Iti Wine Bar

Nice place to grab a drink, slot quieter than the nui, the bartender was really nice, full bar available but the wine selection is very small, but it’s Hanalei you don’t have that many options

We were unable to get a table at Tahiti Nui on a Friday night, so we decided to come here instead. This reminds me of something I would find back in the East Coast. Small, trendy, and upscale. The food was fine and the drinks selection one of the most extensive. It is definitely suited for a quieter night, and due to its size, may not be best for large groups. We loved the local artwork displayed on the walls. a very nice touch.

Wonderful experience, one of the best dining experiences of our trip to Kauai. We had the opportunity to enjoy some of the wine bar’s exclusive vintages (2007 Napa Cabernet labeled for Iti) that was fantastic, and the best part was that we were able to share wine and conversation with the owner Christian and his better half. What lovely people, fantastic food and wine you can’t find just anywhere in Kauai. We strongly recommend this location for anyone that enjoys wine, food and conversation.

One of our best meals in Kauai.

great atmosphere, stellar service and just the touch that sleepy Hanalei needs. A sweet little spot with great wine in paradise.

We were trying to get into the Nui next door & it just wasn’t going to happen. Luckily for us, the Iti was totally open & I am so glad for this twist of fate! It is so cute & intimate… just a small bar of about 6 stools & 4 or 5 bar tables with two stools each.
The bartender had me when I said «This reminds me of the Feral Pig.»
He replied
«Those guys are my brothers. Love that place.»
Get The Moment. It’s made with basil & cucumber vodkas, homemade ginger purée & ginger ale. I’m sure I’m missing a few ingredients, but you get the idea. The only downside is that this drink goes down way too easily, especially on a hot day.
Josh also made us some great impromptu drinks, including one of my new faves (that hopefully he’ll be able to replicate one day) with turmeric & Hawaiian chili pepper.
We sampled some of the wines, as well. They have an excellent selection that would wow any wine connoisseur.
They also serve food from Tahiti Nui.
Again, like the Nui, my price range reflects a few drinks & some food.

We liked this spot. The guy working that night was happy to give us recommendations for where to go and what to do, which was much appreciated. Seems like they’re just getting started. Hopefully they’ll have more of a selection they next time we come, but I was actually very impressed with the higher-​end liquors they carried. Seems like they could make a decent cocktail there. In any case, the wine was fine, and the atmosphere (shared by Tahiti Nui) was pretty good.

Possibly the worst service I’ve had. I realize on an island youre on island time, but this was ridiculous. The kitchen for the wine bar is the same kitchen that serves Tahiti Nui next door, so if they’re busy, you’re in for a long wait! With only 15 customers in the place the server was slow, unattentive, and barely coping. A table of 6 walked out after waiting more than an hour for their food, and we were tempted to do the same. The food was pretty average, definitely give this one a miss.

The first night we went to this spot, it was great. There was a girl working who got us set up with some tasty wine and pizza from next door (5 stars for that place). The second time, however, was a terrible experience. There was a guy working the bar. He never came over to check on us, but just seemed to want to talk to his friend at the bar. Finally, one of our party went up to the bar to place our drink and food order. He didn’t check on us and forgot one if the drinks. He brought the pizzas out. One if the pizzas was the wrong order and we also let him know he forgot the salad we ordered. He started arguing with us about our order– even thou we all heard it placed. Save your time and energy and go next door or somewhere else!

I live about an hour and a half from Napa, so the first thing I asked Sharky when I sat down at the bar was «give me something that’s NOT from Napa». He busted out an incredible Bordeaux for me which was great because we don’t get a lot of French wines in Northern California with Napa being so close. My wife also had a German Ice Wine that she LOVED. Iti is a tiny little place, but one of the best experiences we had up in Hanalei. Sharky is incredibly nice and talked with us for a while, sharing his story. We also «smelled» the food coming in from the restaurant next door and it smelled great! You can actually order food and they will bring it next door. Definitely a recommended stop if you enjoy wine and a great atmosphere.

Iti is the spot on Kauai for appeasing all of your senses. The wine and food are worth coming back for alone, but what really sealed the deal for me was the exceptional staff and service.
Two thumbs up!

