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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 90 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

  • 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 9,803 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

    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.

9,803 Reviews
  1. Ronald

    VIP

    Houston

    37 reviews

    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My second dinner at Merriman's this trip. My favorite restaurant in the world. We had a tremendous dinner. The staff is always very nice and helpful. Look forward to my next meal there.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Marlayna

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Merriman’s not only had amazing food, Joycelyn was our amazing server. She was very kind to hear about our adventures and my first time to the big island. I definitely will be back to Merriman’s.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Cindy

    St. Louis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    By far our favorite place to eat on the big island! The manager, Ben could not be more accommodating

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jeffery

    VIP

    Northern MI

    64 reviews

    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Through every course/ selection still the best there is, locally sourced 👏👏👏aside. No better lamb anywhere, as good if not better than Chez Micheals in Moorea

    Is this helpful?

  5. Susan

    VIP

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always look forward to eating here when we come to Hawaii. It’s one of our favorites! Amazing food & staff. Everything is great!

    Is this helpful?

  6. RebeccaW

    Pittsburgh

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service and food were fantastic! I had the diver scallops and shrimp and my husband had the macadamia nut crusted fish. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Susan

    VIP

    Milwaukee

    48 reviews

    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous food. Fabulous server. So glad we spent time driving to this wonderful not to be missed restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  8. susan

    Salt Lake City

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food and service are excellent- there isn't much more to say. A reservation is essential- we went at 1:00 on a Wednesday, and it was packed. Many of the people were clearly regulars- greeting each other and the staff warmly. We have been to this location and the one in Poipu- both are definitely worth the trip. And it's good value for the quality of the food.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Karen

    VIP

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a wonderful experience the service was exceptional as was the food. Loved being in the original restaurant too. Very special

    Is this helpful?

  10. Ralph

    VIP

    Denver

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our dining experience was fantastic! Each dish was delicious! Our server, Kent, was gracious and informative. We will surely be returning soon! Mahalo!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island is rated 4.9 stars by 9803 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 90 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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