Tortilla Republic recently opened near our Poipu Beach Collection in the Shops at Kukui`ula. I’ve become a big fan of its cool vibe and sophisticated flavors served up with a fresh island twist. Being that Tortilla Republic has become one of the trendiest spots for Kauai dining, it was the perfect choice for our recent holiday party.
The two levels of the stylish restaurant have open walls allowing the tropical trade winds to blow in, perfecting the relaxing setting. Starting our evening was a spectacular Kauai sunset which created a wonderful warm glow throughout the restaurant. The ground floor has a bar and more casual menu choices. The upstairs also has a cool bar as well and a more fine dining atmosphere including the formal Guadalajara styled room where we settled in for our Holiday Party.
The “Hydration” margaritas were popular with everyone. They are not overly sweet and have a more natural taste since they use coconut water and house-made lime sweet syrup. There are 50 varieties of tequila for aficionados. If you’d like something different ask for my personal creation with Grey Goose vodka. “Hydration” choices include the Skinny made with grapefruit juice, Cucumber Lavender using house-made lavender syrup and Thai margarita made with muddled kaffir lime leaves.
Table-side guacamole service is unique and one of the best you’ll find. Pedro mixed and prepared before us chilies, herbs and spices all tailored to our taste along with some fun commentary. There were big chunks of local avocado in the guacamole and it can be made with fresh crab meat if you chose. Three chili salsas were left for us to try and warm house made chips.
Menu standouts included crunchy Jicama tacos and well conceived lamb enchiladas. Chicken flautas were excellent too as were local fish Ahi tacos. Each healthy menu item was made with the best local ingredients. This is the best contemporary chic-Mexican food you’ll find here in the Pacific.
Churros and chocolate flan with a hint of chili ended a memorable evening. After a gift exchange we topped off the night with a plate of Mexican Wedding cookies and a walk around the fabulous Shops at Kukui`ula featuring art galleries, boutiques and clothing stores.
Details: Tortilla Republic’s Margarita Bar is open 11am to 9pm, Monday-Thursday and closes at 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Their Grill serves nightly from 5:30pm to 9pm, Monday-Thursday and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Closed on Sunday. For reservations check with our guest concierge or call 808-742-8884.
We invite you to share your best Kauai dining experiences with us. If you have had the pleasure of dining at Tortilla Republic, be sure to comment.
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We’ve been coming to Kauai for 25 years. This last time we had the pleasure of staying for 3 weeks. Even though it rained a lot, we had a great time. Noticed that a new restaurant, Tortilla Republic, had opened since our last visit in 2011 and decided to give it a try. What a treat! Liked it so much we went back again and again, lunch and dinner. Some friends came to stay with us for a week so we took them there as well. For their last dinner out on the island I asked where they would like to go and Tortilla Republic was the answer. We’re already planning next years visit and It’ll be the first restaurant we’ll go to!