We dined as walk in's for an impromptu date night and were pleasantly surprised! Valet parking is…read morevalidated. This is an open air restaurant and at first I was hesitant because of maybe having to deal with flies but we didn't run into any issues. There was live music playing. We ordered the farmer's plate of veggies to accompany the muhammara dip (which came with 4 pieces of wood fired bread). It was flavorful, fresh, and light. My husband ordered the skirt steak and I ordered the ahi steak. We also ordered the frozen fruit punch twice. This was plenty of food for us so we skipped on dessert. Everything turned out delicious to us and we quite enjoyed our evening.

One of the best dining experiences we had during our 3-week trip through Hawaii!…read more I had been looking for Mediterranean food through our stays in Oahu and Maui, but wasn't able to find any til we landed here on Big Island. We went during sunset and it was sooooo beautiful. We ordered: * the 3 dips - loved their muhammara!! Plus the bread is so squishy and soft it absorbs the flavors of the dips so well * burrata salad - very refreshing and well seasoned. I believe it's peach or melon served with it, a very nice touch * grilled octopus - loved the tomato(?) sauce it was served with, and the way they grilled was perfection. Reminded me of the octopus I'd have in Kerekennah, a small island off the coast of Tunisia. Fresh & well seasoned. * Cacio e pepe + chicken: really appreciated how they noticed my husband and I were sharing everything, so they had split the pasta into two bowls. Deliciously made, with it had a bit more sauce tho and that the chicken wasnt so dry. * inside out smores: YUMMY. loved the combo of the graham cracker ice cream with the roasted marshmallow and chocolate sauce + inside the marshmelllw too. In all we spent $190 for 2 people including tax and tip (no drinks). Sure a bit on the pricier side, but we had been spending $90-110 for very average or not even good meals across Hawaii anyways, so didn't seem too bad. Parking is free! Valet only, but give your ticket when you get the check to get a 3-hour validation stamp.

I reviewed Merriman's 10 years ago, but we have eaten here every other year since so I decided time…read moreto update my review. As you can see still 5 stars! Kayla gave us attentive and personal service. Scrumptious Mai Tai's, great wine choices, perfect service and fresh local foods prepared perfectly. What a treat to eat here. Make sure you have a reservation, they were turning people away tonight. We shared Mushroom Bisque, Beet Salad, Mahi Mahi and Lobster Ravioli duo. With their fresh rolls so yummy and satisfying. We will be back in two years for sure on our next Big Island visit!

I want to preface my 3-star rating by saying we did enjoy most of what we ordered, and the service…read morewas honestly amazing. However, as a vegetarian, I felt like we really just had one option for our entrée. We ended up getting full off starters and sides. The only main we could really do was the mushroom pot pie. It was good and comforting, just not anything super memorable. Lastly, I don't mind spending on a nice meal, but a few things felt a little pricey for what they were. For example, the tomato and blue cheese salad with capers was $25, which felt a little steep for essentially five slices of tomato. That being said, everything tasted very fresh and the quality of ingredients was definitely there. Overall, still a good experience, especially because of the service.

We happen to be in town for Taco Tuesday. They offered fresh Al pastor, from a spit and a mushroom…read moretaco. I had two Al pastor tacos and they were heaven. The green salsa was a winner. We also ordered the fish tacos, which is always on the menu. They were fresh and delicious.

My first note is this is a restaurant at a resort. So you park at the resort and walk through to…read morethe restaurant on the beach. The beach and resort are beautiful. The resort validates your parking for the restaurant and the valets are exceptional. You place the order for the food at the counter and then sit wherever you want. I did not like that they seemed to expect a tip upfront before you received either service or food, so I didn't leave one. It was not clear where the service came in. The food was overall good. The fish tacos were great, the hamburger was good. The chicken sandwich was a little dry and tough. The setting is beautiful. Food was very pricey.

I was very disappointed! Wanted to go out for a special night but did not want to drink alcohol…read more Asked about mocktails or nonalcoholic beverages and none were available and server did not make any recommendations. I happen to be vegan. This establishment used to have great options but now all I could get was sides and the farmer plate appetizer. This was literally 4 slices of tomato, carrot, cucumber, and radish. Server acknowledged there was nothing on the menu but said chef could put something together but had no idea what that would be. For such a nice resort, this dinner was a disappointment

Perfect spot to unwind with great food and an even better view. We ordered the tasty burger, spring…read morerolls, and a round of drinks -- the espresso martini and their Lani Tai. Everything hit the spot. The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the spring rolls were fresh with a nice crunch. Drinks were on point too: the espresso martini was smooth and bold, and the Lani Tai had that perfect tropical kick. What really made the experience memorable was the outdoor setting. Comfortable vibe, relaxed, and the sunset view was absolutely amazing -- one of those scenes you just want to sit with a little longer. Definitely worth a visit!

