Fantastic spot for happy hour We dove right into the tacos per recommendation And had to have mai tai's....with passion fruit foam topper. Wow! What a taste treat Absolutely beautiful restaurant and bar area,2nd floor Special place for happy hour or spend the evening drinking the delicious mai tai's read more

What a treat! Do yourself a favor and make a reservation, get a little dressed up, and lean into the ambiance of Merrimans. Merrimans make my list of Top 10 most enjoyable and memorable meals i've ever had. The food was incredible! We ordered the poke bowl and the macadamia nut crusted fish and I've never tasted anything fresher. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared and our waiter made our whole experience feel really special. No complaints with Merrimans. I would recommend it to everyone! read more

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I'm being a bit harsh with the 3 star rating (this is probably more like 3.5), but this restaurant fell short of my expectations. Of all the fine dining experiences we had in Kauai and Maui, my wife rated this as her least liked. The service and ambience are both good, and the food is prepared well, but the menu is just... boring. For the prices we are paying, nothing really stood out on flavor or creativity. I want to emphasize that everything was prepared well, and you won't have a bad experience... I just expected more from a restaurant with this reputation. read more

Note: this is just a review of their happy hour menu! We loved this place for happy hour. We came around 4pm (happy hour is 4-5pm), and it wasn't crowded at all and the view was beautiful. We both got mai tai's (tasty! but not as good as the Scotty Brown ones) and my husband got the pork quesadilla, which he liked. We shared the coco loco cocktail, which was also tasty. For happy hour, the prices are great and the view is spectacular! I don't know about their dinner, but definitely recommend the HH for a quite beautiful view and good drinks. read more

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The huge annoyance was the fact that nowhere in the restaurant description did it say that there was an elevator behind the long staircase up to the restaurant. I saw many people struggling to get up the staircase, including my husband. What is even worse is that their isn't a stripe on the of the treads so that the handicapped who can go down the stairs can see the end of the tread. This is shameful. This restaurant is mediocre at best. It was so disappointing. We walked in And a woman was singing and playing the guitar. Every song sounded the same and she was very loud. It was hard to have a conversation between 2 people. And now for the food. They were flexible with our dietary concerns. That is not always the case, so I applaud that. I ordered the pork shank. It was unevenly cooked and in some spots cold. The vegetables were almost raw and difficult to chew. My husband ordered the ahi tuna. He did like that. The Merriam name is big on Maui and in its prime was good. This was not. I expected more. read more

Merrimans - Kauai - The pork shank - Hawaiian Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

We selected Merriman's as our fine dining choice of the trip and we couldn't be happier. My mother and arrived slightly early for our reservation and were seated promptly. We caught the tail end of the the live music for the evening as we took in the space. Our server Kirsti was attentive and sweet, getting us our drinks quickly so we could sit back and enjoy the "fire sky" sunset. She made sure everything was acceptable at every step of the dinner. We ordered the biscuits and soup as an appetizer, and then shared a duo entree of the wagyu steak and macadamia nut crusted fish. For dessert, we had the lilikoi mousse. Everything we had was different, balanced, and elevated. My mother described it as one of the best rals she has ever had in her life. We can't wait for our next opportunity to return. read more

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Great spot! Very attentive service and beautiful ambiance. We had a lovely night! I loved my salad and truffle fries

Great spot to end the evening! Came here for dinner with my boyfriend and loved it. It's a very popular spot, very bustling and busy, with nice modern decor. Food was great, everything was fresh and all of the waitress' recommendations were spot on. Wine options were great and decently priced, and our pick went great with our meal. read more

Merrimans - Kauai - Hawaiian Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Best meal of the trip. That seared ahi with jasmine garlic rice is something I'll go back home dreaming about. It was a perfect sear (didn't taste wasabi but the shoyu flavor sear is to die for), complementary flavors of the rice and perfectly seasoned wok bok slaw. The wagyu tenderloin and Mac nut crusted fish were also so, so delicious. Honestly, I'd be happy to eat any of these three entrees. The tako escargot was beyond over cooked, however the flavors were exceptional. I'd order it again and give it another try. Tastes just like authentic French escargot, and make sure to dip the provided bread into all that delicious butter. We ended the night with the chocolate purse and it was so light, but still so fulfilling. This location kicks mauis locations butt in food! Server was great and knew lots of fun facts about the Merriman restaurants. They were very accommodating with my baby. Thanks for the best meal of our trip, Merrimans! read more

