Merriman's Kauai

Seafood restaurant · Poipu

Merriman's Kauai

Seafood restaurant · Poipu

1

2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756

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Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null
Merriman's Kauai by null

Highlights

Farm-to-table regional Hawaiian dinners with ocean views  

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2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756 Get directions

merrimanshawaii.com
@merrimanskauai

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756 Get directions

+1 808 742 8385
merrimanshawaii.com
@merrimanskauai

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 22, 2025

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@goop

"Peter Merriman was one of the pioneers of the local food scene in Hawaii—he was at the forefront of efforts to grow vegetables in the local volcanic soils, so they could be eaten fresh (rather than after a lengthy journey on a boat). Today, he partners with local farmers to serve his three restaurants, and there’s one each on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. The dining room and menu are dressed up without being overly stuffy, so it’s ideal for a nicer family or group outing. Try the upcountry salad (made with kale and butter lettuce from local farms), the fresh-caught mahi mahi, and vegetarian taro cake."

The Kauai Guide
View Postcard for Merriman's Kauai

Mikaela M.

Google
One of the best meals we had on the island. We celebrated our engagement and the service was impeccable! Food was absolutely incredible and so delicious. Highly highly recommend. We are coming back tomorrow night for dinner ♥️

Justin Voss

Google
We had gone to the Merriman's on the Big Island before and were excited to go here. Well, we ended up eating here twice on this trip because it is so good. Service is casual, attentive, and knowledgeable. The restaurant is simple in decor, but clean and attractive. The views are quite nice being on the second floor helps. The food is seasonal and the specials were worth trying. Everything was delicious. One of our steaks came out overcooked and they were eager to fix it. We will certainly be back. Reservations recommended.

Richard Wang

Google
It was ok. Crusted Mahi Mahi was good. Seared ahi was good as well. Drinks were pricey but well made. Small portions so you'll need plenty of apps if you are hungry. Pricey but it's the views you go for. Live local music was also nice.

Jeanne Kolpek

Google
Consistently Perfect – A Must-Visit in Hawaii We had a fabulous dinner at Merriman’s Poipu on our last night in Kauai, and it was the perfect way to end our trip. Every time I visit a Merriman’s, the experience is flawless, and Poipu was no exception. We started with the ceviche appetizer, which was out of this world—incredibly fresh, bright, and bursting with flavor. The shrimp appetizer was also delicious, perfectly cooked and packed with island-inspired goodness. For my entrée, I had the steak and fish combo, and it was absolute perfection—expertly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully presented. It’s the kind of dish that makes you stop and savor every bite. Beyond the phenomenal food, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was elegant yet relaxed, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Merriman’s is consistently one of the best restaurants in Hawaii, and that’s why I always make sure to visit whenever I’m here. If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal on Kauai, Merriman’s Poipu is an absolute must.

food_from_the_usa

Google
What a place with amazing service. Great views of the island. Macadamia curated mahi mahi amazing. Lobster and pork ramen delicious. Fresh catch of the day was snapper. All the meals are fresh and not too big. The Mai Thai was great!

Stephen Marchetti

Google
Every time we go to a Merriman’s or sister restaurant the food and drinks are outstanding. They have a good N/A cocktail list too. We had two specials which were each amazing. Our server was really good too.

Amanda Leigh Baird

Google
This was probably one of the best meals we had while in Kauai! My husband and I stopped by without reservations and we were seated within 5 minutes. We told the hostess that we were on our honeymoon and they pulled out all the stops! The server Ashlyn was fantastic and so attentive the whole evening. She brought us a complimentary champagne toast to start us off. My husband ordered the pork and was absolutely thrilled at how tender and flavorful it was. I order the macadamia crusted fish which was also incredible. For dessert we were brought the Lilikoi Mousse which was divine! Not to mention the atmosphere was amazing, with a perfect view of the ocean and sunset. Highly recommend!

