Prima has been dubbed my new favorite Kailua restaurant, as of yesterday evening. It's affordable and delicious, with friendly and genuine service, spirits and tasty cocktails, fresh pizza and pastas, unique and inspiring specials, and delectable desserts. The drive into Kailua (from town) is worth the experience. SOUP OF THE DAY We were told by one of the owners, Blaine, that for the approximate 1 year 3 months they've been open, they've never repeated the same featured soup. They run the featured soup for about 2-4 days...and, that's it! (So, in other words, they change their Soup du Jour about once or twice a week.) They have featured unique and supposedly delicious concoctions such as Hot Pocket Soup, Banana Bread Soup, Caesar Salad Soup & more. Sadly, I have yet to try their soups, but that's just another reason for me to come back.* WINTER SQUASH SALAD ($10) with pomegranate and dragon fruit yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… We were told that this is a seasonal dish, currently running (1/2013). It's a nice alternative to leafy greens. To me, it seemed like the perfect fit for the crazy-windy & colder nights we've been having lately. Plus, pomegranate seeds are so awesome. 3 GRAIN RISOTTO ($19) with carnaroli, farro, wild rice, baby carrot, oyster mushrooms & cranberry yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… The different grains were what made this dish stand out to me. I love wild rice, so it was a real treat to have it in a risotto. The risotto was creamy enough for my liking & well-balanced with the sweetness of the cranberries. SPAGHETTI ALL'AMATRICIANA ($17) with tomato, red onion and guanciale I've never had spaghetti quite like this before. It was phenomenal. Definitely not your typical rustic, bay-leaf-and-spices kind of spaghetti. Instead, it was more like a beautiful, creamier blend of spaghetti-like flavors -- creamy & tomatoey in all the right places. I would definitely order this again. BRUSSELS SPROUTS ($8) with prosciutto, bordelaise yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… Who knew Brussels Sprouts could taste this good?! The savory prosciutto & tangy lemony notes of the light sauce really went hand-in-hand with the mild sweetness of the caramelized sprouts. Overall, a surprisingly delightful dish. I will order this every time I dine here. DI BOLOGNA PIZZA ($16) with pepperoncini, mozzarella, soft poached egg, rosemary, mortadella yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… A soft poached egg on a pizza may sound strange, but it all makes sense once you take that first bite. Seriously. Why haven't I had more pizzas with soft poached eggs? This is just another reason why eggs are so fantastic, but I digress... PLANTATION TEA ($10) Ono Pops Cocktail made with vodka, pineapple, tea and lemon I had to try it because 1.) it's made with vodka, 2.) Ono Pops are fantastic, and 3.) plantation iced tea is the shizz. This cocktail was light, fresh & tasty. Where was the alcohol? Yep, it's that dangerous. GELATO & SORBETTO A dish including 4 different flavors, which change pretty frequently (so I've heard). I remember the Citrus Whiskey, Jasmine & Apple Banana.. But, for some ungodly reason, I can't recall the fourth. Oh well. Needless to say, these ice-cold treats are unique! What a great way to end a fantastic meal. SERVICE Service is polite & friendly, but a little frantic at times (understandable bc it's busy). The wait times for our food were surprisingly much quicker than I had anticipated.. The food is freshly made to order, so I don't mind waiting anyway. (I'd rather wait for stellar-tasting treats rather than not wait for rushed and/or mediocre dishes.) But yeah, bottom line - service is good. RESERVATIONS This place is pretty busy, so reservations are highly recommended. Prima is an Open Table restaurant, so it's a great way to earn points. SET MENU FOR LARGE PARTIES For large parties, like 12+, Prima does a set / prix fixe menu. It's wise to book larger parties, especially those requiring the set menu, at least a week in advance. Prima will work with you and your party to create a satisfying menu to your liking. CORKAGE FEE $15 corkage fee, but Prima has spirits, beer & wine. VERDICT I can't see why this place gets anything lower than 4-5 stars. Service may be a little frantic at times, but they're busy. Anyway, I'm all for supporting local businesses who try and support our local market - great job, Prima! I don't mind paying a tiny bit more for fresh, local ingredients.. But then again, the prices at Prima are pretty darned reasonable! *Update: I had the pleasure of trying the Eggplant Miso Soup. What a winner. Sounds weird, but it worked. Eggplant & miso flavors were cohesive as a soup, but still independently distinguishable. Yum.
(5)
Joe F.
This was my second trip to Prima, first time was a five star meal this visit not so much. Portion sizes are small so the food really needs to be amazing to get past that. We started with the brussel sprouts definitely the high point. The soup was very mediocre but they always have a different soup so I figured they can't all be winners. Next was the grilled octopus, normally I love tako in any preparation this was bland chewy and overcooked. We also had the pork belly again nothing special, small portion $30 for 4 or 5 bites each and we didn't even finish it. Any other time I have been exposed topork belly it was devoured and the plate licked clean. Desert also fell flat. We also ordered one of the pizzas I don't remember the name, it had a poached egg in the center. The pizza was outstanding but not nearly enough to save this meal. $100 before tip and no alcohol (byob) if it weren't for the pizza crusts we would have left hungry. My first trip here I was blown away I thought I had found a new fav, this trip was thoroughly disappointing I won't be back
(2)
Emily M.
Don't let the artisan decor fool you. The pizza is good, not great. The service is terrible. I've been here several times and it's slow every time. There's no air conditioning so it's hot. The wait staff is friendly but it certainly doesn't make up for the exceptionally slow service. We were the last table in there for over an hour yet still didn't get our drinks for 30 minutes. The good took even longer. We had to reorder items. My group of friends are sick of the slow Service and average food at an above average price.
(1)
Tobias C.
Okay - came to Prima in Kailua after driving by and seeing the place was kinda empty on a Tuesday night around 6pm. The menu is very limited. Ordered the Magarita pizza - very boring. Ordered a roasted Caesar salad- interesting - but also boring. Cooked romain lettuce and dressing - that's it. The Spaghetti with meat and tomato sauce - tasted slightly burnt. Total $55.00. The service -very friendly - but really young. Puzzling - when we walked in - we were asked if we had a reservation- and after a awkward pause - we were shown to a table - ???? The place was dead. The interior is warm - they have to keep the front door open. The music is loud. The good - they bring you ice water in a tall green refreshing looking glass bottle to re fill your own glass if you want. Ordered a peligrino bottle of sparkling water as well and it came in a wine chiller and was accompanied by wine glasses with a slice of lime in each. The dessert - we passed - because it looked like it came from Baskin and Robins from next door and served in a very small drinking glass - not worth the price. Coffee - we have no coffee - but you can go next door and buy one from the Coffee Bean place in Foodland and bring it back. Oh ...That's nice.....
(2)
Erica W.
Prima is very close to my house and we've been meaning to check it out forever. We finally did for Localicious and now we're huge fans. Prima is deceptive, it looks like a casual little diner but is actually rather fancy. Or at least, its a funny mixture of fancy and casual. They are serving pizza, but they want you to know that this is the creme de la creme of pizza ovens and pizza ingredients and actual pizza. Okay, last time we were here we got: a tandoori pear and a meat lover's pizza. Unfortunately this is horribly unhelpful because I dont remember the titles as they were on the menu. The tandoori pear was literally a half a pear in an Indian inspired sauce, which seems outrageous for $8.00. One half of a pear. My husband was like, what did they do with the other half, can I get it just plain? Just plain other half of a pear? But this tandoori pear was so delightful that we ain't even mad bro. We ain't even mad. That is a very good half a pear. Meat lover's pizza had some sausage and maybe meatballs. My husband had tears in his eyes. It was so so so good. Just, maybe the best pizza. I can't say the best but its in the running. Not very big, but good for a couple that consists of a small lady and a dude on a diet.
(5)
Lindsey S.
We went to Prima for Restaurant week and the food was absolutely amazing! We showed up early for our reservation and our table was not yet ready so we went next door and grabbed a bottle of wine for dinner (its BYOB) and they called us to let us know the table was ready. The air conditioner was broken, thank goodness I had a tank on under my top because it was HOT! We were seated in the corner and it was a bit awkward to get into for us and the waiter as we were squeezed between two other tables and their chairs blocked access. Often the waiters would ask us to hand them the plates so they didn't have to get through chairs. For the appetizers they served Hebi Crudo which I could not partake in (because I'm preggo) but my wife assures me that it was amazing, and that the grapefruit reduction really was flavorful. Next we got the baby beet salad and panzanella salad, the baby beet was my favorite! The pasta course offered a seafood sausage cavatelli and mushroom gnocchi, both were beautiful, the gnocchi had giant shitake mushrooms and I loved the thick texture of the pasta in the cavatelli. For the main course we got the fall harvest pot pie which was only so so, the pastry on the top was delicious but the cooked veggies seemed to lack flavor, but the braised pork belly was AMAZING!! I wish there was more!! It was perfect with the crisp giant onion ring and I will go back and order this several times over!! For dessert they served smores and pumpkin bread pudding, both were good but I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the smores as I didn't think much of it from when I saw it on the menu! The service was good but they did take a while between courses, especially before the main course. And there is no bathroom inside, you have to use the one around the corner from baskin robbins and take a giant pizza pan attached to the key and the bathroom was not nice. So the food was amazing, but only four stars for no a-c and the bathroom.
(4)
Mike P.
Arrived at 6 pm on a Friday, the place is practically empty, so we weren't expecting the no-reservations-what-were-you-thinking-please-Âjust-wait-here response. If I hadn't already promised to meet my wife here I'd simply have gone somewhere else at that point. The nice young fellow, Keenan, after consulting with some if his colleagues, offered "any of these four 'tops,'"just inside the door. The place felt stuffy and hot, just standing there outside the door, so I picked the "top" closest to the door, and directly in the path of a box fan. That was the best choice I made during this whole affair. The water they bring is in cool looking green, label-less bottles, nice touch. Tasted like filtered tap-water, but it was wet and cold. Not only hot and stuffy inside, but noisy (even though nearly empty) with horrible acoustics and late 70s-80s top 40 hits that you've already gotten completely tired of hearing throughout the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond, playing too loudly. "Well at least it's pandora or some such, so there won't be a bunch of noisy Dj-talking or commercials," you think to yourself, but then realize that the owner must be skimping on signing up for a subscription, and so yes, you are besieged at 15 minute intervals with a bunch of mindless radio talking, overpowering your own attempts to hear the specials as Keenan's rattling them off, or even hearing your own table conversation. My wife was able to make out what the waiter was saying, however, and at one point during the specials recital I heard her sweetly ask Keenan, "will you be joining us for dinner then?" Later (back outside where we could converse normally) she explained that that was because of K's phrasing, ex: "We could also have the X, and we'd also enjoy Y, and we can decide as we have our drinks," etc. Very patronizing, she felt... (we are older than the hipster crowd this place is evidently targeting). To K's credit, he recovered gracefully and dropped that schtick and moved on without skipping a beat. I ordered the plantation iced tea, one glass, $4, no refills, and wifey had an Italian white wine. She got the Brussels Sprouts (not really hungry) which she reports were wonderful, we'll all just have to take her word on that, and I ordered a pizza which had some cheese and some kind of thin-sliced prosciutto on it, to which I added mushrooms. The pizza came out charred as promised, mainly around the perimeter. The center was way more mushier than you'd expect to find if you were following any kind of a basic "how to cook your first pizza" recipe. Or that you'd expect at any number of the other pizza joints around Kailua, including CPK, Z-pizza, or even a pre-fab from Safeway. The flavor was do-able, and Keenan was later careful to inquire only as to the taste of it. Clearly he knows a thing or two. OK, dessert. I'd earlier started the evening simply thinking of going out to Baskin-Robbins (right next door, as it turns out) for a shake. One thing led to another, and here we were, contemplating the three desserts on offer from these guys. I did ask at first if they had milkshakes, but no, nothing that down-market available here. Two of the three desserts sounded pretty gooey and sticky-sweet, so we opted for the third one which K described as "like strawberry cheesecake." Well you can't have after-dinner cheesecake without ordering coffee, which K magnanimously invited me to run out and down 3 businesses to buy at the supermarket, but that I was welcome to come back in and drink it there. I followed his advice, mainly to get some air and a break from the noise, as well as the coffee. 10 minutes later I'm back and K is bringing out a largish plate with a glop of ricotta cheese on it with a few chopped strawberry chunks and some other bits of sliced fruit (I think) and little drops of something very special dribbled all around, maybe extract of magic beans. It was very bland, so I turned the whole thing over to the wife and took my coffee next door (opposite direction from the supermarket coffee) to Baskin-Robbins and finally got that shake. The shake was great. Cookie dough ice cream with a little malt. It went great with the coffee from the supermarket. While enjoying my shake at Baskin-Robbin, I recognized my BR server from her having dropped off a BR order to the waitstaff at Prima, earlier in the evening. Should have taken the hint sooner than later. All in all: Prima is pretty pricey and somewhat pretentious, simply for a Kailua joint that serves mushy/charred pizza in a hot, noisy room, bad decorations (did I mention?) with tedious radio-station music and a lack of basic, common sense menu choices.
(2)
Jocelyn L.
As an ex-Kailua resident, i really wanted to love this neighborhood restaurant, but sadly, it was only a 2 for me 1) Appetizers were pretty good but definitely not stellar; the mushroom presentation, which was hugely raved over by everyone else on Yelp, was just OK. I'm pretty confused by what the huge to-do is 2) Tandoori Pear; i love tandoori- this dish tasted burnt and the tandoori sauce on the side was gritty; like it needed to be used for cooking not dipping 3) The pizza was the highlight of the entire dinner; not because it was the best pizza i've ever had but it was the only normal dish 4) Curry Pappardelle. Wow. Single most salty dish I've ever tasted in my entire life- not an exaggeration. When we flagged this with the server/ manager, he told us that the chef likes to season dishes aggressively/ boldly. I get bold seasoning and i love the flavor of curry, but this was just plain Salty, not flavorful. I couldn't finish my dish even though i really tried/ wanted to (i was starving after a long plane ride). My other friend took 2 bites of hers and couldn't eat any more. The manager was nice enough to take hers off the final bill, but i paid for mine since i went through at least 70% of it. This dish really needs to tone down on the salt; i'm surprised no one else has flagged this on Yelp. Additionally, the ambience is not conducive for catching up with friends; music was way too loud for the space. I'm sorry for the low ratings; but I spent way too much money that night on an OK meal.
(2)
Keisha P.
Last night my bf and I decided to try this little restaurant in Kailua town. We both sat down and the service informed us that the restaurant is currently BYOB due to liquor license getting revoked (temporary). So, $10 BYOB wine & $3 BYOB beer (endless amounts of both). I quickly ran to foodland (right next door) & purchased a case of beer and a bottle of wine. Dinner, I choose a pizza with arugula, prochutto and cheese. It was yummy. My bf choose the curry bolognese pasta which had great flavor but the meat was wayyyy overcooked. Our server asked us how everything was tasting, I quickly informed him that the meat was extremely hard and overcooked. He said, "want me to take it back." I started explaining that we hate complaining and we don't want them to take it back and he quicking interupted and said, "ok cool" and walked away. We finished our wine and had a few beers and left. Pro: BYOB Different items on menu such as egg added to a pizza, fried curry leaves, etc. Ample parking Con: not the best customer service overcooked meat in pasta Honestly, I felt it was overpriced and sadly, I prob won't be returning.
(3)
diane d.
LOVE this place - great wood fired pizza. They are now serving brunch. We just had the morning bread, asparagus and egg&bacon pizza. Fabulous - a must when in Kailua.
(5)
Sharon H.
Clean, modern, well-lit and buzzing with energy, the ambience at Prima is reminiscent of one of my favorite SF restaurants. Happily, the food is delicious, too! We started with a shared plate of summer squash salad, featuring a colorful and refreshing lineup of yellow and green zucchini, fennel slices and cubes of crunchy jicama. A lone falafel ball was a random but delicious addition to the plate, and frankly, one more falafel would have been perfect as I didn't really want to share it! On the plate, drizzles of olive oil and creamy dabs of herbed (goat?) cheese provided the right counterbalance to the bright flavors. A winnah! Right away, our side orders of roasted fingerling potatoes and pan-seared brussel sprouts arrived. The potatoes were oh-so-heavenly-delicious -- golden crisp and dusted with parsley and just the right amount of salt! The grape-sized brussel sprouts were charred to a smoky goodness yet retained their bright green color. Easy to pop in the mouth! Both plates were perfect for two to share, ahem ... meaning, a third person would require another side order. A fourth person would require yet another ... well, you get the picture. Once the sides were cleared, you could almost hear the trumpets blaring with fanfare as the pizza con funghi arrived! We had splurged an extra $1 for an arugula topping and what a good idea -- the lemony pepper arugula was the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the mushrooms, mozzarella and parmesan while accenting the mix of shallots, thyme, parsley and (surprise) lime base. Deeeelicious! The crust was thin and chewy, best eaten with a fork and knife as picking it up would result in the savory triangle hanging limp from topping overload. Though completely full by the last bite of pizza, we amiably agreed to "just look at the dessert menu." Since eyes are bigger than the stomach, we were forced to order a banana-chocolate-hazelnut log with an olive oil drizzle. Who knew this combination of chocolate and olive oil could taste so amazing?! Overall, service was friendly and quick even though we were forewarned that the restaurant was shortstaffed that evening. We served ourselves water from a tall glass bottle left on the table, and whenever our wine or drink glasses were empty, the waitress was there to ask if we needed a refill. Kudos for the friendly smiles and menu knowledge. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Frederick W.
Great place to get a $5 pizza for $15.
(1)
Amy N.
My friend and I tried this place for the first time for lunch in beautiful Kailua. The location of the restaurant gives you a great view the lush mountains. We ordered the spicy meatball pizza and the prosciutto rucola pizza. The spicy meatball pizza was absolutely delicious! I'm not a huge spicy eater, but I was able to handle it. The prosciutto pizza was ok. It was slightly difficult to eat especially since the prosciutto was slightly chewy. Preferred the spicy meatball over the prosciutto. I also ordered a plantation ice tea, which tasted pretty much like pineapple juice and water. It was really watered down. Service was ok. We were almost the only ones in the restaurant and were there at an odd time (2-3pm).
(3)
Brandon N.
Had the clams with fingerling potatoes. The salty, acidity of the sauce was delish. The lime was an awesome touch. BBQ tako tentacles! ORDER this if they have it. It is lightly salted, and put together with mandarin orange. All topped on a cloud of mashed potatoes. The pappardelle was one of the best and the highlight of the meal. The sauce is filled with meat and the amt of basil was plentiful and pure perfection.
(5)
Captain C.
I had the Kona Street pizza, but I didn't taste any truffle oil on it. I'm a huge fan of truffle oil, but I didn't taste a drop of it. Maybe they forgot, but the pizza was still delicious. My bf got the Five P pizza which he liked. The restaurant was smoky. I can't imagine working there without my eyes drying out. Our waiter Gabriel was friendly and professional. I'd try their pizzas again if I lived closer to the Kailua area. I found this place on Groupon and they're also on Open Table. One of the girls wrote "Happy New Years" on our takeout box which was a nice touch but spelled incorrectly with the extra "s" at the end lol Overall, pretty good pizza and tasty homemade hot sauce.
(4)
Chelsie M.
Loved the pizza and pork belly! Not a huge fan of the bruschetta but it wasn't bad.. My boyfriend liked it. A few things that need a little improvement would be to invest in AC or fans ASAP. It was so hot inside! Dishes like pizza are messy so please give lots of napkins next time when we ask for more not just three extra napkins to split between four of us. And maybe get water cups that are a little bigger. It was like taking shots of water out of those tiny cups.. Other than that the food was great and the service was good but we will definitely be seating outside next time.
(4)
Nathan N.
Great service and great pizza. Their thin crust gourmet pizzas are made to perfection. The only downside is the pizzas only come as a 12". That's a bit disappointing. But other than that Prima is great.
(4)
Todd P.
Very delicious pizzas. Eat here quite often! Very nice but casual setting. Great place to take a date. The marinara sauce really calls out to me. Has a very nice saltiness to it:)
(5)
robbie l.
Was good when it first opened now not so much. If getting a reservation is any indication of the food than I should've known. After my first time here about a year ago I was looking forward to another good meal, I was very disappointed. I should've known...non asian food in Hawaii sucks. No exceptions. If you're craving Italian go Italy.
(1)
Rissa K.
Mmm love this place. They have daily specials. We had the mushroom appetizer, special spaghetti ala matriciana and the pepperoni and mushroom pizza. The pizza and pasta here are pretty bomb! The dishes here are fusion Asian inspired dishes and very creative using local ingredients. The ambiance seems a bit hip and I love the modern ambiance and the art work. I will be back to try the other dishes! This place is also BYOB too!
(4)
Donna L.
I'd say it's worth checking out if you're already in the neighborhood, but it's definitely not something I'd recommend going out of your way for. I think they do well because they're the only place of its kind in Kailua. They serve up tasty artisan pizzas made with fresh locally sourced ingredients. Yes, great concept, but their execution could use a bit of work. The place itself is kind of drab and was totally not what I had envisioned. They're going for that Euro modern look, but it just wasn't happening -- think cheap Ikea furniture pieces. The restaurant isn't very big, and it was extremely warm and stuffy in there the day we went. My guess is, either their A/C was out of commission that day or they just don't have one. Thank goodness they had outdoor seating, which was what we opted for. Phew! It was a warm day, but at least we got fresh air and the occasional breeze! The service was mediocre at best. But the amount of time we had to wait for our two pizzas to come out was just absurd! We waited for at least a good 45 minutes before our pies came out! Is it just me, or does that seem like a really long wait time for pizza? Perhaps our order got stuck behind a huge order? Or perhaps it was an off day? The only positive thing about the whole experience was the pizza... when it finally did arrive. Although the pizza was good, I most likely won't go back, unless someone else is buying hah! There are other good pizza spots elsewhere with better service and a nicer atmosphere (I am partial to JJ Dolan's)! ;p
(2)
Erica M.
We didn't even stay to eat because a waiter was so rude to us. So, while I can't speak to the quality of the food, I can say I was incredibly disgusted with the writer's attitude and tone. He was so exasperated and annoyed with the fact that another waiter had accidentally seated us at a reserved table and took out his anger in his interactions with us. We left before getting menus and went to another restaurant.
(1)
Kathy J.
I see I didn't include anything about the service in my original post because I was so focused on the food... it's because it is that distractingly good. The service is consistently good here (I'm not sure why one poster had to state that they are really young... does that actually matter?). My husband worked in the restaurant industry during his college years and recognizes professional service when he sees it, young or not, we appreciate the professionalism.
(5)
Diana C.
I have been craving brick oven style pizza for a week so after a day at the beach we yelped this little gem and decided to give it a try. The restaurant was nice and in a good location. We ordered the 5p pizza which did not disappoint! It was a little on the greasy side from the pepperoni but delicious none the less! We also ordered the Panzanella salad. The salad was not what we expected as we had never tried (or heard) of Panzanella before. I would recommend to others and will be going back again soon!
(4)
Brian L.
There are only a few places on Oahu to get wood fire oven baked pizza. Prima in Kailua is definitely my favorite! The Kona St. pizza is so good it should be illegal and the service has always been deserving of the 20% tip. The atmosphere is friendly, young and kinda retro. Great for a romantic date, the family, or parties. Prima has become one of my favorite restaurants on the windward side. Love it!
(5)
Jas A.
Prima is the child of the people that bring you Whole Ox and V Lounge. Knowing that, I had really high expectations for this place. A bunch of us went for Restaurant Week and I was saddened by the fact that they never called us to tell us that the AC was out. Having a pizza oven and a small restaurant, the waft of warm air came at us before we even walked in. We decided to stay because we were already there. The Restaurant Week dinner seemed like a promising one and we were all very excited. I had the Hebi Crudo, Panzanella Salad, Mushroom Gnocchi, Braised Pork Belly, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Smore. They allowed us to bring in outside drinks(soda) because of the AC situation so this review wiill not be on drink and strictly on food. The hebi crudo was pretty and petite. I had a fisherman friend next to me state that he couldn't taste the fish itself. It was citusy and the fish was firm. We were told that it was caught locally so that is a plus! The panzanella salad was ok. The croutons of bread in most of our salads were a little to burnt like they forgot them in the salamander when refreshing them. The tomato sauce tried to save the dish but you could still taste the burnt flavor throughout. Cheese kind of helped. The mushroom gnocchi was probably one of the better items that night. I really did enjoy the mixed mushrooms and the gnocchis were large and had a good texture. The pasta was nicely dressed with the sauce and the mushrooms were still firm showing freshness. The braised pork belly was the other star of the show. I appreciated that I had a nice piece of meat. It was spoon tender and seared on the outsides. The downfall was that the whitebean was super salty and some of my guests has a huge chunk of fat with tiny slivers of meat. Also, the portions were inconsistent. Like the panzanella salad, the chocolate peanut butter smore was a little too burnt. The graham cracker already had a burnt taste(I thought it was the marshmallow was the toasted part?) which permeated throughout the dessert. I just pushed the cracker aside and ate the yummy marshmallow and ganache. One thing I would like to point out was the service. The server that helped us was very apologetic about the miscommunication with the AC and very pleasant throughout the night. What I didn't care for was the constant misfire of our food where only half of us would receive food and when we were finished, the other half would receive their plates. All in all, I would give this restaurant another chance. Restaurant Week is a crazy week and I know that it can get hectic. It was for a good cause and we were happy to help.
(3)
Roger J.
When they asked me what I thought the food was told that the basil roasted (burnt) told me that and how you make Italian pizza ..... Being Italian citizen felt very offended when you are trying to help them with a constructive comment They don't serve alcohol any more. But they charge $3 per person drinking BYO beer and $10 per BYO bottle of wine
(1)
Abby D.
Went here for dinner with our son and they told us they didn't have high chairs. Didn't make for a pleasant experience.
(1)
Tai M.
The first time I came here, I really loved the food. Coming back a year later, I was disappointed. Everything we ate seemed over salted. It was tasty, but just too salty. I was also turned off by the corkage fee. So...they lost their liquor license and then the customer has to pay corkage? The waiter tried justifying it by telling us it would end up being cheaper for us anyway but it bothered me nonetheless.
(3)
Kim W.
Best meal so far on the windward side. We had the hazelnut strawberry salad with our drinks...they just recently started serving prohibition inspired cocktails... both were excellent. Enjoyed watching the crew prep our margherita za, which was petfectly topped and cooked. Topped it all off with a four scoop of gelato/sorbet. We loved all the local touches from the lilikoi cocktail to the island greens and fresh fruit sorbet. All served up with a good dose of aloha 'tude. Not the typical tourist thang, but the we live here and want you to get it 'tude. Loved it and could not recommend it more!
(5)
Shelby S.
Horrible experience was told when we first walked up to get a seat that we needed a reservation. Then the waiter said wait let me see if we can fit you in. We sat down and ordered waited 10 min for the waiter to get our order. We ordered a pizza and a appetizer, the appetizer came out at a descent amount of time, but we waited 45 min for our pizza horrible customer service. Our water ran out and the waiter informed us he would be getting us a refill 4 times and never came back to give us anything. Also, told us he was getting our check and we waited 15 min for that. When he was checking on a couple across the table looks at us and said oh I need to get that for you don't I. Just was not what I expected and the pizza was slimy. Never eating here again.
(1)
Melinda Q.
The Spicy Meatball Pizza is delicious! They sell beer and wine or you can BYOB but there is a corkage fee- $15/ bottle of wine (which is still a decent deal since most of their bottles ranged around $40) and $3/bottle of beer. Our main server seemed to warm up to us as our time there went on and the people assisting her tables (bringing out food and what not) where very friendly, helpful and energetic. If you like spicy, you must try their special hot sauce- warning: it is hot and addicting.
(4)
Kalai F.
I thought this place was going to impress but shoulda got outta there when they gave me the chance! First off, It was a weekday and hardly anybody in the joint so I figured get my pizza fix at the newer place. Right off the start a guy came up to rudely greet us and asked if we had reservations. Since we didn't we waited for a bit and was going to get outta there since our business wasn't wanted anyway. But... i stayed. When we got seated, we noticed that there is no need to wonder where the oven is... we were in it! lol Nothing like hot pizza with warm water and sitting in a sauna to get my honey in the mood! Tried to order... no prosciutto, and no pepperoni! Argggh!!!! WTF??? To me that's like the main meats right there! Might as well close shop if you don't have the main goods! So the waiter suggested some pizza with a fancy name with a fancy cheese and fancy oil... well it came out as bologna, with a hardly any cheese or taste, burnt the crust, and even the egg was broken. Price for that slop was about $30 with tip which even sucked more! This place bombed big time! I would figure the "Krailuans" would close this joint by now. Buggahs slacking...
(2)
a p.
I like this place. They have great pizza which is my go to. I keep thinking about going back and trying more things. I would advise on getting the pizza topped with an over easy egg. Yumm. Service was great and I like the open kitchen. The only thing I would change would be the lights...It was way too bright in there! Good place to meet friends and get a yummy pizza :)
(4)
Luna B.
This is one of my favorite places in Kailua, food is awesome! The appetizers are so flavorful and the pizza is the bomb, service rocks to boot! Don't miss this spot!
(5)
holland h.
I really liked this place. The staff is courteous and attentive and the food was really good. Its super small inside and the wine list needs a little more selection. Would highly recommend! OH and the 90s rap music kept us ordering for hours...THAT was a treat. I like all things 90s. Especially Wu Tang
(4)
Kims K.
We ate the following: panag curry with spicy clams, pizza with pepperonicini mortadella and mozzarella. For dessert: red velvet panna cotta. Curry with clams: amazing flavor, spicy on the back end; you'll be sweating by the end of the bowl. Downfall of the dish, would have been great to have a nice spongy bread to sop up that yummy sauce. It came with nicely roasted fingerling potatoes, but the sauce went to waste. Server offered toasted bread (5 very thin slices) for $2 a basket. Pizza: good flavor, but the entire pizza was covered with pepperonicini. The peppers completely over powered the delicate favors of the cheese and mortadella. Less is more. Dessert: it's a poor interpretation of red velvet. Deconstructed and not a " red velvet" to any imagination. No chocolate flavor at all. It was ok. Good texture with the contrast of fresh & dried strawberries. Again, no chocolate flavor which is the essence of red velvet.
(3)
Russel M.
What to do? Do I tell the Truth? Can you handle the Truth? We went with a big party tonight expecting a pretty nice dining experience based on several foodie comments. Guess what? We fell hook , line and sinker. The group ordered 3 pizza's , and several other recommended menu items. Two best dishes were the Squid Cannelloni and Veal Sweet Breads. Nothing else was worthy of mention. The Spicy Meatball was terrible and a rip-off. The Pizza which was the Bomb @ V-Lounge has crash landed into oblivion which was unexpected. Is Kailua jinxed? Service was pretty good. Big disappointment overall. Not returning..
(3)
Joy B.
Okay look. You know that a girl loves food when she checks out the menus of restaurants and already picks what to order days before even stepping foot on the island. I live in L.A. where new restaurants are a dime a dozen, some are great while others are just those "me-too's" who come on the scene without any sense of self or originality or heart. So, I was stoked as I started to see my beloved Oahu steadily heating up the culinary scene with concepts committed to supporting the local farmers. It's not a contrived obligation or catch phrase of the moment. It's an authentic desire to be synergistic with community and the land because they really love both and that's why they do it. I've been a long time fan of V Lounge pizzas and have been waiting for my next trip back to try out it's sophisticated older braddah from an Italian maddah. Oh yes I did just get all pidgin-y slang-y. Shoots! Ahem. I digress. I took my boyfriend here, we arrived a little early for our reservation, but then learned that we might be seated later because a previous party arrived late. Oh, thanks, Hawaiian time. The one time I'm early everyone else is late. Ha! Anyway, Blaine was a cool dude, he wanted to make sure we got seated sooner than later. He was surprised to hear that we came all the way from town. Well, for L.A. folks, the drive to Kailua from Waikiki is not that far of a drive at all. Hell, I will make the drive for some good food, believe you me. We ended up sitting at the bar facing the kitchen. I would have initially preferred a regular table, but it was a nice treat to be able to watch Chef Kevin prepare and plate the most memorable and by far the favorite dish of all: Maitake mushroom. It's not just beautiful, it tastes beautiful. The complexity and unexpected depth of flavors, textures and playful creativity of this dish was excellent. We also had a few glasses of wine and ordered the spaghetti (solid) and boquerones pizza (not bad, but it was my least favorite item). For dessert..the gelato, I enjoyed the different flavors. I look forward to the next Prima experience. Next time, I'm hoping for some delicious local fish specials, which they were unfortunately sold out of when we ate there. Crudos would be a plus as well. Great, now I'm hungry again.
(5)
Britni K.
Boyfriend and I agreed- we have found our all time favorite pizza spot. And who knew it was gonna be a cute little place in Kailua? In the past few weeks, we have discovered Prima and eaten there three times already. Haha! Prima is a small setup right next to Foodland, which works perfect for their BYOB policy- great selection of wine to choose from and take back. No corkage fee and they provide red and white wine glasses. Alright! So, most notable feature of Prima is that their pizza is made in a brick oven! Their dough is the perfect consistency, nice outside crust, but not too thick. It actually reminded me faintly of a close friends homemade tortillas. Their signature pizzas have very fresh, high quality ingredients and they have red sauce, no sauce and a spectacular pizza with olive oil and lemon! Our favorite is the Kona Street pizza, that has a poached egg in the middle! Put a few splashes of their house hot sauce and you are set to go! Their appetizers are rather fancy (kiawe fire grilled tako?!) and unique as well, and desserts are simple but delicious. Customer service is tops, and if you sit at the bar you can watch them make the food! They even encourage questions and will talk about what they're doing! Quite the experience for us. I highly recommend that if you're in Kailua you stop by! :D
(5)
Alyssa K.
I'm so sad the menu got cut down so much. The quality of dishes has diminished as well. We came here for lunch and were immediately disappointed at the menu selection. You basically can only order pizzas or salads. No sides. The panzanella salad had two slices of cucumber, a couple small tomatoes, couple onions and what looked like pieces of jicama, and the rest (80% of the plate) was a soggy mess of croutons. The flavor was good, but who wants to eat a bunch of bread crumbs drenched in oil for $11?! We waited a long time for our pizza, and I was getting impatient, so I kept a very close watch on the guys by the oven. When our pizza finally came out, I heard one of the guys say, "it's burnt." Then he started picking off the burnt pieces of the crust. The whole time I kept thinking, "you better not serve me a burnt pizza!" But then I saw the waitress grab it and walk it over to our table. I was super offended. The crust happens to be my daughters favorite part of the pizza (no idea why). Besides that, it's a super small pizza priced at $16! I expect it NOT to be burnt! I told the waitress immediately that the crust was very burnt. She said something along the lines of, the pan gets really hot so sometimes it gets like that. I did not respond to that - of course it gets hot! It's in a friggin oven! Then she said she will get another one if we want. So we got one. This time it was not burnt and the flavor was good. This used to be our favorite restaurant but after this experience my husband and I decided not to come here anymore. It was so disappointing.
(2)
Denby R.
Ok....so I've tried this place a couple of times now...and the first time I thought...hey...it's a spin off of v-lounge. How can we go wrong?? Well.....the pizza is good. Just as good as v-lounge maybe. But then again. It is expensive, so that good pizza is expected for that price. And a restaurant is only partly the food that make the total experience. My friend and I sat at the bar the first time and we watched the open kitchen as they made the pizzas and the salads and licked the spoon and put it down then used it again.....wait!! Did that just happen?? There's no way, right? I thought for a second my eyes were lying. But then it happened again. And again. And again. Every time there was a tandoori pear salad made. So I thought there might be a stash of spoons. But no, just the one being place back into a metal cup of some sort with what looked like dirty water. Oh man. Yipe. Now, I'm not the type of person to way worry about the prep of my food, I trust that restaurants are clean and that what you don't see in the kitchen is not a big deal. But this is an open kitchen. I can see you. And it makes anything taste bad when you know that there could be residual spit in the salad dressing. It seemed like that was the only thing that was tasted by this young chef, so I don't order that salad any more. Tonight I went with my husband and a friend. And the waiter was really nice, to me and my girl-friend who were sitting there. But he never once spoke to my husband. Which is a little odd considering how many times we spoke through the evening. The pizza was good tonight but not as good as I expected. And when I looked at the kitchen I saw the same guy tasting as he cooked. And reusing the spoon. I'm actually sad to say that I was disappointed tonight. The service needs to be checked and the cleanliness of the kitchen should be a little more scrutinized by the management. I'd love to go back to Prima and not have that experience. And I would happily change my rating if I don't feel like my salad might have saliva in it. Oh. It's BYOB. Which is nice. :)
(2)
Natasha N.
We love coming here for dinner. Twice we have attempted to come for breakfast after 9am. It says they open at 830. What a shame the cooks didn't come in as the hostess informed us.
(2)
Melanie P.
My first time here, and it was amazing. Before today I could only find pizzas like this at V-lounge, and Prima's pizzas blow their out of the water! The place has a modern, minimalist feel which I liked a lot. I had the prosciutto pizza with arugula and mozzarella cheese, and a glass of the Talbott pino noir. I love prosciutto and this pizza was absolutely amazing. Service was also really great, the guys there are nice and they do a great job making sure your experience there was enjoyable. Definite recommend if you're on that side!
(5)
Lynn R.
I admit I'm a terrible yelper! I love to check reviews but I seldom write one myself... that is until I went to Prima last night when my niece Karli recommended it! It was amazing!MJ (the chef) is an absolute genius! I'm a fitness instructor and trainer so I definitely watch what I eat ..not only do they have healthy and fresh salad & other menu options it's definitely my new go to place to for pizza! Brick oven, thin crust with a huge variety of toppings! However, if MJ has a "special" up, trust me- trust him! He's really talented! Our waitress was really nice too, very attentive and helpful, so it was a stress free evening out with my husband and kids (10 & 12, and they loved it too!) All and all a really cool atmosphere and GREAT food! MJ, you rock! We'll be back & we'll be passing the word & bringing friends!
(5)
Krystina T.
My husband and I had lunch here early today. We both had the Chicken Caesar Salad, and we both agree that it was the best Caesar Salad we've ever had!!! Not to mention Your Moscow Mule...delish!!!
(5)
Paige S.
After a stressful couple of days at work, I needed a mid week break from it all so a girlfriend and I decided to meet up in Kailua to get dinner. We want to try everything in the area and decided that we were both in the mood for italian. We didn't read enough into reviews or their menu to notice that they are first and foremost specializing in pizza. From their website: PRIMA is a modern italian/american restaurant that also features kiawe wood fired brick oven pizzas. While using fresh local meats and produce , PRIMA's menu consists of many different flavors that customers can experience through share plate style eating. Menu is subject to changes due to local seasonal availability of products. PRIMA's thin crust pizzas are hand crafted & cooked in a STEFANO FERRARA oven using local kiawe wood. The kitchen counter & bar consist of recycled mahogany & stainless steel, while the rest of PRIMA's interior features natural wood tables, comfortable Eames chairs, and recycled wood benches. Parking: Parking is not an issue here at all, lots of stalls/space. This little restaurant is located next to Foodland, Baskin robins and Big city diner which are in the same shopping center as whole foods Kailua. Ambiance and Seating: I called ahead to see if it would be packed on this Wednesday evening and the waiter still suggested that even though I was going to be an hour or so that we reserve a table, so we did. Once we arrived we chose to sit outside on their tiny patio which had 2/3 tables and a couple chairs. The ambiance inside was laid back, modern and seemed very happy as we people watched from our table outside. Even on this random Wednesday evening the restaurant was packed with people and we stayed there a good 3 hours just chatting it up. Service: The service throughout the night was great. The waiters/waitresses gave us ample time to decide and then really helped elaborate on what was going on with each dish. Gotta love waitresses that know their stuff! We also had several requests like, my girlfriend really wanted ketchup for her fries, and instead they offered to give us this spicy sauce which was yuummy and def. was a good replacement instead of normal ketchup. The concept of this place is communal eating, so everything was shared plates. What we ordered: Ono pop cocktails! -- How delicious and what a brilliant little idea. Right off the bat this was a great for a little weekday excursion to chat about the world. They were both refreshing and thirst quenching. Roasted fingerling potatoes-- These came out in a cute little skillet and were doused in butter and parsley. They were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The flavors were subtle and not overpowering. The roasted flavor of the potatoes/herbs was delicious and paired well with our cocktails. House made bread with cheese/butter: The house made bread was sourdough and rye, and it was served with locally sourced butter which tasted like cheeeeeese. The bread wasn't the best bread that i've had, but it was fresh and warm. I prefer my sour dough to really have a kick of yeasty goodness but this one did not. Funghi Pizza The thin crust pizzas, if done right, are glorious and this one most definetly is. The size is about a 10 in round and could be shared between 2 normal people. We are not normal, so obviously we ordered pizzas! The pizza was flash cooked in the oven for a couple seconds and the bottom came out super crispy. It was topped with a white sauce and lots of fresh mushrooms which were so good they tasted like meat. Even if youre not normally a mushroom person, but you can tolerate them I would highly consider ordering this. It was super delicious and I would come back to order this! Spicy Meatball Pizza This pizza was also about the same size, hand tossed and crispy. They did not hold back on the meat and the slices of meatball were huge. They also lived up to the name and were spicy, enough to give you that kick but not enough to keep you away. All in all, Prima was a nice surprise I love the concept of locally sourced products/produce, and you can feel/taste the difference in the food. However, while I do know these locally sourced foods come at a higher price, prima was on the pricer side, this entire dinner came out over a little over $100. While we did leave satisfied, I'm not sure when my next visit will be.
(4)
Chris L.
Having lived in Naples Italy for over six years, I am quite the pizza snob. This is the closest I've had to real Neapolitan pizza. The crust is charred just right, crushed tomatoes, not sauce... No mozzarella di buffala, but you can't expect that. It's a bit pricey though.
(4)
Christina B.
Loved this place. Yes, a little pretentious when we arrived without a reservation, but I live in San Francisco, I'm used to that hipster vibe. And, they did seat us, so all was good. The waitress was super nice (ariel) and the food was really great. We ordered the grilled caesar salad, brushetta and arugula + prosciutto pizza! It was all perfect and would definitely go again!
