Location: Lihue
Top Restaurants in Lihue
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Lihue Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lihue
Lihue, Kauai's capital city, is also served by the island's only airport, making it the most popular port of entry to Kauai and a hub of industry on this small island. However, Lihue retains its island charm and emerald beauty despite its urbanization. Spend the day sunbathing and dipping into the temperate waters at Kalapaki Beach before enjoying a luau at Kilohana Plantation. Step out of town to witness breathtaking Wailua Falls cascading over tiered stone to a drop of 80 feet.
Things to do in Lihue
1. The Fish Express
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Hawaiian plate lunches Ginger fried chicken and shrimp. Fresh fish lunches between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fresh and frozen full service counter. We pride ourselves as being one of very few on Kauai serving fresh Hawaiian fish. Specialty Poke Bowl Stop. Poke bowls with self service poke bowl toppings bar.
Reviewed By Autumn M - Stamford, Connecticut
This is a great take out place. I had the pork plate it was delicious. My boyfriend had the fish and loved it. They have a great selection and quick service.
2. Mark's Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
Reviewed By NetRobin - Florida
No frills counter order/take out lunch spot. Picnic Tables outside. I ordered a mini teriyaki chicken plate with 1 scoop rice and noodles. Husband had full combo plate lunch with fries chicken strips, beef stew, teriyaki beef with rice and macaroni salad. (huge portion) could have easily split. We sat outside and watched plenty of locals picking up theirs orders. Good standard lunch fare, huge portions. Glad they offer a mini size!!
3. Duke's Kauai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
On the sand at Kalapaki Beach, Duke’s is dedicated to legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha. The restaurant’s open-air design offers stunning, sweeping ocean views while the 30 foot waterfall plunges into a koi pond below that meanders through the tables. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, romantic dinner, or tropical cocktail in a fun, friendly atmosphere.
Reviewed By JenniferT999 - Saint Paul, Minnesota
We ate there as our last night on the island. It was the perfect place to get one last Hawaiian dinner and walk along the beach before heading to the airport (a short drive away). The staff was friendly and funny. My daughter and I split their specialty Ono dish that evening and it would have been the perfect amount had I not filled up on their salad bar a little too much. The salad bar is one of the better ones on the island that we experienced. We also shared with the rest of the table their chef's featured hula pie which happened to be with chocolate chip mint ice cream that evening. YUM!
4. Kauai Beer Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Reviewed By Tom B - Salida, Colorado
For me the best part was their beer. 8 different beers on tap ranging from Porter to IPA's.
The beers I had were fairly well crafted. Lunch menu is limiting with not a lot of choices. The downside was the service and my meal preparation. Service was slow and not overly friendly and disorganized. My entree had seen the grill way too long. Possibly they were having a bad day.
5. Kauai Pasta Lihue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 812 reviews
Lihue Location is open daily from 11am-9pm
Reviewed By jammerspot - Minnesota
This has opened within the last couple months. We had both an evening meal and a breakfast there. Many choices of pasta dishes and salads with a variety of combinations. Servings in evening were large. Food excellent, service excellent.
Wonderful view from patio.
Breakfast was also excellent with choices of crepes, pancakes, inlets, loco moko.
Food was very good for breakfast as well.
Excellent restaurant.
6. Hamura Saimin Stand
Overall Ratings
4 based on 943 reviews
Reviewed By HRIII - Colleyville, Texas
If you go here and like Japanese food, you won't be disappointed. The menu is limited to saimin bowls, shrimp and fish dishes and soup ... but all choices are outstanding. This is the restaurant we spoke about more often to others as a highlight and interesting place to go for a lunch ... you won't be disappointed !!!
7. Gaylord's at Kilohana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Gaylord's offers one of Kauai's most beautiful settings for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Located on the ground floor of the historic Kilohana Plantation home, diners are seated around an open-air courtyard with views of the plantation grounds and Mt. Waialeale in the distance. Our kitchen uses only the freshest, seasonal ingredients supporting our local farmers and fishermen. Our 67-acre sustainable farm provides much of the produce and herbs used in our dishes and cocktails. Menu items include starters like fresh Ahi Poke, Seafood Spring Rolls and Organic Greens Salads; Local Fish, Meat and Vegetarian Entrees; and Banana Cream Pie for Dessert! After your meal take a walk around the Kilohana grounds, shop in our assorted boutiques, visit the rum shop or take a ride on the plantation train. Join us at Gaylord's to enjoy the best of what Kauai has to offer in island food and experience. Call for reservations and details on weekly entertainment. Memorable by day...Unforgettable by Night.
Reviewed By Teramo48 - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
I had high hopes (for some reason) for this restaurant when my husband, a friend and I stopped here for lunch after touring Kilohana. And my experience was much worst than theirs. That being said, there is a large, covered, u-shaped lanai that you pleasantly dine on. My husband had a cup of clam chowder and a Cesar salad that actually had anchovies on it so he was quite happy. Our friend had the fish tacos (the same as I) and made no negative comments. However, my fish tacos were cold and the tortillas hard and stale. The beans were probably just taken out of the can with cheese on top--no heat, no melting. In addition, we had to remind the waiter about my cocktail which was delivered to the table AFTER the entrees. The waiter must have been new because he wandered around looking like he had nothing to do or didn't know what to do.
8. Kalapaki Beach Hut
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 934 reviews
Reviewed By Holger C - Berlin, Germany
This restaurant has an ice shop attached at which one can buy shaved ice soaked with different flavours. I took the “Hawaii style”, which also came with some vanilla ice cream.
This shaved ice is a good refreshment for a warm and sunny day. But also, it’s not an overwhelming culinary experience.
9. Kikuchi's
Overall Ratings
5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Marianne A - Mukilteo, Washington
Just off the road, this was easy to get to with covered tables for eating and waiting for your order. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich and the ginger fried chicken. My husband enjoyed the pork sandwich and fries. Nice seasoning on the fries. The chicken was lightly breaded and tucked into a sweetbread pouch. Tasty salad and loved The surprise of a cup of potato salad. My only suggestion, as it is a food truck, would be to provide a container for the salad. Difficult to eat the way it's served next to the sandwich.
10. Rob's Good Times Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By Bookworms2010
We chose Rob's to get good pub grub and watch an important basketball game on a big screen. Rob delivered. The waitress was not very attentive and closed out our tab early but we still enjoyed it and the place was packed!
