Dropped by Mermaids after a recommendation from a local. It's wicked small, with a patio and bar type area around a small shack of a kitchen. But it screams "island-style" to most mainlainders, I'd assume. It's very cute, sparsely decorated, and concentrates more on its food than its image, and this is a wonderful thing. The ladyfriend ordered the Ahi-Nori wrap which she ADORED, though felt had maybe a tad too much wasabi mayo on it. I tried a few bites and loved it as well, and I don't even like ahi all that much. I had a chicken stir fry plate and was wowed by its size. It forced me to be hungrier than I was, and that was just fine! It was an absolutely delicious plate with plenty of veggies, noodles and chicken. It lacked in no area whatsoever. The iced team & Lemonade combo I had was a touch sweet, but pretty tasty. Service was great, with a friendly young woman taking orders and helping the "chefs" make the food. The ladyfriend and I sat on some barstools looking in some sliding windows on the side, and we were able to look right in and watch them make our food, help each other out, and even chat with them a bit. On top of that, I really enjoyed when we opened the sliding window and they handed our plates right out to us. Why? No idea. It's just a dorky kitschy thing that I dug. Definitely a great lunch place with tasty food and reasonable prices. When I'm back on the island there's no way I won't drop back in to Mermaids. It's the perfect place for lunch! read more

Nice tender fish, nice people, relaxed but unimpressive atmosphere at the side of the road. ( if lots of traffic, then you'll hear the traffic!) The food unfortunately did not meet my expectations for the high praise other yelpers gave. I thought the rolls to be fairly bland and even the added pesto sauce wasn't very helpful (fresh &green but needs at least a few pinches of salt.) I like that it is healthy and brown rice lovers will rejoice, but i wasn't fully enthralled with either the Mahi Nori Wrap nor the Mahi Cilantro Wrap. A bit heavy-handed on the rice portions, which was too filling. Thai Iced Tea was a winner, with coconut milk! Very lovely, friendly young staff. It seems they really like what they do. CASH ONLY read more

I'm writing this review as I sit here not finishing my food because it's awful. My burrito is so bland it has zero flavor. My friend's Ahi tacos are so over cooked and dry but she says the sauce is good. We are both leaving full plates of food behind and going across the street. On top of being awful, it's expensive. Super sad we stopped here. read more

The ahi nori wrap is delish. It's unique and tasty--mostly due to the nori and fresh fish. The curry dish is mediocre. It had lots of veggies (good), but the chicken was dry/tough (bad). Wraps and dishes are priced at around $10. read more

During my short visit to Kauai, this was my favorite restaurant I stopped at. It's a cute hole-in-the-wall place, with only a handful of employees working at one time. Expect a lot of super healthy options, with plenty of fresh veggies on the side. I ordered the tuna tacos, which came with a small side salad. Everything from the fish to the pineapple chucks on my salad was extremely fresh - no canned goods to be found anywhere. Accompanying my meal was their Thai Iced Tea - yum! Not too sweet like a lot of other places. There isn't a lot of seating, so be prepared to take your food to go. read more

This place is a hidden treasure! You can easily miss it driving by. Literally a hole-in-the-wall type of joint. You order from a window (the hole) and you eat your food outside. We actually sat on the seats RIGHT outside on the side facing the kitchen so when our order was ready, they called our name, and they just opened the screen window and handed it to us right there. No need to pick it up from the front. Haha, I'm lazy. Me and my best friend ordered the Chicken Stir Fry and the Ahi Foccacia Sandwich. The Sandwich was definitely the best. The bread they use tastes heavenly. And there's avocado in it!!! Actually I think we had to add the avocado for extra $$, but totally worth it! The stir fry was alright but you are definitely not missing out. Kinda wished I tried the Ahi Nori Wrap since everyone seems to be raving about it. And thai iced tea ... SKIP ... its super watered down ... I'd say 3.5 stars but I'll round up (: read more

This place was perfect for what we were looking for. They operate from a tiny little window by the Hwy. It took us 5 minutes to actually locate this place. Seating is outside, on the chairs and you place you order on the window and wait. We are veggies, so we had a few options, but they were good. We ordered Tofu stir fry noodle plate and it was quite good. It looked so appetizing that the couple who had just walked in, asked us what we had ordered and I think they too ordered the same dish. They were out of lemongrass Iced tea, so we ordered homemade lemonade which was also quite good. read more

