Best Japanese Restaurants in Lihue

Finding the location was the most challenging in this day and age when gps is second nature, it sometimes neglects to say the building is listed on the street but actually set back on the second floor of the building on the street in a shopping complex, but we found it. Allowed time. Food and service were very good. Atmosphere was clean and second story allows for cross breeze cooling since that side of the island is warmest. An enjoyable meal.

I took a friend and her family there for her 60th birthday. The food, service, and ambience were fantastic and made for a memorable birthday for her.

Sunday was the last night of our trip to Kauai and it was difficult to get Ubers to take us very far from Kapaa for dinner. We read about the interesting Japanese/Italian fusion at Naisla's and decided to give it a try. The outside is a bit unassuming, however, when you walk in it is just a really cool place. We had dinner at the bar and Stephanie was our bartender/server. She was engaging, very well informed about the menu and her service & attitude made the night really nice for us. Their were two appetizer specials - a cucumber salad that had an amazing umami and the wagyu hot rock with salted egg yolk and a wonderful Asian sauce for the dipping - this was nothing short of stellar. My wife had the Miso Carbonara and I had the Fettucine Pomodoro (very 'cheffy' idea to marinate the meatballs in ginger/soy braise) - we both loved our dishes. From all the restaurants we tried while in Kauai, Naisla's is at the top of our list to recommend to friends visiting the island and for a return visit ourselves. Thank you Stephanie and chef for a great evening.

I am a repeat customer. Nearly every visitor who comes to see me I take there. I had 'girls weekend' last weekend and we all came to enjoy art walk and dinner. This visit was our son who's in college came to visit and my husband joined. Neither of them like any type of fish but found plenty to eat and enjoyed it all. It's becoming a favorite among our guests. Thank you!!

We arrived earlier than our reservation & they seated us immediately- I had read reviews & ordered accordingly- We began with the Golden Sliders and Lollipop rolls…both wonderful. My “Boss Steak” was prefect- melt in your mouth med-rare NY steak ( had sauces on the side ) & my husbands “Butter Me Up Roll” was received very well- They are leaving this Mall at end of December 24’- Hope they reopen on Kauai by time we return ❤️