JO2 Natural Cuisine
About
A Fresh Perspective on Kauai Dining
Tucked away in the heart of Kapaa, JO2 Natural Cuisine stands out for its commitment to local sourcing and chef-driven creativity. Chef Jean Marie Josselin, a pioneer of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement, helms the kitchen, focusing on the bounty of the islands. Instead of heavy, imported ingredients, the menu leans into the vibrant colors and textures of Kauai-grown produce and line-caught fish.
The Atmosphere
The space feels modern yet approachable, stripping away the pretension often associated with high-end dining. You’ll hear the hum of a busy kitchen and the clinking of glasses against a backdrop of soft, ambient lighting. It is an ideal spot for those seeking a thoughtful meal after a day exploring the nearby Wailua River or the windward side beaches. The room can get a bit energetic during peak dinner hours, so it is perfect for a lively conversation over a craft cocktail rather than a whisper-quiet date.
Signature Flavors
The menu shifts with the seasons, but the execution remains sharp. You might find delicate preparations of sashimi, expertly seared scallops, or local greens that taste like they were plucked from the soil just an hour prior. The presentation is artistic without being overly fussy. Pro tip: keep an eye on the parking situation, as the shared lots in this section of town can fill up quickly during the evening rush. It is a small trade-off for the chance to sample some of the most consistent, natural, and locally-focused cooking on the island.
Amenities & Features
Location
4-971 Kuhio highway, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-1553
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 1083 community reviewsRana KhouryGoogle Maps
Recently
The experience unfortunately wasn’t as good as we expected, even though the restaurant itself looks beautiful. The staff were amazing — very friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout the evening. The lobster dish was also really nice. However, the rest of the food was disappointing. The salad didn’t taste fresh, and the fish risotto was undercooked and lacked flavor. Overall, the atmosphere and service were great, but the food quality didn’t match the expectations.
Anne EliasonGoogle Maps
Recently
I just went back to JO2 with friends. We knew the chef had changed and we wanted to see if it was still just as good. It was delicious. We all had a great time with great food!
Bill DavisGoogle Maps
Recently
We had a wonderful dinner and splendid evening at JO2. We enjoyed their early 3course special along with the spring roll starter. Everything was prepared brilliantly with wonderful tastes and seasonings
Teresa KingGoogle Maps
Recently
The food here is so expertly prepared but the service wins us over everytime. This is usually our first dinner on the island and is always our final meal before returning to the mainland. Always a beautiful experience dinning here.
U'ilani Corr-YorkmanGoogle Maps
Recently
Everyone was so friendly and kind. Every dish was excellent! Every bite was on point and so 'ono! Our server Nicole was so helpful, friendly, and pleasant. She went above and beyond to explain the dishes and give her recommendations and personal opinions. She is a gem and such an asset!! Will return again and again!
Ekaterina CohenGoogle Maps
Recently
The scallop ravioli was to die for. Lobster tails were delicious. Come earlier.
Audrie OuelletteGoogle Maps
Recently
We have been to Kauai 3 times in the last 8 years and all three times we have eaten at JO2. Friends who live on Oahu suggest we go the first time. This restaurant is very unassuming from the outside. Located in a strip center with a taco shop, smoke shop and body piercing salon It is my favorite restaurant on the island. We have always found the food to be fresh, inventive. Service is friendly. Tonight we had Nicole and she was perfect. We ate way too much ordering more food than 2 people needed, but heck we have left overs.
Danlei ChenGoogle Maps
Recently
It’s a relatively disappointed dinner, there is barely any service in this place, we spent around 90 mins in the restaurant, 90% of the time just waiting for our food to show up, no one really checked on us during the time. On the bright side, the two main dishes we got were really good, but did they worth the wait? Definitely not. Plus, our green beans were really chewy. If you are hungry, and want some place with decent food and good service, you better go somewhere else, there were way more and better options in this island
Sharon OlsonGoogle Maps
Recently
The bread was delicious, which was served with oil and vinegar for dipping. The presentation of the food was good. With my dinner, I would have preferred roasted veggies with the Ahi, but it came with boiled potatoes and veggies, which are a bit too tough and bland. It did come with sauce though. Unfortunately, I didn't see it feel any fans or air conditioning. It was stuffy and uncomfortable. They opened the door for air flow, but then a fly came in. You can also hear the road traffic. Dessert was delicious and nicely presented. The staff was very nice and attentive. I want to love it, but I only like it. It was worth trying.
Brian HallGoogle Maps
Recently
Small place that puts out great food (Asian fusion) with beautiful presentation. They had some unique dishes with a great combination of local flavors. The food here was better than what we had at the 1 Hotel. Apparently their menu changes daily based on what’s freshly available but we loved everything we ordered and the people next to us also loved what they had.
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Frequently Asked Questions about JO2 Natural Cuisine
Common questions from diners about JO2 Natural Cuisine in Kapaa.
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