Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Birmingham

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Everything from start to finish was excellent, service, food etc. The ahi tuna melted in your mouth and the macadamia crusted ono was delicious. The pineapple macadamia nut bread pudding was heavenly! It’s pricey but worth every cent!

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2. DD

   DiscerningDiner

   New York Area

   20 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   20 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service4ambience4

   Probably our best meal on the island ("probably" only because we have 2 days left). We appreciated the table spacing due to COVID. The appetizers and main courses were exceptional. Unlike other restaurants the wine list price markup wasn't ridiculous. Servers were friendly, yet efficient. They gave us a champagne toast for our anniversary! Don't miss it, you won't be disappointed.

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3. KK

   KathyK

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Simply the best meal and service anywhere I’ve eaten on the Big Island. The service was spot on, our water glasses were always full and the timing of the meal was impressive. The menu had even choices to satisfy everyone.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Fantastic food. Went out of their way to accommodate our food allergies.

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5. GC

   GordonC

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall4food4service3ambience4

   Food quality was very good, with the exception of the lamb dish - lamb was over cooked - server offered to try again but I declined as the dish was only available as chef’s choice. We also felt rushed by the server - bill was delivered with dessert and followed up by server when we were barely finished dessert. We had been in the restaurant for less than 90 minutes.

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Seattle

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Celebrating the first day on a new job

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7. 1

   1313

   Central Coast

   28 reviews

   3.0

   28 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall3food3service3ambience3

   I’m sad to say that Merrimans was a disappointment. Based on the online reviews we selected it for our anniversary dinner. Being a prefix menu we weren’t able to select an appetizer and salad without forgoing a dessert. My husband and I both reluctantly opted for the quesadilla and Caesar salad and the shrimp appetizer and Caesar salad. (Too bad there’s not a way to pay additionally for dessert, What’s a better time to splurge than our 41 anniversary?) Our appetizer’s were good. The quesadilla was slightly smoky and crispy. My husband enjoyed it, my shrimp were well cooked. They were nestled on a bed of greens with a miso (like) vinaigrette which was nice. The Caesar salad’s were bland. They were lacking the anchovy flavor. I added a lot of salt to mine but finally gave up. My husband was hungry so he ate my salad. The biggest disappointment was the entrées. My fresh catch of the day (mahi mahi) was delicious but lukewarm warm. Sadly my husband’s filet with compound butter was so cold the butter sat on top & never began to melt. He and I both looked for our server,the “table helper”or the manager but they were nowhere to be found for the rest of the meal. He ate the cold steak. I personally wouldn’t have. When our server finally appeared she and the manager wrote off our pre-dinner cocktails. Sadly, not a big boost for our disappointment over the poorly cooked entrées. The cocktails and wine flights were very nice. We’re picky about the types of wine we like and both the red and white flights were excellent quality. The restaurant has an old Hawaiian rustic charm but is pretty loud. We were seated next to one another and needed to repeat our conversations throughout the night because of the restaurant roar. We appreciate Merrimans attempting to rectify the meal disaster with 2 free cocktails, but except for a good bar and appetizer round this meal was a bust.

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8. KT

   KenandTrudi

   New York Area

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Don’t have many things that can be improved on, ...... maybe the location of the restaurant after all these years!

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Hawaii

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Always a great meal! The ono was the gosh of the day and it (unusually) was so lousy and delicious! The beet salad was amazing too. Don't miss the potatoes here .... or the likelihood Mai tai

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10. k

    konadiner

    Hawaii

    28 reviews

    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    Eighteen dollars for two fish tacos -- no presentation, no side dish. Just two soggy corn tortillas laying flat on the plate with ingredients heaped on top. Roasted potato side dish for another eight bucks. Everything tasted fine but nothing impressed. That's $24 for a mediocre lunch. My companion's hamburger cost sixteen dollars and also came without a side. Just a burger on a plate. The Greek salad with shrimp was more attractive and satisfying and got a thumbs up from my other dining companion. Merriman's needs to step up its presentation. If I'm going to buy expensive fish tacos (which I absolutely will do) then please make it a complete experience by plating it with a side dish -- and then charge accordingly. Why not charge $24 for the tacos with the roasted potatoes on the plate? The bill comes out the same but I don't feel resentful of being chiseled for the side dish. We always enjoy the dining room experience -- it's always calm and never too loud, even when it's packed to capacity. The servers are always kind, gracious, thoughtful and friendly. We will always come back to Merriman's whenever we are in Waimea, but I am getting a little tired of the menu and the kitchen always falling just a little short.

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11. PK

    PamelaK

    Hawaii

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Our dining experience was interesting to say the least. The opportunity came to eat at the well known restaurant of a very well know Chef Peter Merriman. Food was outstanding... There is no frills or view just delicious food... Totally recommend this eating establishment...

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12. OB

    O2BNKV

    Portland

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Everything we ate was delicious. The Caesar salad was perfect. The lamb dish was fabulous and the portions are huge. Super desserts, although I missed my favorite: the chocolate purse, which was not on the list this time. We are always impressed by the choices available as wines by the glass; whoever does the wine buying has a thoughtful palate and tries to present a range of price points. Other restaurants that aspire to provide fine dining could learn a thing or two from Merriman’s!

