Have lived on Kauai for 20 years and last night was my first dinner at the Bistro in Kilauea. I was happily surprised. The Bistro is very neighborhoody...didn't see too many folks that were tourists. Food and service were both good. We had the fish special (swordfish - cooked right and not dry as swordfish tends to be) and the beef. Both were delicious. The dining room is not overcrowded and there are several nooks so you can actually enjoy a conversations at your table. read more

The Bistro - Special crab cake crusted swordfish - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

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I was really disappointed with my visit. The burger was bland and the bun was burned, which is a tough combination. I'd ordered it with onion and didn't get any. What made it worse was the service--our burned out beat up server seemed checked out the whole time. Nobody came back to see how things were going or if we needed anything. The place feels more like a stanky dive bar than a bistro, which wouldn't be a problem if the food and service were there to back it up. For the price, I expected better. 2 stars because I the fries were decent and so was the ranch. read more

We had a wonderful dinner at The Bistro and would definitely come back. We arrived during happy hour (3-5 p.m.), which was a great bonus--draft beers were only $3, making it an excellent value. We also loved the atmosphere. The restaurant is open and airy, with plenty of fresh air, creating a relaxed island vibe. We started with several small plates. The beet salad was fresh, beautifully prepared, and large enough to share. The highlight of the appetizers, however, was the local Kauai prawns. They were perfectly cooked and served sizzling in an iron skillet with a rich, lemon-butter sauce that was absolutely delicious. Definitely a must-order! For our entrées, we had the Catch of the Day and the Chicken Marsala. The Catch of the Day was outstanding--fresh, expertly prepared, and easily the star of the meal. The Chicken Marsala was flavorful and well-cooked, though it was just a little saltier than I personally prefer. Overall, the food quality was great, the service was friendly and attentive, and the entire dining experience was outstanding. If you're visiting Kauai, don't miss the Catch of the Day--it was exceptional! We highly recommend The Bistro for delicious food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. read more

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Made a reservation for 8 by emailing the restaurant a week or two in advance. An open air casual restaurant, it has a small bar area & decent size seating area. The group started with Caesar salads, house salad & the beet salad. For entrees, 2 chose blackened sea bass, 2 chose the pork chop w/ pineapple whiskey sauce. Also chose chili pepper chicken & mushroom risotto croquettes. Kids had fettuccine Alfredo. All were good except we found a piece of plastic in the croquettes. Obviously those were returned. The pork chop was served with perfectly cooked sautéed spinach. However, the sauce was thin & had no hint of whiskey. The chicken was kind of dry - it needed a dipping sauce. Lilikoi cheesecake was good, not great. The berry compote served on side overpowered the lilikoi sauce drizzled on the plate. Service was friendly & fairly prompt. Overall, a nice dinner, but not anything to rave about. read more

Amazing and friendly service by Josie and Cassie. Can't believe this is our first time here after visiting Kauai 4-5 times the last 15 years. We ordered: Clam chowder - flavorful, not too creamy/thick Caesar salad - generous portion Kalbi ribeye - cooked well, yummy marinade Seafood risotto special - pricey but delish! An entire lobster tail was part of the entree Kids fettuccine - solid Grasshopper pie for dessert - yum Cocktails were great as well! Thanks for a lovely meal and taking our reservation just a few hours before. read more

The Bistro - Risotto special with lobster, local shrimp and goat cheese. SO good - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

Dinner at the Bistro was okay overall--nothing bad, but nothing particularly memorable either. The staff were friendly and attentive, which we appreciated. As for the food, it was just average. We ordered a mix of items: * Cheeseburger -good * Grasshopper (dessert--highlight of the meal!) * Imua Mule -good * Pasta Special-blackened shrimp which was not blackened or seasoned much. * Blackened Ahi Fish - worst of them all, rice was mushy and fish was overly cold throughout and drenched in sauce * French 75 -good * Gumbo -not bad, plenty of seafood and sausage, mushy rice but it didn't make much of a difference when eaten in the gravy. Everything was fine, but nothing really stood out except for the dessert. It's a decent spot, but probably not a go-to for a standout dining experience. read more

