Neide's Salsa and Samba, Kauai

Please note this restaurant is no longer in business.

Neide’s Salsa and Samba is a small Brazilian/South American food restaurant in Hanalei that has one of the best views on the entire island of Kauai. The food is almost as good as the view, and the service… well it depends on what kind of mood they’re in.

The restaurant was founded in 1998 by Rio de Janeiro native Neide. Today the restaurant is one of the island’s longest-serving restaurants and is the only Brazilian restaurant in Kauai. Inside the restaurant there’s a small eating area and bar, and outside there is a lovely covered patio with magnificent tropical views of the Hanalei mountains.

Neide’s menu includes a mix of island, Mexican and Brazilian favorites. There’s fish tacos, seafood enchiladas, fajita wraps, and crazy nachos along with the fresh catch of the day served several different ways. The panquecas (crepes) are a real treat. We ordered the beef panquecas on a recent visit and were not disappointed. The steak and shrimp combo is also a very excellent choice. All selections appear to be well-prepared and served with ample portions.

We often hear negative reviews about the service at Neide’s. While the service on our recent visit was amicable, the table next to us didn’t fare so well. Their bill was under $20, apparently a big no-no if all you have is a credit card. The couple had stopped by for drinks after a day of hiking, and the server sent the guy out on another hike to find an ATM machine. Several, several minutes later the guy returned from his trek and he was not a happy camper, and the server didn’t even blink an eye for the inconvenience he caused.

The best we can say about Neide’s is that the view is great, the food is good and you’re rolling the dice on service. (One visit you may roll a lucky seven, another visit you may roll snake eyes.) Get a patio table overlooking the mountains for a great start.

Neide’s is located in the back of the Hanalei Center in the breezeway behind Bar Acuda.

5-5161 Kuhio Hwy
Hanalei, HI 96714
Phone: (808) 826-1851

Location at Google Maps