Kauai's hip and friendly restaurant, The Dolphin Poipu is the islands best kept secret. It's fun and energetic atmosphere is the place to be for fine dining at it's best. Offering gourmet sushi, fresh fish, steak and specialty cocktails, all served with local Hawaiian flavors. For a great time out with friends and family, the Dolphin is your number "ono-licious" destination on the south shore.
The Dolphin Poipu is owned and operated by Brooke and Bryson Sugahara. The couple's journey started at the The Dolphin's original location in Hanalei over 20 years ago. They had been working there for years before the company decided to make its mark on the south shore of Kaua'i. Take in the romantic sunsets while quenching your thirst with a specialty cocktail or satisfying your palate with over-the-top, gourmet sushi and the freshest fish.
The Dolphin Poipu is owned and operated by Brooke and Bryson Sugahara. The couple's journey started at the The Dolphin's original location in Hanalei over 20 years ago. They had been working there for years before the company decided to make its mark on the south shore of Kaua'i. Take in the romantic sunsets while quenching your thirst with a specialty cocktail or satisfying your palate with over-the-top, gourmet sushi and the freshest fish.
Services
The Dolphin Poipu is owned and operated by Brooke and Bryson Sugahara. The couple's journey started at the The Dolphin's original location in Hanalei over 20 years ago. They had been working there for years before the company decided to make its mark on the south shore of Kaua'i. It's clear to see that there is a strong sense of 'Ohana that lays the foundation of the companies culture.
For fine dining with a casual, family friendly feel, look no further than The Dolphin Poipu, Kauai's best kept secret for gourmet sushi, exotic specialty cocktails, locally caught fresh fish, and ono-licious steaks and seafood. Enjoy swaying palms and romantic sunsets from our fabulous lanai with friends and family.
For a supremely fresh taste of the islands, The Sushi Lounge is an authentic Kauaian dining experience that can't be topped. Kick back with a tropical specialty cocktail and pupu and talk story with our world class chefs as they entertain you with their individual techniques & talents.
Watch as they hand-craft mouthwatering rolls, sashimi and nigiri to order right before your eyes-or take it even easier and let our chefs choose the best flavors of the day for you - omakase style.At The Dolphin Poipu we combine local ingredients with classic Hawaiian artistry to create plates that always delight.
Watch as they hand-craft mouthwatering rolls, sashimi and nigiri to order right before your eyes-or take it even easier and let our chefs choose the best flavors of the day for you - omakase style.At The Dolphin Poipu we combine local ingredients with classic Hawaiian artistry to create plates that always delight.
Here at the Dolphin Poipu we come from a long line of fisherman who value seafood that's fresh and locally sourced. Our Fish Market is where we bring island caught, fresh-cut fish to our community, which is what we love to do. Order from our menu in person, online, or by phone and we'll prepare it for you.
Reviews (20)
Raniel Diaz
Feb 01, 2022
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Erika Arnberg
Jan 18, 2022
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Very underwhelming experience. We made a reservation and were seated close to our reservation time. QR codes for menus were not communicated by staff. Was unclear if you could order from one or both menus. Cocktails were tasteless. Food was delivered with amendments without explanation. Order rice on the side received rice and corn. Waiter never returned to check on our experience, water glasses were never refilled. Overall an overpriced and bland under delivered experience.
Ryan Berardelli
Jan 04, 2022
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Excellent sushi restaurant! Ate with a reservation and it worked out well.
The sushi selection was decent but not the best ever, with 9 expensive rolls and a bunch of medium priced. As for main menu items, there were a decent number as well.
The sushi rolls were much smaller in diameter than I expected, when compared to most of the mainland sushi places I've eaten at. Not sure if it's just a Hawaii thing or not. Their flavor was great and lovely presentation. We got the Sunset roll and the Unagi roll - really liked both but the Unagi was my favorite. There aren't really any deep fried rolls on
The sushi selection was decent but not the best ever, with 9 expensive rolls and a bunch of medium priced. As for main menu items, there were a decent number as well.
The sushi rolls were much smaller in diameter than I expected, when compared to most of the mainland sushi places I've eaten at. Not sure if it's just a Hawaii thing or not. Their flavor was great and lovely presentation. We got the Sunset roll and the Unagi roll - really liked both but the Unagi was my favorite. There aren't really any deep fried rolls on
Laura O.
Jan 01, 2022
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Neal W.
Dec 26, 2021
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Meh. The blackened ahi tuna was nice, bu everything else was so-so. The panko crusted fish was an extremely small piece of fish deep fried until dry - nowhere close to what I was expecting - not to mention that it was served in a small bowl like with no side other than the rice in the bowl. The Dolphin salad was OK, but also quite small.
The service was very slow. Our server was pleasant when she took the order, but she never came back once we were served other than to drop off the check. It was a quiet night and there appeared to be plenty of staff, so not sure why the service was so inattentive
The service was very slow. Our server was pleasant when she took the order, but she never came back once we were served other than to drop off the check. It was a quiet night and there appeared to be plenty of staff, so not sure why the service was so inattentive
Joanne L.
