Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Hawaii

We've been to Palate before and really enjoyed it, but had a very odd experience at this tiny place last night. We had a 7:00 reservation and arrived on time, but there were no open tables. Not a big deal, the server told us she'd move a spare table to the middle of the room for us. Took about 10 minutes for her to do that, still no big deal, and she brought water and menus at the same time. No word of welcome or "I'll be back shortly" or anything like that. She seemed somewhat bothered, but they appeared busy so we understood. Strangely, though, for the next 20 minutes the server did not return to the dining area and the owner stayed planted behind the bar, chatting with a couple of customers there. After a while I leaned over from our table and asked her if there was a wine menu? She handed me one but said nothing and went right back behind the bar. A person who appeared to be the chef occasionally delivered food to tables and seemed friendly. Eventually, the owner began helping her and came over to us with a salad and asked if we'd ordered it. We said that we hadn't and that no one had actually been to our table yet. She then inexplicably removed the wine list she'd just given me as well as my menu, but left my husband's menu. She tried to deliver the salad to another table where a couple had been waiting for a flatbread for about 25 minutes after they'd finished their salads, which they brought to her attention. This was the 30-minute point for us and when we realized something was really amiss. We called the owner over from her spot behind the bar where she had returned, and explained calmly that we were leaving as they seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. She said, "I'm sorry you feel that way," and offered to prepare something for us to take away, but it was kinda too late. It was really a shame; we'd liked to have dined there again but probably wont be back after...

Five star food with a four star feel. What does that mean? Honestly, this little gem looks like a 3.7 to 4 star place. It's clean, trendy atmosphere sends cool vibes from the moment you arrive. But, just because it's a tiny, tucked in a hole kinda place, don't let that disguise fool you into thinking this is just another trendy wine bar that likes to think it's more sophisticated than the looks might lend. No way, this place has a lot of punch to its serious little wine bar menu! My wife and I were pleasantly surprised with dish after dish. The baby gold beets paired with their own dill and goat cheese and a very sophisticated lilykoi vinaigrette was just the start. Every dish paired well with the wines, and they were not stingy with their pour. Sure, between two glasses of very nice wines apiece and the appetizers and main course AND desert, we spent over $150! But, we purposely selected what we wanted, paid the price, and were satisfied with the fare. Overall, I can only give them 5 stars! I'll definitely bring my wife again next time we're in Kauai. Meanwhile, I'm gonna recommend this place to everyone who plans on...

Amazingly delicious food... Never knew a Kale salad to taste that good, and their flat bread (essentially pizza) and strawberry tart were to die for. The owner, Drew I believe, is a very sociable and interesting gent with a fun glimmer in his eyes with an obvious passion for wine. The beer list is rather short, but the restaurant is next door to a liquor store owned by the same people, so I just got a bottle there and brought it over, no issues whatsoever. My wife and I came in after a long day of beach hopping and were probably the least stylish people there, with flip-flops, my saggy shorts and her over-beached tanktop. But were still treated exceptionally well. Overall, a great spot... I'd give it double the stars if it were possible.. going back...