(5)
Lisa J.
This is our first time trying the breakfast at Prima. I was excited to try it because it was new and the pictures posted looked good. When we got there there was just one other couple finishing up. I ordered coffee which took forever the waitress kept saying it was coming. I could see they were using a French press which I know takes longer. When I finally got my coffee it wasn't even hot. Then I had to ask for regular sugar. Sorry not a fan of stevia. When the food finally came it wasn't hot. Just warm. My friend got the French toast which was a very small portion. She said it tasted really good but really only one piece of bread for $11. My waffle was good. Just not hot. We both ordered the thick cut bacon. It was good but was probably 1 1/2 pieces cut into 3. The waitress offered more syrup but it was iced cold. I don't like cold syrup especially of my food is already cold. Overall the food was fairly tasty but colder and slow. Not worth the price. They need more staff (1 chef and 1 waitress) and quicker service times.
(2)
Abe M.
After leaving CPK down the street for its terrible service, we ended up here for the first time. Wish we got our servers name because he was fantastic. Sat us down quickly, brought water out quickly and went over the entire specials menu. Food was excellent, had the dirty marinara pizza and grilled caesar salad. The pizza is cooked uniquely, cheese is put on after its done being cooked in their brick oven. The salad I would get every time, had an unsuspecting taste. The vibe is very modern, but pulled back little so its more of a chill place to hang out at. Chefs were skater dudes, and one was wearing a hat with profanity on it...but when the food is that good, who cares. Set up for a casual business dinner party, or for the happy hipster looking for a new place to yelp about.
(5)
Leslie C.
It's difficult to review a place that gave us such a horrible first impression. We rarely eat out on this side, so it was refreshing to hear there was a good fairly new place to try out. Not refreshing at all. First off, we were seated on the back wall, right next to the oven and the AC was not on, not working, not sure. Based on previous reviews, this is not the first time the place was sweltering hot. We already get a sense this was not going to be a pleasant experience. As we're checking out the ambiance, we also notice something quite interesting. No one seated had any food on their tables. In retrospect, that was the second red flag this wasn't going to work out. The menu, we knew beforehand, was limited. You're offered two columns: "not pizza" and "pizza". OK. It's clear this is a pizza place. Our waitress takes a while, considering she looks like one of two throughout the restaurant. She finally comes to serve is water and informs us about how to read the menu, given it's our first time. She comes back to open our bottle of wine (byob with corkage fee), but didn't bring the glasses. We finally decided what we wanted to order and she comes back apologizing profusely, "I'm so so sorry, but we don't have any more pizza." Stunned, we all stare at eat other because this is the most ridiculous thing that could happen at a pizza restaurant. It was 8:15 pm on a Saturday night and you don't close until 10 pm. You only serve pizza. How do you run out of pizza? She continues to say they ran out of dough and no pizza would be available. She then has the audacity to return with wine glasses thinking we were going to actually stay! To dine on appetizers? They had seated a few other parties after us and they all received the same news. Honestly now sure I'll try to give it another chance. Pretty lame if you ask me.
(1)
Abby S.
Who would've thunk it? An upscale/trendy Italian restaurant in the sleepy town of Kailua... Had you knocked me and blindfolded me for a few hours, would never have known this was in Hawaii. The minimal, yet hip, decor teamed with the funky menu items (funky in a good way), are reminiscent of something you'd find in Palo Alto or San Francisco. Because of the time difference and short duration of our trip, dining out was never a problem since we lean on the "early bird" side of things. Plenty of tables available around 5-5:30 pm. Nice selection on the wine menu, I had two glasses of red... Well, more like one and a half since my +1 and I split the second glass. It doesn't get terribly wild 'round these parts, so no need to too crazy before sunset. There were several specials that evening in July, including a cinnamon toast crunch chilled soup. Though it sounded interesting, we stuck to the salad/pizza side of things, all of which were great! No complaints about the prices or portions, since living in the Bay Area has made us immune to both! Plus, the quality of the ingredients more than made up for it... Would much rather have a few bites of delicious on my plate than a huge pile of mediocre. Very impressed overall! This would be the type of restaurant that I'd like to have in my own neighborhood to visit on the regular. It was a nice respite from the seafood and Tiki drinks that one tends to gravitate towards while on an island vacay. A little taste of the mainland in the middle of paradise.
(4)
Shandis C.
Prima is a trendy and intimate setting in one of my favorite cities on Oahu, Kailua. I've been wanting to try this place out for a while. Though the portions here are really small with a hefty price tag, the food seemed well thought out and I enjoyed my meal. We ordered curry clams with fingerling potatoes and truffle mushroom pizza which were both delicious, but my favorites of the night were the veggie dishes. Prima does veggies really nicely. The summer squash salad was delicately tasty, but I could have probably eaten the whole thing in three bites. The highlight of the night was the broccoli with prosciutto. BROCCOLI!! Yes, broccoli, broccoli, broccoli - who knew that BROCCOLI could be SO enjoyable?! Shockingly-good, enjoyable actually. Pretty much, the only thing you really need to take away from my review is to GET THE BROCCOLI. I'm serious. I think I would come back just to order the broccoli. Overall, be sure to visit Prima and definitely get the BROCCOLI! I know that I will be back - for the broccoli! (How many times do you think I can say broccoli in one review? Can you tell I'm a fan, of their broccoli?? I just love their broccoli...)
(4)
Kayla B.
Easily my favorite breakfast place! The mimosas and the French brew beer press are a must. They have amazing pancakes/waffles or I really like their eggs and bacon breakfast pizza. The staff here is so friendly and amazing. The guy who runs the place is great and I have never walked in here and not had Jess for a waitress. She's awesome. Such a friendly and delicious place.
(5)
Eugene K.
Mushroom medley was so delicious with unexpected flavors. Fig pizza was so fresh tasting with arugula and prosciutto. Yummy
(5)
Lia M.
Ok... I know I'm getting crazy here in my obsession with Prima... but I am SO not ashamed of it!! Beau and I went in last night for our usual margherita with basil and truffle oil pizza (one each- again- not ashamed to admit that I'll eat one by myself) and lemon basil sorbet and sea salted caramel ice cream. Mind you, everything is prepared there and all ingredients are fresh and local!! That usually satisfies us just fine (minus this one time where beau and i got a third pizza to split... errr... nope- still not ashamed)- but this time they shared with us an oven-roasted Brussel sprout dish with bacon or pepperoni or prosciutto with truffle oil and lemon or vinegar or some kind of drug mixed in it that encourages complete and utter awe and addiction... we just about died and gone to heaven... It was so amazing!! Beau and I were just ilihia (hawaiian for "awe struck"). I will go so far as to say that I am so super mad at them for making such perfect dishes and pizza that I can't have those things anywhere else now!! Like- it HAS to be from Prima or just simply should not exist. Anyway- beau and i slept so well that night- despite all the food we ate- and decided that "hey- we'd like us some brunch" - but where? WHERE??? ...Yes, prima, of course!! Whew!! So glad we did that... Beau got the sweet bread French Toast with berries and kiwi, I got the kailua lox pizzetta (smoked ono, cream cheese, capers, dill, red onion and cherry tomatoes and a poached egg on a beautiful pizzetta)... all served with a fresh french pressed coffee... I cried... inside... and so did beau... and it was such a moving and thrilling delicious experience... Beau said "I like the sound of kittens meowing and the blast of fireworks on my chest- and I get that at prima" ... yes, he did say that... :-) and i don't disagree... they've got food porn down to a science.
(5)
Deb K.
Best pizza on the island with a thin chewy crust that's as close to Hawaii's gonna get to Italy. However, the real winner of my dinner was the grilled Caesar salad: a warm lightly charged head of local romaine with a bright housemade caesar dressing. I wouldn't hesitate to say this is my favorite restaurant in Kailua and worth the drive there.
(4)
Shay F.
I really miss the Prima Pizza back when they had the location on Kona Street... so I came here hoping to have just that. It's interesting... they no longer call it the Prima Pizza. Instead it's called Kona Street. LoL. Get it? Anyways, although Kona Street is similar to the Prima Pizza, it wasn't the same. I really miss that pizza. It's ok though because I also got the penne pasta with mushrooms and oh my, so delicious. I loved it! Service was good and I enjoyed my time. They have beer and wine but no hard liquor.
(4)
Kelly L.
I was really excited to try Prima after reading the recent New York Times article. I hadn't been there since the new Chef and the review was so promising. I was disappointed in the burnt factor... The pizza crust was black. I noticed all the other tables had similar crust colors, so I expect this is the norm. I had the pork belly pizza. It was way too fatty and the cheese was very clumpy. I had a hard time eating it because I would take a bite and the whole piece came apart. I also had the Cesar salad with jidori chicken. It was very good. The service was great and the atmosphere is fun and inviting.
(3)
Keith C.
I love this place. Amazing pizzas, garlic bread is made from the amazing pizza dough...all made in a wood burning 1500 degree pizza oven. Best was at the end, fritters with lilikoi butter and a berry reduction of some kind with lemon basil sorbet. All of it was perfect.
(5)
Michael C.
not a very Prima experience..... I don't venture across the H-3 that much. In fact it's very rare I cross that mountainous terrain known as the Ko'olaus. And so when a friend had an errand to run in Kaneohe, we decided to have lunch at Prima since we were in the neighborhood so to speak. LOCATION: Situated in a shopping complex where its tenant neighbors are Foodland and Baskin Robbins among others. Thankfully parking was plentiful on the weekend we visited. SETTING/AMBIANCE: Strangely enough my friend and I weren't sure if they were even open (around noon on a Saturday). There wasn't a soul in the restaurant though the doors were literally wide open. It seems on that particular day the A/C may not have been at full strength as it didn't seem too warm, yet not that cold within the restaurant. The space is industrial like yet simply adorned with wooden tables, with the prep area and brick oven against the wall. Counter seating also available. FOOD: Menu is plain and simple, mostly pizza and salads. We chose to share the Funghi and Five-P (sans the fennel seeds) pizzas between the two of us. Interestingly enough, I favored the Five-P, while the Funghi was more to my friend's liking. The hint of spice from the piquillo pepper was my favorite component of the Five-P, though I did think the tomato sauce was a bit too generous. We both didn't care for the crust on either pizza that much. It seemed a bit soggy/watered down for some reason. Additional toppings on the pizzas are an option as well. SERVICE: It was ok. The girl was friendly enough and checked on us in a timely manner throughout the meal. I appreciated that she took the time to actually/literally show us a pan so we could get an idea of the diameter of the pizza. NOTE: As I've already mentioned, the AC wasn't working well on the day we visited. It was unfortunate, as well as disappointing, since a good amount of time was spent shooing/waving the flies away. I suppose flies get hungry too in some way, but please stay away from my pizza. BOTTOM LINE: A somewhat decent lunch on the Windward side. Unsure about a return or second visit.
(3)
Stacia S.
Three stars only because the service was so great. Everything else was meh. I'd called in to reserved a table because I'd thought it'd be crazy busy on a Friday night. The lady I spoke with was so friendly and told me not to worry, there wasn't a soul in there, guess that should have been clue number one. We made the trek from Aina Haina and had two of the most disappointing pizzas I've had. The lemon rind on the pizza was so overpowering and bitter, zest or less would have been great (we ended up picking it off). The truffle oil on the kona street was good, but feel like they dumped it on, and the poor egg was cooked all the way through. Maybe the cooks were having an off night? My husband had to stop at a drive through for food because he was still hungry. One nice touch was they surprised my daughter with ice cream for her birthday, but she started vomiting once she got home. Don't know if the ice cream was bad, she was the only one that ate some though. (She's fine after vomiting three times, so she's not sick, and this was the second time ever throwing up in 7 years. Just had to put that, it's not like it's a normal thing)
(3)
Lynvi S.
Is this place under new management or something? Then again, my first experience with Prima was the lackluster Restaurant Week menu a couple of years ago. Flash forward a year and I'm still trying to figure out what the hype is with this place. The lone shining star at Prima is the wonderful Maitake Mushroom appetizer. I love mushroom stem's firm yet buttery texture which is reminiscent of steak, and the earthy and hearty flavor melds perfectly with the creamy rich cauliflower puree. All together I think it's a lovely dish of great flavors and textures. On the other hand, the pizzas were disappointing. The funghi pizza I received looked absolutely nothing like the rest of the beautiful mushroom pizzas in the yelp pictures; my pizza was sparse with just a handful of mushrooms and toppings compared to the loaded funghi fantasy in the other pictures. On top of that, the pizza was really bland! At least the spicy meatball pizza looked like the pizzas pictured on yelp, but like the funghi pizza, the spicy meatball was really bland. We've also tried adding an egg to the prosciutto pizza in hopes of replicating the old V Lounge Prima pizza, but it didn't even come close. Thank goodness for the hot sauce, which made the pizzas tolerable. I had a slice of each and that was enough for me, since eating another slice wasn't worth the disappointment or the calories. Service at Prima is undoubtedly laid back and chill Kailua service: slow, casual, and very friendly.
(2)
Kristie H.
Finally came back to Prima after nine months of boycotting the restaurant. The service went bad, while the food stayed delicious. But I must say, after eating there tonight, it was a totally different experience for us. We loved the service.... Friendly, accommodating, and fast. I want to thank Kanoe and the Prima staff for making it a pleasurable experience. By the way, we also love the ambiance, intimate but still family friendly.
(5)
Rosanna F.
First time here....I know, I know. What took me some long? Truth? Our fave Kaneohe pizza placed was closed. (Really wanted pizza, so Prima, here we come! ) Got here early so nearly had our choice of tables. Chose the one in the back with a nice view of the small interior, yet facing the windows. After looking at some of the richer offerings (e.g. pork belly pizza), hubby and I chose something simple... the Margarita. It was the perfect choice! Very flavorful sauce, in just the right amount, complimented the oozy mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, slightly crisp from the big oven. Yum! What made it even better? A lovely 2009 Red River Winery vino from R.J. Field next door. Note: there was no corkage fee tonight since they do not currently have a liquor license. When they get it back in the next couple of weeks (according to our waiter) be prepared for a rather hefty, $15/ a bottle corkage fee. Instead, I recommend the House Red by Oeno Winemakers in Kailua. Great use of a local business! Too bad we had to wait a while for our pizza. A couple who came in after us got their food before we did, but the very attentive waiter (to his credit) quickly noticed my slight displeasure and assured me that " Yours will be right out." True to his word, less than three minutes later we were making those contented little snuffling noises one does when eating exactly what you want! Thanks for a great first time experience, Prima! We'll definitely be back:)
(4)
Keopu R.
I was long overdue for a catch-up session with one of my Na Wahine Oiwi sisters. I had heard of V Lounge but haven't had a chance to go yet. I was intrigued though when I heard Prima had opened in Kailua. So, when we were trying to find a Ko'olaupoko place to dine while we played catch up, I quickly suggested this place. It was even more a sure thing when I found out a friend of my fellow patron would be serving us. Because it was a friend serving us, she suggested that we get a couple dishes to split. We asked for her best recommendation for fish and got the special that was an opakapaka on a bed of greens with a citrusy sauce and garnished with fried leeks. The fish was cooked perfectly and was still moist and flavored well. We also asked for her favorite pizza recommendation and went with Prosciutto Rucola. We weren't disappointed with the thin slices of prosciutto and argula paired as toppings. Our server recommended a hot sauce as a condiment. I was a bit worried about using it but was surprised at how well it paired with the pizza. For dessert we went with the Torrone alla banana and also enjoyed every last bite. I likened it to a banana milky way and the hazel nuts that topped it were a good addition. When you go to Prima there are a couple of suggestions I'd make. Hit up R. Field's next door to get a cheap bottle of wine to pair with your meal at this BYOB establishment. Definitely go the tapas style and share plates among the table. And if you're a single (or not so single) lady like me needing some girlfriend time, be sure to hit this place up as its modern feel really struck a chord with both of us. Prima is definitely someplace I will gladly try again.
(4)
Grace Y.
I was surprised that such a trendy restaurant was in Kailua. This is a good thing. Lots of parking and more locals than tourist. Actually quite unique for a trendy restaurant on Oahu. The food is good and there are unique things on the menu, Italian with a twist. Expect to spend a lot for your meal. The restaurant is very loud and somewhat cramped. There is some outside seating, though you're just looking at a parking lot. I found the service to be slow.
(4)
Leimalani F.
Prima Prima Prima - is more of a Prima-donna-get-your-hopes-too high..... Don't get me wrong, this place is good. But it's not drop your pants and jump for the sky good. The menu is trying too hard to be something it's not... sophisticated and sexy when it's still in grammar school. The minimal descriptions leave you wondering what the heck a dish really IS... Are the mushrooms sauteed? Is it cold? Is there meat in this? Is this a salad or a vegetable???? You get the idea. With multiple waiters and a fast-paced dinner rush on Monday, it was difficult to get our questions adequately answered. As for the ambiance, the owners were trying for edgy and minimalist (think Portland or Seattle chic). Instead it's just plain loud. Every good restaurant owner knows that there is a balance of padded chairs or wall adornments that absorb some noise and allow for comfortable conversation. Not here. The stark walls and bare furnishings allowed me to hear all three tables surrounding us quite clearly. I'm also sorry you just went through a bad breakup dear..... But who really cares, we came here to eat! And eat we did... Best bites: Grilled romaine salad - Excellent! One of the best dishes of the night. Special gnocchi with ragu - Big pillows of potato goodness. Cloudlike and atmospheric, they contrasted nicely with the heavy ground meat in the ragu. House gelato - Sooooooooo good! Jasmine, Peanut Butter, Lime and Passion flavors on an ingenious 4-scoop plate. Delicious. The Jasmine and Passion were divine. Too bad they were already melted when they arrived... Mediocre bites: Grilled radicchio - Bitter, even grilled. The balsamic used needed a touch of honey or perhaps a pre-grill taste test of the produce prior to serving. I love radicchio, but I do not love it here. NEXT! Curry pappardelle - This could have been a win, but it was a bleh. Our pasta was crunchy... definitely too al dente for my taste. The curry flavor was nice and the curry leaves were good though. More of a solid second base than a home run. Pizza - We tried the margherita and the spicy meatball (special). Both were downright soggy. We had to fold these New York style, but this is not New York style pizza. Just a soggy mess. The meatballs were tasty and this pizza had a lot of SPICE! Warning to those that think spicy is Tabasco. This pizza will make you sweat like a pig in public. Roasted fingerlings - Fangerlangs? Yep. And that is all. For $7, please serve these with some kind of awesome dipping sauce. Banana hazelnut log thing - Sometimes it looks like a rondo, but it's just a semi mushy texture-less log that tastes like banana. Needs banana chunks. Needs chocolate chunks. Needs more hazelnuts. Needs something to remind me that I'm not eating baby food. Overall the food was fair. The prices might be a tad high, but seemed appropriate for the quality of food. The atmosphere and scattered wait staff kind of threw us off with plates removed while some people were still eating or had food on their utensils and food delivered at room temperature or melted like our gelato :( NOTE: Parking was ample, but seating was not - even on a Monday. Might want to make reservations and warn your party that they will leave hot and sweaty. Not good for large groups and not good for kids - with wait time, tight tables, and frenzied atmosphere. We were surprised at the amount of ground beef on the menu and in our order. The menu descriptions could definitely be improved so people can make wiser selections that balance their palate. My husband had a tummy ache before we even got home and my stomach groaned and gurgled through work the entire next day. Very heavy food, very meaty, and not very island oriented.
(3)
Jennifer J.
This restaurant it a friend's fave and now it is one of mine. The pizza is fantastic and even the sides are very, very well done. I adore the mushrooms and grilled romaine and brussel sprouts. I can't wait to try more of their dishes. The food gets five stars. The only reason I am not giving the whole experience five stars is because one night I received really bad service from a waiter there. It might be worth just doing takeout for that reason.
(4)
Kaniala G.
I have been to Prima twice and both experiences have been great! I went there on a friday night with my mom as she didn't get to try it yet. We were able to be seated immediately either at the bar or outside. We decided to go to the bar and it was a different experience. The bar is right next to the kitchen and we were able to watch the food being prepared. We got to see all the dishes as they were sent out and it was a great experience. The food there is great. I love trying new things and the menu is definitely unique. Prima is best known for their pizza. We ordered the Di Bologna pizza and it was delicious. The pizza has a thin crust that is crispy and the toppings consisted of pepperoncinis, mozzarella, mortadella, rosemary, and a soft boiled egg. The pepperoncinis give a nice touch of sweetness to the pizza, while the egg yolk provides the sauce. We ordered the fritters for our dessert and while they were light and fluffy I expected a little more sweetness from a dessert. The service was quick and friendly and we even talked to one of the cooks for a little while after we finished our main course. I would highly recommend Prima to anyone who wants to have delicious food in a friendly atmosphere. The menu is unique and is great of those who like to try new things. Prima isn't cheap, but considering the quality of ingredients, preparation, and service it is worth the money.
(4)
Sri M.
Last night we went to Prima and I woke up thinking about when I should go back! The food was out of this world. A mix of ingredients you dont think would go well but make magic on your plate! It was actually sensational and I will make sure to tell everyone about it! We sat at the bar which is a full view of the kitchen and watching these chefs carefully put together their food, was a great witness to the magic they serve. Try it , you'll like it ;) my favorite was the fresh made pasta with beets and the pizza with white anchovies! Sounds crazy I know but it is blended perfectly! Be adventurous order the uncommon off the menu!
(5)
Gary P.
God I love this place. I am leaving the island soon so I am now in "eat my favorites one last time" mode and out of discovery mode. I spent so much time trying to eat my way around Oahu, I wish I would have spent more of those nights here, it is truly a gem in the Oahu food scene. So on to the food (and drink). Started things off with one of the famous plantation teas but since they were out of the traditional flavor we went with ginger. It was the perfect combination. I'm not sure if they use a lavender tea but that's what it tasted like and the ginger gave it a nice punch. First thing served was the Maitake Mushrooms, had this last time and it is still awesome. Next out were the chicken fried sweet breads, holy $#@%. I had the sweet breads here before but they were braised and I don't know if they read my review of the braised dish but I'm glad they ditched it and went fried like I suggested because this was possibly one of the best dishes I've had, ever. The sweetbreads were the size of large meatballs breaded and fried really to perfection. I couldn't tell if there was spice in the breading or the pickles but there was a bit of spice. They were served slider style in between some fantastic biscuits and topped off with gravy. I loved the hell out of this dish so much so that I wanted to go in back and kiss the chef. Enough about that, but really, fantastic. Next was the curry papparadelle which we had before and is still great with a side of brussel sprouts, good. Next was the pizza and like I said in my last review, "it's the closest thing to the real deal that I had in Napoli, Italy, the birthplace of pizza". We finished it all up with a "dessert", the special for the night, Fois Gras french toast. Unfortunately they missed on this one which sucks considering the price tag, $19. Don't get me wrong the french toast was delicious , thick cut, buttery and delicious. But that was the problem, the richness of the bread overpowered the grated fois gras on top and the taste was almost lost, all I could taste was the saltiness of the gras. So the night ended in a fizzle but overall Prima is one of the best dining options in Hawaii. Why not a 5 after having one of the best dishes of my life? The setting is not the best for a two hour dinner. The tables are very close and uncomfortable. I had to constantly try to ignore other peoples conversation during my own which is quite annoying after so long. If they want to squeeze more seats in how about just push the tables together so people don't have to act like they are ignoring the person 1 foot away from them...
(4)
Craig L.
My wife and I went for date night and were looking for something more interesting than your basic. This place delivered. In short it's low-key gourmet pizza with a reasonable selection of salads and appetizers. They all sounded good and we settled on the spicy meatball pizza for dinner. It came out looking delicious, truly hand tossed and homemade, with fresh ingredients and a thin crust that was perfectly crispy around the outside. It had just the right amount of kick to it, and the flavors were a great combination. One of the best pizzas we've had in a long time. The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that the restaurant inside where they seated us was sweltering. They claimed it was a ventilation issue but certainly made for less than a perfect evening. That and the timing. The pizza took nearly 40 minutes to come out. We weren't in a hurry but, when you're already a bit uncomfortable because of the heat, you notice every minute of that 40-minute wait. We will definitely go back again. I just hope they fix the ventilation and speed things up just a little bit.
(4)
Jamie L.
Probably the only thing close to real Italian food in Hawaii.. Young, hip, actually trying to do something new. Anyone that bashes on them, doesn't really know what the fuck they're talking about. You want better food in Hawaii? You get it by supporting guys like this. All these wanna be foodies on yelp.. Go suck one. Talk to me after after you've learned to stop burning dinner, which is why you're eating out so much in the first place.
(5)
Erin Y.
It's a cute place, about 9 tables inside, three outside. They were going for modern lofty trendy, I guess. Seats were plastic or wood, not too comfy, and pretty darn close to other patrons. We ordered a pizza and a pasta, and neither were too impressive. The pizza lacked toppings, and the pasta was so-so. The waitress said she was bringing us bread, but it never came. The menu needs better descriptions of items, especially if the waitress is going to do the "that's good, that's good, that's really good" descriptions. As others have said, the atmosphere is loud. Super loud. Not to mention I'm so close to the couple next to us, I could have snuck a bite from her plate. If I wanted to. Which I didn't. She got the same pizza as me, we know how that turned out. Cute concept for this restaurant, but lacks execution.
(3)
David H.
A few months ago I was flipping through the 2013 edition of Frommer's (or was it Fodor's?) gude to Hawaii, & saw that the list of Top Five Oahu restuarants had the usual suspects - Alan Wong's, Buzz's (IMO overrated) - plus Prima. Huh? The little storefront next to the Foodland? Well, last night we had the pizza there & now I am a total convert. To put it succinctly, this is the best true Italian-style (as opposed to Italo-American 'NY' style) pizza I've had in the U.S. Most American attempts at the 'gourmet' style pizza totally overcook the cracker crust that is de rigeur in much of the area around Rome and southwards. While fairly thin & bubbly, Italian pizzas are at the same time moist & flexible - they melt rather than crunch in your mouth. This is exactly what you get at Prima. We had three different pizzas and they were all outstanding. Honestly I don't think you can go wrong here. The version with prosciutto & greens (server said was most popular) is a must-try: it is more or less identical to a great one we had last spring near Pompeii. Don't miss it! One caveat... This is not a warm romantic date spot. The place is pretty small (make a reservation) & the ambience while friendly is a bit minimalist & noisy. Go there for the pizza, not the atmosphere.
(5)
Kiawe T.
This place is so awesome! I love the creative menu, the youthful vibe, the portions are perfectly sized, and the food is hands down delicious. all servers and people who work there have a great attitude and are passionate about what they do. I have been on a few dates here and it has been a very enjoyable time. I would recommend this place to anyone except for my grandparents. This place is like the youthful classy hipster spot for Kailua For me and my age group it is very easy to love this place, however, if you are of more conservative tastes you might be a little less impressed. But for me and anyone else who is maybe between 25-35 you will love this place. minus one star because it gets very hot in there and I sweat a lot.
(4)
Kristen K.
Based on some previous rewiews, apparently we visited when the A/C was broken, too. It was stuffy and hot, and the restaurant is super small so the tables were way too close together for my liking. But besides that, I enjoyed our dinner there! The restaurant is a LOT more casual than I thought it would be. Note to self: it is ok to wear shorts there, in case the A/C is still broken the next time we go, haha. Prima is located in Kailua near Foodland. There's an R. Fields in that one, making it convenient to pick up a bottle or two to bring over for dinner (minimal corkage fee). We went here with another couple, to celebrate both of our engagements. There was a lot of wine and a lot of food involved. The food is reasonably priced, but it can add up quick. We ordered: fingerling potatoes and brussels sprouts to start, the special pasta of the day, and three pizzas (they do remind me of V-lounge ones.....yumm). I love pizzas that are topped with the sunny side up egg. Kind of on the smaller side, but they were all delicious. The timing on everything was good, since the table was super small. We got the two apps first, then 2 pizzas, then the special pasta of the day, and then the last pizza. Our waiter was great. Nice guy. When he announced their dessert offerings I couldn't resist.....so we ordered the deconstructed S'mores. I think he had overheard our "cheers" and "congratulations" to each other in the beginning, so he sent us all out a second dessert on the house. Which happened to be these little cinnamon-sugared doughnut holes. Delish! Overall, a great spot for pizza on the windward side! The drive is worth it (we come from town).
(4)
Brandon Y.
Came here for Restaurant Week and I was just disappointed with the food... I tried every item on the Restaurant Week menu and nothing really stood out for me...some of them were just bad. I'll just point out a few of the items I'm not going to go in to detail about the food since it's not part of the regular menu. I'm also willing to give them another try since everyone seems to rave about their pizza and I didn't get to try it. Service was good our waiter was attentive and I like the fact that they offer BYOB without a corkage fee. Baby Beet Salad - Probably the best thing that I had it I enjoyed the mix of flavors and it was visually pleasing. Mushroom Gnocchi - Gnocchi was overcooked and a bit on the soggy side. Seafood Sausage Cavatelli - The Caveatelli was raw... The outside was ok but the center was just dry and raw. Braised Pork Belly - This dish was alright. Half of the Pork Belly was nice and soft and perfect but the other half was overcooked. The White Bean was a bit too salty. Fall Harvest Pot Pie - A Vegetarian Pot Pie that I felt was just lacking in overall flavor. Dessert - The Chocolate Peanut Butter Smores and Pumpkin Bread Pudding were good. Nothing too exciting but they were done well.
(2)
Tara D.
My friend and I split the Kona Street Pizza which we both really enjoyed. The soft egg in the middle adds a n ice touch that you don't find normally for pizza. We both thought the pricing was pretty high for what the food was and how large it was ($21). The pizza is also pretty small. My friend and I (2 petite girls) finished it quickly and were still a bit hungry after. I think it is made more to share if you're ordering other things as well or if you are eating it alone. The service was good and the food came out pretty fast but overall I'm not sure if I would come back since I thought the prices were too high. I recommend coming here if you have some money to spend and want to try some new flavors. It's a nice addition to the Kailua scene.
(3)
Grant A.
Keep an open mind when you come here. It's not a cookie cutter restaurant. It's very original with great food in a relaxed atmosphere with good relaxing music. They have a good menu, there is something for everyone.
(5)
Greg A.
Pretentious. Brussel sprouts were under cooked. Said they were al dente but my knife couldn't cut them! Curry bolognese? What were they thinking? The sauce tasted slightly burnt the battle between the flavors was offsetting. If you are going to serve a $5 can of beer, pour the beer and remove the can from the table.My wife and I were the first couple seated . The next party they seated was a party of six with a small child right next to us! No intimacy no common sense.
(2)
T B.
So far we have been very impressed with the food here. Interesting menu items, little in the pricy side, but if you're feeling like something good and interesting, Prima doesn't disappoint.
(5)
Nic D.
This is my favorite restaurant on the island. My husband and I come here at least once a week. We take all of our out of town guests here and they all love it as much as we do. The service is great (can be a little slow when they're really busy, but they're human!). Everyone is really friendly and the food is delicious. Every dish is made to order and comes out to you when it's ready. We always struggle to decide which pizza we want to order, but our go-to's are the Sopressatta or the Spicy Meatball (we sometimes get a little crazy and add sopressatta to the spicy meatball! Delish!). The spaghetti dish is also one of my favorites. And their Brussels sprouts! Yum!! For dessert, try a sorbetto or get the Fritters. I highly recommend Prima!
(5)
Sarah P.
Prima serves up unique, flavorful pizzas with the perfect touch of smokey char. Charred. Not burnt! Authentic wood-fired oven pizza at its best. Kona Street pie is my favorite- truffle oil, pancetta, soft-poached egg! What's not to like? We always enjoy a fresh salad with our pie too. We've been eating here since it opened, and the proprietors have recently added the only thing we thought was missing... Air conditioning! Hip ambience, great service, amazing food. Prima's a winner.
(5)
Doris D.
Sorry Prima, not much love from me. We came when Prima first opened in 2011 and the menu was promising and expansive. On our recent visit, the menu was pared down quite a bit with half the menu devoted to gourmet pizzas. So it's a pizza place now? Anyway we had brussel spouts (nothing special), anchovy pizza (soggy crust and mediocre sauce), clams (nothing special), and one shining point: the mushrooms which were great.
(3)
Pat D.
Nothing special going on here. Ordered fish and it was ok, but did not justify the price. Lots of better options nearby. Won't be going back.
(2)
Chelsey N.
We came for a late lunch and shared the field greens, radicchio, and the prosciutto pizza amongst the three of us. The field greens were okay, but needed more dressing. Radicchio is...bitter. I don't know if it's an acquired taste that I'm just not fancy enough to understand. The prosciutto pizza was a little bland but I appreciated the fresh greens they put on the pizza. They also give you a hot sauce to accompany the pizza. It super burns but is very tasty. Our waiter was very nice and attentive. He had to serve the entire restaurant, so props for that. Overall I think we were victims of wrong menu choices and I would come back to try the other yummy sounding dishes. I also appreciate the childhood flashbacks provided by the All-American Rejects-themed mixed tape during our meal.
(3)
Mike P.
My family had two tremendous dinners at Prima over the holidays. I'm surprised others haven't rated it higher. We sat at the bar both times, and got to chat with the chefs, who obviously take a lot of pleasure and pride in what they do. They were great with my kids too - it was a real show for them to watch those guys work, especially the Ferrara pizza oven. And the food - I'm not a pizza aficianado, but it's the best I've ever had. Brussel sprout appetizer was tremendous, desserts were great. Good wine list and good cocktails too. Only negative was a couple of warm bottles of beer one night, but a minor nit. Mostly, it was a great place to have a family dinner and I highly recommend it.
(5)
Lyn L.
Finally got to try Prima....based on the photos posted on Yelp, I expected a different kind of restaurant....seems like there were a lot of entrees posted, but when we got there, it seemed to be more of a pizza place...extremely casual. They have a few items posted on their specials board...they were sold out on one and there was only one other that I'd consider eating. The pasta was very tasty, however for $22 I thought the portion was very small...considering pasta is so inexpensive..tasty, but not value. Same thing regarding the salad...for $9, the salad was very small and the dressing was almost non-existent..... The pizza was ok, we just thought it was also very pricey...$19...it was ok. People there are really nice...air conditioning was not working... Frankly, I don't think we'll be back...I enjoyed the flavors, but didn't feel that we got value for the price....
(3)
Craig B.
Best pizza this side of the Pali. Love the house mango hot sauce and usually go for the green salad and fungi pizza. I like Bob's, Boston's and even the pizza at WholeFoods, but Prima, with their 900 degree oven and unique toppings, is the BEST!!!
(5)
Michael H.
Why this is a 5 star restaurant: The food: pappardelle is the bomb, ahi appetizer unique, fennel panna cotta creative BYOB: next door is Foodland, buy your favorite drink there at grocery store prices , bring it here for free Owner: Roland gave us a sample of the house made bread and discussed local sourcing of ingredients Chef: NYC trained, very creative Location: who expects this quality in a shopping mall in Kailua? Pretty amazing given the location. Try it, I think you will be impressed as much as we were.
(5)
Marie O.
I love most of the dishes I've tried at Prima, but the order and speed in which items come out of the kitchen can be a bit baffling. Prima is best suited to small parties because if your party of 8 ordered several pizzas, none of you will be able to enjoy your hot food at the same time. Best dishes I've had are the dinner pork belly special which they offer very often, the 5 P pizza and the sopressata sandwich (lunch). Try to sit outside because the dining room gets crazy hot and smokey! Love the BYOB and the quirky staff. Service is good.
(4)
Alana S.
We love prima for dinner - highly recommend the boquerones and kona street pizzas, especially with the hot sauce. Our first visit required some coaxing given the location, but we were hooked since then. We have since returned for brunch and will contend that Prima breakfast is kailua's best kept brunch secret. There is no wait to be seated, service is friendly and prompt, the Otis Redding music vibe is perfect, and the food is exceptional. We have licked our plates clean - French toast, patty melt, morning bread, asparagus & Brussel spouts with perfectly poached eggs. Stop waiting elsewhere and find your way to prima brunch.
(5)
Krysten I.
One thing I can say without a doubt, Prima has excellent customer service. From the time we checked in with a pre existing reservation, the staff was friendly, informative and attentive. We had made a reservation for a relatively large party of 7 (Prima is a tiny little place--my friend said that the interior looks like it had once been a Pizza Hut) at 7:30. We waited about half an hour for our table because the party before us was sitting at the table chitchatting as the waiters tried to hint that it was time for them to go. The entire time we were waiting outside, we were constantly apologized to for the wait. Once we sat down, we were informed that the way Prima works is family style, menu items come out as they come out and things are meant to be shared. In my opinion, I think they're trying to get around not having to time items to come out together in the kitchen.... My friend and I shared the grilled octopus($19) and the seafood gnocchi special ($24). Both dishes were fairly salty, but interesting and flavorful. My other friends got pizza, which looked amazing. I think if I ever came back, I'd go for the pizza for sure.
(3)
Rod U.
Solid mixed with the unusual, absurd, bizarre. FUN! (if you have an open mind). Quotes of the night through gritted laughter: "Isn't that plate the floor tile you put in your bathroom?" "What the? Octopus with watermelon and vanilla?" "How do we share one piece of toast?" "Quick, three second rule, the pork slid off the tile when I tried to cut it." Typical strip mall Kailua eatery. Minimal ambiance, very friendly and efficient service, fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Inspired plating. Pizzas and flat breads are some of the best in Hawaii. Well blistered, chewy, gently seasoned crust with whips of smoky bitterness from a wood fired oven. Simple, concentrated, zingy tomato puree base, fresh, milky, house made mozzarella, fresh toppings. The margherita is good. The sauce-less "fungi" (cremini mushrooms, shallots, thyme, parm, lime, mozzarella curds) and the "Di Bologna" (pepperoni, rosemary, mortadella, poached egg and mozzarella curds) get top props. Let the fun begin! Fennel panna cotta. So bizarre. Excessive gelatin creates a cheesy consistency with a bitter licorice flavor. Add a bitter fennel stem marmalade and finish it with some "coffee salt". It's like biting into an unwashed fennel bulb just pulled from the ground. Props for creativity. The grilled octopus with watermelon, fennel, and vanilla is an awful combination of flavors it's laughable. It just doesn't work BUT toss everything and just eat the grilled octopus, wow! Perfectly cooked, tender, delicious. BYOB a plus. Minimal corkage. As we get up from the table, still laughing and having a good time, my Friend's wife points to my shirt; "how apropos". It reads "Don't be too open minded, your brains might fall out".
(4)
Little D.
Fungi Pizza was really good. Got to try their famous Spicy Meatball next time.
(5)
Angelica R.
Husband and tried this place for dinner. We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the pizza creations. The Margherita Pizza was delicious! Next time I'm taking a bottle of wine!
(5)
Lesley S.
When I'm in Kailua the struggle is real when I shop at Whole Foods on whether I want to walk over to Prima and grab to go or be lazy and grab something there. I love Prima. Usually I don't stay because I have the kid in tow, however they treat us with the up most respect even for a trendy italian place. I must say they made me like brussel sprouts. Not even my Mama force feeding and threatening could make me like them. Now I crave them. Their Funghi pizza is so good. I struggle with whether I want that or the prosciutto rucola which has arugula, mozzarella, prosciutto, which is my go to pizza if anyone has it on the menu. I'm a fan of no sauce. I'm telling you definitely check this place out for dinner. There is ample parking, servers are nice (even for to go). LOVE LOVE LOVE it here!
(4)
LeAnne M.
The strawberry salad was excellent and well worth the price. Unfortunately, the pizza was not charred, it was burnt and they tried to pass it off as that's 'just the way it is'. We also ordered the mushroom pasta (which was highly recommended) but they forgot to bring it out with the pizza and then left us waiting... And waiting... And waiting... An hour from sitting to asking for the check, we left disappointed, hungry, hot, irritable. The restaurant may be trendy, but it's to hot and to loud. Of the three of us that went to dinner, one would never come back, one felt bad for the waitress so she will try them again and the other would only come back for the salad.
(2)
D A.
Best brunch in town. I like it for breakfast more so than dinner. Atmosphere is great. Casual and modern. Clean and you get to watch them cook food from the bar.
(5)
Jeremy G.
Food was great every time. So why two stars? There is more to a restaurant than food. The environment is at first glance a nouveau Italian open space. By the end of the meal and on subsequent visits you realize you are sitting on plain wooden benches or lawn chairs and cheap tables. You also leave sweating as there is no AC and the kitchen heats the place to toasty high 80s. Most frustratingly, we have been back several times and either turned away due to issues with management, closed during normal open hours, and not serving the food on the menu (stating it is the wrong time of day). The latter of which forced my fingers to punch this out and guaranteed that we won't be returning. If you chose Prima good luck.
(2)
Adam B.
OK this is my new favorite pizza place now that Augustinos closed. We weren't even going to give them a try but we did and I am glad it was delicious. As for people complaining about burnt crust you obviously haven't ever had true brick oven pizza it is perfect
(5)
Yuko A.
Restaruant Week is usually a HIT or MISS....well at least in my opinion and Prima was definitely a MISS. I know its primariy a pizza place owned by the same owners of V-Lounge so I shouldn't have strayed and just gone with pizza because I definitely had a disappointing meal for $45. 1. Hebi crudo - was one of my favorites, although small it was fresh and a nice start to the meal.. 2. Panzanella salad - I'm sorry but I don't know how they serve this salad on the regular menu. The croutons were rock hard, definitely nothing like the panzanella salad at Cafe 8 1/2 which has a stellar panzanella salad. And it didn't help that I found a hair in my first plate and then again in the 2nd dish they brought out. (Sorry I know its gross, but twice is unacceptable) 3. Seafood Sausage Cavatelli - Blehhhhh.The cavatelli was "homemade" but they might have been better off getting it from a box because it was way too doughy, not at all light. Overall, not impressed with this dish at all. 4. Braised Pork Belly - This was probably the best dish we had. The pork belly was tender and I liked the white bean puree it was served with. The puree was a little too salty though. 5. Pumpkin bread pudding - I like my bread puddings fluffy and eggy so maybe cause thats my preference I didn't think of this as anything special. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I'm not sure I would come here again.....I might as well just go to V-lounge which is closer and serves up similar pizzas
(3)
Terinna R.
