I've been wanting to dine here for a long time but could never get a reservation, so I felt incredibly lucky to finally snag one for my birthday. From start to finish, the experience was amazing. Everything tasted great, and the student who served us made us feel very comfortable. They checked in often to see how the food was and whether we needed drink refills. The service was truly five-star. We loved every dish, especially because the flavors were well balanced and never overpowering. The blueberry scones were not too sweet and paired perfectly with the cream cheese. The salad starter was fresh, and the phyllo was crunchy and flavorful on its own. The crab was delicious and well prepared. For the main course, I had the pork loin with apricot and prune. The sweet and savory flavors worked beautifully together, and the meat was perfectly cooked and not dry at all. For dessert, I ordered the Pots de Crème au Chocolate. It was rich and indulgent without being overly sweet -- the perfect ending to the meal. Overall, this was a five-star experience, and I will definitely be booking another reservation again. read more

See all

My 3rd time here. I was lucky to snag a reservation as they are difficult to get. This time it was a buffet and I think I enjoyed this format the best. I could choose what I want to eat and I could go back for seconds if I want lol. Our waiter was great, he changed our silverware and topped off our drinks without us asking. The ambiance is great - it's clean and stylish. The standout dishes for me were the bbq pork with cornbread, the lilikoi tart and the Japanese potato salad. Hope to come again next semester. read more

See all

Took my sister here for Valentine's Day, but just getting around to the review now. I can't remember everything we ordered, but I added a pic of the menu. Between the 2 of us we ordered one of each except the risotto. Service was fun because I could tell some of the students were a bit nervous. But they did really well. Everything was delicious and creative. The only negative is the pasta was really overcooked (minus only one star because I know they're working on their skills). I will definitely be back. read more

See all

Another great lunch at the Pearl! The menu this time was on point. Love Japanese food! Good job culinary students! read more

See all

The food and service is always great here. They have a good selection to choose from and the staff is very accommodating! From breakfast to early dinner, I've enjoyed their meals and specials that they serve. The staff is also friendly and the meals are plentiful. I always have leftovers to take home. Great place to enjoy their food and drink offerings while looking out at the golf course. read more

Food was delicious, service was excellent. Very nice location, perfect for lunch or dinner.

I was so stoked to get a reservation on OpenTable when I saw an article that Leeward Community College's student-run restaurant was opening again for the semester. A friend and I went in at 11:30am for an early lunch, and we were quickly seated by host Nathaniel. He was very courteous and professional. The Pearl has some beautiful views, so try to get a table near the windows, but really there are no bad seats. Server Stevie came to us quickly and gave us our menus. She was very friendly and answered all of our questions well. The food was amazing, and it's amazing that it's made by students! Every bite was delicious from the bread basket to the shrimp-artichoke salad to the grilled ahi with curry. Although the main dish and sides were great, I absolutely loved the blueberry-cream cheese biscuits. I wish I could've bought a tray of those to take home! And I just wish I could've tried more of the menu too. I will definitely be back! read more

See all

Another delicious lunch at The Pearl! If you get a chance to dine at The Pearl I highly recommend going! These young chefs out do themselves every time! For $35 you get a 7 course prix fixe menu including coffee, tea or soft drinks. The portion size IMO is perfect and the presentation is appealing and everything was flavorful and delicious! We had to leave before dessert was served so they were kind enough to pack it to go. read more

See all

Feeling lucky we were able to get reservations for a special menu lunch for the student chef showcase! $39 prix fixe, full of wonderful dishes made from scratch. YUM! read more

See all

First timer here for lunch. I liked the decor, more of a contemporary style, very nice and open. The food was good and the student server was very friendly. That said, I had left over appetizer and entree (pasta noodles with lobster). I received my take ho.e bag, but when I got home, the pasta and lobster was missing. That was like the main thing I was looking forward to having for dinner. So sad! I do realize that these are students, but one would think that it's part of the whole experience of culinary class. Do everything as you would in a nice restaurant. Overall, it doesn't take away from the actual dining experience, but hopefully they will learn that everything matters. read more

