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Dining Room - Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island, Kamuela, HI
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Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 103 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming

Why they're an Icon

From the OpenTable editors: At his namesake restaurant, chef-owner and farm-to-table evangelist Peter Merriman sources most of his ingredients from local farmers and producers. Expect American dishes with Hawaiian accents, like spicy Kona lobster ravioli and a poke plate with fresh wasabi grated tableside. Add in an award-winning wine list and a charming, plant-dressed dining room, and you’ve got all the essentials for a special night out.


Staff spotlight

Philosophy

Established in 1988 and pioneered by award-winning Chef/Owner Peter Merriman who maintains a single vision "Do the right thing" for local farmers, for the islands and for you - our guest. At Merrimans Big Island, youll enjoy a menu of fresh island flavors, a extensive wine list and cozy upcountry dining with warm Hawaiian hospitality.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–1:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (808) 885-6822
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Catering
    Offering the best of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Please contact us for details!
  • Description
    Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community is Peter Merriman's original restaurant; Merriman's Waimea. Chef/Owner Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and uses 90% or more of local produce, fish and beef. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item. Our award winning wine list has selections for all to enjoy. Merriman's knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through a culinary experience you will not forget. We look forward to serving you!
  • Neighborhood
    Kamuela
  • Cross street
    Highway 19
  • Parking details
    Self park.
  • Additional
    BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu

    $115.00 per person

    Dec 20, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025
    Get ready for an unforgettable 2024 holiday season at Merriman’s! We’re excited to offer an incredible pre-fixe menu that includes many of your favorite dishes, along with special creations and delightful surprises. Enjoy three delicious courses showcasing the very best of our local seafood, meats, and farm-fresh produce. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! Priced at $115 per person, or $42 for keiki, it’s perfect for celebrating with loved ones. Our menu will be available on our website soon. Please note, credit cards are required to hold your reservation but won’t be charged until your meal at the restaurant. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
    Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu Photo
  • Valentine's Day Dinner - Merriman's Waimea 2025

    Feb 14, 2025 only
    At Merriman's Waimea, the cozy upcountry vibe creates the perfect setting for a memorable Valentine’s Day dinner. With rustic charm, soft lighting, and warm aloha spirit, you’ll feel right at home. The farm-to-table menu highlights the freshest local ingredients, offering a delicious taste of the island in every dish. Intimate and relaxed, the atmosphere and attentive service make it the ideal spot for a romantic evening to remember. (Our A La Carte Menu will be offered on this day)
    Valentine's Day Dinner - Merriman's Waimea 2025 Photo

What 9,732 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Hawaii

    Hawaii Regional Cuisine

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Overall

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Food

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Service

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Ambiance

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Value

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Innovative

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Healthy

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Neighborhood gem

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Great for fine wines

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Good for special occasions

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Merriman's in Waimea is a culinary gem on the Big Island. Celebrated for its "flawless food" and "impeccable service," it's a favorite among locals and visitors. Diners rave about the "creative menu," fresh local ingredients, and "exceptional dining experience." A must-visit for special occasions or a memorable meal.

9,733 Reviews
  1. Lisa

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding good, great service! Cute little restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Rich

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was outstanding, as always. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Laurie

    VIP

    New York City

    77 reviews

    5.0

    77 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Merriments excels in every way. From the moment you walk in, you are treated with special care. The food is excellent and the staff charming and professional.

    Is this helpful?

  4. TERRI

    VIP

    Tampa

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We've been going to the Waimea Merriman's for 30 years. Other than the guys' steaks (not great flavor overall) the other courses were great. All the ladies' food was a 10! We had the Caesar salad and the heirloom tomatoes, a scallop/shrimp dish and macadamia bread pudding.

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  5. Lee

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service, setting, and ambience were all great. Kurt, our waiter, was a gem. Was disappointed to have to have the prix fixe menu on our only day to dine there—I’m not a dessert eater and I would have preferred to skip it. About the food: The Caesar salad delicious, shrimp appetizer was served on a puree that made the phyllo wrapping mushy—definitely not the point of phyllo. The curried amberjack meal was delicious, but the spinach on the plate was bland; the lamb was perfect but the “shepherd’s pie” came with cold potatoes. Both desserts were good, but so rich we couldn’t finish either. Wines were fabulous—and very expensive. It was a lovely experience overall, but some definite misses. For $500 for 2 meals and 4 glasses of wine, I wish we could have chosen our own adventure.

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  6. Matt

    VIP

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife and I have only visited the big island twice. On our first trip, we liked Merriman’s so much the first time that we immediately booked a second meal. We did it again. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed warmly. Their version of a mai tai is creative and delicious without being overly sweet. The meal was fantastic. So, we booked another. This could become a tradition…

    Is this helpful?

  7. David

    VIP

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service were outstanding but the 4% kitchen fee leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Include the cost of paying kitchen staff in the cost of the meal. Don’t play silly games with mandatory fees.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. Laurie

    VIP

    New York City

    77 reviews

    5.0

    77 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Merriman is total perfection! The food is fantastic- the service is outstanding. Best restaurant on the island by far!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Stephanie

    Tallahassee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of THE most phenomenal meals in recent memory. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Julia

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing as always. excellent service, and the food speaks for itself.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island is rated 4.9 stars by 9732 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 103 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

65-1227 Opelo Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743

Additional information

  • Description
    Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community is Peter Merriman's original restaurant; Merriman's Waimea. Chef/Owner Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and uses 90% or more of local produce, fish and beef. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item. Our award winning wine list has selections for all to enjoy. Merriman's knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through a culinary experience you will not forget. We look forward to serving you!
  • Cross street
    Highway 19
  • Neighborhood
    Kamuela
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–1:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Self park.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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