3 Best Restaurants in The East Side, Kauai

Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, this chic yet casual eatery has an imaginative menu shaped by French, Japanese, and Island influences that changes daily to showcase the best of fresh local ingredients. Fresh fish features prominently---try the seared ono resting on a bed of shrimp risotto or tempura lobster tail in a rich broth dense with ramen noodles. The appetizer menu is extensive enough to create a small plates meal for the table, choosing from delights like lamb dumplings, poached scallop ravioli, crispy quail, and Korean-style short ribs. Save room for dessert, especially the deconstructed banana cream pie and tangy yuzu-lemon cheesecake.

Hualani's is bright, airy, and expansive with an unobstructed view of the ocean, delivering diners a casual yet upscale experience built on the farm-to-table concept. The food is simply and deftly prepared in an Asian-fusion style: the pan-seared opah (moonfish) is delicate, while the seared ahi is crusted in sesame seeds. Those seeking local flavors will want to try the lychee-smoked sticky ribs, arare-crusted opah, kalbi lamb chops, or Moloaa honeycomb with Kilauea goat cheese. Lunch is the best value, with fish tacos, salads, fresh fish, burgers, and smaller portions of some dinner choices, all served alongside that amazing view. The fish and beef are locally sourced, while many of the vegetables are harvested from an on-site farm. Daily happy hour offers a nice selection of appetizers. Valet parking only.

The humble hamburger gets an Asian twist at Kenji's, a small casual eatery with four outposts throughout the island that uses primarily grass-fed Kauai beef. Choose the teriyaki, veggie, truffle, or hapa burger, each topped with goodies like caramelized onions, Japanese mushrooms, and tomato jam; local favorites include loco moco (a popular local rice, beef, gravy, and eggs concoction), poke, and chicken katsu (fried cutlet) bowls. Don't miss the sushi burritos, which are actually hearty nori wraps stuffed with softshell crab, lobster, ahi, and other seafood selections. The thin crispy french fries get a lift when sprinkled with furikake, a Japanese seaweed seasoning. There is indoor and outdoor seating.