Great wine and atmosphere

I have only been to this wine bar twice, but I must say I feel some of the critiques here are grossly exaggerated and unnecessarily harsh when compared to my own experience. During both of my evenings at this bar the bathroom was clean and well maintained. It wasn’t sketchy or rowdy next door either. The service was attentive, prompt and courteous. I should also mention my first experience was a holiday and the next was a Saturday night; so it’s not like I was there on a Tuesday in December.
Chris was our bartender on both occasions and he was great. Very personable and professional service– minus the snobbery and attitude you’d expect from a wine bartender. My husband and I did a tasting session and he introduced my husband to a few of his new favorite wines. I’m a wine novice and Chris graciously selected wines he thought I’d like (and I did) and he took the time to tell me about the selections without making me feel out of place for knowing nothing. He never made me feel inferior for having questions or not being well versed in the «art of wine.» When we showed up at this bar a week later he not only remembered us– he remembered the wines we particularly enjoyed. Awesome service, Chris!
During our second visit we ordered food and it was fantastic. I should point out that we ordered food from the menu next door (same kitchen, same chef); so our orders were technically on Tahiti Nui’s menu even though we ate at Iti. My husband loved the Squid-​ink pasta (you read that right) and loved it so much that another patron of the bar was inspired to order it as well. He loved it too. I’m not quite as adventurous– I went with the ribs– but I was not disappointed either. Delicious. The Chef even came out at one point and introduced himself. He was incredibly charming and friendly. He told us about the menu he designed and he prepared our order personally. He was also extremely humble and gracious when we told him how much we enjoyed his food.

Good list of exceptional and gourmet wine, offered by the taste, glass or bottle.
The menu features a fairly interesting selection of non classical tapas, tending towards more simple than highly creative. Many of the tapas are generously entrée sized. Prices are reasonable for Hawaii.
Our food arrived quickly and were good, however, it would have been much better had the cook not over-​salted everything, leaving salt as the principal taste sensation. ItI’s food is cooked in the adjoining Tahiti Nui kitchen (same owners). Live music and singing from Tahiti Nui pervaded the wine bar space the night we were there. No objection to that.
The Iti Wine Bar’s interior is a too dark (black walls), which seems out of character for tropical Hanalei. Maybe they are trying to be big city hip. Along side of to the bar, are tall tables with stools set so close together only two people could use each, except for the one tall table on the outside porch where four persons might squeeze around. That table worked for three comfortably, thanks to the small dishes. A small patio at roadside level in front of neighboring Tahiti Nui, might also be used since the owners are the same. If available, to the Iti Wine Bar, that patio is accessible to disabled without using stairs, but it is closer to both the road and the live music.
I will try Iti Wine Bar again but if it remains the same would probably only go there infrequently after that.

hard place to find being tucked away right next to the nui.
they serve wine as a taste, glass, bottle, and even a flight.
happy hour is smart too, i think it’s like every open bottle is ½ off a glass– the best time to sip on and enjoy some interesting boutique and some dollar busting wins.
they also serve tapas on their menu– their home made cheeses are unforgettable

I love having a wine bar on the North Shore! They offer a wide variety of all kinds of wines and whoever is behind the bar will be able to tell you all sorts of facts about the vineyard, winery and more. Once I find a wine I love and remember, they’ve updated their list! But Nanea or Hollywood always find something else that appeals to my taste buds. Great place to crusie after work or on a girls night out. Not uncommon to find me at the Nui enjoying the live music and company after a few glasses of wine.

As one of the group said, this is a «city» bar on the island…
I will say that I would have to agree with her, but it did have an island twist to it.
Since after one drink, she convinced us to come back to Tahiti Nui, the «island bar» which is located right next door, so I didn’t have too much experience here… BUT
The service was great.
Just as I was barely sitting down, one of the bartenders was asking what I would like and it came shortly after.
I would also have to say they are definitely trying to put a touch of class to this place. Both bartenders were dressed nicely and it just had that type of feel to it.
If looking for a good glass of wine and not the typical island bar /​pub, this would be the place to be!

considering the limited selection of drinking establishments on the north shore after ten pm… Iti is a welcome addition! the concept is simple. a wide variety of wines offered by the taste, glass and bottle. tastes start at $ 4. i usually go for a three wine tasting. Spicy reds? sure! italian reds? molto bene! raviolis are delizioso! good place to go, chill, have some wine and conversation.

Something different. Looks like they were inspired by Baracuda down the road. Small but intimate wine bar. The tapas were interesting. We had the lamb (too salty, too fatty), ribs were ok, salad was salty. We got outta there for $ 90 bucks. Prob wouldn’t go back. The croud over at Tahiti Nui is too roudy. Oh and don’t use the restrooms… serious hold it if can. I’m sure there’s 20 diff STD’s in that place! Oh and there was 2 bartenders for like 10 people, and we still got shitty service. If you’re gonna open a classy place… bring it! Hire classy bartenders, don’t open next to a dive bar, and for pete’s sake go easy on the salt!