It's been about 6 months since my first time to Prima and to be honest I was not impressed this time. It's basically over glorified and over priced finger food... with BYOB. It would've been nice when they took my reservation to ask if I had been with them before.. so when I would have said yes, they could've told me that they've changed and that it was now BYOB. **Food portions have also gone down A LOT and the prices I think were either the same or have gone up. Almost all the pictures of food you see on Yelp are no longer there are very small in portion. So if you eat a lot or are very hungry, make sure you have a lot of money and order your own portions. But if you're not ready to drop at least a minimum of $100- eat before you come. Good for chatting and catching up over a bottle of wine of a 6 pack you bring yourself with friends and family. The only people I noticed that actually felt fool and had left overs were the Japanese tourists that normally already have an extremely tiny appetite.. Not recommended for dinners or celebrations. Not recommended if you're hungry and want a nice meal to celebrate an anniversary or dinner. *sighs* As the waiter told me, "We're always changing... always something new." -- Great if you have no expectations due to previous experience. **I did make my reservation on Open Table- but like always, I call again to confirm my reservation. And for this night- we actually called to change the time a couple of times.
DO NOT order the panzanella salad! It is not that at all! It is ENTIRELY bread with very sparse bits of apples and 1 grape tomato and some basil. Plus I added chicken for $6 and got like 8 thin pieces. What a rip-off and a disappointment!
(1)
Leimomi S.
Excellent food and customer service in Kailua town.
(5)
Lynne N.
Tried to place a phone order today. A lady working there told me they were closed for the day and for future reference, last order they take is at 9pm. I called at 845. If you're closed for the day why did they answer the phone? Just sounds like they didn't feel like working because she is laughing while telling me all of this. I really like this place, but I won't eating there for awhile. Hope the owner reads this so they look over their staff. Just a suggestion, when they close, Yelp should be told.
(1)
Jon A.
Tried to give this place another chance. Approached the host stand, virtually deserted at 6:30pm on a Friday. Asked for seating for 2, host looks around, says since we don't have a reservation he has to check if he can squeeze us in. Walks around the virtually empty restaurant for a minute. Comes back, tells us he can put us on the back wall or at the bar. At this point I notice both doors are open and they have a box fan by the door turned all the way up. Asked him about the AC, he said the hood on one of the ovens was broken so it could get pretty roasty inside. We said forget it and went somewhere else instead. I will not be giving Prima a third chance.
(1)
Frankie R.
It was my very first time eating at restaurant like that. I am very pleased with the service we got and let me tell you, this experience was amazing and I never thought I'd get good service. From all the eateries I have been to, I was very amazed by their menu selections as well as their drinks and gelato menus. If you are in the area, this restaurant is for you. This is a good and awesome place to eat will be back again to eat
(5)
Kris O.
I'm usually a creature of habit, when it comes to dining out, because I like knowing my favorite dishes will always taste amazing. However, it's good to change things up & add some variety to my life, shout out to Max Anton of Paradise Soccer Club for introducing me to your favorite PRIMA pizza & picking up the check. First of all, the owners of PRIMA Hawaii also run the the nationally praised V Lounge & former MELT Food Truck, so I already knew their food would be amazeballs. Secondly, the love & attention PRIMA employees use to create their menu items is evident in their beautiful presentation (which makes my job as a blogger so much easier). Initially, I was afraid to eat the Spicy Meatball Pizza because every inch was beautifully covered in tomato, mozzarella, onion, spicy meatballs, arugula & chilies. However, after spending several minutes photographing this pizza masterpiece, I felt less guilty about devouring my lunch. Every bite of PRIMA's Spicy Meatball Pizza is a delight & was definitely the type of food that demands your attention; eating lunch at PRIMA is an experience in itself & a wonderful reminder there's more to life than capturing the perfect Instagram photo. I LOVE that PRIMA has the following statement printed on their menu: "Our food is made to order & meant to be shared amongst your party. Dishes will arrive when finished." I enjoyed my half of the Spicy Meatball Pizza & couldn't remember the last time I didn't look at my smartphone while eating; PRIMA's atmosphere & food is all about slowing down to taste your food & enjoy the company you're in. If you're in the mood for a meal that utilizes the best & freshest ingredients + believes in making local sustainability a priority, then PRIMA Hawaii is the answer to the following foodie question, "Where should I eat for lunch? Dinner?" *It's NEVER too early to start planning your New Year's Eve, visit PRIMA Hawaii & try their exclusive Tasting Menu. PRIMA is currently accepting reservations (highly recommended) for their New Year's Eve dinner, walk-ins will be available, but expect longer waiting periods.*
(5)
Ira J.
All Prima needs is some hype: then I could truthfully say, "Prima does not live up to their hype." We went for lunch. The menu was limited, and they were out of my wife's first choice. I got the Margarita Pizza. It was really tasty but too skimpy to be worth the high price. The wife settled for the Greens salad. It was not very good. Even if it was, it was too skimpy to be worth the high price. Additionally, the service was friendly but slow. Hype or no hype, I believe I've had my final check-in at Prima.
(2)
Larry P.
I would go back, but I won't write home about it :)... Food is decent for the North Shore, but a bit pricey, no in line with all the retardants there....
(4)
Nana I.
I am baffled by the 3.5 star review I see for this restaurant. Someone must be boosting the average rating deliberately. My husband and I went here on a Tuesday night for an early dinner. The restaurant had one other family sitting and was empty. We ordered a $10 watermelon salad and couldn't believe what we were paying for. It was a handful of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette and maybe 6 small pieces of grilled watermelon. I'm not sorry and it was a pathetic salad. Especially when you know you could probably go across the parking lot and spend that same amount to get an awesome salad the way you want it. Anyway, we ordered 2 margarita pizzas. One came out first and was burnt. It had big black bubbles on the edges and the bottom was black and patchy. When we complained to the waitress, she touched our pizza and man handled it and said, "well there's not much we can do about it. We can scrape it off with a knife." Wtf! Yeah just what I want to eat, a man handled pizza with the burnt edges cut off by yours truly the chef. Wonderful customer service. The waitress proceeded to say, "our pizzas are supposed to be charred." There's a clear line when something is burnt and bitter and charred and crispy in my mind. Well it took some convincing for our waitress to take the pizza back and get them to cook us a new one. Thanks but no thanks. By the way, the pizza barely had cheese on it and the sauce tasted like something generic out of a can. I have no clue what happened to this place because we came here twice before and we didn't remember the pizza ever tasting like that before. This place has potential being in a great location and having a nice facility, but the food is overpriced and doesn't taste good. What more can I say? There are better places to get a wonderful meal in Kailua.
(1)
Tizzle T.
This pizza is so damn good I wake up thinking about it. Anytime I'm near it I have to stop in and take a pie to go, so if you've never tried it...you need to.
(5)
Corinne E.
We came on the wrong night... that night their refrigerator broke down and so their menu items were very limited. But appreciated our waiter and how he still made the dining experience a nice one. Would return. Nice flavors. Casual atmosphere. Free parking.
(4)
Haylee F.
It's not very often I have a reason to be in Kailua, but with all of their new eateries popping up I knew I would have to make the trip! We decided to try Prima, which I've heard great things about. Walking up to the restaurant, we quickly noticed a sign that said: BYOB; fortunately, Prima is right next door to Foodland and R. Field Wine Company so we bopped in there to grab a nice bottle of wine. Our waitress was very nice. She brought a bucket of ice to chill our bottle and told us a little bit about the menu. Everything is meant to be shared family-style, so we ordered: -Grilled romaine hearts with creamy Parmesan dressing: a little too heavy on the dressing but otherwise very flavorful -Brussel sprouts with panchetta: nicely broiled to make the outside leaves crispy -Slow roasted pork belly with sauteed spinach: very good! The port was tender and the skin cripsy! (This seemed to be the trend for the night) All in all it was a good first experience and I would be willing to go back and try it again!
(4)
Theart P.
From bad to worse. I would suggest avoiding this place altogether. From an environment where it's way too loud (employees had the music turned up to concert level) to service that was just unacceptable. The food itself was fine but nothing to excited about and certainly nothing to go through the torture of dining here. The server we had ruined our experience. She brought out our food in the worse order possible. Main entree's before salads and appetizers and our second main well after everything else was already consumed. Horrible experience made worse by the server. To be clear, were were clear how we wanted our order to come out. She completely ignored our request and said that's just how it works here. You get it randomly, without any thought or concern, just whenever the kitchen feels like sending it out. BTW - we arrived very early and there was no one else there. Please note that the restaurant does't have air conditioning so dining inside the restaurant (along with the cranked up music) isn't really an option. It was unbaribly hot inside between the kitchen and the regular heat of Hawaii. Dining outside involves sitting less than a foot away from a constant stream of shopping carts coming to and from Foodland. Also, when siting outside your eyes are constantly being blasted by headlights of cars parking right in front of you, not to mention horns noting every time someone locks or unlocks their car. There are so many better option in this area. Anything would be better than dining here.
(1)
Jessica K.
Disappointed! We went to dinner last night with out of town guests from Brooklyn. Being used to trendy, fresh places, we thought that Prima might fit the bill. We have been to Prima before and appreciated their imaginative menu. We arrived at 7 pm, the time of our reservation. We were not even acknowledged for five minutes. Then a table was pointed out to us- we were not walked to the table. We brought our own wine and the server brought water over quickly. She was relatively cold and took our order, after telling us that they were out of several of the things we ordered. So the long story short, we sat without anything- no salad, no appetizers, no one checking on us for 1 hour and 5 minutes! Finally, salad and brussel sprouts arrived. We didn't have any flatware and asked for some. We waited five minutes and no one returned! That was it. I remained at our table and sent the rest our party outside to find somewhere else to eat. I was going to settle our tab. No one looked at me, checked what was going on, etc. Somehow, though, everyone else in the place noticed. The one upside was that they said I didn't owe anything (only had drank 2 root beers). Unfortunately, this seems to be the state of Kailua restaurants. I try to support local, small businesses, but they are trying my patience.
(1)
Jon E.
Bologna pizza was ok, resulting GI problems may or may not have resulted from the raw eggs (supposedly soft boiled) on it.
(3)
Mich C.
Pizzas were all tasty but not much choice for other entree choices! Entree special are pricey! $32. Brussels sprouts ono, no question! No AC, fans working hard but still hot esp with this humid weather! Staff nice but took a long time before taking our order! They were working hard, needed more help!
(3)
Samantha A.
I came based on yelp reviews and knew it was going to be similar to the v-lounge by ala moana, so I was excited! But come to find out, it was extremely unsatisfying. My husband and I ordered two pizzas (meatball, and pepperoni with a pouched egg), and one dessert. We spent close to $70, and the food was not worth that much. The pizza was bland, and I couldn't believe we paid $10 for a dessert that was literally a spoon full of food, "the marshmallow something." The service was good. The food is just way over priced, and not satisfying.
(2)
Carrie K.
Okay.. I'm usually generous with my ratings BUT...Ugh sorry Prima, I won't be coming back unless there is a major menu change! Pizza was Meh... I was thinking of how I could have been enjoying a Roundtable pizza instead. Mushrooms were good but not Amazing. In fact I was so unsatisfied that I went to Whole foods to get a real slice of pizza! I'm not sure why or how they attract a good crowd. I couldn't even give the free star for BYOB because they serve alcohol.
(2)
Jennifer Y.
This place was amazing. Our friends recommend it so we thought why not let's try it!! Food was fantastic. Love the grilled salads the pizza was awesome. The service was wonderful made us feel like family. This is a great place for a date nite with the husband :) we will be back here!! This might be out Friday nite pizza date nite!! U can bring the kids but the pizza are a little more creative so I'm not sure the kids would appreciate that!
(5)
Graham S.
We have seen this place and debated coming here. They have it down pat. The oven cooked pizza is just right and they have a good combination of alternative and traditional pizzas. The service is good and the folks here are friendly. Give it a shot. I don't think you will be disappointed. Oh. And right now it's BYOB! Awesome!
(5)
Meighan T.
My husband and I tried this place this evening and we were really disappointed. The bottom of the pizza was awfully burnt. The service was nice and for that I'm giving a star. The pizza looked as if a toddler threw it together and the taste of burnt dough was so overpowering that it was impossible to enjoy. I had the fish and chips special. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. We wouldn't come here again for the food. People have raved about their wine selection to us and we also found that to be less than impressive. The inside had a neat vibe and so I've given another star for that as well.
(2)
Malia A.
This place is tucked between woodland and Baskin Robins. We walked by it many times but never stopped because we don't really eat pizza. Last weekend we wanted to try something new for breakfast so we stopped in. We sat at the bar in front of the brick oven. It was nice and toasty which made it nice in a different way. There wasn't much people there so it was almost private. While talking to the cook Ryan he talked us into a breakfast pizza. Bacon, eggs, and fresh mozzarella. It was delicious!!! So good we ordered a second. The price is kind of high for a 6 slice pizza but the way its prepped is light and tasty. Not oily and greasy. Our experience was great and we would recommend this spot.
(4)
Dani T.
This review is because I love this place and I want it to get back to the way it was. I don't know what they changed but our pizzas that we've been getting since they opened were tasteless and underdone. I mean really tasteless like not one spice, even the fresh leaves of basil tasted like bland lettuce. The cheese didn't have a taste. It was strange. Strawberry macadamia jidori chicken salad was the best part. Staff excellent! One suggestion to Prima. You guys used to do a fried chicken and this onion puree soup when you first opened. I'm not kidding when I say they were in my top 10 favorite dishes and I've been everywhere. You should bring those back.
(3)
Emi H.
There has been a hole in my heart ever since V-Lounge closed its doors. Since its untimely departure every other pizza join has paled in comparison and one way or another always seems to fall short. Either the crust is wrong or the toppings are incompatible and inevitably I'm left a little sadder for my efforts. It's been a few years since I last visited Prima and when my in-laws suggested we go here for dinner after a hike I jumped at the chance to see if my beloved V-Lounge pizza could once again be found. For anyone who's ever been left broken hearted we all know that taking a chance to fall in love again is never easy. I was completely prepared for the worst second date ever, but as with all the men I've loved in my life, it was a pleasant surprise and one I'm happy to come back to again and again! Prima has the same wonderful pizza as V-Lounge - crisp crust, fresh and flavorful toppings, with margherita being a simple favorite. But thankfully it has a much more enjoyable environment than it's now gone counterpart. I like a good dive bar as much as the next girl, but I much prefer the casual bistro style dining at Prima. Currently they're BYOB so be sure to take advantage while this lasts. R Fields is right next door and has a fantastic wine selection. They also take reservations if you've got a big party so make sure to call ahead!
(5)
Angela M.
Dear Prima, You are good-looking. You look modern and industrial and cool with colors that match our house, and we like you more because of the validation that makes us feel. You sent us an adorable waiter (Kenin, was it?) and he was a delight. Honest, efficient, un-offended by whatever my husband was saying about testicles, and excellent with menu suggestions. We ordered the mushrooms, radicchio, margherita pizza, pistachio glace, and the gelato sorbetto assortment. Oh and an Ono pops pineapple soda, which was perfect. Your food is far fancier than your ambience. When our mushrooms arrived it was a beautiful plate, so beautiful that we had not a clue how to eat it. Once we betrayed our air of sophistication (which does not really exist, ever) and inquired as how to consume such a work of art, we had the privilege of experiencing amazing. Amazing. Everything was delicious. However, the most wondrous taste sensation was the unassuming scoop of soursop sorbet included in our dessert assortment. We LOVE soursop. We are not even Filipino. We plan to grow a tree in our yard and eat large amounts of what will surely be an impressive crop and experience toxic neurological side effects from accidentally consuming seeds. But I digress. The sorbet was nothing but fabulous. I wish my dish had only contained four scoops of soursop and no scoops of other flavors. I wish I could have purchased a gallon to take home. I wish I were spooning it into my mouth this very moment. I wish it wasn't a special flavor and you offered it every second. Pity that wishing is a pointless endeavor indeed. You were wonderful. Love, Angela
(5)
Hope M.
Excellent food at reasonable prices. What more could you ask for? Music inside was a little loud for conversation. Did you know they do brunch too? Luckily I found that out today. French toast was amazing and french press coffee was a perfect combo. Makes you feel like you're having a fancy meal without regretting it when the check comes around.
(5)
Alexis K.
Food is fantastic ! Fresh ingredients. Wonderful flavors . I love the food . Will be back for more . parking is decent . Con : the service is confusing wasn't sure either to seat ourselves or wait to be seated . Waitress was nice but weird . Had to grab menu our selves . cooks don't call out orders . So had to wait for waitress to check on food . Which took a while . it's a little hot in there . Overall the food is worth trying !
(3)
C Y.
Went back to prima after not having been there for over a year. The mushroom appetizer and other dishes were still good. But I was appalled that the air conditioning was not working. With the hawaii summer heat and the open pizza oven, the dining room was unbearably hot. We sat outside, which was obviously better. But will not be back until they fix the air conditioning. It may sound trivial, but our waiter said that the air conditioner had been out for some time. It suggests that management does not care enough to invest in the physical space. Too bad!
(3)
Faith B.
Went to Prima SUnday, July 13. Got there at 8:30 pm. Was told by the hostess they were "closed for maintenance." I totally got the impression they didn't want to serve another table. There were a lot of patrons in the restaurant. What kind of business performs maintenance when they're supposed to be open? Maintenance should be done after closing. I'll never go there again.
(1)
Gindak T.
We came to Prima to celebrate my husband's birthday...high expectations... The waiter was nice and explained that they would bring one course at a time so we can enjoy each dish. Ordered salad, head cheese appetizer, pork belly entree and a pizza. We were told that the pizza would be last, so we can take home leftovers If we were too full. Before we know it, the pizza and salad came at the same time. We were surprised, but started on pizza so it wouldn't get cold. Then the hot appetizer came after two bites of pizza! So we took a bite of that, and then the pork belly arrived! All four dishes came within 10 minutes! The waiter apologized, but did nothing...he knew we were upset because we were trying to gobble everything down so the food wouldn't get cold! Obviously our dinner was ruined bc we couldn't appreciate each dish....food/flavors all blended together! They gave us 10% off the bill....we were too upset to question it. Just wanted to leave.... The next day, we called Prima and spoke to the manager/owner, Roland. He was very apologetic. Offered to make things right because he believed in "the customer being happy". We agreed that he would give us an additional 40% credit refund so the total would be 50% off....he would take care of it. We waited...no refund. We emailed AND texted him to inquire about the delay, and Roland never replied to either message. We were happy that he offered to "fix things"....we would have forgiven the poor service, but it has been one month now...he's had plenty of time to make things right! Roland did NOT honor his word....and did not have the courtesy to reply! No excuse for lying and rudeness....This customer is NOT happy....
(1)
chett f.
Alcohol now served. Music level much better and more varied (not just thumping techno; Johnny Cash too!) Pizza still best on the island. Prima, you're back on my short list. Mahalo.
(5)
Jenn T.
Came here for my moms bday after she noticed it super packed when walking by a while back. The restaurant was surprisingly small, with a noisy upbeat environment. The menu here is very interesting, with different twists to different asian cuisines. We ordered a few dishes to share, all of which were pretty tasty. We got the fennel panna cotta, which was interesting twist to a dessert made into an appetizer. THe maitake musrhooms were interesting, with different variety of mushrooms on top a patte type spread. We also ordered the panang curry clams, which had a strong flavorful taste to it, but nonetheless good. We also ordered the pappardelle, which was a nice pasta like dish with a meaty flavor. We also had the grilled local octopus and the green risotto by recommendation, which were both very delicious! The green risotto was probably my favorite dish of the night. We also ordered the roasted lamb, which took sorta longer than expected, but was good as well. The service here was pretty decent, with the waitress being slammed and still helping us out. Since our lamb was delayed, she offered us a free dessert, which we got a chocolate, peanut butter, covered banana thing (sorry don't remember exactly what it was) but it was very good. Overall a very unique restaurant that I would love to come back to!
(4)
Joy N.
I wished I lived in Kailua so that I could eat here more often!!!!! My friends and I decided to try this restaurant on good reviews from other friends and Yelp. We were not disappointed. Looking over the menu had me drooling in two seconds. I wanted to order everything!!!!! But my friends and I held back to just five dishes. Brussel sprouts, maitake mushrooms, Chicken-Fried Veal Sweetmeats, Gnocchi german salad, and Boquerones pizza. As every dish came out all you heard from our table was, "Ooooo. Mmmmm". LOL. The only thing that marred my experience here was that the service was inconsistent towards the end of our meal. We had to wait ten minutes for a dessert menu after our table was cleared, our first selection came out timely, but our second one was forgotten and had to be made when we inquired about it. We also had to wait a while for our check. This was a little strange because from the time we checked in and were seated, customer service was excellent. But once dessert came around it was like we were fading into the background. I will be back to try other things on their menu. I recommend reservations if you are planning to go for dinner.
(4)
Ea C.
Came here based on the reviews and because it's right around the corner from where we live. We ordered the Panzanella Salad as an appetizer, which was good. We also ordered Pepperoni Pizza, which was average and also a Spicy Meatball Pizza. They were out of meatballs, so I ended up ordering the Prosciutto Rucola; it wasn't great, but it wasn't disgusting either. Overall, it's overpriced and I think it's owned by the same people, because when I looked at my credit card statement, it was charged by V-Lounge. This was an upset because V-Lounge has great pizza. So if you want really good pizza and a relaxed atmosphere, skip Primas and go down to V-Lounge.
(2)
Dea S.
Wife and I enjoy the food and atmosphere, wait staff please stop pushing the "pork belly' pizza, its not awesome, its a pile of fat chunks & it sucks, k thanks
(3)
Thomas O.
If you go to Prima with high expectations, it may be your only visit. If you go to Prima with without any expectations, it may be your only visit. Why? Because, like my mom said, "Where's the PROMO?" But that's just it, there isn't any. Just pretentious Prima (donna) fluff and a side of fingerling potatoes, a la carte of course. For a neighborhood restaurant, especially in Kailua, you'd expect to find something that was family style and catered to serving anyone and everyone, just like the restaurant (Mama's Island Pizza) that occupied this space previously. But at Prima, it's a much different story. Stark white walls. Modern wood tables with rounded corners. Sharp Courier New menus. Green glass water carafe bottles. Ikea-esque sea foam chairs. All of which are absolutely clean and definite likes of mine, but does it fit the beachy/family/laid-back/cozy bungalow aesthetic of sleepy Kailua town? Mehhh, not really. But das minahz, brah. The service is excellent. No complaints. The food though...well...it's pricey. Almost too pricey for even a family like mine. Especially one that likes to eat to be full. For two of us, my mom and I, our bill came to $25 + tip (cash only). But Thomas, that isn't SO bad, is it? Well, considering the room temperature "bowls" of Split Pea Soup @ $7 each were shallow enough to be considered deep plates, then yes it was. (No bread to dip either) You honestly get more soup (+ crostini) at Nordstrom Marketplace for half the price. As for taste, it was the best split pea soup I've had. Very savory. Very pea-y. Very delish. Pinkies up now, pinkies up. And considering the $10 Meatball Bruschetta only included 1 sliver of toasted (but not warm) bread and 4 spicy (but not hot) meatballs, then yes it was even more so. I've had cold bruschetta before, but I'm almost certain that this should have been piping hot. As for taste, it was aight. Wont get it again, but it would have been damn good to make into a meatball sammie by slapping another bread on top. But they just might charge $5 more.. We both left there hungry. And After mingling around the new Executive Chef, we popped into CPK around the corner for Mojitos and some appetizers. Nothing like an early afternoon drink to take the christmas edge off, right? Maybe even to take the edge of off spending so much on soup and a meatball or two. In the end, the food is tasty, but too rich for our wallets. Maybe if everything was cheaper by $5, then this place would have been pumpin'! We were the only one's there at about 12:15 and for our whole meal, we had the restaurant to ourselves until a couple came in to have wine at about 12:45. Come here if you plan to spend a pretty penny on a petite plate or two.
(3)
Scott S.
Pizza wasn't too bad and appetizer was decent. Problem with the place was everything was the same few basic ingredients and overpriced for quantity. Service was good though. Limited menu selection, try it if you're in the mood for small meal at Hawaii prices.
(3)
Amanda A.
Loved this place and will for sure be back. Love the family style shared plate deal. Got to try multiple dishes and was more than satisfied with each. 3 side dishes and a pizza was perfect for two people. When I say the BEST brussel sprouts, I mean the BEST!! I have never had anything so good before. It's like they sprinkle light bits of heaven on them. Friendly staff, we ate outside but definitely a good atmosphere. I would highly recommend Prima.
(5)
Liberty P.
My friend Aaron claimed Prima has the best pizzas on the island. Now, I've heard this statement before from friends about other pizza places in town and wound up being disappointed, so I took his words with a grain of salt. Fortunately, Prima lives up to high expectations. I dined in with three friends. We ended up ordering two pizzas, funghi and proscuitto rucola, since their pizzas are 10" in diameter and only worked out to a slice and a half per person. None of us seemed to mind, though. Each of us couldn't stop raving about how fresh the bread and the ingredients were. It really does make a difference. Pizzas are $15 or $16 each, depending on which one you choose. Prima also gives you the option of adding toppings - a charge per extra topping. Prima is what I'd call a fancy-shmancy pizza place - a far cry from everyday pizza chains. Now, by "fancy-shmancy," I don't mean formal - it's casual dining. But judging from the modern decor, the fresh, local ingredients listed in its menu, the unusual topping combinations, and the brick oven behind the counter, you get that Prima is a pizza parlor of a different caliber.
This cozy little restaurant serves the best wood fired pizza I've ever tasted! The pasta is also a must have along with the fritters!
(5)
Sharon S.
I love the pizza here! We lived in Naples, Italy, for seven years and really miss Neapolitan pizza and this is one of the best on Oahu. That said -it is NEAPOLITAN pizza- so if you want American pizza that has lots of sauce and no charred bits then don't come here. One of my biggest complaints with Neapolitan pizza places in the US is when they pile on the toppings to Americanize it. We were previously here for brunch and ordered the breakfast pizza (which I normally would not have ordered) and it was delicious! I do agree the tomato sauce on the pizza is not the best and, the last time I was here, they told me they were out of prosciutto because they had a busy weekend. Okay- but it was Wednesday late morning and, by the way, Prima is right next door to Foodland which sells prosciutto....
Stopped for dinner after a day at the beach. We must've looked a mess, but they seated us promptly and were very gracious. I started with a glass of very tasty Prosecco and my husband ordered a glass of the Sangiovese that was served warm. Wine presents best slightly chilled - too warm and the alcohol is too pronounced, overpowering the fruit. My husband and I shared the steamed mussels with a garlic breadcrumb on top - loved the grape tomatoes, greens, and generous garlic pieces! We also ordered the specialty pizza of prosciutto, mozzarella and a sunny side egg on top - very nicely done! For my entree I ordered the pork belly served over a bed of polenta with greens and caramelized onions - they did justice to the pork belly. It was very tender and pan seared with a nice crispness - I loved that it was delicately seasoned (I always worry that it will be over salted). The polenta had good flavor & seasoning, and was just a bit grainy and it complemented the pork belly nicely. Thank you for a lovely meal!
(4)
Christine P.
This was the first time I had the pleasure of going to Prima in Kailua. It was just after the Cool Kailua Nights Festival and me and some other Yelpers wanted a late night snack. The service was amazing, everyone was so nice and welcoming even though it was close to their closing hours. We ordered two pizzas and they were ready in about 7 minutes, that was the fastest pizza I ever had! Not only were their pizzas done in record time, they were delicious!! It was the cherry on top of the sundae. Their margherita pizza is to die for and I loved their Italian Sodas!! I will definitely be going back in the near future!!
(5)
Ariel A.
Food was awesome and servers did an excellent job at explaining the specials of the day. Keenan was very thorough when delivering our food. Place is quite small so tables were very close together (I could touch the people sitting next to us if I extended my arms out). We went in hoping to order a pizza but was told they ran out of pizza dough. It was fine since there were a couple of other things we wanted to try that were also on special. But what wasn't ok was that a couple who came in after us grumbled about not having pizza dough then all of a sudden the server was able to find one last pizza dough. This wouldn't have been a problem if the server didn't just tell us that there was no pizza dough. (Mind you we can hear the server saying they had one more) Unfair! other than that I would probably come back to try the pizza out, just make sure to make reservations since they seemed pretty busy all night.
(3)
Rita L.
arugula prosciutto pizza and french toast foie grois is a must. I do love the special pizzas with an egg on top. I honestly am addicted to this place. I love the service and i love how casual the restaurant is. BYOB is great too, especially with a wine store next door. The mushroom pizza is delish as well!
(5)
Drake W.
This place is amazing! Just a great place to enjoy great food I highly recommend the sandwiches at lunch which is from 11-2 pm. For dinner I recommend the margarita pizza, Brussels sprouts and the romaine lettuce it's all excellent and you won't be disappointed.
Wow. Such a great concept and really great food. This is really a place that I would recommend any of my friends who come to Hawaii to go to. When you walk in you feel transported off the island to a restaurant somewhere much more metro like LA or NY. Really fresh ingredients, really well cooked food. Everything is really more tapas style and meant to order several dishes to share. We did a chef tasting when we were there and I think my favorite dishes were the meatballs (made there with fresh meat and fresh mozzarella that they make in house, melting out of it), the buffalo clams (clams in a buffalo chicken type sauce) and oh and their pappardelle was soooo good! It had this curry sauce and deep fried curry leaves that were just devine.
(4)
Kyle H.
I'm torn about this place in Kailua. On one hand the food was pretty awesome. On the other, this is a modern style pizza place in a strip mall in Kailua that thinks its on the upper east side of Manhattan. Seriously, the food is awesome. Highlights being the chorizo soup and spicy meatball pizza. However, the great food is offset by the pretentious skinny jeans wearing server we had, and overall feel to the place. I'm just sayin'. If you're in Kailua, I'd definitely consider it. Take out would be optimal IMHO.
(3)
Caitlin C.
Oh my gosh. Such good food and an amazing atmosphere. feels very European and I love it (: Bre was an amazing server and suggested our whole menu for the night. the prosciutto pizza, Brussels sprouts, Penne de Crema and not to mention the s'mores were absolutely phenomenal. Love everything about this place. new favorite restaurant one. Keenan was also really awesome and made the visit feel like I've eaten here all my life. Love this place
(5)
Christy K.
I came here because they're quite popular in the local foodie scene and I've seen Instagram pictures of their food that have made me salivate. Their forte is pizza (of V-Lounge fame), with an emphasis on locally-sourced products. We ordered the Maitake Mushroom dish, a salad, the Boquerones pizza, the guanciale pasta, Brussels sprouts, and two cocktails. Our bill was a fair amount for two people. However, we got the WORST SERVICE EVER! I kind of hate saying that, because I, myself, work in a restaurant, but, seriously. The food runner dropped our mushroom dish with no explanation and the server came back and asked, "Did anyone explain this to you?" Then they dropped our salad and pizza, and said, "Here's your salad... And here's your pizza." I had to call the server over to find out what exactly was in the salad, and he looked irritated that he had to explain. We were still hungry, so we ordered the pasta, but they had forgotten our Brussels sprouts, so that came after the pizza, by itself. Then the pasta came much later. It was like a coursed meal! I enjoyed the Brussels sprouts, so I asked where they were from. The server says, "Oh, they're not local. We sell so many of them, there's no way they're local." And then he proceeds to walk away. Um, okay? All in all, a really bad experience. The food was decent, with the mushroom dish being the highlight, but you've gotta be a really bad chef to screw up salad, pizza, and pasta... so... yeah I'm never going back solely because their service really sucks.
(2)
Rome S.
I eat paleo, so when I cheat on pizza it has to be exceptional. Their pizzas meet that mark. Along with appetizers and service.
(5)
Brett J.
Altogether a Great Spot. Close to the best Pizza on the island. Fresh Neopolitan all the way. Beware of the heat coming off of the brick oven, especially in the summer months. The food is light and well prepared, almost something you would expect in the Northeast. The wine list could use a few more vintages.
(4)
Kevin M.
This place is awesome! Everything from the appetizers to the main dishes were phenomenal. The tandoori pear was very unique, the chef really knows how to put together some amazing flavors. The braised pork belly was to die for, and the prosciutto pizza was also excellent! It was really cool to bring your own beer(s) in from next door. Thanks and keep up the good work!
(5)
Jayde G.
First time at Prima... Can I get a high five?! :) ...Fabulous service for our party of 12. Started with wine (great selection) ...Grilled Romaine and Maitake Mushrooms - amazing!! I highly recommend both! ...had the Pappardelle Curry Pasta and Sopressetta Pizza. Tons of yummy flavors! Finished with Monte Blanc and quad of Sorbet and Gelato for dessert. Perfect ending! I'll definitely return!
(4)
Amy N.
My husband and I finally got a babysitter so we could have a nice dinner out. We weren't sure where to go since we've been sticking to kid-friendly joints these days, but a friend recommended Prima so we gave it a shot. I had driven by here and never realized it was a restaurant since it's nestled in a strip mall between Baskin Robbins and Foodland. Such an odd location for the type of restaurant this is, but once we got inside, the ambience was lovely. The decor is very simple, modern and clean and I loved the little water glasses with water bottles they brought to the table. This is BYOB and luckily there is a wine store next to it and a Foodland right there so you can quickly pop out and get your drinks. I decided to stick with the Waialua Cream Soda they had available, but my husband grabbed a 6 pack next door. We decided to share an appetizer. I thought the selection of house bread with butter and olive oil would be nice, but then I noticed it was $5. I don't think $5 is expensive, but for bread and butter that usually comes standard at restaurants? Seemed silly so we ordered the crispy fingerling potatoes. They were pretty good, but we almost felt like they needed something with them....a dip perhaps? Or does that make it sound like we're watching a football game? I don't know....they were missing something, though. Then we ordered 2 pizzas---Margarita pizza for me and Spicy Meatball pizza for him. They were both absolutely delicious, but we stuffed ourselves silly so we probably should have shared a pizza and saved room for one of their desserts. A reason to go back! Our waiter was super friendly and the rest of the staff was just as nice. All in all, we really enjoyed our dinner at Prima and passed their menu on to our babysitter---who happens to be another mother and we're trading babysitting every other weekend so we can actually go out with our husbands! Imagine that!
(4)
Karen D.
Weird, very weird. This was one of the strangest dining experiences I've had recently. Those of us who live in Kailua know that there aren't too many great restaurants here, so I was thrilled when Prima opened! I waited a few weeks to ensure they worked out any kinks in the business, then I read the up-and-down reviews and decided to take the plunge. Alas, Prima is a missed opportunity, an example of what-not-to-do with regard to service and ambiance while serving up tasty treats. Yes, the food was very, very good. But that's where the goodness ended. We started off on the wrong foot when the hostess, who was absent from her station for a few minutes, finally arrived looking frazzled. She then proceeded to have us stand there for a few more minutes while she ran all over the restaurant looking for menus. Hmmm.... Finally, we were seated. Now, I had made reservations requesting a lanai or window-side table. However, they had seated ahead of us an entire baseball team outdoors for a rollocking good time of after-game brewskies, thus we were banished to the far corner of the restaurant, near the woodpile. Yes, woodpile. For the brick oven. Stacked in the dining room. I was fervently hoping that no roaches would come crawling out! We were then regaled by an extensive playlist of finest 90s-era RAP music (think Eminem) as we ate a brick-oven pizza and an assortment of small plates in this urban-chic wanabee restaurant. The food was extremely tasty, but also extremely pricey. And given the overall experience, I will not return anytime soon. FIVE stars for quality/taste of food, ONE star for price and so-called ambiance, and THREE stars for service. Sad. Yelp 365 Challenge #172
(3)
Tracy L.
I dunno what's happening with Prima lately, but the food and service is starting to feel weird. Usually when we go, the service is great, the items are described well, and the wait staff check up on us to see if everything's going ok. On my most recent visit, the waitress read us the menu and specials, one of the specials being this spaghetti with "bacon." When we heard bacon, we thought "Yummmmm," so we ordered it. When the dish arrived, we could barely eat it as it tasted as if a scoop of salt was dropped it. The waiter asked the kitchen to make another one. When we received that dish, it was still salty. Then... another waiter who walked by and saw our uneaten meal explained that the "bacon" is actually a special type of bacon that is cured in (you guessed it) salt. That explains it. Oh well, we still paid for our $20. spaghetti even though we couldn't consume it. Otherwise, the margarita pizza is always a sure thing, as well as the brussels sprouts. Will we go back there? Probably not. There are so many other good places to eat that really want the business.
(2)
Bob M.
I wanted to give this place a try despite a friend's lackluster review. We were looking to have a salad and pizza. With its limited salad menu we went with the Field Greens. It seemed to be bagged salad from the grocery store with a few extras just for show. Underwhelming presentation and it didn't taste like anything at all. Maybe we chose badly, but if it's the only salad with greens on the menu, then it should be on point. Our server took it off the bill, so that was appreciated. As for the pizza, we had the prosciutto and arugula. It was flavorful, but heavy on arugula with four pieces of prosciutto. I guess we got our greens in after all. Good taste, but a little imbalanced. Don't plan on going back.
(2)
Maria L.
It's sad.... We used to go to Prima more often, and used to be excited about going there. The 5 P Pizza was great, and the Brussels Sprouts awesome. The mushroom appetizer is still great and the pear. There are several other little dishes that used to be good. But over time we have come to realize that the meat slices and pepper slices on our pizzas have gone down in size. The portion size of the Brussels sprouts (which were already small but a good size) became even smaller - there were about 3 tiny pieces of pancetta total in the dish. In the past the pork belly special was superb, beautiful thick pieces with gorgeous plating. The last two times we have ordered this special, the pork belly was fairly dry and the portion pieces were extremely small - not worth $30 something for it. (I was so looking forward to it too.) The service... has gone terribly downhill. It took over 10 minutes to get our credit card back the last time we went to eat there, and there were a total of maybe 3 other tables there - apparently they had sent home wait staff - but apparently they needed to keep the wait staff there. Additionally, rumor has is that some of the staff isn't even getting paid - again rumor, but perhaps this is an indication as to why it has been declining in service and productivity. Went to check out breakfast there, and while the food was pretty good (waffle could have used more than 7 squares filled with syrup), service was incredibly slow because there was only one cook .... mind you, there was only one other table of three individuals seated next to us but the food still came out really really slowly. So sad, because it has been so nice to have such a unique option in Kailua for food - but we may have to stop eating there due to the lack of good service and quality of food.... hopefully the restaurant can get it together and get back on track!
(2)
Warren F.
Everything was great. Sat at the bar and ate, you get to watch em cook your food. All really good, fresh and local ingredients. There's only a couple outstanding restaurants in Kailua, this is one of them. Also, best pizza around, thin crust and fresh ingredients. Had a spicey meatball pizza, yummy good!
(5)
Braddah Bryan F.
Great food and service. Pizza and pork belly is a must! Gets crowded during the weekend so make reservation!
(5)
Nadia K.
Prima had been on our list of places to try since my coworker had told me that his wife, who is from Italy, gave the thumbs up on the pizza there. But being that Prima is all the way in Kailua, it took us awhile to make it happen. But I'm glad we did because I really enjoyed the pizza. The crust was good and the taste of the pizza was really good. We started with the sopressatta pizza, chicken fried veal sweetbreads, pork belly special, and maitake mushroom appetizer. But once we had a bite of the pizza, we ordered a margherita pizza too. We enjoyed everything we ordered. I thought it was a bit hot in the restaurant, but then again we brought our two kids with us and my 1 year old always makes me work up a sweat while keeping him busy. They are a kid friendly place, but they don't have any high chairs so if you make a reservation, let them know, and they will seat you against the wall. The bathrooms are outside and you need a key. Since my visit, I have found out that you can get the same pizza at the V lounge. Yay! I like to have options. :) Definitely try if you love pizza!
(4)
India R.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Kailua! Great food, pasta and pizza, and creative apps. Since I'm there fairly often, I would like it if they would switch up the menu once in awhile and I wish they would be open for LUNCH. However, they do charge a $3.00 corkage fee, and it's a bit noisy, but I love the food! So it makes up for it! The Pappardelle is my favorite, it comes with fried curry leaves!! Such an interesting combination! Great service, family style and things come out one at a time which I enjoy. That way you can have a taste of everything!
(4)
Stacie P.
AH-MA-ZING! I don't eat out much so this past Friday when I went to dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday it was ON like Donkey Kong and Prima did not disappoint (*Note: there is a disclaimer to this statement that I'll talk about later in my review but for now lets keep it on the up and up) My friends and I had reservations for dinner this past Friday night 11/22/2013 which happened to be during restaurant week. I'm not sure what restaurant week is all about but at Prima it meant a special tasting menu that allowed diners to order items not typically on the menu. Since it was a special occasion and being that I don't dine out often, it was time to indulge! The tasting menu was $45 per person. I'll pause here and just say that I took pictures of everything we ate but completely blanked and forgot to take a picture of the menu so I have no idea what we ate other than that it was good! THE HIGHLIGHTS: BYOB! There were 3 of us for dinner and we each bottle a bottle of wine. Well, actually, 2 of us brought bottles of wine and the 3rd one of us brought a bottle of vodka which got some stares from other customers and cheers from our waiter, Keenan! Hey, we were 3 friends out to celebrate so that we did! OUR WAITER: Keenan was our waiter and he was fun, attentive and extremely apologetic for things that were just beyond his control (*note: refer to the disclaimer) APPETIZER: The appetizer was a sashimi dish with deep fried kale and some kind of sauce. Now, I realize an appetizer is intended to be a small portion but when the waiter came out with the dish, the serving size was just laughable. It wasn't a typical slice of sashimi, instead, it was more like tiny scraps of fish on an extra large plate. Despite the teeny tiny itty bitty portion, the dish was AH-MA-ZING. It was so YUM and my favorite of the night! I loved the deep fried kale that topped the fish, which gave the melt in your mouth fish a crunch texture. DESSERT: The dessert options included a pumpkin bread pudding and a smores. Being that I LOVE pumpkin, the decision was easy for me. Ironically, however, the best part of the dish was the caramel sauce that was drizzled over the plate. I had a mini orgasm the caramel was so good. The rest of the dessert was delicious but I was disappointed in the whip cream that topped the dish. I like sweet, as you could've probably guessed, and the whip cream was anything but that. However, my friend, who ordered the same dish said that the fact that the whip cream wasn't sweet was why she loved the dish so much. She said that's how dessert it supposed to taste - not so sweet and I say bring on the caramel!! THE NOT SO GOOD: ENTREE: The entree was the only disappointing dish and out of the 2 options: one being a roast pork and the other a root vegetable pot pie; I chose the latter. The pot pie was served in a ramekin like dish with steamed vegetables on the bottom and a puffed pastry on top. As cute as it looked in it's petite little outfit, it was forgettable. The vegetables were bland and needed either salt, as my friend said, or my vote was for a creamy sauce smothered over everything. THE DISCLAIMER AND EPIC FAIL OF THE NIGHT: So of all nights that we go out we end up eating in a sauna! Unbeknown-st to us, the air conditioner at the restaurant was broken this night. I had arrived a few minutes ahead of our party and checked in with the hostess who was standing outside. It wasn't until I walked into the restaurant that realized I was in a sauna; it was like eating in a desert for the entire duration of our meal. We grinned and bared it, and I'm glad we did because the food was AH-MA-ZING (Are you tired of hearing that yet?), but I had sweat running down my back and ass crack it was that hot. It was comical to look around the restaurant to see how others were trying to keep cool. One guy had a grocery bag filled with ice that he was balancing on the back of his neck. Another little kid had stripped down to his diapers and we were ordering buckets of ice. We all joked that this was the only dinner where we actually burned off calories. In all seriousness, though; it was H-O-T. The worst part was that the manager didn't even bother to come around to the tables to acknowledge the broken a/c. Our waiter apologized profusely but, come on now, something like this warrants the manager's attention. In addition, there was no compensation (free dessert or percentage off the bill), of any kind, offered to patrons as an apology - not good and bad form, hence the 4 stars vs. 5 Would I come back? Absolutely but I'd have to make sure the a/c is working
(4)
Carol Lynn G.