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13. JO

    JeffO

    Orange County

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food4service4ambience2

    Price fix only menu is ridiculous. I travel around the world and live in the United States and have been in every state and have never been forced to order a price fix menu. I don’t eat dessert and when you remove one of the three menu items from a selection it ruins it. Even more ridiculous is the 4% service charge they’re adding on to the bill. With their prices they can more than handle this, Assuming I would ever frequent a place that had a service charge like that. If they continue with a price fix only menu I will remove this 20 year tradition completely from all of my visits to the big island in the future

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14. DH

    DeannaH

    Hawaii

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was excellent and so was the service. The noise is a little loud for a small area. If they put you close to a window, you may need a jacket. It is a little pricey but if you go to a high end restaurant and get an appetizer, main dish and dessert you will probably pay close to the 95 dollar charge.

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15. SR

    SRdiner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service at Merriman’s is always outstanding!

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16. JB

    JimB

    Hawaii

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service, but a terrible value. Two fish tacos and an iced for both of us with tip and tax came to $48.00. My entire meal was eight bites. Done. After paying, we went somewhere else to eat because we were still hungry.

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17. NS

    NoraS

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food is always beautifully prepared and delicious. Servers are knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly.

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18. JT

    JanT

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent, friendly knowledgeable staff and excellent delicious food. Crisp interiors complement the experience.

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19. SG

    ScottG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent restaurant and lived up to reviews we saw. Macadamia pineapple bread pudding was amazing. Mai Thais we’re best I had on the island. Service was impeccable. Mahalo for a great meal on our anniversary trip from South Carolina.

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20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Great restaurant, great food. Our table was very wet when we sat down. We used 2 cloth napkins to sop it up. The place mats were also soaked and were graciously replaced. Once the food arrived we were very pleased.

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21. JH

    JokeH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food!! Was our second time and never had a bad experience yet!! Will make this a regular spot for sure

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22. AJ

    AverageJoe

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    After reading all the hype this was, overall, a disappointing experience. Personnel were very helpful and friendly but food service was slow. I am guessing this is a result of a general lack of adequate staffing. Food was served lukewarm. Plates were empty looking, no garnish, not pretty, servings/portions were small. Food tasted great but after the long wait and one plate on our table missing and having to wait for the missing plate to come out everything was lackluster. If you’re not adequately staffed don’t take in so many reservations. Quality should surpass quantity, especially at those prices. The least you could do is let people know the wait will be long but don’t skimp on the details.

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23. AH

    AnneH

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, ambiance and service ALWAYS!!!!

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24. DS

    DonaldS

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We've been eating at Merriman's, Waimea for 30 years. It is always perfect and very enjoyable.

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25. CB

    CorkyB

    Portland

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    No better place for dinner on the big island. Outstanding! Service beyond compare. Wish it wasn’t so loud but you can’t have everything I suppose.

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26. Q

    Qnbeejh

    Philadelphia

    77 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    77 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was delicious and prepared perfectly! The staff was wonder and gave excellent service! Thank you for a lovely dinner!

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was great. Selection good. It’s a set price at $95 a person with auto 20% tip for our large party of 6 and a 4% kitchen staff mandatory charge but you don’t go there to save money. You go for the experience. As long as you know that and prepared to pay you won’t be disappointed.

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Anniversary

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best dinner in the Big Island!!!!

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful meal and service! Will definitely be back.

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31. RM

    RobertM

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    The service is the star here. Our food was good overall however my ribeye that I ordered medium rare was medium well. We did enjoy everything else and the Mai Tai is superb! Worth the trip.

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32. GH

    GlassHouse

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We absolutely enjoyed our dining experience at Merriman’s! We had obviously made a reservation and were immediately seated. The host, the waitress & the bus staff were so very friendly and knowledgeable about the food. I enjoyed a wonderful fish dish & my husband had the lamb, both were great! Glad to have Merriman’s back to full force!

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33. M

    Madeleine

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Merriman’s service was amazing, and their food was even better! We had a wonderful time.

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34. DL

    DebL

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really great food & service. Homey atmosphere. Will go again!

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35. MB

    MatthewB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Every visit is a new gem, we love the whole Merriman's experience in Waimea.

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36. C

    Carol

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was amazing!! It really was a delicious meal and beautiful restaurant. The service was top notch. It’s an expensive meal but it was worth it. We would eat here again.

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37. DS

    DianeS

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic! All around!

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38. AS

    AmberS

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful way to end our time on the big island, Fresh Ono was “ONO” delicious!

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39. PD

    PatDeb

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a late afternoon lunch on a weekday. Ordered the special burger and the eggplant sandwich. Both were excellent - fresh and delicious! The lilikoi mousse was a light and refreshing dessert! Make reservations. You won’t be disappointed!

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A great experience as always! The best restaurant on the island with the

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