I had dreamed about this place for nearly three years! I was in Kauai for work in 2009 and had the opportunity to try the ahi nori wrap. I had never had anything quite like that before. Mermaids was my first stop on vacation this past year to see if my wrap had changed or maintained. I was not disappointed. The wasabi was still piquant, the ahi still fresh and delicious. I also tried the tropical tacos on another visit and they were good, but, I will definitely be sticking to the ahi nori wrap. It's a winner! read more

Mermaids Cafe - Mmmm tropical tacos - Sandwiches Near Me - Kapaa, Hawaii

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Totally unassuming, low key cafe. I understand why it can be difficult to get seating here, because it is extremely limited. My friend and I were lucky to stop by at a time that wasn't busy at all. When you get to Mermaids, you go up to the window and patiently wait for someone to take your order. Once you do that, your meal will be cooked to order, which is awesome. Mermaids is known for their fresh fish and plethora of vegetarian options, which is spot on. The Ahi Cilantro wrap was flavorful and really, really, really delicious. The portions here are also really large, so you do get a bang for your buck if you've come with an appetite or feel free to share with a friend. After eating here, it makes sense why so many people have raved about Mermaids and claim that it is a must visit if you're driving through or near Kapaa. read more

Mermaids Cafe - Mermaids Cafe in Kapa'a - Sandwiches Near Me - Kapaa, Hawaii

Don't trip... This is easily one of the best places on the island... I will quickly attain the status of "regular"... read more

Stopped here for dinner during our vacation on Kauai. REALLY wanted to love this place, it's so cute and the menu sounded great. I was tired and asked the girl at the register what was good. She told me, "the number 1 is great, it's the most popular on the menu!" I ordered the #1, an ahi nori wrap (which was $13.95). My boyfriend ordered the tropical tacos, which were $12.95. We also ordered two iced teas. Well, I ordered a tea-lemonade, but they were out of lemonade. So, I got a tea. Boyfriend's taco dish was pretty good. My wrap consisted of a little fish, rice, seaweed, and a BOATLOAD of wasabi cream sauce mixed in. Seriously. It was painful to eat. Probably would have been really good if I could have tasted anything but wasabi. I really wanted to love it. I ended up throwing 3/4 of my $14 wrap in the trash. I wish the girl behind the counter had asked if I liked spicy food or wasabi before the rave the review of that particular item. I was so bummed! read more

My husband was raving about Mermaids before we even got there and was so excited to take me. It's an adorable mini restaurant on the main drag in Kapaa. Super colorful with a rad mermaid mural on the side wall. There are only 3 tables out front & a couple bar stools around the side, but try and snatch one of those up because it's nice to sit & watch the people. Ok now food... It's all very healthy, fresh and delicious. We especially loved the Cilantro Ahi Wrap!! (I would skip the Thai Tea- it's not your traditional, it has coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk). The girls who work there are super friendly. I LOVED this little spot! read more

The food here is great! I'm deducted a star because the first time we went, their window was open, people were eating there and based on facebook we arrived during the times of business. However the person at the register told us they were closed and refused to serve us. I had heard such great things from friends, so we gave it another shot and it was great. We had the tuna poke, chicken curry and the tofu satay wrap. Everything was delicious! read more

Got a BLT- was good but wished there was mor bacon to sub the avocado.defs the chilliest lunch place

The Ahi Tuna Cilantro wrap was exactly what I wanted after a hot day of traveling. Cilantro, cool, crisp, tasty fish and beautiful pesto. Needed a little salt so I added some soy sauce and it was fantastic. read more

The Ahi poke bowl was fantastic! Was very filling too. First time eating here....highly recommend.

Awesome food! Cooked fresh & to order. Interesting concoctions: had the Seared Wasabi cream wrap which was fantastic- tasted a lot like a giant roll of sushi. I noticed in Kauai that the food is inversely proportionate to it's ambiance, & the Mermaid Cafe is a prime example. Don't expect cloth napkins or crystal votives, instead walk-up, pay cash only, & receive a delicious FRESH meal that's prepared right in front of you. I am a serious stickler when it comes to fresh ingredients & TASTY food; I could eat here everyday! read more

