Hawai'i's Best Restaurants

	2006 'ILIMA AWARD WINNER - BEST BIG ISLAND RESTAURANT: PEOPLE'S CHOICE
	Every year, Advertiser readers are asked to vote for their favorite restaurants in the 'Ilima Awards poll. Meanwhile, our in-house food experts debate to select the critics' choice 'Ilimas, primarily focused on restaurants recently reviewed or revisited. With a few exceptions, categories change each year to keep readers interested and keep the winner list fresh.

BEST BIG ISLAND RESTAURANT: PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Merriman's

This longtime favorite, owned by Peter Merriman (who now divides his time between Maui and the Big Island), focuses on the freshest and best that local farms, ranches and fishermen bring in. New chef Neil Murphy (River Cafe, Aureole, La Cote Basque, Symphony Cafe and Park Avenue Cafe) took over the helm this year. The bare bones Lokelani tomato salad drizzled with olive oil is a classic. Different lamb specials, made with Kahua Ranch lamb, are always interesting. This compact country inn-style restaurant can be uncomfortably crowded at peak times; try going early or late, or on a weeknight.

65-1227 'Opelo Road, Waimea. (808) 885-6822. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Dinner: 5:30-9 p.m. daily. Reservations recommended. VS, MC, AX. No checks. Lunch: $$. Dinner: $$$$.

Web site: www.merrimanshawaii.com

Legend:

VS: Visa
MC: Mastercard
AX: American Express
DC: Diners Club
DS: Discover Card
JCB: JCB Card
Olioli: Olioli Card

$$$: Pricey; entrées mostly more than $17
$$: Moderate; entrées $10-$16
$: Budget-friendly; entrées mostly less than $10

Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only

Past 'Ilima Award winner

"Cheap eats" restaurant

"Local classic" eatery