Casa Blanca at Kiahuna (tel. 808/742-2929): Elizabeth "Liz" Foley, the same culinary genius behind the Dali Deli and Café Cara, has just opened this stylish, open-air restaurant overlooking the manicured grounds of the Kiahuna Swim and Tennis Club. This casual, elegant restaurant not only is physically beautiful but serves some of the best cuisine on Kauai, including a gourmet breakfast, a creative lunch, a tapas menu of small items (each one so delicious you can make a meal of them), and probably the best dinner you will eat on Kauai.
The Beach House (tel. 808/742-1424): All reports are good from this beachfront magnet in Lawai, formerly owned by Jean-Marie Josselin, who sold it to smart Maui restaurateurs who know a good thing when they see it. Subscribing to the if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it philosophy, the new owners left the staff and operation intact. Though there has been a major cosmetic overhaul, the food is as good as ever. Beach House remains the south shore's premier spot for sunset drinks, appetizers, and dinner -- a treat for all the senses.
Dondero's (tel. 808/742-1234): If you are looking for a romantic dinner either under the stars overlooking the ocean or tucked away at an intimate table surrounded by inlaid marble floors, ornate imported floor tiles, and Franciscan murals, this is your best bet. All this atmosphere comes with the best Italian cuisine on the island, served with efficiency. It's hard to have a bad experience here. Dinners are pricey and worth every penny.
Hanapepe Café (tel. 808/335-5011): Now under new management, Hanapepe maintains the same wholesome cuisine in a casual, winning ambience that has drawn foodies for a decade. This is "the place" to get going in the morning with such draws as espresso, multi-grain pancakes, and homemade sourdough French toast. During lunchtime the place is packed with businesspeople who drive 30 minutes to eat here. On the Friday-night dinner menu, the Italian specialties shine: lasagna quattro formaggio with spinach, mushrooms, and four cheeses; crepes; and other goodies. There's no liquor license, so if you want wine, bring your own.
Caffè Coco (tel. 808/822-7990): This gets our vote for the most charming ambience on Kauai. Caffè Coco is just off the main road at the edge of a cane field in Wailua, its backyard shaded by fruit trees, with a view of Sleeping Giant Mountain. Gourmet fare is cooked to order -- and at cafe prices. The food is excellent, with vegetarian and other healthful delights such as spanakopita, homemade chai, Greek salad, fish wraps, macadamia nut-black sesame ahi with wasabi cream, and an excellent tofu-and-roast-veggie wrap.
A Pacific Cafe Kauai (tel. 808/822-0013): The first restaurant Jean-Marie Josselin opened in his burgeoning culinary empire is still the reigning fave. The signature items (tiger-eye sushi, garlic-crisped mahimahi) are staples. Foodies agree: It's the way he uses Kauai produce and seafood that gives this dining room the edge.
Lighthouse Bistro Kilauea (tel. 808/828-0481): Even if you're not on your way to the legendary Kilauea Lighthouse, this bistro is so good it's worth a special trip. The charming green-and-white wooden building next to Kong Lung Store has open sides, old-fashioned plantation architecture, open-air seating, trellises, and high ceilings. The food is excellent, an eclectic selection that highlights local ingredients in everything from fresh fish tacos and fresh fish burgers to mac nut-crusted ahi and four preparations of fresh catch -- much more elegant than usual lunchtime fare.
La Cascata (tel. 808/826-9644): The North Shore's special-occasion restaurant is sumptuous -- a Sicilian spree in Eden. Try to get here before dark, so you can enjoy the views of Bali Hai, the persimmon-colored sunset, and the waterfalls of Waialeale, all an integral part of the feast. Click your heels on the terra-cotta floors, take in the trompe l'oeil vines, train your eyes through the concertina windows, and pretend you're being served on a terrazzo in Sicily.
