tuna poke dish

South Shore

South Kauai is a vibrant blend of sunshine, surf, and sensational food that captures the essence of island living. From the historic town of Koloa to the beachside haven of Poipu, this region serves up a delicious mix of traditional Hawaiian flavors and global influences. What makes restaurants on the South shore of Kauai stand out is its laid-back charm combined with surprising culinary depth. Whether you’re grabbing a hearty loco moco at a roadside diner or indulging in fresh ahi tacos by the beach, every bite tells a story of island heritage and innovation.

This part of the island is also a haven for fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and creative chefs who fuse Hawaiian ingredients with Asian, Latin, and mainland American styles. Shrimp trucks sizzle with garlic butter, farm-to-table cafés highlight Kauai-grown greens, and dessert stops offer warm malasadas or tropical gelato under swaying palm trees.

Unlike other destinations where food is just a side note, restaurants on the South shore of Kauai demand you slow down and savor every stop. From beach shack to bistro, the flavor is bold, soulful, and deeply tied to the island’s rhythm. Missing a single spot here isn’t just skipping a meal—it’s skipping a slice of paradise.

Come experience other amazing dishes if you’re on the North, East, or West part of the island.

Koloa

AMerican & Hawaiian Cuisine

  • Table at Poipu – 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St STE F207A, Koloa, HI 96756
  • The Beach House – 5022 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Merriman’s – 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Eating House 1849 – 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St A-201, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Holo Holo Grill – 8581, 2641 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Kauai Island Brewing Co. – 4350 Waialo Rd, Eleele, HI 96705
  • Leong’s Market & Grill – 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Koloa Fish Market – 3390 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Breakfast & Brunch

  • Anuenue Café – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Dark Horse Coffee Roasters – 5521 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Break + Feast – 5460 Koloa Rd A201, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Little Fish – 2294 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Casual dining

  • Kalapaki Joe’s – 1941 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • The Cabana Bar & Grill – 2290 Poipu Rd #9533, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Da Crack Mexican Grinds – 2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Paco’s Taco’s – 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Friendly Waves – 5460 Koloa Rd STE B-201, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Kauai Poke Co. – 2250 Ainako St, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Leahi Health – 3450 Poipu Rd Ste. 15-01, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Porky’s – 5460 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Cocktails / Tapas

  • The Tasting Room (Wine) – 5476 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Indian

  • That Indian Place – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756

Italian Pizza

  • Koloa Pizza Kitchen – 5408 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • La Spezia – 5492 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Isola Cucina – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756

Steak / Seafood

  • Keoki’s Paradise – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Red Salt – 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Tidepools – 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • RumFire – 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Sushi / Asian fusion

  • Keoki’s Paradise – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Red Salt – 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Tidepools – 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • RumFire – 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Kalaheo

Casual Dining

  • Brick Oven Pizza – 2-2555 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741
  • Paco’s Tacos Cantina – 854 Puu Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741
  • Kauai Kookie Bakery & Kitchen – 2-2436 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741

Breakfast

  • Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee – 2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741

Cocktails / Tapas

  • Drift Kauai – 3540 Koloa Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Poipu

Casual Eateries

  • Brennecke’s – 2100 Hoone Rd, Poipu, HI 96756
  • Puka Dog – 2100 Hoone Rd, Poipu, HI 96756

Grocery & Cafe

  • Living Foods – 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St Suite 124, Poipu, HI 96756
PIKO Favorites
  • Mucho Aloha Brewhouse – 5330 A, 5330 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Java Kai – JK Koloa, 5356 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
  • Kenji Burger – 5404 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

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