Arrived here after a long drive from town, 15 minutes early for an 8p reservation. Was then notified the restaurant is closing early because the pizza dough is just not "working" today. Let the server know that I had a standing reservation to which she replied, "Oh I didn't see that!" as she was shutting the door. Terrible service (would have at least appreciated a phone call), will never eat here again.
(1)
Co Y.
So, first time here. Early Saturday evening. We were asked if we had reservations. We didn't. Didn't look crowded, even for a small place. She came back and said they could seat us. Funny, we got seated at the largest table in the restaurant. The menu: small. Not much choices. Not much alcohol choices either. We were not sure what to order. The menu descriptions were not detailed. It told you what was in it but didn't say if it had dressing or not, etc. We ordered a seafood dish that was on special and a pizza. Pizza was okay, nothing special and definitely not worth it for the price. The seafood dish was good but the 2 pieces of toast that came with it was burnt! Overall, we will not be returning. Mediocre food at expensive prices. I was still hungry after spending $68 plus $15 tip for 2 people and a kid. This place is also not for kids. Nothing for a kid to eat. I plucked off the toppings from the pizza and basically gave him the bread. No free house bread. House bread is $5. We left and went to Foodland for beer and poke. The Tecate beer that my husband ordered at the restaurant was warm! Crappy place. Never again.
(1)
Craig W.
Magnificent meal. they had a pork belly special that was particularly good. This is a place I will definitely return to.
(5)
Heberto G.
Cozy restaurant with phenomenal brick oven pizza. The spicy meatball pizza and the prosciutto with arugula are my two favorites. All of their food is exceptional. Be sure to try the special appetizers that change daily - very unique and very delicious. That also goes for their desserts, all homemade. Prima recently started opening for lunch Wed.-Sat. and now we can enjoy them twice as much. The only slight bummer is that they stopped serving beer and wine. They charge a pricey corkage fee if you bring any alcoholic beverages, especially not worth it if you bring your own beer. I suggest that you have some drinks before you get there, or maybe as a way to wrap up your evening, but go somewhere else - stick to the food at Prima. The staff and service is awesome, they always make us feel at home. Love this little gem in Kailua.
(4)
Holly B.
Appetizers are outstanding, especially the mushrooms on toast! Delicious! My friend and I were quite happy indulging in different appetizers. My main entree was house-made pasta with sausage and it was heaven! Will definitely bring friends back!
(4)
Serena Q.
Who knew the best pizza I ever had would be in Hawaii?!? Certainly not me, but with that Prosciutto and Arugula, with that brick oven fired crust and amazing mozzarella, well I must say it was amazing! Now, my New York friends already talk shit when I try to tell them my favorite pizza is in SF so they are really going to mock me when I adjust my claim to Kailua, HI, but I am standing by it. Maybe the good vibes and chilled out spirit of the island made everything taste a little bit better, but whatever it was this pizza is magical.
(5)
Matt H.
I had just returned from a business trip and wanted to try something new and Italian and I thought it would be a great idea because there was pizza for the kids. However, I don't think the price compliments the quality of the meal. We were briefed that the meals were served family style but when they came out they were anything but family size. I got the Spaghetti and my wife had one of the specials. Both were a very creative twist on flavor but a bit bland and no basic resource of seasoning was provided. I was also hoping to enjoy some wine or a beer off of my long trip but I was disappointed to learn that there was no alcohol served. However, if you bring your own they charge a $3 glassing fee if you would like to bring some of your own. Don't get me wrong I think this is a very good place to eat pizza but I would leave it at just that.. Overall the service was very pleasant and fast.
(2)
A. L.
Pizzas good, but we got ours with a lil extra protein if u catch my drift . Our arugula had a live tiny caterpillar on it. The staff did offer us a new pizza. But we already was full since we ate half of it prior . This is the same owner as bar 7? Our credit card statement said so. That's why the pizza taste the same. It's a good pizza don't get me wrong. But just not worry driving all the way there from in town good.
(3)
Kathy H.
Mmmm pasta, mmmm pizza :) You gotta love a place that sells classics, but with delicious twists. That's how I viewed Prima. If you're looking for traditional Italian, this is probably not the right place for you, but you'll be missing out :) I went with my hubby and his grandparents. We ordered a lot of food...haha probably too much for 4 people, but I wanted to try everything! Appetizers: *Maitake mushrooms - probably one of my favorite things I ate, had many different types of mushrooms, each prepared differently. Delicious. *Ceviche (one of the specials for the day) - I honestly do not remember much about it expect for the Okinawa potatoes because I was trying to figure out what they were *Clams - Solid dish Entrees: *Spaghetti - this spaghetti was SO good. I don't know what was in it, but nom nom nom *Curry Papperdelle - my first thought when eating this was, "this is different". Not bad different, mind you, just not what I was expecting different. You can definitely taste the curry flavors. Tasty *Prosciutto Arugula Pizza - can't go wrong with prosciutto arugula! Crust was light and fresh tasting. Side: *Bread - kind of hard...especially for the grandparents :\ I liked the variety they had though *Brussel sprouts with bacon - mmmm bacon and brussel sprouts Needless to say, I enjoyed the meal. Hubby really really enjoyed it :) Plus the servers at the restaurant are all very friendly and helpful :) Will have to go back next time I'm in Oahu.
(5)
Gina N.
I never thought I would leave Hawaii saying..........Man, I'm really going to miss the pizza. This restaurant was amazing. We ate here 4 times while we were visiting family. The slow-roasted pork. Out of this world. The chocolate ganache dessert.........amazing. My absolute favorite was the mushroom appetizer. If you are a fan of mushrooms. You have to do this.......twice. Maybe 3 times. Don't forget to bring your booze with you!!
(5)
Kimo S.
As customary, we tried this restaurant twice to really get a good idea of the service, food and people running the show. Needless to say, everything is consistent, excellent and fantastic here. There is no reason to worry about driving out to Kailua (if you're a townie like me), it definitely is worth it. Keenan has helped us twice and while he might not remember us, I definitely remember him and he is an excellent server. The menu is not too extensive so you'll be able to pick through most of the favorites in a few visits, I definitely recommend a pizza each time though. We've done the Prosciutto and the Funghi pizza so far and I find the Funghi pizza to be my favorite of the two. It's like grading one pizza a 95/100 and the other a 96/100, it's a personal choice but they are excellent pizzas here. As people have mentioned, they honed their skills and craft from V Lounge so you know you're in for a treat here. The Papperdelle and the clams rank up there as two of my favorite dishes and if you're feeling like you need a little side dish I really enjoyed the Brussels Sprouts with bacon to nibble on. Reasonable corkage fee so definitely bring your own wine if you have the opportunity!
(5)
Sonoma D.
We had cheese pizza, house salad and brussel sprouts. All incredibly delicious!! The brussels were my fave. Would definitely eat there again.
(4)
Peter E.
What a great place to dine! I loved the atmosphere, casual, laid back and very comforting: a good place to take your time in. I like restaurants whose wait staff knows they have a good product and it shows in their enthusiasm and attitude, as though they really enjoy what they do. And Prima has a good product...I have been three times ..and as previous Yelpers have mentioned the miatake mushrooms are a must as is the house bread with local Naked Cow Butter..! For main meals the Octopus was amazing as was the seafood gnocchi...And then there are pizzas! One of my most favorite pizzas is a Marguerita...so simple..yet so difficult to find a good one and Primas is spot on...their crust just the right amount of char..crunchy on the outside, tender and chewy on the inside..absolutely perfect! Prima also has a limited but well thought out wine list and local beers from Maui brewing... Although I usually skip dessert and opt for Port , this last visit i shared the pistachio glacee...and I'm still thinking about it today, it was that good.. That said there are some things i would like Prima to do...For an appetizer i would like them to offer mixed olives along with their wonderful bread and butter..And i would also like for them to offer Pizza Bianca and some white/ bechmal sauce pizzas to complement their red sauce pizzas. But other than that Prima is a great dining expereince well worth the trip over the Pali...
(5)
Trent D.
Great spot: good beer, wine and all pizzas are what an artisan pizza is supposed to taste like. These guys also know how to cook mushrooms. Try the Maitake appetizer folks are taking pictures of or add them to your pizza. If you are on the go or can't get a reservation, call in your order and pick it up. There is a great grocery store next door to pick up some beer or wine with dinner.
(4)
Pat S.
Hand down the best pizza in HI! It's not cheap, but the quality is fantastic and we love sitting at the bar and talking with the staff. As we live in Kailua, this is our regular hang out for a yummy dinner.
(5)
KK M.
One of my favorite restaurants - simple but so creative, super fresh local food. I could eat here all time and never get tired of it. Most recently, I had a relaxing, fun dinner with a friend sitting at the bar - a little warm if you're on the pizza-oven end of it but so worth it to watch the chefs work their magic! Panzanella salad was killer, brussels sprouts never disappoint, and our spicy meatball pizza was beyond delicious. The pizza took a long time due to a take-out order back up, but our waiter was apologetic and accommodating, and dessert on the house more than made up for it. Its BYO for now, so dont forget to pop into Foodland first to grab beverages.
(5)
Angela W.
I've had two drastically different experiences at Prima. Several months ago I ate here NYE and the food and service were exceptional. Like all the reviews have stated, you really can't go wrong with any with the pizzas. However last night me and several friends made reservations for 8pm. We were right on time however it took some time to get us seated. The server Keenan was very pleasant but told us that they have 86'ed the pizza!! He said that they would give us a generous discount bc we had made reservations. It was disheartening, your menu is labeled Pizza and Not Pizza and you have just run out of half of the menu. We were still willing to stay and so we asked what would we get for a discount, 30% would have been nice but he tells us 15%?!?!? Seriously 15%?!!? We came here for the pizza! Very disappointed and we decided not to stay.
(3)
Harsh C.
This is one of seven Kailua restaurants ( the others being Formaggio, Uahi Grill, Noboru, Assaggio's, Baci Bistro, The Food Company) where one can enjoy consistently good food. Although some portions are on the small side, everything is tasty and beautifully presented. Don't waste time eating the pizzas. Order the mushroom appetizer, Brussels sprouts, pappardalle pasta, and all of the desserts!
(5)
Ross M.
Located in a strip mall, this restaurant promises to be the kind of place Yelpers hunger for. Loud and bustling, this place strives to be the unpretentious, working man's special night out spot. Prices are a little steeper than you might expect from a place like this, considering the location and atmosphere. Usually, I'm willing to overlook all of that if the food is exceptional. This is where Prima falls down. We started off with the Winter Squash Salad. Elegantly plated, this dish was thrown off by what I believe was a tart pomegranate reduction. Next we had the Chicken Fried Sweetbreads. The sweetbreads were perfect, for someone who doesn't like sweetbreads. The batter was so heavily spiced, you could have served anything underneath and it would taste the same. Though the batter was tasty, I have to give a thumbs down due to the mistreatment of such a beloved ingredient. The last dinner course we had was the Curry Bolognese Papardelle. The pasta was beautiful. The noodle had a nice chew that I believe you can only get from making your pasta fresh. However, the Curry Bolognese with deep fried curry leaves as a garnish/seasoning was a little off putting. Maybe it's just me, but I felt it was too difficult to enjoy the noodle with this strong blast of curry in every bite. Thinking about the curry by itself, I would say that it was very tasty and a good dish. But put it together with this lovely pasta and you've just wrecked both pieces. Finally, I can't remember the name of the dessert we had, but is was cannelles of pear sorbet over nutella and a vanilla creme anglais with thin vanilla wafer like cookies. Unfortunately, while the pear sorbet was delicious, it really didn't pair (no pun intended) with anything else in the dish. I'd have to say that the wait staff was very attentive and the atmosphere, while loud and a little crowded, was pleasant, more of a fun night out feel than a elegant once-a-year-on-your-anniversary kind of place. Despite what I've said above, the food was fine, absolutely nothing was inedible or offensive. The problem was that every dish just had something that threw off the balance. However, I do recognize that the chef was clearly trying to build some strong contrasts in the dishes and come up with some truly original ideas. For that I applaud him/her for having the guts to do so in market as competitive as Oahu. Unfortunately, from what we had last night, I have to say "nice try, better luck next time".
(3)
Roxanne T.
We went to this place because the reviews looked great, and we were not disappointed! The pork belly was great - like crispy bacon, but an inch thick! The service was so laid back and friendly you instantly felt welcome. They don't serve alcohol here, but will let you bring in whatever you'd like. We went to the grocery store next door and bought a bottle of wine and they uncorked or for us (no uncorking fee), gotta love byob!
(5)
Natasha M.
Aaaaaand last night at Prima . . . *Grilled Ceasar Salad. I could have DIED from the delish. *Fennel Panna Cotta - but of course. *Some kind of crazy mushroom appetizer with Shimigi and another kind of mushroom that made my INSANELY picky husband actually talk about licking the plate. Yeah. *Funghi pizza . . . um, we love mushrooms. *Aaaaaaaand - the gelato = Cinnamon Lemon, Jasmine, Citrus whiskey, and apple pie. You cannot go to Prima and leave sad. Not humanly possible. Perhaps one of the most satisfying places to eat on O'ahu - maybe on earth. I don't know. It's just . . . mmm . . QUALITY. And FAIR prices for it to boot. Dear Prima . . . you are my sunshine. Love, the universe.
(5)
Cherilyn I.
Great food, great service. We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared them family style. The waiter was down to earth and incredibly helpful. The pizzas were actually better tasting than what we had at their sister restaurant, V Lounge, (we had the 5P and Funghi) but they can still work on making the dough less soggy in the middle and less burnt on the crust. The Dominican soup was excellent. Rich in flavor. Gnocchi was soft, not too doughy, and in a delicious sauce. The brussel sprouts were not bitter at all--very tasty. My favorite was the roasted chicken they had on special -- it was moist, but the skin was crispy, and the sauce was savory. YUM! I didn't like any of the gelato (yogurt, papaya, Capt. Crunch, calamansi) but my friends and husband liked the yogurt one the best. I'll definitely go back and try another one of their desserts.
(4)
Rachel N.
Good pizza and great service. Love the BYOB especially since it is right next to a Foodlion.
(4)
Tracy M.
Fabulous restaurant great food and great service. We love the principal of sharing dishes that way you get to try a lot of things. We had the Chargrilled romaine salad with Caesar dressing Chinese duck gnocchi OMG to die for White anchovies pizza Chocolate coated banana with blood orange gelato Everything was fantastic wine although only a small selection was good Prices very reasonable we will be going back before leaving Great job guys Considered licking the plate
(5)
Haein P.
It's remarkably difficult to find restaurants that do Italian-American food justice in Hawaii. Especially one that is slightly more upscale and trendy. Even finding the right kind of pizza on this island can be something of a scavenger's hunt. Granted, there are places like JJ Dolan's (God bless your delicious pizza-soul) and V-lounge (one word: PRIMA!), but nevertheless, it's a challenge to get a really nice, quality, hand-made pie. Unsurprisingly, it's from the same masterminds behind the oh-so-notorious prima pizza at v-lounge that Prima the restaurant was born. Go figure. Blaine is someone who definitely has an eye for the aesthetics and a tastebud for the gourmet. He has created and cultivated his craft, which is most ostensible at this intimate, hipster restaurant. AMBIANCE: - the interior is kept simple and clean with a tasteful, minimalistic choice in furniture and design - the natural, light-colored wood imparts a peaceful and soothing vibe - the kitchen counter & bar consist of recycled mahogany & stainless steel, exuding environmental and slylish flair - the tables are rather tightly packed, but you get a sense of community/family-style eating as well as comfortable intimacy, which is perfect for the gourmet/casual-style restaurant this is. - i love menus that list ingredients only, without a need for a dish "title," per se. It highlights each individual, fresh, and if possible, local ingredient on its own to depict to guests the value of each component in the making of a wholesome dish. SERVICE: - our server was extremely friendly and attentive, constantly had a warm smile on her face - she was always ready with suggestions and had smooth-flowing answers when prompted questions regarding the menu and its ingredients - Blaine happens to be a friend of my boyfriend's and therefore, showered (or should I say stuffed) us with gastronomical goodies - the food came in a timely manner, nothing took too long and each dish came out appropriately FOOD/DRINK: - they have a modest selection of beer, wine, and spirits. - they have peroni, which is a must at any italian-influenced restaurant - (Maitake Mushroom, Pickled Hon Shimeji, Cremini, Cauliflower Puree) : this appetizer was whimsical and while definitelly delicious, seemed to lack that extra kick or spice or contrast in flavor that could have elevated it to the next level. - (Chicken-Fried Veal Sweetbreads, Rhubarb, Artichoke) : sweetbreads are an acquired taste, or rather, texture. There are some who love it and some who'd like to steer clear of it. Personally, I enjoy them and having them prepared this way was pleasant. I particularly enjoyed the crisp, fried exterior against the soft pudding-like texture that is essentially sweetbread (thymus, innards, etc. In this case, throat I believe). I especially loved the tart and tangy rhubarb puree that was served underneath the sweetbreads. It added that sweet and sour note to cut through the fattiness of the sweetbread. - (Papparadelle, Curry Bolognese, Fried Curry Leaves) : one of my absolute favorite dishes of the night. The papparadelle was so fresh and cooked perfectly to al dente, with just the right amount of bite/chew. The curry bolognese was so rich and flavorful, it really enhanced the beauty of a classic bolognese dish and the fried curry leaves added that crunch factor while also complimenting and reiterating the balanced presence of curry in the dish. - (Funghi Pizza) : Though I do love mushrooms to an unreasonable degree, I found this pizza slightly disappointing especially since Prima advertises their use of keawe-wood and brick ovens. The crust was on the soggier side and didn't quite hold up the toppings and the moisture that was released from the mushrooms upon baking. The lime juice in the pizza was just the right amount though to brighten up the flavors, so that I enjoyed. DESSERT: - Some kind of FRITTER that I can't specifically remember, but I do remember I could do without. It was tasty, but not enough to place an order myself. OVERALL: - Definitely worth going back to even despite the drive out to Kailua. This is definitely a winner in my book.
(4)
Shelley H.
This is one of favorite restaurants and I often come here for lunch on the weekends because their pizza is so delicious! They have quality ingredients and an wood fire oven and if you sit at the bar you get the added entertainment of watching them make your pizza!
(5)
Arlene A.
I finally had the chance to dine at this new Kailua restaurant for Sunday brunch. That wasn't originally the plan, but it gives me another reason to come back to try their dinner menu. Made reservations for 11 a.m. which is also when they open. The place isn't the easiest to find since there are no large signs on the exterior. My friends and I even Mapquested the location but ended up having to call the restaurant to get specific landmark directions (they are located next to Foodland). Our reservation was early enough that we didn't have to wait very long to get seated. The restaurant was practically empty (though not for long). We were given the Sunday lunch menu. Dishes ranged from $12-$20. Our group decided on 1)Prosciutto and poached egg pizza ($16), 2)braised flank steak and spaghetti ($17) and the 3)meatball bruschetta ($17). They were all very delicious and to our surprise, large enough to share. The staff were quick and friendly and the atmosphere was very low-key and casual. Just how I like it. So why four stars? They didn't have any dessert options. They are however, trying to work out the prep so that they can offer it sometime in the future. I guess I'll have to return to come for dinner next time!
(4)
Sean W.
Prima was awesome! The food was spectacular! For the appetizers we had the mushroom medley, summer squash salad, broccoli and prosciutto the soup of the day which was a Samoan crab bisque. The squash salad was very fresh and tasty and the crab bisque was very delicious, yet very rich. The mushroom medley was small, but unique tasting. I enjoyed the broccoli dish... the sauce tasted like some kind of balsamic vinegar. We had all the specials which were a pork belly dish, seared taco on watermelon, and a pasta dish. The seared taco was so soft and tasty; the watermelon went very well with the taco too. The pork belly was cooked perfectly and was so tasty. We ordered a margarita pizza which was so fresh, light and delicious. The paper thin crust and fresh mozzarella made that classic dish even better. For dessert we had the anise fritters, torrone alla banana, and the gelato. I loved the gelato... we had 4 flavors: pistachio, yogurt, orange vanilla, and mango pepper. All were delicious but the mango pepper was the most unique and interesting. I really enjoyed the service here! The way they give you a bottle of water is practical and fun. The waiters know their dishes well and give good explanations for each dish they serve. I also enjoyed the casual/trendy atmosphere. I would have enjoyed something more comfortable than plastic chairs, but they were okay. The restaurant was a bit warm but it may have just been warm for me. Also, the restrooms are outside which make it a little inconvenient, but they are really close so it is not too bad. All in all, I really enjoyed the experience here and would highly recommend you to try it!
(5)
mark s.
I used to rave about this place when it opened. The pizza is very high-end but they got greedy. Jacked what is really a small personal pizza from $16 to $19. Too much. I'm going elsewhere.
(3)
Casey A.
We ventured to have some of the small plates last night - Adobo Headcheese and Clams. Clams were a little salty but headcheese was awesome. We finished off the night with our standard - Boquerones Pizza - saved the night. We'll be back for more pizza!
(4)
Don W.
We have been here about 20 times. Most times I would give it an A-OK (3) to Woohoo (5) rating. But something has changed and the past two times we had much lesser experiences. Two times ago, the Amatriciana past dish and a soup were salty to the point of barely edible (and I love salt). This last time we met friends who came from town. Each person was hoping for specific dish they wanted: Papardelle Bolognese, English Pea Risotto, Octopus and the 4 ice cream dessert. It's fine to switch up the menu if the replacements are stellar. The first three items are off the menu and the octopus was changed, for the worse. The amount of octopus itself shrunk. It was grilled/charred as usual, but with spots of blackened bitterness made each of us cringe. It is now sitting in a watery broth which itself is ok but doesn't go with the tako, doesn't cling to it and you cannot really taste since you don't have a spoon anyway. The panzanella salad was quite good. The grilled ceasar was bitter and wilted/soggy and watery (rather than crispy with a slight smoky faint char). The watery aspect diluted the dressing. The grilled radicchio was pretty standard. No more bitter than usual but lacked the agrodolce tang to balance the natural bitterness......so the taste impression was just bitter. We have taken many others to this place and referred many others. But the feedback in the past month or two has been more negative than positive......so something has changed for the worse. It could just be two off nights, but friends are giving similar feedback. If they bring back some of the original items and up the performance in the kitchen, we will return, but otherwise I'm afraid our group of patrons will have to go elsewhere. Sad to lose this quality dinner option.
(1)
BagLady M.
A good choice if you're in the neighborhood. Right in between Foodland and Baskin Robbins. Ample parking, but tight stalls. Casual, family friendly, great service. Reminiscent of our recent trip to the Big Apple, with their beautiful pizza oven in full view. Look up on the big chalkboard for the specials of the day. After hearing fellow Yelpers rave about the maitake mushroom appetizer, I just had to try it. Spot on, Yelpers! Super ono!! I couldn't get enough of it and even wished I had double ordered. Only thing is the grilled radicchio was too charred for our taste. Ok, it tasted burnt. Prosciutto pizza was good. Very generous on the arugula. The crust is chewy and just right. BF spotted the next table's order of pork belly and put it on our list for our next visit. Especially after watching her whack half the plate in the blink of an eye!
(4)
Ken D.
Pizza was decent. We sat at the main table, the one pictured in their front page of the website. Problem was the AC vents overhang the table directly and one AC vent kept dripping water right onto our plates. The staff just said sorry and didn't do much about it. Granted, you can't do much, but they could have offered to move the table or switch us to a different. Overall, not impressed with the food or its selection. They don't have any drinks like Coke, Pepsi, etc... either
(2)
Rosh D.
Simply amazing!!! I've read some of the other reviews and I'm not sure that everyone gets the concept. If you are looking for a quiet intimate setting then this isn't the place for that occasion. If you want awesome food and fun there's no better place. I'm glad to see the Hawaii food scene making a change and I complement the chefs for expanding everyone's tastes to something new and fresh. . This place isn't a glutton affair. It's about fresh ingredients and technically prepared food. This would be a hit in any metropolitan city and so happy to have it here in Kailua. Everything I ate tonight was well plated and tasted even better. Would recommend to anyone with a good sense of food and anyone wanting to try something truly unique. Best restaurant not only in Kailua but on the island. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)
Peter W.
My wife and I have been trying to get to Prima for a few months. We finally found the time to give it a try. We were delighted with our meal and the friendly service given to us. The appetizer special included the grilled octopus and the slow roasted pork belly entree. The octopus was grilled with just a touch of char which gave it a distinctly delicious flavor. Until now I've never had a fork tender octopus. It was set on a puree of Lima beans. Every bite was perfection. The slow roasted pork belly was tender with a crunchy glazed skin on top. It was set on pureed potatoes and a mound of fried kale. Pork belly has never been better than what was served to us tonight. We plan to be frequent diners at this fine addition to the Kailua scene.
(5)
T. C.
Heaven. Please open in Honolulu, more specifically Kaka'ako. Or someone please just build the rail to go door-to-door from my apartment to your restaurant.
(5)
Steve S.
Prima lived up to all the high reviews and more! The food was first rate....we started with the Fennel Panna Cotta and it was delicious. The combination of sweet and savory really hit the spot. Then we tried the grilled octopus which was tender and tasty. Our last course was the Fungi pizza and again it was done to perfection. The top quality ingredients came though in every dish we tried. The atmosphere was a bit loud but in a festive way so it was no problem. Nice wine and beer selections and friendly wait staff. All in all we couldn't have had a better experience.
(5)
helen w.
Yes five stars. In Kailua ( Hawaii in general) there seems to be a focus on quanity and not quality People want mountains of food. Not actually well thought out, intentional,artisinal cuisine like Prima. The owner and whole staff were awesome and the food interesting and fullfilling. No it's not monstrous portions but it was more than enough ( we had tons of leftovers) sharing one starter and 2 entrees The ny style pizza was awesome, the pastas homemade a delicious,and the veggies fresh and local . All of the specials looked and smelled amazing! Get out of your comfort zone and try this place. It knocked two city snobs socks off and one of us has been a chef a 3 star michelin restaurant in Paris....
(5)
Alicia P.
Yum!!!!! Really fantastic! Delicious bites, beautiful presentation, good deals on wines!
(4)
Brooke N.
To tell you the truth I was expecting a bigger menu..but everything looks good and tastes even better. Never thought I'd say I LOVE pureed cauliflower!! My new love :) This comes with the mushroom app. The brussel sprouts were great and the risotto and pizza...YUM! I have to say it was a little difficult to find the place, especially if you're not familiar with the area. It is located next to Kailua Foodland, the signage was minimal. Good luck finding it but I can tell you it is worth the search.
(5)
Michelle S.
If you are around the Kailua area at all and interested in serious Italian then you must go here. (On the other hand if you prefer the typical Italian-American fare with the usual non inspired over cooked pasta with bland red sauces then this is not the place for you.) We had two last nights in Kailua and ate here both nights. The chef does excellent Northern Italian dishes but adds a little "local" flavor to make it interesting but without losing it's authenticity. The second night we had pizza and were not disappointed. They have of course a wood fired oven and the thin crusted Neapolitan pizza was as authentic as possible outside of Naples. Isiah who makes the dough as well as the pizza is a true pizzaiolo. And the service was excellent. There were a few missteps (such as no coffee service) which would normally negate a 5 star rating but it still well deserved. It is the kind of restaurant you only expect to find in NY, Chicago, SF or Portland!
(5)
titus n.
I frequent Prima at least 2 times a month. I recommend them to anyone who loves a good pizza, these hand crafted Italian pies never disappoint. They serve a full bar with a half way decent wine list and specials are always out of this world. It's worth the drive to the windward side. Just make sure to make a reservation, prime time dinner hours are normally quite busy.
(5)
Amber C.
We visited Prima based on a tip from a local. This was our favorite meal on the island during our 9 day stay. We had the mushroom small plate which was absolutely amazing. I had the risotto and my husband had the buffalo clams and a fish dish. We were both super impressed. The food is hands down the best food we came across! And the best part is all the food is local. I heard even the interior of the restaurant is made of all reclaimed items. The meal was so good we ordered a pizza to go for the next day! The only drawback is the place is pretty small. We were basically sitting at our neighbors' table (which by the way they were just as impressed by the food as we were!)
(5)
Pat C.
The evening began with super friendly and enthusiastic service from two women. (The guy who also assisted never warmed up to us.) Our dining experience, for a group of 7, started deteriorating from the initial exuberance the wait staff hit us with once we placed our orders. We all noted the explanation on the menu that the food would be served as it was prepared. Fair enough. But, my husband waited for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for the pasta special of the evening: mahi and clams with capellini. He was literally served after the rest of our party was finished with their food and the table was cleared for a feeble offering of the dessert menu. After waiting over one hour for the pasta, various people at our table who inquired about the $23.00 missing dish were told the pasta was on the way . . . But, it was clear that none of the wait staff took responsibility to follow through on the order . . . as it still did not appear after the third response that the dish would be served in "5 minutes." I believe my husband was finally able to eat his pasta about 20 minutes after the last 5-minute estimation of the serving time. I glanced at a watch and it was about 8:20 pm when my husband was served. We were seated for dinner at 6:30 pm! I ordered a mushroom appetizer that was accompanied with about two teaspoons of a cauliflower dipping sauce. The dish was not edible because it tasted like the sauce was made from equal parts of cauliflower and processed salt, meaning it was so salty no one could eat it!! (The only reason we ate the entire dish was because several people took one bite each in order to not waste the food.) At this point, though, I didn't want to say anything to the wait staff about what a waste of money the dish was because it was impossible to eat, as we were still dealing with the missing pasta dish and unconcerned servers. In addition, we all discovered we had to yell to carry on any sort of conversation or just not speak at all. The restaurant needs an expert on acoustics to help with making the place more pleasant in terms of the ridiculous noise level. A restaurant does not need to be this loud to be hip and cool. We all know we will not go back to Prima due to the lack of concern and poor customer service that was exhibited throughout the evening. It was interesting to observe how the quality of service and friendliness diminished as the night wore on. The servers need to learn how to be more even tempered and not just explode with an initial burst of enthusiasm because the fade to indifference through the course of the dinner left a very sour taste in my mouth. At the very end of my husband's meal he was told, in a very quiet and meek manner, "Thank you for your patience." Nothing was offered as compensation for the poor service. On the whole the experience at Prima was disappointing and frustrating. I wanted to like the food and the restaurant, but the noise level was ridiculous and even though most of the food was better than average, the poor service and lack of concern on the part of the restaurant staff wiped out any positive opinions about the decent food. My brother-in-law concluded the evening by asking, "Do they understand how much business they just lost from us? Seven people times all of their friends, family, and co-workers . . . that's a lot of money in just one year . . ." I agree!!
(1)
Harry A.
I have never had feelings strong enough to write a review until now. Writing this while eating here for the first time. Flavor and quality of the food is good. Not amazing, just good. Portions and price are an insult. $13 for 1 meatball! GTFO. The whole thing reminds me of an episode of Portlandia. To those that like this kind of thing I am sorry. I am just not cool enough to relate.
(2)
Mike M.
Flavorful but tiny little portions... Pizza is good. Pricey, trendy, trying to be like Town. Not quite my kind of place but it's nice to know that rich Kailua hipsters have a new place to hang out. Add some real sized meals and then we can talk... I don't own any skinny jeans I need to fit into.
(3)
Remy H.
Such a cool place! The atmosphere is great, service is wonderful, and food is delish! Get the mushroom pizza and Pistachio dessert!
(4)
Elyse M.
Loved everything about this place - the service, the atmosphere, and (maybe most importantly) the food. We started with a few appetizers, including the grilled romaine, fingerling potatoes, and maitake mushrooms. I'd recommend any of these items. For dinner, we split the margharita. Best pizza I've had on Oahu, hands-down. The crust was an impressive balance of crisp and hearty, the mozzarella added a sweet and tender quality, and a just-right amount of basil complemented the fresh tomatoes. I do not live in Kailua anymore, but if I did, I'd add it to my rotation for a nice dinner or cocktails.
(5)
Stew R.
Four stars for the overall value! This place is amazing. While not a high-end fancy Waikiki Restaurant, Prima gets it done the right way. A very simple menu but superbly designed and balanced. I love the prosciutto pizza cooked in a wood fired oven. They have a chalk board with a daily special that has never disappointed me. My only knock on them is that it can get really warm in there.
(4)
Angelena D.
If you like napoleon style pizza, their brick oven pizza is pretty spot on. Some folks don't know what napoleon style pizza is and give a negative review without knowing! The prices are a little up there for us, but when we're in the mood for some yummy pizza, this is where we go! Maybe I should clarify, the pizzas aren't too pricey, but they have certain items that are. For the sake of not remember how to spell... they have a "desert" which is basically a piece of french toast with some fancy duck liver spread. I had it (before knowing what it was) and yes, it's great, but if you are against animal cruelty, then don't order it because the way they get the ducks liver so "buttery" is by force feeding the ducks to make their livers this way. Anywho.... my husband and I both like the atmosphere and the people who work there are always nice. It's got a trendy hip feel to it. All around good place to get some yummy pizza, oh and they serve wine now too!
(4)
Faith E.
We went there on Saturday night and it was bustling. The guy who seats people was ignoring the line and all three of our different parties gave up. It wasn't a big deal we understood they were busy. We came back Sunday and this time we made reservations. The wooden bench seat is uncomfortable, try to avoid it. The service was poor. I'm actually surprised at how poor it was (and I was with a local, so it didn't have anything to do with me being a Haole). He was surprised that the service was so bad for the price of the place. I'd go here again only if someone I was with really wanted to go. I'll just have to find my newly discovered pizza elsewhere.
(3)
Cody J.
In response to my negative Yelp of Prima, I received an email from the Prima management. He apologized for our subpar evening and offered to make amends. I thought this was a nice gesture and showed the management cares enough to contact a unsatisfied customer and genuinely wants to improve. I thought I'd share this b/c it shows the business is taking an active role to improve itself. I won't return for Prima any time soon but perhaps in the distant future...
(2)
M G.
Stopped her for lunch before heading to Lani Kai beach. Certainly not a traditional Hawaiian joint by any means but very reminisiant of a good spot in LA or Manhattan. We shared the spicy meatball pizza and it didn't dissapoint! Crust was light and flavorful, cheese was fresh and melty and the spicy meatball was just downright tasty. The lunch menu was a bit small but who cares the pizza was so good! Would highly recommend!
(4)
Rachel A.
Fantastic service, fantastic food! Particularly liked the Bologna Pizza with a poached egg on top.... Yum! Good price for the quality of food.
(4)
Jess W.
Driving through Kailua looking for some lunch. Cute little restaurant, nothing fancy. Lunch menu was very small. We had the margarita pizza. It was delicious!!! Server Kailey was very nice. We got our food quickly and it was very fresh.
(4)
Alvin K.
They've always been accommodating whether we've had reservations or not and service has always been good. Food has been hit or miss for my taste depending on what was ordered. 50% of the menu is pizza focused so selections are limited if you're not in the mood for that. One tried several of their pizzas and give it an overall score of 3/5. I used to come here more cuz they had a BYOB but now have their license. I prefer wine and they suffer from a very limited selection. Our favorite food item is their spaghetti which is awesome and ordered on every visit. I'm pretty sure the pasta is fresh made and perfectly aldente If not for that one item, we probably would not be here as often or at all. They seem to have an affinity for grilled food as almost everything from vegetables to entrees get that touch; even their garlic bread quick seriously lacked any flavor. Their grilled Caesar salad was more grilled than Caesar with very little hint of dressing but lots of smoke. Overall I'd keep coming back for their spaghetti
(3)
Kenyan K.
I ate here with my girlfriend and her family last Sunday for dinner. It is located in a shopping center with Foodland and some other stores so there is lots of parking. The restaurant is pretty small with tables both indoors and outdoors. This is a very simple, casual place with almost a drive-in type of feel. It wasn't too crowded but then we ate from 5:30-7pm. The food was very good, a tasty American/Italian fusion. We ordered a bunch of stuff and ate everything family style. We had the grilled romaine caesar salad, curry clams, seared ahi, two types of pizza, and risotto asparagus pasta. Everything was delicious! They also have some import beers like Peroni. The service here was excellent. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive.
(4)
Allison H.
Went for the special restaurant week menu and had all 9 items. Some things like the beet salad (and I hate beets), mushroom gnocchi & braised pork were true winners while the seafood sausage dish was odd & the root veggi pot pie was a bit bland. The s'more dessert tasted burnt but the pumpkin bread pudding was amazing! Overall it was a nice meal, good value & the service was very good.
(3)
Naureen A.
Great pizza joint in Kailua. Glad to have tried it. Good food and service. BYOB so don 't forget to bring booze. They'll even refrigerate your extra beer so it stays chilled. Definetly recommend it.
(4)
Stephanie G.
Came here for the first time tonight and came with our appetites, mind you. Had the Brussels and Mushrooms for our appetizers and then had the Prosciutto Pizza for our entree. Brussels were slightly under cooked, mushrooms appetizer was yummy. The food was good but slightly over priced. We ended with their dessert which reminded me of a malasada, but it was yummy! Our server was very nice and catered to us when we needed him, unlike what some of the prior reviews had mentioned. We are planning to go back, but hopefully we'll try one of the specials.
(3)
Li Y.
Amazing...Simply amazing! Went with a group of friends to celebrate a few birthdays and couldn't be more pleased. The food was so upscale chic one almost forgets they are dining in a near school cafeteria casualness. We started with the most memorable fennel panna cota which was uniquely garnished with fennel chutney, a vibrant green sauce and coffee salt. We also shared (little bites) the grilled Caesar salad and grilled broccoli, both perfectly seasoned. One in our group got the ever popular pizza with a poached egg. Yep, that's right, a soft poached egg...and delicious it was, every last drop wiped up with pizza crust! Another ordered the spaghetti...we also said "spaghetti!?!". Yet, the noodles were mouthwateringly prepared al dente and flavoed delicately with butter, cheese, sauce...perfection! The rest of us ordered the perfectly cooked moist onaga with fragile yet crisped skin. Yummm, don't know if there is anything better than perfectly cooked snapper! Ohh wait, yes there is something...the evening finished off with their gelato sampler of watermelon, strawberry guava, jasmine rice, and cookies n cream ice cream. Served complete out of the cafeteria plastic tray! :). Hey, I'm not complaining...by all means keep serving those scrumptious dishes out of plastic trays while continuing to keep the price down!
(5)
Jens B.
Fairly small restaurant with some seating outside. Overall, the pizza my wife and I had was fresh and flavorful. I've had better, but most times I've had worse.
(4)
Hannah E.
I might give Prima four stars if it were in a larger city, but this is a great addition to Kailua! We went for lunch and ordered a field greens salad, funghi pizza and the chicken entree with fingerling potatoes and chard. The pizza was AMAZING! Crust was perfect, toppings well paired. The only thing I would change (but it wasn't the end of the world) is that the middle seemed a little soggy. Prices not too bad - I mean where can you get a wood-fired pizza for $15? It would be enough for two if you get a salad and an appetizer or dessert. I brought half the pizza home. Location a bit weird next to Foodland, but it's a good central spot. The decor/atmosphere is pretty cool ... they have cute light blue Eames chairs and the benches scream "reclaimed wood." They have an open kitchen and you can see the pizza oven looming behind the bar. Reservations aren't needed for lunch and we were seated right away. Our waitress was really friendly and totally on it. I can't wait to try it out for dinner!
(5)
Alexander H.
Fantastic food. Creative, different and extremely friendly staff. Was a breath of fresh air with all the other touristy junk around. All locally sourced and you can tell, everything is super fresh. Smaller plates make it bit pricey for a family, but if well worth the price for a nicer family meal.
(4)
S. T.
I ordered a special - soft shell crab tempura with a wasabi-aioli sauce for my main dish. Hubby ordered the carbonara with mushrooms instead of bacon (vegetarian) and a brussels sprout appetizer. Service was very good and the food was very tasty. I'm dropping a star because my main dish was TINY. I was still hungry after finishing my tiny crab. Happy that hubby shared his pasta and appetizer with me! The pasta was a good size portion, but they really needed to have given some vegetables and starch with my dish. Also, not happy that they didn't serve complimentary bread like most decent Italian restaurants. Drinks are BYOB.
(4)
Shauna S.
