Kauai's Best Seafood [Updated 2025]

With a total of 12 seafood establishments reviewed, I have explored every corner of Kauai's vibrant culinary scene to bring you the most exquisite seafood experiences the island has to offer. From mouthwatering crab legs to succulent shrimp dishes, this comprehensive guide will reveal the hidden gems where you can indulge in the freshest catches of the Pacific.

Whether you yearn for a fine dining experience or prefer a laid-back eatery with a view, I have meticulously curated this list to cater to all tastes and budgets. So, get ready to embark on a seafood adventure unlike any other, and uncover the best seafood in Kauai!

Red Salt

Highlights
Quality for Price
Amazing Smokey Flavor
Whole Lobster's Worth of Meat
Excellent Service
Fabulous Sushi Menu

Let me start off by saying that Red Salt not only offers excellent seafood but also provides great value for your money. The quality for price ratio is truly impressive.

As soon as you step into the restaurant, you'll be greeted by the tantalizing aroma of smoky flavors. The chefs at Red Salt know how to infuse the perfect amount of smokiness into their seafood dishes, giving them a unique and memorable taste.

Now, let's talk about portion sizes. Brace yourself, because when I ordered the whole lobster, I was amazed by the generous amount of meat that was served. It was like getting a lobster feast all to myself! The lobster meat was succulent, tender, and bursting with flavor.

Not only is the food exceptional, but the service at Red Salt is also top-notch. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are more than happy to answer any questions and make recommendations to suit your preferences.

Lastly, I was delighted to find that Red Salt offers a fabulous selection of sushi. Their sushi menu features a variety of creative and fresh options, with an emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients.

Overall, my experience at Red Salt was nothing short of fabulous. From the quality for price, to the amazing smokey flavor, to the whole lobster's worth of meat, and the excellent service, this restaurant truly delivers on all fronts. If you're in Kauai and looking for the best seafood in town, look no further than Red Salt.

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Lava Lava Beach Club

Highlights
Beautiful ocean view
Delicious strawberry banana smoothie
Excellent service
Fish and Chips with Chili Lime Tartar sauce

Let me start by saying, wow. Lava Lava Beach Club not only offers a stunning ocean view but also serves up some seriously delicious seafood. As I sat at my table, gazing out at the crystal-clear waters, I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility.

To kick things off, I decided to quench my thirst with their strawberry banana smoothie. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer. The blend of fresh berries and ripe bananas was the perfect refreshing treat on a warm day in Kauai.

Now, let's talk about the food. The service at Lava Lava Beach Club was simply top-notch. The staff greeted me with a warm aloha, and throughout my meal, they were attentive and friendly.

But let's get down to the star of the show – the seafood. I opted for the Fish and Chips, and boy, oh boy, was it a treat. The crispy batter perfectly encased the tender fish, and the accompanying Chili Lime Tartar sauce added a zesty kick that took it to another level. Each bite was a blissful explosion of flavors.

Overall, my experience at Lava Lava Beach Club was nothing short of fantastic. With its beautiful ocean view, delicious smoothies, excellent service, and delectable Fish and Chips, it truly deserves a spot on the list of the best seafood in Kauai.

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Pono Market

Highlights
Local Hawaiian dishes
Reasonable prices
Convenient location
Street parking available
Sentimental journey

As I walked into Pono Market, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked seafood filled the air, triggering an immediate craving in my taste buds. This place is a delight for seafood lovers, offering a variety of local Hawaiian dishes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

One of the first things that stood out to me was the reasonable prices at Pono Market. Unlike many other seafood establishments in Kauai, Pono Market offers exceptional quality without breaking the bank. It's a true gem for budget-conscious seafood enthusiasts.

Located conveniently in the heart of Kauai, Pono Market is easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike. And the best part? Street parking is available, making it a hassle-free experience for visitors.

But what truly sets Pono Market apart is the sentimental journey it takes you on. The flavors of the dishes transport you to another time and place – a true taste of Hawaii's culinary heritage. Each bite is like a symphony, with perfectly cooked seafood harmonizing beautifully with the aromatic spices and seasonings.

