Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community, Merriman’s is a jolly spot emanating a simple and refined atmosphere. The expertise of the staff here is unbeatable, with friendly waiters and waitresses always on hand to dispense knowledge about how the food here is prepared and where it is sourced from. Take a stroll through the idyllic herb garden here before entering, and upon arrival, choose from an array of delectable dishes such as flame-grilled crab and the signature coconut crème brulee.

The signature restaurant of Peter Merriman, one of the pioneers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, is the home of the original wok-charred ahi: it's seared on the outside, leaving sashimi on the inside. Although lunch prices are reasonable, dinner is "resort pricey," so prepare to splurge; there's also a reasonable prix fixe option. They are a great choice for brunch—try the classic eggs Benedict or the herb-grilled eggplant sandwich.

Chef Peter Merriman has a handful of eateries across the Hawaiian Islands, and the flagship Merriman’s in Waimea has been a local favorite for more than 20 years. The focus here is on local ingredients and regional flavor. It’s a pricier night out, but there’s a solid selection of shareable side plates and award-winning entrees, with a wallet-friendly Monday lunch special on shrimp tacos and Mai Tais.

As one of the original homes of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Merriman’s (65-1227 Opelo Rd., 808/885-6822, Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-1:30pm, daily 5:30-9pm, reservation recommended, lunch $11-15, dinner $25-38) has a lot of street cred—and that’s without adding the fact that its owner, Peter Merriman, is a James Beard Finalist. In theory, it’s fairly amazing that Merriman’s started doing local foods decades before it was trendy, but in practice the restaurant is perhaps a bit overrated now that everyone is going local. The dining experience is superb, with well-trained waitstaff and white linen tablecloths.

While Peter Merriman’s restaurants are likely to be found on most lists for best places to eat throughout the state, the location in Waimea on the Big Island is extra special. This was the famous chef’s first location and a forefront of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement that elevated local cooking to include the best quality fusion techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Guests keep coming back to appreciate the flagship restaurant’s humble, cozy ambiance, as well as a premier menu highlighting the best ingredients that Hawaii has to offer.

At Merriman’s, you’ll be immediately struck by the long list of accolades that have made it a coveted dining destination among locals and tourists alike. With over 20 years of history, this fine-dining restaurant is renowned for its “Best Places to Treat Yourself” status featuring local produce and fresh seafood served from an elegant mountainside location. Open for lunch and dinner, my boyfriend and I particularly enjoy visiting Merriman’s during lunchtime as we can take in the stunning views of lush green mountains surrounding the establishment.

Chef Peter Merriman is one of the godfathers of Hawaii’s farm to table movement, and Merriman’s is leading the way for culinary excellence on the islands. Their lunch menu has all the fixings of a great midday meal — we recommend the Caesar salad to start, followed by the fresh-catch fish sandwich and accompanied by a couple glasses of chardonnay. Currently open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch from 11:30am to 2pm, Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 10:30am to 1pm, and daily for their “Taste of Waimea” Prix Fixe dinner from 5pm to 8:30pm.

It’s not the easiest place to drive to – especially at night – but considering that almost every prominent chef on the island gets his or her start under the tutelage of Peter Merriman, it is certainly worth it to dine on a meal from the restaurant that started it all. Nestled in Waimea, the upcountry restaurant sits at the foot of Kohala, the oldest volcano on the island. The town sits at the transition between the wet and dry sides of the island and is a stark contrast from the arid climate of the Kohala coast.

Peter Merriman, whom many regard as the man who helped put Hawaii's regional cuisine on the world map, owns and operates this eponymous restaurant just outside Waimea. His award-winning dishes continue to reveal imagination and an understanding of local ingredients that amazes and tantalizes even the most discerning diners. Featured items include ponzu-marinated mahi mahi with shiitake mushrooms and hearts of palm, roasted natural chicken with vegetable ragout, and "Kansas City Cut" New York steak platter.

The flagship establishment in Chef Peter Merriman’s long and storied career, Merriman’s is famously revolutionary for the food-first, locally-sourced movement on the Big Island. That commitment to food shows in every menu item: day-caught fish and seafood, locally-sourced beef, lamb, and pork, and homegrown lettuce and tomatoes are present throughout. And for a four-course meal, the per-person shared dinner is a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful Hawaiian meal with your loved ones.

Afterward, continue to Waimea for a luxurious dinner at one of the locally renowned local culinary gems (we recommend Merriman’s or Edelweiss) or continue a half hour to the Kawaihae harbor for sunset and dinner there before returning to Waimea for the night. The Rainbow falls in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii are hidden on the edge of the city. If you come early, you can how they got their name: the rising sun creates many rainbows in the falling water.

