Tapas @ Kukui'ula

We've been visiting Kauai for over thirty years and were really looking forward to eating at Josselin's since our previous experience was nice. This will be our last time eating there. We arrived at 5:45 PM and were rushed through dinner in 45 minutes. We ordered a few tapas to start and when the waiter arrived with our fish entrees five minutes later, my husband had the waiter send them back because we felt too rushed. The food was not that spectacular. The lamb meatballs were pretty awful, the two salads were just okay, and the fish entrees were better but not outstanding. The restautant was too noisy from one large party - we couldn't even have a conversation. Overall the meal was definitely not worth the $150 price tag for two people and our ten year old granson who ordered a "kid's meal" (and only one person had one alcoholic beverage). We'll go back to The Beach House and Roy's in the future and skip Josselin's althogether.

Under new management since we were last here. The food and Sangria is amazing. Highly suggest the butterfish! Our waiter, the ladies and gentlemen who bussed our tables and the manager were all I credibly friendly! A fantastic night! Hope they are here the next time we visit the island!

Amazing array of Flavors, artfully presented - chef Kristin is incredibly talented. You can tell Tapas is managed well from the high level of service plus it has a great atmosphere. It's one of my favorite places to go!

Pro's - The food is exceptionally good. Incredible flavors. Nicely presented. Con's - Noise level is deafening. On a scale of $ to $$$$, cost is $$$$. We had read some really good reviews of this restaurant and looked forward to our experience. We arrived without a reservation. It took an hour to seat us as they were fairly busy and they did recommend reservations. The noise level was louder than some machines where I work. We could not talk across the table from each other. The most surprising thing was the price for the portion size. It is exceptionally expensive. I expect to pay on the order of $25 to $30 for a meal. If the meal is exceptional, maybe $40 a plate. Tapas are appetizers. However at $11 to $38 per appetizer, I would expect to see slightly larger portions. I left with the impression that the waitress was insulted that we only ordered as much as we did. She recommended 4 dishes per person in our party. We ordered 4 appetizers, no alcohol. The final price was $99 with tip. Our bill would have been $350 to $400 for our small group if we ordered as the waitress recommended. Again, the flavors were very good. If the price were a third to half of what it was, I would go back. I will not go back at these prices. If you are into spending a lot of money for not much food and enjoy being in loud environments, then Josselin's Tapas is for you. If you like your money to go a little farther, try somewhere else.

My husband and I were there the second night they opened, and being in the restaurant business myself, iI was a little apprehensive knowing what could go wrong on the second night. But...it was spectacular. The creativity of the dishes was unbeliveable. The food was just delicious. The service was great. You don't have to pay a lot of money for a dinner since you can order only appetizers(tapas) if you wish. Lots of athmosphere, young, colorful, fun. A little noisy. We will be back next time we are back in Kauai fro sure, but I am sure by then that reservation will have to be made weeks in advance. It will be soon the most popular place on the island.

One of my favorite spots south side. This place is called Josselins - not sure what google is up to calling it tapas @ kukuiula.... they have a sangria cart with 2 or 3 different kinds of sangria. Their food is top notch and it's a nice atmosphere.

Everyone was right.... the sangria cart is awesome. We had all three :) Tapas are a great size, we had four and we were full! Friendly staff.... quick service! Great place! Butterfish and ahi poke were delicious... a must!

Great hidden gem in Koloa. Creative, fresh, flavorful food. Truly a work of art from the decor to the food presentation. We got she tempura shrimp (served cold in a steamer over dry ice and infused water that drifts up and gives the rice a delicate lemongrass flavor), the shishito peppers (served hot with bonito flakes that curl from the heat with a life of their own), the duck confit (simply delicious) and the braised beef cheeks (melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked perfection that gives the best barbacoa a run for its money). Don't miss out on their house sangria cart! The lychee white sangria was divine. Also, this is the place to be at night for music and great cocktails. The service is awesome. Going to miss this place a lot!