Mediterranean Gourmet

Description:

• This "hidden" restaurant, located next door to the Hanalei Colony Resort, nearly at the end of the road, was awarded "Best New Restaurant" on Kauai by a local magazine and it is very deserving of the distinction. The oceanfront location is the perfect backdrop for chef/owner Imad Beydoun's Middle Eastern dishes, which he embellishes with an island twist. He married local Hanalei girl, Yarrow, and the two of them (plus their kids) roll out the best Mediterranean food you will find in Hawaii. People on Kauai have been eating Beydoun's cooking through his packaged products (hummus, baba ghanouj, falafels, and tabbouleh) sold at the local farmer's market. When his family opened the restaurant, they already had a following. The menu has traditional Middle Eastern cuisine (stuffed grape leaves, hand-rolled fatayer, hummus, grilled kafta, Greek salads, and various kabobs) as well as more familiar dishes like chicken quesadilla, rack of lamb, New York strip steak and fresh fish. Do not leave until you have had Chef Beydoun's homemade baklava and a cup of Turkish coffee. Go on Friday or Saturday when they have performances of belly dancing.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010