Thatone Customer

Google
We found a piece of metal in the lobster Mac n cheese. Almost swallowed it (picture added). Coughed it up and it was almost an inch long. Server told us it was from one of the cleaning brushes they used. Comped us just that item and charged us for everything else even though we did not finish all of our food except for 1 drink since we wanted to leave asap to see if we need to go to an urgent care. No manager came to talk to us. Super disappointing and this was first restaurant on first day. If this was swallowed it would have been thousands of dollars and probably a surgery required to remove it. I hate posting bad reviews about restaurants, especially since the food was good, service was very nice, drinks were good. But horrified to think what would have happened if this was swallowed and feels like a muted response from the restaurant.
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Rob C.

Yelp
pretty much a go to for every island (view better in Maui). enjoyed the ahi poke Maui Sweet Onion, ʻInamona (glad it's in there), Ogo, Jalapeno, Crushed Avocado, Soy Ginger Dressing, House Made Molokaʻi Sweet Potato Chips tako served like escargot in cognac parsley butter. garlic shrimp -- Moroccan Spices, Lemon, Cherry Tomato, Olive Oil, House Baked Focaccia Bread chateaubriand of Hawaii raised beef, very tender -- Taro Whipped Potatoes, Chili Garlic Green Beans, Sauce Chassuer had the lasagna special to share chocolate purse was great -- Coffee Caramel, Candied Macadamia Nuts, House Made Vanilla Ice Cream Lilikoi mousse excellent -- Whipped Cream, Fresh Fruit, Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookie pineapple macadamia nut bread pudding -- Rum Butter Sauce, House Made Vanilla Ice Cream excellent meal for kauai
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Kathy A.

Yelp
It's been a while and I was fortunate to come back here for thanksgiving dinner. They have a pre set 3 course menu on the holiday and I was blown away. They brought a nice bubbly to start (alcoholic or non). Then focaccia with a lovely tomato tapenade like sauce. Next was an amuse squash soup! So good. I wish I got a full bowl of it. Each course had three options to pick. I enjoyed my garlic roasted shrimp appetizer very much. For my entree I opted for a non traditional thanksgiving option with Ma Kai seafood option. It came with purple sweet potato ravioli which was a nice nod to the holiday. Finally for dessert I had the pineapple macadamia nut bread pudding. Huge portion so I couldn't finish but delicious! Each course was great and I was pleasantly surprised that the portions were large for every dish. My family order other options around the table but everyone enjoyed! Was it expensive? Yes. But it was worth it
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Gregg Y.

Yelp
Merrimans - Kauai in Koloa, HI, is a place that knows how to craft an unforgettable evening. Before our dinner reservation, we made a beeline for the bar to catch happy hour. Starting with a Mai Tai and the Kalua Pig Quesadillas, I was immediately reminded of why Monkeypod's signature Mai Tai has such a devoted following. No surprises here--the Mai Tai was just as exceptional, a perfect blend of flavors that set the tone for the night. The Kalua Pig Quesadillas were near perfection, a delectable start that left us eager for more. Dinner began with a classic Caesar Salad, which my wife and I shared. She went for the Bone-in NY Steak, cooked to medium with a perfect sear and flavor that hit all the right notes. I chose the Venison and Shrimp Kabobs--a dish that took me by surprise. I'm not usually one for venison, but this was prepared with such finesse that I found myself savoring every bite. The shrimp, too, was executed beautifully, creating a harmonious plate that was both satisfying and delightful. Per our waiter's recommendation, I also tried the Awayuki Negroni--a cocktail featuring Awayuki Strawberry Gin, Apertivo Nonino, and La Fuerza Vermut. It was an intriguing mix that complemented the meal perfectly. And then came dessert: Pineapple Bread Pudding. Absolutely divine. To top it all off, we were treated to a perfect sunset, the kind that paints the sky adding the final touch to an already memorable evening.
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Yana I.

Yelp
Exceptional spot for a fancy dinner. It's rare for the food to be so good that even a Yelper forgets to take enough pictures! We started with the octopus and tartare--both exceeded our expectations. For the main course, we had the macadamia nut-crusted dish (the best on the island) and the fish duo. The dessert--a strawberry pie--was good but not mind-blowing. Tip: Book well in advance. They're incredibly popular, especially around Christmas time.
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Glenda J.

Yelp
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!
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Kashyap J.

