Kenji Burger Kapaa — Restaurant in Kauai

My girlfriend and I are spending a week in Kauai, soaking up paradise, and we stumbled across Kenji Burger in Kapaa. I was looking for something uniquely Kauai, but the name and rave reviews pulled us in--and boy, am I glad they did!

We both ordered the Truffle Burger, hers with a veggie patty (she's the healthier half), mine with 100% Kauai grass-fed beef. This masterpiece features truffle aioli, Swiss cheese, organic Japanese mushrooms, and dreams. We paired them with Furikake Fries, which was a perfect match.

Now, let me confess: I'm not technically a burger connoisseur. My friends and family might argue otherwise, but I'd say I'm just someone who passionately loves a good burger. And let me tell you, this burger might be THE ONE. You know, the burger you daydream about while eating other burgers.

The bun? Perfectly buttered and toasted, delivering a symphony of soft, buttery goodness with just the right amount of crunch. The patty? Well-done yet somehow still moist and bursting with flavor. The melted Swiss? A palate-resetting hero that lets the truffle aioli and Japanese mushrooms shine. Every bite was a harmonious dance of textures and flavors that left me mystified and mildly emotional. Seriously, chef's kiss levels of excellence.

And yes, I get it--we're in a tropical paradise. Maybe the lush Hawaiian paradise adds some sparkle to the taste buds. But I swear, if I were sitting at home in Colorado with a lineup of decent burgers, it would still swagger to the front of the burger lineup like it owns the place. It's THAT good.

When we were done, my girlfriend imitated me and laughed as I gushed to the staff about my existential burger experience (shoutout to the cook who politely listened to my impassioned ramblings, gave me two thumbs up, and smiled). As we walked out, I was already calculating how many more visits I could squeeze into the rest of our trip.

Kenji Burger, you've ruined all future burgers for me in the best possible way. If you're on Kauai, do yourself a favor: go, eat, and prepare to question every burger...

Kenji Burger Review – Burger & Fries Done Right ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) I stopped by Kenji Burger in Kauai for a quick bite and stuck to the classics: a burger and fries. This Japanese-Hawaiian fusion spot uses 100% Kauai grass-fed beef, and it shows in the quality. I went for the Hapa Burger, loaded with Japanese BBQ sauce, sriracha pineapple slaw, bacon, cheddar, and caramelized onions. The patty was juicy and cooked just right, with the sweet-spicy slaw and tangy BBQ sauce stealing the show. The bacon added a nice crunch, though the arugula was a bit much for me. The bun held up well, which is always a plus. The furikake fries were a standout—crisp, golden, and dusted with a nori-sesame seasoning that gave them a unique, addictive flavor. The vibe is casual and fun, perfect for a laid-back meal. Service was friendly but slightly slow; my order took a few extra minutes, and I noticed another table waiting a bit too. Prices are steep for a burger joint—expect $12-$14 for the burger alone—but the local beef and bold flavors make it worth it compared to fast food chains nearby. Overall, Kenji Burger delivers a solid burger and fries experience with a Hawaiian twist. If you’re in Kauai, it’s a great pick for a quick, tasty meal. Pro Tip: Ask for extra furikake on the fries for a...

Burger joint with a Japanese Food twist. Kauai Made & Kauai Grown. Beef is 100% Kauai Grass Fed. Cooked to order if you ask. Friendly staff & will automatically walk you through their menu. Pricey for what you get, portions are small, but you’re in Kauai and Kenji is using locally grown ingredients.

Kid friendly (has high chairs) and disability friendly access (ramp at the back for wheel chairs and walkers). Has both indoor and plenty of outdoor seating front and back.

Ordered the Kenji Burger meal, which came with a drink (chose the unsweetened house made green tea iced tea), mango mochi sliver, and upgraded the fries their Furikake fries (a little salty). Ponzu Mayo added some zing to the burger.

Ordered the Misoyaki Fish Bowl for my kiddos to share without the sauce. Be aware their are bones in the fish. Was told the fish bowl price has increased to $11 from $8, but the fish portion is now “larger.” I can’t imagine how small the size of fish was prior! It’s now the sIze of my palm. Kenji could have added another scoop of rice to ‘add value.’

For Kauai, the burgers are good. Does...