I've heard a lot of great things about Prima but after trying it first-hand my opinion of this little restaurant is somewhat mixed. The atmosphere of this eatery is fresh and modern. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but the outdoor seating is limited and somewhat awkward. Let me explain: we sat outside and had to inch past other diners and then move our table just so we could squeeze into our seats. Then every few minutes a Foodland shopper would roll by with a loud cart or a car would pull into the stalls in front of us and blind us with their headlights. I'll call it awkward, but I'm sure some would call it annoying. I will say that the food here is really tasty. My hubby and I shared the Sauteed Greens, Maitake Mushroom plate, and a Margherita Pizza. The greens were good, and the Mushroom plate was very unique--I've never had anything like it before. It had a pretty presentation and was quite delightful. The pizza had that great wood pizza oven flavor and tasted really fresh. Like many people have commented though, it was a tad bit soggy. My biggest problem with this restaurant was the service. Our simple dinner took over 2 hours simply because the waitress never came to our table. She took our order for appetizers and didn't come back for an extended period of time. In fact, we were done with our starters for over 10 minutes by the time we placed our entree orders. Overall, I'd say that the location of Prima is not ideal and, at least from my one-time experience, the service is lacking, BUT the food is nice so if you're feeling like someplace new, the place is worth a try.
(3)
Chris C.
The complex compositions here are perplexingly delicious and so carefully put together. A great show from the guys who used to bring you grilled cheese sandwiches. The fennel panna cotta in particular is a shining star.
(5)
Pascale H.
Very disappointing little restaurant. We sat outside because the small space is soooo noisy ( music too loud and poor insulation). Way overrated by other customers!'Too pricey overall. The pizza was not warm enough, nothing exceptional apart from the prosciutto and the arugula ,which were very good. They pizza was also very chewy. $20 dollars for a small,mediocre pizza!!! the green salad was tiny and bland. Sorry to say that it seems like a "a wannabe kinda of a place". Hard to believe that people give it such high rating. A plus: they did not charge us for a corkage fee and they did not charge us for the green salad when we told them it lacked dressing. Good customer service.
(1)
Marcus S.
Ok, where to begin. First of all the staff was soooo cool. Our waitress was nice and really knew the menu. As for the food: mixed green salad, Brussels sprouts with bacon, mahi mahi over a fresh bed of corn and mushrooms, veal sweetbreads (yeah brains), pasta with pork cheek, and the dessert with strawberries 4 different ways was all frickin AWESOME!! Oh did I mention they were playing Dr. Dre in the background, Hell to the Yeah, my kind of place. I love this place. I cant wait to go back. I think I could eat all three meals here. These are the same guys who own The Whole Ox and you know that place is kick ass. Go Go Go, Go NOW!!
(5)
J L.
Funghi pizza was delicious. Panzanella salad was yummy. Jalapeño popper had too much ranch dip. Service was great.
(4)
Kenny C.
Very cool little restaurant in Kailua Town. I like how they source local ingredients and use them in inventive and delicious creations. The wait staff is friendly, courteous, and eager to share the uniqueness of the restaurant and the special approach in which they prepare their food. The pizzas are delish, as is the maitake mushroom appetizer, which if it's not their signature dish, certainly captures the spirit of the place. The other evening, one of our dishes took a little longer than we expected to arrive. When we asked to cancel the order, they instead apologized profusely, offered to box the entree, and comp'ed it to boot! That kind of service will guarantee that we will be back.
(4)
Emily O.
I've been currently reserching top restaurants in Kailua, because I am planning on taking my parents there when they come out to visit me. I want to get out of Waikiki and give them a proper Hawaiian cultural experience. Well, the catchy name that surfaced amongst the prime picks Google delivered me as I searched popular Kailua eateries was, 'Prima,' therefore I downloaded that Menu pdf file right away! Threir unique menu was mouthwatering and also stumbling, but I am so determined to try it. The one detail that caught my attention that it was very blunt in its descriptions, and to be honest it is frankly a d*ck of a menu if there ever was one, go on give it a try:http://www.primahawaii.com/ But that being neither here nor there I was intrigued and tabbed their 'photos' link, and immediately was brought to a gallery of about 7 picture thumbnails. They were of the restaurant's dining room and booth section in different arial degree positions. There were two other pictures of both the hostess stand, and hallway entrance in yet another angle of the room. It just seems strange, because this is supposedly a chic new place to chow, but I am surprised there are no photos of any of their menu dishes. Has anyone reading ever eaten there, or stopped by? I really would love to go if it exists. Please advise.
(2)
Alan M.
Prima is a welcome addition to the high end but casual restaurant market in Kailua. You feel very welcomed as a customer when you arrive and the staff is very accommodating. Dress is generally casual, but the food is more tasteful and complex. Wonderful matchings that show that the chef has thought through the menu and sought out flavors that match up with Hawai`i food sources that taste really wonderful. You will be impressed with these creative fixings and not mind paying a bit more for the quality. Pizza's are small, but can be exquisite coming out of the brick oven. Other entrees are not the traditional fare - more fusion-based cuisine, but tasty. Oh, yeah, BYOB is a welcome option, since R. Field is nearby to meet all your wine needs. Great summer night venue if you sit outdoors, too.
(4)
Em M.
Great service inventive dishes! Highly recommend the mushroom appetizer
(5)
Nancy M.
After reading the reviews, I knew I had to check this place out. I love Italian food, but most important-I love it done authentically. There is nothing worse than a pizza smothered in tomato sauce and cheese being hailed as "authentic", and based on previous yelp reviews, the chefs do try to make things right here. So on a Saturday I called right after opening and asked if they would advise us to make reservations. They did and they could squeeze us in, awesome. We arrived a bit before our reservation at 6:30 and they were able to seat us outside right away. Outside is great for people watching (what is everyone buying at Foodland on a Saturday night?) but maybe not so much for conversation. Between the other patrons, people walking by, and the ever increasing group of people waiting to be seated at Prima, it got borderline loud. My poor husband and I had to lean in to speak to each other, and even then it was, "say it again?" Lesson: eat inside next time. (Which actually sounded louder than outside, but I'd try it at least.) The menu was one page front and back and while it had authentic dishes, it also had an air of trying too hard. You couldn't just get a panzanella salad, it had to include "croutons flavored with xyz" and the salad came out beautiful, but more Waikiki presentation than Kailua. Basil-olive-something or other circled the plate for "dipping" yet the salad was flavored enough, if not too much already. It was then I realized we weren't going to Italy on this food journey, we were going to neo-Italian with a Hawaiian flair. Everything that is served is family style, and the Italian soda I ordered was yummy, the pizza WAS delicious-you can't go wrong with prosciutto and arugula pizza- and we decided to order dessert. The dessert menu was another level of pretentious with crazy flavor combinations that I trust work, but didn't appeal. We were interested in gelato and were served 4 flavors: hazelnut, lemon, peanut butter, and blueberry. The gelato was good, but not great. It's worth noting the service was fantastic and it also was very kid friendly. I would go back to try more flavor combinations, but definitely not under the assumption this was true authentic Italian. If you want to challenge your food palate, go here and enjoy. Just don't expect anything "simple." It's definitely not your Mother's Italian.
(3)
Rob J.
My wife and I had a really nice time at Prima. The food was delicious and memorable, the service was excellent and the cocktails were professionally mixed and hit the spot. Exactly what you should be able to expect when taking someone special out for dinner. Try the pork belly - you wont be disappointed.
(5)
Lola Z.
The food was single dimension - salty. Waitress - cold. I have never ever seen an Italian restaurant not serve complementary bread. Not in the states. Not in Italy. Never! Especially when you're paying 19 bucks for a bowl of spaghetti. How it has earned 4 stars was beyond us. We'd have been better off at Olive Garden. Well no, not really. But at least at OG, you pay appropriately for what you get. And you get bread.
(1)
Hoku W.
Love Prima. The tako is amazing. Tender, tasty, melt in your mouth goodness. We had a going away dinner with 11 people. Called at 9am the day before to make a reservation and someone answered! Love the cocktails, especially the Aperitif. BYOB ($15 corkage), which is worth it. If not they have great bottle selections. I've had everything on the menu and its great. We always do family style, portions aren't huge but they are fair for the quality and price. Wait staff was great. Kailua has a limited selection of good restaurants, Prima is definitely a must in Kailua!
(5)
Megan G.
This is a review for last Friday night's takeout. We called in an order for 2 pizzas. It was a typical long busy work week, and we want to unwind, drink some adult beverages and relax, veg, and catch up on the shows piling up on the DVR. We have been here to dine in several times, and having eyed the incredible fresh baked (wood burning oven!!) pies on other diners' tables in the past, and being the food snobs we are, we opted to call in an order and pick them up. Boquerones and Prosciutto Ruculo were the two we ordered and both were amazing. Chewy bubble filled crust, the flavor of fresh dough and oven baked goodness.... oh Prima I wish you only delivered your delicious pies.... wait I make my fiancee go and pick up takeout anyways, so what do I care?! Also, when we do come to dine in, the Buffalo Clams are always ordered. The heck with wings, every bar should learn from Prima and serve these treasures instead!
(5)
Kate R.
Prima, prima, prima.... I had been wanting to try this new little gem for awhile, and the perfect opportunity came up recently for my hubs and my anniversary. The occasion definitely colored my experience there rosy -- had it not been such a happy day, I may have knocked it down a star for the high prices and small portions. However, I'd go back again -- and this is why. -It's unique to Kailua. Sure, we've got Formaggio, which up until Prima was really the only hot (warm?) spot with tasty gourmet-ish eats in the 96734 (since Lucy's closed, anyway). Prima has unique items on it's tiny but delicious menu, such as steak with marrow butter (The marrow butter totally made this dish - it was FABULOUS) and sweetbreads (didn't try this but has gotten rave reviews). -Their pizzas rock my world. They're priced reasonably ($13-$15 a pie), are big enough to share, and have some pretty slammin' flavor combos like poached egg and mortadella. -Their servers know their stuff. This is unusual for a new restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprised by my server, Amanda, who made several recommendations that were delish. I'd love to see this little joint start up a happy hour with some discounted eats or drinks... or better yet, both -- and while I may not eat a full on dinner there again for pocketbook preservation reasons, I'd definitely stop in for drinks and apps or a pizza. Yelp 365 Challenge #28/365 The foodie edition
(4)
Leah R.
Nice new place to mix things up. Went here with some foodie friends from NYC, and we were all pleasantly surprised. Will return again. Kailua is getting trendy, and I like the new addition. It's nice to have a more diverse selection of things to choose from. So what if it's not a beach-type place? There are plenty of those already. Hawaii was sorely lacking a good small plate style restaurant, and this place hit the spot. Pros - fresh food! (I loved the fact that they got in a fresh lamb and changed up the dishes for it), innovative dishes (the beet salad wasn't the run of the mill beet salad, and it was tasty and fresh too. also good were the special ceviche/fried shrimp, brussel sprouts, pappardelle with lamb special instead of curry bolognese, mahi mahi, & risotto), great wines, friendly service, trendy vibe Cons - small menu (but at least they highlight their strong points), small space (so it can get cramped and noisy, and you should really get reservations!) The food here is up to par with other restaurants back in NYC, but so are the prices. So those who aren't used to seeing them this high might be taken back, but we all thought it was well worth it. We will be back!
(4)
Rose Z.
Prima....Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this...and totally redeem yourself! My good friend convinced me to give Prima another shot after I was upset about waiting 40 minutes to have them run out of pizza - and i am REALLY glad that I went back. The funny thing is that I thought that the other dishes were much better than the pizza! Ha! We had the following: Field Greens Salad - dressing was citrusy, delicious Brussel Sprouts - Amazing! One of the best dishes Prosciutto Pizza - really good but I'd order a different pizza next time to test the others out Clams - yums Spaghetti all'Amatriciana - very good and finally - the Banana desert (forgot the name) - is PHENOMENAL - you MUST must order it. I thought that the dishes (especially the brussel sprouts and desert) was very reasonably priced. The dishes are fine dining but in a casual setting so the prices may seem higher than what you'd expect but the quality of dish is worth the price. If those dishes were in SF then they'd be the same price or more expensive. The wait is still long and I wish it'd be shorter but that's just cause restaurants like Prima are really lacking in the Windward side. Thanks Prima! and I WILL be back.
(4)
Vince B.
DESERVES 6 STARS! Found this place thru a good friend. Recommend the pizza, and damint might be the best pizza I have ever had. Honestly. Great food! great brices for hawaii. Great friendly atompshere. Loved it!!!
(5)
Lindsey J.
I had high hopes for this place after the reviews but it didn't live up to the hype. I took my husband here for his birthday. We made reservations and were promptly seated but the tables were cramped and very close together. I practically could have eaten off the plate of the diners next to us and shared their conversation. Thumbs down for noise level and a serious lack of intimacy. It was cool to see the kitchen staff working but I have to remove more points for one of the specials that night that used some kid of dehydrated shrimp. The stench was overpowering and the whole restaurant smelled so foul I almost lost my appetite. The diners next to us ordered it and sent it back immediately because of the smell. The wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The food was just ok and the beer was overpriced. We each had the pork belly (I've had better) and the baked pear dish was over salted and dry. I wanted to like it but I just can't recommend Prima.
(2)
Diana L.
Great food and service!!!! We thought we were in New York or San Francisco!!~! If you know and appreciate good food, you'll love it. Prices ARE FAIR for Hawaii and what you get. Even "low"!
(5)
Ikaika A.
I like the food, but this place is always closed when I go there...
(3)
Jane M.
Spent $65 and didn't think it was a good value based on portion size and no alcohol. However the dishes were delicious and creative. Will return after a while.
(3)
Malia D.
I ate here for the first time with some friends and was pleased. 4 Stars because the pizza crust was almost black is some places...left in the oven too long:( The sour cream and onion potato chip soup and the ahi crudo (specials that night) were AMAZING! Will go back:)
(4)
Elijah-Jaymie F.
I was pretty excited to eat at this little restaurant since I've heard good things about this place. The menu is quite different as they try to venture different types of creative pairings that seem bizarre but actually taste well together. We ordered the proscuitto pizza, a frois gras terren dish and their homemade bread (which was alright). I really enjoyed the frois gras dish. The atmosphere was nice and they had a friendly staff. The dinner was quite pricey so we probably won't eat there as frequent as I would like but it was still an enjoyable and tasty evening.
(4)
Melissa P.
Some friends and I went here recently on a Saturday night and LOVED it!! We basically ordered everything on the menu and were thoroughly impressed. It's so nice to have a place like Prima here in Hawaii. The mushroom dish was absolutely amazing! WOW!! Seriously, everything is so good. If you are not the type to try food outside your box, this is a good starting point for you. Yummmm!!! Thank you Prima :)
(5)
Lyra H.
I wish wish wiiiish I could give this place 5 stars. The food was delicious. They have very interesting dishes. A nice pizza and appetizer selection, but not so much for their larger entree dishes. This was my first time eating here. We decided to get the mushroom app, pizza, spaghetti, and fritters for dessert. I enjoyed EVERYTHING. The pizza and app were probably my most favorite. They weren't too heavy and they had a lot of flavor (& I don't even care for mushrooms). The fritters weren't my cup of tea (kinda soggy), but I think that's how they're supposed to be. If you sit at the counter, you can see everything being prepared. The service wasn't too bad. Our waitress was pleasant enough. There was a point though toward the end of our experience (when it got a bit busy) that our waitress took a bit longer. I understand that there were only about 4/5 front of the house workers, but it was a bit disappointing. It felt as though we were put on the back burner because we were closer to the end of our meal and getting dessert. So, the reason I can't give Prima 5 stars is because of the ambiance! ): ): the interior is a more trendy industrial vibe. It reminded me of a younger generation feel (even though the majority of people there were older Kailua folk). The music that was playing (though you can't hear it too well) was hip-hop. I recall hearing Atmosphere and Warren G. Unfortunately the noise level was SO loud. My throat started hurting because I had to talk so loud. When we left Prima, I remember we all made a comment about how much quieter it was outside. I think this just happens because of how small the establishment is and how many people were actually inside. If you're eating with an elderly person or want a more intimate setting, I would definitely recommend sitting outside. Overall, I enjoyed eating a Prima. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's looking for a new place to try.
(4)
Michael K.
Everywhere but Prima, pizza making is still in its infancy in Hawaii. Busy, a bit crowded, and noisy, but excellent food. These folks know and care about their pizza (fancy wood-fired oven imported from Italy. Caputo flour for the crust. San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce) and it shows in their other entrees as well. Small, but carefully selected wine and beer list (Small carp: three of the wine selections we opted for were out of stock). Our server was friendly, knowledgable, and efficient. If you're a pizza aficionado, Make the trip to Kailua to Prima. It's well worth it. But make reservations first. Take out is also available.
(5)
Seth H.
Fantastic meal. Our server Keenan was responsive and helpful, and all of the food was cooked to perfection. We got a plain pizza for our kid, and three dishes for the adults. Every item we had was amazing, we loved the restaurant and will definitely be back! Portion sizes could be a little bigger, but that is how delicious food like this is usually served - ample but not large portions.
(5)
Al D.
Was good. The fennel pannacotta was interesting. I liked it. The funghi plate was amazing. The mushrooms tasted like meat! I couldn't get enough! We ordered two pizza and my favorite was the rucola pizza. very declious. The other had pepperoncinis and a boiled egg on it. That one was a little strange. i wouldn't recommend it. overall good experience
(4)
Mary S.
If something new and different comes to Kailua people tend to get excited. Sometimes that excitement is worth it and sometimes it is not. In the case of Prima...it is leaning towards the not worth it side. Probably the best thing about Prima is their approach to food. The fact that 90% of their menu comes from local farms is great. More restaurants need to be taking that approach. While that justifies some of the cost, the food that you get at Prima is still extremely overpriced for the amount you get and the quality of their food. For the first course I got their daily soup which was a minestrone. It consisted of little shavings of root vegetables and no more than 15 cannellini beans in about 2 oz of broth. I don't mind a light soup but when I am paying $7 for the "bowl" I want a little more bang for my buck. My mother got the fennel panna cotta with coffee salt and fennel marmalade. She enjoyed it but again it was $11 for what was essentially a palette cleanser. For the "main course' I ordered one of their pizzas with sopressatta and fennel sausage. The toppings were different than your usual pizza and tasty, but the rest of the pizza was a mess. The outside of the crust was dotted all over with burns which really affected the flavor of the crust. On the other hand the crust under the toppings was soggy and extremely hard to cut. For her main course my mother ordered their special which was Waimanalo Shrimp. The shrimp were tasty, but almost impossible to take the shell off of (and my mother is no stranger to eating shrimp). They also had not cleaned the shrimp either so in the end more shrimp bits were left on her plate than actually eaten. Funny enough, the day before we could have bought a pound of these guys at the Kailua Farmers Market for the same price she paid for her plate of 7 shrimp and nothing else. Similar to the food, the service had both good and bad sides. Our waiter was very friendly and talkative about the viewpoint of the restaurant. His level of professionalism was lacking though. We were seated outside and multiple times he would stop in mid-explanation or conversation with us, to high-five people who were passing by. We also ate at the outdoor seating area which had a gate that had to be opened and closed to enter the area. Our waiter would just lean over the little fence to talk to us which also seemed rude (and made it much easier for him to high five his buddies). At the end of the meal he kind of slaps the check on the table, and we can hear him talking to the other staff about peaceing out for the night. Guess if we stayed around for dessert that might be an inconvenience. Overall, while they show some promise, Prima is an overpriced eatery with some fancy foods whose quality just do not match the price.
(2)
Lily B.
Love the concept and everything these guys are trying to do here. Prices are a little higher than normal.... Plates are a little smaller than normal.... BUT they are supporting LOCAL agriculture and proteins - SO just help them out and go eat here. You MAY want to bring salt and red pepper for your pizza because mine was bland as hell....provolo. Took it home and sauced it up with VLounge hot sauce and it was perfect. Thanks, Ring Stinger! Chocolate Banana Turon dessert was the best thing I ate there - and get TWO! Notes: They have nothing to drink but WATER...it's BYOB with a corkage. Space in here is TIGHT. Everything is close together so be prepared to sit and hear your neighbor. It's LOUD. The hostess/front of house situation is a WRECK. She shoved two people off our table to seat us after bringing us to the table...then told another couple they would have to eat in 1 hr or less because they had a reservation...not very welcoming but hey I guess they are working out the kinks.
(4)
Samantha J.
This place was delicious. They were out of the mushroom dish so the chef sent us out a special variation- it was amazing. I think the menu changes fairly often but if you get a chance to try the fennel panna cotta, it's to die for.
(5)
Veronique N.
Pizza is good but to be expected from V Lounge. Appetizers are not that special. It's borderline weird. Left there still pretty hungry. Pricey. They wouldn't let us make a reservation at 6:30 for a party of seven people for no apparent reason.
(3)
Grace S.
My good friend invited us to Prima for dinner last Friday night and it was wonderful! The only negative is that it's not a kid-friendly restaurant in any way, shape or form (no high chairs and no keiki menu) It's a small, modern, chic, place with bright lighting and that 'loud' echo sound through-out so not an intimate setting. The food was innovative, put together and very tasty! We tried one item under each category; we started with the Maitake Mushrooms w. cremini toast, pickled hon shimeji, cauliflower puree - to say this was "to die for" is an understatement! EVERY morsel was cooked to perfection; light and creamy. We then tried the Pappardelle w. curry bolognese, fried curry leaves which my husband ate and enjoyed every bite - it had a light curry blend and the noodles were cooked perfectly. We also tried the Grilled baby romaine. The leaves were slightly wilted then blended w. Caesar dressing and topped w. shaved Parmesan, excellent! After that we tried with slow roasted lamb belly and OMG - it just melted in my mouth (all of us said the same thing!) We also tried the Sopressatta Pizza (which we took home after sampling a slice or two) and it was delicious; the crust was perfect and crisp, the cheese very fresh, and the sopressatta was perfectly portioned. Last but not least was dessert; the four sorbets were refreshing and their individual taste selections were spot on! The lilikoi was like I was eating passion fruit as was the mango, guava, and berry. All in all I can say that it was a superb meal all around. Do yourself and your palette a favor; leave the kids home, take a drive to Kailua, and try a Prima date night! ...you won't regret it!
(4)
Tara S.
Just fantastic! From the apps to the pizza. Don't miss this one if your visiting or a local. We go twice a month. Don't forget to ask for the hot sauce. So great on the pizza and bread!
(5)
John V.
Bottom line: we need more places like this in Hawaii. The space is aesthetically pleasant. The wait staff is friendly and competent. (Dana was great.) We started with the beet salad, which could have used a bit more flavor. The presentation was beautiful, but my hopes that the small portion would be made up for by big flavor were dashed after the first bite. A stronger goat cheese would make this dish a lot better. The next course was the Caesar salad soup--yes, soup. It was an interesting concept, but nothing to write home about. Maybe some anchovy incorporated into the dish would give it the flavor it lacked. This is just a special, however, so I hope it doesn't return. Our main course was the Salciccia pizza. The crust was worth all of the praise this place has been getting, but like the other courses, the favors were underwhelming. The house-made fennel sausage had no punch. Our server discouraged us from adding any ingredients to the pizza for fear of offending the chef, but we probably would have been better off not heeding that advice. Salt and red pepper were no where to be found--a major taboo for any restaurant serving pizza--upscale or not. We'll definitely be back to try the many other dishes. Hopefully the chefs and owner pay attention to reviews like these to ensure that their venture is long-lived.
(3)
Katie W.
Food was delicious, but rather pricey for minimal amounts. Family style dining is encouraged, but the 5 of us just got nibbles of everything for a cool $175. The boys devoured a pizza topped with prosciutto and peppers and egg. The spicy meatball, yes only one, was stuffed with cheese and went fast. The fennel panna cotta was flavorful, and the dressing on the mixed green salad was tangy and yummy. Our server was very knowledgable and prompt, and the atmosphere in the dining area is hipster themed with a clean, cozy vibe. This was an overall great experience, and I suppose my only hesitation for not giving a full five would be the rather small portions that come with the hefty price tags.
(4)
Vanessa T.
I went with my Sardinian born friend and we both enjoyed it. We ordered two pizzas: mushroom w/truffle oil and the other I don't recall but we ordered because it had anchovies. Really good-quality anchovies! I believe they are affiliated with V Lounge behind Ala Moana and the quality of the pizzas are the same, which is to say we enjoyed the pizzas from both locations. We had excellent service and I look forward to visiting Prima for dinner. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who's visited Italy and had authentic Italian pizza. If you're in the mood for doughy, heavily sauced, greasy, massed produced pizza, skip this place, otherwise it's worth a try!
(4)
Fred H.
Yelp says they don't have alcohol but they do. One of my go to places in Kailua - great food and pizza. Lots of locally sourced ingredients. Friendly people but getting busy so some nights there is a wait for the table.
(4)
Jennifer W.
Great food, great service! All around awesome restaurant!
(5)
Judy F.
It was New Years Eve at 5 pm. My husband (wheel chair bound) and I met our friends there for "dinner." The place was empty except for us. Our friends were seated at the counter with their 2 little girls who were watching the pizza being made. We were told that all the tables were reserved so we asked if it was okay to sit at the counter with our friends. We were told the Wheel chair would block the isle. (Block who? no one was there). We asked if the tables outside were available and we were told they were. We sat outside separated from our friends, who felt bad. We ordered a pizza and salad to share. As we were eating our pizza people walked by and comments were made about our food ("burnt pizza") and while we enjoyed each others company it was a bit too close to the passing public. The salad was a pile of unidentifiable greens in the middle of a plate with a splash of vinegar and oil on it. We shared it, but it was VERY small. Our bill was $31 and we left hungry. We went to Foodland and picked up food to prepare at home. We are always excited when a new restaurant opens in Kailua and always happy to support a new business. We tried... We won't be back You may want to go somewhere else if you are hungry or in a wheelchair or want a good value for your money. The waitress was very sweet and attentive. She got her 20%.
(1)
Edmond K.
The food was excellent great job Devon Beppu, Aker Bomber, Lindsey Ozawa I really enjoyed everything! glad you guys are doing great hope all of you will be soon opening one closer to town. I had half the menu It was
(4)
Kepa D.
My second review of Prima and it only gets better. Some of the weaker menu items are gone and they are replaced by better dishes. One great star is the roasted summer squash salad. Another is the ahi crudo which is delicious! Service is getting better and the key as usual is to make reservations to avoid any crowds. Be adventurous and give new dishes a try. They may not all hit the mark perfectly, but the journey and evolution are just as much fun. The desserts are very good as well.
(5)
Guy A.
We decided to try Prima in Kailua since many posted four and five star reviews. It's an nine mile drive from town but decided to be adventurous. The service though very cheery was sloooow. It took long to get water and longer to even order drinks. It looked like some where like us who had to wait and others got their food faster. Not sure where the problem is. Now the grinds. Ordered the Maitake mushrooms and Brussels sprouts to start as they got good reviews here. WOW...the mushrooms looked like artwork. The flavor was yummy but VERY salty. The Brussels sprouts were a bit over charred and good but also salty. We tried the spaghetti and the sauce had a lot of "umami" or depth but I don't know if it was just us but it too was salty. We went all out as I wanted to also try a pizza. The crust was awesome. My wife who almost never eats pizza crust ate all of hers. We had the prosciutto pizza and wow it was great. It was also a bit salty but this one may have been caused by the prosciutto as the pizza was literally coved by it. I think that I had my sodium fix for the week but overall the food was great. When it was time to pay my tab, I noticed that the amount on the credit card slip was less, way less than my tab. Notified the waiter and I got a credit slip with no total on it!?! Inquired about it and I was told that is how their system works. So now I don't know if they credited the wrong tab correctly until everything posts on my credit card. So now I suffer for doing the right thing. We are not slow eaters but the service was so slow that our meal took over two hours. If my selection were less salty I would have rated the food four or five stars. Oh almost forgot, while waiting for the restroom key, I stood by the bar which overlooked the kitchen. Noticed two chefs discussing something over a piece of meat that looked like the guanciale for the spaghetti. One said something to the other and the other picked some up with his fingers and popped some into his mouth and then kept on cooking. No washing of hands possibly contaminating the meat and whatever dishes that he was preparing.
(3)
j M.
I am split down the middle when it comes to Prima. It pains me to see a restaurant that got so many things right while simultaneously getting so many things wrong. Upon our first visit to prima I was cautiously skeptical. I saw the eerie formula that many other modern restaurants like this posses. White walls, concrete floors, pressed bent laminate furniture, exposed ceilings deceptively unique menu. It reminded me of the Nightmare that was Tango restaurant in Ward Center. Which was so horrible I can not put that many explicits in one review. However for many restaurants with ultra modern aesthetic the food goes lacking. Like opening a beautifully wrapped turd a classic case of style over substance. Thankfully on our first visit my skepticism was proven mostly wrong. As a tapas style restaurant we ordered generously over the menu. The beet and taleggio plate was balanced and superb. Stinky cheese with sweet and tangy roasted and marinated beets? Who could go wrong? We ordered the special ahi sashimi absolute heaven. Then there was the funghi pizza. Even though I should have known better then to order it as I could tell from all the other tables whose pizza looked wet and mushy. After a lengthy explanation of their rare imported pizza kiln, I went with it. The flavors were all correct however as I suspected it was like eating a very tasty wet sponge that essentially fell apart. I also had this same experience at V-lounge (a sister restaurant) with their pizza. The waiter explained that it was because of their hand pulled mozzarella and extremely fresh ingredients. I felt a little insulted. A pizza is something you cannot do wrong. Every American knows a good pizza from a bad pizza. But as the saying goes even a bad pizza is still a good pizza, so long as it does not end up resembling soup. Beyond that the highlight was the pork belly. I have had dreams of this dish since I had it the first time. The skin was expertly crisp and much of the fat was painstakingly rendered to create a harmonious explosion of flavor and texture that only pork can deliver like a fancy lechon kawali something that most Filipino restaurants have perfected. All in all, the first visit was worth the $100 price tag without drinks. BYOB with a $10 per glass charge was upsetting but understandable. I couldn't wait to go back but I wish I left it at that. Our second visit was quite a disappointment. Again we ordered the Beets still amazing. This time we added the Buffalo clams, which I must say was truly unique and delicious with the shredded duck confit sprinkled on top. However they were overly generous with the celery leaves much like how bell peppers can add or distract from a dish so did the celery. The spicy meatball was wrong on so many levels. After counting 12 slices of Thai chilly, spicy was just a suggestion. It was like lava. But it did say spicy so you can't really judge them on that but you can judge the fact that it was of the way raw. Yes nothing like a raw lava meatball. Huge culinary mistake. Avoid this dish unless you are into the punishment! Lastly, I had to order the pork belly again. I was sure this would have saved the meal. Sadly it was not the same. The skin was far from crispy but flabby and the fat was certainly not rendered at all. I took one bite and I knew it was wrong. It was heavy, fatty and gelatinous. I forced myself to eat another bite but couldn't do it. It was exactly like eating a raw piece of fat. The waitress asked if I wanted to take it home. She looked surprised when I declined. I though to myself how could the same restaurant and the same dish be the best thing I ate all year and the worst thing I ate all year. We gently suggested to the waitress that a few items were slightly under par. She shrugged told us she "got it," raised a condescending brow turned and walked away. She assumed that we didn't want dessert but I needed something to abolish the fatty deposit from my mouth. The chocolate banana terrine was perfection topped with a fruity olive oil. It was a smooth, silky almost sultry end to an arduous meal. Go there get lucky and be impressed. Go there get unlucky and waste another $100 bucks. This is a restaurant I want to love with its motto of using island fresh ingredients from local famers to the truly unique and refreshing menu. My only hope is that I can get myself to go back after the last visit and if I do I want to add another star to their rating.
(3)
LT L.
Finally made a rez and went with a few gfriends Friday 10/28. Brought a bottle of bubbles and a red. I was originally told that it was $5 pp to drink..but our waitress was cool and charged us only $5 per bottle. Lots of servers working the room. The Mgr and 2 owners were also present. We decided to split everything so we started with a super good beet salad and delicious home made bread. We also ordered a meatball (WOW) and a salami pizza. The food was really delish..the flavors exploded in your mouth. The portions were a bit small and I would say $2-$3 over priced on items except pizza. The pizzas were fairly priced..the toppings, the sauce and crust was like I was back in Italy. Really good job..we also split a banana dessert.. They do use very fresh ingredients and try to use local whenever they can..so it drives the price up a but. All in all the food was amazing..and even thought it is in a strip mall..it is hip inside. Alot of things from Re-use/Recycle Hawaii. Love to see new options in Kailua..we need them!
(4)
Pauline W.
If you locked a few seriously talented chefs in a room together, they would make some something beautiful, and they would call it Prima. The food was excellent. It was fresh, delicious and visually delightful. Since there was a group of us, we were able to try one of everything on the menu (except the pizzas, we'll be back for those soon). Some of my favorite dishes: I loved the crudo, it was refreshing and full of flavor. The fish they used was opakapaka, which was great with the tomato, basil and pomelo (yes, pomelo). The fennel panna cotta was excellent. I already find panna cotta hard to resist in the first place. Mention fennel and coffee salt in the same sentence and I'm done for. It looked amazing and tasted even more amazing. You have to get a little bit of everything in your mouth at once for the full effect of the perfectly complementary taste and texture. If I didn't have to mind my manners, I would have licked this plate clean. The pappardelle with curry bolognese and fried curry leaves was really tasty. The spicy meatball was filled with mozzarella (you heard me, a mozzarella stuffed gigantic meatball) was also really good. You could really, REALLY taste the freshness in these two dishes. The mahi mahi, which sat atop a carrot puree, was perfectly done, and I mean perfect. Now can we talk about the veal breast for just a minute? Hello Amazing, it's so nice to meet you! The meat was so tender and wonderful. It came with a delicious marsala sauce and the whole masterpiece was topped with prosciutto. I'm ordering this every time I come here. I thought the fennel sausage in the squid "cannelloni" was a little dry, though it did taste good. I didn't care for the veal sweet breads picatta, it didn't have too much flavor. On to the desserts! You can't go wrong with any of them, they were really good. I did especially like the ricotta tart. The crust was excellent. The gelato & sorbetto was amazing as well. The flavors we had were: lilikoi, cherry, chocolate and Cap'n Crunch. The Cap'n Crunch was smooth and creamy and tasted JUST LIKE THE CEREAL. Aaaahh!! The cherry sorbet was amazing as well. Some side notes: I thought it was a tad pricey, not for the food because it was actually REALLY good, but more for the casual atmosphere. Our food came out really quickly, to the point where we felt overwhelmed and had to tell them to slow it down. Since they're new, I'm sure this will be ironed out in no time. Bring some friends, bring some drinks, be ready to gorge yourself because there are so many good dishes. I'll definitely be back -- for the fennel panna cotta, for the veal breast, and to try some pizza from that spiffy looking oven.
(4)
Dan O.
Heard good things about Prima and wanted to check it out for myself. Had to go to the windward side for work and made my way to Prima after. They open for lunch & dinner only. Easy parking, in a strip mall with Baskin Robbins, Foodland, & Big City Diner. Had to wait about 45 minutes until they opened up for dinner. Went to the bar and opened the recommended pizza and meatball. The bar seats about 8, and the rest of the restaurant has 2-6 seat tables. The pizza preparation area is located on the other side of the bar, so I got a cool bolo head row seat view of my pizza being made- very cool! The meatball came out first. Nice tennis ball sized meatball- the mozzarella stuffing, meat filling, and marinara sauce were excellent, but not $13 excellent (almost as much as the pizza). The pizza had that wonderful brick oven sear, crust, and taste. All in all Prima is a good place, although it's a little pricey. I would come back if I'm in the area, but not go out of my way to visit again. Glad there is another great brick oven pizza on oahu!
(3)
malakial j.
I have been dying to try Prima since it opened a month ago and while I am glad I tried it, I won't be rushing back anytime soon. For starters, the space is small and in a place as small as this, I was surprised by the number of waitstaff. It was a bit excessive. I constantly felt like I was being stalked by my waiter because every time I looked up, there he was. We ordered the spicy meatball, curry pasta and sauteed greens to share. After ordering, the waiter returned to tell us there were no sauteed greens that evening, no big deal we ordered the mashed potatoes instead. A few minutes later, the waiter returned to tell us he has put an order of braised lettuce for us and if we didn't like it, he would remove the charge. Ummm...if I had wanted braised lettuce I would have ordered it in the first place. It was rather presumptuous of him to do that without checking with us first, especially since we had already ordered a sauteed greens substitute from him! He came back a few minutes later to tell us the breads they were offering that evening and then walked away. We had no idea if we were to order the bread, if the bread was complimentary, if he just wanted us to know, what was he telling us?! There was no bread on the menu, but we were told by another table it was $2.00 for a basket and that it wasn't worth ordering. If you are being charged for bread, it should be listed on the menu. Our meal came and was a bit disappointing. The meatball which was $14.00 was quite small for something that was that price and to be shared. The two of us had 2 bites and it was gone. The Indian curry pasta, whose real name I can't remember, was yummy and for around the same price as the meatball, much more substantial. The mashed potatoes tasted like polenta. The braised lettuce was odd and should have been skipped all together. Although the waiter hovered over our table the entire meal, never did he ask how the braised lettuce was and although only a small portion was eaten, the cost remained on the bill. The second a fork was put down, the waiter was there to clear something, even if nothing needed clearing, something was removed. All of our plates and utensils were cleared and as he went to take the remaining braised lettuce, he asked if we wanted to continue eating it. Hello! How can I when you have just taken my fork! Am I supposed to eat it with my fingers? We ordered dessert, a strawberry mascarpone thing on brioche. It was totally forgettable. The brioche was a bunch of crumbs underneath a pile of mascarpone that tasted nothing like mascarpone. While we were eating dessert, our water glasses were cleared even though they still had water in them and we were still drinking the water. I have never felt so rushed during a meal and could not wait to leave. You shouldn't feel that way when eating out. Sorry, Prima, I highly doubt I'll be back.
(2)
Vikki W.
Been wanting to eat at Prima. Never seem to be in Kailua for dinner so when I got a chance to try lunch I did. The service was attentive. Pizza was great and large enough to share. Veal parmigiana was flavorful and moist. Ziti was dry. It could have used more sauce and or cheese. It was not our favorite. Now my problem with the place is that lunch seems to be an afterthought. A few of the tables had stuff laid strewn about. An employee's backpack was on a chair. The bar area had boxes on it. The place was really messy. I really got the feeling like "we are getting ready for dinner service but we will serve you lunch". The waitress was great but the kitchen workers are really great at ignoring the customers. A smile once in a while would be good. I still want to go back for dinner and I'd try lunch again hoping that I got them on a bad day.
(4)
Denise V.
Yep. 1 star. 2 other 4-tops seated and my pasta special of the night takes 45 min!!!!! Everyone else in our party was finished with their meals and ready for dessert. The excuse I get: "Our kitchen is too small." O.o Too small to make 3 ravioli with 6 other people in your restaurant? Please. Never again. Over priced, over slow.
(1)
Bryan N.
I took my family to Prima's last night for a birthday dinner. At first it seemed like a good choice and I had been looking forward to trying it out but... The dishes came out at all different times so each of my kids ate alone while the rest of of us waited/shared theirs and finally like 25 min later the rest came out which we took to go cause by then we were upset and full of bread and water. Good food but with those prices and serving sizes I don't think we'll be going back too soon. Servers were great!
(2)
Carolyn S.
Tried the Parpadelle with fried curry leaves. It was definitely different, but very tasty. Could have used a little bit more pasta. The pizza with tomato sauce and white anchovies was very tasty. Especially when we added some dried red chili flakes they brought. The mushroom pizza was a white pizza. It was tasty, but some of the mushrooms were sort of dry. Both pizza crusts were soggy in the middle, but really nice around the edges where it wasn't soggy. Both pizza crusts were burnt in places around the edges. Overall the dough for the crusts was really good. They need to figure out a way to keep the centers from getting so soggy. The most interesting and amazing part of the meal was the strawberry dessert. It was an amazing combination of a number of different types of strawberry preparations, fresh, dried, strawberry salt, sauce and coulis. The strawberries were a perfect match for the parmesan panna cotta with baby basil leaves. Even though it sounds odd, it was a great dessert. Light, refreshing, interesting and delicious! The service was very good. We sat outside so we could bring our dog. Definitely worth going back!
(4)
Kaiulani K.
Prima is almost like an upscale dining experience in a casual dining environment. The food is good and service is friendly. If they lowered their prices and expanded their menu just a bit, I'd be on Prima like Kate Moss on cocaine. A few quick tips: 1. it's BYOB with a corkage fee of $5 per person; the restaurant happens to be right next to a wine boutique and a foodland. 2. the items all seemed to be "small dishes", so don't expect to order one entree and be good for the night. 3. they are offering take-out, but only for pizza. Which leads me into the food. The Margherita pizza was my favorite of the night. Chewy, tart and cheesy on an amazing crust. Also, do you enjoy brains? Well, their veal sweet breads may well make a zombie of you yet. The sweet breads are prepared in piccata (as piccata? hm...) and are abso-effing-lutely DELICIOUS. The curry papardelle noodles are a bit thick and long (THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID) which makes me think they make them fresh. It was yummy, although the dish doesn't really taste like curry. The fried curry leaves are really interesting and don't taste how you might imagine. The squid cannelloni was pretty tasty. The sausage had good flavor, but was a bit dry and the the squid didn't really come through. The garnishing peppers and onion were very savory and probably the best part of the whole plate, especially since they set off the protein so nicely. Also, my favorite part of the squid, the tentacles, were fried up like a traditional calamari and served as a garnish also. The crispy calamari was perfect - if they offered this on it's own, I'd be on it like Johnny Depp on Kate Moss. THANK YOU, I'LL BE HERE ALL WEEK.
(4)
Katie R.
We love the salad, brussel sprouts, tandoori pear, pappardelle and pizzas at Prima, but some of their other plates have gotten a little too fancy to eat. I think it's neat that they put so much into the presentation, but I think they could back track a little to become my favorite again.
(4)
Paul A.
Food was delicious and the decor was creative. Service was pretty good but they seemed short-handed the night I went. Definitely a solid place to go for dinner if you have the time.
(4)
Maggie H.