Yelp
it's worth revisiting this place. Even if it meant pricier menu. The service is top notch. If you are visiting during vacation / holiday season don't forget to reserve a table. The baby was already down so we could enjoy our three course meal! Holiday spirit is everywhere. The outdoors were noisy but as it was past 8 pm the noises died down and we could savor our entrees. Definitely should be on your list if you are a couple( honeymooning/ revisiting/ babymooning)
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John M.

Yelp
Returned for the famous lilikoi foam mai tais that we enjoyed on our last trip to Kauai. This time we balanced sweet with savory by sampling their amazing tako a la escargot, or octopus prepared in an escargot pan with parsley butter. The tako definitely retains its tako-ness in texture and flavor, though we enjoyed this inventive preparation. The tako is a great example of the way to do happy hour as a means of whetting appetites for a full dinner, meaning I don't like when restaurants offer an alternate/simplified HH menu. Allow guests to try some signature items and hook us in for more, which is exactly what we did two nights later. We both went for the makai special, ono fish and shrimp in a totally decadent macadamia nut butter risotto. Probably too decadent - it felt like the butter overwhelmed, though the shrimp were perfectly fine swimming in it. The fish was also a bit dry and small, maybe 3 ounces. The concept of this dish was great and I ate as much as I could, but the execution could use some tweaking. The feel of the restaurant is great, upstairs with open shutters and an afternoon view of the green valley, ocean, and setting sun, or a more intimate feel in the evening with nature quietly observing in the dark. Service top notch.
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Charles C.

Yelp
Beautiful location, great attentiveness and service and of course the food is top notch. We had Ono appetizers, truffle fries, biscuits, NY, steak, ono, Makai, Macadamia Nut Fish, shared it around and all amazing.
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Eilleen L.

Yelp
I've been to Merrimans in Maui and always enjoyed their food and service. Our dinner didn't disappoint! Service was attentive and amazing! We shared an appetizer, salad and entree. Everything was delicious, flavors married well together and perfectly cooked. Even my daughter was skeptical about the meal, really enjoyed everything. The view was to die for. We lucked out with the timing. We were seated by the "window" (no window, it's open air) and the sun was setting about 10 minutes after we sat down.
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Richard A.

Yelp
Located in The Shops at Kukui'ula, Poipu Our dinner at Merriman's located in The Shops at Kukui'ula, Poipu was absolutely unforgettable! From the stunning ocean views to the delicious island-inspired dishes, it was a perfect evening from start to finish. We were lucky enough to be served by Ely, a lifelong Kauai resident whose warmth and local knowledge added a special touch to our experience. Ely's genuine hospitality made us feel so welcome and truly enhanced our night. The food? Incredible! We savored every bite of the venison and shrimp kabobs, and the grey snapper catch of the day ("Ma Kai"), along with perfectly prepared ahi and mahi mahi. Each dish was expertly cooked and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The island cocktails and local beers complemented the meal perfectly--refreshing and full of character. To top it off, we had the best seat in the house: right on the ocean side of the open-air second story. Watching the sunset while enjoying such a phenomenal meal was pure magic. If you're in Poipu, Merriman's is a must-visit for an extraordinary dining experience. We can't wait to return! Highly recommended!
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Mark C.

Yelp
Family of four (adult children) enjoyed a wonderful evening at Merriman's Kauai last night. The first - and continuous - highlight was the staff. From the moment we climbed the front steps, through the starter cocktails and eventually our main meal - everyone was very welcoming, had great suggestions and were attentive without being bothersome (a rare skill in restaurants lately). We started with cocktails at the large monkey pod table. Two had the Mai Tai's (best on island in our opinion with the honey-lilikoi foam), a Coco Loco (substitute Hanalei Liquor Tutu's Gin) and an Alani Spritz. All were gorgeous and delicious. For dinner we moved to our table inside. Such a stunning view. We timed it perfectly to enjoy a gorgeous sunset during our meal. Appetizers were the daily special Tahitian ceviche (yowza!) and truffle Parmesan fries (also excellent). Dinners (all from the regular menu): Wok Charred Ahi Chateaubriand NY Strip Steak Hanalei Taro Falafel All were amazing but the Ahi stood out. The best fish dish we have had on island. No room for desserts - just enjoyed the glorious colors of the sky following sunset and were grateful that we got to spend an evening at Merriman's with each other. A special evening indeed.
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Michele P.

