Nestled in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, Kauai Family Restaurant offers a genuine taste of the Hawaiian Islands. Founded in 1993 by Peter Buza, affectionately known as “Uncle” in Hawaiian tradition, this eatery brings the spirit of Kauai to the Pacific Northwest. Peter’s journey to Seattle began in 1975 when he followed his sister to the University of Washington. After serving in the military, his culinary path took him back to Kauai where he honed his skills at The Lawai Restaurant under the guidance of his father-in-law, Roy Oshima. There, he immersed himself in the art of traditional Hawaiian and local cuisine, from hunting for fresh ingredients to mastering time-honored recipes. Returning to Seattle, Peter, alongside his daughter Randi Buza, established Kauai Family Restaurant to share these authentic flavors with the mainland.
A Taste of Aloha in Every Dish
Kauai Family Restaurant is celebrated for its diverse menu of Hawaiian comfort food. Diners can savor classics like Kalua pork, slow-cooked to smoky perfection, and lau lau, pork and butterfish wrapped in lu’au leaves and steamed. Lomi salmon, a refreshing blend of salted salmon, tomatoes, and onions, provides a cool counterpoint to the richer dishes. No Hawaiian meal is complete without mac salad, and Kauai Family Restaurant’s version is a creamy, tangy delight. For a sweet finish, indulge in malasadas, Portuguese doughnuts that are a beloved treat in Hawaii. Peter emphasizes the unique character of Hawaiian cuisine, shaped by a fusion of culinary influences from Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Filipino cultures. This blend results in dishes with bold, intense flavors, perfect for sharing and enjoying with ‘ohana’ – family.
More Than Just a Meal, It’s an Ohana Experience
Located in a cozy strip mall in Georgetown, Kauai Family Restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. With seating for 42, the restaurant maintains a personal touch, ensuring each customer feels like part of the ‘ohana. It has become a cherished gathering spot for Hawaiians in the Bremerton and SeaTac areas, as well as local Seattleites seeking a taste of island life. The restaurant’s reputation for authentic flavors and welcoming service has garnered attention from local media, including features in the Seattle Post Intelligencer, Seattle Press on Line, UrbanSpoon Seattle, Seattle Weekly, Yelp, Northwest Asian Weekly, and NW Colors magazine. Whether you’re calling in for takeout or dining in, Kauai Family Restaurant promises a genuine Hawaiian culinary experience right here in Seattle.
