Kiawe Roots

The waitress was incredible, the food was all over the place. The chicken appetizer was great flavor, but be warned the sauce is spicey! Fries (they were out of chips) and all the meat(ribs, brisket, pulled pork) except Huli chicken was cold. The brisket was very fatty and inedible. I was so sold on all the good reviews that I made 2 reservations during our stay, but canceled the 2nd reservation after this visit.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

SO YUMMMM!!! Dedicated gf fryer, for starters we got the “dads fried chicken”, “chicharon” (def not spelled right sorry), and the “Kiwae chips”.

It was super nice to have the chips and the chicken as I normally cannot eat them, menu is very clearly marked.

Definitely make a reservation because it is a fairly small restaurant and can be popular especially for larger groups. I had an amazing mocktail, mojito spritzer, and we saw the man make them and it was super delicious, would recommend. For dessert I got the root beer float and the ice cream was very high quality and made from real vanilla, which is rare especially in floats. Staff was very knowledgeable and willing to help and accommodate, and the entire family enjoyed the meal and my illness didn’t feel like a burden.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Reservations recommended

i was super excited to eat here based on the reviews, however our sweet waitress informed me they cook everything on the same grill making it not as safe for celiacs (i have celiac) i’m so grateful she told me so i could reorder. i got the fried chicken with a side of rice instead and it was pretty good!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

I should have listened to the reviews and stopped here at the beginning of our trip so I could come back again! It was the best meal of our trip! We came for dinner, make sure to call ahead and make reservations or there's a good chance you won't be able to be seated. They do offer takeout but it's a limited menu. Everything was perfect and so flavorful! Amazing meal and so sad due to our trip ending we weren't able to come back and try more things!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Reservations recommended

Ate here THREE TIMES during our stay — it’s that good. Super sweet staff familiar with Celiac. And the food! It’s all incredible. For breakfast, I highly recommend the Two Eggs and What? with Portuguese sausage and rice, along with the Green Egg and Pork Belly. Their kalbi is also an incredible choice — so succulent and literally award-winning. They do take walk-ins, but be aware that tables can fill up fast. We arrived late for breakfast and early for lunch, and it worked out well, but also a good idea to call ahead.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good vegetarian options

Mimosas, pork hash and fried rice. Food was absolutely delicious. Staff was very friendly. Highly recommend. Will definitely go back!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great food and many gluten free options. The flavors are wonderful and it is a hidden gem in Kauai.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I must have come on an off-day because this place has so many great reviews, but I got sick and the person helping us was pretty rude. I mentioned my gluten allergy and ordered the tofu rice bowl (labeled gf) and he told me the tofu is cooked on a shared grill. I asked if it would be possible to cook it separately or just leave off the tofu and he said they would clean it very well. I saw that he made a note on the ticket “severe allergy - clean grill” but nevertheless I later had my classic gluten symptoms - not fun the night before a snorkel boat tour. Overall it was not a good experience and definitely not worth it for a gf vegetarian.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Delicious small business restaurant. The sunrise pulled pork and the fried chicken were so good! Definitely a restaurant to go to a couple of times while on the island.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Amazing staff and so delicious

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Absolutely delicious! Tried the fried chicken and the chili. Make a reservation in advance!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

LOVED THIS PLACE - made plans to return today when we were all in the car right after a meal (and that says a lot for my family that is very patient with my being GF). The GF fried chicken was wings, it was awesome. While it was enough food, I definitely wanted more. GF friend rice, GF pork options - and it was ONLY breakfast! If only I could have tried the lunch menu. Wow.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout

Definitely get to Kiawe Roots for at least one meal during your stay on Kauai. They have a dedicated fryer so order Dad’s Fried Chicken and an order of chicharrones. Next came the ribs and pulled pork and both were excellent. There are many GF options and the staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. Get away from the resort area restaurants and eat some food made by someone who really cares about their diners!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Delicious and staff is knowledgeable on gluten free options..

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Hands down the best food we had on our entire trip to the South shore and some of the best breakfast I’ve had anywhere.

Not everything on the menu is gluten free but they are knowledgeable and keep gluten free items separate. Sadly we found this on our second to last day and they were closed for the weekend, or else we would have come back multiple times.

Be aware, the place is super small and reservations are recommended at least a day in advance (we called in the afternoon and got a next day 10am table for two). But we saw others do takeout when there were no tables. Seriously SO GOOD.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers online ordering
• Reservations recommended

Wow!!! So glad we took the advice and stopped. We couldn’t eat inside because we stopped right at 6pm and they had a full reservation list but we were still not disappointed. Gluten free or not, all the food was amazing! We had the brisket plate with coleslaw, fried chicken wings and homemade potato chips. Everything was fabulous!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering
• Reservations recommended

The place is very small. We did take out since they did not have any reservations available. To dine in, make sure you make reservations at least 1 day ahead. We did take out, so my options were a lot more limited. The woman on the phone was very knowledgeable and told me exactly what they could do for me. I asked them to keep my food in a separate bag from my husband's, and they were happy to do that. Would have gone back to dine in if we weren't leaving the next day.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Small restaurant with excellent food and great service. GF items are noted on the menu and staff understand GF food.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Went here specifically for the fried chicken and hoped for fries. They don’t do fries - just chicken, potato chips, and pork rinds. Placed a chicken wing order to go and they were super kind- we waited in the car and they brought the order out when it was ready.

