We were lucky enough to get reservations here and I'm so glad we did! The food is amazing and the staff is great. We ordered a lot off the menu and my favorites were the pork belly, the honeycomb, the lamb and the scallops. Definitely recommend dinner here! read more

Great food, I mean great food. Two nights, a total of 9 items. Every one was fantastic. Their lentils are probably the best I've had anywhere. Lamb ribs? Outstanding. Short ribs? Wonderful. I don't think you can go wrong if you close your eyes and point at 5 different items. And great friendly staff as well. read more

Great dinner here! Had the chopped salad, veggies, bruschetta, magi, lamb, and pot de creme for dessert. Everything was delicious, and the outdoor seating was lovely too. read more

Yes, it's a tapas place so the portions are small; I get it. But if I'm paying $28 for 4 small lamb chops, they had better taste amazing. Instead they were flavorless, minus a bit of grill taste. Also ordered the Whole Tomato Bruschetta and it came out cold and looked like a dark red tumor in a bowl full of balsamic vinegar and carmelized onions. This place is ridiculous. Save your money and buy something from the food trucks or L&L. read more

One of the only really good restaurants on the North Shore. They are generous with their tapas portions, and, while they hardly ever change the menu, their dishes are consistently very, very good. I love their braised short rib, scallops with whipped potatoes, and (my favorite) their ahi carpaccio. The ahi carpaccio serving size is very generous, and it is excellent. Bar Acuda's sangria is also bomb. Finally, they provide complimentary, very freshly baked sourdough bread that is really really good. Definitely check this place out if you're looking for a very tasty, upscale, but still lowkey, dinner out. read more

I don't get the hype. Not unique to Hawaii. Food was only fair and not one dish blew us away. Pizza tasted like it was frozen and then heated up (DiGiorno is better). Mahi was salty. Lamb was fatty. Short rib was the only enjoyable plate but a little over cooked. Best part of meal was running into Ben Stiller! read more

Food is four stars, but the value is three. The pizza is pretty bad, so we were surprised that our server steered us to it. It's still good food though, and a nice place, but you pay for it! I appreciate how they have a bunch of vegetarian options. read more

Came here on a recommendation from our hotel bartender and it didn't disappoint. We had the field greens salad, bruschetta, pizzetta with shaved Brussels sprouts, and papas. Everything we had was great. The salad had the most excellent sherry vinaigrette and the balsamic with the caramelized onions for the bruschetta was awesome. I also had the smoke and ginger cocktail which was an excellent mix of margarita/Moscow mule. Overall really great meal and cool/trendy atmosphere. read more

Our last dinner in Hanalei Bay we had at Bar Acuda, and you can totally say that we saved the best for last... The food was amazing. Every dish was a surprising twist to an old twist and the seafood so delicious. We picked out 9 dishes and among those we especially liked the patatas braves, the lamb chops, the ahi tuna carpaccio, the asparagus tomato (better than the veal version), the bruschetta etc etc etc Our server was one of the best and most attentive servers we have had for a very long time. amazing how he ended up at this little joint on a small island... read more

Amazing tapas style food. Fresh seafood and a delicious cheese and honey dish. We ate here several times during our stay in Princeville. It's easily the best restaurant in the area. The outdoor patio is a great spot or even inside or at the bar. We've had great service every time. read more

And excellent experience. The food, tapas style, was more than adequate to fill too hungry man. Our server, Miguel, was it amongst the best I've seen on the island read more

Fresh farm to table, creative food. Super cute and charming, yummy food and drinks . Make reservations as we watched them turn people away many times. read more

This was our favorite meal on our Hawaiian trip. Note that most seating is outdoors (covered deck) Our party wasn't particularly prepared for outdoor seating but the hostess was very accommodating in seating us inside. The service, especially from our busboy, was exceptional all night . All small tapas-style plates, expect to order 2-3/person. It can get pricey but it's so worth it. The favorites for us were the honeycomb, lamb riblettes, sea scallops, banderillas (short rib) and the Pizzetta. There were 4 of us and we ordered 12 altogether which seemed to be just the right amount. Finished the meal off with some cheesecake (perhaps a touch heavy on the lemon but still excellent) and coffee creme brûlée with chocolate ganache. Overall it was one of the most diversely flavorful meals I have ever had! read more

Only gave 4 stars because service was really exceptional. Food was good but portions even for Tapas were very small and pricey. Mahi was great along with pork cheeks and lobster croquettes. Creme brûlée was average at best. Plan on spending 125.00 plus for two with no Alcohol. Btw Kris our server earned you the Extra star. read more