Dec 18, 2021
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Colleen Talkov
Dec 18, 2021
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P. Samonte
Dec 04, 2021
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Husband and I came 30 min early and was told will be called shortly as soon as there's a table available... true enough we were seated within 10 min... our server was warm and friendly... despite having other guests to attend to she was on point and checked on us regularly... the whole place was packed but we were served on a timely manner. I ordered clam chowder which was delicious, ocean salad and Dolphin Roll which was ok. Husband liked his sashimi sampler and Lava Flow. The Lava Roll for him was just ok. All in all we enjoyed our dining experience at The Dolphin Poipu.
Brent A.
Nov 28, 2021
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Overpriced, food lacked flavor. The panko crusted fish of the day tasted like frozen fish sticks over a bed of rice. Wife had the Hawaiian chicken. It was ok but not spectacular. We started with sushi which also wasn't great. No flavor. I've had better sushi from a supermarket. Drinks were good though.
Stacy Fortuna
Nov 24, 2021
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I gave it a 5 star because we did not have a reservation, but they were still able to find us table, the couple behind us were turned away. I ordered fresh ahi seared and it was perfect But, it came with plain old white rice and corn out of a can with some spices in it. David had the sushi sampler and it was good. We had the sunset role for an appetizer and it was good. David had a large sake and I had one glass of pino. We did not have a dessert. The dining area was all outside on a deck. We were lucky, there was a live band playing outside in the beginning of the evening for the restaurant next
Meridith P.
Nov 21, 2021
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Poke BowlRainbow PokeI celebrated my belated birthday there last night with my good friend..we live on Kaua'iand the Dolphin is my favorite birthday sushi spot....altho short staffed and unable to enjoy the usual banter at the Sushi Bar...our sushi was fresh and perfectly plated..it was our servers 2cd night @work.. and she comfortable, professional & her great personality added to our perfect meal...my espresso martini8 served by our 6'2" friendliest bartender could not have been better!!! Every one of the staff was great...we were having so much fun..eating and laughing we
Christian Lund
Nov 18, 2021
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Phil B.
Oct 24, 2021
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Amy W.
Oct 18, 2021
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Jenna G.
Aug 01, 2021
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We try to make it out to Hawaii every year but with covid and visiting the other islands, it's been a while since we've been to Kauai. For 4 years I had been dreaming of coming back to The Dolphin and finally our reservation had come!
First off, our server was amazing. I don't know if he mentioned his name or if I forgot, probably the latter lol. He radiated good vibes and was really awesome! He was super attentive and was proactive in trying to get our kids food ordered ASAP. With our issues he was so apologetic and willing to fix things. Based on other reviews about service lacking
First off, our server was amazing. I don't know if he mentioned his name or if I forgot, probably the latter lol. He radiated good vibes and was really awesome! He was super attentive and was proactive in trying to get our kids food ordered ASAP. With our issues he was so apologetic and willing to fix things. Based on other reviews about service lacking
Kevin H.
Jul 26, 2021
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Summer
Jul 18, 2021
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July 21, 2021 update
I am taking one star off the rating because we went there again at 4pm to enjoy a meal on the lanai. But they kicked us out because they had to start setting up for dinner. We’d already purchased our food and drinks. The chowder was still delicious though.
July 14, 2021
Went there around 2pm before the farmers market started at 3:30. Dine in 5-8 everyday, fish market 12-5 Mo-Fr. Bought food at the fish market, then enjoyed lunch at their beautiful lanai.
I am taking one star off the rating because we went there again at 4pm to enjoy a meal on the lanai. But they kicked us out because they had to start setting up for dinner. We’d already purchased our food and drinks. The chowder was still delicious though.
July 14, 2021
Went there around 2pm before the farmers market started at 3:30. Dine in 5-8 everyday, fish market 12-5 Mo-Fr. Bought food at the fish market, then enjoyed lunch at their beautiful lanai.
Drew S.
Jul 16, 2021
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Do NOT listen to the negative reviews. We came here as a family of 5 (twin 10 year olds and a 7 year old), and the service/food was fantastic! We ordered appetizers and drinks to start, and they came out within the first 10 minutes. Our sushi rolls and the kids meals were not long after! The waiter, Gilly, was very attentive and continued to check on us throughout the meal.
I'm honestly not sure what the negative reviews are about on here, other than maybe some bad luck or just angry people in general. The Dolphin was fabulous, and we will most certainly be going back again!
I'm honestly not sure what the negative reviews are about on here, other than maybe some bad luck or just angry people in general. The Dolphin was fabulous, and we will most certainly be going back again!
Keiko Sjostrom
Jun 14, 2021
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The service was great! The customer prior to us had lost her phone and the staff went above and beyond to help her find it. She had dropped it over the edge into the garden/bush area. One of the staff went around to retrieve it for her. But, back to the food. The Chirashi Bowl had probably the best tuna I’ve ever eaten and the rice was fantastic. Delicious fresh fish. I love being able to try new varieties and where uku may not be my favorite, it was cooked to perfection.
Britt C.
May 23, 2021
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