Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Islander Sake Brewery

5.0

5 (30)

$31 to $50

Brewery

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Welcome to Islander Sake Brewery, where we craft the world most smoothing sake with the gentle winds of Hawaii. Nestled in this serene paradise, our small sake brewery invites you to embark on a unique journey through the art of sake-making. whether you’re a sake enthusiast or new to this exquisite drink, our tours offer something special for everyone.

1.Guided Tours 30min
Join our expert guides for an immersive tour of our brewery. Learn about the intricate process of sake production, from selecting the ingredients to the brewing techniques that make our sake truly exceptional. To ensure a personalized experience, we recommend booking your tour in advance.

2.Tasting Sessions 30 min
Delight your senses with a tasting session featuring sake. Discover the delicate flavor and harmonious notes that make our sake a tranquil escape in every sip. Experience the essence of serenity, where every bottle tells a story of passion, tradition, and the gentle spirit of Hawaii and Japan.

Top review

jfkeez

Dined on Aug 15, 2024

This is a hidden gem with authentic Japanese food and sake. The setting is lovely, the service personal, and the food excellent. The flavors are fresh and distinct and they even accommodated a gluten free request beautifully. We added a sake flight (one glass is included with the set dinner) and enjoyed learning about the care with which they brew their sake (we asked even more questions). We will be going back for a third time, trust me. Don’t miss this unique experience!

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (9413)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

Monica

Dined 1 day ago

Every time I’m on the Big Island, I have come here at least once. The dinner last night was Amazing! The macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi was melt in your mouth. The Mai Tais are the best ever and the service was great.

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Experience

Merriman's 2024 Thanksgiving Day

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.8

4.8 (191)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Welcome to Engawa, a small restaurant limited to 20 guests per night, where we offer an exquisite experience of Japanese cuisine. We invite you to indulge in a memorable dinner experience. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh sushi and sashimi to hearty tempura and other savory dishes are crafted to bring out the authentic flavors of Japan. Enjoy a unique culinary journey with chef & brew master Chiaki Takahashi, where each dish complemented by our award-winning hand-crafted sake, designed to enhance your dining experience.
At Engawa, we pride ourselves on providing not only exceptional foods but also an inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. To ensure you have a wonderful evening with us, we recommend making a reservation. Our attentive team is here to accommodate your needs and preferences, making your visit truly special.

Top review

casey

Dined 5 days ago

Great Japanese Hawaiian food and sake experience. We enjoyed the info on the different sake and the local food ingredients. Well worth a visit!

Miller & Lux Hualalai at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

4.7

4.7 (115)

$50 and over

American

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

The highest-quality steaks with impeccable flavor from the best ranches in America; a robust raw bar; fresh sustainable seafood; and farm direct vegetables – all perfectly complemented by a globally curated wine list – combine to inspire the next chapter in Chef Tyler Florence’s mark on innovative American cuisine. The Miller & Lux cocktail program is curated using seasonal Hawaiian ingredients and artisanal spirits from around the world.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Definitely a 5-star experience. Everyone on the team was delightful and the food was so delicious. What a beautiful evening!!

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island

4.7

4.7 (5315)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and good food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life. For more information: www.tommybahama.com

Top review

Jamievip

Dined 1 day ago

Tommy’s totally winning this trip!! We loved it. 3rd visit!!🌺❤️🙌

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

4.7

4.7 (849)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Beach Tree Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a casual dining option set along the sand and overlooking the ocean, perfect for sundowner cocktails. Toast the sunset with unforgettable views, local flavours, creative cocktails and more.

Top review

Natalievip

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing experience! You do pay for it as it is associated with the 4 Seasons and an unbeatable location but you have to treat yourself sometimes!

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Experience

Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars

Meridia

4.7

4.7 (1966)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Inspired by the Mediterranean, dedicated to the islands. Featuring a charcuterie and crudo bar, brilliant cocktails, and an award winning global wine list framed by the forever views of Hapuna Beach, Meridia presents innovative cuisine in an unrivaled setting. Named by Hawaii Magazine as 2019's Best New Big Island Restaurant, and 2018 Restaurant of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.
Located at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined 2 days ago

We dined here on our last night in Kona and as the closing meal of our 10-day, 3-island Hawaii vacation. It could not have been more perfect, from the view, to the service, to the food, it was all spectacular. Kanoa was our server and he was attentive, patient, and hospitable. We dined on the Grilled Octopus, Pan Seared Foie Gras, Trio Crudo, Keahole Abalone Escabache, and Pan Seared Pave Cut Rib Eye. We would have stayed to enjoy dessert and the hotel (which is beyond beautiful) but we had to rush back to the sister property, Mauna Kea, to see the Manta Rays. Mahalo for the perfect ending to our trip 🫶🏻

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Brown's Beach House - The Fairmont Orchid - Kohala Coast

4.6

4.6 (3646)

$50 and over

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

The breathtaking ocean vistas alone are worth a leisurely evening at Brown’s Beach House, our signature fine dining restaurant. Boasting fresh Hawai‘i Island-inspired cuisine, live Hawaiian music and spectacular sunset panoramas, this dining experience is a feast for all of your senses.

Top review

Jamievip

Dined 7 days ago

Brown’s was awesome last night. The Spanish Octopus is outstanding but all the plates we shared were delicious. The ube rolls with honey cinnamon butter - YUM! Table side poke - fun and delicious! We told our server The Orchid was our honeymoon hotel and look how special they made our visit ❤️❤️❤️

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FIVE SPICE DUCK BREAST

Halani

4.7

4.7 (1044)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Kamuela

About the restaurant

This open-air eatery with views of the Pacific Ocean features something for everyone with ingredients caught and cultivated by fishermen and farmers throughout Hawai'i Island. From breakfast to dinner, HaLani's eclectic menu offers dishes served family-style as well as a not-to-be-missed brunch accompanied by live music, creating a joyful atmosphere for all types of gatherings.
Please note reservations are not required for breakfast or lunch; however we do recommend booking for dinner and Sunday brunch.

Top review

Tonya

Dined 2 days ago

Overall a great experience. Service was great, food and wine was excellent and the ambiance was stellar.

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Popular dish

Margherita Pizza

Experience

Rhythm and Brunch at Halani

Mauka Bar and Grill

4.6

4.6 (108)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

A Gar and Grill during the day and Steakhouse by night. Amazing food prepared by very experienced chefs with live music nightly and beautiful mountain and sunset views.

Top review

Sharonvip

Dined on Aug 29, 2024

We had an enjoyable happy hour, but found there is no longer a happy hour menu. You can order from the lunch menu or order discounted appetizers and drinks. We had a party of six, and it was a pleasant experience. Order everything as early as possible as there is a hard closure of the kitchen before 5pm - the server did not hear our order for chicken wings and when they did not come the kitchen had closed for new orders.

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