My husband and I went to Prima for the first time last night. We made reservations and were seated as soon as we arrived. I would definitely recommend getting a reservation because we noticed that a line formed outside soon after we were seated. The inside of Prima was cozy with only about 12 tables and the bar area. There are also a few tables outside. Since it was our first time we wanted to try a bunch of different dishes which worked well with Prima's concept of sharing all plates. We started out with a bottle of Selvagrossa Merlot for around $33. We got 4 dishes as well as dessert. The first small plate was the spicy meatball which was filled with mozzarella and sat atop a spicy tomato sauce with arugula. The meatball was delicious and the sauce had the right amount of spice to it. The second dish was the pappardelle with curry bolognese. I'd read good things about this dish and our waitress said it was one of her favorites. I'm not a huge fan of curry but it was excellent! The bolognese had a rich flavor and the fresh pasta was perfect. Definitely the favorite dish of the night! The third dish we got (and was our least favorite) was the buffalo clams. The clams were super fresh however the duck confit that came in the dish was extremely tough and lacking in flavor. It was almost like eating jerky in its texture. The Frank's red hot broth was okay but overall I think this dish could be improved upon. The fourth dish we got was the Margherita pizza. We asked for garlic to be added, and the waitress had to double check if it was possible since it wasn't one of the additional topping choices. We said if garlic couldn't be added then onion would be fine. When the pizza came out it had onion on it, and then halfway through eating that one, a second pizza came out with garlic on it. Apparently there was a mix-up putting the order in and we ended up with two pizzas instead of one. Another waitress (not the one who was serving us all night) who dropped off the first pizza didn't seem to care when we tried to explain that we think something got mixed up, but our waitress realized and gave us the second pizza for free. It will make a great lunch for today. The pizza crust was so fresh with a wonderful texture. Finally we got the torrone alla banana which was another favorite of the night. The salty sweetness of everything together on the plate was to die for. Overall, we had a great time at Prima. The food was excellent (minus the buffalo clams) and the service was good. The only thing I would say is that we asked for bread and never got it. We thought it was weird that they were only bringing out bread to certain tables and not others. Then we didn't even get it when we asked for it from the waitress. Our bill came out to $106 before tip. We will definitely be visiting Prima again. It is a great, exciting new addition to the Kailua restaurant scene.
(4)
Sherlyn G.
food very good. atmosphere not so good
(3)
Marissa L.
Yum! Delicious food in a fun atmosphere, what more could you ask for? I came in on a weeknight with a party of four, and we decided to try a bunch of dishes and share them all. We tried the spicy meatball, buffalo clams, brussels sprouts, curry bolognese with papardelle, and the proscuitto pizza. Everything we had was fantastic! My favorite was the pasta - you wouldn't think that curry and bolognese would work together, but it was awesome.
(5)
Katie H.
Proscuitto Arugula Pizza is the bomb~~~~ We have lived in Italy, Naples to be exact, and this pizza is as good as it gets! The Panang Clams tonight were...eh. Potato Chip Soup was good, not great. Will stick with the pizza!!!!
(4)
Joe L.
I gave it one more try and I am hooked! This is one of best restaurants in Hawaii! Look close.
(4)
JAN I.
Great food...love their pizza!! Brick oven is always the best
(5)
Coco C.
We wandered by opening night and were told "they were booked solid" but we could call for a reservation during the week. WTF? That's kind of pretentious for being in a suburban strip mall. Please! Don't know who they were expecting, but it didn't look like they showed up. In the hour that passed between our walks by there were no more than 8 people seated. We did get a look at the menu. But $10 for a Caprese Salad? Really?
(1)
Thomas S.
Decorum inside appears trendy and nice. Evidently they have a custom made pizza oven that seems legit. Didn't try their pizza but had a few appetizers which were good. Had a really good caprese with very good fresh mozzarella. Went for a special event so not sure if it was the normal appetizers. The others left a little to be desired. I'll have to go back and sample them again during dinner service. A side note though, the tables were light and slid when I put my weight on it. Wasn't terrible but I did keep having to slide the table back to my side.
(4)
Ssil T.
We chose this restaurant from a list to qualify for bonus miles on our credit card. I am so glad we decided to go. My husband and I ordered the grilled octupus and manila clams- both entrees were delicious. Since moving to Oahu 7 months ago, I have been disappointed with the lack of quality restaurants. Prima was a pleasant surprise. My only complaint is the octupus portion was small...I would've loved just one more piece. Our server was vey pregnant, yet attentive. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was fun. I've told friends about Prima and we're already planning to go back!
(4)
Stacie T.
Every dining experience (5+?) that I have had at Prima has been superb. Everything on the menu is excellent, and you absolutely must save room for dessert... order a few of them, you won't be sorry! The food is consistently tasty, made from quality ingredients by people who obviously care about what they're serving, and the location is great.
(5)
Wendy L.
Ohhh Man was I dying to try this place... My fiancee surprised me with dinner here tonight and the food, atmosphere and service was excellent! We did arrive early, but our table was ready so we were whisked right in. (I think we were the last table to be sat inside, so the place was really jammin') Our server Jordan was bubbly and attentive and explained to us that the menu is structured that plates are to be shared with everyone at the table and comes out as they are ready. AWESOME! She immediately took our drink order and brought them with a basket of bread. The bread was house-made and arrived cold :-/ The butter and olive oil that accompanied it was delicious. I think it was Naked Cow Dairy butter from Waianae and very fruity high quality olive oil. Hot bread really would have been a plus. Next we ordered the Ahi Crudo special. Ahi wrapped prosciutto with parsnip puree, watercress, pickled onions, garlic chips and balsamic reduction. It was tasty except one of my ahi cubes had too much salt garnish and another hardly had any. My first bite was really salty, but I do admit I was scraping the plate with a piece of bread to get all that yummy sweet balsamic... Next I had the Beet Salad with Taleggio Cheese. I need to warn you that I LOVE roasted beets and taleggio cheese. To me taleggio is an acquired taste, it's creamy, stinky and tastes soo good good with the roasted beets. They also served the beet salad with shaved raw beets (excellent textural contrast) and purslane. I personally hate purslane, only because growing up I was taught that it was a weed. It would invade my grandma's flower bed, but I always thought the flowers were really pretty. Prosciutto Rucola pizza was next and the chef (no substitutes!) let me add roasted alii mushrooms and an egg yolk to his creation. It was so tasty and reminded me of old school VLounge. (Went there a couple of weeks ago... it's not the same... GO TO PRIMA!) FINALLY we got the Striploin with bone marrow butter and tarragon puree. The local steak was tasty, but I honestly could have done with out both sauces. The bone marrow butter was rich and fatty, while the tarragon puree was vinegary. A perfect gastronomical balance, but I could have done without the butter and puree. Steak was cooked perfectly, root vegetables were oh so tender and our side roasted fingerling potatos were perfect. I honestly could not have done a meal better myself. All in all, at Prima, expect the highest quality of food possible. I generally do not like cured meats but the prosciutto was so melt in your mouth good.... I would highly recommend it.
(5)
Ryan H.
They ran out of the pizza that we came for. They ran out at 7pm, which is almost forgiveable, since pizza represents more than half of the entrees. The octopus was out of this world. The pasta was just okay. The pizzas, on the tables surrounding us, looked amazing, and that's why I did not give them 2 stars for running out.
(4)
B R.
The service was horrible. The waiter took like 25 mins to take our drink oder. then they served red wine in small white wine glasses. Very small pour and not small on the price. It took well into 1 hour to receive our meal and we were starving. The Pork belly was amazing. The ahi was under seasoned and the salad that it came with was smothered in dressing way over kill not to mention the croutons inside the salad were soggy. The presentation was very well done, and the food was over all was 50/50 split 1 we liked 1 we didn't. The rest of the experience killed it. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Miki H.
I love this place! The food here is done so well and is so out of the box that once inside, you could easily be in L.A. rather than Hawaii. I've been here for dinner four times and lunch once and all meals were fantastic. At the top of my list is the spicy meatball which is delicious whether served as an open-faced sandwich or on its own. Once, there was a caesar salad soup which sounds bizarre but it was delish!! I have no idea how they did it but I was drinking caesar salad and enjoying every second of it. I've been waiting to see it reappear but it hasn't so maybe it was labor intensive or not well received. I also recommend the curry bolognese which is fabulous and innovative with its use of fried curry leaves. After happening upon a spice store in Denver last month, I bought a bag of curry leaves and will try to recreate this dish at home. I'm slightly worried that I need fresh curry leaves though to execute this properly. Anyway, they have a very limited dessert menu but the gelato is pretty good. We weren't paying attention when the waitress told us what flavors each scoop was but had a ton of fun trying to guess on our own before asking her to clarify. Needless to say we were only so accurate but it made for an entertaining and delicious experience!
(5)
Yvette A.
I was in charge of finding a place we haven't tried yet. Since we live on the Leeward side there aren't too many options. Searched Yelp in Kailua and found Prima. Booked my reservation through Yelp. Went next door bought a bottle of wine since its BYOB. We were seated right away. Most of the food is small portions you can share. We ordered to start: Panzanella Salad, bread w/oil and Spicy Meatball Pizza. There were 4 of us with plenty still to eat. I ordered the special: Pork Belly. I only wish there was more polenta. It's was so creamy and went well with the crispness of the pork belly. To end the evening we had the Smores with homemade marshmallows. It was more like a deconstructed Smores. Yummy. The staff is so friendly and you really feel like they really want you to have a good dining experience. And yes the menu changes and that's ok. I like change and I love to try new things. I will be back for sure. Love, love, love Prima.
(5)
Ann P.
I walked by this place after buying groceries at Foodland before Prima opened for business. I did a double take after seeing what I thought were Eames chairs. Being a midcentury modern enthusiast I couldn't believe it. Most restaurants here look like they could care less about interior design. So I popped my head in to ask about the (very pricey) chairs and learned that this was going be a new restaurant. So I decided to give it a try. If you've lived in Santa Monica, this place seems like it was plucked right out of Montana Ave. or next door to Fred Segal's (you work up an appetite after shopping). And so I love it. The prices and portions are comparable to casual dining restaurants in Santa Monica/Brentwood. I'm pretty frugal, but I really don't mind paying a bit more for good quality food. We had a pizza and the curry papparedelle. The pizza suited my taste. I prefer thin crust pizza. It was actually quite lovely because it reminded me of eating pizza and drinking wine in Naples, Italy. The oven is from Napoli and so is the flour and tomatoes in the pizza. I usually hate fusion cuisine and thought "oh god, curry in an Italian dish?" when my husband ordered curry papparedelle, but I like it much to my surprise. I've missed the restaurants in Santa Monica that not only manage to create an atmosphere but also inject creativity in their menu items. It's nice to have the variety in Kailua. The desserts looked amazing. Too bad I had too much self control that night otherwise I'd write about them.
(5)
robyn t.
Read an article about this new place and beyond the link to VLounge, I was unsure what to expect. Before you decide to check this place out, here are a few things to expect (so that you aren't disappointed): 1. the portions are more "tapas" style and not "entree" size. 2. they currently do not have their liquor license but will probably be receiving it soon. 3. suggest making reservations (via email...) especially if its a large party. The place is decorated in a modern minimalist fashion and is really quite cute. Its a great girls' night venue...which is what we did. The food here was great. The service awesome and spunky. But the highlight? The dessert. If you decide to give this place a go, make sure to save some room for the Torrone alla Banana...i have dreams of this... :)
(4)
Vanessa K.
Excellent food - sophisticated but uncomplicated Asian fusion flavors (curry bolognese tagliatelle is amazing) and one of the best pizzas on Oahu. Other must trys- maitake appetizer, clams in Penang curry and the chocolate banana dessert. Friendly staff and attentive service, definitely worth the trip into Kailua!
(5)
Blue H.
Hands down one of the best restaurants in Hawaii EVER. I get bored very easily. Not that I don't love traditional cuisine, but there is something to be said for Prima's hapa (yea, Hapa) style of cooking that has brought a new era of what it means to be fusion. First thing is the food- Brilliant! The menu reads as a simply stated, classic and timeless documentation of the pristine ingredients. They don't try to be sell-y, or overly descriptive which, as any true foodie knows, can be the downfall of any great restaurant. The flavor and balance between all the selections is so well thought out. There are not any dishes that clash so one can happily pair any of the dishes, in any order, and never be overwhelmed or left wanting for something more. The portions are perfect, just like the best tapas ideals from around the world, Prima balances the perfect flavoring and size to leave your mouth and tummy fully happy, not weighted down. The customer service here is stellar. The wait staff is attentive but non intrusive, knowledgeable and charismatic. By my second visit they knew who I was and my top choice of plate from the last time. The price- Worth every penny. The ratio of what you pay vs what you get is un real. In LA you'd be paying the same price or more for smaller portions with less tasty options and a less interesting menu. Over-all this place brings the most metropolitan ideal of eating experiences to Hawaii. The presentation, complexity of flavors, quality ingredients, unique expressions of both flavors and ambience lead me to state that Prima is the best eatery for those looking to give their taste buds a culinary journey that they will remember for a long time.
(5)
Mari P.
VEAL SWEET BREADS PICATTA. If you enjoy this kind of food, Prima has one of - if not, THE best preparations of these tasty tidbits I've ever eaten. If you've never had this before, but always wanted to, this is an excellent way of trying sweetbreads for the first time. Cooked to tender perfection, and the picatta matched so beautifully. Absolutely wonderful. My husband and I also ate the Striploin Steak, Brussel Sprouts, Sauteed greens (beet greens!), and a Boquerones Pizza. Washed everything down with a Guiness each. Everything was DELICIOUS. Steak was crazy tender, and they paired it with marrow "butter." Hello?! Where the heck has that been all my life? I'm hooked. Veggies were great ( I swear there was like $10 worth of saffron on the beet greens). Pizza was one of my top 3. Already comes to the table with the chili pepper water on it! We pretty much licked all the plates clean. Didn't order dessert. Such a shame - I overheard the next table eating, what looked like a frozen sampler, and they mentioned something about graham cracker and peanut butter. Really? Graham cracker flavored ice cream? I wish I had the room... I know it sounds like so much food, but this place gets minus one star for that. I have to agree with my fellow yelpers and say that the portions were tiny, and the price was pricey! The vibe is more funky and casual than the other Kailua "fusion" restaurant. Super cute. Perfect for the location. Wished they were open earlier, but they close pretty late. They also have a website with the menu, so you won't be surprised when you look at the prices. Overall, I love this place, and we are putting it on our "date night" list.
(4)
Keala H.
AWESOME food. A bit warm, but I guess that's because of the pizza oven. So far, everything I've eaten here is spot on!
(5)
Adam P.
The menu here is really great. It's not your typical Italian menu (so if you're expecting to see spaghetti or lasagna, you're out of luck), but your upscale, creative, inventive type of menu. Other than the pizza, I mean. And this pizza is awesome. If you like the pizza at V Lounge you'll like it here. I went with the margherita, and it is great. Pure and simple, the sauce is tasty, cheese is SO good, everything works really well. Also highly recommend the veal sweet bread picatta and papperdelle. Tried the fennel panna cotta, and thought it was okay. I like fennel, but didn't think the panna cotta was all that great. The squid cannelloni was tasty, but I don't think I'd order it again. For dessert, they have a sampler of gelato and sorbetto: cherry, lilikoi, cinnamon (just tasted like vanilla, to me) and CAP'N CRUNCH! The next time I go, I'm going to ask for four scoops of the cap'n crunch; it really is that good. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 due to the price:portion ratio. High prices, small portions.
(3)
Scuba K.
It's so hard to keep my girlish figure, so I like to order apps instead of entrees. I had Spicy meatball with arugula - so tender and perfectly cooked Ahi Crudo with pear and parsnip puree - all of my favorites in one dish Brussels Sprouts - roasted goodness and not too greasy I really wish I ate more carbs because the pizza sounds to die for. I told the waiter how much I enjoyed the food, and the chef came out to greet me! He's super cute too.
(5)
Doug ..
awesome pizza and octopus. go there on sundays where they have 1/2 bottles. you should make a reservation.. and when you do, tell them you're going to order a pizza. they run out of their dough pretty quick
(5)
Gerald S.
Pizza, with various twists. Pleasant, non-fancy atmosphere. Open to the outside.
(3)
J A.
Service was great, didn't help that I knew the waiter. Thanks for everything. I had the fried "Jidori" chicken. 4pc. The chicken was flakey an salty(great) even after I peeled the skin to eat first. The inside was juicy an flavored. The mash creamy an buttery. The collards might be a little to strong for people that never eat it. I enjoyed it. I dined with two of my friends who had the Boquerones an the Veal. as soon as I find out their yelp names I'll edit review to add names.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Kim M.
Prima has been dubbed my new favorite Kailua restaurant, as of yesterday evening. It's affordable and delicious, with friendly and genuine service, spirits and tasty cocktails, fresh pizza and pastas, unique and inspiring specials, and delectable desserts. The drive into Kailua (from town) is worth the experience. SOUP OF THE DAY We were told by one of the owners, Blaine, that for the approximate 1 year 3 months they've been open, they've never repeated the same featured soup. They run the featured soup for about 2-4 days...and, that's it! (So, in other words, they change their Soup du Jour about once or twice a week.) They have featured unique and supposedly delicious concoctions such as Hot Pocket Soup, Banana Bread Soup, Caesar Salad Soup & more. Sadly, I have yet to try their soups, but that's just another reason for me to come back.* WINTER SQUASH SALAD ($10) with pomegranate and dragon fruit yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… We were told that this is a seasonal dish, currently running (1/2013). It's a nice alternative to leafy greens. To me, it seemed like the perfect fit for the crazy-windy & colder nights we've been having lately. Plus, pomegranate seeds are so awesome. 3 GRAIN RISOTTO ($19) with carnaroli, farro, wild rice, baby carrot, oyster mushrooms & cranberry yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… The different grains were what made this dish stand out to me. I love wild rice, so it was a real treat to have it in a risotto. The risotto was creamy enough for my liking & well-balanced with the sweetness of the cranberries. SPAGHETTI ALL'AMATRICIANA ($17) with tomato, red onion and guanciale I've never had spaghetti quite like this before. It was phenomenal. Definitely not your typical rustic, bay-leaf-and-spices kind of spaghetti. Instead, it was more like a beautiful, creamier blend of spaghetti-like flavors -- creamy & tomatoey in all the right places. I would definitely order this again. BRUSSELS SPROUTS ($8) with prosciutto, bordelaise yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… Who knew Brussels Sprouts could taste this good?! The savory prosciutto & tangy lemony notes of the light sauce really went hand-in-hand with the mild sweetness of the caramelized sprouts. Overall, a surprisingly delightful dish. I will order this every time I dine here. DI BOLOGNA PIZZA ($16) with pepperoncini, mozzarella, soft poached egg, rosemary, mortadella yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… A soft poached egg on a pizza may sound strange, but it all makes sense once you take that first bite. Seriously. Why haven't I had more pizzas with soft poached eggs? This is just another reason why eggs are so fantastic, but I digress... PLANTATION TEA ($10) Ono Pops Cocktail made with vodka, pineapple, tea and lemon I had to try it because 1.) it's made with vodka, 2.) Ono Pops are fantastic, and 3.) plantation iced tea is the shizz. This cocktail was light, fresh & tasty. Where was the alcohol? Yep, it's that dangerous. GELATO & SORBETTO A dish including 4 different flavors, which change pretty frequently (so I've heard). I remember the Citrus Whiskey, Jasmine & Apple Banana.. But, for some ungodly reason, I can't recall the fourth. Oh well. Needless to say, these ice-cold treats are unique! What a great way to end a fantastic meal. SERVICE Service is polite & friendly, but a little frantic at times (understandable bc it's busy). The wait times for our food were surprisingly much quicker than I had anticipated.. The food is freshly made to order, so I don't mind waiting anyway. (I'd rather wait for stellar-tasting treats rather than not wait for rushed and/or mediocre dishes.) But yeah, bottom line - service is good. RESERVATIONS This place is pretty busy, so reservations are highly recommended. Prima is an Open Table restaurant, so it's a great way to earn points. SET MENU FOR LARGE PARTIES For large parties, like 12+, Prima does a set / prix fixe menu. It's wise to book larger parties, especially those requiring the set menu, at least a week in advance. Prima will work with you and your party to create a satisfying menu to your liking. CORKAGE FEE $15 corkage fee, but Prima has spirits, beer & wine. VERDICT I can't see why this place gets anything lower than 4-5 stars. Service may be a little frantic at times, but they're busy. Anyway, I'm all for supporting local businesses who try and support our local market - great job, Prima! I don't mind paying a tiny bit more for fresh, local ingredients.. But then again, the prices at Prima are pretty darned reasonable! *Update: I had the pleasure of trying the Eggplant Miso Soup. What a winner. Sounds weird, but it worked. Eggplant & miso flavors were cohesive as a soup, but still independently distinguishable. Yum.
(5)Joe F.
This was my second trip to Prima, first time was a five star meal this visit not so much. Portion sizes are small so the food really needs to be amazing to get past that. We started with the brussel sprouts definitely the high point. The soup was very mediocre but they always have a different soup so I figured they can't all be winners. Next was the grilled octopus, normally I love tako in any preparation this was bland chewy and overcooked. We also had the pork belly again nothing special, small portion $30 for 4 or 5 bites each and we didn't even finish it. Any other time I have been exposed topork belly it was devoured and the plate licked clean. Desert also fell flat. We also ordered one of the pizzas I don't remember the name, it had a poached egg in the center. The pizza was outstanding but not nearly enough to save this meal. $100 before tip and no alcohol (byob) if it weren't for the pizza crusts we would have left hungry. My first trip here I was blown away I thought I had found a new fav, this trip was thoroughly disappointing I won't be back
(2)Emily M.
Don't let the artisan decor fool you. The pizza is good, not great. The service is terrible. I've been here several times and it's slow every time. There's no air conditioning so it's hot. The wait staff is friendly but it certainly doesn't make up for the exceptionally slow service. We were the last table in there for over an hour yet still didn't get our drinks for 30 minutes. The good took even longer. We had to reorder items. My group of friends are sick of the slow Service and average food at an above average price.
(1)Tobias C.
Okay - came to Prima in Kailua after driving by and seeing the place was kinda empty on a Tuesday night around 6pm. The menu is very limited. Ordered the Magarita pizza - very boring. Ordered a roasted Caesar salad- interesting - but also boring. Cooked romain lettuce and dressing - that's it. The Spaghetti with meat and tomato sauce - tasted slightly burnt. Total $55.00. The service -very friendly - but really young. Puzzling - when we walked in - we were asked if we had a reservation- and after a awkward pause - we were shown to a table - ???? The place was dead. The interior is warm - they have to keep the front door open. The music is loud. The good - they bring you ice water in a tall green refreshing looking glass bottle to re fill your own glass if you want. Ordered a peligrino bottle of sparkling water as well and it came in a wine chiller and was accompanied by wine glasses with a slice of lime in each. The dessert - we passed - because it looked like it came from Baskin and Robins from next door and served in a very small drinking glass - not worth the price. Coffee - we have no coffee - but you can go next door and buy one from the Coffee Bean place in Foodland and bring it back. Oh ...That's nice.....
(2)Erica W.
Prima is very close to my house and we've been meaning to check it out forever. We finally did for Localicious and now we're huge fans. Prima is deceptive, it looks like a casual little diner but is actually rather fancy. Or at least, its a funny mixture of fancy and casual. They are serving pizza, but they want you to know that this is the creme de la creme of pizza ovens and pizza ingredients and actual pizza. Okay, last time we were here we got: a tandoori pear and a meat lover's pizza. Unfortunately this is horribly unhelpful because I dont remember the titles as they were on the menu. The tandoori pear was literally a half a pear in an Indian inspired sauce, which seems outrageous for $8.00. One half of a pear. My husband was like, what did they do with the other half, can I get it just plain? Just plain other half of a pear? But this tandoori pear was so delightful that we ain't even mad bro. We ain't even mad. That is a very good half a pear. Meat lover's pizza had some sausage and maybe meatballs. My husband had tears in his eyes. It was so so so good. Just, maybe the best pizza. I can't say the best but its in the running. Not very big, but good for a couple that consists of a small lady and a dude on a diet.
(5)Lindsey S.
We went to Prima for Restaurant week and the food was absolutely amazing! We showed up early for our reservation and our table was not yet ready so we went next door and grabbed a bottle of wine for dinner (its BYOB) and they called us to let us know the table was ready. The air conditioner was broken, thank goodness I had a tank on under my top because it was HOT! We were seated in the corner and it was a bit awkward to get into for us and the waiter as we were squeezed between two other tables and their chairs blocked access. Often the waiters would ask us to hand them the plates so they didn't have to get through chairs. For the appetizers they served Hebi Crudo which I could not partake in (because I'm preggo) but my wife assures me that it was amazing, and that the grapefruit reduction really was flavorful. Next we got the baby beet salad and panzanella salad, the baby beet was my favorite! The pasta course offered a seafood sausage cavatelli and mushroom gnocchi, both were beautiful, the gnocchi had giant shitake mushrooms and I loved the thick texture of the pasta in the cavatelli. For the main course we got the fall harvest pot pie which was only so so, the pastry on the top was delicious but the cooked veggies seemed to lack flavor, but the braised pork belly was AMAZING!! I wish there was more!! It was perfect with the crisp giant onion ring and I will go back and order this several times over!! For dessert they served smores and pumpkin bread pudding, both were good but I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the smores as I didn't think much of it from when I saw it on the menu! The service was good but they did take a while between courses, especially before the main course. And there is no bathroom inside, you have to use the one around the corner from baskin robbins and take a giant pizza pan attached to the key and the bathroom was not nice. So the food was amazing, but only four stars for no a-c and the bathroom.
(4)Mike P.
Arrived at 6 pm on a Friday, the place is practically empty, so we weren't expecting the no-reservations-what-were-you-thinking-please-Âjust-wait-here response. If I hadn't already promised to meet my wife here I'd simply have gone somewhere else at that point. The nice young fellow, Keenan, after consulting with some if his colleagues, offered "any of these four 'tops,'"just inside the door. The place felt stuffy and hot, just standing there outside the door, so I picked the "top" closest to the door, and directly in the path of a box fan. That was the best choice I made during this whole affair. The water they bring is in cool looking green, label-less bottles, nice touch. Tasted like filtered tap-water, but it was wet and cold. Not only hot and stuffy inside, but noisy (even though nearly empty) with horrible acoustics and late 70s-80s top 40 hits that you've already gotten completely tired of hearing throughout the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond, playing too loudly. "Well at least it's pandora or some such, so there won't be a bunch of noisy Dj-talking or commercials," you think to yourself, but then realize that the owner must be skimping on signing up for a subscription, and so yes, you are besieged at 15 minute intervals with a bunch of mindless radio talking, overpowering your own attempts to hear the specials as Keenan's rattling them off, or even hearing your own table conversation. My wife was able to make out what the waiter was saying, however, and at one point during the specials recital I heard her sweetly ask Keenan, "will you be joining us for dinner then?" Later (back outside where we could converse normally) she explained that that was because of K's phrasing, ex: "We could also have the X, and we'd also enjoy Y, and we can decide as we have our drinks," etc. Very patronizing, she felt... (we are older than the hipster crowd this place is evidently targeting). To K's credit, he recovered gracefully and dropped that schtick and moved on without skipping a beat. I ordered the plantation iced tea, one glass, $4, no refills, and wifey had an Italian white wine. She got the Brussels Sprouts (not really hungry) which she reports were wonderful, we'll all just have to take her word on that, and I ordered a pizza which had some cheese and some kind of thin-sliced prosciutto on it, to which I added mushrooms. The pizza came out charred as promised, mainly around the perimeter. The center was way more mushier than you'd expect to find if you were following any kind of a basic "how to cook your first pizza" recipe. Or that you'd expect at any number of the other pizza joints around Kailua, including CPK, Z-pizza, or even a pre-fab from Safeway. The flavor was do-able, and Keenan was later careful to inquire only as to the taste of it. Clearly he knows a thing or two. OK, dessert. I'd earlier started the evening simply thinking of going out to Baskin-Robbins (right next door, as it turns out) for a shake. One thing led to another, and here we were, contemplating the three desserts on offer from these guys. I did ask at first if they had milkshakes, but no, nothing that down-market available here. Two of the three desserts sounded pretty gooey and sticky-sweet, so we opted for the third one which K described as "like strawberry cheesecake." Well you can't have after-dinner cheesecake without ordering coffee, which K magnanimously invited me to run out and down 3 businesses to buy at the supermarket, but that I was welcome to come back in and drink it there. I followed his advice, mainly to get some air and a break from the noise, as well as the coffee. 10 minutes later I'm back and K is bringing out a largish plate with a glop of ricotta cheese on it with a few chopped strawberry chunks and some other bits of sliced fruit (I think) and little drops of something very special dribbled all around, maybe extract of magic beans. It was very bland, so I turned the whole thing over to the wife and took my coffee next door (opposite direction from the supermarket coffee) to Baskin-Robbins and finally got that shake. The shake was great. Cookie dough ice cream with a little malt. It went great with the coffee from the supermarket. While enjoying my shake at Baskin-Robbin, I recognized my BR server from her having dropped off a BR order to the waitstaff at Prima, earlier in the evening. Should have taken the hint sooner than later. All in all: Prima is pretty pricey and somewhat pretentious, simply for a Kailua joint that serves mushy/charred pizza in a hot, noisy room, bad decorations (did I mention?) with tedious radio-station music and a lack of basic, common sense menu choices.
(2)Jocelyn L.
As an ex-Kailua resident, i really wanted to love this neighborhood restaurant, but sadly, it was only a 2 for me 1) Appetizers were pretty good but definitely not stellar; the mushroom presentation, which was hugely raved over by everyone else on Yelp, was just OK. I'm pretty confused by what the huge to-do is 2) Tandoori Pear; i love tandoori- this dish tasted burnt and the tandoori sauce on the side was gritty; like it needed to be used for cooking not dipping 3) The pizza was the highlight of the entire dinner; not because it was the best pizza i've ever had but it was the only normal dish 4) Curry Pappardelle. Wow. Single most salty dish I've ever tasted in my entire life- not an exaggeration. When we flagged this with the server/ manager, he told us that the chef likes to season dishes aggressively/ boldly. I get bold seasoning and i love the flavor of curry, but this was just plain Salty, not flavorful. I couldn't finish my dish even though i really tried/ wanted to (i was starving after a long plane ride). My other friend took 2 bites of hers and couldn't eat any more. The manager was nice enough to take hers off the final bill, but i paid for mine since i went through at least 70% of it. This dish really needs to tone down on the salt; i'm surprised no one else has flagged this on Yelp. Additionally, the ambience is not conducive for catching up with friends; music was way too loud for the space. I'm sorry for the low ratings; but I spent way too much money that night on an OK meal.
(2)Keisha P.
Last night my bf and I decided to try this little restaurant in Kailua town. We both sat down and the service informed us that the restaurant is currently BYOB due to liquor license getting revoked (temporary). So, $10 BYOB wine & $3 BYOB beer (endless amounts of both). I quickly ran to foodland (right next door) & purchased a case of beer and a bottle of wine. Dinner, I choose a pizza with arugula, prochutto and cheese. It was yummy. My bf choose the curry bolognese pasta which had great flavor but the meat was wayyyy overcooked. Our server asked us how everything was tasting, I quickly informed him that the meat was extremely hard and overcooked. He said, "want me to take it back." I started explaining that we hate complaining and we don't want them to take it back and he quicking interupted and said, "ok cool" and walked away. We finished our wine and had a few beers and left. Pro: BYOB Different items on menu such as egg added to a pizza, fried curry leaves, etc. Ample parking Con: not the best customer service overcooked meat in pasta Honestly, I felt it was overpriced and sadly, I prob won't be returning.
(3)diane d.
LOVE this place - great wood fired pizza. They are now serving brunch. We just had the morning bread, asparagus and egg&bacon pizza. Fabulous - a must when in Kailua.
(5)Sharon H.
Clean, modern, well-lit and buzzing with energy, the ambience at Prima is reminiscent of one of my favorite SF restaurants. Happily, the food is delicious, too! We started with a shared plate of summer squash salad, featuring a colorful and refreshing lineup of yellow and green zucchini, fennel slices and cubes of crunchy jicama. A lone falafel ball was a random but delicious addition to the plate, and frankly, one more falafel would have been perfect as I didn't really want to share it! On the plate, drizzles of olive oil and creamy dabs of herbed (goat?) cheese provided the right counterbalance to the bright flavors. A winnah! Right away, our side orders of roasted fingerling potatoes and pan-seared brussel sprouts arrived. The potatoes were oh-so-heavenly-delicious -- golden crisp and dusted with parsley and just the right amount of salt! The grape-sized brussel sprouts were charred to a smoky goodness yet retained their bright green color. Easy to pop in the mouth! Both plates were perfect for two to share, ahem ... meaning, a third person would require another side order. A fourth person would require yet another ... well, you get the picture. Once the sides were cleared, you could almost hear the trumpets blaring with fanfare as the pizza con funghi arrived! We had splurged an extra $1 for an arugula topping and what a good idea -- the lemony pepper arugula was the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the mushrooms, mozzarella and parmesan while accenting the mix of shallots, thyme, parsley and (surprise) lime base. Deeeelicious! The crust was thin and chewy, best eaten with a fork and knife as picking it up would result in the savory triangle hanging limp from topping overload. Though completely full by the last bite of pizza, we amiably agreed to "just look at the dessert menu." Since eyes are bigger than the stomach, we were forced to order a banana-chocolate-hazelnut log with an olive oil drizzle. Who knew this combination of chocolate and olive oil could taste so amazing?! Overall, service was friendly and quick even though we were forewarned that the restaurant was shortstaffed that evening. We served ourselves water from a tall glass bottle left on the table, and whenever our wine or drink glasses were empty, the waitress was there to ask if we needed a refill. Kudos for the friendly smiles and menu knowledge. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Frederick W.
Great place to get a $5 pizza for $15.
(1)Amy N.
My friend and I tried this place for the first time for lunch in beautiful Kailua. The location of the restaurant gives you a great view the lush mountains. We ordered the spicy meatball pizza and the prosciutto rucola pizza. The spicy meatball pizza was absolutely delicious! I'm not a huge spicy eater, but I was able to handle it. The prosciutto pizza was ok. It was slightly difficult to eat especially since the prosciutto was slightly chewy. Preferred the spicy meatball over the prosciutto. I also ordered a plantation ice tea, which tasted pretty much like pineapple juice and water. It was really watered down. Service was ok. We were almost the only ones in the restaurant and were there at an odd time (2-3pm).
(3)Brandon N.
Had the clams with fingerling potatoes. The salty, acidity of the sauce was delish. The lime was an awesome touch. BBQ tako tentacles! ORDER this if they have it. It is lightly salted, and put together with mandarin orange. All topped on a cloud of mashed potatoes. The pappardelle was one of the best and the highlight of the meal. The sauce is filled with meat and the amt of basil was plentiful and pure perfection.
(5)Captain C.
I had the Kona Street pizza, but I didn't taste any truffle oil on it. I'm a huge fan of truffle oil, but I didn't taste a drop of it. Maybe they forgot, but the pizza was still delicious. My bf got the Five P pizza which he liked. The restaurant was smoky. I can't imagine working there without my eyes drying out. Our waiter Gabriel was friendly and professional. I'd try their pizzas again if I lived closer to the Kailua area. I found this place on Groupon and they're also on Open Table. One of the girls wrote "Happy New Years" on our takeout box which was a nice touch but spelled incorrectly with the extra "s" at the end lol Overall, pretty good pizza and tasty homemade hot sauce.
(4)Chelsie M.
Loved the pizza and pork belly! Not a huge fan of the bruschetta but it wasn't bad.. My boyfriend liked it. A few things that need a little improvement would be to invest in AC or fans ASAP. It was so hot inside! Dishes like pizza are messy so please give lots of napkins next time when we ask for more not just three extra napkins to split between four of us. And maybe get water cups that are a little bigger. It was like taking shots of water out of those tiny cups.. Other than that the food was great and the service was good but we will definitely be seating outside next time.
(4)Nathan N.
Great service and great pizza. Their thin crust gourmet pizzas are made to perfection. The only downside is the pizzas only come as a 12". That's a bit disappointing. But other than that Prima is great.
(4)Todd P.
Very delicious pizzas. Eat here quite often! Very nice but casual setting. Great place to take a date. The marinara sauce really calls out to me. Has a very nice saltiness to it:)
(5)robbie l.
Was good when it first opened now not so much. If getting a reservation is any indication of the food than I should've known. After my first time here about a year ago I was looking forward to another good meal, I was very disappointed. I should've known...non asian food in Hawaii sucks. No exceptions. If you're craving Italian go Italy.
(1)Rissa K.
Mmm love this place. They have daily specials. We had the mushroom appetizer, special spaghetti ala matriciana and the pepperoni and mushroom pizza. The pizza and pasta here are pretty bomb! The dishes here are fusion Asian inspired dishes and very creative using local ingredients. The ambiance seems a bit hip and I love the modern ambiance and the art work. I will be back to try the other dishes! This place is also BYOB too!
(4)Donna L.
I'd say it's worth checking out if you're already in the neighborhood, but it's definitely not something I'd recommend going out of your way for. I think they do well because they're the only place of its kind in Kailua. They serve up tasty artisan pizzas made with fresh locally sourced ingredients. Yes, great concept, but their execution could use a bit of work. The place itself is kind of drab and was totally not what I had envisioned. They're going for that Euro modern look, but it just wasn't happening -- think cheap Ikea furniture pieces. The restaurant isn't very big, and it was extremely warm and stuffy in there the day we went. My guess is, either their A/C was out of commission that day or they just don't have one. Thank goodness they had outdoor seating, which was what we opted for. Phew! It was a warm day, but at least we got fresh air and the occasional breeze! The service was mediocre at best. But the amount of time we had to wait for our two pizzas to come out was just absurd! We waited for at least a good 45 minutes before our pies came out! Is it just me, or does that seem like a really long wait time for pizza? Perhaps our order got stuck behind a huge order? Or perhaps it was an off day? The only positive thing about the whole experience was the pizza... when it finally did arrive. Although the pizza was good, I most likely won't go back, unless someone else is buying hah! There are other good pizza spots elsewhere with better service and a nicer atmosphere (I am partial to JJ Dolan's)! ;p
(2)Erica M.
We didn't even stay to eat because a waiter was so rude to us. So, while I can't speak to the quality of the food, I can say I was incredibly disgusted with the writer's attitude and tone. He was so exasperated and annoyed with the fact that another waiter had accidentally seated us at a reserved table and took out his anger in his interactions with us. We left before getting menus and went to another restaurant.
(1)Kathy J.
I see I didn't include anything about the service in my original post because I was so focused on the food... it's because it is that distractingly good. The service is consistently good here (I'm not sure why one poster had to state that they are really young... does that actually matter?). My husband worked in the restaurant industry during his college years and recognizes professional service when he sees it, young or not, we appreciate the professionalism.
(5)Diana C.
I have been craving brick oven style pizza for a week so after a day at the beach we yelped this little gem and decided to give it a try. The restaurant was nice and in a good location. We ordered the 5p pizza which did not disappoint! It was a little on the greasy side from the pepperoni but delicious none the less! We also ordered the Panzanella salad. The salad was not what we expected as we had never tried (or heard) of Panzanella before. I would recommend to others and will be going back again soon!
(4)Brian L.
There are only a few places on Oahu to get wood fire oven baked pizza. Prima in Kailua is definitely my favorite! The Kona St. pizza is so good it should be illegal and the service has always been deserving of the 20% tip. The atmosphere is friendly, young and kinda retro. Great for a romantic date, the family, or parties. Prima has become one of my favorite restaurants on the windward side. Love it!
(5)Jas A.
Prima is the child of the people that bring you Whole Ox and V Lounge. Knowing that, I had really high expectations for this place. A bunch of us went for Restaurant Week and I was saddened by the fact that they never called us to tell us that the AC was out. Having a pizza oven and a small restaurant, the waft of warm air came at us before we even walked in. We decided to stay because we were already there. The Restaurant Week dinner seemed like a promising one and we were all very excited. I had the Hebi Crudo, Panzanella Salad, Mushroom Gnocchi, Braised Pork Belly, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Smore. They allowed us to bring in outside drinks(soda) because of the AC situation so this review wiill not be on drink and strictly on food. The hebi crudo was pretty and petite. I had a fisherman friend next to me state that he couldn't taste the fish itself. It was citusy and the fish was firm. We were told that it was caught locally so that is a plus! The panzanella salad was ok. The croutons of bread in most of our salads were a little to burnt like they forgot them in the salamander when refreshing them. The tomato sauce tried to save the dish but you could still taste the burnt flavor throughout. Cheese kind of helped. The mushroom gnocchi was probably one of the better items that night. I really did enjoy the mixed mushrooms and the gnocchis were large and had a good texture. The pasta was nicely dressed with the sauce and the mushrooms were still firm showing freshness. The braised pork belly was the other star of the show. I appreciated that I had a nice piece of meat. It was spoon tender and seared on the outsides. The downfall was that the whitebean was super salty and some of my guests has a huge chunk of fat with tiny slivers of meat. Also, the portions were inconsistent. Like the panzanella salad, the chocolate peanut butter smore was a little too burnt. The graham cracker already had a burnt taste(I thought it was the marshmallow was the toasted part?) which permeated throughout the dessert. I just pushed the cracker aside and ate the yummy marshmallow and ganache. One thing I would like to point out was the service. The server that helped us was very apologetic about the miscommunication with the AC and very pleasant throughout the night. What I didn't care for was the constant misfire of our food where only half of us would receive food and when we were finished, the other half would receive their plates. All in all, I would give this restaurant another chance. Restaurant Week is a crazy week and I know that it can get hectic. It was for a good cause and we were happy to help.
(3)Roger J.
When they asked me what I thought the food was told that the basil roasted (burnt) told me that and how you make Italian pizza ..... Being Italian citizen felt very offended when you are trying to help them with a constructive comment They don't serve alcohol any more. But they charge $3 per person drinking BYO beer and $10 per BYO bottle of wine
(1)Abby D.
Went here for dinner with our son and they told us they didn't have high chairs. Didn't make for a pleasant experience.
(1)Tai M.
The first time I came here, I really loved the food. Coming back a year later, I was disappointed. Everything we ate seemed over salted. It was tasty, but just too salty. I was also turned off by the corkage fee. So...they lost their liquor license and then the customer has to pay corkage? The waiter tried justifying it by telling us it would end up being cheaper for us anyway but it bothered me nonetheless.
