Cafe Portofino
About
Harbor-Side Italian Dining in Lihue
Positioned right along the breezy waterfront of Nawiliwili Harbor, Cafe Portofino offers a distinct departure from the typical tiki-bar aesthetic found elsewhere on Kauai. Here, the air carries the scent of salt spray mixed with the comforting, heavy aroma of garlic-infused olive oil and simmering marinara. It is the go-to spot for those seeking a proper sit-down dinner after a long day of exploring the Garden Isle.
The Culinary Experience
The menu leans heavily into classic Italian staples with a localized approach. Regulars often gravitate toward the signature Osso Buco, a slow-cooked veal shank that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork. The linguine pescatore is another standout, featuring an array of seafood pulled straight from the surrounding Pacific waters. The portions are substantial, clearly designed for lingering over a second glass of Chianti while watching the cruise ships drift past the harbor lights.
What to Expect
The interior strikes a balance between formal dining and island casual. Expect an acoustic environment that can get a bit boisterous when the room reaches full capacity, especially during the sunset hours. Service is attentive, though the pacing reflects the relaxed pace of island life rather than a frantic city tempo. A small point of observation: if you arrive during the peak dinner rush, parking in the shared lot can become a bit of a localized puzzle, so consider leaving a few extra minutes to navigate the spaces near the harbor front. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or just need a break from casual beach fare, the view of the bay provides a backdrop that is hard to replicate anywhere else in Lihue.
Amenities & Features
Location
3481 Ho'Olaule'a Way, Lihue, Hawaii, 96766-1701
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 1159 community reviewsSabrina LeggioGoogle Maps
Recently
It is home away from home! When you step in and are greeted with welcome to Italy, it is exactly that! Living abroad a Sicilian is always on the look for that piece of culinary familiarity. At Cafe Portofino you find exactly that, absolutley deliscious! The Pizza devine, keep it simple enjoy the full flavor of a Pizza Margherita have a bottle of Chianti you'll feel like sitting in Rome. The Veal Piccata, both traditional and al Marsala - wow, the Escargot, only my dad made them better. Osso Buco - Yum, the home made tagliatelle reminde me my grandmother The freid calamari, absolutely perfect, dry light crispy fry yet juicy tender calamari. The Steaks, the porcini sauce, the profiterol, I could go on and on Thank you Giuseppe for making us feel home and for keeping your standards high and authentic, Complimenti davvero non vediamo l'ora di ritornare!
Emily BlackGoogle Maps
Recently
I don’t even know where to start because the food was absolutely incredible. This was hands down the best traditional Italian food I’ve ever had, and it was absolutely worth the price. You can truly tell the chefs put care into every dish. The service was amazing as well. The servers genuinely seemed like they enjoyed working there, and it showed in how attentive and welcoming they were throughout the entire meal. The owner was also very kind and took the time to tell us how much care goes into the food they make. To top it all off, the desserts, like all the entrees, are made fresh right in the restaurant, and you can absolutely taste the difference. Everything tasted fresh, homemade, and thoughtfully prepared. The night we went there was even live music, which made the atmosphere feel even more special and authentic. They also have a pizza shop that will definitely be our next stop because after this meal, we already know it’s going to be amazing. We’ll absolutely be coming back.
Moiz ArifGoogle Maps
Recently
Cafe Portofino was a beautiful beachside italian dining experience. We had the pasta, fish, soup, and tiramisu, and everything was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The fish was especially enjoyable, the pasta was comforting, and the tiramisu was a great way to finish the meal. What really made the visit stand out was the location right on the beach with an amazing vibe, great views, and a relaxed atmosphere. Definitely a memorable spot for a meal by the water.
Tony FGoogle Maps
Recently
Juan, our server, was excellent. He was attentive and friendly throughout the meal. Portion sizes were generally solid, though the dessert fell short. I ordered the ossobuco, which unfortunately didn’t taste very fresh. It was just okay overall and on the dry side, and it came across more like a reheated dish than something prepared that day. The pasta served with it, however, was well done and enjoyable. My wife had the carbonara and really liked it. The caprese appetizer was good, but not memorable enough that we’d order it again. The tiramisu was a letdown. For $15, the portion felt small and looked a bit underwhelming. It was also overly sweet compared to what you’d expect from a traditional tiramisu. The ambience with the view and live music was good. Wouldn’t be sold on coming back here based on the price for the quality received.
Rebecca BangGoogle Maps
Recently
Ordered a pizza to go. Was directed to the bar area. Only one bartender to make all drinks for the restaurant, take to-go orders and service the bar customers. Pizza was good. A little burned but ok. Took 43 minutes to get our order. Again pizza was okay but not worth the wait.
Lisa BilGoogle Maps
Recently
The carbonara pasta and pizzas are so yummy. I don’t know why this place is reviewed higher, it’s good. I didn’t order a steak or anything so I can’t comment on that but with it being Italian you can’t go wrong with pasta or pizza. I was there multiple times, always really good. The pasta and pizza are some of the best I’ve ever had. It’s right next to Dukes (go here instead). They also have live music.
kat_bates 93Google Maps
Recently
Ate here multiple times on a recent trip and fell in love. The pasta was amazing - felt like we were back in Italy. Staff were friendly and remembered our order from the previous night. The violinist also added to the atmosphere. Such a relaxing spot to eat.
tristinGoogle Maps
Recently
I have been here several times and every time is a guaranteed amazing dinner. The carbonara pasta is one of my favorite pastas I’ve ever had. When you add chicken to it it’s amazing. I also sat in the pizzeria section and got a pizza and pasta.. the pepperoni pizza was so good I ate everything and I ordered ANOTHER pizza to go, and ate it as I was walking back to my hotel. If you want a solid pasta and pizza, come here! It certainly won’t disappoint. Reservation recommended!
Emily BanuelosGoogle Maps
Recently
Honestly you come here for the view more than the food. The food was decent but nothing special. The waiter was nice. Make sure to not get the pasta because it was so bland. But the steak and salad slightly better.
Kevin QuangGoogle Maps
Recently
This is my 2nd time to visit this restaurant and I decided to provide a detailed review of the food, services, and sitting area at this restaurant. Of course, it is an Italian restaurant and offers some of the best Italian dishes on the island, such as snails, veal, pasta, and shrimp. The food is authentic and exquisitely prepared, definitely deserving of a 5-star rating. While the prices are on the higher side, they reflect standard rates for reputable restaurants on the island. If you visit other dining spots, you'll likely find similar pricing. The sitting area is one of the best locations to enjoy a breathtaking sunset and is very romantic, making it ideal for special occasions like anniversaries or proposals. The waiters are very attentive, well-trained, and dedicated to providing excellent service to all customers. Overall, I highly recommend this place for its quality cuisine, beautiful ambiance, and attentive staff.
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