Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman

They are knowledgeable about safety and cross contact, and are happy to modify dishes so you can eat safely. You can have wings, bun-less fish sandwiches, fish tacos, etc. Warning: the broccoli side is blanched in the same water as the pasta, so is not celiac safe. Great vibes and food!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Food was ok, but I wouldn’t put confidence in no cross contamination.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

I felt very safe here as a sensitive celiac, but they do have limited options (but were willing to modify other dishes if there was something else I wanted). I had the fresh catch fish tacos and lobster deviled eggs.

Our waiter did a STAND OUT job checking with the kitchen and seemed to have a very good understanding of cross contamination. He even said he knew the fish tacos were GF but was going to speak with the chef for safety and ensure he wasn’t missing anything. He also said he’d personally make my drink for safety reasons to ensure it was safe.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I just spoke on the phone with an employee who said she is celiac and that their menu is not great for those with celiac disease. She said they are able to modify certain dishes to be gluten-free but there is a risk of cross-contamination so it is not celiac-friendly.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

great place. have been several times for their fish tacos and a few appetizers (including wings which are baked, salads, and soup)

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

No GF bread options for sandwiches, pizzas, or dedicated frier. Mahi mahi fish tacos were decent, but nothing to write home about.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Great, fun dinner with a large group.

One of the only restaurants that emailed me back when I inquired about menu options. Baked wings app already GF.

Several items on the menu were already gluten free. The server was knowledgeable about our options and how certain dishes could be altered.

I wish there was a gluten free bread option for the sandwiches. The lettuce wrap option left a little to be desired.

Certainly one of the most accommodating around!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Server was rude and unhelpful when asked about gf options. Huge disappointment as this was supposed to be our ‘nice’ date out. We had one drink and left.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

9year old daughter with Celiac could order plain fish (no sauce) with rice on the side. Other items not gluten-free guaranteed. No options for her for dessert which always breaks my heart to see my other kids enjoying dessert and she has to eat the pre packaged cookies i keep in my purse for emergencies. I was not impressed, especially considering the price points and so many other positive ratings on this very app!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

Went to Monkeypod twice during recent trip to Ko Olina. First visit went fine, ordered the bunless cheeseburger, server was knowledgeable about gluten protocols, had no issues. Went back a couple days later, ordered a bunless cheeseburger again, and got terribly sick overnight. Be careful of cross contamination, celiacs eat at your own risk here.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful about gluten free options. The deviled eggs and fish tacos were delicious!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Had a great meal to celebrate my wedding anniversary and the waiter walked me through my options. I got their fish special which was entirely gluten free and had an mai tai. Celiac and no adverse reactions.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

Fish tacos were okay, expensive for even Hawaii. Service was great though, and the restaurant is casual yet nice

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Love monkeypod. Not many options but the drinks are great and the fish tacos are delicious. Put in corn shells. I have a dairy allergy too and I always get a mai tai, French fries and the fish tacos.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good with other allergies
• Reservations recommended

Fantastic service! Our server was so incredibly helpful with gluten, dairy, and pineapple allergies. She recommended drinks, appetizers, dinners, and a dessert. I had a No Ka 'Oi to drink, the kale salad, and fish tacos. There was a dessert recommended, but I was stuffed. I felt comfortable that my food was safe and didn't get any reaction. (I'm very sensitive.) I highly recommend it!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

Lobster deviled eggs and fish tacos were amazing. With the portions were bigger! When we first asked for a table they asked if there were any allergies so that was good. Oh and the sorbet was incredible too.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Friendly server. Immediately notified I have celiac so gluten allergy. He immediately said the fish tacos are the safest. No gluten containing ingredients and prepared away from other things so safest for cross contamination. He asked if cross contact was a concern and I said yes. He then listed the other items that could be prepared safely: salads with balsamic vinaigrette and any protein, steak option, and maybe 1-2 others. I love ahi so I asked if that could be made safely. He clarified with the chef that it would be made plain, no sauce, plain rice and bok choy. I don’t mind these plainer options but I went with the fish tacos as they received the higher praise. He was knowledgeable and took the time to ask the chef, making us feel quite safe. He even understood cross contact which is often not acknowledged at local eateries on Oahu.

