Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, Seattle, Kauai Family Restaurant offers a genuine taste of the Hawaiian Islands. This family-owned establishment, located at the Boeing Field adjacent factories and warehouses, has been serving up authentic “local grinds” since 1993, making it a beloved spot for those seeking a true Kauai Family Restaurant Seattle Wa experience.
A Taste of Kauai in Georgetown: The Story of Peter “Uncle” Buza
The story of Kauai Family Restaurant begins with Peter Buza, affectionately known as “Uncle” in Hawaiian tradition. Like many others from Hawaii, Peter first arrived in Seattle in 1975 to attend the University of Washington, following his sister who had come a decade earlier. After his time in the military, Peter returned to Kauai and immersed himself in the culinary world, working alongside his father-in-law, Roy Oshima, at The Lawai Restaurant. There, he honed his skills in preparing traditional Hawaiian and local dishes and embraced the island’s rich food culture.
Driven by a passion for sharing his heritage, Peter returned to Seattle and opened Kauai Family Restaurant. Alongside his daughter, Randi Buza, Peter recreates the flavors of his homeland, offering Seattle a genuine taste of Kauai.
Authentic Hawaiian Cuisine: A Fusion of Flavors
Kauai Family Restaurant prides itself on serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the islands’ food. Peter Buza emphasizes the blend of Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Filipino culinary traditions in Hawaiian cooking. He believes that Hawaiian food celebrates rich and intense flavors, encouraging shared meals and the spirit of “Ohana,” the Hawaiian word for family.
The menu features classic Hawaiian dishes such as Kalua pork, cooked to tender perfection, and Lau Lau, savory bundles of pork and butterfish wrapped in lu’au leaves. Lomi salmon, a refreshing and flavorful tomato and salmon salad, and the essential mac salad, a creamy macaroni salad, are also staples. For a sweet treat, they offer malasadas, Portuguese doughnuts, a popular local dessert. These dishes represent the heart of Hawaiian comfort food, bringing the taste of the islands to Seattle.
A Community Hub and Culinary Gem
Kauai Family Restaurant has become more than just a place to eat; it’s a gathering spot for the Hawaiian community in the Seattle area, particularly those from Bremerton and SeaTac. Word of mouth has drawn in those longing for a taste of home, creating a welcoming atmosphere where people connect over shared flavors. The restaurant’s location in Georgetown also makes it a popular lunch destination for those working in the industrial area.
Despite its modest size, seating just 42, Kauai Family Restaurant provides personal attention and efficient service, even handling catering orders. Its commitment to quality and authenticity has earned recognition in local publications such as the Seattle Post Intelligencer, Seattle Press on Line, UrbanSpoon Seattle, Seattle Weekly, Yelp, Northwest Asian Weekly, and NW Colors magazine, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit kauai family restaurant seattle wa.
For a genuine Hawaiian culinary experience in Seattle, Kauai Family Restaurant in Georgetown stands out as a true gem, offering a taste of “Ohana” and the vibrant flavors of the islands.
