Keoki's in Poipu Beach, Kauai-a Place the Hawaiian Locals Love to Enjoy!

Keoki's Paradise in Poipu Beach, Kauai is located in a very unassuming shopping center across the road from several resorts. Coming from California, it wasn't unusual in looks or menu-probably because they have a "cousin" right in our own backyard of "Surf City, USA"-better known as Huntington Beach.
What makes this restaurant worth mentioning is that you have a choice of where to eat under one roof.

It was our first night in Kauai and it was also our 26th anniversary. Our original plans for a romantic dinner at one of the areas more "destination" spots had to be postponed since it had no open reservation spot for a couple of nights. Our concierge at the hotel said we should try Keoki's, all the locals went there. According to her, it was her favorite restaurant as well. We had even been told by a very nice owner of a local art gallery that this was definitely a spot to not miss. He even gave us the name of the manager and told us to mention his name and we'd be sure to be treated really well.

So after checking in, we took a pleasant walk through a neighboring hotel's orchid garden and found it. At four in the afternoon there was already a waiting list for the "dining" half of the restaurant. We were tired (as it was now after 7 p.m. for us) and hungry. We looked toward the bar and found it was more than a place to get a drink! They had live music playing and a much more casual full menu. Just what we were in the mood for!

My husband chose the fish and chips. I chose the sesame coated and seared ahi. The fish and chips were made with an island whitefish called ono. They were lightly coated with panko crumbs and fried perfectly. No grease to mop off here. The fish was delicate and flaky, fries were crisp and hot. My dinner came with cole slaw and white rice. I will admit, I do not like white rice so I used the soy sauce on the table to add some flavor. My cole slaw was lightly dressed and had some poppy seeds in it. The taste was actually one of the better slaws I've had-not drowning in mayo and soggy. I enjoyed the crunch. And the poppy seeds were a nice compliment to the sesame seeds on my fish.

Now my fish-I love ahi-especially sashimi! I deliberately asked for my ahi rare. The waitress assured me that it was sushi grade fish. It came looking rather overdone. Not wanting to complain, I took a bite. What a terrific surprise I had to find it tasted wonderful! It was about medium on the outside thinner areas, but most of my portion came just as I had asked-rare. The entire piece was delicious and moist. It was one of the better pieces of cooked ahi I've ever eaten.

As for drinks-my husband and I stuck with a very good tropical iced tea. We had the option of having it come sweetened. The wait staff made sure we had plenty of everything and were professional in a very casual way. When they offered dessert-we were honestly too full and tired. But I do wish I had a pinch of room for some of the sorbet of the day!

We had a pleasant first meal and a great start for our annivesary trip. Would we recommend Keoki's Paradise Restaurant? Absolutely! If we ever are fortunate enough to visit the lovely island of Kauai again, it will definitely be on our list of re-dos! No wonder the locals give it such praise.

Maholo!