Whether you're a local looking for a quick and delicious seafood fix or a visitor in search of authentic Hawaiian cuisine, Pono Market should be at the top of your list. With its local Hawaiian dishes, reasonable prices, convenient location, and sentimental journey through flavors, this hidden gem in Kauai is a must-visit. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Merriman's Kauai

In just 50 words:

You guys, Merriman's Kauai in Kauai is a seafood paradise! 🌊🦞 The freshness of their seafood is unbeatable and the flavors are out of this world. 🌟🐟 From succulent lobster to melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, this place is a must-try for any seafood lover craving an unforgettable culinary adventure. 🍽️🌴

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Oasis on the Beach

Oasis on the Beach in Kauai is an absolute oceanic paradise. With its breathtaking setting right by the beach, this seafood haven offers an array of tantalizing dishes that truly transport you to seafood nirvana. From succulent ahi poke to melt-in-your-mouth grilled mahi-mahi, every bite is a seafood symphony. Don't forget to indulge in their heavenly crab cakes, a true delicacy. Oasis on the Beach is a treasure trove for seafood enthusiasts seeking a memorable dining experience in Kauai.

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Konohiki Seafoods

Konohiki Seafoods in Kauai is a hidden gem! The freshness of their seafood is unparalleled, and the attention to detail in their preparation is exceptional. From their succulent ahi poke to their buttery garlic shrimp, Konohiki Seafoods truly knows how to satisfy seafood lovers. Get ready for a delightful culinary adventure!

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Lemongrass Grill - Kauai

Fresh and flavorful, Lemongrass Grill - Kauai in Kauai serves up some seriously amazing seafood. From the succulent shrimp to the tender fish, every bite is a burst of oceanic bliss. With a playful twist to their dishes, this spot definitely gets my vote for the best seafood in Kauai!

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Duke's Kauai

Duke's Kauai in Kauai offers an oceanic experience with its delightful seafood menu. From the freshly caught fish to the succulent shrimp, every bite is like a taste of paradise. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff make this spot a top contender for the best seafood in Kauai.

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Sleeping Giant Grill

Sleeping Giant Grill in Kauai is a seafood lover's dream come true. Their menu offers a mouthwatering selection of oceanic delicacies that will make your taste buds dance with delight. From succulent shrimp to buttery scallops, every bite is a flavor explosion. Don't sleep on this gem; it's a seafood paradise!

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Naupaka Terrace Restaurant

Naupaka Terrace Restaurant in Kauai left me feeling shell-shocked with their exceptional seafood offerings. From succulent shrimp to mouthwatering mahi-mahi, their menu is a sea of flavors. The attention to detail and freshness of each dish was evident with every bite. Prepare to be caught hook, line, and sinker at this delightful dining spot.

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Sam's Ocean View Restaurant Kapaa Kauai

I must admit, I was hooked from the moment I stepped into Sam's Ocean View Restaurant Kapaa Kauai. The cozy atmosphere and breathtaking ocean view made for a truly memorable dining experience. But let's get down to the catch of the day – the seafood. Sam's offers a delectable selection of fresh-from-the-sea dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning seafood lovers. From succulent lobster and crab to perfectly grilled fish, each bite was a burst of oceanic goodness. What sets Sam's apart is their commitment to sourcing locally and sustainably harvested seafood. Every dish was bursting with freshness and bore a delightful hint of the surrounding Kauai flavors. The ahi poke appetizer was particularly outstanding, with its tender cubes of marinated tuna and zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Service at Sam's was as smooth as a gentle wave. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, providing insightful recommendations to complement our seafood feast. If you find yourself craving a seafood adventure in Kauai, be sure to make a stop at Sam's Ocean View Restaurant Kapaa Kauai. With its captivating view, top-notch seafood, and charming service, it truly deserves its spot among the best seafood establishments on the island.

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The Fish Express

The Fish Express in Kauai is a seafood lover's paradise. From their fresh catch of the day to their delectable shrimp dishes, this place knows how to satisfy taste buds. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a quick and tasty seafood fix. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this hidden gem in Kauai!

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