We had a great 3 course lunch there with a unlimited refills for iced tea. The ahi appetizer was fresh and the salad on point. We tried the lobster dish and a mushroom risotto dish. Dessert was a chocolate banana dish and a goat cheese cheesecake and ice cream. $39/ per person and it's great to be able to help the students out with the exp and give back. They are not able to take tips individually but you can donate to the college that benefits the program. We met the head chef who oversees the students and he explained their program. What a nice option for the community and the students to practice before they graduate. read more

We had a nice time sending off one of my students at The Pearl. Our host, Raff and server, Dayden, were both super nice and professional. They gave some of the best restaurant service ever. I hope I spelled their names correctly. Food was good too. read more

See all

Student ran facility as part of the culinary school of Leeward community college (extension of University of Hawaii). Views are amazing here with Pearl Harbor for back drop. Foods are great value for the price. read more

I understand this is a training class but I wish there could be opportunities for reservations. We had to wait over a month for this reservation. I arrived a few minutes before opening (another woman did too) and the instructor was giving her last minute instructions covering the menu and service advice to the wait help and greeter. I will admit they spaced out the appointments well so while there were only a few tables at opening and then a few more in 15 minutes and within the half hour the rooms seemed full. Our waiter was attentive, water and tea were refilled often -even the Pepsi was replaced immediately. Plates were served and taken away promptly. But I'm not sure he knew the menu very well, when questioned about the starch for the pork belly, he was incorrect. But in his defense the menu changes weekly. This was old school dining with honest to goodness gueridons. Years ago gueridons were de rigor at fine dining restaurants and now even some fine dining restaurants do not use table cloths. How standards change. The food was excellent. I had escargot. It was deconstructed with a puff pastry cap. It was buttery decadence. The pork belly was plated very nicely. I enjoyed the pickled ginger and shintake mushrooms and watercress. There was also a delicate what I thought was sugar piece. It was pretty but when I took a bite, it was sugary sweet so I'm not sure what it was. All three of us opted for the pork belly but when I saw the seafood trio, wished I had ordered it. We were full and couldn't have dessert. But looking at the other tables most did have dessert. Maybe next time for me. read more

Hot pastrami sandwich was packed with all the goodies. Fast and efficient service. Outside seating was wonderful overlooking the golf course. read more

All this beautiful food, delicious food, 2 bottomless ice teas, lavosh to start and 2 buns with the meal for $43 (tip not included). Yes, you heard correctly. I am so happy I got to make it here finally on a weekday between 11:30 - 1:30. Luckier still I got in without reservations. NOTE- if you are going to call for ressiez you may not get a live person and you will have to wait for a call back so plan appropriately. Service was pretty quick though an hour lunch break would likely be a bit too short (plan about an hour and fifteen minutes there). We just had an app and entree, no dessert. The food was wonderful and it's adorable to see the naive mistakes these inexperienced, future chefs make such as refilling our unsweetened tea with sweetened tea. They are all so sweet and you can see them trying so hard. Finally, I was told today that they now accept card. Yay for ease! I'll be back again with the whole office and I will encourage my retired parents to com often as possible to support this wonderful program and to get a great deal on some super delicious food! read more

See all

One of the best kept secrets in Hawaii! The Pearl at Leeward Community College just launched its Fall special lunch menu and it is simply scrumptious! My husband and I began with the Escargots in garlic,lemon, and parsley butter sauce! So much buttery goodness! For the main course, we chose the sweet miso glazed salmon with forbidden rice, book Choy, and a sizzling pepper vinaigrette. So moist and tasty! Of course we had to save room for dessert and chose the pineapple upside down cake with fosters sauce, crème anglaise. So sweet and delicious! All of this for $30 per person! Best of all, this eatery is dedicated to offering fine dining prepared and served by the talented students in its award winning culinary program. So come on down and if you're lucky, you'll be able to enjoy a taste from Hawaii's future chefs! Bon appetit! read more

This is the 5th time having lunch here. This time it was the chef's menu with the students cooking and staffing the front of the house. A 4 course meal under $35. Student service was friendly and excellent.Each dish was tasty. I had the vegetarian Indian curry. So aromatic. The ambiance was great with window seating. I will be back for the student menu this April. We have been to the Pacific Culinary Institute in Vancouver several times and the Pearl is comparable in taste, service, and ambiance. Videos to the students and their professors. read more

See all

Excellent service by the LCC culinary students and its quality meals for very reasonable prices.

