Elevated eats and drinks

Ward Village is known for its diverse array of shops, dining options and recreational activities, and among the top-notch offerings are Nalu Health Bar & Café, a quick-service eatery known for its açaí bowls, and Two Tides Bar, a two-story bar/restaurant boasting house cocktails, wine, draft beer, ciders, hard kombucha, seltzers and an impressive food menu.

Both establishments share a dedication to high-quality, health-conscious ingredients. So, the next time you find yourself in the Ward area, don’t miss the opportunity to experience their culinary delights firsthand.

Nalu Health Bar & Café

Nalu Health Bar & Café team member Katie Baker with some of the eatery’s dishes.

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Situated inside of South Shore Market, Nalu Health Bar & Café is the perfect pit stop during a day of shopping at Ward Village — or whenever you’re craving something fresh. The menu boasts simple but tasty smoothies, juices and coffees for something small, and sandwiches, salads and açaí bowls for a heartier meal. All items are made with fresh, local and often organic ingredients.

Turkey Kale-Pesto Sandwich ($12.25)

One of the bestsellers is the Nalu Bowl ($7.25, small; $12.50, medium; $14.25, large) featuring açaí imported from Brazil that’s topped with granola, banana, strawberry, blueberry, honey and bee pollen.

Nalu Bowl ($7.25, small; $12.50, medium; $14.25, large)

Meanwhile, in the sandwich sphere, the Ahi Sandwich (call for price) — featuring local ahi, sautéed onions on toasted ciabatta bread with avocado, tomato, greens, sprouts and a special homemade sauce — and Turkey Kale-Pesto Sandwich ($12.25) — made with Boar‘s Head turkey and Swiss cheese, tomato, sprouts, homemade kale-pesto sauce on a toasted croissant— reign supreme.

First Date Smoothie ($9.75)

“Food has a huge impact in our lives, not only in our bodies but also in our mood, energy, etc., so it’s important to fuel up with healthy choices,” says co-owner Christiane Munoz. “You are what you eat!”

Hailing from South America, Munoz is one of four owners who opened Nalu. As avid surfers, the friends realized there was a lack of authentic açaí bowls in their Kai

lua neighborhood. With a leap of faith, the group maxed out their credit cards, renovated the space and opened their first location on Hekili Street. Today, Nalu boasts four locations islandwide.

When asked what she likes about the Ward area, Munoz says, “We love the community! All of our neighbors are so supportive. We love the neighborhood itself as well. (It’s) very walking-friendly, convenient and fun to bring the family on our days off.”

Two Tides Bar

Two Tides Bar is on two stories.

Two Tides Bar at Whole Foods Market isn’t your average bar. Named after the rising and falling of the ocean, it features High Tide on the second level and Low Tide on the first floor. But the food is what truly sets it apart.

Market Pub Burger ($14) and Kona Brewing Hawaii Longboard Island Lager ($7, pint)

“We source quality ingredients that meet Whole Foods Market quality standards,” explains store team leader Lyle Miura.

At its heart, Two Tides Bar focuses on elevated bar fare with quality ingredients, which often means healthier choices for the conscientious eater.

Greek Salad ($10) and Orlana Vino Verde Rose ($6, glass)

Popular are the Market Pub Burger ($14), which features two organic grass-fed beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and a secret sauce — all between a toasted brioche bun. Instead of fries, you can opt for a side salad.

Baja Fish Tacos ($14) and Cadillac Margarita ($12)

There’s also a TTLA Sandwich ($15) vegan BLT that comes with tempe, tomato, lettuce and avocado, as well as a Greek Salad ($10) that you can add grilled salmon or grilled chicken breast to for an additional cost. Or, the Baja Fish Tacos ($14) with its medley of fresh flavors and textures are a great way to get lean protein that doesn’t skimp on flavor or quantity.

Two Tides Bar is all about supporting the community, which is does beautifully with its libations. Of the 36 beers on tap, at least a dozen are from local makers, including Maui Brewing, Paradise Ciders and Ola Seltzers, and an array of local spirits and craft cocktails feature Hawaii-made ingredients.

And, did you know? Prime members get a dozen oysters for just $15 on Fridays in the bar — shucked to order!

There’s no doubt that Two Tides Bar is the perfect place to relax and eat while watching the game, or even to grab a quick bite before or after grocery shopping.

“Being that we are in the supermarket, our bar stands out and makes it a one-stop shop in the evening,” adds Miura.