus because: Papaya's is the only true natural and organic place to eat in Kapa'a, and they offer gluten free meals and groceries.
Jade's expert tip: Get a fresh juice from the deli to go with lunch.