Relaxing atmosphere and flavorful food. We were not rushed at all and service was great. read more

The Pearl - New American Near Me - Pearl City, Hawaii

See all

Great dining experience once again at the Leeward Community College Culinary Program! Student Menu Day with the aspiring Chefs and Front of House teams all out in view. Great kids, great food, great day! Thank you all! ‍ read more

See all

I graduated from this program so patronizing it feels like a no brainer. They're open W-F during fall and spring semesters. The food is always good, and menus change weekly. Buffets are twice a semester and good, but not always worth the $35. Parking is difficult at the lunch hour as it is an active college campus. Classes finish at 11:20, so parking can clear around then. Cash or check ONLY. Wish they would take cards... All in all, I highly recommend this secret spot for a fancy lunch out with friends. read more

Cyndy's Bottom Line: Well executed, delicious food! We found out on Yelp about fine dining at Leeward Community College at The Pearl. Chef Instructor Chris Garnier and his class students are training in the culinary arts program. The Pearl is located in the middle of the campus on the parking level towards the back of the campus. Follow the blue "The Pearl" bannerssposted. We were promptly checked in and seated. Love the ambiance in the dining room. Large floor to ceiling windows provide a serene backdrop of the large beautiful monkeypod tree. Nice decor and tables are spaced well in the dining room. Our lunch menu was so interesting with creative combination of items and flavor profiles. Our waiter Kainan was outstanding! Kainan was genuinely friendly and attentive. He was very patient in explaining and describing the items on the menu to my Mom. The menu is tantalizing. Everything sounded so delicious from the appetizer, main entree and yummy desserts. This is what we ate:: *Big Island Ahi Tartare, Kiawe Smoked Soy, Garlic Aioli, Pomme Frites This dish was so delicious served with the freshest Big Island ahi. Perfectly seasoned and composed. Enjoyed the flavorful Kiawe smoked soy together with the garlic aioli so ono.The pomme frites added a nice light and crisp texture. *Cassoulet of Beef Bolognese Yukon Gold Gnocchi's, Shaved Asiago Cheese A generous serving of delicious beef bolognese with delicate soft pillows of gnocchi. The shaved asiago enhances the flavor. *Milk buns Loved the milk buns. A nice milky taste and soft texture. Scrumptious! *Korean Ko Chu Jang Glazed U-10 Sea Scallops, Congee, Poached Egg, Watercress and Big Island Hearts of Palm Namul A creative combination of interesting ingredients resulting in amazing flavors. The scallops were perfectly cooked with a good sear on the outside. The congee was tasty and the egg added a richness. The watercress was tender and the hearts of palm julienned. Sweet Endings: *Warm Vanilla and Maple Syrup Cake Ala Mode Scrumptious! *Chocolate Crème Brulee, Kona Coffee Gelato Divine! The chocolate is so rich and decadent. The Kona coffee gelato yummy. Beverage: *Coffee - smooth rich Kona coffee. Mahalo for a wonderful dining experience! Kainan - mahalo for the outstanding service! read more

See all

Jaylen and her staff/ students were very attentive to our needs and welcomed us without having a reservation which we didn't know. The atmosphere and students are well mannered and we extremely love the food that we had. Here at the Pearl, i am excited to come back and see what is in the menu for surprises. Great work students and thank you for the experience. Mahalo read more

The Pearl - View of the Pearl restaurant - New American Near Me - Pearl City, Hawaii

A friend found this hidden gem and our lunch bunch enjoyed an amazing meal at The Pearl! We were served by eager students and the meals were delicious. Highly recommended! Only overlooked detail is where to park. Better direction visuals would be a huge improvement. We arrived one hour early, yet, it took 30 minutes to determine where to park snd another 10 to actually find this "hidden gem!" Nonetheless, well worth the effort! read more