Such a wonderful experience! Before being seated at the bar, there was a flex area at the top of the stairs. We grabbed drinks and then transitioned inside where there was live music and epic views from every angle. The ambiance rivals the food only in the sense of all stars. It was Mother's Day and there were specials we ordered for entrees. My husband had the Venison and I had the catch of the day. Definitely check this place out. I would make it a point to go every time I visit Kauai read more

To be honest, for the price and the hype, I was disappointed. The portions were very small considering the price was almost double what you'd see somewhere else for similar menu items like seared ahi. The flavors didn't blow me away like I thought they might. They have options for kids but it seems the chef is unwilling or unable to adjust the side dishes for young diners. Instead of a simple side of rice, it was laced with sliced green onions, and instead of a simple vegetable, the broccolini was incredibly spicy. Since we're in Hawaii, how about a side of sliced fruit for kids instead? The live music made it hard to hear each other at our table. I liked the song selection so maybe the musician or speakers could have been placed in a different spot. If you go, order the ahi poke appetizer. It was delicious. read more

Everything. Views. Service. Food. Drinks. Everything was fantastic. Flavorful. Solid portions. The ambience was fantastic. There was live music, which was just perfect. I love this place. I will definitely return. read more

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Merriman's Kauai was our Aloha dinner to Kauai. Kauai had big shoes to fill since I've dined at Monkeypod and Merriman's on Maui. Service was just as excellent as Maui's. Kauai's Ambiance was a little better than Merriman's Kapalua because they managed the sunshades better. It was lowered, cooler when the afternoon sun was at its highest and raised for sunset. From a food perspective, everything was fresh, well-prepared, and didn't disappoint. I appreciated that our server let our French Press "steep." It was the perfect accompaniment to the Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding. read more

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We recently celebrated my husband's 40th birthday at Merriman's in Kauai, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. They greeted us with two glasses of champagne after learning it was his birthday, which set a wonderful tone for the evening. The atmosphere was perfect, with a stunning view of the sunset over the trees, adding a magical touch to our celebration. Our server, who I believe was in training, was fantastic, as was his mentor. Both made sure we were well taken care of throughout the night. My husband started with the signature Mai Tai with Lilikoi foam, which was refreshing and unique. For our appetizer, we had the buttermilk biscuits, and I have to say, they were absolutely delicious. For dinner, I chose the Wok Charred Ahi which was line-caught by Captain Kevin Yamase. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the Won Bok Slaw with Wasabi Soy Sauce was simply amazing. My husband had the 9oz grilled steak served with taro whipped potatoes, chili garlic green beans, Hamakua Aliʻi mushrooms, herb compound butter, and marinated tomatoes. Every element was flavorful and expertly prepared. To top it all off, they surprised my husband with Lilikoi mousse and house-made macadamia nut shortbread cookies for dessert. It was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Overall, the service was great, the ambiance was beautiful, and the food was fantastic. I highly recommend Merriman's for any special occasion! read more

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Best bites of our Hawaii trip! The view is unbeatable and there is not a bad seat in the house. The staff was attentive and kind and made my parents anniversary extremely memorable and special. We started with cocktails and they were all fabulous. For appetizers we got the biscuits which were light and flaky and the Caesar salad that had fried green tomato croutons, they were perfect! The star of the show was the crispy pork shank with the mango salsa, WOW!!! absolutely delicious, savored every bite. The desserts were good as well, the chocolate purse and bread pudding were solid. Would recommend to all coming to Kauai!!! read more

