Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (9690)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

Christina

Dined 5 days ago

Fantastic food and service! Everything we got was amazing.

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Experience

Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu

Experience

Christmas & Christmas Eve 2024

Experience

New Years Eve 2024

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.9

4.9 (210)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Welcome to Engawa, a small restaurant limited to 20 guests per night, where we offer an exquisite experience of Japanese cuisine. We invite you to indulge in a memorable dinner experience. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh sushi and sashimi to hearty tempura and other savory dishes are crafted to bring out the authentic flavors of Japan. Enjoy a unique culinary journey with chef & brew master Chiaki Takahashi, where each dish complemented by our award-winning hand-crafted sake, designed to enhance your dining experience.
At Engawa, we pride ourselves on providing not only exceptional foods but also an inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. To ensure you have a wonderful evening with us, we recommend making a reservation. Our attentive team is here to accommodate your needs and preferences, making your visit truly special.

Top review

SarahVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

We’ve traveled all over the world to eat. This place could compete with any of the best places. The sake was extraordinary. Even the rice - the rice was the most delicate and silky rice I’ve ever had. If you miss this place, it’s on you. You’re not really living and you’re missing out on something very special. You owe it to your palette. The service was impeccable as well. Just go.

Meridia

4.7

4.7 (2045)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Inspired by the Mediterranean, dedicated to the islands. Featuring a charcuterie and crudo bar, brilliant cocktails, and an award winning global wine list framed by the forever views of Hapuna Beach, Meridia presents innovative cuisine in an unrivaled setting. Named by Hawaii Magazine as 2019's Best New Big Island Restaurant, and 2018 Restaurant of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.
Located at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Top review

JudyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Our server Michael was excellent! The food was outstanding! The music and ambiance of the restaurant really made for an amazing night! One of the best meals we’ve had in a long time!

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4.6

4.6 (1868)

$50 and over

Italian

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

Welcome to Pueo’s Osteria, an Italian-inspired, inviting restaurant that provides great food, prepared from scratch daily, complimented with a stocked wine list and set in a delightful osteria environment. Co-Proprietor & Chef James Babian focuses on original creative dishes, pairing the finest, authentic Italian products with select seafood, produce and meats from boutique farms (sourced locally whenever possible), including “farm-fresh” products from local farmers’ markets.
Pueo's is located at the new Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village with ample free parking and designated pick-up stalls right outside the restaurant.
The "Pueo" is a nocturnal owl indigenous to Hawaii, which symbolizes Chef's focus on serving dinner and into the evening hours. Pueo's Osteria caters to locals and visitors via sit-down, bar and take-out. Engaging service, approachable pricing, great flavors and a lively atmosphere await at Pueo’s Osteria – food, wine & fun … "where the night owls meet."

Top review

Steve

Dined 1 day ago

Food was amazing. Had to wait a few minutes (ten?) after our reservation, no biggie - first seating was finishing up. Service was super friendly but slow, I think they were short handed. But it is Hawaii, be nice to everyone. Already planning our return!

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Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona

4.6

4.6 (27)

$31 to $50

American

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona is a celebration of delicious cuisine, refreshing drinks, delectable desserts, and the warm spirit of aloha. Indulge in a symphony of flavors from our menu featuring fresh seafood sourced locally, succulent prime steaks, and an array of gourmet entrees. Complement your meal with our specially crafted cocktails or explore our meticulously curated wine list featuring selections that perfectly pair with our dishes. Come as you are and enjoy our open-air Hawaiian restaurant.

Top review

Gayle

Dined 1 day ago

We always enjoy this restaurant, we eat here every year on our annual trip to Kona. Brad was an excellent server. We had the coconut shrimp, daily chef specials and the dessert board is excellent.

Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill

4.5

4.5 (4621)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

Roy's Waikoloa is an upbeat resort casual restaurant featuring Hawaii inspired Euro-Asian cuisine. European cooking techniques with an emphasis on local ingredients and bold flavors. An extensive "food friendly" wine list is also available.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Food was excellent all the staff was friendly and attentive. Wonderful experience! Mahalo to them all.

FORC

4.5

4.5 (377)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Owned by Chef Allen Hess, FORC brings farm to table in the heart of Waimea. FORC showcases a farm to table aspect by bringing fresh harvests from Farmers, the Ocean and Ranchers. By changing our menu seasonally, we are able to get creative with what Hawai’i has to offer us. Local style brunch items like our FORC signature sandwich, brown butter banana pancakes and our housemade bacon. Hearty seasonal dinner dishes like our Big Island grass fed beef, whole roasted fish, and Chef’s Hawaiian Meal. There are vegetarian, paleo and gluten free options too. Indulge more with special menus like happy hour and holiday menus. Sip on our award winning cocktails or sit down and soak in the best dining atmosphere.

Top review

KristaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing meal: Portuguese bread, lettuce wraps and bacon to start. Whole roasted kalekale was delicious and perfectly prepared. Same with butter fish, chicken, filet mignon. Finished with chocolate crème brûlée. Cocktails were also great. Loved the ube lemon drop martini and family enjoyed their mai tais. Great meal and excellent service.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon Prime Grade

Sushi & Robata by 'Ulu

4.4

4.4 (14)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

Sushi and Robata by ‘Ulu serves up fresh, Hawaiian dishes hand-crafted by the Resort’s culinary team. The extensive menu of nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls are complemented by a selection of robatayaki – a collection of fireside grilled meats and local vegetables.

Top review

JimVIP

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

Great food at a temporary make shift restaurant site.

Kenichi Pacific

4.3

4.3 (1512)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Walk Ins are welcome or please call for personal reservations if there isn't an open time 808 322-6400
Kenichi Pacific, where your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey! Located in the heart of Kailua Kona, HI, Big Island we pride ourselves on serving the freshest sushi, steak, seafood, meticulously crafted cocktails from locally sourced ingredients.
Our menu is a celebration of flavor, featuring daily sushi specials, that showcase the finest catch of the day, as well as unique Chef specials that highlight seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a masterpiece, designed to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience.
At Kenichi Pacific, we believe that great food deserves a great atmosphere. Enjoy our inviting setting, where friendly service meets a vibrant ambiance, perfect for intimate dinners or lively gatherings with friends and family. Join us for a culinary adventure that promises not just a meal, but an amazing experience.

Top review

LewVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The Misoyaki Black Cod dish is Michilen 3 Star entre!!!

Binchotan

4.2

4.2 (554)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Binchotan: Bar & Grill is a gathering place for friends and family to enjoy a fresh take on Asian cuisine. Our menu features the time-honored tradition of grilling meat, seafood and produce over an open flame. Shared plates, handcrafted sushi and grilled skewers are the hallmarks of this culinary experience. Our full service bar showcases artisan cocktails, premium sake and a vast collection of whiskey. We invite diners to indulge in a flavorful feast as they raise a glass of Muay Tai to toast the most glorious sunsets over the Kohala Coast!

Top review

Gwen

Dined 1 day ago

One of the best meals we had on the island! The experience is a must try! Also the volcano roll was absolutely delicious!!

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Popular dish

TUNA CRISPY RICE

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