I ate at the Mermaid's Cafe twice recently. I had the phad thai with tofu (as spicy as they could make it) and then I came back and had the stir fry. Other members of my party had the tacos. Good food, friendly service, and relatively low prices considering that it is on the island. The outdoor seating is a bit grungy and it can get windy or rainy at times but you know that as you make your order. They could do with a repainting of many exterior parts of the building if they wanted to create a nicer atmosphere. The food was tasty (well spiced) the heat level is a bit inconsistent. Two times I ordered food as spicy as they could make it and the second time was much hotter. They do a good job with noodles. Portions are generous and most entrees could probably feed two comfortably. The hibiscus lemonade is also totally worth checking out. read more

While taking our time during our drive from Poipu to Hanalei, we stopped by to grab a shaved ice a couple blocks from this place (south), and I decided to check out yelp to see if there were any notable fooderies in the area, and found the Mermaids Cafe. Its a hut that serves pretty yummy Ahi Nori Wraps. Just make sure to order w/ half rice, because it can be too much. Also, get extra sauce. read more

Love the fresh organic soon here! Our fish tacos were great! My sister's burrito was good too, but after a while the wasabi cream gets too heavy. Wish they had some hot sauce there! Very good food though- just short of 5 stats because the service is not friendly, cash only, and they didn't have any hot sauce for tacos! read more

Mermaids Cafe - This was awesome! Stopped by here and tiki tacos and this wins hands down! Only wish they had some hot sauce. - Sandwiches Near Me - Kapaa, Hawaii

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YUM YUM YUM.. Ahi Nori Wrap- best burrito I've ever eaten. The wasabi aoli is pretty much amazing and the wok'd fresh ahi is so yummy! Remember to bring your cash, this place doesn't take cards! :) Ah I wish I was back there right now! read more

Mermaids Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Kapaa, Hawaii

After enjoying my first meal here so much, I realized I hadn't even ordered what they are really known for: the Ahi Nori Wrap. It incorporates every condiment you'd find if you ordered a tuna roll - the soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi - in just the right measure giving the flavor combination you don't get just dunking it yourself. And the quality of the tuna is incredible - ordered mine rare, just lightly seared, and it was the best quality (better than the ahi I was to have at Beach House Restaurant later that evening). Big enough to share but I think you'll want a whole one for your self. read more

Mermaids Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Kapaa, Hawaii

Nice sidewalk cafe. No indoor seating, just two tables on the sidewalk. A small operation, but with good food and friedly service. Sesame noodles were good. Coconut curry very good. Chose this place over all others in town and wasn't disapponted. read more

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Nouveau-soul food??? Delightful roadside snack shack offering healthy and wholesome meals with a local flair. Great selection of healthy teas. Fresh, organic ingredients. Come hungry, leave nourished. Delightful murals to muse over while you munch. Love this place. read more

Mermaids Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Kapaa, Hawaii

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Boyfriend picked this place out based on yelp reviews and when we saw an old friend had given a yelp tip on it, that sealed the deal. Great ambiance. We sat in their little "lounge" area while waiting and watched the girls in the kitchen making our food, kind of mesmerizing. The aromas wafting from this place are to die for, I'd love it if my house could smell that way all the time! But oddly my tofu coconut curry seemed to lack a bit of punch/flavor (maybe my tasters were off...) Still very good, and very big portions. In Hawaii, for the price you pay for food, I love when you get more than one meal out of your dish! If I were a local I'd eat here regularly. read more

Everything they do here is made from fresh ingredients and while you wait. It's always crowed but worth the wait! I feel good after I eat here! Get the #1 fresh fish, brown rice, cucumbers and wasabi in a spinach wrap. I have to try this when I get home! Yummy. read more

Mermaids Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Kapaa, Hawaii

I had been a fan of this place for quite some time, but this last visit makes me think something has changed. Different staff, unfriendly, and more important the food was really bland. Had the tropical tacos and they were chewy and not well seasoned. Hope they clean up their act and return to former glory. read more

Over priced and limited vegetarian option. Too much strong taste in curries. Couldn't taste anything apart from turmeric like taste.

