The Essence of Hawaiian Culinary Excellence at Merriman's Honolulu
Located in the vibrant heart of the Kaka'ako district at 1108 Auahi St #170, Honolulu, HI 96814, Merriman's Honolulu stands as a testament to the rich agricultural bounty and cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands. This dining destination has carved out a unique space in the local culinary landscape by focusing on the philosophy of farm-to-table dining, a movement that prioritizes the freshest ingredients sourced directly from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. By bridging the gap between the land and the plate, the restaurant offers an authentic taste of Hawaii that resonates with both residents and visitors seeking a genuine connection to the islands.
The atmosphere within the restaurant is carefully curated to reflect the spirit of aloha, blending sophisticated elegance with the relaxed, welcoming nature of island life. Whether you are visiting for a celebratory dinner or an intimate evening out, the space provides a backdrop that honors the natural beauty of the Pacific. The commitment to quality extends beyond the kitchen, influencing every aspect of the guest experience, from the thoughtful curation of the beverage program to the attentive and knowledgeable service provided by the staff. It is a place where the stories of local producers are told through every dish, creating a narrative that celebrates sustainability and community.
Defining Features of the Merriman's Experience
Commitment to Local Sourcing: The core of the menu is built upon a foundation of regional ingredients. By prioritizing partnerships with local growers and producers, the kitchen ensures that every plate reflects the seasonal rhythms of Hawaii, supporting the local economy while delivering unparalleled freshness to the table.
Culinary Heritage and Innovation: The menu serves as a bridge between traditional Hawaiian flavors and contemporary culinary techniques. This approach allows for the creation of dishes that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking, appealing to a diverse range of palates while maintaining a deep respect for the culinary history of the region.
Atmosphere and Design: Situated in the dynamic Kaka'ako neighborhood, the restaurant offers a refined yet accessible environment. The interior design elements are chosen to complement the coastal surroundings, creating a seamless transition between the urban energy of Honolulu and the serene beauty of the Pacific landscape.
Dedication to Sustainability: Beyond the ingredients themselves, the restaurant operates with a conscious effort to minimize its environmental footprint. This dedication to sustainable practices is woven into the daily operations, ensuring that the business contributes positively to the preservation of the island's unique ecosystem.
The culinary philosophy at Merriman's Honolulu is rooted in the belief that the best food is grown close to home. By fostering direct relationships with the people who cultivate the land and harvest the sea, the restaurant ensures that each ingredient is treated with the respect it deserves. This connection to the source is not merely a trend but a fundamental practice that defines the character of the establishment. Guests are invited to explore a menu that changes in harmony with the seasons, offering a dynamic dining experience that captures the ever-evolving nature of Hawaiian agriculture.
Furthermore, the beverage program is meticulously designed to complement the diverse flavor profiles found in the kitchen. With a focus on quality and provenance, the selection of wines, spirits, and craft beverages is curated to enhance the overall dining experience. This holistic approach ensures that every element of the meal, from the first appetizer to the final dessert, is cohesive and thoughtfully presented. The staff plays a crucial role in this process, guiding guests through the menu with insights into the origins of the ingredients and the inspiration behind each preparation.
As Honolulu continues to evolve as a global culinary hub, Merriman's remains a steadfast representative of what it means to dine with purpose. The restaurant does not rely on gimmicks or fleeting trends; instead, it relies on the enduring quality of its partnerships and the integrity of its craft. For those who appreciate the nuances of a well-prepared meal and the importance of supporting local food systems, this location offers a meaningful way to engage with the culture of Hawaii. It is an invitation to slow down, savor the flavors of the islands, and appreciate the hard work that goes into every aspect of the dining experience.
