Top Restaurants in Waimea
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Top 10 restaurants in Waimea, United States
The Kamuela area of the Big Island has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years. Now known for opulent resorts, luxurious spas, dramatic golf courses, historic former cattle farms and breathtaking nature reserves, Kamuela is a largely unspoiled gem. Mauna Kea Resort Golf Course is the top choice for going green. Other relaxing activities include checking into Spa Without Walls and Mauna Lani Spa, or stretching out on Hapuna Beach. A rental car is the best way to explore Kamuela's many attractions.
Things to do in Waimea
1. Merriman's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
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 soon forget. We look forward to serving you!
Reviewed By Douglas A - San Francisco, United States
I consider myself lucky to have found this restaurant on Open Table. The food is locally sourced and very authentic Hawaiian, with a modern twist. The appetizers, main courses, and desserts were all fantastic. Our servers were attentive without being a nuisance. There were groups, families with small children, and couples. Everyone seemed to be having as good a night as I was.
2. Waimea Coffee Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Food: We use the freshest ingredients available, in most cases, farmed right here on the big island. We have an herb garden out back which we use to make all of our own homemade soups and sauces. We shop at the local farmers markets for many ingredients. We care about what goes into our bodies and our community! This means we don't believe in microwaves, GMO foods, or artificial flavorings. We do believe in organic, local, and gluten free alternatives. We believe that fresh foods are better for all of us. All produce and baked goods are sourced locally! Come check us out :) Coffee and Tea: We have friendly, knowledgeable baristas here to craft you a delicious beverage. We use cold brewed coffee as our iced coffee. We feature our islands best coffees, available for personal pour overs and french presses. We also have 100% organic and local teas available for those who do not like coffee :)
Reviewed By Edmundo_de_ABQ - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Good coffee, breakfast sandwiches and pastry's at "not ridiculous tourist prices" in a small space with small indoor and outdoor tables. They seem to have a lot of local regulars which makes parking, ordering and finding a place to sit a bit of a task but when compared to the costs incurred at tourist hotels and restaurants just for coffee drinks and pastry's it's worth the effort
3. Anuenue Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By dmlin - Barrington, Illinois
For the good, the shaved ice special with the ginger, mac nut, white chocolate ice cream has awesome flavors. This is the only place that we could find that carries this flavor of ice cream, which seems to be a special order flavor from Tropical Dreams Ice Cream - we could not even get it when we went to the Tropical Dreams retail store in Waimea.
For the bad - long lines because it takes this guy forever to make each order, also, the the shaved ice is not very fine. There were some chunks in it - about the size of snow cone ice.
Go and find the "Original Big Island Shaved Ice" truck to get great shaved ice with all natural flavors.
4. Manuela Malasada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By roadstardave - Waveland, Indiana
Stopped in on passing thru. They were excellent,piping hot. Thought $20 a dozen was a bit pricey but they were good
5. Hawaiian Style Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By tretzingermd - Winona, Minnesota
This little cafe in Waimea proved to be the most memorable meal of our three week vacation to Hawaii. Tucked in at the end of a little strip mall in Waimea, this place is off the beaten path. Its clientele is mainly tourists but there are a significant number of local citizens. It was particularly busy when we came, and we had to wait outside for a table to become available. It was the food and service and ambiance that made this place memorable. Of the three, the food was the best. Classic Hawaiian fare, deliciously prepared and presented in incredibly large portions. We were amazed. What a treat! You would do well to give this place a try. Bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards. It’s about ten bucks an entre (inexpensive by Hawaiian standards).
6. Kimobean Hawaiian Coffee
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen E - San Jose, California
Stopped by here a few times while visiting the big island. The breakfast sandwiches are pretty good, simple but tasty and not fully processed ingredients. Coffee was good too. Smoothies were my favorite part though, the tropical fruit option with mango was unbelievable and the main reason I went back 3 times.
7. Jojo's Anuenue Shaved Ice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Arthur Y - New Jersey
Probably the best on Kaua'i, there are over 40 flavors to choose from. Sad that it's out by Waimea which is a long drive from Princeville an Kapaa' resorts and hotels. Still, those visiting Waimea Canyon can stop by as a reward after visiting this beautiful wonder of nature. It's a good sized shaved ice, not the cheapest but if you find the coupon in one of the visitors magazines, you can get ice cream and a topping for free.
8. Starbucks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Miriahm D - Boulder, Colorado
I wouldn't ordinarily review a Starbucks, but when you're traveling, good to know there's one conveniently around. And if you're cold--and that's always a possibility in charming Waimea-- it's good to know they have a live gas fireplace. Cozy. You always know how the coffee will be, they are trained, other places are hit and miss, and you don't have extra time for "miss"
9. Tropical Dreams Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By tikiznbamboo - Hilo, Hawaii
If you live on island, and you like ice cream, you already know this is the real deal. If you are visiting, and don't mind driving slightly off the main drag for a treat, do it. If you are visiting friends who live here, bring them a log of the sweet cream natural butter. Very nice gift.
10. Under the Bodhi Tree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 475 reviews
Reviewed By 1TahoeQueen - Princeville, Hawaii
Hubs and I ate at Under the Bodhi Tree several times during our 3-mo stay on the Big Island. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch entrees, plus the French press coffee and the nasty tasty choc/banana/oat bar.
KILLER entrees we tried and LOVED (well, we didn't have one thing we didn't like!) included: vegan coconut French toast - I've never had anything so decadently delicious and, I'm hoping, healthy?
Also, we had the Better than Beef veggie burger on several occasions, which was THE BEST veggie burger we'd ever had at any place - here or mainland. Also Pythagoras' Pita Pocket filled with fresh veggies & Greek tofu; the Awapuhi Noodle Bowl with a delicious savory base; The Loaded Melt (vegan style); and the sautéed tofu "scramble" with toast (which is actually soft cubes of tofu). OWIE, all was SO good. We also appreciated the tasteful, healthy plating of each entree with sides, salad, fruit or something to complete the gastronomical experience.
The chef/owner hails from the Fairmont Orchid, where he clearly displayed culinary skills, but here, at Under the Bodhi Tree, he has outdone himself providing superb vegetarian and vegan cuisine. I would love to see this restaurant in a space 5 times its size ... but the quality control at this size is excellent. Can't recommend this place enough for any length of stay in Kohala area.