(3)Kim W.
Best meal so far on the windward side. We had the hazelnut strawberry salad with our drinks...they just recently started serving prohibition inspired cocktails... both were excellent. Enjoyed watching the crew prep our margherita za, which was petfectly topped and cooked. Topped it all off with a four scoop of gelato/sorbet. We loved all the local touches from the lilikoi cocktail to the island greens and fresh fruit sorbet. All served up with a good dose of aloha 'tude. Not the typical tourist thang, but the we live here and want you to get it 'tude. Loved it and could not recommend it more!
(5)Shelby S.
Horrible experience was told when we first walked up to get a seat that we needed a reservation. Then the waiter said wait let me see if we can fit you in. We sat down and ordered waited 10 min for the waiter to get our order. We ordered a pizza and a appetizer, the appetizer came out at a descent amount of time, but we waited 45 min for our pizza horrible customer service. Our water ran out and the waiter informed us he would be getting us a refill 4 times and never came back to give us anything. Also, told us he was getting our check and we waited 15 min for that. When he was checking on a couple across the table looks at us and said oh I need to get that for you don't I. Just was not what I expected and the pizza was slimy. Never eating here again.
(1)Melinda Q.
The Spicy Meatball Pizza is delicious! They sell beer and wine or you can BYOB but there is a corkage fee- $15/ bottle of wine (which is still a decent deal since most of their bottles ranged around $40) and $3/bottle of beer. Our main server seemed to warm up to us as our time there went on and the people assisting her tables (bringing out food and what not) where very friendly, helpful and energetic. If you like spicy, you must try their special hot sauce- warning: it is hot and addicting.
(4)Kalai F.
I thought this place was going to impress but shoulda got outta there when they gave me the chance! First off, It was a weekday and hardly anybody in the joint so I figured get my pizza fix at the newer place. Right off the start a guy came up to rudely greet us and asked if we had reservations. Since we didn't we waited for a bit and was going to get outta there since our business wasn't wanted anyway. But... i stayed. When we got seated, we noticed that there is no need to wonder where the oven is... we were in it! lol Nothing like hot pizza with warm water and sitting in a sauna to get my honey in the mood! Tried to order... no prosciutto, and no pepperoni! Argggh!!!! WTF??? To me that's like the main meats right there! Might as well close shop if you don't have the main goods! So the waiter suggested some pizza with a fancy name with a fancy cheese and fancy oil... well it came out as bologna, with a hardly any cheese or taste, burnt the crust, and even the egg was broken. Price for that slop was about $30 with tip which even sucked more! This place bombed big time! I would figure the "Krailuans" would close this joint by now. Buggahs slacking...
(2)a p.
I like this place. They have great pizza which is my go to. I keep thinking about going back and trying more things. I would advise on getting the pizza topped with an over easy egg. Yumm. Service was great and I like the open kitchen. The only thing I would change would be the lights...It was way too bright in there! Good place to meet friends and get a yummy pizza :)
(4)Luna B.
This is one of my favorite places in Kailua, food is awesome! The appetizers are so flavorful and the pizza is the bomb, service rocks to boot! Don't miss this spot!
(5)holland h.
I really liked this place. The staff is courteous and attentive and the food was really good. Its super small inside and the wine list needs a little more selection. Would highly recommend! OH and the 90s rap music kept us ordering for hours...THAT was a treat. I like all things 90s. Especially Wu Tang
(4)Kims K.
We ate the following: panag curry with spicy clams, pizza with pepperonicini mortadella and mozzarella. For dessert: red velvet panna cotta. Curry with clams: amazing flavor, spicy on the back end; you'll be sweating by the end of the bowl. Downfall of the dish, would have been great to have a nice spongy bread to sop up that yummy sauce. It came with nicely roasted fingerling potatoes, but the sauce went to waste. Server offered toasted bread (5 very thin slices) for $2 a basket. Pizza: good flavor, but the entire pizza was covered with pepperonicini. The peppers completely over powered the delicate favors of the cheese and mortadella. Less is more. Dessert: it's a poor interpretation of red velvet. Deconstructed and not a " red velvet" to any imagination. No chocolate flavor at all. It was ok. Good texture with the contrast of fresh & dried strawberries. Again, no chocolate flavor which is the essence of red velvet.
(3)Russel M.
What to do? Do I tell the Truth? Can you handle the Truth? We went with a big party tonight expecting a pretty nice dining experience based on several foodie comments. Guess what? We fell hook , line and sinker. The group ordered 3 pizza's , and several other recommended menu items. Two best dishes were the Squid Cannelloni and Veal Sweet Breads. Nothing else was worthy of mention. The Spicy Meatball was terrible and a rip-off. The Pizza which was the Bomb @ V-Lounge has crash landed into oblivion which was unexpected. Is Kailua jinxed? Service was pretty good. Big disappointment overall. Not returning..
(3)Joy B.
Okay look. You know that a girl loves food when she checks out the menus of restaurants and already picks what to order days before even stepping foot on the island. I live in L.A. where new restaurants are a dime a dozen, some are great while others are just those "me-too's" who come on the scene without any sense of self or originality or heart. So, I was stoked as I started to see my beloved Oahu steadily heating up the culinary scene with concepts committed to supporting the local farmers. It's not a contrived obligation or catch phrase of the moment. It's an authentic desire to be synergistic with community and the land because they really love both and that's why they do it. I've been a long time fan of V Lounge pizzas and have been waiting for my next trip back to try out it's sophisticated older braddah from an Italian maddah. Oh yes I did just get all pidgin-y slang-y. Shoots! Ahem. I digress. I took my boyfriend here, we arrived a little early for our reservation, but then learned that we might be seated later because a previous party arrived late. Oh, thanks, Hawaiian time. The one time I'm early everyone else is late. Ha! Anyway, Blaine was a cool dude, he wanted to make sure we got seated sooner than later. He was surprised to hear that we came all the way from town. Well, for L.A. folks, the drive to Kailua from Waikiki is not that far of a drive at all. Hell, I will make the drive for some good food, believe you me. We ended up sitting at the bar facing the kitchen. I would have initially preferred a regular table, but it was a nice treat to be able to watch Chef Kevin prepare and plate the most memorable and by far the favorite dish of all: Maitake mushroom. It's not just beautiful, it tastes beautiful. The complexity and unexpected depth of flavors, textures and playful creativity of this dish was excellent. We also had a few glasses of wine and ordered the spaghetti (solid) and boquerones pizza (not bad, but it was my least favorite item). For dessert..the gelato, I enjoyed the different flavors. I look forward to the next Prima experience. Next time, I'm hoping for some delicious local fish specials, which they were unfortunately sold out of when we ate there. Crudos would be a plus as well. Great, now I'm hungry again.
(5)Britni K.
Boyfriend and I agreed- we have found our all time favorite pizza spot. And who knew it was gonna be a cute little place in Kailua? In the past few weeks, we have discovered Prima and eaten there three times already. Haha! Prima is a small setup right next to Foodland, which works perfect for their BYOB policy- great selection of wine to choose from and take back. No corkage fee and they provide red and white wine glasses. Alright! So, most notable feature of Prima is that their pizza is made in a brick oven! Their dough is the perfect consistency, nice outside crust, but not too thick. It actually reminded me faintly of a close friends homemade tortillas. Their signature pizzas have very fresh, high quality ingredients and they have red sauce, no sauce and a spectacular pizza with olive oil and lemon! Our favorite is the Kona Street pizza, that has a poached egg in the middle! Put a few splashes of their house hot sauce and you are set to go! Their appetizers are rather fancy (kiawe fire grilled tako?!) and unique as well, and desserts are simple but delicious. Customer service is tops, and if you sit at the bar you can watch them make the food! They even encourage questions and will talk about what they're doing! Quite the experience for us. I highly recommend that if you're in Kailua you stop by! :D
(5)Alyssa K.
I'm so sad the menu got cut down so much. The quality of dishes has diminished as well. We came here for lunch and were immediately disappointed at the menu selection. You basically can only order pizzas or salads. No sides. The panzanella salad had two slices of cucumber, a couple small tomatoes, couple onions and what looked like pieces of jicama, and the rest (80% of the plate) was a soggy mess of croutons. The flavor was good, but who wants to eat a bunch of bread crumbs drenched in oil for $11?! We waited a long time for our pizza, and I was getting impatient, so I kept a very close watch on the guys by the oven. When our pizza finally came out, I heard one of the guys say, "it's burnt." Then he started picking off the burnt pieces of the crust. The whole time I kept thinking, "you better not serve me a burnt pizza!" But then I saw the waitress grab it and walk it over to our table. I was super offended. The crust happens to be my daughters favorite part of the pizza (no idea why). Besides that, it's a super small pizza priced at $16! I expect it NOT to be burnt! I told the waitress immediately that the crust was very burnt. She said something along the lines of, the pan gets really hot so sometimes it gets like that. I did not respond to that - of course it gets hot! It's in a friggin oven! Then she said she will get another one if we want. So we got one. This time it was not burnt and the flavor was good. This used to be our favorite restaurant but after this experience my husband and I decided not to come here anymore. It was so disappointing.
(2)Denby R.
Ok....so I've tried this place a couple of times now...and the first time I thought...hey...it's a spin off of v-lounge. How can we go wrong?? Well.....the pizza is good. Just as good as v-lounge maybe. But then again. It is expensive, so that good pizza is expected for that price. And a restaurant is only partly the food that make the total experience. My friend and I sat at the bar the first time and we watched the open kitchen as they made the pizzas and the salads and licked the spoon and put it down then used it again.....wait!! Did that just happen?? There's no way, right? I thought for a second my eyes were lying. But then it happened again. And again. And again. Every time there was a tandoori pear salad made. So I thought there might be a stash of spoons. But no, just the one being place back into a metal cup of some sort with what looked like dirty water. Oh man. Yipe. Now, I'm not the type of person to way worry about the prep of my food, I trust that restaurants are clean and that what you don't see in the kitchen is not a big deal. But this is an open kitchen. I can see you. And it makes anything taste bad when you know that there could be residual spit in the salad dressing. It seemed like that was the only thing that was tasted by this young chef, so I don't order that salad any more. Tonight I went with my husband and a friend. And the waiter was really nice, to me and my girl-friend who were sitting there. But he never once spoke to my husband. Which is a little odd considering how many times we spoke through the evening. The pizza was good tonight but not as good as I expected. And when I looked at the kitchen I saw the same guy tasting as he cooked. And reusing the spoon. I'm actually sad to say that I was disappointed tonight. The service needs to be checked and the cleanliness of the kitchen should be a little more scrutinized by the management. I'd love to go back to Prima and not have that experience. And I would happily change my rating if I don't feel like my salad might have saliva in it. Oh. It's BYOB. Which is nice. :)
(2)Natasha N.
We love coming here for dinner. Twice we have attempted to come for breakfast after 9am. It says they open at 830. What a shame the cooks didn't come in as the hostess informed us.
(2)Melanie P.
My first time here, and it was amazing. Before today I could only find pizzas like this at V-lounge, and Prima's pizzas blow their out of the water! The place has a modern, minimalist feel which I liked a lot. I had the prosciutto pizza with arugula and mozzarella cheese, and a glass of the Talbott pino noir. I love prosciutto and this pizza was absolutely amazing. Service was also really great, the guys there are nice and they do a great job making sure your experience there was enjoyable. Definite recommend if you're on that side!
(5)Lynn R.
I admit I'm a terrible yelper! I love to check reviews but I seldom write one myself... that is until I went to Prima last night when my niece Karli recommended it! It was amazing!MJ (the chef) is an absolute genius! I'm a fitness instructor and trainer so I definitely watch what I eat ..not only do they have healthy and fresh salad & other menu options it's definitely my new go to place to for pizza! Brick oven, thin crust with a huge variety of toppings! However, if MJ has a "special" up, trust me- trust him! He's really talented! Our waitress was really nice too, very attentive and helpful, so it was a stress free evening out with my husband and kids (10 & 12, and they loved it too!) All and all a really cool atmosphere and GREAT food! MJ, you rock! We'll be back & we'll be passing the word & bringing friends!
(5)Krystina T.
My husband and I had lunch here early today. We both had the Chicken Caesar Salad, and we both agree that it was the best Caesar Salad we've ever had!!! Not to mention Your Moscow Mule...delish!!!
(5)Paige S.
After a stressful couple of days at work, I needed a mid week break from it all so a girlfriend and I decided to meet up in Kailua to get dinner. We want to try everything in the area and decided that we were both in the mood for italian. We didn't read enough into reviews or their menu to notice that they are first and foremost specializing in pizza. From their website: PRIMA is a modern italian/american restaurant that also features kiawe wood fired brick oven pizzas. While using fresh local meats and produce , PRIMA's menu consists of many different flavors that customers can experience through share plate style eating. Menu is subject to changes due to local seasonal availability of products. PRIMA's thin crust pizzas are hand crafted & cooked in a STEFANO FERRARA oven using local kiawe wood. The kitchen counter & bar consist of recycled mahogany & stainless steel, while the rest of PRIMA's interior features natural wood tables, comfortable Eames chairs, and recycled wood benches. Parking: Parking is not an issue here at all, lots of stalls/space. This little restaurant is located next to Foodland, Baskin robins and Big city diner which are in the same shopping center as whole foods Kailua. Ambiance and Seating: I called ahead to see if it would be packed on this Wednesday evening and the waiter still suggested that even though I was going to be an hour or so that we reserve a table, so we did. Once we arrived we chose to sit outside on their tiny patio which had 2/3 tables and a couple chairs. The ambiance inside was laid back, modern and seemed very happy as we people watched from our table outside. Even on this random Wednesday evening the restaurant was packed with people and we stayed there a good 3 hours just chatting it up. Service: The service throughout the night was great. The waiters/waitresses gave us ample time to decide and then really helped elaborate on what was going on with each dish. Gotta love waitresses that know their stuff! We also had several requests like, my girlfriend really wanted ketchup for her fries, and instead they offered to give us this spicy sauce which was yuummy and def. was a good replacement instead of normal ketchup. The concept of this place is communal eating, so everything was shared plates. What we ordered: Ono pop cocktails! -- How delicious and what a brilliant little idea. Right off the bat this was a great for a little weekday excursion to chat about the world. They were both refreshing and thirst quenching. Roasted fingerling potatoes-- These came out in a cute little skillet and were doused in butter and parsley. They were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The flavors were subtle and not overpowering. The roasted flavor of the potatoes/herbs was delicious and paired well with our cocktails. House made bread with cheese/butter: The house made bread was sourdough and rye, and it was served with locally sourced butter which tasted like cheeeeeese. The bread wasn't the best bread that i've had, but it was fresh and warm. I prefer my sour dough to really have a kick of yeasty goodness but this one did not. Funghi Pizza The thin crust pizzas, if done right, are glorious and this one most definetly is. The size is about a 10 in round and could be shared between 2 normal people. We are not normal, so obviously we ordered pizzas! The pizza was flash cooked in the oven for a couple seconds and the bottom came out super crispy. It was topped with a white sauce and lots of fresh mushrooms which were so good they tasted like meat. Even if youre not normally a mushroom person, but you can tolerate them I would highly consider ordering this. It was super delicious and I would come back to order this! Spicy Meatball Pizza This pizza was also about the same size, hand tossed and crispy. They did not hold back on the meat and the slices of meatball were huge. They also lived up to the name and were spicy, enough to give you that kick but not enough to keep you away. All in all, Prima was a nice surprise I love the concept of locally sourced products/produce, and you can feel/taste the difference in the food. However, while I do know these locally sourced foods come at a higher price, prima was on the pricer side, this entire dinner came out over a little over $100. While we did leave satisfied, I'm not sure when my next visit will be.
(4)Chris L.
Having lived in Naples Italy for over six years, I am quite the pizza snob. This is the closest I've had to real Neapolitan pizza. The crust is charred just right, crushed tomatoes, not sauce... No mozzarella di buffala, but you can't expect that. It's a bit pricey though.
(4)Christina B.
Loved this place. Yes, a little pretentious when we arrived without a reservation, but I live in San Francisco, I'm used to that hipster vibe. And, they did seat us, so all was good. The waitress was super nice (ariel) and the food was really great. We ordered the grilled caesar salad, brushetta and arugula + prosciutto pizza! It was all perfect and would definitely go again!
(5)Lisa J.
This is our first time trying the breakfast at Prima. I was excited to try it because it was new and the pictures posted looked good. When we got there there was just one other couple finishing up. I ordered coffee which took forever the waitress kept saying it was coming. I could see they were using a French press which I know takes longer. When I finally got my coffee it wasn't even hot. Then I had to ask for regular sugar. Sorry not a fan of stevia. When the food finally came it wasn't hot. Just warm. My friend got the French toast which was a very small portion. She said it tasted really good but really only one piece of bread for $11. My waffle was good. Just not hot. We both ordered the thick cut bacon. It was good but was probably 1 1/2 pieces cut into 3. The waitress offered more syrup but it was iced cold. I don't like cold syrup especially of my food is already cold. Overall the food was fairly tasty but colder and slow. Not worth the price. They need more staff (1 chef and 1 waitress) and quicker service times.
(2)Abe M.
After leaving CPK down the street for its terrible service, we ended up here for the first time. Wish we got our servers name because he was fantastic. Sat us down quickly, brought water out quickly and went over the entire specials menu. Food was excellent, had the dirty marinara pizza and grilled caesar salad. The pizza is cooked uniquely, cheese is put on after its done being cooked in their brick oven. The salad I would get every time, had an unsuspecting taste. The vibe is very modern, but pulled back little so its more of a chill place to hang out at. Chefs were skater dudes, and one was wearing a hat with profanity on it...but when the food is that good, who cares. Set up for a casual business dinner party, or for the happy hipster looking for a new place to yelp about.
(5)Leslie C.
It's difficult to review a place that gave us such a horrible first impression. We rarely eat out on this side, so it was refreshing to hear there was a good fairly new place to try out. Not refreshing at all. First off, we were seated on the back wall, right next to the oven and the AC was not on, not working, not sure. Based on previous reviews, this is not the first time the place was sweltering hot. We already get a sense this was not going to be a pleasant experience. As we're checking out the ambiance, we also notice something quite interesting. No one seated had any food on their tables. In retrospect, that was the second red flag this wasn't going to work out. The menu, we knew beforehand, was limited. You're offered two columns: "not pizza" and "pizza". OK. It's clear this is a pizza place. Our waitress takes a while, considering she looks like one of two throughout the restaurant. She finally comes to serve is water and informs us about how to read the menu, given it's our first time. She comes back to open our bottle of wine (byob with corkage fee), but didn't bring the glasses. We finally decided what we wanted to order and she comes back apologizing profusely, "I'm so so sorry, but we don't have any more pizza." Stunned, we all stare at eat other because this is the most ridiculous thing that could happen at a pizza restaurant. It was 8:15 pm on a Saturday night and you don't close until 10 pm. You only serve pizza. How do you run out of pizza? She continues to say they ran out of dough and no pizza would be available. She then has the audacity to return with wine glasses thinking we were going to actually stay! To dine on appetizers? They had seated a few other parties after us and they all received the same news. Honestly now sure I'll try to give it another chance. Pretty lame if you ask me.
(1)Abby S.
Who would've thunk it? An upscale/trendy Italian restaurant in the sleepy town of Kailua... Had you knocked me and blindfolded me for a few hours, would never have known this was in Hawaii. The minimal, yet hip, decor teamed with the funky menu items (funky in a good way), are reminiscent of something you'd find in Palo Alto or San Francisco. Because of the time difference and short duration of our trip, dining out was never a problem since we lean on the "early bird" side of things. Plenty of tables available around 5-5:30 pm. Nice selection on the wine menu, I had two glasses of red... Well, more like one and a half since my +1 and I split the second glass. It doesn't get terribly wild 'round these parts, so no need to too crazy before sunset. There were several specials that evening in July, including a cinnamon toast crunch chilled soup. Though it sounded interesting, we stuck to the salad/pizza side of things, all of which were great! No complaints about the prices or portions, since living in the Bay Area has made us immune to both! Plus, the quality of the ingredients more than made up for it... Would much rather have a few bites of delicious on my plate than a huge pile of mediocre. Very impressed overall! This would be the type of restaurant that I'd like to have in my own neighborhood to visit on the regular. It was a nice respite from the seafood and Tiki drinks that one tends to gravitate towards while on an island vacay. A little taste of the mainland in the middle of paradise.
(4)Shandis C.
Prima is a trendy and intimate setting in one of my favorite cities on Oahu, Kailua. I've been wanting to try this place out for a while. Though the portions here are really small with a hefty price tag, the food seemed well thought out and I enjoyed my meal. We ordered curry clams with fingerling potatoes and truffle mushroom pizza which were both delicious, but my favorites of the night were the veggie dishes. Prima does veggies really nicely. The summer squash salad was delicately tasty, but I could have probably eaten the whole thing in three bites. The highlight of the night was the broccoli with prosciutto. BROCCOLI!! Yes, broccoli, broccoli, broccoli - who knew that BROCCOLI could be SO enjoyable?! Shockingly-good, enjoyable actually. Pretty much, the only thing you really need to take away from my review is to GET THE BROCCOLI. I'm serious. I think I would come back just to order the broccoli. Overall, be sure to visit Prima and definitely get the BROCCOLI! I know that I will be back - for the broccoli! (How many times do you think I can say broccoli in one review? Can you tell I'm a fan, of their broccoli?? I just love their broccoli...)
(4)Kayla B.
Easily my favorite breakfast place! The mimosas and the French brew beer press are a must. They have amazing pancakes/waffles or I really like their eggs and bacon breakfast pizza. The staff here is so friendly and amazing. The guy who runs the place is great and I have never walked in here and not had Jess for a waitress. She's awesome. Such a friendly and delicious place.
(5)Eugene K.
Mushroom medley was so delicious with unexpected flavors. Fig pizza was so fresh tasting with arugula and prosciutto. Yummy
(5)Lia M.
Ok... I know I'm getting crazy here in my obsession with Prima... but I am SO not ashamed of it!! Beau and I went in last night for our usual margherita with basil and truffle oil pizza (one each- again- not ashamed to admit that I'll eat one by myself) and lemon basil sorbet and sea salted caramel ice cream. Mind you, everything is prepared there and all ingredients are fresh and local!! That usually satisfies us just fine (minus this one time where beau and i got a third pizza to split... errr... nope- still not ashamed)- but this time they shared with us an oven-roasted Brussel sprout dish with bacon or pepperoni or prosciutto with truffle oil and lemon or vinegar or some kind of drug mixed in it that encourages complete and utter awe and addiction... we just about died and gone to heaven... It was so amazing!! Beau and I were just ilihia (hawaiian for "awe struck"). I will go so far as to say that I am so super mad at them for making such perfect dishes and pizza that I can't have those things anywhere else now!! Like- it HAS to be from Prima or just simply should not exist. Anyway- beau and i slept so well that night- despite all the food we ate- and decided that "hey- we'd like us some brunch" - but where? WHERE??? ...Yes, prima, of course!! Whew!! So glad we did that... Beau got the sweet bread French Toast with berries and kiwi, I got the kailua lox pizzetta (smoked ono, cream cheese, capers, dill, red onion and cherry tomatoes and a poached egg on a beautiful pizzetta)... all served with a fresh french pressed coffee... I cried... inside... and so did beau... and it was such a moving and thrilling delicious experience... Beau said "I like the sound of kittens meowing and the blast of fireworks on my chest- and I get that at prima" ... yes, he did say that... :-) and i don't disagree... they've got food porn down to a science.
(5)Deb K.
Best pizza on the island with a thin chewy crust that's as close to Hawaii's gonna get to Italy. However, the real winner of my dinner was the grilled Caesar salad: a warm lightly charged head of local romaine with a bright housemade caesar dressing. I wouldn't hesitate to say this is my favorite restaurant in Kailua and worth the drive there.
(4)Shay F.
I really miss the Prima Pizza back when they had the location on Kona Street... so I came here hoping to have just that. It's interesting... they no longer call it the Prima Pizza. Instead it's called Kona Street. LoL. Get it? Anyways, although Kona Street is similar to the Prima Pizza, it wasn't the same. I really miss that pizza. It's ok though because I also got the penne pasta with mushrooms and oh my, so delicious. I loved it! Service was good and I enjoyed my time. They have beer and wine but no hard liquor.
(4)Kelly L.
I was really excited to try Prima after reading the recent New York Times article. I hadn't been there since the new Chef and the review was so promising. I was disappointed in the burnt factor... The pizza crust was black. I noticed all the other tables had similar crust colors, so I expect this is the norm. I had the pork belly pizza. It was way too fatty and the cheese was very clumpy. I had a hard time eating it because I would take a bite and the whole piece came apart. I also had the Cesar salad with jidori chicken. It was very good. The service was great and the atmosphere is fun and inviting.
(3)Keith C.
I love this place. Amazing pizzas, garlic bread is made from the amazing pizza dough...all made in a wood burning 1500 degree pizza oven. Best was at the end, fritters with lilikoi butter and a berry reduction of some kind with lemon basil sorbet. All of it was perfect.
(5)Michael C.
not a very Prima experience..... I don't venture across the H-3 that much. In fact it's very rare I cross that mountainous terrain known as the Ko'olaus. And so when a friend had an errand to run in Kaneohe, we decided to have lunch at Prima since we were in the neighborhood so to speak. LOCATION: Situated in a shopping complex where its tenant neighbors are Foodland and Baskin Robbins among others. Thankfully parking was plentiful on the weekend we visited. SETTING/AMBIANCE: Strangely enough my friend and I weren't sure if they were even open (around noon on a Saturday). There wasn't a soul in the restaurant though the doors were literally wide open. It seems on that particular day the A/C may not have been at full strength as it didn't seem too warm, yet not that cold within the restaurant. The space is industrial like yet simply adorned with wooden tables, with the prep area and brick oven against the wall. Counter seating also available. FOOD: Menu is plain and simple, mostly pizza and salads. We chose to share the Funghi and Five-P (sans the fennel seeds) pizzas between the two of us. Interestingly enough, I favored the Five-P, while the Funghi was more to my friend's liking. The hint of spice from the piquillo pepper was my favorite component of the Five-P, though I did think the tomato sauce was a bit too generous. We both didn't care for the crust on either pizza that much. It seemed a bit soggy/watered down for some reason. Additional toppings on the pizzas are an option as well. SERVICE: It was ok. The girl was friendly enough and checked on us in a timely manner throughout the meal. I appreciated that she took the time to actually/literally show us a pan so we could get an idea of the diameter of the pizza. NOTE: As I've already mentioned, the AC wasn't working well on the day we visited. It was unfortunate, as well as disappointing, since a good amount of time was spent shooing/waving the flies away. I suppose flies get hungry too in some way, but please stay away from my pizza. BOTTOM LINE: A somewhat decent lunch on the Windward side. Unsure about a return or second visit.
(3)Stacia S.
Three stars only because the service was so great. Everything else was meh. I'd called in to reserved a table because I'd thought it'd be crazy busy on a Friday night. The lady I spoke with was so friendly and told me not to worry, there wasn't a soul in there, guess that should have been clue number one. We made the trek from Aina Haina and had two of the most disappointing pizzas I've had. The lemon rind on the pizza was so overpowering and bitter, zest or less would have been great (we ended up picking it off). The truffle oil on the kona street was good, but feel like they dumped it on, and the poor egg was cooked all the way through. Maybe the cooks were having an off night? My husband had to stop at a drive through for food because he was still hungry. One nice touch was they surprised my daughter with ice cream for her birthday, but she started vomiting once she got home. Don't know if the ice cream was bad, she was the only one that ate some though. (She's fine after vomiting three times, so she's not sick, and this was the second time ever throwing up in 7 years. Just had to put that, it's not like it's a normal thing)
(3)Lynvi S.
Is this place under new management or something? Then again, my first experience with Prima was the lackluster Restaurant Week menu a couple of years ago. Flash forward a year and I'm still trying to figure out what the hype is with this place. The lone shining star at Prima is the wonderful Maitake Mushroom appetizer. I love mushroom stem's firm yet buttery texture which is reminiscent of steak, and the earthy and hearty flavor melds perfectly with the creamy rich cauliflower puree. All together I think it's a lovely dish of great flavors and textures. On the other hand, the pizzas were disappointing. The funghi pizza I received looked absolutely nothing like the rest of the beautiful mushroom pizzas in the yelp pictures; my pizza was sparse with just a handful of mushrooms and toppings compared to the loaded funghi fantasy in the other pictures. On top of that, the pizza was really bland! At least the spicy meatball pizza looked like the pizzas pictured on yelp, but like the funghi pizza, the spicy meatball was really bland. We've also tried adding an egg to the prosciutto pizza in hopes of replicating the old V Lounge Prima pizza, but it didn't even come close. Thank goodness for the hot sauce, which made the pizzas tolerable. I had a slice of each and that was enough for me, since eating another slice wasn't worth the disappointment or the calories. Service at Prima is undoubtedly laid back and chill Kailua service: slow, casual, and very friendly.
(2)Kristie H.
Finally came back to Prima after nine months of boycotting the restaurant. The service went bad, while the food stayed delicious. But I must say, after eating there tonight, it was a totally different experience for us. We loved the service.... Friendly, accommodating, and fast. I want to thank Kanoe and the Prima staff for making it a pleasurable experience. By the way, we also love the ambiance, intimate but still family friendly.
(5)Rosanna F.
First time here....I know, I know. What took me some long? Truth? Our fave Kaneohe pizza placed was closed. (Really wanted pizza, so Prima, here we come! ) Got here early so nearly had our choice of tables. Chose the one in the back with a nice view of the small interior, yet facing the windows. After looking at some of the richer offerings (e.g. pork belly pizza), hubby and I chose something simple... the Margarita. It was the perfect choice! Very flavorful sauce, in just the right amount, complimented the oozy mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, slightly crisp from the big oven. Yum! What made it even better? A lovely 2009 Red River Winery vino from R.J. Field next door. Note: there was no corkage fee tonight since they do not currently have a liquor license. When they get it back in the next couple of weeks (according to our waiter) be prepared for a rather hefty, $15/ a bottle corkage fee. Instead, I recommend the House Red by Oeno Winemakers in Kailua. Great use of a local business! Too bad we had to wait a while for our pizza. A couple who came in after us got their food before we did, but the very attentive waiter (to his credit) quickly noticed my slight displeasure and assured me that " Yours will be right out." True to his word, less than three minutes later we were making those contented little snuffling noises one does when eating exactly what you want! Thanks for a great first time experience, Prima! We'll definitely be back:)
(4)Keopu R.
I was long overdue for a catch-up session with one of my Na Wahine Oiwi sisters. I had heard of V Lounge but haven't had a chance to go yet. I was intrigued though when I heard Prima had opened in Kailua. So, when we were trying to find a Ko'olaupoko place to dine while we played catch up, I quickly suggested this place. It was even more a sure thing when I found out a friend of my fellow patron would be serving us. Because it was a friend serving us, she suggested that we get a couple dishes to split. We asked for her best recommendation for fish and got the special that was an opakapaka on a bed of greens with a citrusy sauce and garnished with fried leeks. The fish was cooked perfectly and was still moist and flavored well. We also asked for her favorite pizza recommendation and went with Prosciutto Rucola. We weren't disappointed with the thin slices of prosciutto and argula paired as toppings. Our server recommended a hot sauce as a condiment. I was a bit worried about using it but was surprised at how well it paired with the pizza. For dessert we went with the Torrone alla banana and also enjoyed every last bite. I likened it to a banana milky way and the hazel nuts that topped it were a good addition. When you go to Prima there are a couple of suggestions I'd make. Hit up R. Field's next door to get a cheap bottle of wine to pair with your meal at this BYOB establishment. Definitely go the tapas style and share plates among the table. And if you're a single (or not so single) lady like me needing some girlfriend time, be sure to hit this place up as its modern feel really struck a chord with both of us. Prima is definitely someplace I will gladly try again.
(4)Grace Y.
I was surprised that such a trendy restaurant was in Kailua. This is a good thing. Lots of parking and more locals than tourist. Actually quite unique for a trendy restaurant on Oahu. The food is good and there are unique things on the menu, Italian with a twist. Expect to spend a lot for your meal. The restaurant is very loud and somewhat cramped. There is some outside seating, though you're just looking at a parking lot. I found the service to be slow.
(4)Leimalani F.
Prima Prima Prima - is more of a Prima-donna-get-your-hopes-too high..... Don't get me wrong, this place is good. But it's not drop your pants and jump for the sky good. The menu is trying too hard to be something it's not... sophisticated and sexy when it's still in grammar school. The minimal descriptions leave you wondering what the heck a dish really IS... Are the mushrooms sauteed? Is it cold? Is there meat in this? Is this a salad or a vegetable???? You get the idea. With multiple waiters and a fast-paced dinner rush on Monday, it was difficult to get our questions adequately answered. As for the ambiance, the owners were trying for edgy and minimalist (think Portland or Seattle chic). Instead it's just plain loud. Every good restaurant owner knows that there is a balance of padded chairs or wall adornments that absorb some noise and allow for comfortable conversation. Not here. The stark walls and bare furnishings allowed me to hear all three tables surrounding us quite clearly. I'm also sorry you just went through a bad breakup dear..... But who really cares, we came here to eat! And eat we did... Best bites: Grilled romaine salad - Excellent! One of the best dishes of the night. Special gnocchi with ragu - Big pillows of potato goodness. Cloudlike and atmospheric, they contrasted nicely with the heavy ground meat in the ragu. House gelato - Sooooooooo good! Jasmine, Peanut Butter, Lime and Passion flavors on an ingenious 4-scoop plate. Delicious. The Jasmine and Passion were divine. Too bad they were already melted when they arrived... Mediocre bites: Grilled radicchio - Bitter, even grilled. The balsamic used needed a touch of honey or perhaps a pre-grill taste test of the produce prior to serving. I love radicchio, but I do not love it here. NEXT! Curry pappardelle - This could have been a win, but it was a bleh. Our pasta was crunchy... definitely too al dente for my taste. The curry flavor was nice and the curry leaves were good though. More of a solid second base than a home run. Pizza - We tried the margherita and the spicy meatball (special). Both were downright soggy. We had to fold these New York style, but this is not New York style pizza. Just a soggy mess. The meatballs were tasty and this pizza had a lot of SPICE! Warning to those that think spicy is Tabasco. This pizza will make you sweat like a pig in public. Roasted fingerlings - Fangerlangs? Yep. And that is all. For $7, please serve these with some kind of awesome dipping sauce. Banana hazelnut log thing - Sometimes it looks like a rondo, but it's just a semi mushy texture-less log that tastes like banana. Needs banana chunks. Needs chocolate chunks. Needs more hazelnuts. Needs something to remind me that I'm not eating baby food. Overall the food was fair. The prices might be a tad high, but seemed appropriate for the quality of food. The atmosphere and scattered wait staff kind of threw us off with plates removed while some people were still eating or had food on their utensils and food delivered at room temperature or melted like our gelato :( NOTE: Parking was ample, but seating was not - even on a Monday. Might want to make reservations and warn your party that they will leave hot and sweaty. Not good for large groups and not good for kids - with wait time, tight tables, and frenzied atmosphere. We were surprised at the amount of ground beef on the menu and in our order. The menu descriptions could definitely be improved so people can make wiser selections that balance their palate. My husband had a tummy ache before we even got home and my stomach groaned and gurgled through work the entire next day. Very heavy food, very meaty, and not very island oriented.
(3)Jennifer J.
This restaurant it a friend's fave and now it is one of mine. The pizza is fantastic and even the sides are very, very well done. I adore the mushrooms and grilled romaine and brussel sprouts. I can't wait to try more of their dishes. The food gets five stars. The only reason I am not giving the whole experience five stars is because one night I received really bad service from a waiter there. It might be worth just doing takeout for that reason.
(4)Kaniala G.
I have been to Prima twice and both experiences have been great! I went there on a friday night with my mom as she didn't get to try it yet. We were able to be seated immediately either at the bar or outside. We decided to go to the bar and it was a different experience. The bar is right next to the kitchen and we were able to watch the food being prepared. We got to see all the dishes as they were sent out and it was a great experience. The food there is great. I love trying new things and the menu is definitely unique. Prima is best known for their pizza. We ordered the Di Bologna pizza and it was delicious. The pizza has a thin crust that is crispy and the toppings consisted of pepperoncinis, mozzarella, mortadella, rosemary, and a soft boiled egg. The pepperoncinis give a nice touch of sweetness to the pizza, while the egg yolk provides the sauce. We ordered the fritters for our dessert and while they were light and fluffy I expected a little more sweetness from a dessert. The service was quick and friendly and we even talked to one of the cooks for a little while after we finished our main course. I would highly recommend Prima to anyone who wants to have delicious food in a friendly atmosphere. The menu is unique and is great of those who like to try new things. Prima isn't cheap, but considering the quality of ingredients, preparation, and service it is worth the money.
(4)Sri M.
Last night we went to Prima and I woke up thinking about when I should go back! The food was out of this world. A mix of ingredients you dont think would go well but make magic on your plate! It was actually sensational and I will make sure to tell everyone about it! We sat at the bar which is a full view of the kitchen and watching these chefs carefully put together their food, was a great witness to the magic they serve. Try it , you'll like it ;) my favorite was the fresh made pasta with beets and the pizza with white anchovies! Sounds crazy I know but it is blended perfectly! Be adventurous order the uncommon off the menu!
(5)Gary P.
God I love this place. I am leaving the island soon so I am now in "eat my favorites one last time" mode and out of discovery mode. I spent so much time trying to eat my way around Oahu, I wish I would have spent more of those nights here, it is truly a gem in the Oahu food scene. So on to the food (and drink). Started things off with one of the famous plantation teas but since they were out of the traditional flavor we went with ginger. It was the perfect combination. I'm not sure if they use a lavender tea but that's what it tasted like and the ginger gave it a nice punch. First thing served was the Maitake Mushrooms, had this last time and it is still awesome. Next out were the chicken fried sweet breads, holy $#@%. I had the sweet breads here before but they were braised and I don't know if they read my review of the braised dish but I'm glad they ditched it and went fried like I suggested because this was possibly one of the best dishes I've had, ever. The sweetbreads were the size of large meatballs breaded and fried really to perfection. I couldn't tell if there was spice in the breading or the pickles but there was a bit of spice. They were served slider style in between some fantastic biscuits and topped off with gravy. I loved the hell out of this dish so much so that I wanted to go in back and kiss the chef. Enough about that, but really, fantastic. Next was the curry papparadelle which we had before and is still great with a side of brussel sprouts, good. Next was the pizza and like I said in my last review, "it's the closest thing to the real deal that I had in Napoli, Italy, the birthplace of pizza". We finished it all up with a "dessert", the special for the night, Fois Gras french toast. Unfortunately they missed on this one which sucks considering the price tag, $19. Don't get me wrong the french toast was delicious , thick cut, buttery and delicious. But that was the problem, the richness of the bread overpowered the grated fois gras on top and the taste was almost lost, all I could taste was the saltiness of the gras. So the night ended in a fizzle but overall Prima is one of the best dining options in Hawaii. Why not a 5 after having one of the best dishes of my life? The setting is not the best for a two hour dinner. The tables are very close and uncomfortable. I had to constantly try to ignore other peoples conversation during my own which is quite annoying after so long. If they want to squeeze more seats in how about just push the tables together so people don't have to act like they are ignoring the person 1 foot away from them...
(4)Craig L.
My wife and I went for date night and were looking for something more interesting than your basic. This place delivered. In short it's low-key gourmet pizza with a reasonable selection of salads and appetizers. They all sounded good and we settled on the spicy meatball pizza for dinner. It came out looking delicious, truly hand tossed and homemade, with fresh ingredients and a thin crust that was perfectly crispy around the outside. It had just the right amount of kick to it, and the flavors were a great combination. One of the best pizzas we've had in a long time. The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that the restaurant inside where they seated us was sweltering. They claimed it was a ventilation issue but certainly made for less than a perfect evening. That and the timing. The pizza took nearly 40 minutes to come out. We weren't in a hurry but, when you're already a bit uncomfortable because of the heat, you notice every minute of that 40-minute wait. We will definitely go back again. I just hope they fix the ventilation and speed things up just a little bit.
(4)Jamie L.
Probably the only thing close to real Italian food in Hawaii.. Young, hip, actually trying to do something new. Anyone that bashes on them, doesn't really know what the fuck they're talking about. You want better food in Hawaii? You get it by supporting guys like this. All these wanna be foodies on yelp.. Go suck one. Talk to me after after you've learned to stop burning dinner, which is why you're eating out so much in the first place.
(5)Erin Y.
It's a cute place, about 9 tables inside, three outside. They were going for modern lofty trendy, I guess. Seats were plastic or wood, not too comfy, and pretty darn close to other patrons. We ordered a pizza and a pasta, and neither were too impressive. The pizza lacked toppings, and the pasta was so-so. The waitress said she was bringing us bread, but it never came. The menu needs better descriptions of items, especially if the waitress is going to do the "that's good, that's good, that's really good" descriptions. As others have said, the atmosphere is loud. Super loud. Not to mention I'm so close to the couple next to us, I could have snuck a bite from her plate. If I wanted to. Which I didn't. She got the same pizza as me, we know how that turned out. Cute concept for this restaurant, but lacks execution.
(3)David H.
A few months ago I was flipping through the 2013 edition of Frommer's (or was it Fodor's?) gude to Hawaii, & saw that the list of Top Five Oahu restuarants had the usual suspects - Alan Wong's, Buzz's (IMO overrated) - plus Prima. Huh? The little storefront next to the Foodland? Well, last night we had the pizza there & now I am a total convert. To put it succinctly, this is the best true Italian-style (as opposed to Italo-American 'NY' style) pizza I've had in the U.S. Most American attempts at the 'gourmet' style pizza totally overcook the cracker crust that is de rigeur in much of the area around Rome and southwards. While fairly thin & bubbly, Italian pizzas are at the same time moist & flexible - they melt rather than crunch in your mouth. This is exactly what you get at Prima. We had three different pizzas and they were all outstanding. Honestly I don't think you can go wrong here. The version with prosciutto & greens (server said was most popular) is a must-try: it is more or less identical to a great one we had last spring near Pompeii. Don't miss it! One caveat... This is not a warm romantic date spot. The place is pretty small (make a reservation) & the ambience while friendly is a bit minimalist & noisy. Go there for the pizza, not the atmosphere.
