Cabanas St Regis Kauai - Princeville

Went here when I was visiting my friends on Kauai and we are here one night. The cocktails were really good and put together thoughtfully. The location is breathtaking (but pretty much every view is). I ate the spicy tuna roll and kale salad for dinner. While the food was hands down delicious, it wasn't mind blowing. I would most definitely come back during a different visit.

Breathtaking view and good food. As for the view, this has to be the best restaurant location in Hawaii if not just about anywhere in the world. It is mesmerizing. As for the food, it is very good but not Jean Georges in NYC. How could it be? It would cost a fortune to produce and even monied people coming to Kauai would hold off forking over $500 a head. Keeping this in mind, you won 't be so disappointed. The wine list was one of the better in Kauai (though Roy 's has a nice one as well). The bread was tasty as well. We each had the five-course $75 tasting menu, and to me, that is a bargain. The appetizer was a crusted tuna dish with a saffron-like sauce that was very tasty. The main fish dish was delicious and came with a delicate coriander broth (I would have used a lighter crusting or none at all with this dish). The lamb dish was a single chop that was cooked medium, despite our specifically asking it be cooked rare. That was a big faux. We should have sent it back but we were in a kind mood and feeling very relaxed, and saw no need to spoil the evening. Desert was a rather lackluster molten chocolate cake (not molten really), with a scoop of ice cream and a tuille cookie. This was a so-so end to the meal. For its connection to Jean Georges and its prominent location, this restaurant should take things a few notches higher.

2013 Update: I absolutely love this place! Although it's tough to leave without spending at least $300 per couple, every penny is worth it! We've been dining here for several years, and the chef is truly incredible, while the service is always delightful. One of the best perks is watching the sun set over the stunning Hanalei Bay with a delicious glass of wine in hand. We started with poached eggs topped with caviar and foie gras brûlée—absolutely fantastic! For my main course, I had the amazing pepper-crusted big eye ahi, and my husband enjoyed the wagyu tenderloin. We also shared some perfectly creamy mashed potatoes. The sauces and the presentation were simply beautiful.

Here’s the lineup, and everything was absolutely amazing: 1. Hamachi (appetizer) 2. Ciabatta and honey bread (both were delicious) 3. Poached eggs with caviar 4. Mahi Mahi 5. Hapu`upu`u 6. Upside-down mango cake with basil ice cream—so good! 7. Chocolate lava cake à la mode. Mmmmm!

The service was disappointing; our waiter seemed poorly trained, and the staff did not meet the standards set by the food. However, the food itself was good, and I'm glad we visited, though I'm not sure I would go back.