We had reservations and was seated quickly by a crabby person that couldn't smile or say Aloha. Server was knowledgeable. Food was very meh for being merrimans and the price point Mac n cheese - good Fries- excellent Tako escargot- ok Taro hummus- bit too sour Pork shank - huge portion Steak- asked for med rare got medium I love a flavorful local food approach- but this was a lots of butter, fat and salt people call "umami" read more

This is probably my favorite restaurant on Kauai so far. I had the macadamia vanilla wild caught fish of the day and it was incredible. My girlfriend had the steak with a peppercorn sauce. She offered me a taste and I couldn't resist. Now I have to go back and order it! Wow! Both of our meals were outstanding. Great service and ambiance. I am a local resort spa manager and recommend this establishment often to guests asking for restaurant recommendations. read more

Alex took great care of us but the food is hit or miss. It was also freezing when we dined and since it's an open air restaurant, the wind made it colder than normal. Crab cakes and Caesar salad as starters were delish, Caesar could be a little bigger given the price. Husband got the seafood risotto special which was only ok. Seafood was cooked well but risotto was too soupy. Kids mac and cheese was super disappointing - elbow pasta was good but the cheese sauce they used was congealed and not very good. Really sub par for a nice restaurant in Kauai. Crispy pork shank and fettuccine bolognese special were good. Given the two dishes that didn't work, not sure the $200 tab + tip were worth the price. Thank goodness for the amazing service though. read more

Merriman's is a classic Kaua'i dining experience - definitely a little bougie, a lot delicious, and great vibes. The upstairs location in Kukui'ula Shopping Village overlooks the ocean (pro tip, com here during sunset because it's pure magic ). I got their famous mai tai with lilikoi foam If you haven't tried it, it's a non-negotiable! My friend had the Hanalei Taro Falafel, and I went with the garlic roasted wild shrimp + bok choy. Both tasty, portions on the smaller side, and definitely a splurge! Do you have food allergies? We'll know that Merrimans's is great about double checking ingredients! Last note, we grabbed bar seats with no wait, but I'd recommend reservations if you want a table! read more

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We've been coming to Kauai for years and have dined at many of the island's best restaurants, but Merriman's is still our absolute favorite. In our opinion, it has the best food on the island. Every meal is beautifully prepared, incredibly fresh, and consistently outstanding, which is why it's a must-visit every time we're here...actually we come multiple times.  One of the biggest reasons we return is Mandy. She is, without question, the best bartender on Kauai. Her cocktails are exceptional and, more importantly, remarkably consistent. Whether it's our first visit of the trip or our last, every drink is perfectly crafted and tastes exactly the way it should. That level of consistency is rare and speaks to the pride she takes in her work. Beyond making amazing drinks, Mandy has a genuine warmth and aloha spirit that makes every guest feel welcome. She's friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and somehow always seems to know exactly what you need before you have to ask. She remembers her guests, offers wonderful recommendations, and makes every visit feel special. Outstanding food is what first brought us to Merriman's, but Mandy is one of the biggest reasons we come back year after year. She is an incredible ambassador for Merriman's and a true asset to the team. Mahalo, Mandy! We can't wait to see you again on our next trip to Kauai. Simon and Heather read more

We adore Merriman's Kauai and make a point of visiting on every vacation to Poipu beach. The restaurant is lovely and the tables along the window have a gorgeous sunset view. We had terrific and warm service, just like always. We left our kids with the grandparents, but we have brought them in the past and they have been welcome. The Mai tai, both with alcohol and zero proof, are highly recommended. We like to split one entree to be able to have room for several appetizers and desserts. This time, the seafood Mac and cheese and malasadas were standouts. read more

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What a great experience in dining. Started off with their Mai Thai's. Delicious!!! We shared the KALUA PORK & MAUI ONION QUESADILLA House-Made Kim Chee, Sweet Chilli Mango sauce followed by the CAESAR, PETER'S ORIGINAL Hirabara Farms Romaine, Green Fried Tomato Croutons, Shaved Parmesan. Main course: MERRIMAN'S DUO PLATE Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Fish, Hamakua Ali'i Mushroom Sake Reduction & Petite USDA Prime Filet Mignon, Herb Butter. Couldn't decide on dessert so we ordered two. PINEAPPLE MACADAMIA NUT BREAD PUDDING House Made Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Rum Butter Sauce HAWAIIAN CHOCOLATE PURSE Coffee Caramel, Candied Mac Nuts, House Made Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream. Then KOLOA RUM CACAO to end the meal watching the sunset. Excellent service with a beautiful view. read more

