First visit may have been on an off night for the chef and staff. We were initially impressed as we read the menu, remarking what an accomplishment to incorporate such international or cosmopolitan variety into a menu. BUT, back in the car after dinner, to a person, each in our party of four hesitated to tell our host how we rated the dinner when he asked. Each of us ordered a different menu item. I ordered saltimbucco which was very poorly prepared and was a mish-mash of flavors and more than the customary grease in the layers of pork and prosciutto. Scarcely identifiable, very small formed pureed or mashed items masqueraded as vegetables in that presentation. Comments ranged from flavorless, bland, too salty, "like a frozen entree" and "more show than substance." The consensus was if you want good as well as authentic food, go to known seafood, Thai, Italian, Pacific Rim, Asian or MidEast restaurants, etc., etc.

So, on a rating scale of 0-10, we, practically in unison, told our generous host we would give Casa di Amici a "5". It was not that the wine came to the table late into the dinner in the hands of a breathless and sweating wine steward who we felt had to run to a local liquor store to fulfill the wine request which was, afterall, on their wine list, it was just the whole so-so experience. Will not return at next quarterly visit to the island. If the food had been prepared well, the price would not have been a consideration. As a guest I had the greatest sympathy for our host, but felt honesty was the best policy for his future entertainment choices.

As regular visitors to Kauai we were interested in trying something different. We actually ate at Amichi three different times. Food was good [especially Mahogony Salmon], but service was lacking. The first night we thought it was because our waitress was new & didn't know the menu. After that, we thought that they payed more attention to larger tables. I specifically asked that my salmon be thoroughy cooked, but I had to try to find my server to send it back to the kitchen. Just as an FYI, they state on the bottom of their menu that there is an $18. charge to split a plate.

First of all, the food was wonderful. We went to many of the other places like Keoki's, Poipu Broiler, etc. and they were fine, but this place was a step above... a true culinary experience. The meals are in line with what you would pay at most of the other nice restaurants (around $25 for an entree) but worth it.

The restaurant is tough to find... it's not in the busy Poipu Shopping Center so much of the other stuff is. From Brenneke's go east about 200 yards on Pee Road you'll see the sign. It's one block off the beach.

As a note on Brenneke's... It's an excellent beach bar, where you may want to get some afternoon cocktails during happy hour and enjoy the excellent view of the ocean, but skip it for dinner.

My wife and I have eaten at most places on the Kauai's South Shore over our visits to the island. On our most recent visit, we tried Amici and would put it in the top tier of south shore restuarants. The service was attentive, atmosphere was comfortable, prices very resonable, and food excellent. Thoughout our entire meal(approx 11/2 hours)we were surprised to see the restuarant's chef(and I believe owner), Chef Yates, continuously in the dining area filling water glasses, checking with customers on their dining experience and food quality, and answering questions on dish recipes. How many restuarants do you see this! A very clear emphasis on service and quality. I highly recommend Casa di Amici.......must try the Tuscan Pork Loin followed by the Tiramisu....mine was great. Enjoy!