Merriman’s Waimea

Ask locals to name their favorite Big Island restaurant and most undoubtedly will name this place. Located in upcountry Waimea, Merriman’s specializes in the freshest local produce. (The white pineapple is a must.) Chef-owner Peter Merriman is a three-time James Beard Award finalist, who uses the bounty of the Big Island’s farms, ranches and waters to beautiful effect. Sweet Hawaiian onions, locally made goat cheese and the sweetest, locally-grown tomatoes you may ever try complement naturally raised lamb from local ranches and the freshest fish caught nearby. A roasted beet and papaya salad might be followed by a perfect ponzu marinated mahi mahi. There’s an extensive wine list, too, including many served by the glass. This is one of the toughest reservations to snag, so call for reservations as soon you arrive on the Big Island. Merriman’s now has a Mediterranean Café at Waikaloa, but the real draw is the location at Waimea, itself an excellent excuse to head inland to this verdant pastureland.