Experts' Choice Award Bar Acuda
What the experts agree on
Bar Acuda's inventive tapas showcase Hawaii's freshest seafood and local produce in ornately plated small plates, backed by an impressive Rhone-focused wine list. It's pricey but worth it for Hanalei's most sophisticated dining scene.
“ Thanks to the chef’s close collaboration with island fishermen and local organic farmers, these small plates are brimming with Hawaii-inspired fare made from fresh, regional ingredients.”
– goop
Gayot14.0
"Like an oasis in the desert, this sharp little tapas restaurant has refreshed the otherwise rather dreary culinary world of Kauai's North Shore." Full review
Travel + Leisure "A list of 50 wines with a focus on Rhone-style varieties, half of them offered by the glass, accompanies the Spanish-style tapas dishes at Kauai's Bar Acuda in Hanalei." Full review
Zagat4.0
"Expect "a bit of urban chic" at this "lively" Med mecca in "picturesque" Hanalei, a "people-watching" scene that "could stand on its own in San Francisco or New York."" Full review
Lonely Planet "A trendy wine and tapas bar presents ornately plated food that’s noteworthy, but pricey." Full review
Where "Modern Bali meets city chic in this candlelit tapas joint. The extensive wine list and upscale atmosphere attracts a sophisticated island crowd." Full review
Fodor's "This hip and pricey tapas bar is a top place in Hanalei in terms of tastiness, creativity, and pizzazz." Full review
Frommer's "Named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Top 10 New American Chefs” in 1996...menu changes to reflect seasonal tastes and availability but usually includes a seared fresh fish and grilled beef skewers." Full review
i
Note that this is a more smartly dressed crowd than just about anywhere else in Hanalei.
New York Times "Bar Acuda is the culinary star of the north shore, with a creative seasonal tasting menu and cozy veranda seating on the mountainside of Hanalei. Set at the foot of waterfall-drenched..."