I reserve 5 stars for the few gf dedicated places, but it was indicated this would be prepared separately.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

We have been here twice before (before we knew our daughter had celiac) and really liked it. This visit was ok but not the best. Our server was very good about walking us through the menu and explaining what she could have. Unfortunately there was not a lot. Salads, entrees, and wings without sauce or dressing, she did say she could bring oil and vinegar, and burgers without buns. Some things that could have been ok were cooked in fryers that are not dedicated. The one real option she had was the fish tacos. Fortunately, they were very good! It seems like they could make a few simple changes to make it a better experience for those with celiac.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Came in and sat at the bar. The staff was super knowledgeable and went above and beyond in suggesting different ways I could change up some menu items to be gluten free. I got the macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi (they special made it with just crushed Mac nuts and no panko bread crumbs) and my dad got the seared ahi with the soy mirin sauce on the side. It came with jalapeño mashed potatoes that were GF too. Best seared ahi I’ve ever had. They also have a super fun mocktail menu!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff with a good amount of gluten free menu options. Appetizer selection is limited but the salads, fresh catch, and other entrees can mostly be made gluten free. Excellent drinks!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Very little gluten free options other than having bunless burgers. I had wings as a starter and fish tacos as a main. Was okay overall but won’t return. *** Waiter was highly knowledgeable about gluten and took my celiac disease very seriously

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

I am giving MonkeyPod 3 stars because I did t get sick. They lost two stars because I had extremely limited options. My appetizer (aka my meal) was $18. It was chicken wings with no sauce. They were small and I didn’t think they were that great. I left hungry.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Server had no clue. Got a tiny piece of Mahi-mahi grilled and OLD (ice cream scoop) of rice 🤮 Not worth the visit or the $$$

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Food is very tasty here but not a lot of celaic safe options. We got the chicken wings and I got the fish tacos. Server was very knowledgeable about celiac and ensured kitchen knew about no cross contact. No problems eating here but limited options for celiac folks.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

I also have a dairy allergy so choices were limited. I had the fish tacos with a few modifications and they were fabulous. I would go again for the fish tacos knowing that is basically my only option. They did have an allergen binder which I used to check choices.

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

In terms of safety, I would recommend this place. I got the wings and a Mai Tai here. I did not think the food was worth the price. They were also fairly limited in gluten free options. I heard a lot of great reviews for monkey pod but I may have just ordered the wrong food item. May be a better spot to come for just the Mai Tai with Lilikoi foam during happy hour than a full meal.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

They don't have GF stuff marked on the menu (seems commonplace in Hawaii) but I called and they first asked if I needed Celiac-friendly options or if I was GF by choice. The Celiac options were: wings which I had and they were really tasty, fish tacos which I also had and they were yum, steak, seared ahi steak, the sandwiches and burgers could be made without the bread or bun, and there were 1 or 2 more options. They said the fries weren't battered but were fried in a shared fryer so not safe for Celiac. I'm not Celiac and tend to do ok with shared fryer fries so I tried some and they were delicious--the garlic truffle fries. Yummmm. Not really any noticeable adverse reactions after eating here. The Mai Tais are awesome.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

4 out of 5 purely because there’s not very much selection. The manager was super knowledgeable. Precautions for cross-contamination were taken as well. Overall very good experience.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This is a must if you are staying in Ko Olina! I was so impressed with how friendly and knowledgeable the staff was about gluten free. I had the chicken wings, lobster deviled eggs, and fish tacos and they were all phenomenal. Cocktails are yummy, too. I felt extremely safe and did not get sick. I wish this was a chain on the mainland!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

We ate here twice on our trip & both times our servers were very knowledgeable. They made chicken tacos for our daughter on corn tortillas with avocado from the children’s menu & she loved them so much she got them both times! They even had a gluten free & dairy free pineapple sorbet that she could have for dessert.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

When I always come here I always get the wings and the fish tacos and they are so delicious

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent service and knowledge— even pointed out that the special had soy sauce in a marinade but could be substituted.

You can order about 1/3 to 1/2 the menu with only minor subs. Very accommodating staff.

Gelato and sorbet are safe too!