Though not on the water, the setting is lush and bucolic in Big Island’s picturesque upcountry. The Merriman Hawaiian Island restaurants were pioneered by award-winning chef Peter Merriman whose single vision is “Do the right thing— for local farmers, for the islands and you—our guest.” Merriman’s Waimea is Peter Merriman’s flagship restaurant. Lunch and dinner guests can expect nothing less than top-quality entrees and excellent service.

If Hawaii has a regional cuisine, then this small restaurant may be its starting point. In 1988, a young hotshot hotel chef, Peter Merriman, tired of European recipes and imported ingredients, settled in the small ranching town of Waimea and did his best to source his ingredients locally. Merriman dove for his own sea urchins, climbed trees for coconuts, and encouraged local farmers to grow specialty crops for his restaurant.

Did you know that the cowboy culture existed in Hawaii long before gun-toting outlaws roamed the Wild West on the mainland?. Hawaiian beef has been prized since the late 1700s, and you can indulge in some of the Big Island's best beef at Merriman's. That's because chef, founder, and owner Pete Merriman uses local fish, meat and vegetables to craft world-class dishes at this Kamuela restaurant.

Who would expect the best restaurant on the island to be located in the hills of Waimea’s cowboy country, away from Kona and Hilo?. It is here that Peter Merriman’s Flagship Restaurant has offered authentic Hawaiian cuisine for 30 years like none other. For the last 18 years, they have earned the Gold Hale ‘Aina Award for Best Big Island Restaurant.

The original – and the most charming – location of the state-wide known mini restaurant empire by Peter Merriman. Driving around Waimea it’s easy to understand what inspired the founder of this true farm to table establishment. It’s a splurge but it’s definitely the best venue on the Big Island to celebrate a special occasion.

An award-winning restaurant run by an award-winning chef, Merriman’s has been around for more than 20 years and is a Big Island treasure, no doubt. The place serves regional Hawaiian cuisine, with authentic flavors. While the interior may be simple and unassuming, it’s the go-to choice for locals celebrating special occasions.

As you learned in this blog, Kamuela is all about farmers markets offering fresh Hawaii-grown produce. At Merriman’s, you’ll have a fresh farm-to-table experience with island flavors served up in creative and delicious dishes. Come on in for a nice dinner after a full day of things to do in Waimea, Big Island.

Merriman’s is an iconic name in Hawaii, and its Big Island location is found in Waimea. The winner of multiple awards, Merriman’s is an essential part of any Big Island itinerary. It’s the creation of Chef Peter Merriman, and he prides himself on providing a fresh and delicious menu for his restaurant.

These days, almost every restaurant tries to be farm-to-table, but Merriman’s in Waimea (65-1227 Opelo Rd., (808) 885-6822, www.merrimanshawaii.com) has been at it longer and still does it best—procuring quality local ingredients, from spinach to wild boar, and simply letting them shine.

I never miss a chance to eat at one of Chef Peter Merriman’s restaurants and they never disappoint. Merriman has restaurants throughout the Hawaiian Islands (the Monkeypod on Maui is my favorite but the Beach House on Kauai is a close second), but Merriman’s in Waimea was the first.

This restaurant is owned by Peter Merriman, one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Merriman’s uses locally sourced ingredients and offers a variety of dishes that reflect the diverse flavors of Hawaii. Their macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi is a must-try.

Peter Merriman of Merriman’s Restaurant is a three-time finalist in the prestigious James Beard Awards for Best Chef. The Red Water Cafe is another local favorite. In the evening stop by Big Island Brewhaus for some micro-brew and delicious Mexican Food.

Kamuela Inn is close to parks and shopping centers and when there isn’t a pandemic, one of Hawaii’s best restaurants Merriman’s is right next door. Our favorite restaurant in Waimea though is Dan-0’s Doner. We lived in Turkey and love a good doner.

65-1227 Opelo Rd.Waimea, HI 96743(808) 885-6822 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Opening over 20 years ago, Merriman’s is a restaurant known in town for its farm-to-table dishes created by the talented and famed chef, Peter Merriman.

It is good, a creative menu with nice use of local ingredients. I have always found the place a little pretentious, and left hungry after the smallish portions. It is also loud, the sound level annoying when trying to converse over the table.

When you mention the name "Merriman" on any of the Hawaiian islands, great food instantly comes to mind. Come experience the acclaimed cuisine by Chef Merriman himself, which features authentic Hawaiian cuisine and contemporary renditions.

Merriman’s still has an avid following today, as we noticed during a dinner visit that allowed us to follow yet another longer-life maxim — drink moderately and regularly, the way long-lived Sardinians do.