In conclusion, Merriman's Honolulu offers more than just a meal; it provides a comprehensive look at the potential of Hawaiian cuisine when it is allowed to flourish in its natural environment. By maintaining a steadfast focus on quality, community, and sustainability, the restaurant has established itself as a cornerstone of the Kaka'ako dining scene. Whether you are a long-time resident or a traveler exploring the islands for the first time, a visit to this establishment promises an experience that is both memorable and deeply rooted in the spirit of the place. We invite you to discover the dedication and passion that make this restaurant a standout destination in the heart of Honolulu.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great wine list
Live music
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Small plates
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale
Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking garage
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Usually plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Merriman's Honolulu
Kim Kawaii
30-05-2026
I’ve been to monkeypod on outrigger and Merriman’s in Maui. I expected this place to be closer in style to the Maui location and I was dead wrong. It seems to be a little more upscale than monkeypod but with worse food. I had the surf and … More
Dean Legatski
30-05-2026
We had hoped to go to the Merrimans on the Big Island, but were not able to get in. We were happy to find this location in Honolulu, though, and were not disappointed with the food. While the restaurant sits in a shopping mall with no … More
Amie Padilla
30-05-2026
TLDR - I walked away from this dining experience thinking ‘I’m probably not going back’. We had a reservation for 6 people (4 adults and 2 children) and waited about 15 minute for our table. Not a big deal - we are in Hawaii! Got drinks … More
Alex B
30-05-2026
Finally stopped by for lunch for two today. Seated promptly and service throughout was efficient and very friendly. Wife had a mai tai, which she liked, but didn’t loved in its defense she leans sweet and this was pleasantly tart, so I … More
Rachel Gasseling
30-05-2026
We had a wonderful dinner here and had amazing service from Ailee and all the food was amazing! I had the steak frites which was cooked to perfection and had a beautiful crust. Mai tai is a must! More
Sang “JohnLee” Moon
30-05-2026
Today I got to try the Chicken Hotpie & Eggplant Sandwich & Saimin and they were terrific, very fresh and tasty. Also, the service was outstanding with a very friendly and helpful service. More
Jenny Tang
30-05-2026
This place lived up to my expectations.
Our server was beyond helpful in giving us recommendations on what to order, and … More
The Happsters
30-05-2026
We don't get reservations when we visit this restaurant, because we can always get a table every time. Today as any other days, we were seated right away. Waiter was very friendly and prompt with orders. This restaurant is not the cheapest … More
Certified Reviews
30-05-2026
Lived up to the reputation!
I was skeptical, I thought they would ride on the iconic reputation but they actually have fantastic food service and the drinks are on point! … More
julie rizzo
30-05-2026
Incredible meal, best on the island thus far. Garlic shrimp had amazing West African spices, got extra bread to enjoy all of the sauce. Grilled macadamia nut crusted swordfish was Devine as was the seafood stew. Cocktails very creative. Service was impeccable. Absolutely must try and in a great part of the city. More
Roy Kent
30-05-2026
We went for lunch at the food took forever (45min on a weekday), and the waitress never stopped by to check on us or to update us on the timing. The table next to us ordered a soup starter around the same time we ordered lunch, and their … More
Big Fish Dive Club
30-05-2026
Update Dec 2025: the hamburger, taro chips with hummus, Quesadillas were all good as always, but I finally had something that wasn’t good or great here—the spicy string beans. They were way way too salty, or someone dropped a bottle of soy … More
JQ McReynolds
30-05-2026
We recently celebrated our 37th anniversary outside at the Honolulu location. Loved the musician playing that evening 23 Dec too. We had the absolute pleasure of being looked after by Reid. He is a very genuine and kind person and shared … More
Brendan Rudack
30-05-2026
4% kitchen service fee included in your bill. The bottom of your bill indicates it is a "4% kitchen surcharge is added to all food items and distributed to the kitchen staff(subject to tax)". There is no reason or logic here. If the … More
Brian
30-05-2026
We came to Merriman's for a family dinner while in Honolulu. The atmosphere is lively and sophisticated, but we felt completely welcomed with our kids.
The commitment to local ingredients really shines through in the food. We … More
Ed V
30-05-2026
If you want excellent dining at incredible value, Merriman’s is a must especially if you’re visiting Honolulu on vacation. Why? Check out the delicious fish ans chips (Happy Hour price=$12!) along with Szechuan green beans (separately)- … More
N L
30-05-2026
The review is long overdue, but it still stands true.
NO REGARD FOR VEGETARIANS! As a high end restaurant, I would expect to have amazing dishes for EVERYONE. … More
J V
30-05-2026
Beautiful restaurant. High-end service and environment, but the food was mixed. My steak was good, but the fish was bland. A few other dishes we had were too salty. French onion soup was delicious. More
H S
30-05-2026
A long time Merriman fan from having visited the Merriman on the big island several times, i was very excited to try Merriman in Honolulu.
However, our “fresh catch” mahi (not pictured) was overly salty and buttery, … More
Shaifa Hirji
30-05-2026
This restaurant holds such a special place in my heart, and it’s one of the spots I truly miss the most since I no longer live at the Anaha building. It was always my little haven — a place that felt comforting, familiar, and consistently … More
Reviews Merriman's Honolulu