There are different types of vacations and different types of vacationers: sometimes you’re looking for local hole in the wall restaurants where you can get a plate lunch for $10 and sometimes you’re sticking closer to the resort for nice fish dinners with mai tais and sunset views.
This has long since been Kauai’s gold standard for a fancy schmancy romantic dinner. And it’s not a secret. Reservations are usually booked out a couple of months in advance so plan ahead.
If Tidepools is the old school must do dinner spot on Kauai, the Beach House is the new one. The location is superb and since Hawaii Chef Peter Merriman took over, he’s definitely instilled that Monkeypod “every night is a party” vibe into the place.
Located upstairs in the Shops at Kukui’ula, Merriman’s has a subtle plantation style atmosphere with distant sunset and ocean views.
It’s such a charming place and now I can’t wait to go back and stay there. The service here was probably the best we had anywhere on our trip (from the valet to the hostess to our server).
Lava Lava Beach Club is one of my all time favorite places in Hawaii. There’s also one on the Big Island in Waikoloa. The one on Kauai is located at the Kauai Shores (a great budget hotel if you’re looking for one!) and often has live music in the evenings.