The chicken wings are lightly breaded with rice flour and a served with a hot chili water. Definitely a creative recipe and very tasty!

Vibe inside was very cute. Would return to have dinner inside if it fit our schedule.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout
• Reservations recommended

Had dinner here on Dec 3, 2022. Location is now in a more residential area vs being in the Kukui’ula shopping village where it was pre-pandemic. They changed a LOT! So great! Small place now. (Under 30 seats) They do a lot of takeaway. Mostly GF menu! Only sandwich’s are not GF. GF dedicated fryer and GF sauces were all made in-house. Food and beverages were all fantastic!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

Great food and drinks!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Server was very knowledgeable and brought to my attention that some meat and veg are cooked on a shared grill with bread. They put the veg on a different plate to not contaimate my food when they realized the issue. I was so appreciative! Food was amazing and didn't have any issues. Tried the sunset pulled pork and the crispy adobo pork bowl. All soy marked products are tamari. Dedicated gluten free fryer.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Incredible food here! Everything is clearly marked, the server was extremely knowledgeable and even asked us if we wanted to sit further away from the kitchen once some tables opened up (apparently this is something some celiacs request?). Dedicated fryer and the menu was clearly marked. My husband was thrilled their garlic sesame soy sauce was compliant because of how rarely he gets to have those flavors!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Food was good and safe for our 5 celiacs. Was a bit pricey and was a decent one time experience for us.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Woo, damn this place is good! Hidden gem, local vibe, casual, small, piles of choices and the food is just so, sooooo amazing. Do not miss.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Excellent food. Tried all sorts of dishes and most were very good if not great. Am celiac and will be back.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Book a reservations now!!! The best meal on the island!! Several GF options and sooooo good! Very small restaurant so will need reservations or can do take out. Highly recommend!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This place is a gem! They have a dedicated fryer and are very careful about cross contamination. It was a joy to be able to have so many menu options and have dessert! The fried chicken wings were awesome and the Kona coffee ice cream was amazing. Their marinated meats & rice bowls are incredible. Make reservations!! It’s hard to get in here but you’ll be happy once you do!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Delicious and very safe! Brisket with potato salad was so good! All bbq sauces are gluten free. Homemade chips in dedicated fryer are amazing! Didn't get sick!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Excellence! Had gf fried chicken wings and ribs with Cole slaw, rice and veggies. Most items on the menu are gf and server was very knowledgeable. Very small. Make a reservation. Waited to be seated for 20 minutes after reservation time since prior party had not left. Well worth the wait.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Reservations recommended

We ate here tonight and it was outstanding! We travel and eat our frequently and our 16 year old said it’s the best meal he’s ever had. Server was knowledgeable and we felt very safe eating there as celiacs. No issues after either!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

My husband is celiac and every time we travel, we try to only go to restaurants that cater to gluten free and no contamination. We came to Kiawe roots after reading reviews and I must say this place did not disappoint. We ordered gluten free fried chicken, chicken/beef bowl, and the wasabi crusted salmon. My husband ended up getting lunch from the next day also. He really wanted to try the huli huli chicken but that’s only for dinner. They have their a separate fryer for their fried chicken and use tamarind/gf soy sauce. I highly recommend this place!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Reservations recommended

Food was delicious and although much of the menu is gf, they took extra precautions/ noted on our order that specific dishes were for a gluten allergy/ celiac. Dedicated fryer-- everything they fry is gf. Definitely try the fried chicken! The restaurant is small, so make reservations or plan to order to tale out. Even though the restaurant is right next door to a 7-11, it is pretty nice inside. Not fancy, but also not a swimsuit and flip flops place.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout
• Reservations recommended

We notified them of celiac and they were very knowledgeable, with a gluten-free dedicated fryer. The fried chicken is a must-order, and the meat platter with sauces was incredible. Only the focaccia served separately had gluten. Amazing meal! Girlfriend did not explode.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Tons of gluten free options! Best food we had on the island. Felt very safe eating there and didn’t get sick.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Wonderful selection of GF choices. They have a dedicated fryer, they only use tamari and all the smoked meats were gluten free. We really felt comfortable and had plenty of leftovers too!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

Wonderful food. Wide variety of choices. Best meal we had on vacation. Didn’t feel sick after eating here

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

THEY’VE MOVED Otherwise, excellent food with all items in the fryer gluten free. Really unique flavors!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

Absolutely best meal on island!!!! The hulu chicken is amazing... most of menu is GF... Don’t leave Kuaui without going here!!!! Best waitress.. alanna...I can go on and on... all celiacs .. go here!!!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent gf food options, loved the tinonos. A must stop when visiting the south shore!

There are a lot of items in the menu marked gluten free. The order counter staff was knowledgeable and alerted the kitchen when I mentioned I was a celiac. Food was good. Be prepared to stand in line for a while to order, though.

The food was very delicious and the menu was clearly marked with plenty of gluten free options. My meal was absolutely gluten free and I had no issues at all. The hostess was very knowledgeable about gluten free items. I am very sensitive so this is a good place for all.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

LOVED the smoke prime rib. Tinono was delicious. GF items marked on menu

We had really good luck here - They have a dedicated gluten free fryer, gluten free sauces and were generally very knowledgeable about any substitutions we needed to make.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Knowledgeable staff. Tamari instead of soy. Just a great place