Naisla Kitchen and Cocktails — Restaurant in Kauai

I will preface this review with the fact that this is a brand new restaurant and they might be figuring things out, so I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt. However, I’m giving an honest review based on the fact that this place has a high price point for dining.

When we arrived, I asked to be seated outside, but the hostess told me that it’s fully booked. After sitting down and having served water, the second host ended up giving us outside seating and the whole place was never more than 1/3rd full the time we were there (peak hour). I felt a little “lied” to because the first host didn’t bother asking first.

The vibes were on point. I loved the feel of this restaurant and it might be the reason to my future return.

Our server was always short, she might be new to serving, but we didn’t get any service other than taking orders, she never asked us how things are doing, and she was very abrasive with our interactions.

Now, the food. We ordered a little of everything to give them a chance at showing where they shine. As I mentioned, the price point is higher with entrees ranging from $28-42, so my expectation is higher.

The hamachi is good, and the endive with goat cheese is good.

Short rib with risotto - the short rib was dry, it felt like it took moisture out of my mouth. Maybe it needs to be marinated more, braised more, I’m not sure, I just know what I can compare it to other high end restaurants. Risotto itself was good, but I expected more from the dish highlight.

The pasta pomodoro was very disappointing, the pasta was extremely overcooked that it was falling apart, the sauce was very watery, and the Asian style meatballs did not fit in at all. I love pasta, I wanted to like this dish, but I couldn’t.

Lastly, the tiramisu. This guy saved our whole experience. It was fantastic. They made it as it should be made with the crackers drenched in coffee.

We spent $170 total with service, food, and two glasses of wine. All in all, we are happy that they are providing something different in Kapaa, but I hope they improve their service and cooking methods for the next time we come. Again, we want them to succeed, because we really enjoyed the vibes and...

Naisla Kitchen and Cocktails, nestled in the old Street Burger restaurant in Kapaa, is a haven for foodies seeking a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors. As a passionate food enthusiast, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the seamless integration of these culinary traditions, resulting in a symphony of taste and textures that truly delighted the senses.

Our dining experience at Naisla was nothing short of exceptional. We indulged in a feast of local greens, fettuccine pomodoro, jidori chicken, and the traditional bao buns, each dish expertly crafted to showcase the diverse flavors of both cuisines. The harmonious blend of ingredients created a culinary masterpiece that left us craving for more.

Our waiter ( I asked his name before he left but I totally forgot, sorry...but very nice gentleman), who also skillfully managed the bar, provided attentive service throughout the evening, ensuring that our dining experience was nothing short of perfect. His accommodating nature was evident as he seamlessly accommodated my last-minute to-go order, allowing me to share the exceptional flavors of Naisla with my family at home after a lovely ladies night out.

Overall, Naisla Kitchen and Cocktails exceeded my expectations with its innovative menu, attentive service, and delightful ambiance. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Naisla is a must-visit...

This is a brand new swanky restaurant in Kapaa town. The same folks who brought you the beloved Kenji Burger group of restaurants have expanded their offerings into the fine dining space. Dining here, we felt very well attended to from start to finish. Friendly staff service you would expect from other fine dining establishments. Great wine and cocktail list. My favorite was a cocktail with black tea and bourbon; easy to have more than one. There is definitely an Italian/Asian fusion to many of the dishes. Many of the starters are fish based. The flavors are fresh and light. The non-fish option is the arancini balls. Sooooo good. Tonight, my main dish was the prime ribeye steak, with mashed potatoes and mushroom medley. It was top notch. I don't usually get steak unless a place is known for it, but they nailed this one. My wife had the fettuccine dish, served with red sauce and meatballs and she loved it. We also had the opportunity to try the short rib and risotto. Although it wasn't my main dish, it might be my new favorite. Probably the best I've ever had. If you live Kauai, definitely hit them up. If you are just visiting and you're looking for a really nice place to sit down and have really good...