They need to update their hours on Yelp, Google etc. we drove 15 miles to eat here twice and both times they were closed although hours on Yelp suggest otherwise. read more

WARNING: please note the conditional permit warning on the window- apparently for poor hygiene & food temp. Unfortunately I didn't notice until too late. waste of calories & money! coconut curry had no flavor I doused it with salt just to add flavor. should be called coco-NOT. I wanted to lick the wall to get the taste of something else in my mouth. I was fooled by the decent reviews so trying to give you all a heads up. read more

We just happened upon this place and loved it! Both of us got the ahi wrap with nori (fav among the locals) - it was like eating a great big sushi roll. Fabulous! Very filling. Tiny little place tucked with a few tables out front and some stools along the side (much cooler there). Definitely a lunch stop when in Kapaa. I'll be back. read more

OH-MY-GOD. I just got back from Kauai and I could not for the life of me remember the name of this place from the last time I was here. I landed after an EXHAUSTING shit trip from Chicago trying to come up with the name of this place the entire time. Nope. I figured I'd come across it somehow. Nope. Might I fly right back for an ahi nori wrap? Yep. Do note the warning...It's bit much on the spice, but I know that so I say easy on the sauce and easy on the rice. The rice can over power the deliciousness of the tuna. Go! Run!! read more

My husband really wanted to here for lunch because it was highly recommended. It's a very cute small, hole in the wall place, you could miss very easily. My husband had the Ahi tacos and I had the chicken tacos. My husband loved his Ahi tacos, very fresh and made to order. I wasn't thrilled with my tacos, I just wasn't grooving over the sauce as I felt it over took the other flavors. Excellent customer service and seems to be a popular place for the locals. Would go back and try something else. Note- They only accept CASH! read more

We were on vacation in Kauai and just happened across this very quaint takeout place on Kuhio Highway. There is a counter and tables on the sidewalk. We had the Ahi Nori and the Chicken Curry. Both items were fantastic. While the Mermaid Cafe does not serve beer or wine, they do allow you to pick up a bottle of something at the nearby liquor store and enjoy it with your meal. We did try to go back for breakfast on Saturday, but they weren't serving that day. We would definitely go again to this delightful place. read more

Starving and tired, my boyfriend and I had just arrived on the island. The mermaid cafe was like a siren. The best food we've had on the island so far, and definitely worth a stop. We got the nori ahi wrap and the chicken satay plate. Fresh veggies, yummy peanut sauce, yummy in my tummy! We will go back here before our time is up on the island. read more

Ate here the first time based upon another visitor's recommendation and approached the small store front with a bit of apprehension - but was won over by the ahi black bean burrito. The entire family enjoyed it so much we made sure to come by again another night for dinner. Not one item disappointed - tacos (mahi), foccacia sandwich (mahi). Everything was very fresh, the folks there were extremely friendly, and everything was very relaxed and low key - no feeling of over the top touristy-type restaurant at all. After dinner - head over to Java Kai next door for a dessert, or go up the street there is a fruit stand that sells great pineapple and rambutan. read more

Always a delicious meal at Mermaids. Fresh, tasty and made with much aloha. Eat here early on in your trip cuz you'll wanna go back. read more

Mermaids Cafe - Black bean burrito with chicken. I asked to add avocado. Delish! - Sandwiches Near Me - Kapaa, Hawaii

Mermaids is a must go-to in Kapaa! We have eaten there twice on our honeymoon in Kauai and exceptional food both times! The poke bowl and peanut satay wrap are to die for! Also, try the hibiscus lemonade! read more

Major shout out to Mermaids for serving me a mind blowing ahi wrap right as they were closing! I had heard about this place from locals during a recent visit and had it on my list. Coming from NYC, I was surprised to find that a lot of restaurants close up shop very early. When I arrived around 8 pm on a weekday, the staff was closing up shop, but very nicely prepared 2 ahi wraps for the hungry New Yorkers. It was so fresh and delicious! They've really raised the bar for me and as it is it's really hard to find quality fresh fish dishes back at home. Normally I think I could have shared this with someone, but I devoured it quickly. They have a great location right on the main strip in Kapaa and have outdoor seating. When I drove by they were usually packed (great sign of good food!) but they serve up meals quickly and get everyone in and out. A must see if you're visiting Kauai! read more

I came to Kauai for my honey moon. My wife and I stumbled upon this place by chance and got poke bowls. The poke bowls were fantastic. Since this was our very first meal on the island we thought that maybe this was the norm here. We did some online research trying to find the best poke bowl. After seven different places that were supposed to have "The best poke bowl" we found that no where else came close. The two gentleman running the cafe were as nice as could be. This place seems to be a hidden gem. If you come to Kauai do not leave without trying Mermaids Cafe. read more