Beach House, Kauai

The Beach House Restaurant

Poi'pu, Kauai

Loved the open air atmosphere with tiki torches like shining stars on the waterfront lawn outside. The sound effects of the ocean waves splashing lightly against the small rocks just at the edge of the green made for a nice background. We sat at the veranda area, wall panels pushed back so that we could look out on the dark, panoramic landscape. There was not much to see out there, but the moonlight was bright enough to see the surface of the water. Beautiful. 

We made reservations earlier for after sunset, but I hear if you make reservations for sunset viewing it is an excellent show. Upon arrival there was a bit of a wait, still, so we stood near the bar for around 15 minutes - not so bad. It was worth the wait. The evening was relaxing. The Beach House is more about the atmosphere than the food. It's not as incredibly expensive as some say. It's around $20-30 per entree. Sure, they get you with wine, so you could consider this a splurge. You should definitely try the appetizers and desserts along with the entrees. So please don't fill up on snacks before you dine here!

Togarashi Fried Calamari [$12]

with fresh Hawaiian guava cocktail sauce

So good. We didn't use much of the cocktail. The calamari itself had enough flavor to make this enjoyable. We squeezed some lemon over, and that was about it. Nice.

Miso Marinated Fresh Fish [$32]

Atop shitake mushrooms, fish fume, ong choi, fresh shiso leaf, ginger, cilantro

Served with green beans instead of rice. Interestingly enough, they were out of this, and Mahi Mahi the night we came. Mahi Mahi was just not swimming into the nets this season, so no restaurants were serving it except at astronomical costs. I was happy with this white fish. It was a sort of local white fish. I was given the option of a sunfish, which I didn't go for because it's usually thin. I think this was Ono. It has a slight, natural, buttery flavor on it's own. The sauce was delightful though, infused with ginger. Sounds crazy with all of the flavors in the description but it was more of a mildly-sweet and buttery ginger cream sauce. I liked this dish. 

Grilled Portobello Mushroom [$20]

"Marinated in Kaua'i sweet basil balsamic vinaigrette, paired with grilled asparagus,

roasted veggies, and an aged balsamic reduction"

This was good. It came with an interesting polenta cake, which was stiff, but interested. We loved the aged balsamic vinaigrette - full-bodied and rich. 

I don't recall having dessert here, though the molten chocolate desire is suppose to be delightful. We enjoyed some cappuccinos and coffee after. The most memorable part of the evening was just relaxing on the waterfront, enjoying good conversation and wine, and then walking out on the lawn after under the moonlight. There are so many wild toads around here too. Watch your step! Don't want you to step on one; they're cute.