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Such a cute little cozy spot here! Super cute was recommended by a someone at the gas station we stopped down the road 8.5/10 for food 8/10 drink only because it took 30 minutes Will of course come back read more

The Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

Finding good food in Kauai is hard. We tried this place again, realizing we had need here before 7 years ago. Food was ok. Hamburger was fine, the kalbi ribeye was cooked well, good char at medium rare. But they added sauces after cooking so it was too salty for me. Fish was fresh but maybe a tad overcooked. Sides meh. Service was good. Only problem we had was the entire restaurant is open air, and there were swarms of mosquitos. So we'll not be back for that reason. I've been to plenty of places where they were outdoors with no mosquitos in Kauai so perhaps they need to spray the plants outside the dining area to help control that. My wife got denge fever from a mosquito on Kauai last time so we're very cautious.... read more

A very satisfying meal. The prosciutto and goat cheese appetizer was delicious with a perfect combination of sweet and savory. The prawns were wonderful and big enough to be a main meal if you order it with a side of rice and another salad or appetizer. The ahi was cooked perfectly. The sauce was a little too sweet for me but give the chef credit for being creative with using ogo (seaweed) and tobiko (fish eggs) which paired well on the ahii. read more

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Have always stopped by on our trips to Hanalei. Nice atmosphere, good food, always great service

Beautiful little place with great service but the food is another story. Ordered the blackened fish plate which was ahi. It looked great when it came out but it was less than satisfying. First it was a small portion, I made it look big in the pic. It was supposed to have some spice to it but it was drowned in sweet sauce. It had one small scoop of rice that was mushy and lukewarm. Overall, a subpar meal for $50. read more

The Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

The Bistro Kilauea - Skip this place for lunch if you can. All over cooked and over priced. Unless you simply get a drink on your way home from the beach Don't eat here! What happened!!? Maybe the kitchen staff retired read more

Very impress with the service and the quality of their food. I ordered the mushroom risotto goat cheese croquette for the appetizer and the beef tenderloin for dinner. I wasn't expecting a fancy croquette but to my surprise it looked great and it taste great. I thought I was eating in a fine dining restaurant and not a hole in a wall restaurant. The tenderloin beef came out perfect as well, the only problem was that I wanted to eat another one. From the outside it doesn't look much like a restaurant but well worth it when you eat there. Try their bistro 75 which is there version of French 75. read more

The Bistro - Beef tenderloin - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

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The food was excellent and beautifully presented, although my ono fish was kind of dry. I had to use a knife to cut it. If the fish is prepared correctly and not overcooked, it is usually so tender that you can cut it with a fork. But everything else was prepared beautifully. The bok choy was tender and crunchy at the same time, the lilikoi lemonade was out of this world, and the lilikoi buerre blanc sauce for the ono fish was heavenly! I love lilikoi and ordered the lilikoi cheesecake dessert. The server was so kind to put extra lilikoi sauce on it for me at my request. The food (except for the dry fish) and presentation of it was actually 5 stars! The service was kind of slow, and the greeter was kind of glum and not particularly personable. But I would still come back, the food is delicious. read more

The Bistro - Macadamia nut Ono fish with lilikoi buerre blanc. - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

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Re-visit September 2023. Delicious dinner. Had 3 courses, 2 different wines. All good, no mis-fires. Welcoming greeting. Attentive & friendly service. The live guitarist/ singer was truly talented. He made the place feel like a true island paradise. Been on Kauai 2 weeks. Best restaurant meal by far. Dinner for two = $145 before taxes and tip. Not scary tourist expensive but still pricey if you're a working class guy like me. Still enthusiastic 5 stars! Recommend. read more

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We started with the beet salad-amazing. The fish sandwich was so fresh and delicious. Our other meal was the macadamia crusted chicken. It also was delicious. This restaurant was recommended by a local and lived up to the hype. You must try it when you visit Kauai. read more

I had the most delicious beet salad with chicken ever! Loey was a fun and amazing server who made sure everything met my dietary restrictions! My husband loved the grasshopper. Nice environment and reasonable prices. Can't wait to come back! read more

The staff was amazing but We did take out and I would not recommend take out: we literally we got a tiny scoop of mashed potato's as a side order. Asparagus had no flavor and was burnt as a side order. The fettuccine was flavorless and had very little sauce. The fish had a fishy smell. I do think maybe dining in might be best. But, I don't think we will go back read more

The Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

Wow, came here on a whim Tuesday and while we did miss what looks like a great Happy Hour our dinner was fantastic. A limited but diverse menu impressed with some unique combinations. We started with the fish rockets which I worried would be heavy since they are described as Lumpia, I feel the description doesn't fit. They are very light and not oily at all, definitely a must try. My wife had the catch of the day with white beans, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The fish was cooked perfectly with great complimentary flavors. I had the chicken Marsala with polenta and it too was perfect. Service was excellent too as were the Mai Tai's. Wish we had a similar place close to home. We will definitely be back, I can't compliment them enough. read more

Good service and nice setting. They make great mai tais. We were there at lunch. My friend loved her burger, great fries, and some of us had the homemade clam chowder that was really delicious. My husband had a fantastic beet salad. We would go back for sure! read more

Great server, fun open air restaurant. Seated promptly. Food was on point as we each ordered a different entree.

Sarah our server is so wonderful and attentive. I love the Kauai shrimp and ribeye. The sauce the shrimp is marinated in....divine. We poured it all over the rice. I love the ribeye but next time would get the sauces on the side. read more

Food fantastic Ambiance cool and airy Service- perfect service. Value- $$ I'd return in a heartbeat. Must stop if you are on the North-side of Kauai. read more

One of my favorite places to eat in north shore Kauai. Great selection of wines by the glass and a cute little wine-by-the-bottle distribution area/liquor store next door. I love the happy hour food and drink options! Also their fish rockets - essentially flash seared/fried egg roll/lumpia ahi rolls. The servers are all very friendly and offer up their recommendations! read more

The Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

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First dinner in Kauai! The food was really good! We got the Kale salad but I had forgotten to take a picture of it. Lol also got the seafood gumbo, chicken Marsala, mac nut basil burreblanc, and our friend got the braised beef. Others on our table got the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken or shrimp (can't remember), the bistro burger, and 2 prime rib. They said that all their food is really good! The service wasn't bad but it was a little slower. We had to wait quite a few for our water refill in the carafe. The men's bathroom was out of service so everyone needed to use the women's bathroom as well. It looked like a bar and restaurant so the atmosphere is a little louder. Overall the experience is good for our first night in Kauai and glad that the food was ready good! If you're in the area, definitely check them out because the food is really good and I would come here again when I'm in Kauai. read more

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They have a really hot bartender named Loey. I honestly just go in to see her and for the fish rockets. Not trying to objectify anyone, her personality is and she makes good drinks. Would highly recommend checking the place out. read more

Ambiance & service good. Lovely hostess whose mom was our server and also good, laid back and friendly. It had been many years (well before pandemic) since I have dined here and the atmosphere was familiar, if a bit more casual these days. I did not have any specific expectations and went in with an open mind. I was thankful that on a Sunday evening around 8pm we were seated for 3 immediately. It was a bit hard to hear our conversation due to the style of the restaurant and loud full tables nearby. Food was ok. Nothing special or groundbreaking and high prices very expected & in keeping with expensive island food. It felt like a "no try hard" place unfortunately. The shrimp skewers were extraordinarily SALTY. This morning after eating I can concur the salt intake was unhealthy despite much hydration. Speaking of water, I appreciated the bottle of water and glasses of ice on the table. I had ample h2o yet that salt! I literally had one shrimp only. Server said "oh yes that's the kimchi", she definitely heard "salty" on that one before. Also I think maybe frozen shrimp, kinda sad and dry. Wine selection was good and we were all satisfied on our individual choices there. When our check came there were odd prices added to each item and this did not correlate to the menu. When I inquired, I learned from our server that it was a credit card fee. She said it was a credit card company incentive for them and that they couldn't do anything about it. So I guess this is something some restaurants are doing... however, it is the FIRST time I have received a bill at a restaurant where I was NOT informed prior that the price I see on the menu would be inflated on the bill (4% she said). The law is that it has to be clearly stated on the menu, in fact it should have a cash price column and a cc price column. The menu had neither nor and other declaration of added 4% in addition to regular tax. I did end up paying with cash as they so clearly preferred. I see the incentive was to charge customers more for cc so that they would use cash. It felt devisive and after a pricey meal of so so appetizers & salads it was disheartening. This review is hopefully constructive. These feel like easy fixes to a long standing local dining experience who has survived the toughest time. Perhaps your customers also have gone through hell over the last several years. They / we are coming to restaurants to have a thoroughly enjoyable experience. read more

