Hawaii is blessed with lots of locally grown fruits and vegetables, and a wide variety of fresh seafood. So the food on Kauai is very good. But after a week of kalua pork, coconut shrimp, and mahi mahi, you may find yourself craving some good Italian food.

Although Kauai doesn’t have an Italian restaurant on every block, like some cities, it does have several outstanding places where you can enjoy top-notch Italian cuisine and wonderful ambience.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 Italian Restaurants on Kauai:

1) Dondero’s
Located in the Grand Hyatt, Dondero’s is a great spot for a romantic evening or special occasion. The ocean-view setting, top-notch service, and excellent wine list combine to create a memorable, if expensive, evening. Start with a parmesan fondue or sautéed calamari. Then move on to Dungeness crab linguini or pistachio-crusted rack of lamb. Dondero’s is the only four diamond award winner on Kauai.

2) Café Portofino
Overlooking Kalapaki Bay in the Marriott Hotel, Café Portofino specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. You can dine on the deck or inside, where you’ll likely be accompanied by a harpist. Each night, there are antipasto specials in addition to beef and ahi carpaccio. Pastas are sublime, and Tuscan specialties like osso buco and rabbit compete with fish and scampi. Save room for the yummy homemade gelati and sorbets.

3) Casa di Amici
Just a few minutes drive from Poipu Beach, Casa di Amici is a delightful spot – especially if you dine in the garden, surrounded by tropical foliage, ocean views, and twinkling lights. It’s run by chef Randall Yates and his wife, and the couple have created one of Kauai’s most enjoyable restaurants. There are more than a dozen pastas and risottos to choose from – the Fettucini Alfredo is legendary around here. Tiger prawns and duck breast are other highlights. The desserts are amazing.

4) Pomodoro
Pretty much everything at this Kalaheo restaurant run by brothers from Italy is made from scratch, including the pastas, the focaccia, and the mozzarella. Salads are made with organic greens and fresh veggies. The good selection of pastas is complemented by entrees like chicken saltimbocca, veal parmigiana, and scami piccata.

5) Hanapepe Café
Although Hanapepe is technically a vegetarian restaurant, the emphasis is definitely Italian. Lunch is served on weekdays and dinner is served once a week, on Friday night. Since this is when Hanapepe’s popular art walk takes place, the place is always packed, so reservations are a good idea. Their marinara sauce has been acclaimed by critics far and wide. Try the quattro formaggio lasagna or eggplant parmesan.

6) Brick Oven Pizza
If you’re hungry on your way back from Waimea Canyon, Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo is a good option. And it’s your best bet for pizza no matter where you’re staying on the island. They brush the white or whole wheat crust with garlic butter before cooking the pizzas in their brick oven. There’s a good selection of draught beers and a few pasta dishes and salads. This is a cute place with red checked table cloths and friendly service.

7) Kauai Pasta
Offering generous portions and terrific value for money, Kauai Pasta has very good food. Appetizers include pan-fried calamari and sautéed mozzarella, and pastas are available with marinara, pesto, meat, or Alfredo sauce. Grilled chicken, veal picatta, and a grilled tenderloin satisfy bigger appetites. If you’re staying in a condo, pick up dinner from Kauai Pasta and enjoy it on your lanai. There are two locations – one in Lihue and one in Kapaa.

8) Kilauea Bakery and Pau Hana Pizza
Chef/Owner Tom Pickett makes some of the most inventive pizzas served anywhere. They feature what’s best at the produce or fish market – and sometimes include whatever Pickett caught and smoked himself. Swiss chard, roasted sweet onions, roasted garlic, Tiger prawns, and olive tapenade are combined with delicious sauces. Eat at one of the picnic tables on your way to or from the Kilauea Lighthouse.

9) Pizzetta
With locations in Kapaa and Koloa, Pizzetta delivers to most of the South Shore resorts. Appetizers include baby back pork ribs, crab dip, and bruschetta. There are good pastas, fish, and chicken dishes in addition to the pizzas.

10) Casa Bianca
In business since 1955, Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock is one of the best Italian restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area. When the owners moved to Kauai, they decided to open a place in Kapaa. Sauces and sausages are made from scratch daily. And there are 15 pasta selections available. But the most popular items here are the pizzas.