The service was great and it was a pleasure to have such well prepared food. For two, it came out to $130 for 5 dishes and 3 drinks, and we we're actually full. Indoor is more romantic, outdoor seemed more casual. Reservations recommended, although we went at 5 without them and got right in. The only down side was that we felt rushed by the busboy who was always asking to clear our plates. read more

This restaurant has been outstanding since the day it opened. We had dinner there last night upon our return to Hanalei. We sat on the deck, 4 of us shared plates & every single dish we ordered was delicious, including dessert. The Mai Tai is the best on the island, as far as I'm concerned. Highly recommend this restaurant!! read more

Loved this spot for the amazing and fresh food, lovely wait staff and great drinks. We sat at the Chefs Bar and were able to watch all of the moving parts on how the staff puts together the delicious tapas. We loved the scallop dish, the pizzette and the fresh arugula salad. All locally grown! Yummy read more

By far my favorite restaurant on the island. Finally one spot to get the real dining experience of a nice restaurant. Food was full of flavor with a ton of unique options and delicious items to share. Reasonably priced and a nice friendly staff. We will definitely come back next time we visit the island read more

Amazing, amazing restaurant. The food is so super delicious. the cheesecake is to die for. The staff is super nice super helpful. Keron and Robbie went above and beyond with their service. This was the second day of our honeymoon and we lucked out by finding BARACUDA!! We will be back. David VG read more

This place is good. Nay - amazing for Kauai. BUT - it is insanely overpriced. We spent $70 on what would have cost about $40 at our favorite fancy tapas place in Seattle but it was a delight to get some good food in us. We also saw Anthony Keidis there. He's in my least favorite band of all time, but a celebrity sighting is a celebrity sighting and it's always exciting. I docked points for the staff. The hostess does not have the mostess - not the friendliest gal in the world. Our waiter was decent. The bus boy had horrible body odor and acted like it was his first night. read more

The service is the absolute best!! Servers were exception in skill, attention and friendliness. The food was some of the best we had in our month long stay there. The atmosphere is fabulous - from the old Marilyn Monroe movie playing to the chic and classy drinks, food and wait staff. All in all it was our favorite place to eat. We will go back and would easily recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves fabulous food, warm and gracious servers and the best ambiance on the Island. read more

Favorite Restaurant on the North shore! Drinks are fab and the menu is always changing to something else even more Amazing! read more

The food was amazing! I recommend making a reso in advance or you risk a long wait or potential of not even able to be fed that night. This place is hoping! The food was unreal - get the short ribs covered in coffee rub and honey... Lentils were a total sleeper and were fabulous. The showstopper was definitely the scallop, one of the best dishes I've ever tasted (super small portion) - but well worth it. I also had the pot o Cream for dessert which was pure chocolate decadence! All around, great atmosphere and food. read more

My husband and I have gone here every time we have come to the island because the first experience was such a great one because we sat at the bar and our bartender was awesome, however the last two visits have been horrible due to the fact that the female hostess is beyond horrible. She is beyond pretentious and acts like nobody is good enough to even eat at the restaurant. She turns her nose up at almost everyone that walks in unless they appear to be in her personal circle. She doesn't make eye contact, just gives everyone an up and down and walks them to the table and drops the menus without saying a word. I evaluated her not only doing this to us, but other tables around us. The male that has been up front with her the last 2 times. whom I believe is the chef has been wonderful and accommodating...he has been the only saving grace. The food here is sub-par. Again, the first time we went the food and drinks were great. Expensive, but great and worth it. The 2nd time we went the drinks were weak and the food was just ok. I said I would not go again after the last time, but wanted to give it another shot and it was just horrible once again. The drinks were a waste of money and had hardly any alcohol in them and the food was not even close to worth the money. Also, we ordered the honeycomb and a gal came and took our plate before we were even done with the item. The busboy was great that we had, but there is major pressure to get out of the restaurant so they can turn tables. After 3 experiences here I would absolutely not recommend this place! The atmosphere here is great, but the hostess (blonde older lady) is horrible and the food and drinks is just not worth it anymore. read more

My boyfriend and I went to Kauai for my birthday in Mod January and the food here is to die for! Definitely a recommendation!

Such cute decor and good atmosphere! The lamb chops were to die for!!! Great tapas and wine.