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This was recommended to us by someone on the mainland. The food was simply excellent. We had two fish dishes (tuna and macadamia nut crusted swordfish) and both were very delicious. The crispy pork shank was also very good. We sat at the bar and got excellent service. The atmosphere was all Hawaiian. We will definitely be coming back on our next trip. read more

Merrimans - Kauai - Hawaiian Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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We went to Merriman's for my wife's birthday and had a pretty poor experience overall. We had a reservation and were seated when we arrived. The dining room has a stunning view of the mountains on the South shore. The support staff was very fast getting us waters, but that was the end of the good service. Our waitress introduced herself, acknowledged my wife's birthday, found out we weren't ordering alcohol, and quickly became disinterested in our table. We ordered our appetizers and mains at the same time and asked that they all come together: appetizers were biscuits, a salad and the tomato coconut soup, and our mains were the macadamia nut crusted fresh catch x4, 2 of the same for our older kids off their kid menu, and one butter pasta. The biscuits, salad, and soup came out quickly and were all excellent. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. Our waitress finally came over and made a surprisingly snarky comment like "Do you want anything to drink while you wait for your food? Sorry it's taking so long." And walked away. We waited 40 minutes between ordering and getting our main course. Normally in restaurants there is a note on the menu if a dish is going to take that long so you don't order it. Combined with the total lack of concern from the staff it was very frustrating. The fish finally came and was outstanding: perfectly cooked: moist with a great Mac nut crust. The jasmine rice was essentially inedible because it was about half rice and half green onions (we're not onion people). I wish they would have noted that on the menu because that is not what I think of as jasmine rice. None of us ate our rice. We chose Merriman's for their Lilikoi mousse dessert, so even though we had already been at the restaurant for over an hour we really wanted it. We also assumed dessert would not take long...terrible assumption. We ordered two Hawaiian chocolate purses, and ice cream and the mousse (which ended up being included due to it being my wife's birthday. And we waited And waited And waited This time we didn't even get a snarky remark from our waitress, she just ignored us and focused on the table near us. After another 30 minutes which I timed because I was in that mental state (again, nothing on the menu says it will take this long) dessert finally came. Fortunately we had Corey Mira as the entertainment, and he is like a Hawaiian Ed Sheeran, so it helped pass the time. Honestly, it was outstanding. The lilikoi mousse was perfection, and the chocolate purses were like phyllo dough lava cakes with ice cream and caramel on the side. We finished our dessert, and when our waitress brought the bill she didn't say thank you, she informed me that the tip is already included for a party of our size and walked away. It all made sense at that point. If you've made it this far, I'll restate: Pros: beautiful view, and overall excellent food (skip the rice if you don't like green onions). Extra pro if they have Mr. Mira as the entertainment. Cons: unbelievable wait times, and terrible service. I gave two stars for the combination of great food and entertainment, but the overall lack of service made this a place we will not come back to and don't recommend. read more

Atmosphere is nice and cozy- a bit crowded though. Our food choices were mediocre though- was expecting better. But overall, okay for the prices of entrees and cocktails. Had better. read more

We celebrated my mom's birthday at Merriman's, and it was truly a special night from start to finish. We had absolutely incredible seats with a stunning view of the sunset, while still being able to hear the live music in the background--it created such a magical atmosphere. The pacing of the meal was spot on, allowing us to fully enjoy each course without ever feeling rushed. The birthday dessert was incredibly thoughtful and made the celebration feel extra special. Our waiter, Bobby, was wonderful--attentive, warm, and professional, and he helped make the entire evening seamless. Overall, it was a truly memorable experience and a perfect way to celebrate such a meaningful occasion. We will cherish this night and recommend Merriman's. read more

