South Shore Restaurants

The sunny South Shore offers the best of both worlds. You can spend one day indulging in world-class resort dining with spectacular sunset views, and the next day enjoying iconic, budget-friendly eats from a takeout window with your feet in the sand. A perfect Poipu vacation involves experiencing both.

The Beach House (Koloa)

Price: $$$$
Vibe: Simply the best sunset view on Kauai. This stunning oceanfront restaurant offers upscale Pacific Rim cuisine in an open-air setting where every seat feels like the best in the house.

My Must-Try Dish: The Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi is a classic Hawaiian dish executed to perfection here. Pair it with their signature Monkeypod Mai Tai, which is topped with a delightful honey-lilikoi foam.

Tidepools (Koloa)

Price: $$$$
Vibe: Unforgettably romantic. The restaurant consists of a series of thatched-roof bungalows that appear to float above a koi-filled lagoon, complete with the gentle sound of waterfalls in the background.

My Must-Try Dish: Trust the chef and order the nightly fresh fish special. They source incredible fish and prepare it in a way that highlights its freshness.

Inside Info: This is my top recommendation for a truly special occasion like an anniversary or proposal. The ambiance is pure magic and worth the splurge.

Merriman's Fish House (Koloa)

Price: $$$$
Vibe: Farm-to-table elegance in a historic plantation setting. Chef Peter Merriman is a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and his commitment to using sourced ingredients (over 90%) shines through in every dish.

My Must-Try Dish: The Wok-Charred Ahi is a signature dish for a reason, served with a wasabi-soy sauce that perfectly complements the seared fish.

Eating House 1849 (Koloa)

Price: $$$
Vibe: A tribute to Hawaii's culinary past by the renowned Chef Roy Yamaguchi. The atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, set in a modern plantation-style building in the Shops at Kukuiʻula.

My Must-Try Dish: The Misoyaki Butterfish is a dish Roy Yamaguchi is famous for across his restaurants, and it's absolutely fantastic here—rich, buttery, and perfectly cooked.

Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs (Poipu)

Price: $
Vibe: A fun, casual, and uniquely Kauai experience that even Anthony Bourdain had to try. It's a must-do for a quick and delicious lunch before or after hitting Poipu Beach.

My Must-Try Dish: Get the classic Polish sausage in their special toasted bun with the pineapple relish, mild garlic lemon sauce, and a drizzle of Aunty Lilikoi's Hawaiian mustard. It's a flavor explosion.

Da Crack Mexican Grinds (Koloa)

Price: $
Vibe: A tiny, unassuming takeout window next to Kukuiʻula Market that serves what many consider the best burrito on the island. There's no seating, so plan to take it to go.

My Must-Try Dish: The fish burrito is massive, affordable, and packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Get it loaded with everything—you won't regret it.

Koloa Fish Market (Koloa)

Price: $
Vibe: An authentic, old-school spot. This small, no-frills market is where you'll find some of the freshest and most delicious poke on the South Shore. Be aware that they sometimes close early if they sell out.

My Must-Try Dish: You can't go wrong with any of their poke, but the classic Shoyu Ahi Poke is a perfect place to start. Grab a container and a side of rice for a perfect beach picnic.

Inside Info: This is where folks go for their poke fix. A tourist mistake is waiting until late in the afternoon to visit. Get there before noon to ensure you get the best selection.