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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 85 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
  • Website
    http://www.merrimanshawaii.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Catering
    Offering the best of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Please contact us for details!
  • Location
    65-1227 Opelo Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
  • 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

Featured in

Experiences

  • 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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 9,760 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Hawaii

    Best Overall

  • 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 offers a standout dining experience on the Big Island, known for its "farm to table meals that are delicious." Guests praise the "warm friendly staff and ambience" and the "excellent service" provided by standout servers like Howard. With creative cocktails like the mai tai and a menu featuring local ingredients, it's a must-visit for a flavor-filled journey. Despite its popularity, reservations are recommended to avoid missing out on "superb" dishes and a memorable atmosphere.

9,760 Reviews

  1. ben

    VIP

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding restaurant. Being a cynic, I approach restaurants with good reputations with caution. I can say Merrimens Hawaii absolutely surprised me with the quality of the food and the service. It has been at least 10 or more years since that happened. The Mahi Mahi with phyllo dough was very good; the sauce with it was equally outstanding. I kept the plate around so that I could soak it up with bread. The dessert was superb. It was a chocolate pouch; phyllo dough with chocolate inside crimped at the top. Vanilla ice cream on the side. The server was very professional and caring. I watched him serve a family that was going to utilize chopsticks to eat their meal. He tore off the top, keeping the paper over the end he held, and allowing them to take the chopsticks at the open end. A detail I wish occurred more often. He answered all my questions regarding what were the components of the sauce and how the Mahi Mahi was cooked with the phyllo dough. The only criticism of the restaurant was the noise level. It was so loud, it was difficult to understand the server or the other person at the table. I would without hesitation recommend this restaurant to everyone visiting Hawaii.

    Is this helpful?

  2. jacob

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent. Service was fast and wait staff all very knowledgeable and friendly. Price point is justified in my opinion. Highly recommend and would make a point to return if/when I return to the big island

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kim

    VIP

    Detroit

    138 reviews

    5.0

    138 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always love this place . The lamb was fabulous. Didn’t have the chocolate purse this time. Instead some lovely vanilla bean ice cream and oh those macadamia shortbread cookies. They are sublime!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Donna

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    It was Not worth the money and my entree came out before my husbands by a good 10-15 which meant I was almost completely done by the time my husbands entree made it out. Trust me not worth the money!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Daniel

    VIP

    Edinburgh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, excellent. Possibly the best restaurant on the Island. Never a disappointment.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kate

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous local, seasonal meals in an unpretentious setting. Loved every bite! Worth the drive!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Chip

    Mobile

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our son recommended Merriman’s and it did not disappoint! The margarita was delicious; the smash burger was delicious too. My husband got the soup of the day and the salad and enjoyed them both. Ambiance and our waitress was amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kristen

    VIP

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience, we loved our servers and the ambiance was terrific!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Paul

    Detroit

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best Chatteaubriand I’ve ever had! Spectacular food and drink. Try the house Manhattan! Service was intuitive, attentive and friendly. I will go back every time we are on the island.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Gary

    VIP

    Phoenix

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    delicious, attentive, and friendly... David our server was excellent..

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island is rated 4.9 stars by 9760 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 85 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

Featured in

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