Ok- so you are going to spend a pretty penny here, but it's well worth it! We came in twice on our honeymoon and had a great time! Amazing ambiance- if you get there before night time, you can enjoy a great view of the mountains- god, they are spectacular!! Everything was delicious- the cocktails and mocktails were so delicious!! Could have tried the entire menu if my wallet was bottomless! Will have to come back here, when we are in on the island! Only bummer- they are only open for dinner and you have make a reservation for a table- we lucked out and ate at the bar the first time. Will be back and will recommend! read more

BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! Went to this "tapas" restaurant because Kauai Revealed travel book gave it a preferred rating and found that the food was of very poor quality. I honestly cannot believe the reviews that recommend it here but I would save the $150 (dinner for 2) it will cost you to find out. read more

Disappointed! This was our third time here and each visit has gotten progressively worse. They are trying way to hard to make "foodie" food and it's not that great. We had two different salads that were okay, we ordered bruschetta that was two small pieces of bread that had way to much garlic and then a small bowl with whole boiled tomato in olive oil that was impossible to cut up and put on your tiny toast. We also had the ahi that just wasn't that good. All that lackluster combined with unfriendly staff...overrated! read more

Wow this is one hell of a restaurant. Delicious tapas, bread, olives. Great cocktails. Friendly service. Prices were not off the charts. Highly recommended Went back for 2nd time. Equally superb. The staff are fantastic and work well together. Third time - same. Menu is diverse and amazing. read more

AMAZING!!! Our waitress was so sweet and really knew the menu. Everything on the menu was FAB!!! Make sure to get the beef on a stick!! We will def be going back. read more

Way over rated. Prices are only high because of the location NOT because the food tastes delicious like most of the idiots below me who come from states that have horrible food like Michigan or Arkansas reviewed. If you're any race other than white DONT come waste your money here. They will purposely serve everyone before you. The only time the bar waitress was quick was when we put our card in the cup with our check. Hate this place wouldn't come back to the stupid restaurant or racist Christian island. This is why I only eat at restaurants with 4-5 $ signs beside them. read more

So this is a first. My party (4 of us) were chased out of the restaurant by mosquitos. Three of us were bitten about 10+ times within 15min. We got up and asked for our check. The hostess stand had mosquito spray. Ok so my thought is that if you have that bad of a problem shouldn't you do something more about it? Close the door, seal the inside, install some screens? I don't know, something, anything. Second caveat, this was inside (outside with airflow seemed to not have issues). Anyway, I didn't get to finish my drinks, none of us did, no manager came by to apologize or even speak with us, nobody said anything except ok and here is your check. Needless to say, we won't be back. The food I am sure was good but I don't know as I was a little preoccupied with being eaten. So now we are home, drinking and nursing our bites lol. Alas, at least the island has epic ingredients to make drinks back at our place!! Lol. So my overall advice, if you eat here, eat outside with airflow and spray up! Should be a good experience. Pricey as all heck but you will probably enjoy yourself. My friend suggested that this might be a twilight zone episode where we go there to be the food for the mosquitos lol. Enjoy! read more

We very much enjoyed our meal but felt that the staff at the front were kind of snooty. My guess is they operate on reservations only and perhaps they don't like when people walk up to the hostess stand? That's just a guess. When I asked if I could leave my name for the next open table I was snapped at and told that wasn't possible. A spot opened up at the bar and the ladies serving us there were so nice!! We enjoyed our food and I highly recommend the honeycomb. read more

Good food, but bad bar service. My wife and I sat at the bar to have dinner/tapas/drinks. In the 1.5 hours we spend $151 pre-tip (fine). BUT, we were asked to move bar seats (by female bartender) twice to accommodate other clients. The seats were heavy and were tightly pushed together (hard to move), If you are spending $151 pre-tip, you should not be asked to move your seats twice. read more

Great food, awesome tapas and delicious drinks. I'm so glad I found this restaurant while planning my trip to Kauai. Embiance is romantic for dinner and, the bar area is a fun crowd. Even if you are staying on the south shore be sure to plan a day's drive up north to enjoy the beach and sunset and finish it off with an evening here at Bar Acuda. You will not be disappointed. read more

Trendy, better for a date than family. But people still dressed casual. Bar inside, dimly lit seating, and also outdoor seating. Lively. Waiters were okay. We had a reservations. The scallops and roasted tomato were our favorites. Salads were eh. Nice dinner on the island. read more

Great service and great food. The menu is simple but amazing. I highly suggest the honeycomb. Great wine selection as well. Staff was very attentive. I would recommend you have dinner here and avoid postcards In Hanalei, this is great service and much better food. read more

Cheese plate was good, ask got extra apples though. Great salads! Order about 4 or 5 items if sharing with someone.

An expensive tapas bar with true tapas-sized portions. Our service was great, the drinks were good, but unfortunately all 6 of us were bitten multiple times by mosquitos throughout our dinner. The lamb chops were the winner of the night - perfectly cooked and flavorful. The soft fresh bread for the table was amazing as well. The worst dish was the bruschetta - it comes as a single tomato, which is weird as it is, but the grilled toast points that it was served with were ridiculously stale and inedible. We even asked for more and those were just as bad. Skip the salads since they're probably the least value for your dollar on the menu. read more