Break + Feast — Restaurant in Kauai

In a sea of carbon copies of the same over priced menu around the island, this restaurant is the proverbial lighthouse... guiding those whose palate holds a seat at the table when it is decided if a vacation is deemed a success... or not. We tried this restaurant a couple of years ago when it was attached to a 7-11. It was our favorite meal of the trip. It was so memorable we went straight to it on this trip and were devastated to see it closed. Thank goodness we went in person and found the sign that it had relocated to old town Koloa under a new name. Now, I'm writing this review after our 2nd visit in two days and we will go again the night before we leave. Hopefully, the people of Kauai and her many visitors know what a gem they have here. It would be my favorite spot in a borough of NYC, off the beaten path in LA, or anywhere these talented chefs/owners would choose to share their craft with those fortunate enough to stumble across it. The menu is extremely creative, giving nod to Hawaiian cuisine but with the best executed fusion of unique global flavors I have ever seen. Every plate is an experience and a take on things you think you know what to expect... but ends up leaving you day dreaming about what could have possibly inspired the chef to imagine it. It's food like you've never had it, but in a way that feels like home. I can't remember the last time I've felt so excited about a culinary experience. It filled me with a renewed sense of optimism that this world still has so many wonderful surprises for those who choose to explore it. Loco Moco with peppercorn demi sauce, pork hash, tomato steak short rib, jawaiian jerk ribs, pork belly tinono, are just a few of the dishes we tried. All exceptional. If there is one piece of advice we could give you, DO NOT be fooled by the names of the dishes. There is nothing ordinary about this place. Lastly, I don't care if you have no room left, not ordering the banana bread pudding/French toast for dessert would be the biggest mistake...

This place desperately wants to be a chic, innovative, fusion culinary adventure with an inspirational backstory... but it can only be as good as the employees running it. Unfortunately, today meant it was far below expectation. We had a reservation for 8 but when we arrived we watched them move patrons that were already sitting and enjoying their time, to different tables in order to make room for us. A shocking site and a clear sign they aren't managing seats and reservations.

Next, our server had an attitude from the moment we sat down. Before ordering, we informed him on how we intended to split our checks, but he swiftly cut us off and said he can only do it a certain way. We agreed that would work and then he proceeded to glare at each person ordering food as if our mere orders were annoying him. Furthermore, each question was met with an abrupt, pensive response and more glaring. It honestly felt like our very presence before him was audacious and we weren't welcome. He wanted to speak to us as little as he possibly could.

The food, plain and simple, was overpriced. 3 slices of pork belly, a cup of rice, and an egg should never cost $21. The flavor for all of our dishes was pleasant and it's clear the restaurant owners have a talent for merging flavors and cultures, but the execution doesn't match the lofty expectation.

Break + Feast has the foundational pieces for a truly breath taking experience; however, it will never surpass its immediate competition of Denny's and IHOP with staff members like the gentleman we were blessed to encounter...

You can't go wrong with anything at Break + Feast! Seriously. This place was so good that my husband and I ate here three times during our week on Kauai. Every experience was a solid 11/10.

Their Bacon Wrapped Dates are the perfect starter. An excellent blend of sweet and savory that will get you hype for the remainder of your meal. There are also 15 potential combinations of their Loco Moco to explore BUT I think we may have reached gold with the Crispy Ginger Chicken Coconut Curry Combo. If you're overwhelmed with the options, give it a go!

However, the biggest MUST is the Banana Bread Pudding. Seriously. It's freaking revolutionary. Break + Feast may have ruined me because I don't know if their iteration can ever be beat. The banana bread itself is perfect - warm, moist, with the taste of banana throughout. The potato chip crunch adds an exciting depth to the texture of each bite. And the salted honey butter on top allows you to pick and choose how wild of a ride you want each bite to be. All this to say - Make space for the Banana Bread Pudding. You won't regret it!

Additional Dinner Recommendations I don't have time to rave about: Tomato Steak Short Rib, Jawaiian Jerk Ribs, Oreo Milkshake. So good. All amazing.

And quick shout out to Keoni - who got our reservations squared away despite a large party buying out the place for a Saturday Brunch (understandable really - the food here is just THAT good). We were able to swing by later for an epic...