Merrimans - Kauai - View from out table - Hawaiian Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Merriman's Kauai is and has always been synonymous with Hawaiian fine dining. It is an attraction that families and couples alike should flock to for their most important meals. Sadly, the Merriman's I once knew is no longer. Maybe the energy left when the pizzeria downstairs closed, but it just felt like the employees don't want to be there anymore. Service overall was fine, but the food and beverage was a massive step down not only from their own standards, but a large gap lesser than Monkeypod (the restaurant's own brand). After perusing the menu, I settled on a mai tai (watered down; probably on the pass for 10 min as the foam was melted into the drink), a mediocre wine from Napa, a $72 steak which historically is on par with the best meal on the planet but then isn't even served with the veggies listed on the menu, nor the "taro" potatoes without a hint of purple (that's talented....). Further, the veggies served are the same setup as my wife's dish so either this is kitchen' laziness or a mistake that the restaurant didn't want to own besides comping a beverage. PS I'm allergic to tomatoes, so thanks for the unwanted substitute! I've had several meals in Kauai, and loved Scotty Brown's. The food was fresh, drinks were solid, and the service was great. Sadly, I won't be visiting Merriman's again. Thanks for my honeymoon dinner many years ago when the kitchen was creative, inventive, and made you want to come back. read more

We've dined at multiple Merriman's restaurants over the years, but tonight was our first time in Kauai. Alex Ray was our server and she's a rockstar you should ask for. Has worked there four years and knows how to deliver outstanding service. Our best meals always start with an incredible server like Alex. They make the restaurant come alive for first-timer diners. And they are there to resolve the occasional hiccups that might occur. We started with the Dungeness Crab Cakes and Pu'Uwai Gardens Avocado Papaya Tomato & Fennel Salad. The crab cakes were large and super moist. Yum. The salad was a perfect collection of veggies and fruits synonymous with Kauai. For my entrée, the Merriman's Original Wok Charred Ahi was simply perfection. My wife went with the Chateaubriand of USDA Prime Beef and it was heavenly. Amazing tenderness and oh so flavorful. For dessert the incredible Bread Pudding with Brown Butter poured over. It was decadent. This meal surpassed our expectations. It was worthy of more than five stars. read more

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Amazing happy hour. The tako appetizer was delicious! The cocktails were fresh and paired well with the food. Amazing dinner service. Our server was great as was the rest of the staff. The ambiance was relaxed and comfortable with great views all around. The food was amazing. Great wine selection to pair with our choice of fish for the evening. Definitely a must go to if you're on Kaua'i. read more

Merrimans - Kauai - Beet salad - Hawaiian Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

Hands down one of my go to restaurant on Kauai. We always head here on our 1st and last day on the island. If I can come more I would. Service is always friendly. The atmosphere is relaxed. I love when there is live music which most often there is. Restaurant is highly recommended but we usually just wing it at the bar. read more

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I celebrated my 65th birthday at Merriman's Kauai. I loved the ambiance and the live music. Our food was excellent! Our waiter was great! What stood out to me was that the dinner tables were spread out. We were not bunched closely to other people, which is common with many restaurant's. I will be coming back read more

Merrimans - Kauai - Birthday dessert courtesy Merriman's. - Hawaiian Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Fine casual dining with beautiful sunset views. Had a reservation but arrived an hour early and were immediately seated. It's a smaller menu and nothing like the Maui restaurant. We started with a poke appetizer, ono special, steak, and lilikoi mousse for dessert. Everything was delicious and nicely prepared. Service was spot on! One of our best meals on the trip! read more