The Pearl is a student-based restaurant at Leeward Community College's campus. It's a "fine dining" style experience with students staffing the entire restaurant as host/hostess, servers, and cooks. There's ample free parking - park by the flagpole. It's located on the makai side of the bldg. with "The Pearl" awning by the entrance. Basically , there's a choice of 2 Beginnings (appetizers) for $6 ea, 3 Main Courses (entrees) for $16-$19 ea, 2 Sweet Endings (desserts) for $6 ea, and Beverages for $2 ea. We had the Kampachi Crudo which was a flavorful sashimi dish. I ordered the Lamb entrée which I loved. Slightly on the smaller portion but tasty. My wife ordered the Salmon entrée and was disappointed with it being slightly under cooked. Still it was tasty as well. I would suggest to skip ordering beverages since the cups were usually tiny - maybe 8 oz? They accept credit cards so that's an improvement. No tax on the bill either. You don't need to tip but the instructor recommended to "donate" into the dropbox near the entrance. They use the collection to take the students out to lunch later. This a tremendous way to support the program but if you're only into the food, you'll be disappointed. read more

See all

Pearls are often metaphors for something rare, fine, and admirable (thanks Wikipedia). This restaurant is all that, a true gem in an area dominated by saimin (not that I don't love it) and fast food. The Pearl is LCC's culinary school restaurant (yes, LCC has a culinary arts program) and I can say it's unflinchingly one of the best places to eat lunch, not just in Central Oahu but island wide. There's always a fear that sharing secret spots might cause them to be over run, but I doubt many people read my postings (so to you lucky few who stumbled across this, enjoy). The only negative about the place is that it's only open three days a week, only for lunch, and only for a few weeks a year. Check out the website for the menu and dining schedule. Don't expect to eat here unless you make reservations. The dining room is nicely appointed, quiet, and has a great view of Pearl Harbor. The Contemporary Cuisine students take turns running the front and back of house and do a commendable job in both areas. The food (and it's affordability) is what really sets this place apart. Expect items like Fennel Crusted Salmon with Ratatouille, Saffron Red Pepper Jus, then be amazed at how it tastes and how its offered at $14.95. Twice during the semester buffets are offered and you'll salivate like a Pavlovian puppy over the menu and the way-cheaper-than-you'd-expect $18.95 price. Note that they don't take credit card, so stop at the Library (ATMs) on your from the parking lot if you need cash. It's a little tough to locate. The restaurant's on the same level as the parking lot, one building to the right of the library. Walk makai along the rail that overlooks the courtyard and you'll eventually see the restaurant on the right. Look for a brick entry with a sign over it. (Um, you might want to ask them for directions when making your reservation, not my fault if you get lost, lol). To those who've been hiding this place, I'm sorry, but it's only fair that we share. I would want to know. To those who've never been...I won't cry if you don't go, or completely ignore this post (in fact please do). But, if you're fortunate enough to get a seating and love it, I'll expect a compliment at the very least. :) ----update 3/15/08--- Having eaten here about six times now, I prefer the plated lunches to the buffet (which is still a great delicious deal). It's just that the regular dishes are amazing. I recommend calling them to get a faxed menu of what they're serving when. The Torchon of Lamb and Smoked Salmon Carpaccio were incredible (especially for $14.95 and $5.95...I'd pay twice that for these dishes). Just a note about the service....it's very friendly, but be patient, these are students who are studying both front and back of house. Don't be surprised if five or six people come by to ask "How is everything?" :) read more

