jtkauai

The quality of food here just wouldn't warrant an island-wide review. If you're hungry when driving around, just stop and eat. The quality will be more the same than different. There are things that stand out, that people really like, for example, Hamura's Saimin (discussed in previous Kauai restaurant threads). That's Lihue. Or if you have something specific in mind, please do ask.

Costco opened in October (not sure I understood your reference). Lots of regular visitors to Kauai don't yet know it is here, and we see tourists there buying food (and gas) all the time. So I thought it might be helpful to mention it again.

We're always traveling and how I'd view and rate restaurants isn't different whether they are here at home on Kauai or in New Delhi, Sydney, Beijing or Las Vegas. We do like to self-cater when traveling (while seeking and eating out at exceptional places where and when they can be found, and at other places in a pinch). We're very much looking forward to a favorite Pizza restaurant in Hobart (Tasmania) next weekend.

Orchids

Appreciate your thoughts.

kaukau

Speaking of grabbing a bite whilst on the road, Mrs. kaukau and I always stop by Ono Charburger in Anahola for the best burgers in the state, in our humble opinion!

jtkauai

Hi kaukau,

We've never stopped there -- it just looks, well, uh, bad. But it is always busy. So we'll try it next time and report.

JT

tlhanger

I do look forward to dining at Roy's. Love the creme Brulee.

Fredd

Yes, we left a note about that in the guestbook in our condo, as nobody had mentioned it. ^ Now I know why.

We also gassed up our rental car there the morning we returned it. It's within a couple of miles of the airport, isn't it?

Orchids

Thanks for mentioning Costco, it was helpful, and I'm sure a lot of other people will appreciate knowing about it, too!

ILuvParis

Roy's is my favorite. Everyone routinely complains that it's a chain and you can supposedly get the same food at any Roy's. Not true. Each Roy's executive chef is responsible for the menu. The butterfish at Roy's Poipu is the best seafood I have ever had anywhere. I have had it many times. Desserts are great. Excellent chocolate souffle, the best pineapple upside down cake ever (I know, sounds boring, but it isn't). I had lime panna cotta there once that was one of the more outstanding desserts I've had.

Keoki's Paradise has excellent steaks. If you want to go cheap and eat on the burger side, don't. Very disappointing.

I found Gaylord's mediocre and Gaylord's for breakfast is even more disappointing.

Many people love Casa di Amici for Italian at Poipu Beach. I think it's OK, but found the owner, who sometimes cooks, sometimes plays water boy to be super annoying.

gogogo

Hi! I'm new to this site (actually my first post...) but have visited Kauai every year for the past 10. A must at every visit is Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo (south side near Poipu). OUTSTANDING!!!!! They brush the crust with garlic butter. Yum!

ILuvParis

Well, for pizza, I would have to agree with you. It may just be the most expensive pizza you'll ever have too!

Fellow Flyertalker Mary2e says that Brick Oven sausage is the best she's had outside Brooklyn. (I think that's a compliment!

jtkauai

Brick oven, very near our home, is perennially popular. But I find it to be greasy, over-cheesed, and made using poor quality ingredients. It's also way overpriced for all that it isn't. The only pizza around here that is (decidedly) worse, is at Costco.

Next time we're headed for NY, I'm going to PM Mary2e and find out where to get real pizza.

ILuvParis

well, if you don't like Brick Oven, you might not like her recommendation. I also like Pizzeta in Koloa Village.

bpratt

I'm bummed to hear about Pacific Cafe, we haven't been back in a few years but used to love it. Roy's in Poipu also used to be very good, much better than the other locations I've tried (San Francisco, Carmel, and Tokyo), sorry to hear they've gone downhill.

If the OP likes wine, I'd definitely suggest bringing your own if you go the cooking route. Admittedly, we're wine snobs, but the selection available for purchase on the island was not great.
Bob

Ducatibiker

A big thank you to all of you for taking the time to write all those excellent suggestions and ideas. I look forward to try them on this trip.

Mary2e

This born & bred NYC Italian is going to have to disagree. I found the pizza outstanding. The ingredients were fresh fresh fresh. The salad tasted like it was just picked. As ILuvParis said, the sausage was homemade.

It's expensive for pizza, but we didn't mind paying it because it's that good.

As for your next trip to NYC, I'll be happy to point you in the right direction so you can get some real pizza. I may even take you there myself