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Why did we dine here? – Merrimans is a popular restaurant on Maui, perfectly situated on the coast by the beautiful Kapalua Beach. It is well reviewed and we were playing at the beach next door, so it was high time to try this place. This restaurant also has locations on the Big Island, and Kauai. The same owner runs the more casual Monkeypod Kitchen.
See our: Maui Restaurant Review roundup.
We came during happy hour in our attempt to mitigate the damage to the wallet this place will induce. Frankly happy hour is not great here, the only sale items are a couple drinks, no food discounts. There is a limited food menu back here. The saving grace, Happy hour (3-459pm daily) is located on the patio in the back, with an absolutely killer view of the ocean and beach. If you do not have reservation, go back there and enjoy yourself.
Insider Tip – Make reservation, else just go to the back patio
Cuisine – Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Location – Kapalua – Lahaina, Maui
Opened – 2008
Service – Merrimans had reasonably good service with enough bus boys and the like. There was constant scanning of the table, resulting in refilling and the like. The waiter made good recommendations and did not slam us for our conservative ordering.
Verdict – Merrimans is a very good restaurant with very high prices. It is possible to order strategically or eat in the back patio to save. The location is fantastic. You are on vacation, time to splurge on at least one big meal.
Their parking is valet only. You can park out by the street or near the tennis courts to save $$.
Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Maybe
Merrimans Signature Dishes – Charred Ahi, Mac Crusted Mahi Mahi
Merrimans’s Menu covers a wide variety of items from seafood to steaks. They focus on local items but admitted the steaks were from the mainland. The prices are High with entrees from $38 to $75. The restaurant also has a tasting menu for the entire table.
Look at what we ordered to see how we minimized costs. Coming from the San Francisco area, with its stellar restaurants, its a waste of money for us to order expensive items that are done better at home.
Merriman’s Food Picks:
Warm House made Bread was spot on. Good filler material. Interesting tomato olive oil dip.
Amuse of Maui Gold Pineapple with salt and pepper.
Housemade Cavatelli Pasta ($17) Anuhea Asparagus, Hamakua Mushrooms, Truffle Oil, Housemade Ricotta was fantastic. Surprising for a Hawaiian restaurant. Great price too.
Kalua Pig and Sweet Onion Quesadilla ($13) House-Made Kim Chee, Mango Chili Sauce really stood out. This fantastic starter was crisp with a mild heat.
Sauteed Kauai Shrimp ($17) Tamimi Farms Cucumber Kim Chee, Korean Spiced Citrus Vinaigrette. Four good sized shrimp with too much spiciness. The sweet element helped, but the fresh shrimp did not need any heavy handed sauce.
Soup of the day ($12) Lobster bisque with local lobster was large bowl of creamy goodness which possessed some strong crustacean essence.
Keahole Lobster, Avocado, Tomato Salad (GF) ($26) Fennel, Arugula, Maui Onion, Lime-Garlic Chili Vinaigrette had large chunks of local lobster interspursed in the fresh greens.
Broccoli ($9) was grown in nearby Kula and served its purpose.
Merriman’s Original Wok Charred Ahi ($38) Won Bok Cabbage Slaw, Wasabi Soy Sauce is a signature dish and a MUST get. Looking at the picture, you do not need anything impressive. Plus this is way expensive. They simply have fresher ahi here and almost all restaurants know how to cook it. Wow. At least this is one of the cheaper entrees. Must order!
Malasadas ($14) are simple heavenly on this island. These piping hot white chocolate ones continue the trend. The texture is similar to a Chinese Sesame Ball. Good quality chocolate dipping sauce. Definitely worth of your calories.
OK: (Order if you like this dish)
Coco Cocktail ($9 during happy hour) Uncle Val’s + Lime-lemongrass Tea + Cream of coconut did not have a lot of flavor, not too fruity. Perhaps the Mai Tai is a better bet.
Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None
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