Best Restaurants for Foodies in Ala Moana

As you eat a meal at Merriman's, you can tell that each ingredient is selected with care. Sure enough, when I asked I found out the food is locally sourced from farms that the owners and Chef know and trust. Many items are hand selected by the box, not the truck load. Since the Chef from Maui transferred over to Merriman's Oʻahu, our entrees have been especially ono. At lunch today I planned to take home one of my two fish (ahi) tacos. No way! I couldn't stop finishing both. Last night my husband and I walked into Merriman's without reservations and sat at the bar. Who cares if we didn't get a table? The gregarious host, Cody Merriman, stopped by to share a laugh or two and answer our questions about the menu. My husband ordered their chicken entree for dinner and said it was the best chicken he'd ever had. And my taro falafel was also delicious. We can't resist their Waialua Chocolate Purse for dessert. I felt a little decadent afterward, but what the heck? There are lots of restaurants in our neighborhood, but for five years now we keep coming back to Merriman's which seems to be even better the last six months. Could it be the addition of the Maui Chef? We like the vibe. Energetic without being so loud you cannot carry on a conversation. We both think their Hawaiian music playlist is the best in the City. Wish I could think of something negative to say to make this review real. But having just come back from a great lunch with memories of a wonderful dinner there last night, I am only happy and satisfied.

Thanks to Travis, Lohi, Nick, Brendan, and Yuhi for excellent food and service. Special thank you to Zack, the line cook who was right in front of us and explained the dishes while never missing a beat while cooking. We both had the Hale 6 course meal, and I topped it off with dessert. To read more about each dish, check out the Yelp review Therese1216 left. Definitely 5 star food and service.

Unique experience, the tempura dishes were superb. I definitely recommend this amazing restaurant.

Food and service always a cut above all others. The view makes this restaurant a must for visitors and Hawaii residents alike. We return here several times a year or more and have never been disappointed.

I only had I issue and it is a minor one. If it's your first the there, you probably won't be able to find the entrance. Other than that, great food. The sushi chef was talented and had great communication.