See all

I finally got to cross The Pearl off my foodie bucket list! I know that you're probably wondering why I would be pining to go to a student run restaurant located on the Leeward Community College's campus-but it has taken me over three years to get a reservation here! For one, they are not always open. When they are open-they are usually all booked or serving only lunch. The way The Pearl works is you have to basically stalk their website for the updated dates/menu and then cross your fingers and call the number to leave a message. The one thing that they are pretty good about is calling you back with either a yes or no confirmation. Somehow, I not only scored a table for four, but we also ended up getting seats on the special events night. The items are typically a la carte pricing but for our dinner it was a set $70/per person menu and set pricing (with the option to do a wine pairing for each of the four courses, an additional $15 per person). As the capstone event for the class, the students were mentored by Chef Jon Maatsubara (formerly of Azure and Stage and now at Japengo in Waikiki) and took us through an impressive four course dinner + dessert. CHILLED KAUAI SHRIMP described as cartone, wasabi oil, myer lemon, avocado, black garam crisp. Refreshing and light! One bite into this and we knew we were in for a good dinner. The plating was beautifully done. ESPUMA which consisted of moonfish brandade, yukon gold, truffle, chive. When our server explained to us the premise of a traditional espuma (think liquefied potato shot through a whipped cream can) I was a little skeptical. Images of Marcel from Top Chef flooded my mind. Foam on my food? Oh no *cringe*. But alas, it was good! The fried yukon cubes at the bottom of the cup were a pleasant surprise-providing a texture similar to croutons. Forgive me-I left this review in my draft box for too long and so I can't vividly recall what the other entrees tasted like-but know that they were pretty darn good ;) "BLACK MAGIC" SPICED SALMON: sake braised spinach, prosciutto wrapped enoki mushrooms, ruby port & Chinese mustard sauce. DUCK BREAST EN SOUS VIDE: Japanese pickled plum & spiced cranberry gastrique, taro-brandy root puree, Hamakua alii kings, brussel sprouts. APPLE BANANA DE LECHE: Maldon salt, chocolate chip. My bf and I had the wine pairings which was a good amount of wine! The wines included Birichino Mavasia Bianca, Domaine Skouras "Zoe" Blanc, CF Euro-Asian Riesling (I think we've gone back to this one for some meals at home), and Maison L'Envoye Morgan "Cote du Py." Overall, dinner at The Pearl did not disappoint! Save the Dates! Open October 30-November 6 The Thanksgiving Buffet (only $25 per person) on November 19, 20, 21 Special Events Dinner - November 7 & 14 Call 455-0528 for information and reservations (http://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/thepearl-menus) read more

The Pearl - New American Near Me - Pearl City, Hawaii

Who knew food like this could be found hiding in the back of the LCC Admin building? Got to finally check this place out last week and man, what a pleasant surprise! LCC culinary, whatever you're doing, keep it up because this was mighty impressive. Our appetizer was a very VERY good calamari dish. Very nicely seasoned, crunchy breading, and the calamari was cooked perfectly. It was tender enough to cut with my fork with little effort and not greasy in the slightest. For entrees we tasted 3 different dishes...Lamb, Pho Shortrib, and a Chicken & Hamakua Risotto dish. The Shortrib and Chicken/Risotto dish were outstanding. I never would have even thought to use Pho flavoring that way, but it turned out very very nicely on the shortribs. Out of the three the lamb (the one I ordered...of course lol) was only one I would say wasn't that great. Comparatively small portion size...small amount of lamb for a LARGE amount of onions. (Although the onions that were cooked with figs were VERY good!) and these 3 raviolis that were...well...not too great. The dessert...now I rarely put my fork down after tasting something...but the dessert was so damn good that after taking a bite I set my utencils down and just kinda went "oohhhh yeaaahhhhh". I'm pretty sure I had a totally stupid expression on my face, but it was THAT good. The service was great, the food was outstanding...but ahh would I love to redesign the interior of the place. Quite outdated and needs to be as contemporary and sexy as they food coming out of the kitchen! It's so not up to par with the quality of the food or the service its almost a shame! Either way, outstanding job LCC students. Can't wait to go back for more! 5 stars for you, no doubt! read more

See all

Love this place! I've been coming here for the past 8 years and I would never have found this place had my boss not taken us here for lunch. He takes us here twice a year when they have open reservations, usually thanksgiving time and in April. The service is so awesome. All the food is prepared by students in the culinary program at LCC. I definitely recommend you try this place. Don't forget to reserve! read more

See all

Nice decor. Friendly staff but obviously students. The students had a nervousness about them but it was charming. My waitress was trying really hard to make us happy. The food was good. Almost gourmet. It needed a little more refinement but was a great effort. Ambiance was clean and comfortable. Stemware and linens were tasteful. Overall, it was a good value. read more

The Pearl - Pork Chop w/ Potato Pancake - New American Near Me - Pearl City, Hawaii