Yelp
We found it! The perfect Mai Tai! The French fries are amazing and the service is superior. Our bartender, Kai, was fabulous! We couldn't get a table without a reservation however, we were able to sit at the bar! Highly recommended!

Eric H.

Yelp
The food and service were excellent. You have to try to beef tacos! They had a couple of really good barrel-aged whiskey drinks. Definitely go back when in the area.
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Nancy L.

Yelp
This place came highly recommended by a friend so it was a no-brainer that we had to come here. We tried doing walk-ins but they were super booked out so ended up making a reservation for our very last night and fortunately, they were able to accommodate us. We ended up ordering quite a lot of food for four people. The service was great, our server was super attentive and friendly so it made the experience very nice. They have a great view of the water at sunset so I can understand that majority of the price you are paying is for the ambiance. The food was good but I felt that the price was just too high for some of the items. - S A L A D S - The Avocado, Papaya, Tomato, and Fennel Salad was very refreshing, but too small for $18. We shared it between four people and there wasn't enough, but we couldn't justify ordering another one. I wish there was more because that's essentially four bites, one bite per person lol. - S I D E S - The buttermilk biscuits were yummy, especially paired with the ube soup they had as their special. The crab cakes ($29) weren't bad but 3 crab cakes for $30 is insane... - D A I L Y S P E C I A L - The ube bisque was surprisingly very delicious and probably the highlight of the entire meal. I'm not used to savory ube, but I was pleasantly surprised. The bisque definitely did not feel like a dessert. We enjoyed it with the biscuits. - E N T R E E S - I ordered the Ma Kai ($52), which was a local white fish, supposedly half charred. It felt a little more cooked than promised though. The garlic jasmine rice was pretty good, but I was underwhelmed with the bok choy slaw. My friends ordered the Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Catch ($49), which wasn't bad, and the Merriman's Duo Plate which was the Macademia Nut Fresh Catch with the Filet ($66). They seemed to enjoy it. Overall my experience was pretty good. It's definitely on the pricier side but that comes with the ambiance, the service, the type of food that they're serving, and honestly mostly because there aren't a lot of places like this around.
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Emily T.

Yelp
A nice date spot! My husband booked this for us. They had live music and the view was very pretty. We were seated more on the inside of the restaurant so we didn't get the best view of the sunset, but it was still pretty from afar. Our server was very friendly. For our appetizer we started with their + biscuit board which came with biscuits, a fruit compote, and goat cheese. Very tasty, but biscuits weren't as fluffy as I would have liked. + We also got their tahitian style coconut milk ceviche and this was really tasty and fresh! + crab cakes - we could have passed on these. They were just ok in our opinion. For our mains: + Macadamia crusted fish - this was good but wish it had a little more sweetness to it + shrimp and scallops - really enjoyed the meatiness of this seafood! very fresh! Dessert - we shared the pineapple macadamia nut bread pudding with ice cream. The dessert was pretty tasty. Overall, we enjoyed our meal here. Nice ambiance and food for the most part was solid. Portions were good. I think we may have over ordered. Lol, we were so stuffed by end of our meal.
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Kiranbir S.

Yelp
We came here for their New Year's Prix Fixe menu. The service and staff were excellent! The view and ambience were great as well. We had a front row view of fireworks across the island. The entrees were a bit overcooked. The desserts were delicious. I wish the strawberry cream pie was on their permanent menu.
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Jack G.

Yelp
Went to Merriman's-Kauai on 2/17/24 for a business dinner so I was unable to take photos of the food we ordered and ate due to business etiquette. Drink orders were a bottle of Ken Wright Pinot Noir $80 and a Heineken $8. Appetizers were a Caesar Salad $18 and Papaya Salad $18. I had the Caesar Salad and it wasn't nothing to write home about. My scratch Caesar salad that I make at home made this salad taste like bush league. Just saying. Client had the Papaya Salad. Main dish orders were Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Catch $49, Ma Kai $52, and Filet of Beef $56. I had the Filet of Beef and it was overcooked and dry even though I ordered it medium rare. The steak had no taste and didn't seem to have any seasoning. I actually didn't finish it, which is very rare for me. Especially since it wasn't a very large piece of meat. The restaurant has a lovely view of the Koloa area. Service was just okay. Parking was free as this restaurant is located in a shopping mall. They include a kitchen surcharge, so tipping is in addition to this charge. A little pricey for my taste, but I'm glad I gave it a try.
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Dennis M.