We have been coming to Seafood Bar and Grill for years on our annual Hawaii vacation and it never…read moredisappoints. The owner Dave is always friendly and a pleasure to chat with. I got the ginger steamed clams and they were amazing. We also ordered an extra serving of Parmesan bread because it was so tasty. My dad got the prime rib, which is only available on Tuesdays, and it was great as always. Our server Matt recommended my mom try the black bean seafood combo, and she was pleasantly surprised by how much she loved her meal! My husband got the cajun style fresh catch and loved his meal! We highly recommend this restaurant and love supporting Dave and his team. It's always a great experience!

Casual vibes, stellar food, and friendly staff…read more You may accidentally drive right on by this casual eatery if you didn't know it was here! We stopped by during happy hour on a Sunday with a party of 4 adults and one child and were immediately seated. We ordered a round of very solid (and strong) mai tais along with some pupus: the coconut shrimp and seafood quesadillas. Both were repeatable, but the seafood quesadilla was especially delicious! For the main, I ordered their fish sandwich, which came with swordfish as the catch of the day. The tartar sauce had a nice tang and just a hint of spice that really made the flavor shine. Would definitely recommend visiting!

There are now 2 Tommy Bahamas in the area, but this location is by far the best for food, service…read moreand ambiance! I love sitting on the upstairs patio and watch the sun go down. There are also many others seats inside that afford the same amazing sunset views. Susie is the best wait staffer ever! She has been there every year when have been for the lady 8 years! I always order the ribs because they do such a great job! I alive the Yukon mashed potatoes and slaw!

This place turned out to be the perfect spot for a relaxed evening. The views alone make it worth…read morevisiting--watching the sunset from here was absolutely beautiful, with the sky changing colors as the night settled in. The live music added to the atmosphere without being overwhelming, creating a laid-back, enjoyable vibe that made it easy to linger. The food was well prepared and tasty. The menu had a good variety, and what we ordered came out exactly as ordered. Overall, it's a great place to unwind, enjoy good food, and take in a sunset while listening to live music. The waitress was nice and relatable. Perfect for a casual night out, a date, or just somewhere to sit back and enjoy the moment.

4.2 At the Fairmont orchid hotel. Was elegant .we came for…read morehappy hour and the appetizers were about two dollars less than what they are listed on the menu. The chicken wings and the bao appetizers were yummy. We had entre shrimp which were big and thick and served along with the Shishito peppers and the corn, which was unique. We also had the volcano roll. Was moderately expensive but not excessive for an on-site restaurant at a resort. Afterwards, we went out to watch the sunset as we finished our dinner early as I could not be viewed from the restaurant.

Worst restaurant at the Fairmont by far. Somehow they messed up the sauces on all the dishes,…read moreoverpriced for what you get, and plus they put the tables so close together that a half stretch of my arm would hit a neighboring diner, no joke. Avoid this restaurant and instead go to Brown's, Luana, or the taco truck. Update: 3 hours later, mild food poisoning. :/

Another fabulous Christmas dinner at Manta at the Mauna Kea!…read more It began on a weird note as for the second year running we were relegated to a side table right next to a walkway while all the tables towards the ocean were empty - as we were celebrating a milestone birthday and anniversary we asked if we could be moved and they did kindly accommodate us ! Service was fabulous throughout the dinner which made for a great meal! We began with some cocktails and champagne and a couple of appetizers- the ahi sashimi and the ahi katsu - exceptionally fresh ahi but the sashimi could have been a little cooler and both needed a tad more seasoning! Mains were the standout - I had the Kampachi which was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection served with wasabi gnocchi, my husband had the catch of the day - a snapper, also fabulous. The kids had the seared ahi which was melt in your mouth served with Bok Choy which they loved and a taro mash which was not good and we could have done without! Ordered the chocolate soufflé which was perfection and the Alaskan Bombe which has a delicious macadamia base! So good! A great was to celebrate Christmas and a fabulous meal !

