When visiting Kauai, be sure to book time for a romantic dinner at Red Salt, one of Kauai’s most highly acclaimed restaurants. Located within the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort, the restaurant is situated just off the beach by the beautifully landscaped palm tree lined pool. Acclaimed Executive Chef and Kauai native Noelani Planas uses fresh locally-sourced Hawaiian seafood and produce. I spoke to some locals prior to making reservations and was told the Red Salt Burger would be a fantastic choice. Breakfast includes options with a tropical twist, such as Lobster Benedict and Lemon-Pineapple Soufflé Pancakes. Red Salt was featured on the Food Network.

Click Here to read my full review under the the Dining/Drinking drop-down on the Stories Section.

The Wipe Out Cocktail, Red Salt; photo by Kathy Leonardo courtesy of ETG

The restaurant offers a variety of signature cocktails, shaken right at the table. I enjoyed the Wipe Out (Ciroc Mango Vodka, Kettel Citroen, passion fruit, mango and pineapple). Other options include: Poipu Surf (Chandon Napa Sparkling, Belvedere Peach Vodka, Passion Fruit), First Break (Grey Goose with Sour Green Apple), or White Coral (Nolet Gin, Snow Maiden Sake, Canton Ginger).

The appetizer menu features an interesting assortment of choices such as Ahi Tartare (Quail Egg, Avocado Mousse, Ginger Soy Emulsion, Chili Oil), Seared Hokkaido Scallops (Sweet Roasted Corn, Portuguese Sausage, Charred Cherry Tomatoes, Champagne Beurre Blanc), and Charred Octopus (Fingerling Potatoes, Pickled Garlic, Artichokes, Cherry Tomatoes, Sherry Vinaigrette).

Entrées include the Furikake & Wasabi-Crusted Seared Ahi (Creamy Mushroom Risotto, Asparagus), Madagascar Vanilla Bean-Seared Mahi (Forbidden Black Rice, Avocado-Ginger Salsa, Mango Vinaigrette), Braised Mushroom & Spinach Ravioli (Garlic Beurre Monté, Tomato Salad, Basil Oil), and a 16 oz. Prime Ribeye Steak with Roasted Brussels Sprouts (Applewood Smoked Bacon, Peppercorn Brandy Demi Glaze).

16 oz. Prime Ribeye Steak with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Red Salt; photo by Richard Bilow; courtesy of ETG

Don’t forget to indulge in the Red Salt Cake (Chocolate Sponge, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Mousse, Haupia Custard, Caramel Glaze, Toasted Coconut Flakes) or the Chocolate Crème Brûlèe (Traditional Crème Brûlèe infused with Valrhona Chocolate) These were two of my favorites – remember to see the full review on the Dining Drop-down of the Stories Section. Red Salt, Koa Kea Hotel & Resort. 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756; https://meritagecollection.com/koa-kea/dining/red-salt

For more info, visit https://www.gohawaii.com