Yelp
There was a 4% kitchen fee added to my tab. I can't believe anybody would think hidden fees are okay at a restaurant. But if you're going to add gratuity then I'm not going to supplement it so they got to whopping 4% tip . Also I complained about the portion size of my string beans and I was pretty much told too bad .... A $64 entree and I want a couple more string beans ? You can't accommodate that? But you'll add 4% on the back end of hidden fees. What is this a used car dealership?
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Erika l.

Yelp
Service was amazing!! Rebecca made our night , she accommodated all my sensitives. Food: one of the best for this part of the island. Ambience was great, there is a nice breeze and the lighting was perfect. Drinks: very yummy.
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Maral C.

Yelp
It's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance for this place, as it tends to get booked up quickly. And after experiencing it myself, I now understand why! We asked for a table by the window and it was the best experience and views. The service here is exceptional, earning a solid 10/10 rating. Our server went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. Initially, I was unsure about ordering a Mai Tai, as I didn't want a overly sweet drink. However, our server assured me that their version leans towards the sour side. Not only was the presentation of the Mai Tai beautiful, but the taste was also absolutely perfect. For our starter, we decided on the Caesar salad, and oh my goodness, the fried avocado was an absolute delight! It was truly the highlight of the dish. For the main course, we ordered the Mahi Mahi and a side of mashed potato and they turned out to be incredibly delicious. The only minor comment I have is that the portion of rice and sauce could have been a bit more generous. Overall, I am looking forward to returning to this place on my next visit to Kauai
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Saad B.

Yelp
I recently dined at Merriman's Kauai and had a fantastic experience. We started with amazing crab cakes as an appetizer. For the main course, I enjoyed a perfectly cooked 10-ounce New York Strip Steak with green beans instead of the Taro Potato Whipped Puree. Others in our party had the macadamia nut-crusted catch of the day, which was also delicious. Anthony, our server, was really nice and helpful, providing great recommendations despite it being his first week. The Mai Tai is a must-try for rum lovers. For dessert, we had lilikoi mousse topped with pineapple and whipped cream, which was incredible. If you're in Kauai, book in advance as reservations fill up fast.
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Stacy S.

Yelp
We had a wonderful dinner experience last night at Merriman's. The sunset was beautiful. Our waitress, Caren, was delightful. The food was delicious. We had the crab cake and ramen starters with a Mai Tai and a Coco Loco. I had the Ma Kai special, and he had the lamb. For dessert, I had the chocolate purse, and he had the bread pudding. All of the food was good, but the chocolate dessert was by far my favorite.
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Ahmad F.

Yelp
Awesome all around. The ambiance is very inviting, the service was amazing, the food was beautifully presented and tasted just as good. Reasonable prices, given the brand.
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Sandy K.

Yelp
Came here for happy hour during vacation. I've visited their locations on the Big Island and Maui. Merriman's also owns and operates the Monkeypod Kitchen locations in Oahu. This location is in a multi-story shopping center so there's plenty of parking. Happy hour food was yummy, and the bar I sat at was full of thirsty patrons. Service from all the bartenders was on point and friendly. We tried the Kalua Pig Quesadilla, truffle fries, and guava chips & hummus. I'm addicted to their Mai Tai's - the foam on top makes them just over the top compared to other Mai Tai's - I ended up overindulging! I'm definitely a fan of the Merriman's restaurants and recommend.
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Michael K.

Yelp
Merrimans is one of the best restaurants on the island, along with 1849 next door. It is really comfortable and mellow if they are not too busy, with live music some nights. It's open and airy, and you can watch the sunset from your table. The crab cakes or the soup of the day are good starters. Tomato bisque and the ube soup with coconut cream were both delicious. Some of the dishes like the caesar salad and the Ma Kai ($52), which is the chef's weekly choice preparation of mixed seafoods, miss the mark. Merrimans' signature macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi ($49) is my favorite entrée. I want to lick the plate. I also recommend the passion fruit mousse, a refreshing light way to finish the meal.
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Matt P.