No gluten free menu but ordered a salad and mentioned gluten free. The waitress immediately pointed out the dressing had wheat and gave me a suggestion for an alternative. Most places don’t have such well trained staff. The food was delicious. FYI - restaurant is across the street from what this map shows.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

No gluten free menu Some items were safe but not much variety No gluten free bread No gluten free pizza

Loved it! They don't have a gluten free menu, but both the manager and the waitress were very knowledgeable about celiac and which items we could and couldn't get. The food was amazing but the drinks really stole the show!

They don't have a dedicated fryer but they do have dedicated preparation areas for their gluten free guests.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

My daughter, 15, has Celiac and the waitress was very knowledgeable. She had macadamia encrusted fish for the first time and devoured it!

Such a rude group. Arrived and they won’t even let you take the allergen menu to the table... what we ordered ended up not being available.

Celiac friendly?

No

Had fries and wings. Normally don't have cross contamination problem so unsure if it would cause a problem. But food was good and service was good.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Ordered the wings, was guaranteed that there would be no cross contamination. I guess that there wasn’t a dedicated fryer, that or they really are just that incompetent. Threw up on the way back to the hotel. Called them a little later and was left on hold... until it just hung up. Just plain unprofessional

Celiac friendly?

No

Let me start off by saying that there are very limited options for gluten free. Given this I went with what seemed like the safest option, steak. The waiter reassured me that many precautions are taken to avoid cross contamination, this must have been a lie. Before even leaving the restaurant I had thrown up. Upon telling the waiter this, he first said he would get the manager. He returns saying that the food was prepared normally so there is no way that it was their fault I got sick. He then went on to say that I must have been sick before coming in. I have been diagnosed with celiac disease for 19 years, I think I kno the difference. When going out to eat getting sick is always in the cards, mistakes happen. However, I have never seen a restaurant handle this situation so poorly. I wish I could give less stars.

Celiac friendly?

No

No gluten free menu... limited options, food wasn’t good at all, and not worth the price.

So glad I tried this place, I wasn’t going to based on some of the reviews. However one of the locals from the island highly recommended it so I gave it a try. Amazing food! They do not have a gluten free menu however our server asked if our party had any allergies. He said they can modify most of the menu to be GF. I had the fish tacos and lobster deviled eggs, absolute delicious! Everything was so fresh. Give this place a try you will not be disappointed!

First - there is NO GF menu!!!!! The reservation page will link you to the MonkeyPod in a different island, so don't use that. The music was soooo loud we couldn't hear the staff or each other. We had to ask about each dish and the waiter didn't know much. Even the manager said " I think it's ok" ?!? Half of the dinners came out 10 mins apart from the rest. The portions were ridiculously small for the expense. Our waiter was MIA and left our drinks empty often. We were told "I'm sorry " repeatedly, by waiter and manager. Finally, were very detailed as to our issues, the manager said again he was sorry and left. They did reduce our final bill, more than half. I would not recommend, for even a gluten sensitive and definitely not celiac.

Celiac friendly?

No

No GF menu but communication is key and depends on the server. Got the burger without the bun - excellent; one of the best burgers in a long time of ordering without a bun. Have not been back yet to see if we just got lucky that night.

I put not celiac friendly, but it could be depending on the communication with your server and kitchen. my server was very experienced and said she'd worked with them since they opened years ago.

nothing on the menu is marked gluten free but my server knew some and was happy to ask or double check with the kitchen. fish tacos are the main recommendation but I wasn't in the mood. I had rosemary wings, jalapeño mashed potatoes, and lobster deviled eggs. I also had a smoothie. dessert was ice cream and gluten free chocolate cake or brownie not sure which

Celiac friendly?

No

Our waiter wasn't interested in helping us understand celiac safe options for our 5 year old. The options we were presented were fish tacos and a salad. After the fact the waiter remembered a kids plate with chicken and pesto that "probably didn't have gluten in it". No thank you. The best we could do was order brown rice and fruit for her. She eats A LOT of rice, and wouldn't eat the rice they brought. The non GF family was satisfied but not overly impressed with their dinners.

Celiac friendly?

No

Wow, what a great place to eat and safe! I had the Lobster Devil Eggs, Turkey Burger with the jalapeño Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Fruit with vanilla Gelato. Highly recommend!

Our waiter James was amazing and went right to the chef to see what I could eat. The chef made me Red Snapper to die for!!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great deviled egg appetizer. Got fish tacos - fantastic. Waiter was great helping me navigate the menu!