Food is a big part of local culture, playing a prominent role at parties, celebrations, events, and even casual gatherings. The best grinds (food) are homemade, so if you're lucky enough to win an invitation to a potluck, baby lu'au, or beach party, accept. Dieters, picky eaters, and vegetarians are considered odd on Kaua'i, where folks are urged to eat until they're full, then rest, eat some more, and make a plate to take home, too. Small, neighborhood eateries are a good place to try local-style food, which bears little resemblance to the fancy Pacific Rim cuisine served in upscale restaurants. Expect plenty of meat -- usually deep-fried or marinated in a teriyaki sauce and grilled pulehu-style over an open fire -- and starches. Rice is ubiquitous, even for breakfast, and often served alongside potato-macaroni salad, another island specialty. Another local favorite is poke, made from chunks of raw tuna or octopus seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, onions, and pickled seaweed. It's a great pupu (appetizer) when paired with a cold beer.

Kaua'i's cultural diversity is apparent in its restaurants, which offer authentic Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Mexican, Italian, and Hawaiian specialties. Less specialized restaurants cater to the tourist crowd, serving standard American fare -- burgers, pizza, sandwiches, surf-and-turf combos, and so on. Kapa'a offers the best selection of restaurants, with options for a variety of tastes and budgets; most fast food joints are in Lihu'e.

Parents will be relieved to encounter a tolerant attitude toward children, even if they're noisy. Men can leave their jackets and ties at home; attire tends toward informal, but if you want to dress up, you can. Reservations are accepted in most places, and required at some of the top restaurants. One cautionary note: most restaurants stop serving dinner at 8 or 9 PM, so plan to eat early.

Villas Caribe Kauai Restaurant Selections

The Beach House:
Contemporary, $20 to over $30.  This restaurant is one of our favorites, with a dreamy ocean view and impressive cuisine. Few Kaua'i experiences are more delightful than sitting at one of the outside tables and savoring a delectable meal while the sun sinks into the glassy blue Pacific. It's the epitome of tropical dining, and no other restaurant on Kaua'i can offer anything quite like it. The menu changes often, but the food is consistently creative and delicious. A few trademark dishes appear regularly, such as the Local Boy paella and fire-roasted 'ahi. Seared macadamia-nut-crusted mahimahi, a dish ubiquitous on island menus, gets a refreshing new twist when served with a citrus aki miso sauce. The excellent desserts must not be skipped; either the hot chocolate mousse or coconut-butter mochi (doughy Japanese rice cake) sundae are worthy finales of a meal at this pleasing and deservedly popular restaurant. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.  Address: 5022 Lawa'i Rd., Koloa, HI, USA,  Phone: 808/742-1424

Café Hanalei and Terrace:
Contemporary, $12 to over $30.  You're in for a very romantic evening here: the view from the Princeville Resort overlooking Hanalei Bay is mesmerizing, and the food and service are superb. In all but the rainiest weather you'll want to be seated outside on the terrace. The Sunday brunch and daily breakfast buffet are enormous feasts, as is the Friday night seafood buffet. The Japanese specialties, fresh-fish specials, and Kaua'i coffee rack of lamb are excellent choices for dinner. If you're on a budget, come for lunch when you can enjoy the fabulous views and a leisurely, relaxing meal -- try the Cobb salad -- for less than you'd spend at dinner. The pastry chef deserves praise for delicious, innovative desserts. Save room for the decadent "Tower of Passion," a chocolate tower filled with passion-fruit mousse. AE, D, DC, MC, V.  Address: Princeville Resort, 5520 Ka Haku Rd., Princeville, HI, USA.  Phone: 808/826-2760

Dondero’s:
Italian, $20 to over $30.  The inlaid marble floors, ornate tile work, and Italianate murals that comprise the elegant decor at this restaurant compete with a stunning ocean view. And in addition to the beautiful setting, Dondero's offers outstanding food, a remarkable wine list, and impeccable service, making this Kaua'i's best restaurant. Chef Vincent Pecoraro combines old-world techniques with new energy to create menu selections as enticing as the surroundings. Porcini-mushroom crêpes with Parmesan sauce, fresh tomato salad topped with his flavorful homemade mozzarella cheese, and lobster piccata on a bed of fettuccine blackened with squid ink thrill the palate and delight the eye. Order a light, traditional tiramisu or chocolate crème brûlée with fresh raspberries so you can linger over coffee. The waitstaff deserves special praise for its thoughtful, discrete service. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.  Address: Hyatt Regency Kaua'i Resort and Spa, 1571 Po'ipu Rd., Po'ipu Beach, HI, USA. Phone: 808/742-1234

Hanalei Gourmet:   
American/Casual, $7 to $30.  In Hanalei's restored old school house, this North Shore spot offers diners dolphin-free tuna, low-sodium meats, fresh-baked breads, and homemade desserts as well as a casual atmosphere where both families and the sports-watching crowds can feel equally comfortable. Early birds can order coffee and toast or a hearty breakfast. Lunch and dinner menus feature sandwiches, burgers, filling salads, and nightly specials of fresh local fish. They also will prepare a picnic and give it to you in an insulated backpack. A full bar and frequent live entertainment keep things hopping even after the kitchen closes. D, DC, MC, V. Address: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, HI, USA, Phone: 808/826-2524

Gaylords:
Eclectic, $20 to over $30.  Located in what was at one time Kaua'i's most expensive plantation estate, Gaylord's pays tribute to the elegant dining rooms of 1930s high society. Tables with candlelight sit on a cobblestone patio surrounding a fountain and overlooking a wide lawn. The innovative menu features classic American cooking with an island twist. Try wonton-wrapped prawns with a wasabi plum sauce, New Zealand venison, blackened prime rib, or fresh-fish specials. Lunches are a mix of salads, sandwiches, and pasta, enjoyed in a leisurely fashion. The lavish Sunday brunch may include such specialties as sweet-potato hash and Cajun 'ahi in addition to the standard omelets and pancakes. Before or after dining you can wander around the estate grounds or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. AE, D, DC, MC, V.  Address: Kilohana Plantation, 3-2087 Kaumuali'i Rd., Lihu'e, HI, USA. Phone: 808/245-9593