Wow, what a nice treat dining here at Manta for their breakfast buffet on a Sunday during my…read morestaycation at Mauna Kea Hotel. They got busy quick, the reason for the 4 stars and not 5, I checked in with the hostess and she asked me to wait on the side, we waited close to 20 mins. until I wonder why others that came after me were seated, another staff came by to ask for our name, come to find out we were not on the list to be called for table. Luckily the views were amazing & I didn't mind waiting. We got outdoor seating and wow just loving the ocean view, while enjoying our breakfast at the same time. The wait staff were on top of it, checking on us to see if we needed anything else. I took my time just enjoying every bite and the views. The breakfast buffet ($50.) so much food, so many choices, some of the offerings were: hot foods = has breakfast meats, eggs, corned beef hash, Japanese theme with make your own miso soup, salmon & fish, abundant of sweets, pastries, breads, fresh waffle and omelet section. Out of all items from the buffet line, I made a plate of sausage, corn beef, rice and omelet X 2 and waffle. I was stuffed and couldn't go for the other stuff. hehe. Although I wish I made room for miso soup and fish. I really enjoyed my omelet choice requested for fresh eggs. Not every time I get to eat omelet so that was hits. The omelet line does get long, the only guy cooking handles 3 pan, that is talent! The staff at check in mentioned about seeing the Manta Rays here, If you see the light shining at night, that's the Manta. We missed that. So cool that the restaurant named "Manta" for Manta Rays. All in all, such a great experience, lovely breakfast enjoyed by me & my love, at the Manta and we are ready for Sunday's adventure, a day filled with walking, exploring the property and swimming! I would love to check out dinner during my next visit, maybe for our 30th anniversary, hope to spot some Manta Rays- Truly grateful moments!

Let's just start by taking them first recognizing us by name when we arrived for our reservation…read more The staff, from the valet parking young men to our hostess and beyond, were as polite as we wish to be hosted. Our server, Indana is a lovely young lady. Kind, polite, helpful, and knowledgeable of her treats and establishment food menu as well as beverage. She suggested wine from Croatia that was delicious. The food was delicious, we ordered grilled octopus for appetizer , a local beet and tomatoes salad and a paella with shrimp and clams. Everything was delicious, but.... The smoked paprika added and the caramelized rice gave to the paella a whole new take on the traditional one. Thank you Chef Soto for your creation and for taking the time to talk with us. Wonderful experience!

Rome Meets the Pacific: A Revelation at Meridia…read more There is a specific kind of bravery required to order Carbonara on a tropical island, especially when you are dining with your mother-in-law and your palate is still vibrating from a trip to Italy just a month ago. We had recently dined at a prestigious "Tre Gamberi" trattoria in Rome, so our skepticism was high. We expected a heavy, cream-laden resort interpretation. We were wrong. Under the guidance of Chef Soto, the Carbonara here is not just an imitation; it is an act of alchemy. It is a Roman-meets-Norcia masterpiece--a glossy, golden emulsion of egg, cheese, and guanciale/pancetta, elevated by the earthy whisper of truffle. We were seated at a gorgeous table near the cove often frequented by sea turtles (tartarughe), making this a perfect moment of enjoying a tartufata near the tartarughe. It was, without hyperbole, as good as what we had in Italy. The rest of the meal followed suit in a dizzying display of technique. The Japanese scallops were silken and precise, tasting of the clean, cold ocean. And do not let the whimsical name of the "Poi-cotta" deter you. What sounds like a kitschy pun is actually a dessert of haunting texture and depth--far more compelling and sophisticated than its charming title suggests. Chef Soto visited our table after the meal, his passion for these ingredients palpable. Meridia has always had the view; now, finally, it has the soul to match.

The food was amazing, The service top notch. There only negative I'd say was they lean into the…read moreexpensive side. Two virgin piña coladas were $36 alone (although delicious). We got the carne asada fajita's, very good. Also got the pozole, amazing! Would defiantly eat here again, but the prices would make it a special occasion location only. Is you're looking for delicious authentic Mexican food, look no further.

My wife and I returned for lunch yesterday to "Tequilas" or "Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar"…read more There were about 5 others in the restaurant. We ordered a 'happy hour' margarita that was about 70% ice and tasted weak. My wife had the chicken enchiladas. They were cold and hard, but they had okay flavor. I ordered the fish tacos. My three tacos together had about 1 ounce of fish. They had fresh toppings and salsa and decent flavor, but the value just wasn't there. Sadly, it seems that this restaurant prepares food ahead of time and it's not always hot upon delivery. The $6 chips and salsa were good (well, the green salsa was good, the chips just average to below average). Their fajitas aren't even sizzling according to the menu. I guess they're not counting on repeat customers. We won't be returning.