Restaurants near Puunui Playground

Covered inside seating next to open air views of Waikiki Kalakaua Ave made for a nice setting as you watch the activity below from the 2nd floor venue. We were seated promptly, server attended very quickly with drinks and dinner menus. We had as much time as we needed to look over both menus and placed an order for two Grey Goose and Blue Cheese stuffed Olive Martini's first, then a bit later for our dinner selections. Had seafood entrees and all were very good! I do not give specific dish ratings as everyone's taste is completely different. Anyway this is a great place for some nice ambiance, decent food, great service at a reasonable price for Waikiki.

The food came out great. The salads and entrees here are delicious. Our server Mark took really good care of us. He would help us throughout the dining experience and made sure we got whatever we needed. Mark refilled our drinks multiple times, made good suggestions on the menu and came by to make sure things was good. I hope we get him again in the future.

Excellent service, beautiful view of ocean at sunset. The restaurant was loud because it was busy but we were still able to carry on a conversation. The live music was amazing! Food was great, especially the dessert. The Mai Tai was fantastic. We will be back!

As you eat a meal at Merriman's, you can tell that each ingredient is selected with care. Sure enough, when I asked I found out the food is locally sourced from farms that the owners and Chef know and trust. Many items are hand selected by the box, not the truck load. Since the Chef from Maui transferred over to Merriman's Oʻahu, our entrees have been especially ono. At lunch today I planned to take home one of my two fish (ahi) tacos. No way! I couldn't stop finishing both. Last night my husband and I walked into Merriman's without reservations and sat at the bar. Who cares if we didn't get a table? The gregarious host, Cody Merriman, stopped by to share a laugh or two and answer our questions about the menu. My husband ordered their chicken entree for dinner and said it was the best chicken he'd ever had. And my taro falafel was also delicious. We can't resist their Waialua Chocolate Purse for dessert. I felt a little decadent afterward, but what the heck? There are lots of restaurants in our neighborhood, but for five years now we keep coming back to Merriman's which seems to be even better the last six months. Could it be the addition of the Maui Chef? We like the vibe. Energetic without being so loud you cannot carry on a conversation. We both think their Hawaiian music playlist is the best in the City. Wish I could think of something negative to say to make this review real. But having just come back from a great lunch with memories of a wonderful dinner there last night, I am only happy and satisfied.

Our server, Bailey, was attentive and friendly. Great experience!