Fusing the flavors of Japanese and Italian cooking with daring degrees of mixology, Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails is revolutionizing Kaua‘i’s culinary scene, marking a new era for upscale dining on the island. Opened in 2023, the chefs of Naisla aim to present guests with a symphony of tastes and textures while using the plate as their canvas. Guests can open their meals with a selection of appetizers like the wildly popular Tuna Carpaccio, which features Hawaiian caught yellowfin ahi dressed with truffle ponzu (soy citrus) sauce, shaved parmesan cheese and fresh arugula. Equally delicious are their pasta offerings, including Lobster Linguine—squid ink linguine tossed in a lobster bisque beneath a butter-poached lobster tail—and Pork Belly Spaghetti, which features a dashi pork broth and a piece of melt-in-your-mouth, sous vide pork belly. Their meshing of cuisines continues into their entrée course with dishes like Soy Braised Short Ribs served with creamy risotto and Day Boat Seafood served with yuzu (Japanese citron) sauce atop soba (buckwheat) noodles. Not to be forgotten are their cocktails meant to enhance the dining experience and provide innovative twists on classic drinks. One must-try cocktail is their Elder Flower Sangria which starts with aromatic Sauvignon Blanc mixed with Saint Germaine liqueur and topped with a Champagne float. From start to finish, meals at Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails are unforgettable experiences for all your senses.

Naisla Kitchen & Cocktails; Located in Shops at Wailua Kai; 4-369 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 855-0294; naisla.com; Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.