The Bistro - Our receipt showing cash price versus tax. - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

A new amazing find on Kauai for our family! The food was amazing and the staff took the experience to the next level. Everything was great and we will be coming back next time we visit! read more

My husband and I happened upon The Bistro as we were driving around Kauai. The food was amazing. I highly recommend the Ono Catch of the Day and the Rib Eye. Prices are high but this place is much better than the pub grub in most other restaurants on the island. read more

The Bistro - Rib eye - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

One of a number of nice meals we had on the north shore of Kauai. Service was on point and the dining area had a typical low din that let us comfortably carry on a conversation. We enjoyed our fish and pork entrees as well as the cheesecake we shared for dessert. Not inexpensive, but this is Kauai and about what you'd expect to pay on the island for a nice meal out. A major plus for those who don't plan their meals well in advance is that it was possible to walk up on a Saturday night and get a table. You likely wouldn't be so lucky in Hanalei.... read more

We loved coming to this bistro one our 9-day stay in Kauai! Although the menu is slightly limited the choices are delicious! We came here on New Year's Eve, once for a cheeseburger takeout which was great, and one last time before our trip ended. The service and ambience was great, super friendly and comfortable. We felt right at home here and would definitely recommend this restaurant and would return on our next trip here! read more

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The happy hour is really fun, bring your friends. Half-price drink, menu and extra large appetizers. Fun local draft beers to choose from. Love the open air back porch area . It has a nice cool breeze on the right days. read more

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Amazing food and service. Cocktails are the best on the island. Mai Tai and the coconut mojito are amazing!! Get the fish rockets for your app!! read more

Went twice because the food is delicious and at happy hour (3-6) the beers were half off. The manager Lowey has a great staff of efficient and friendly servers that make you feel very welcome. Chicken wings, hamburgers and lobster bisque were out of this world good. The open air venue is clean and well organized. read more

The Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Kilauea, Hawaii

Great food- great service. We were there for happy hour and they didn't have a full menu. I was initially hesitant but everything we tried was delicious and well priced. read more

The Bistro was a lovely spot. They accepted us even though we had just come from the beach and I had forgotten my slippahs at home. Our waitress, Cassie, was the best part of our experience. She took such great care of us and never batted an eye at our ghetto fabulous attire The chicken Marsala was absolutely divine! My friend had the pineapple glazed bone in pork chop and she was very happy with both her meal, the wines and Cassie's great service! read more

We have a vacation home here and come to The Bistro about once a week while we are on the island. We bring any and all friends who visit us here for happy hour or dinner. Everything is top-notch. It has a local vibe which we love and we usually grab a sweet treat at the bakery next door on our way out. Great Mai tais, fish rockets, and oh the beet salad. Please note: They do not have free wi-fi and you have to mix the dark rum float into your drink yourself. read more

Small local place. There is a beautiful lighthouse nearby that I recommend walking down to before dinner. We ordered the Fish Rockets and goat cheese as appetizers, they were delicious. For my main course I had the seafood gumbo and it tasted fantastic. The service was good as well. My only complaint would be having a below average expresso martini. I will definitely be back and recommend The Bistro to all those visiting Kauai. read more

Would not recommend. The food is not good & very over priced. It was very loud, without any music & the servers were oddly awkward.

wow ! this location came in clutch tonight ! Amazing staff that threw down a hustle after an accident closed the highway for hours. I've watched this staff serve with a smile all night long and they have the most delicious mushroom soup, pineapple cobbler and ice cream and fresh stuff all over ! Thank you for allowing my 83 year old mom and I take refuge in your lovely establishment, we won't forget our hours watching you all feed all these travelers and even make us decaf coffee after we had paid our bill. ( we welcome a new tab! ) Isabelle was especially helpful as was everyone . thank you and lots of love from these two Cali ladies. read more