Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Hamachi Crudo
Crispy Rice
Fettuccine Pomodoro
Lobster Linguine
About
Naisla Kitchen and Cocktails
Welcome to Naisla Kitchen and Cocktails, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Kapaʻa, Hawaii. Located at 4-369 Kuhio Hwy, this restaurant boasts an enchanting atmosphere that pairs beautifully with its innovative menu, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors. With a commitment to excellence, Naisla presents a dynamic dining experience that showcases the best of contemporary Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine.
The moment you step into Naisla, you're greeted not just by a stunning ambiance but also by an energetic vibe that makes you feel right at home. The attentive staff, exemplified by talented servers like Michael, brings passion and knowledge, ensuring diners have a memorable experience from start to finish. Their recommendations are expertly curated, guiding guests through a menu that promises to delight.
For starters, indulge in the Hamachi Crudo or the deliciously crispy Chicken Karaage, each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The Arancini stands out as a perfect introduction to the culinary artistry at play here. As for beverages, the sake selection is impressive, featuring offerings like Dassai Daigingo and Hana Hou Sparkling, which complement the exquisite dishes flawlessly.
As your dining experience unfolds, delve into the main courses where the Lobster Linguini and Braised Short Rib take center stage. The risotto accompanying the short rib is a standout, crafted with care and depth of flavor that marks it a guest favorite. Vegetarian options shine as well; the chef’s special Shishito Peppers with miso honey aioli promises each bite a melding of sweet and savory that tantalizes the palate.
Desserts at Naisla are equally captivating. The Choco Lava Cake garnished with berry compote becomes the perfect end to a sublime meal. Compliments to Chef Pat, whose mastery transforms every plate into a work of art.
This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where culinary dreams come alive, celebrated by reviews from delighted diners like Kelley Coates and Kiley McGahan, who tout it as the best meal on Kauai. With stunning cocktails and a well-curated wine list, every component of your experience is tailored to ensure perfection.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Naisla Kitchen and Cocktails is a must-try. Get ready for a culinary journey that reflects the heart and soul of Hawaii, one dish at a time.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Holy ******! Wow! Not said lightly, best meal I have had this year. Easily the best we have had on Kauai this week and rivals some great places we've had in our hometown, San Diego. (Please come to North Park) Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Service from Michael was excellent. He really had a passion for food and had great recommendations. We tried the scallops and crispy rice for appetizers. Both were excellent but the scallops were amazing! For our mains we did the lobster linguini and then braised short rib. Again both were excellent, the risoto and flavor combos with the short rib stole the show. We capped our evening off with a lovely coffee cake and ice cream. I cannot recommend this place enough. It is a must try on your Kauai itinerary. ”
“ Wow what a gem. Lovely staff in one of the prettiest restaurants on the island. We loved all of the food but the butterfish with soba was really outstanding. Thanks so much!! Also a cute sake selection. What more could you want? ”
“ The BEST dinner place in Kauai. As a vegetarian, I’m always skeptical going to a Japanese influenced restaurant but this place exceeded my expectations. Service was great and the food was incredible. We had the chefs special shishito peppers with a miso honey aioli which honestly took us back to a yakitori place in Kyoto. Then for the mains I had the most luscious pesto vegetarian pasta!! The highlight was the Maui sweet onion tempura which added the perfect crunch to the whole dish. My husband had the lightly seared ahi with wasabi which according to him was paired so well with the cold soba noodles creating melancholy of both temperature and spice (hot and cold). Dessert was a Choco lava cake which was perfectly cooked and the pairing of the strawberry and raspberry compote made this the perfect way to end the meal. Our compliments to the chef!! We will be back if we ever return to Kauai again :) ”
“ We really love this place and sit at the bar. Service is always excellent. Shout out to both Natalie and Stephanie but frankly the entire staff are wonderful. Their drink list and wine list is also really good. Every dish we've had has been great. We particularly like the crispy rice app and all the pasta dishes. The fresh catch was excellent at our recent visit. This will stay high on our list for our yearly visits to Kauai. ”
“ Hands down the best dinner I have had on this island. Such incredible dishes with so much flavor and uniqueness. Everything was delicious from the cocktails, wine , appetizers and entrees . 10 out of 10 . Cannot recommend enough! Chef Pat is so talented !! We will definitely be returning as much as possible !!! ”
“ Everything was superb! The scallop appetizer with truffle potatoes was incredible. The tuna carpaccio with the Roa felt just beautiful in my mouth! Perfectly balanced flavors in every bite. The pasta Pomodoro with three meatballs was really yummy. We also had the spicy margarita which was quite spicy and very delicious. The service was really sharp and really fast and really friendly. Can’t say enough about this place. It’s a gem. ”
“ Naisla Kitchen and Cocktails is an absolute gem! We had dinner there right after landing, and it was the perfect way to kick off our trip. The food was incredible, and the portions were huge! The arancini is a must-try. I was so hungry that I couldn’t even take a picture, but trust me, it’s amazing! The service was also great. The staff was friendly and attentive. If you’re ever in the area, make sure to check out Naisla Kitchen and Cocktails. You won’t regret it! Cheers! ”
“ Impressed with our food and service was great. The arancini was notable and delicious, my jidori chicken was cooked to perfection. Really great meal. I would eat here again. ”