Yelp
You couldn't ask for a better way to end our last night on Kauai. The restaurant is located in the shopping plaza right across from Table at Poipu. I was able to make reservations on Open Table a week prior. Upon walking in, the ambiance couldn't be any better. We were seated right next to the windows just in time to watch the beautiful sun set. The windows and ceiling fan created a cool island breeze. Our server Karen was great. She was definitely on top of her game and was able to recommend drinks and dishes. The food was great and the company couldn't be any better.
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Andrew B.

Yelp
Such a great experience, hostess was awesome getting us in, great table and view, cool vibe with live music. Drinks were very good and the Venniaon&shrimp kabob was so delicious. Definitely coming back!
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Rebecca S.

Yelp
Hostess customer service -5 stars Waiter customer service (Eric) - 1 star Food - 4 stars Sunset view - 5 stars Ambiance-3 stars We had a celebratory dinner at Merimans last night. From the onset, we were greeted warmly by the hostesses and seated immediately with a beautiful view of sunset. We were charmed by the lovely hawaiian music. Unfortunately our waiter was not very attentive or warm to us. Perhaps its because we weren't ordering alcohol and his other parties were imbibing but we were often left waiting for him The biscuits came out hot and fresh but tasted too much of baking soda for my liking. The caesar salad was just ok The Papaya salad was much better, very fresh. We also really liked the pot pie special which had mushrooms and beef. My sister and I shared the duo plate which came with a petit filet and macademia nut crusted fish of the day which was mahi mahi. Along with two sides- mashed potatoes and rice along w veggies. The steak was well seasoned but overcooked (more medium well than medium rare). My parents ordered a special whcih had Ono, shrimp and steak and they enjoyed it as well Not sure we would come back to Merimans due to the poor service.
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Rodney G.

Yelp
Came to Kauai on a quick inter-island staycation with my parents who were celebrating their forever-years wedding anniversary so I had planned on having them eat at Merriman's for the first time ever. Made reservations and we were seated right away . I like the South shore Kauai vibes at this Merriman's with the open windows and high ceiling and fans. Casual-feel but you know the food's gonna be fancy. I got the macadamia nut crusted catch (of the day) and medium rare filet of beef and it was outstanding. Like broke da mouth kine good!! Like even the little scoop of rice had so much flavor in it! I wanna know how they made the rice taste so good. I can't emphasize how much flavor each item on my plate had. My mom got the ramen and my dad got the same catch of the day fish I had (which I forget what kind fish it was) and they both enjoyed their meals as well. Service was great. We came at peak dinner time and it seemed like our server was working a lot of other tables besides ours but she was great on checking up on us from time to time. Will definitely come back here the next time we're visiting Kauai. Pro-tip. Just expect to wait a bit for your meals but it's definitely worth the wait.
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Jean H.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant they were packed so we only went to the bar. For me the drinks were too heavy of a pour. The chive bisquits are a must order and my husband and I shared a light fish entree which we thought was good, the r desserts are delicious too, we will be back! Food: 4.5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance 5/5
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Brannon S.

Yelp
We ate here on Friday 8/30.  River was our server.  Wife and I arrived prior to rest of our party so we sat at the bar and were quickly served good drinks.  Once the rest of the party arrived we were immediately seated.  Apps for us included the humus, crabcakes, poke, and truffle fries.  I think the party had almost every drink on the menu with the standout being mai tai with the lilikoi foam.  The entrees were great.  Everything cooked as requested and a few dietary requests dealt with without any issues.  All items came out timely and together which is always nice for a group.  Desserts order as well.  The bread pudding was the standout.  River was a great friendly server and the whole group appreciated the experience.  Perfect timing with a table on the side balcony area and a perfect sunset watched while eating in open air.
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Cindy P.

