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Aina Kauai Restaurant, Kapaa, HI

Aina Kauai Restaurant

5.0
5
406 Reviews
$50 and over
Japanese Speciality

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 1 time today
Experiences are available.
  • Healthy
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Located in the heart of Kapa‘a town, ‘Āina Kaua‘i offers creative and delicious Japanese cuisine that highlights the flavors and bounty of Kaua’i. The menu features produce harvested at peak freshness from local farms, highlighting each element through refined Japanese cooking techniques. The open kitchen allows guests to observe the preparation of courses, while the choice “Chef’s Counter” features four exclusive seats where guests can interact with the chef throughout their meal. Guests can select libations from a drink menu which includes premium sake, Japanese beer, and wine. Hale ‘Aina Award Winner "Best Kaua‘i Restaurant" 2023 and 2024.

Reservations required. Dietary restrictions must be confirmed by email (eat@ainakauai.com) before making a reservation. No refunds, changes, or cancellations.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Japanese Speciality, Creative Japanese, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Thu, Sat 18:00–19:00
  • Phone number
    (808) 698-6449
  • Website
    http://www.ainakauai.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Please contact us at eat@ainakauai.com for catering.
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact us at eat@ainakauai.com to reserve for a private event.
  • Location
    4-985 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746-1551
  • Area
    Kapaa
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Beer, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Robatayaki Dinner Set

    US$95.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    An intimate dining experience featuring the art of cooking with binchō-tan charcoal. Namasu green papaya, macadamia ohitashi greens, Japanese & purple rice, sashimi grade Hawaiian ahi tataki with house made island ponzu and wasabi mayo, Snake River wagyu beef with aka miso, sake dipped Ali'i mushroom, Jidori chicken with Kauai ginger tare, market vegetables with garlic chive oil, miso soup. No refunds, changes, or cancellations regardless of reason. Dietary restrictions must be declared and approved by email (eat@ainakauai.com) *** before **** making a reservation. We cannot accommodate restrictions given at time of service. No refunds for restrictions declared after making a reservation. We cannot accommodate the gluten free dietary restriction. Specific menu items subject to change.
    Robatayaki Dinner Set photo

  • Sakana Dinner Set

    US$95.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    An intimate dining experience featuring locally caught fish marinated in sake kasu, cooked sous vide, with mango saikyo miso sauce made with peak of season Moloa'a mangoes. Additional plates include ahi tartare, namasu green papaya, macadamia ohitashi greens, agebitashi eggplant, Japanese & purple rice, and osuimono soup. No refunds, changes, or cancellations regardless of reason. Dietary restrictions must be declared and approved by email (eat@ainakauai.com) *** before **** making a reservation. We cannot accommodate restrictions given at time of service. No refunds for restrictions declared after making a reservation. We cannot accommodate the gluten free dietary restriction. Specific menu items subject to change.
    Sakana Dinner Set photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 406 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

5.0
5 based on recent ratings
  • 5Food
  • 5Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Hawaii

    Best Overall

  • Hawaii

    Best Food

  • Hawaii

    Best Service

  • Hawaii

    Best Ambience

  • Hawaii

    Best Value

  • Hawaii

    Healthy

  • Hawaii

    Good for special occasions

  • Kauai

    Best Overall

  • Kauai

    Best Food

  • Kauai

    Best Service

  • Kauai

    Best Ambience

  • Kauai

    Best Value

  • Kauai

    Innovative

  • Kauai

    Healthy

  • Kauai

    Great for fine wines

  • Kauai

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Aina Kauai Restaurant offers a "unique and delicious experience" on the island, with Chef Mitch crafting exquisite meals using the freshest ingredients. Guests rave about the "best restaurant by far in Kauai," highlighting the chef's passion, attention to detail, and elegant presentation. Reservations are coveted for this "amazing culinary experience."

406 Reviews

  1. Katie

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Chef Mitch dedicates his time and energy to ensuring you are receiving the best service and the highest quality of food. This man is a one man show, and his service and cooking was incredible. Everything is so meticulously crafted and the delivery of food is so thought out. He also has his own farm in Kaua’i so it is truly farm to table. He respects the food of Kaua’i and it is shown throughout the entire course. Thank you Chef Mitch for providing such a wonderful experience during our stay, we will be back for the fish course in the future!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Raja S

    VIP

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great fine dining experience. Loved every bit of it!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Catherine

    VIP

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The dinner was exceptional. Each course was beautifuly presented and delicious. I ate every bite! Mitchell is a gracious host and a talented chef. We are lucky to have him on the island. You’ll love having dinner here!!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Edward

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a wonderful experience. The service and food was indescribably wonderful. Our second visit and we are looking forward to our third.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Bill

    San Francisco

    41 reviews

    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on 25 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Aina Kauai continues to be by far the best restaurant on the Island. The Chef/Owner does everything himself and brings exquisite detail to everything he does, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to crafting a curated menu that dazzles - all at a price well below most comparable restaurants. It is truly worthy of Michelin consideration.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. Carol

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 23 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wow!! What an amazing culinary experience!! From the first course to dessert you will receive an over the top dining event! The chef is a master and the food is delicious and presented with such elegance. This is by far the best meal we had in Kauai. The fish was prepared with such care and ambition. The beautiful presentation of each course enhances the delicious food. You will be lucky to get a reservation at this incredible restaurant.

    1 person found this helpful

  7. sherston

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Totally unique and delicious experience. The Chef’s personal attention to every detail and our interactions with him at the table made it especially amazing. 

    1 person found this helpful

  8. Robert

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really great job…if you like Japanese style food this is the place! My wife is not super into Japanese food, but even she liked it! I work for a Japanese company, and eat in Japan often. This was spot on, from my experiences in Japan. Well done. I love the chef’s passion for what he does.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. Richard

    VIP

    Austin

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 2 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Chef Mitch created a spectacular meal and beverage pairing! The restaurant is lovely and it was a very limited seating so you got to interact with the chef for every course. I wish we could have gotten in for the kebab event during our visit. Book early! Thank you Chef!

    1 person found this helpful

  10. OpenTable Diner

    VIP

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 21 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A must when on Kauai. Thoughtful, fantastic, and delicious!

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Aina Kauai Restaurant is rated 5 stars by 406 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 1 time today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Aina Kauai Restaurant

4-985 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746-1551

Additional information

  • Area
    Kapaa
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Thu, Sat 18:00–19:00
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Japanese Speciality, Creative Japanese, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.ainakauai.com/
  • Phone number
    (808) 698-6449
  • Catering
    Please contact us at eat@ainakauai.com for catering.
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact us at eat@ainakauai.com to reserve for a private event.
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