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Merriman's Kauia is another reminder of why Maui is the "best" island... Maui has the best Merriman's, hands down. This one, like so many copies of originals lacks sharpness and clarity. The service is definitely 5 stars all the way. Our waiter was friendly and attentive all the way. He made my daughter's bday very memorable and special. The views of the sun setting were breathtaking and beautiful. True Kauia vibes. That's where the vibes stop... The menu and food left much to be desired. The options are limited and the dishes lack flavor, identity and substance. My sirloin steak and fries for example looked like an order at sizzler, served on the same boring white Restaurant Depot plate. The steak was cooked as requested, and the fries were delicious, but for almost $60 I except something special. Better presentation, maybe... Too much to ask? There is also something different about the mai tais. They are just not the same. My daughter said hers tasted like dish soap. I didn't try it, but I know what dish soap tastes like unfortunately. read more

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We tried Merrimans because it was close to the house. Parking was easy, seating was fast, with reso. The steak was cooked perfectly, tasty sauce and vegetables. The special of fish, and shrimp was good, the fish was raw in the middle, almost cold, a little to chewy for my liking, but the server Alex explained that when I ordered, just to raw for me. One side was grilled and perfect. Great experience. read more

Merrimans - Kauai - Fish, and shrimp - Hawaiian Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

This place is a good as everyone says it is! We know about Merrimans on the Big Island and MonkeyPod Cafe, so we had high expectations for this restaurant. The food and service were excellent! They had great cocktails and mocktails and live music. Definitely a "go to" place on Kauai !!! read more

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Service was not good. You'd think you could get crushed pepper for a Caesar salad - nope. Also didn't get a glass of wine until meal almost finished. Server nowhere to be found. You'd think at these prices they'd box your leftovers for you - nope. Even the simplest establishment does that. And it took 15 minutes to get the box. Bad service is the biggest reason I am not a fan of their gratuity automatically added for being a party of 6. (3 adults, 3 children REALLY?!) No incentive to provide good service. And added to that, a separate extra 4% for the kitchen staff, which they tax! The food was okay, not great. Prices comparable to other Kauai "upscale" eateries. But find another place to eat. Go to the Eating House a few doors down. I do not recommend Merrimen's Kauai. But if you go, at least stay away from server Kirsti V. read more

This is a wonderful restaurant with live Hawaiian music and wonderful sunset views. Their menu has options to satisfy all palates and the food is sooo delicious. In addition, our server was fabulous. She was very friendly and amazed us by not writing down any of the orders for our party of seven! The food arrived at the table just as we ordered it. My favorite dish of the night was the Chateaubriand. The beef was unbelievably tender and the accompanying sauce was seasoned perfectly. 10/10 I would order it again! read more

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Merriman's was such a treat--the food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared, with incredible views to match. What really stood out was the service from Kai. He was attentive, friendly, and made the whole dining experience smooth and enjoyable. The mai tais and the Mac crusted fish were the best!!! If you can't decide on an entree, try the duo entree so you can have half portion of two entrees Merriman's absolutely lives up to its reputation. Highly recommend, and ask for Kai if you can! read more

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Loved our experience here. The vibe is dressed up casual. Lovely classic/beachy ambiance. Service was excellent. The mai tai is a MUST!!! Do not sleep on this drink. Best mai tai ever. 100/10 it is strong, how it should be. And the lilikoi foam chefs kiss I got the special pasta with shrimp and some sort of fish 10/10 it was perfect. Pasta cooked perfectly, balanced flavors, the fish cooked perfectly. Yum! Steak and fries 9/10 steak was juicy and medium rare like we ordered Unfortunately we were too stuffed for dessert. Sadly. Go here. read more

Merrimans - Kauai - Hawaiian Near Me - Koloa, Hawaii

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Spent Thanksgiving in Hawaii, and it was also my boyfriend's birthday! My friend recommended this restaurant . Let's just say - that's why we're friends! The food, vibez, atmosphere, service and DRANKS were top notch!!! We will definitely be visiting again when we return! It was six of us. Some of them were picky eaters, but they were all expressed with everything! We ordered the steak, fish, crab cake and desserts. We all shared the meals. Small portions, but worth every bite! This place is perfect for large parties, date night or work besties. It's conveniently located upstairs a shopping plaza on the island. PS If you're unable to walk up the stairs, there's a elevator too! As always, I'll be back in my Arnold Schwarzenegger voice! read more

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