I love the Pearl, not only because I work a 5 minutes walk away, but because the food is amazing! I got a blackened ahi tempura with a wasabilike sauce, prawns with butternut squash and a pesto sauce, and for dessert I had a chocolate cake with fresh fruit. Yummy!!! None of the items on the menu were vegetarian, but they made special items for my friend who is vegetarian. She got an avocado tempura with ponzu sauce, and a vegetarian peanut curry with a pineapple upside down cake with homemade ice cream. I hope to go back again sometime soon. read more

See all

I ate at the Sweetheart Buffet today. It is all you can eat for $35. They don't take tips, but you can make a donation to the culinary arts program. I had lox, Israeli couscous, butternut squash, mixed greens with herb dressing, Jasmine rice, scalloped potatoes, Lavosh, eggs Benedict, prime rib, steamed mixed vegetables in a buttery sauce, and dessert (chocolate creme Brulee and almond-apple pie). See photos... Everything was delicious and the service was friendly. read more

See all

Heard about the pearl through yelp and boy are we glad! Starting from the beginning: beware that it's challenging to find and there's no specific parking for the restaurant so you'll be parking in a crowded community college. Walk towards the flagpole at the front and walk towards the ocean from there but go on the right side past the financial aide and bathrooms and you'll see a light blue Pearl banner. I even asked some students and they weren't sure where it was haha so that's a little confusing. However, we had a great experience once there- the inside was nice and the view was beautiful and the food was delicious! Culinary students rotate on who's cooking or serving that month so everyone around you is a culinary student. They have a nice salad bar area with a lot of antipasta options- everything sounds and tastes very gourmet. Then there's the main buffet- even the rolls clearly are homemade. We loved everything from the fish to the vegetables- we had the valentine buffet. The menu changes on a regular basis but they post online so you can see what to expect. They serve water or unsweetened/sweet tea. They have lemons, no limes. Apparently even the coffee is good (says my father in law who loves coffee). Service is good and they are all super friendly! They even had the prime rib station where they cut your prime rib for you and it was very juicy. The eggs Benedict's Hollandaise sauce was perfect- not too strong, not too weak. Really everything we had was delicious. We even enjoyed their cooked vegetables- cooked perfectly and lots of variety. My father in law said that was one of the best prime ribs he's ever had- not too fatty and it just melts in your mouth. We took some nice family photos outside with their beautiful tree and overlooking the harbor. Note: it overlooks Pearl Harbor! Hence the name the pearl. Be aware that they only take CASH so you must come prepared for that. Loved our experience and will return if we are back and will recommend others to go. read more

See all

The Pearl is a HUGE step away from the busy academic life at Leeward Community College. As an upscale buffet, the Pearl offers a wide verity of entrees to satisfy every costumer. Run by the culinary students of LCC, this place has it all. From great appetizers and entrees to fine wine and desserts. Fell in love with the mahimahi and eggs benedict. The service is great! This place definitely shows how awesome the LCC culinary program is doing. Keep it up LCC students! DID I MENTION THAT THIS THE ONLY PLACE ON CAMPUS WHERE YOU CAN LEGALLY DRINK ALCOHOL? 2 THUMBS WAY UP THERE! If you are ever plan on trying this place, be sure to book in advance. They only accept reservations. Yelp 365: 003/365 **I keep forgetting about the time difference! I'm about an hour late right now, but at least its within the 24 hours of my last review right? Haha! Keep it up Yelpers!** read more

This is the Best restaurant in Waipahu. Period. Ok so it's pretty much the only restaurant in Waipahu but that doesn't detract from it. It's open Wednesday to Friday and some special occasions during the school term. After having tried it about a month ago I have eaten there roughly 75% of the possible days they are open due to the fact that my office is close by. The pearl is the LCC culinary school training restaurant. The students try very hard, always meticulous but remember they are training, and you can feel the care in the food too. Noted the other day the use of black linens for our dark clothing attired guests -the sign of attentive staff. The menu rotates every few weeks with a few different appetizers entrees and desserts. Water is French sparkling on the house. Appetizers are $6-7. Beverages are $2. Entrees $13-16. Desserts $5. No tax but please leave a decent tip. Remember it is CASH only. It's worth the trip out to LCC but make sure to call ahead. Seating ends at 1pm. read more