Yelp
This is, hands down, one of my favorite restaurants on the island. I love fish and they really know how to prepare it! It is always best to make a reservation when coming here. I am by myself or with my best friend and we came early and sat at the bar. The hostess was very friendly, but I didn't need her. The bartenders are really awesome. I love watching them make the drinks. The first night I had mahi mahi and the second night I had ono. Ono is called that because it's so delicious. I also ordered the crab cakes. They melted in your mouth. There was a musician playing on Thursday. It was quite nice to listen to, although the table behind the bar was very big and kind of loud. I definitely will continue to come back over and over.

Denise W.

Yelp
Everything from being greeted until the last morsel of dessert was fabulous. We were treated to the green salad, Tahitian poke, Ma Kai fish special, Vension and Shrimp, and finished with the pineapple bread pudding. Highly recommend everything!
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M D.

Yelp
All about the sunset. Plan your time accordingly for the experience. Drinks are great and craft style. Staff is all around great with recommendations and easy to talk with. Food selection is on point with local malt sourced items. I ended up preferring the bar versus the main dining area. Again great atmosphere with the sunset being the show.
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Nyra C.

Yelp
Visiting from Oahu and big fans of Merriman's Honolulu, we were excited to dine at another location! We arrived at happy hour with no reservation and were welcomed and seated promptly at the community table. That was more than expected and plenty good enough for us. Truly a nice spot to chill on a beautiful Kauai evening! We were offered a table once the dining room opened and that was unexpected but and awesome. The place was beautiful, service excellent from the matre d' to our server Eric, and the local musician adds to the experience. She sang Hallelujah in Hawaiian, chills. Our food was good but we especially loved the Opakapaka appetizer, mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans that came with the chateaubriand steak. The Opakapaka was similar to a ceviche with a perfectly spicy sauce that was really special. I loved the shrimp on the ahi special too. Caesar salad was a good one and it came w some fried avocados, yummy!

Kirsten H.

Yelp
Unfortunately, we weren't able to eat at this establishment. We walked by it a few days in advance and saw the hours and happy hour posted and thought it sounded great. I called multiple times during the day to find out their hours and confirm their happy hour due to the holiday season. I was directed via text to a link with their 'up-to-date' information, which was consistent with the posted sign and website (nobody ever answered their phone). When we arrived, we were informed that they weren't open those hours and were not having happy hour. Since it isn't possible to call this to get information, just want to warn others that the posted information is incorrect!
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Makiko N.

Yelp
Went here for my last meal in Kauai and they didn't disappoint. Restaurant is on the second floor and is open air with ocean views. Staff was very friendly and the food tasty. Things tried: - smoked taro hummus: I was kind of craving taro chips so decided to try this app. The chips were delicious, but the hummus was regular hummus with no smoky flavor. It was a refreshing starter overall. - Spicy Kauai shrimp ramen: I had been craving Kauai shrimp so decided to give this a try. The Kauai shrimp was nice and juicy. The ramen flavors were good, but by no means spicy. (Note: there is an entree option for ramen - you get 2 extra shrimp and more noodles in case you're wondering - but you have to ask as it's off the menu. The photo is of the appetizer portion) - lilikoi mousse: this dessert is a must try! So refreshing and the cookies that come with it are so good. Don't think - just try it, you won't be disappointed. All in all a great dinner - and that lilikoi mousse - I I'd come back just for that again!
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Tonya Ward

Yelp
The food and the service were great! The location is super convenient, especially if you're staying in Poipu. Great ambience too! Right in the shopping center. We enjoyed it so much. We ate there twice during our trip. Don't miss it!
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Haley C.

Yelp
Easily the best meal we had in a week on the island of Kauai! We arrived at the end of a happy hour, and sat at the bar (came with no reservation) - next time we will be sure to book so that we can sit closer to the sunset :) We started with the happy hour items that sounded delicious- the quesadilla and truffle fries as well as a mai tai! All were amazing! Sauce on the quesadilla was chefs kiss, and obviously I'm a truffle girly, so those fries were the perfect appetizer. We then ordered the Duo Plate as a shared entree - which worked great since it's a little larger than a typical dish on the menu. This had Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Catch, Hamakua Aliʻi Mushroom Sake Reduction & Petite KuaʻĀina Filet of Beef, Puʻuwai Farm Marinated Tomatoes, Herb Butter. (Served with the BEST broccoli, rice and their mashed potatoes) honestly the filet was some of the best I've ever had. We then figured dessert here was just as great so we had to order TWO. Pineapple Macadamia Nut Bread pudding (OMG!!) served in a warm skillet with their homemade vanilla icecream. It was oooozie and amazing. We also had the Hawaiian Chocolate Purse.... Which I didn't even expect to love but wowowow. This was also served with their homemade icecream. No one at our resort said this place was great, but let me tell you. GO. It's better than Boathouse or anything over near Poipu Beach.
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Caroline S.

