Kenny & Hanna Uddifa

Bar Acuda’s Chef/owners

 A Hanalei staple since 2005.

Bar Acuda opened in Hanalei by Jim Moffat, whose success at renowned San Francisco restaurants – Slow Club and 42 degrees – earned him national recognition as one of Food and Wine Magazine’s “Top 10 New American Chefs” in 1996.

In 2012 Kenny and Hanna Uddifa joined the kitchen team and began working closely with Jim Moffat to further the vision and learn the core values of the restaurant and culture. “When we first came to Kaua’i from the Big Island and Maui, Kenny, Bar Acuda was our favorite restaurant,” said Hanna Uddifa. “I love Spanish food, and small plates. Pretty soon, I found myself working here. 

“It was such a fun gig, I fell in love with the restaurant,” added Hanna. “Nowhere compared to Bar Acuda. We have everything we could want in a restaurant – a great team, a beautiful environment – and fantastic locally sourced ingredients. I didn’t want to work anywhere else.”

Growing up in the islands gives the Uddifa’s a deep sense of place – and a profound appreciation for the local farmers, fishermen, and purveyors who produce and catch the food they serve. Both gravitated towards cooking with the encouragement of mentors, including Jim Moffat, who recognized their passion and potential. In June of 2023, Kenny and Hanna took over ownership of Bar Acuda from Moffat. With their ever-evolving seasonal menu, the Uddifas continue Bar Acuda’s original vision of “locally sourced food, traditionally prepared, and rooted in simplicity.”

Bar Acuda is considered Hanalei’s most innovative eatery, with an ever-changing seasonal menu, and a perfectly paired Mediterranean wine list.

E’ komo mai means ‘come inside.’ Join us.