See all

I had the extreme pleasure to dine at The Pearl tonight. I first saw it through the Monocle on my Yelp app. When I asked Cely H. about it, she informed me that it is the restaurant run by the culinary students at Leeward Community College. We found out about a special dinner that The Pearl was putting on for their student's Final Exam. We made our reservations days in advance, as they sell out quick! Infact, our options for seating times were 7PM and... 7PM. Haha. As we started walking to the school we pasted an individual in Chef's garb. He asked if we were going to the dinner at The Pearl. When we told him that we indeed were, he politely escourted to the dinning room. We were promptly seated, despite being a bit early. In short order we met our servers (that's right, plural) and had water and edamame in front of us. We never felt rushed, but neither were we ever left waiting for the next course. As soon as I would set my chopsticks down, one of our servers would be there to take our plates, and another server would bring the next course. Always followed immediately by a server coming to tell us about the course and finally another server to pour my wine while telling me a bit about it. Moving on to the food. Each course was prepared by a different chef. The wine pairing were done by Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya. The meal started with an Amuse Course featuring fish in a strongly flavored citrus sauce. Very good, if a bit much. The Appetizer Course was The Pearl's take on the California Roll with Black Tiger Shrimp. This was delicious and perfectly prepared. It was paired with a Spanish white wine designed specifically for sushi. I normally HATE white wine. But this white was great! The Salad Course was amazingly well put together. The Chef responsible for this was an artist with alot of attention to detail. The salad was seared ahi sashimi in a garlic caper sauce. I never would have thought to put garlic and capers on seared ahi with arugula. But that's because I'm not a genius like this Chef. This course was paired with a Rose. It didn't do much for me and tasted a bit weak. The Entree Course was a beef tenderloin dish with udon noodles and ali'i mushrooms in a roasted garlic demi jus. I really enjoyed this course, although I honestly thought that the sauce's flavor reminded me of Doritos. Not that there is anything wrong with Doritos. Lol! Seriously, the beef was cooked to pinkish perfection. The mushrooms had great texture and the udon noodles were properly cooked. This course was served with a hybrid Petite Sirah. A dark red wine that was seriously complex. If I see it out in town, perhaps at the Liquor Collection, I'll certainly pick a bottle up! The Dessert Course was was tempura fried ice cream. Beautifully covered in criss-crossed chocolate sauce and raspberry coulis. A blackberry, a blueberry, a raspberry and a few slices were on the side with some homemade whipped cream. Afterwards our server brought out some Wailua coffee in a french press. I WILL be buying some of this coffee for home. (Sorry Kona, I still love you too!) All in all this was a great evening and I home that we can do it again next semester! read more

Joshua C. introduced me to this delightful place about a year ago? He's known to have great finds. My intial dining experience was excellent. I had no expectations and so it was a very pleasant surprise to be dining at what appeared to be an upscale restaurant in the middle of LCC? The venue provides a soothing environment: window views of Pearl Harbor, simple decor with a modern flare, tall celings, white linens, and attentive wait staff. I had my first taste of Ratatouille here and it was délicieux!! Every menu item I ordered here so far has been excellent. Receiving 5 star dishes for only $14.95? You gotta be kidding? What a deal!! Want couture for a fraction of the price? Dine at the Pearl for lunch. You will not be disappointed. And their buffets are very good - $18.95, not bad at all. The last time I came here was for their April buffet. I left on cloud 9 b/c I just devoured my new found favorite dessert - chocolate/macadamia nut filled patry puffs topped with a cold chocolate hard shell! They were AWESOME!! You normally don't take doggy bags home but there were soooooooo good that I had to take some home for later! Joshua was able to sneak me a container out of there. Woohoo!! read more

The Pearl is a gem. Great service, setting, and food. A friend enjoyed Caesar salad (made at table), swordfish and pork loin. Nice portions, presentation, and taste. No additional salt needed. The total check was unbelievably reasonable. I had to make sure it was correct! Highly recommend. Go soon before people find out about this first class restaurant. read more

The Pearl - Swordfish special. - New American Near Me - Pearl City, Hawaii

See all

This place is great but hard to catch open. run by students they do a great job and the food is tasty. lunch only read more