Hanalei Restaurants

What a wonderful and enjoyable Valentine’s dinner at Naisla! We were seated immediately for our 6:00 reservation and greeted by the great staff. I love and appreciate how the restaurant operates…while everyone has their “role” the teamwork and camaraderie is a joy to observe! They are on their game 110%! The food is amazing and so fresh. We started with the arancini and crudo hamachi, had the refreshing local salad and lobster and garden pasta. Just divine! Our desserts (lava cake and raspberry cheesecake were spectacular. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful restaurant on the island. Feel blessed as locals to be able to return soon for another delicious dining experience!

Our experience was outstanding! We loved every minute of the experience, from the beautiful setting, the decor, the very responsive service, our beverages and, especially, the food. We started with the garlic covered baked rolls. Our friends had a caesar salad while we very much enjoyed our perfectly cooked and seasoned scallops (3) of large size that my partner and I shared. Both couples had one serving apiece of the macadamia nut coated mahi-mahi, which, again, was perfectly cooked and delicious. Their special "cole slaw" was delicious. The staff cut the portions in half in the kitchen without our specific instructions, knowing that 4 people were sharing two orders. The beautiful presentation of the fish was thus preserved. Our friend was celebrating her birthday and was rewarded with a creme brûlée for dessert, as were we. We paid for ours. They also split the bill in three, instead of 2 or 4, so the three of us could each contribute to our friend's birthday celebration. We loved the whole experience.

This is the best place to view the sunset so get there early for a drink and a spot on the lawn. It attracts a crowd so be prepared for the hunt for a parking spot! We came to this restaurant 40 years ago and now I remember why I remember! The drinks, service, and food were outstanding. The menu is somewhat limited but I suppose that’s why everything is expertly prepared and delivered piping hot to the table! Our server was so helpful and friendly in describing the dishes. To top it off we shared a coconut crème brûlée. A must. There is a respectable wine list both by the glass and bottle. If we lived here, it would be a favorite spot!

Beach front table waiting for us as requested. Welcome birthday glass of champagne when we were seated. Very relaxed ambience. We weren't rushed at all. Food was great - Taro chips to start, then salad with beef short rib for mains. All very delicious, beef melted in your mouth. We have eaten here every time we come to Kauai for over 10 years and this restaurant never disappoints. A bonus was an incredible whale show just offshore right in front of the restaurant.

From the delightful reception with Lilly to the outstanding service (with a smile) with the bar service manager and the efficiency and knowledge of Jeff, our server and to top it off with very tasteful dishes, excellent wine and an ambience matched by no other restaurant in the world . . . my bride of 48 years and I had had one of the most inviting evenings out in all of our years. Thank you, thank you, thank you Gaylords of the Plantation House restaurant. In the memorable words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, "I'll be back!"