Well, the island of Kauai is NOT known for their cuisine. We found this out by being on the island for a week. And unfortunately, The Dolphin proves to be one of the reasons. Sorry to be harsh, but I just don't get it. Fried food galore. Yuck. And don't sit by their open kitchen because you will smell like grease when you're done dining there. The vegetable tempura is just fried vegetables. The fried hamachi was good. The fried shrimp was burnt. Trader Joe's has better fried shrimp. And the French fries were suspect. You might say, well, you ordered all fried food. And yes we did. And we will never go back to this restaurant. In summary, this is a very casual fried food restaurant. It is not upscale and the food is not that great. And finally, our waitress wasn't great but she wasn't bad. Our tip reflected her attitude.
Tom P.
very good, if pricey, food. the service is good, too--with the notable exception of the hostess, who was a irascible and anxious. i'd hate to encounter her in the busiest season!
Judy N.
My very favorite place to eat!! Always always get the mushrooms on the appetizer menu
Steve A.
Delicious sushi. Not sure why ratings aren't higher! Compared to Wimea Terrace at the 1 hotel, and the sushi is better here. Himachi crudo was amazing and melted on your mouth. We got the Hanalei roll and the landslide roll, both of which were delicious.
Zack Kopp
Exceptional! We ate here every day we were on the island. Best sushi I’ve ever had. It doesn’t get fresher than this unless you own a boat. 11/10 recommend.
Lukas
Had Sushi and a bowl. Bowl was good but the portion pretty small. The maki was okay. Unfortunately half of the soy sauce was slimy, haven’t had that before.
Berthold Horn
Great sushi Maki
Janice Gan
The fish is so fresh and delicious in the restaurant and from the fish market. Great variety of fish I've never had before
Dane M.
best sushi of my life but with. a price that was well worth it thanks to the dolphin.
I ordered the blackened, pan seared mahi mahi. Worst I have ever had! Took 3 bites and done. I was wondering if it was even mahi mahi. SO over done and char grilled, not pan fried. Well, well, well done! Dried beyond edible. Cold white rice, cold grilled asparagus. Over $40. Total waste. Husband had fish and chips. Ono for $36, over priced and tasty "fishy". He ate his chips and we chalk it up to an experience. We were with friends, whose dinner also appeared to be subpar and they didn't want to say anything either. Hawaiian chicken breast, so over done and black she had a hard time cutting it. She left quite a bit on the plate. No "to go" boxes for us. We went home hungry and disappointed.
John M.
Amazing sushi especially their specialty rolls. Very good service and unique atmosphere.
Glenn M.
Fish market is great. But... don't waste your time at the restaurant. Don't waste your time getting there early to wait in line. Just... don't waste your time. There are several restaurants in that area to go to. The Dolphin is all hype and no bite. Prices high, not worth it to go to Hawaii and have THIS when you can go to any city in the US and get quality sushi at better prices.
William Whan
Great staff and amazing fish. Thank you and see you soon!
Ignacio Bravo
We loved the poke here and service was great.Plus the views in their patio by the river completes a great experience.
Great selection fresh fish
Well, the island of Kauai is NOT known for their cuisine. We found this out by being on the island for a week. And unfortunately, The Dolphin proves to be one of the reasons. Sorry to be harsh, but I just don't get it. Fried food galore. Yuck. And don't sit by their open kitchen because you will smell like grease when you're done dining there. The vegetable tempura is just fried vegetables. The fried hamachi was good. The fried shrimp was burnt. Trader Joe's has better fried shrimp. And the French fries were suspect. You might say, well, you ordered all fried food. And yes we did. And we will never go back to this restaurant. In summary, this is a very casual fried food restaurant. It is not upscale and the food is not that great. And finally, our waitress wasn't great but she wasn't bad. Our tip reflected her attitude.
very good, if pricey, food. the service is good, too--with the notable exception of the hostess, who was a irascible and anxious. i'd hate to encounter her in the busiest season!
My very favorite place to eat!! Always always get the mushrooms on the appetizer menu
Delicious sushi. Not sure why ratings aren't higher! Compared to Wimea Terrace at the 1 hotel, and the sushi is better here. Himachi crudo was amazing and melted on your mouth. We got the Hanalei roll and the landslide roll, both of which were delicious.
Exceptional! We ate here every day we were on the island. Best sushi I’ve ever had. It doesn’t get fresher than this unless you own a boat. 11/10 recommend.
Had Sushi and a bowl. Bowl was good but the portion pretty small. The maki was okay. Unfortunately half of the soy sauce was slimy, haven’t had that before.
Great sushi Maki
The fish is so fresh and delicious in the restaurant and from the fish market. Great variety of fish I've never had before
best sushi of my life but with. a price that was well worth it thanks to the dolphin.
Restaurantji Recommends
I ordered the blackened, pan seared mahi mahi. Worst I have ever had! Took 3 bites and done. I was wondering if it was even mahi mahi. SO over done and char grilled, not pan fried. Well, well, well done! Dried beyond edible. Cold white rice, cold grilled asparagus. Over $40. Total waste. Husband had fish and chips. Ono for $36, over priced and tasty "fishy". He ate his chips and we chalk it up to an experience. We were with friends, whose dinner also appeared to be subpar and they didn't want to say anything either. Hawaiian chicken breast, so over done and black she had a hard time cutting it. She left quite a bit on the plate. No "to go" boxes for us. We went home hungry and disappointed.
Amazing sushi especially their specialty rolls. Very good service and unique atmosphere.
Fish market is great. But... don't waste your time at the restaurant. Don't waste your time getting there early to wait in line. Just... don't waste your time. There are several restaurants in that area to go to. The Dolphin is all hype and no bite. Prices high, not worth it to go to Hawaii and have THIS when you can go to any city in the US and get quality sushi at better prices.
Great staff and amazing fish. Thank you and see you soon!
We loved the poke here and service was great.Plus the views in their patio by the river completes a great experience.