NEIGHBOR ISLAND DINING
The Neighbor Island restaurant scene is a changeable one, but also tends to be where innovative and experimental concepts get started. Here's a quick tour.
KAUA'I
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| Blossoming Lotus vegetarian restaurant in Kapa'a, Kaua'i, serves "Vegan Fusion" food, including Surya's Fire-Roasted Gazpacho.
Amy Archbold photo
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Jean Marie Josselin's A Pacific Cafe, (808) 822-0013, continues to draw repeat customers for the sophisticated cross-cultural menu and great wine list; Jean-Marie's back at the helm. At the other end of the spectrum, but equally a must, is 2004 'Ilima Award winner Hamura Saimin Stand, (808) 245-3271, in Lihu'e, a retro Formica experience with the noble noodle as the sole star; ridiculously inexpensive, possibly the best saimin in the Islands.Just out of town, Gaylord's at Kilohana, (808) 245-9593, a beautiful restaurant in a stately plantation-era home, is a favorite of Kaua'i residents for special occasions. Out Po'ipu way, the Hyatt Regency Kauai, (808) 742-1234, is home to two exceptional eateries: Tidepools, for its thatched roof and koi pond setting (straightforward steaks and seafood); and Dondero's, for its romantic room and exceptional Italian food. 'Ilima voters gave the nod to The Beach House Restaurant, (808) 742-1424, in 2002 and 2003. Roy's Po'ipu Bar & Grill, (808) 742-5000, has expanded and is still ever-busy; great food, understanding service. The Hanapepe Cafe, (808) 335-5011, is a light-filled old plantation-era building — good-tasting, healthful food. For vegans and friends, Blossoming Lotus in Kapa'a, (808) 822-7678, offers an intriguing world fusion menu and has a new cookbook out; they're expanding.We're nuts about Duane's Ono Charburgers (halfway to Hanalei on the highway), offering a variety of big, juicy hamburgers and a shady picnic spot in which to enjoy them. In Hanalei, there are almost too many restaurant choices: Try Neide's Salsa and Samba, (808) 826-1851, for Mexican and Brazilian food; Bamboo Bamboo, (808) 826-1177, for light, international-contemporary pasta, pizzas and salads; Hanalei Mixed Plate, (808) 826-7888, for generous and inexpensive local-style plate lunches; Postcards Cafe, (808) 826-1191, for healthful, sophisticated food.
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VS: Visa
MC: Mastercard
AX: American Express
DC: Diners Club
DS: Discover Card
JCB: JCB Card
Olioli: Olioli Card |
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$$$: Pricey; entrées mostly more than $17
$$: Moderate; entrées $10-$16
$: Budget-friendly; entrées mostly less than $10
Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only
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