Restaurants near Kaiulani Playground

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.

Invited friends to celebrate a birthday at Katsumidori. Had a wonderful time overall. We knew the group we invited was not big sushi eaters but took a chance. They enjoyed the fried dishes (karaaage, oyster, tempura) and various sushi rolls. Of course I had my usual tuna deluxe, hotate, uni and unagi which I pretty much had all to myself! Great food, great service and value S always. Still our go to place.

I keep coming back to Ruscello because of its unmatched consistency in taste and quality. Every visit feels like a guarantee of excellence. Their dishes are always flavorful and fresh. It’s rare to find a place where the food is just as good every single time, but this restaurant delivers on that. We ordered the soup of the day which was chicken noodle soup, shrimp arugula salad and the chicken gnocchi. We barely had room for dessert but also had the crème brûlée and coffee ice cream! So yum! The service is also consistently top-notch. Justin who was our server was very friendly, attentive, and delivered a seamless dining experience. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, I know I can rely on this place to exceed expectations. Highly recommended!

Just dined here last evening with our client from Germany and his local friend. Had asked for a table with a fabulous view (so we could "show off" a little for our guests). They delivered!! Perfect-O!! The food was wonderful! You must try that spectacular bone-in veal chop!! We all enjoyed our meals to the fullest. Hope to go back again sometime soon!! NOTE: My husband and I have been going to this establishment since it was known as "The Summit" (around 1979). It was great even at that time. And, it has only improved since then. Highly recommend it!

Food and service always a cut above all others. The view makes this restaurant a must for visitors and Hawaii residents alike. We return here several times a year or more and have never been disappointed.