Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill

CLOSED 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., in Kukuiula Village Shopping Center, Poipu, (808) 742-7117. Reservations advised. $$$.

interior of Josselin's Tapas Bar & Grill in Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii

Popular with locals--always a good sign--this spot features a tasteful contemporary decor with plenty of comfy booths. High windows with a view of tree tops makes it feel like you’re in a tree house. Service is both polite and prompt. Service is both polite and prompt. A good way to start is with a fresh-fruit selection from the sangria cart, which is wheeled around to each table. Lychee sangria is probably the most popular and always available, but usually there is also another flavor option. And don’t overlook the made-from-scratch house drinks, which include Plantation Porch Tea and a Classic Mango Daiquiri. Menu items are all tapas size and meant to be shared. Two plates per person is plenty. Everyone’s favorites seem to be the 36-hour braised pork belly and the beautiful raw tempura ahi roll, but I also really liked the roasted cauliflower with tumeric and the rock shrimp tempura with avocado and kim chee ranch dressing. Items for vegans are available.