Yelp
Truly one of the most restaurant experiences ever! From the time of checking in until our departure, every person on their staff we even just passed was friendly and welcoming. Our waiter, River, should be the model of what every waitperson should strive to be. This was our anniversary celebration and he made it one to always remember. The food was beyond delicious and the presentation so lovely. Add the perfect view of a Kauai sunset and the amazing complimentary dessert, and we were beyond thrilled and pampered. The Pu'uwai Gardens salad delicately dressed greeted our palates, only further surpassed by the Merriman's Duo Plate of Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Catch, Hamakua Ali'i Mushroom Sake Reduction and the Petite Chateaubriand Steak with Sauce Chassuer!! All to die for!! We shared each delectable dish and were wonderfully sated. This is a 5-star restaurant with clearly a marvelous chef, excellent staff and perfect location! Make reservations and go!
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Kelly S.

Yelp
We loved our experience Merriman's. We had good service, great food, and a beautiful sunset view. The mahi mahi was cooked perfectly and the bread pudding was awesome.
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Linda M.

Yelp
3.8 stars Still very good. But a big let down after the Merrimans on the Big Island. Our mains were under seasoned and kind of just lacked overall flavor. My ono had burnt spots that produced an unpleasant taste and the sauce and polenta were fine, just not flavorful. The Mai Tai's are the best you can find for sure.

Mary P.

Yelp
Absolutely perfect! I've been to Merriman's on the Big Island, Maui and now Kauai. Kauai is my favorite. The food is amazing. I had the beef/fish combination and it was delicious. They have a nice wine selection as well. The service was great. We weren't expecting the beautiful view since the restaurant is in a shopping center. You must go to Merriman's when you are in Kauai!
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Kelli H.

Yelp
Came back and it's been 13 years. Service was still amazing. All the food we ordered was delicious. They were very accommodating with our two young kids. My papaya salad was so good. So was the catch of the day and the pineapple bread pudding. Overall I still think this is a great restaurant!
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Shelean F.

Yelp
Everything from the views, cocktails, dinner entrees and desert were amazingly delicious. Service was spot on as well and the place is beautiful with the views of the ocean and mountains plantation. We got lucky to see the sunset from the open windows. Couldn't be better.5+ stars
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Ranier G.

Yelp
Looking for a good view while eating and a good service to go with it ? This is the place. I beleive his name is Kimo? Tatoo on the neck tribal kind! Anyway he is very nice! Let me tell you why. My wife and i look kamaaina and still got treated correctly now many of you are saying now that i am being super paranoid! I am not, looking like a local do come with perks and sometimes not so good also! Food is excellent and price correctly , love the ambiance like i said and impecable service.
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Alec T.

Yelp
Perfect meal! Could not have been better in any way. Our server Eric was super friendly and Upbeat.... And knew the specials without hesitation. Steak was cooked perfectly. And the dessert was super fresh. (chocolate purse, sorry, no photo ) Atmosphere had a cool open air vibe with a nice sea breeze and a view of the sunset as well.

James N.

Yelp
Delish dishes, great live entertainment (9/25/24) guitarist was incredible! Alex, our wait staff, was knowledgeable and very pleasant to have with us for the eve. She was excellent! ( the venison/shrimp combo was quite good) Ambience was pleasant
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B P.

Yelp
Merriman's is a popular place so you better have a reservation well in advance or you won't be getting in. The ambiance is great - right on the water. The island breeze comes into the restaurant. The food is very good but just shy of five stars. I prefer MonkeyPod on Maui. But this place is worth a visit and has great food.