Restaurants with good veg options (north shore)?

Question

Hello,

I am looking for recommendations for good restaurants that has good vegetarian options in the North Shore. It is our anniversary in a couple of days and am looking to make dinner reservations. Any suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks.

Answer

Nice question — there are several restaurants on Kauaʻi’s North Shore (Hanalei / Princeville area) that are known for good vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus. Since it’s an anniversary and you’d like to make a reservation, I recommend booking ahead — a few of the places below get busy and seating can be limited. Here are some top picks plus what to know about each.

Top vegetarian- and vegan-friendly restaurants on the North Shore of Kauaʻi

— A small but popular plant-based spot. Their menu is almost entirely vegetarian/vegan, with hearty bowls, tacos, and other creative dishes made from local produce. Many visitors to Kauaʻi rave about its flavors and freshness.
— Known for “natural cuisine,” with good vegetarian and vegan options. It’s often praised as one of the best dinner-out choices on the North Shore when you want quality ingredients and a calm, relaxed vibe for a special evening.
— A cozy bakery / café that offers several vegetarian and vegan-friendly breakfast or light-meal options (sandwiches, pastries, toasts). Good for a more relaxed meal rather than formal dinner.
— Not a full dinner spot, but if you want a casual treat (especially after a hike or beach day), this serves vegan-friendly shave ice and is a nice, laid-back option. Could make a fun part of your dinner-out rotation or a sweet end to a meal.

Things to keep in mind / tips when you go

Because vegan/vegetarian-focused places are somewhat limited, many depend on local produce and smaller kitchens — hours may be shorter, or they may close on certain days. It’s smart to check their current hours or call ahead before depending on them.
If you want a nice dinner (for your anniversary) — go for Postcards Cafe or Nourish Hanalei. For a more casual breakfast or lunch, Hanalei Bread Company is gentle and flexible. And for a dessert or snack, Wishing Well Shave Ice is easy and fun.
Since some of these are quite popular and small — reservations are recommended if possible, especially for dinner. For breakfast/lunch or casual meals, try to arrive early or check in advance.
If you have a rental car and are willing to drive, there are other vegetarian-friendly or vegan-friendly places slightly off the “main” trail — but for North Shore base and easy access, the four above balance convenience + good food.

My recommendation for your anniversary dinner

If I were you and planning an anniversary dinner on the North Shore with good veg-friendly options and a pleasant atmosphere: I’d pick Postcards Cafe — a relaxed but nice dinner spot with good vegetarian/vegan offerings. If that’s too formal or booked, I’d fallback to Nourish Hanalei for a casual, flavorful, plant-based meal. For a laid-back, no-pressure breakfast or lunch the next day — Hanalei Bread Company, and maybe Wishing Well Shave Ice for a sweet treat.