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

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Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
65-1227 Opelo Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 83 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem

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
  • 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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 10,140 people are saying

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.6Value

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 Value

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Innovative

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Healthy

  • 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 Waimea on the Big Island offers a delightful dining experience with a "world class dining experience" and "best food we had on the island." Known for its fresh, farm-to-table dishes, the restaurant serves exceptional smash burgers, mahi mahi, and lobster ravioli. Guests enjoy "excellent service" and a welcoming atmosphere.

10,140 Reviews
  1. david

    Jackson Hole2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Table service is good, but not fine dining level. Staff is courteous and helpful, but the hovering was obnoxious. The conversations of other diners was easily overheard due to table configurations and close proximity. The food itself was the tipping point since vegetables prep and taste are a very important determinant of a good to excellent dining experience. The sautéed spinach was so over spiced that my mouth was burning. The green beans were even worse. A total fail in my opinion. It was a huge surprise for a restaurant in a region renowned for local produce with local diners who are so health conscious. The mushroom pot pie did save the evening in addition to a complimentary glass of prosecco. We are not overly demanding customers, but the dining experience was flawed by the vegetables and just didn’t have to be so with careful attention to maximizing natural flavors. Smothering them with spices so hot it burns one’s mouth is unforgivable.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Vicky

    Hawaii29 reviews

    4.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Had not been to Merriman’s in quite some time. It did not disappoint. The staff and service were outstanding. The food and wine, delicious. We enjoyed Caesar salad, poke, farm fresh tomato salad, macadamia nut crusted fish. I just wish there were some way to tamper the noise level. It is difficult to hold a conversation across the table. But we will return nonetheless. Mahalo Merriman’s!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Joanne VIP

    San Francisco16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    I enjoyed the service and generally I enjoy the food but this time my fish was over salted and the spinach had too much pepper. I also ordered rare Ono but did not get rare Ono.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jon VIP

    Chicago49 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Sensational food by any standards! Service was impeccable! The special heirloom tomato and crispy caper salad was to die for. The fish was so fresh it all but jumped off the plate. Try the Filo crusted fresh fish. It cannot be beaten. All our entrées were wonderful and overall a spectacular experience! The big islands finest !

    Is this helpful?

  5. Tracie

    Portland7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoyed the lunch specials of the day and the bread pudding dessert is a must. So, yummy.

    Is this helpful?

  6. katharine

    Atlantic City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    There’s no question about it, our incredible server Joselyn made our experience what it was. In combination with the chefs accommodating a food allergy for one of my step children, to giving my other step child something we never thought he’d eat and have him absolutely love it and ask for more. This was hands down the best experience we’ve had eating out with our children. There was no stress, the children were happy, my husband and I were happy, the drinks were amazing. I had asked about an ingredient I’d never tasted before and our server told me where to go buy it while here. She was intuitive and attentive with everyone at the table. Absolutely outstanding. My step children said they give it a 10/10 as well !

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jodi

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our favorite restaurant of all time. Food is incredible. Local and fresh. Service is OUTSTANDING. Love love love.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Stacey

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Merriman’s was recommended to us by locals and it did not disappoint! We had a great experience, food was some of the best we’ve had on the island and the wait staff was delightful and professional-

    Is this helpful?

  9. William VIP

    San Diego11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic experience from start to finish. The hospitality was warm and welcoming and a gracious dining experience. Food was remarkable with a rich variety of local sources. One of our waiters had caught the fish before his evening shift. How amazing is that?

    Is this helpful?

  10. JUYOUNG

    Hawaii5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was great and service was wonderful. He was so kind and humorous. He made us happy while we were waiting for the foods.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island is rated 4.9 stars by 10140 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Hawaii
  4. Hawaii / Big Island
  5. Kamuela

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 83 times today
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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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