Hawaii: 3 fantastic new Kauai restaurants, from Lawai to Kapa’a

Dining out is more expensive than ever, especially in Kauai and throughout the islands. But when you tire of the groceries in your Vrbo fridge — and you will — venture to the south shore for some memorable eats at Kiawe Roots, Fish Deli Bar and Koloa Pizza Kitchen + Bar. All three restaurants opened in 2021, and each brings something unique to the Garden Isle.

Kiawe Roots is the offspring of Kauai’s Roots in Culture food truck. Last year, the family downsized this brick-and-mortar operation, moving from the site it had occupied at Poipu’s The Shops at Kukui’ula since 2018 to a 7-Eleven-adjacent space in the tiny town of Lawai. Fish Deli Bar — it excels at all three — is a reimagined version of The Local Kauai and offers some of the best seafood and sandwiches on the island. And Koloa Pizza Kitchen + Bar is just that: a fabulously reliable spot for blistered pies and cocktails.

Kiawe Roots, Lawai

Kiawe means mesquite in Hawaiian, and this chef-driven gem located six miles northeast of Poipu brings modern flair to Hawaiian and Texas-style cookouts. Inside, a wall-sized Punky Aloha mural breaks up the dining room’s neutral tones. The family-owned Kiawe Roots is tiny, with just eight to 10 tables, so be sure to snag a reservation, especially if you’re going for dinner.

Mesquite-smoked meat is the star, and the Smoked Meat Platter ($45) is perfect for two people to enjoy, with its generous helpings of succulent smoked brisket, pulled pork and pork ribs with peppered guava and habanero honey sauces. The tangy calamansi slaw makes an excellent side.

Craving cocktails and pupus? The smoked cheese pasta ($15) and fried Brussels sprouts ($14) with candied macadamia nuts and pickled beets deserve your attention, as does the lilikoi margarita ($16), which gets its kick from muddled serrano peppers.

Details: Opens at 8 a.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. Saturdays at 2-3687 Kaumualii Highway, Lawai; www.eatatkiawe.com

Fish Bar Deli,  Kapa’a

This seafood deli, bar and fine foods market is a must-stop for the gastronomically-obsessed. Located in the heart of old Kapa’a town, it features a retail section with island-sourced spirits, sauces, chocolates — you name it — and a stylish bar churning out fresh-squeezed cocktails. The Garden Drink ($17) is a zippy house-pressed green juice spiked with Maui Ocean Organic Vodka.

Most of the sandwiches and specialties highlight sustainable seafood from the glass case and often include a ceviche or other stand-out seafood dish, like tuna belly fish and chips ($25/$31) or ahi bruschetta (market price). Fish Bar Deli is also known for elevated salads and vegan eats, including a massive Vegan Kale Caesar ($9/$17) that’s topped with toasted pepitas and nutritional yeast. It feeds two and is made with locally-grown kale.

Don’t miss the housemade bread and desserts — and a ramen pop-up from chef Aaron Matson of Do Buta Ramen on Sundays and Mondays.

Details: Open from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday for walk-ins only at 4-1380 Kuhio Highway, Kapa’a; www.fishbardeli.com.

Koloa Pizza Kitchen + Bar, Koloa

This part of Kauai boasts a plethora of fantastic food trucks, but their hours of operation can be a bit wonky. So this modern, family-friendly pizzeria is a welcome addition to the Koloa dining scene. The hip, black and white interior is punctuated by plants, and a lush rear lanai is a perfect spot to sip an Aperol spritz or mojito made with Koloa Rum ($15).