Staff Picks: Romantic Dining, Red Salt, Koa Kea, Hotel & Resort Kauai, Hawaii

When visiting Kauai, be sure to book time for a romantic dinner at Red Salt, one of Kauai’s most highly acclaimed restaurants. Red Salt Kauai is THE place for romantic dining. The restaurant is located in the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort, and it is located just off the beach, adjacent to the beautifully landscaped pool lined with palm trees.

Red Salt Kauai Romantic Dining

Kathy Leonardo and Richard Bilow at Red Salt, Kauai; photo courtesy of ETG

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 has been 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

Cocktails

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). The Wipe Out contained Ciroc Mango Vodka, Kettel Citroen, passion fruit, mango, and pineapple, creating a fruity yet balanced flavor. 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).

Cuisine

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), as well as 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

Furthermore…don’t forget to indulge in the Red Salt Cake (Chocolate Sponge, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Mousse, Haupia Custard, Caramel Glaze, Toasted Coconut Flakes). You can also choose the Chocolate Crème Brûlèe, which infuses traditional Crème Brûlèe with Valrhona Chocolate. These were two of my favorites – CLICK HERE to see the full review. 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

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