(5)Kiawe T.
This place is so awesome! I love the creative menu, the youthful vibe, the portions are perfectly sized, and the food is hands down delicious. all servers and people who work there have a great attitude and are passionate about what they do. I have been on a few dates here and it has been a very enjoyable time. I would recommend this place to anyone except for my grandparents. This place is like the youthful classy hipster spot for Kailua For me and my age group it is very easy to love this place, however, if you are of more conservative tastes you might be a little less impressed. But for me and anyone else who is maybe between 25-35 you will love this place. minus one star because it gets very hot in there and I sweat a lot.
(4)Kristen K.
Based on some previous rewiews, apparently we visited when the A/C was broken, too. It was stuffy and hot, and the restaurant is super small so the tables were way too close together for my liking. But besides that, I enjoyed our dinner there! The restaurant is a LOT more casual than I thought it would be. Note to self: it is ok to wear shorts there, in case the A/C is still broken the next time we go, haha. Prima is located in Kailua near Foodland. There's an R. Fields in that one, making it convenient to pick up a bottle or two to bring over for dinner (minimal corkage fee). We went here with another couple, to celebrate both of our engagements. There was a lot of wine and a lot of food involved. The food is reasonably priced, but it can add up quick. We ordered: fingerling potatoes and brussels sprouts to start, the special pasta of the day, and three pizzas (they do remind me of V-lounge ones.....yumm). I love pizzas that are topped with the sunny side up egg. Kind of on the smaller side, but they were all delicious. The timing on everything was good, since the table was super small. We got the two apps first, then 2 pizzas, then the special pasta of the day, and then the last pizza. Our waiter was great. Nice guy. When he announced their dessert offerings I couldn't resist.....so we ordered the deconstructed S'mores. I think he had overheard our "cheers" and "congratulations" to each other in the beginning, so he sent us all out a second dessert on the house. Which happened to be these little cinnamon-sugared doughnut holes. Delish! Overall, a great spot for pizza on the windward side! The drive is worth it (we come from town).
(4)Brandon Y.
Came here for Restaurant Week and I was just disappointed with the food... I tried every item on the Restaurant Week menu and nothing really stood out for me...some of them were just bad. I'll just point out a few of the items I'm not going to go in to detail about the food since it's not part of the regular menu. I'm also willing to give them another try since everyone seems to rave about their pizza and I didn't get to try it. Service was good our waiter was attentive and I like the fact that they offer BYOB without a corkage fee. Baby Beet Salad - Probably the best thing that I had it I enjoyed the mix of flavors and it was visually pleasing. Mushroom Gnocchi - Gnocchi was overcooked and a bit on the soggy side. Seafood Sausage Cavatelli - The Caveatelli was raw... The outside was ok but the center was just dry and raw. Braised Pork Belly - This dish was alright. Half of the Pork Belly was nice and soft and perfect but the other half was overcooked. The White Bean was a bit too salty. Fall Harvest Pot Pie - A Vegetarian Pot Pie that I felt was just lacking in overall flavor. Dessert - The Chocolate Peanut Butter Smores and Pumpkin Bread Pudding were good. Nothing too exciting but they were done well.
(2)Tara D.
My friend and I split the Kona Street Pizza which we both really enjoyed. The soft egg in the middle adds a n ice touch that you don't find normally for pizza. We both thought the pricing was pretty high for what the food was and how large it was ($21). The pizza is also pretty small. My friend and I (2 petite girls) finished it quickly and were still a bit hungry after. I think it is made more to share if you're ordering other things as well or if you are eating it alone. The service was good and the food came out pretty fast but overall I'm not sure if I would come back since I thought the prices were too high. I recommend coming here if you have some money to spend and want to try some new flavors. It's a nice addition to the Kailua scene.
(3)Grant A.
Keep an open mind when you come here. It's not a cookie cutter restaurant. It's very original with great food in a relaxed atmosphere with good relaxing music. They have a good menu, there is something for everyone.
(5)Greg A.
Pretentious. Brussel sprouts were under cooked. Said they were al dente but my knife couldn't cut them! Curry bolognese? What were they thinking? The sauce tasted slightly burnt the battle between the flavors was offsetting. If you are going to serve a $5 can of beer, pour the beer and remove the can from the table.My wife and I were the first couple seated . The next party they seated was a party of six with a small child right next to us! No intimacy no common sense.
(2)T B.
So far we have been very impressed with the food here. Interesting menu items, little in the pricy side, but if you're feeling like something good and interesting, Prima doesn't disappoint.
(5)Nic D.
This is my favorite restaurant on the island. My husband and I come here at least once a week. We take all of our out of town guests here and they all love it as much as we do. The service is great (can be a little slow when they're really busy, but they're human!). Everyone is really friendly and the food is delicious. Every dish is made to order and comes out to you when it's ready. We always struggle to decide which pizza we want to order, but our go-to's are the Sopressatta or the Spicy Meatball (we sometimes get a little crazy and add sopressatta to the spicy meatball! Delish!). The spaghetti dish is also one of my favorites. And their Brussels sprouts! Yum!! For dessert, try a sorbetto or get the Fritters. I highly recommend Prima!
(5)Sarah P.
Prima serves up unique, flavorful pizzas with the perfect touch of smokey char. Charred. Not burnt! Authentic wood-fired oven pizza at its best. Kona Street pie is my favorite- truffle oil, pancetta, soft-poached egg! What's not to like? We always enjoy a fresh salad with our pie too. We've been eating here since it opened, and the proprietors have recently added the only thing we thought was missing... Air conditioning! Hip ambience, great service, amazing food. Prima's a winner.
(5)Doris D.
Sorry Prima, not much love from me. We came when Prima first opened in 2011 and the menu was promising and expansive. On our recent visit, the menu was pared down quite a bit with half the menu devoted to gourmet pizzas. So it's a pizza place now? Anyway we had brussel spouts (nothing special), anchovy pizza (soggy crust and mediocre sauce), clams (nothing special), and one shining point: the mushrooms which were great.
(3)Pat D.
Nothing special going on here. Ordered fish and it was ok, but did not justify the price. Lots of better options nearby. Won't be going back.
(2)Chelsey N.
We came for a late lunch and shared the field greens, radicchio, and the prosciutto pizza amongst the three of us. The field greens were okay, but needed more dressing. Radicchio is...bitter. I don't know if it's an acquired taste that I'm just not fancy enough to understand. The prosciutto pizza was a little bland but I appreciated the fresh greens they put on the pizza. They also give you a hot sauce to accompany the pizza. It super burns but is very tasty. Our waiter was very nice and attentive. He had to serve the entire restaurant, so props for that. Overall I think we were victims of wrong menu choices and I would come back to try the other yummy sounding dishes. I also appreciate the childhood flashbacks provided by the All-American Rejects-themed mixed tape during our meal.
(3)Mike P.
My family had two tremendous dinners at Prima over the holidays. I'm surprised others haven't rated it higher. We sat at the bar both times, and got to chat with the chefs, who obviously take a lot of pleasure and pride in what they do. They were great with my kids too - it was a real show for them to watch those guys work, especially the Ferrara pizza oven. And the food - I'm not a pizza aficianado, but it's the best I've ever had. Brussel sprout appetizer was tremendous, desserts were great. Good wine list and good cocktails too. Only negative was a couple of warm bottles of beer one night, but a minor nit. Mostly, it was a great place to have a family dinner and I highly recommend it.
(5)Lyn L.
Finally got to try Prima....based on the photos posted on Yelp, I expected a different kind of restaurant....seems like there were a lot of entrees posted, but when we got there, it seemed to be more of a pizza place...extremely casual. They have a few items posted on their specials board...they were sold out on one and there was only one other that I'd consider eating. The pasta was very tasty, however for $22 I thought the portion was very small...considering pasta is so inexpensive..tasty, but not value. Same thing regarding the salad...for $9, the salad was very small and the dressing was almost non-existent..... The pizza was ok, we just thought it was also very pricey...$19...it was ok. People there are really nice...air conditioning was not working... Frankly, I don't think we'll be back...I enjoyed the flavors, but didn't feel that we got value for the price....
(3)Craig B.
Best pizza this side of the Pali. Love the house mango hot sauce and usually go for the green salad and fungi pizza. I like Bob's, Boston's and even the pizza at WholeFoods, but Prima, with their 900 degree oven and unique toppings, is the BEST!!!
(5)Michael H.
Why this is a 5 star restaurant: The food: pappardelle is the bomb, ahi appetizer unique, fennel panna cotta creative BYOB: next door is Foodland, buy your favorite drink there at grocery store prices , bring it here for free Owner: Roland gave us a sample of the house made bread and discussed local sourcing of ingredients Chef: NYC trained, very creative Location: who expects this quality in a shopping mall in Kailua? Pretty amazing given the location. Try it, I think you will be impressed as much as we were.
(5)Marie O.
I love most of the dishes I've tried at Prima, but the order and speed in which items come out of the kitchen can be a bit baffling. Prima is best suited to small parties because if your party of 8 ordered several pizzas, none of you will be able to enjoy your hot food at the same time. Best dishes I've had are the dinner pork belly special which they offer very often, the 5 P pizza and the sopressata sandwich (lunch). Try to sit outside because the dining room gets crazy hot and smokey! Love the BYOB and the quirky staff. Service is good.
(4)Alana S.
We love prima for dinner - highly recommend the boquerones and kona street pizzas, especially with the hot sauce. Our first visit required some coaxing given the location, but we were hooked since then. We have since returned for brunch and will contend that Prima breakfast is kailua's best kept brunch secret. There is no wait to be seated, service is friendly and prompt, the Otis Redding music vibe is perfect, and the food is exceptional. We have licked our plates clean - French toast, patty melt, morning bread, asparagus & Brussel spouts with perfectly poached eggs. Stop waiting elsewhere and find your way to prima brunch.
(5)Krysten I.
One thing I can say without a doubt, Prima has excellent customer service. From the time we checked in with a pre existing reservation, the staff was friendly, informative and attentive. We had made a reservation for a relatively large party of 7 (Prima is a tiny little place--my friend said that the interior looks like it had once been a Pizza Hut) at 7:30. We waited about half an hour for our table because the party before us was sitting at the table chitchatting as the waiters tried to hint that it was time for them to go. The entire time we were waiting outside, we were constantly apologized to for the wait. Once we sat down, we were informed that the way Prima works is family style, menu items come out as they come out and things are meant to be shared. In my opinion, I think they're trying to get around not having to time items to come out together in the kitchen.... My friend and I shared the grilled octopus($19) and the seafood gnocchi special ($24). Both dishes were fairly salty, but interesting and flavorful. My other friends got pizza, which looked amazing. I think if I ever came back, I'd go for the pizza for sure.
(3)Rod U.
Solid mixed with the unusual, absurd, bizarre. FUN! (if you have an open mind). Quotes of the night through gritted laughter: "Isn't that plate the floor tile you put in your bathroom?" "What the? Octopus with watermelon and vanilla?" "How do we share one piece of toast?" "Quick, three second rule, the pork slid off the tile when I tried to cut it." Typical strip mall Kailua eatery. Minimal ambiance, very friendly and efficient service, fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Inspired plating. Pizzas and flat breads are some of the best in Hawaii. Well blistered, chewy, gently seasoned crust with whips of smoky bitterness from a wood fired oven. Simple, concentrated, zingy tomato puree base, fresh, milky, house made mozzarella, fresh toppings. The margherita is good. The sauce-less "fungi" (cremini mushrooms, shallots, thyme, parm, lime, mozzarella curds) and the "Di Bologna" (pepperoni, rosemary, mortadella, poached egg and mozzarella curds) get top props. Let the fun begin! Fennel panna cotta. So bizarre. Excessive gelatin creates a cheesy consistency with a bitter licorice flavor. Add a bitter fennel stem marmalade and finish it with some "coffee salt". It's like biting into an unwashed fennel bulb just pulled from the ground. Props for creativity. The grilled octopus with watermelon, fennel, and vanilla is an awful combination of flavors it's laughable. It just doesn't work BUT toss everything and just eat the grilled octopus, wow! Perfectly cooked, tender, delicious. BYOB a plus. Minimal corkage. As we get up from the table, still laughing and having a good time, my Friend's wife points to my shirt; "how apropos". It reads "Don't be too open minded, your brains might fall out".
(4)Little D.
Fungi Pizza was really good. Got to try their famous Spicy Meatball next time.
(5)Angelica R.
Husband and tried this place for dinner. We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the pizza creations. The Margherita Pizza was delicious! Next time I'm taking a bottle of wine!
(5)Lesley S.
When I'm in Kailua the struggle is real when I shop at Whole Foods on whether I want to walk over to Prima and grab to go or be lazy and grab something there. I love Prima. Usually I don't stay because I have the kid in tow, however they treat us with the up most respect even for a trendy italian place. I must say they made me like brussel sprouts. Not even my Mama force feeding and threatening could make me like them. Now I crave them. Their Funghi pizza is so good. I struggle with whether I want that or the prosciutto rucola which has arugula, mozzarella, prosciutto, which is my go to pizza if anyone has it on the menu. I'm a fan of no sauce. I'm telling you definitely check this place out for dinner. There is ample parking, servers are nice (even for to go). LOVE LOVE LOVE it here!
(4)LeAnne M.
The strawberry salad was excellent and well worth the price. Unfortunately, the pizza was not charred, it was burnt and they tried to pass it off as that's 'just the way it is'. We also ordered the mushroom pasta (which was highly recommended) but they forgot to bring it out with the pizza and then left us waiting... And waiting... And waiting... An hour from sitting to asking for the check, we left disappointed, hungry, hot, irritable. The restaurant may be trendy, but it's to hot and to loud. Of the three of us that went to dinner, one would never come back, one felt bad for the waitress so she will try them again and the other would only come back for the salad.
(2)D A.
Best brunch in town. I like it for breakfast more so than dinner. Atmosphere is great. Casual and modern. Clean and you get to watch them cook food from the bar.
(5)Jeremy G.
Food was great every time. So why two stars? There is more to a restaurant than food. The environment is at first glance a nouveau Italian open space. By the end of the meal and on subsequent visits you realize you are sitting on plain wooden benches or lawn chairs and cheap tables. You also leave sweating as there is no AC and the kitchen heats the place to toasty high 80s. Most frustratingly, we have been back several times and either turned away due to issues with management, closed during normal open hours, and not serving the food on the menu (stating it is the wrong time of day). The latter of which forced my fingers to punch this out and guaranteed that we won't be returning. If you chose Prima good luck.
(2)Adam B.
OK this is my new favorite pizza place now that Augustinos closed. We weren't even going to give them a try but we did and I am glad it was delicious. As for people complaining about burnt crust you obviously haven't ever had true brick oven pizza it is perfect
(5)Yuko A.
Restaruant Week is usually a HIT or MISS....well at least in my opinion and Prima was definitely a MISS. I know its primariy a pizza place owned by the same owners of V-Lounge so I shouldn't have strayed and just gone with pizza because I definitely had a disappointing meal for $45. 1. Hebi crudo - was one of my favorites, although small it was fresh and a nice start to the meal.. 2. Panzanella salad - I'm sorry but I don't know how they serve this salad on the regular menu. The croutons were rock hard, definitely nothing like the panzanella salad at Cafe 8 1/2 which has a stellar panzanella salad. And it didn't help that I found a hair in my first plate and then again in the 2nd dish they brought out. (Sorry I know its gross, but twice is unacceptable) 3. Seafood Sausage Cavatelli - Blehhhhh.The cavatelli was "homemade" but they might have been better off getting it from a box because it was way too doughy, not at all light. Overall, not impressed with this dish at all. 4. Braised Pork Belly - This was probably the best dish we had. The pork belly was tender and I liked the white bean puree it was served with. The puree was a little too salty though. 5. Pumpkin bread pudding - I like my bread puddings fluffy and eggy so maybe cause thats my preference I didn't think of this as anything special. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I'm not sure I would come here again.....I might as well just go to V-lounge which is closer and serves up similar pizzas
(3)Terinna R.
It's been about 6 months since my first time to Prima and to be honest I was not impressed this time. It's basically over glorified and over priced finger food... with BYOB. It would've been nice when they took my reservation to ask if I had been with them before.. so when I would have said yes, they could've told me that they've changed and that it was now BYOB. **Food portions have also gone down A LOT and the prices I think were either the same or have gone up. Almost all the pictures of food you see on Yelp are no longer there are very small in portion. So if you eat a lot or are very hungry, make sure you have a lot of money and order your own portions. But if you're not ready to drop at least a minimum of $100- eat before you come. Good for chatting and catching up over a bottle of wine of a 6 pack you bring yourself with friends and family. The only people I noticed that actually felt fool and had left overs were the Japanese tourists that normally already have an extremely tiny appetite.. Not recommended for dinners or celebrations. Not recommended if you're hungry and want a nice meal to celebrate an anniversary or dinner. *sighs* As the waiter told me, "We're always changing... always something new." -- Great if you have no expectations due to previous experience. **I did make my reservation on Open Table- but like always, I call again to confirm my reservation. And for this night- we actually called to change the time a couple of times.
(3)Ryo M.
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(3)Bernice B.
DO NOT order the panzanella salad! It is not that at all! It is ENTIRELY bread with very sparse bits of apples and 1 grape tomato and some basil. Plus I added chicken for $6 and got like 8 thin pieces. What a rip-off and a disappointment!
(1)Leimomi S.
Excellent food and customer service in Kailua town.
(5)Lynne N.
Tried to place a phone order today. A lady working there told me they were closed for the day and for future reference, last order they take is at 9pm. I called at 845. If you're closed for the day why did they answer the phone? Just sounds like they didn't feel like working because she is laughing while telling me all of this. I really like this place, but I won't eating there for awhile. Hope the owner reads this so they look over their staff. Just a suggestion, when they close, Yelp should be told.
(1)Jon A.
Tried to give this place another chance. Approached the host stand, virtually deserted at 6:30pm on a Friday. Asked for seating for 2, host looks around, says since we don't have a reservation he has to check if he can squeeze us in. Walks around the virtually empty restaurant for a minute. Comes back, tells us he can put us on the back wall or at the bar. At this point I notice both doors are open and they have a box fan by the door turned all the way up. Asked him about the AC, he said the hood on one of the ovens was broken so it could get pretty roasty inside. We said forget it and went somewhere else instead. I will not be giving Prima a third chance.
(1)Frankie R.
It was my very first time eating at restaurant like that. I am very pleased with the service we got and let me tell you, this experience was amazing and I never thought I'd get good service. From all the eateries I have been to, I was very amazed by their menu selections as well as their drinks and gelato menus. If you are in the area, this restaurant is for you. This is a good and awesome place to eat will be back again to eat
(5)Kris O.
I'm usually a creature of habit, when it comes to dining out, because I like knowing my favorite dishes will always taste amazing. However, it's good to change things up & add some variety to my life, shout out to Max Anton of Paradise Soccer Club for introducing me to your favorite PRIMA pizza & picking up the check. First of all, the owners of PRIMA Hawaii also run the the nationally praised V Lounge & former MELT Food Truck, so I already knew their food would be amazeballs. Secondly, the love & attention PRIMA employees use to create their menu items is evident in their beautiful presentation (which makes my job as a blogger so much easier). Initially, I was afraid to eat the Spicy Meatball Pizza because every inch was beautifully covered in tomato, mozzarella, onion, spicy meatballs, arugula & chilies. However, after spending several minutes photographing this pizza masterpiece, I felt less guilty about devouring my lunch. Every bite of PRIMA's Spicy Meatball Pizza is a delight & was definitely the type of food that demands your attention; eating lunch at PRIMA is an experience in itself & a wonderful reminder there's more to life than capturing the perfect Instagram photo. I LOVE that PRIMA has the following statement printed on their menu: "Our food is made to order & meant to be shared amongst your party. Dishes will arrive when finished." I enjoyed my half of the Spicy Meatball Pizza & couldn't remember the last time I didn't look at my smartphone while eating; PRIMA's atmosphere & food is all about slowing down to taste your food & enjoy the company you're in. If you're in the mood for a meal that utilizes the best & freshest ingredients + believes in making local sustainability a priority, then PRIMA Hawaii is the answer to the following foodie question, "Where should I eat for lunch? Dinner?" *It's NEVER too early to start planning your New Year's Eve, visit PRIMA Hawaii & try their exclusive Tasting Menu. PRIMA is currently accepting reservations (highly recommended) for their New Year's Eve dinner, walk-ins will be available, but expect longer waiting periods.*
(5)Ira J.
All Prima needs is some hype: then I could truthfully say, "Prima does not live up to their hype." We went for lunch. The menu was limited, and they were out of my wife's first choice. I got the Margarita Pizza. It was really tasty but too skimpy to be worth the high price. The wife settled for the Greens salad. It was not very good. Even if it was, it was too skimpy to be worth the high price. Additionally, the service was friendly but slow. Hype or no hype, I believe I've had my final check-in at Prima.
(2)Larry P.
I would go back, but I won't write home about it :)... Food is decent for the North Shore, but a bit pricey, no in line with all the retardants there....
(4)Nana I.
I am baffled by the 3.5 star review I see for this restaurant. Someone must be boosting the average rating deliberately. My husband and I went here on a Tuesday night for an early dinner. The restaurant had one other family sitting and was empty. We ordered a $10 watermelon salad and couldn't believe what we were paying for. It was a handful of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette and maybe 6 small pieces of grilled watermelon. I'm not sorry and it was a pathetic salad. Especially when you know you could probably go across the parking lot and spend that same amount to get an awesome salad the way you want it. Anyway, we ordered 2 margarita pizzas. One came out first and was burnt. It had big black bubbles on the edges and the bottom was black and patchy. When we complained to the waitress, she touched our pizza and man handled it and said, "well there's not much we can do about it. We can scrape it off with a knife." Wtf! Yeah just what I want to eat, a man handled pizza with the burnt edges cut off by yours truly the chef. Wonderful customer service. The waitress proceeded to say, "our pizzas are supposed to be charred." There's a clear line when something is burnt and bitter and charred and crispy in my mind. Well it took some convincing for our waitress to take the pizza back and get them to cook us a new one. Thanks but no thanks. By the way, the pizza barely had cheese on it and the sauce tasted like something generic out of a can. I have no clue what happened to this place because we came here twice before and we didn't remember the pizza ever tasting like that before. This place has potential being in a great location and having a nice facility, but the food is overpriced and doesn't taste good. What more can I say? There are better places to get a wonderful meal in Kailua.
(1)Tizzle T.
This pizza is so damn good I wake up thinking about it. Anytime I'm near it I have to stop in and take a pie to go, so if you've never tried it...you need to.
(5)Corinne E.
We came on the wrong night... that night their refrigerator broke down and so their menu items were very limited. But appreciated our waiter and how he still made the dining experience a nice one. Would return. Nice flavors. Casual atmosphere. Free parking.
(4)Haylee F.
It's not very often I have a reason to be in Kailua, but with all of their new eateries popping up I knew I would have to make the trip! We decided to try Prima, which I've heard great things about. Walking up to the restaurant, we quickly noticed a sign that said: BYOB; fortunately, Prima is right next door to Foodland and R. Field Wine Company so we bopped in there to grab a nice bottle of wine. Our waitress was very nice. She brought a bucket of ice to chill our bottle and told us a little bit about the menu. Everything is meant to be shared family-style, so we ordered: -Grilled romaine hearts with creamy Parmesan dressing: a little too heavy on the dressing but otherwise very flavorful -Brussel sprouts with panchetta: nicely broiled to make the outside leaves crispy -Slow roasted pork belly with sauteed spinach: very good! The port was tender and the skin cripsy! (This seemed to be the trend for the night) All in all it was a good first experience and I would be willing to go back and try it again!
(4)Theart P.
From bad to worse. I would suggest avoiding this place altogether. From an environment where it's way too loud (employees had the music turned up to concert level) to service that was just unacceptable. The food itself was fine but nothing to excited about and certainly nothing to go through the torture of dining here. The server we had ruined our experience. She brought out our food in the worse order possible. Main entree's before salads and appetizers and our second main well after everything else was already consumed. Horrible experience made worse by the server. To be clear, were were clear how we wanted our order to come out. She completely ignored our request and said that's just how it works here. You get it randomly, without any thought or concern, just whenever the kitchen feels like sending it out. BTW - we arrived very early and there was no one else there. Please note that the restaurant does't have air conditioning so dining inside the restaurant (along with the cranked up music) isn't really an option. It was unbaribly hot inside between the kitchen and the regular heat of Hawaii. Dining outside involves sitting less than a foot away from a constant stream of shopping carts coming to and from Foodland. Also, when siting outside your eyes are constantly being blasted by headlights of cars parking right in front of you, not to mention horns noting every time someone locks or unlocks their car. There are so many better option in this area. Anything would be better than dining here.
(1)Jessica K.
Disappointed! We went to dinner last night with out of town guests from Brooklyn. Being used to trendy, fresh places, we thought that Prima might fit the bill. We have been to Prima before and appreciated their imaginative menu. We arrived at 7 pm, the time of our reservation. We were not even acknowledged for five minutes. Then a table was pointed out to us- we were not walked to the table. We brought our own wine and the server brought water over quickly. She was relatively cold and took our order, after telling us that they were out of several of the things we ordered. So the long story short, we sat without anything- no salad, no appetizers, no one checking on us for 1 hour and 5 minutes! Finally, salad and brussel sprouts arrived. We didn't have any flatware and asked for some. We waited five minutes and no one returned! That was it. I remained at our table and sent the rest our party outside to find somewhere else to eat. I was going to settle our tab. No one looked at me, checked what was going on, etc. Somehow, though, everyone else in the place noticed. The one upside was that they said I didn't owe anything (only had drank 2 root beers). Unfortunately, this seems to be the state of Kailua restaurants. I try to support local, small businesses, but they are trying my patience.
(1)Jon E.
Bologna pizza was ok, resulting GI problems may or may not have resulted from the raw eggs (supposedly soft boiled) on it.
(3)Mich C.
Pizzas were all tasty but not much choice for other entree choices! Entree special are pricey! $32. Brussels sprouts ono, no question! No AC, fans working hard but still hot esp with this humid weather! Staff nice but took a long time before taking our order! They were working hard, needed more help!
(3)Samantha A.
I came based on yelp reviews and knew it was going to be similar to the v-lounge by ala moana, so I was excited! But come to find out, it was extremely unsatisfying. My husband and I ordered two pizzas (meatball, and pepperoni with a pouched egg), and one dessert. We spent close to $70, and the food was not worth that much. The pizza was bland, and I couldn't believe we paid $10 for a dessert that was literally a spoon full of food, "the marshmallow something." The service was good. The food is just way over priced, and not satisfying.
(2)Carrie K.
Okay.. I'm usually generous with my ratings BUT...Ugh sorry Prima, I won't be coming back unless there is a major menu change! Pizza was Meh... I was thinking of how I could have been enjoying a Roundtable pizza instead. Mushrooms were good but not Amazing. In fact I was so unsatisfied that I went to Whole foods to get a real slice of pizza! I'm not sure why or how they attract a good crowd. I couldn't even give the free star for BYOB because they serve alcohol.
(2)Jennifer Y.
This place was amazing. Our friends recommend it so we thought why not let's try it!! Food was fantastic. Love the grilled salads the pizza was awesome. The service was wonderful made us feel like family. This is a great place for a date nite with the husband :) we will be back here!! This might be out Friday nite pizza date nite!! U can bring the kids but the pizza are a little more creative so I'm not sure the kids would appreciate that!
(5)Graham S.
We have seen this place and debated coming here. They have it down pat. The oven cooked pizza is just right and they have a good combination of alternative and traditional pizzas. The service is good and the folks here are friendly. Give it a shot. I don't think you will be disappointed. Oh. And right now it's BYOB! Awesome!
(5)Meighan T.
My husband and I tried this place this evening and we were really disappointed. The bottom of the pizza was awfully burnt. The service was nice and for that I'm giving a star. The pizza looked as if a toddler threw it together and the taste of burnt dough was so overpowering that it was impossible to enjoy. I had the fish and chips special. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. We wouldn't come here again for the food. People have raved about their wine selection to us and we also found that to be less than impressive. The inside had a neat vibe and so I've given another star for that as well.
(2)Malia A.
This place is tucked between woodland and Baskin Robins. We walked by it many times but never stopped because we don't really eat pizza. Last weekend we wanted to try something new for breakfast so we stopped in. We sat at the bar in front of the brick oven. It was nice and toasty which made it nice in a different way. There wasn't much people there so it was almost private. While talking to the cook Ryan he talked us into a breakfast pizza. Bacon, eggs, and fresh mozzarella. It was delicious!!! So good we ordered a second. The price is kind of high for a 6 slice pizza but the way its prepped is light and tasty. Not oily and greasy. Our experience was great and we would recommend this spot.
(4)Dani T.
This review is because I love this place and I want it to get back to the way it was. I don't know what they changed but our pizzas that we've been getting since they opened were tasteless and underdone. I mean really tasteless like not one spice, even the fresh leaves of basil tasted like bland lettuce. The cheese didn't have a taste. It was strange. Strawberry macadamia jidori chicken salad was the best part. Staff excellent! One suggestion to Prima. You guys used to do a fried chicken and this onion puree soup when you first opened. I'm not kidding when I say they were in my top 10 favorite dishes and I've been everywhere. You should bring those back.
(3)Emi H.
There has been a hole in my heart ever since V-Lounge closed its doors. Since its untimely departure every other pizza join has paled in comparison and one way or another always seems to fall short. Either the crust is wrong or the toppings are incompatible and inevitably I'm left a little sadder for my efforts. It's been a few years since I last visited Prima and when my in-laws suggested we go here for dinner after a hike I jumped at the chance to see if my beloved V-Lounge pizza could once again be found. For anyone who's ever been left broken hearted we all know that taking a chance to fall in love again is never easy. I was completely prepared for the worst second date ever, but as with all the men I've loved in my life, it was a pleasant surprise and one I'm happy to come back to again and again! Prima has the same wonderful pizza as V-Lounge - crisp crust, fresh and flavorful toppings, with margherita being a simple favorite. But thankfully it has a much more enjoyable environment than it's now gone counterpart. I like a good dive bar as much as the next girl, but I much prefer the casual bistro style dining at Prima. Currently they're BYOB so be sure to take advantage while this lasts. R Fields is right next door and has a fantastic wine selection. They also take reservations if you've got a big party so make sure to call ahead!
(5)Angela M.
Dear Prima, You are good-looking. You look modern and industrial and cool with colors that match our house, and we like you more because of the validation that makes us feel. You sent us an adorable waiter (Kenin, was it?) and he was a delight. Honest, efficient, un-offended by whatever my husband was saying about testicles, and excellent with menu suggestions. We ordered the mushrooms, radicchio, margherita pizza, pistachio glace, and the gelato sorbetto assortment. Oh and an Ono pops pineapple soda, which was perfect. Your food is far fancier than your ambience. When our mushrooms arrived it was a beautiful plate, so beautiful that we had not a clue how to eat it. Once we betrayed our air of sophistication (which does not really exist, ever) and inquired as how to consume such a work of art, we had the privilege of experiencing amazing. Amazing. Everything was delicious. However, the most wondrous taste sensation was the unassuming scoop of soursop sorbet included in our dessert assortment. We LOVE soursop. We are not even Filipino. We plan to grow a tree in our yard and eat large amounts of what will surely be an impressive crop and experience toxic neurological side effects from accidentally consuming seeds. But I digress. The sorbet was nothing but fabulous. I wish my dish had only contained four scoops of soursop and no scoops of other flavors. I wish I could have purchased a gallon to take home. I wish I were spooning it into my mouth this very moment. I wish it wasn't a special flavor and you offered it every second. Pity that wishing is a pointless endeavor indeed. You were wonderful. Love, Angela
(5)Hope M.
Excellent food at reasonable prices. What more could you ask for? Music inside was a little loud for conversation. Did you know they do brunch too? Luckily I found that out today. French toast was amazing and french press coffee was a perfect combo. Makes you feel like you're having a fancy meal without regretting it when the check comes around.
(5)Alexis K.
Food is fantastic ! Fresh ingredients. Wonderful flavors . I love the food . Will be back for more . parking is decent . Con : the service is confusing wasn't sure either to seat ourselves or wait to be seated . Waitress was nice but weird . Had to grab menu our selves . cooks don't call out orders . So had to wait for waitress to check on food . Which took a while . it's a little hot in there . Overall the food is worth trying !
(3)C Y.
Went back to prima after not having been there for over a year. The mushroom appetizer and other dishes were still good. But I was appalled that the air conditioning was not working. With the hawaii summer heat and the open pizza oven, the dining room was unbearably hot. We sat outside, which was obviously better. But will not be back until they fix the air conditioning. It may sound trivial, but our waiter said that the air conditioner had been out for some time. It suggests that management does not care enough to invest in the physical space. Too bad!
(3)Faith B.
Went to Prima SUnday, July 13. Got there at 8:30 pm. Was told by the hostess they were "closed for maintenance." I totally got the impression they didn't want to serve another table. There were a lot of patrons in the restaurant. What kind of business performs maintenance when they're supposed to be open? Maintenance should be done after closing. I'll never go there again.
(1)Gindak T.
We came to Prima to celebrate my husband's birthday...high expectations... The waiter was nice and explained that they would bring one course at a time so we can enjoy each dish. Ordered salad, head cheese appetizer, pork belly entree and a pizza. We were told that the pizza would be last, so we can take home leftovers If we were too full. Before we know it, the pizza and salad came at the same time. We were surprised, but started on pizza so it wouldn't get cold. Then the hot appetizer came after two bites of pizza! So we took a bite of that, and then the pork belly arrived! All four dishes came within 10 minutes! The waiter apologized, but did nothing...he knew we were upset because we were trying to gobble everything down so the food wouldn't get cold! Obviously our dinner was ruined bc we couldn't appreciate each dish....food/flavors all blended together! They gave us 10% off the bill....we were too upset to question it. Just wanted to leave.... The next day, we called Prima and spoke to the manager/owner, Roland. He was very apologetic. Offered to make things right because he believed in "the customer being happy". We agreed that he would give us an additional 40% credit refund so the total would be 50% off....he would take care of it. We waited...no refund. We emailed AND texted him to inquire about the delay, and Roland never replied to either message. We were happy that he offered to "fix things"....we would have forgiven the poor service, but it has been one month now...he's had plenty of time to make things right! Roland did NOT honor his word....and did not have the courtesy to reply! No excuse for lying and rudeness....This customer is NOT happy....
(1)chett f.
Alcohol now served. Music level much better and more varied (not just thumping techno; Johnny Cash too!) Pizza still best on the island. Prima, you're back on my short list. Mahalo.
(5)Jenn T.
Came here for my moms bday after she noticed it super packed when walking by a while back. The restaurant was surprisingly small, with a noisy upbeat environment. The menu here is very interesting, with different twists to different asian cuisines. We ordered a few dishes to share, all of which were pretty tasty. We got the fennel panna cotta, which was interesting twist to a dessert made into an appetizer. THe maitake musrhooms were interesting, with different variety of mushrooms on top a patte type spread. We also ordered the panang curry clams, which had a strong flavorful taste to it, but nonetheless good. We also ordered the pappardelle, which was a nice pasta like dish with a meaty flavor. We also had the grilled local octopus and the green risotto by recommendation, which were both very delicious! The green risotto was probably my favorite dish of the night. We also ordered the roasted lamb, which took sorta longer than expected, but was good as well. The service here was pretty decent, with the waitress being slammed and still helping us out. Since our lamb was delayed, she offered us a free dessert, which we got a chocolate, peanut butter, covered banana thing (sorry don't remember exactly what it was) but it was very good. Overall a very unique restaurant that I would love to come back to!
(4)Joy N.
I wished I lived in Kailua so that I could eat here more often!!!!! My friends and I decided to try this restaurant on good reviews from other friends and Yelp. We were not disappointed. Looking over the menu had me drooling in two seconds. I wanted to order everything!!!!! But my friends and I held back to just five dishes. Brussel sprouts, maitake mushrooms, Chicken-Fried Veal Sweetmeats, Gnocchi german salad, and Boquerones pizza. As every dish came out all you heard from our table was, "Ooooo. Mmmmm". LOL. The only thing that marred my experience here was that the service was inconsistent towards the end of our meal. We had to wait ten minutes for a dessert menu after our table was cleared, our first selection came out timely, but our second one was forgotten and had to be made when we inquired about it. We also had to wait a while for our check. This was a little strange because from the time we checked in and were seated, customer service was excellent. But once dessert came around it was like we were fading into the background. I will be back to try other things on their menu. I recommend reservations if you are planning to go for dinner.
(4)Ea C.
Came here based on the reviews and because it's right around the corner from where we live. We ordered the Panzanella Salad as an appetizer, which was good. We also ordered Pepperoni Pizza, which was average and also a Spicy Meatball Pizza. They were out of meatballs, so I ended up ordering the Prosciutto Rucola; it wasn't great, but it wasn't disgusting either. Overall, it's overpriced and I think it's owned by the same people, because when I looked at my credit card statement, it was charged by V-Lounge. This was an upset because V-Lounge has great pizza. So if you want really good pizza and a relaxed atmosphere, skip Primas and go down to V-Lounge.
(2)Dea S.
Wife and I enjoy the food and atmosphere, wait staff please stop pushing the "pork belly' pizza, its not awesome, its a pile of fat chunks & it sucks, k thanks
(3)Thomas O.
If you go to Prima with high expectations, it may be your only visit. If you go to Prima with without any expectations, it may be your only visit. Why? Because, like my mom said, "Where's the PROMO?" But that's just it, there isn't any. Just pretentious Prima (donna) fluff and a side of fingerling potatoes, a la carte of course. For a neighborhood restaurant, especially in Kailua, you'd expect to find something that was family style and catered to serving anyone and everyone, just like the restaurant (Mama's Island Pizza) that occupied this space previously. But at Prima, it's a much different story. Stark white walls. Modern wood tables with rounded corners. Sharp Courier New menus. Green glass water carafe bottles. Ikea-esque sea foam chairs. All of which are absolutely clean and definite likes of mine, but does it fit the beachy/family/laid-back/cozy bungalow aesthetic of sleepy Kailua town? Mehhh, not really. But das minahz, brah. The service is excellent. No complaints. The food though...well...it's pricey. Almost too pricey for even a family like mine. Especially one that likes to eat to be full. For two of us, my mom and I, our bill came to $25 + tip (cash only). But Thomas, that isn't SO bad, is it? Well, considering the room temperature "bowls" of Split Pea Soup @ $7 each were shallow enough to be considered deep plates, then yes it was. (No bread to dip either) You honestly get more soup (+ crostini) at Nordstrom Marketplace for half the price. As for taste, it was the best split pea soup I've had. Very savory. Very pea-y. Very delish. Pinkies up now, pinkies up. And considering the $10 Meatball Bruschetta only included 1 sliver of toasted (but not warm) bread and 4 spicy (but not hot) meatballs, then yes it was even more so. I've had cold bruschetta before, but I'm almost certain that this should have been piping hot. As for taste, it was aight. Wont get it again, but it would have been damn good to make into a meatball sammie by slapping another bread on top. But they just might charge $5 more.. We both left there hungry. And After mingling around the new Executive Chef, we popped into CPK around the corner for Mojitos and some appetizers. Nothing like an early afternoon drink to take the christmas edge off, right? Maybe even to take the edge of off spending so much on soup and a meatball or two. In the end, the food is tasty, but too rich for our wallets. Maybe if everything was cheaper by $5, then this place would have been pumpin'! We were the only one's there at about 12:15 and for our whole meal, we had the restaurant to ourselves until a couple came in to have wine at about 12:45. Come here if you plan to spend a pretty penny on a petite plate or two.
(3)Scott S.
Pizza wasn't too bad and appetizer was decent. Problem with the place was everything was the same few basic ingredients and overpriced for quantity. Service was good though. Limited menu selection, try it if you're in the mood for small meal at Hawaii prices.
(3)Amanda A.
Loved this place and will for sure be back. Love the family style shared plate deal. Got to try multiple dishes and was more than satisfied with each. 3 side dishes and a pizza was perfect for two people. When I say the BEST brussel sprouts, I mean the BEST!! I have never had anything so good before. It's like they sprinkle light bits of heaven on them. Friendly staff, we ate outside but definitely a good atmosphere. I would highly recommend Prima.
(5)Liberty P.
My friend Aaron claimed Prima has the best pizzas on the island. Now, I've heard this statement before from friends about other pizza places in town and wound up being disappointed, so I took his words with a grain of salt. Fortunately, Prima lives up to high expectations. I dined in with three friends. We ended up ordering two pizzas, funghi and proscuitto rucola, since their pizzas are 10" in diameter and only worked out to a slice and a half per person. None of us seemed to mind, though. Each of us couldn't stop raving about how fresh the bread and the ingredients were. It really does make a difference. Pizzas are $15 or $16 each, depending on which one you choose. Prima also gives you the option of adding toppings - a charge per extra topping. Prima is what I'd call a fancy-shmancy pizza place - a far cry from everyday pizza chains. Now, by "fancy-shmancy," I don't mean formal - it's casual dining. But judging from the modern decor, the fresh, local ingredients listed in its menu, the unusual topping combinations, and the brick oven behind the counter, you get that Prima is a pizza parlor of a different caliber.
(5)Kayla R.
It is all that it is hyped up to be! I love this restaurants ambiance, food and service. I enjoyed my dining experience and look forward to many more in the future! I love how it's an open kitchen! Entertainment and dinner. It's cool to see the pizza going in and out of the oven. The service was amazing. My server was very helpful with the wine selection, food selection and describing ever dish to the tee. Please be sure to make reservations before coming down to prima. Theyre a very busy restaurant and you wanna make sure you're able to eat their delicious food! You don't wanna chance it! -Maitake mushrooms: with a cauliflower purée yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… -Octopus terrine: one of the specials. Tangerine, wakame purée and Kailua octopus. Great dish. All different favors in one, but come together like it was meant to be that way. yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… -Curried Clams with fingerlings. yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… -Fungi pizza: yelp.com/biz_photos/prim… -Pistachio glacé with blood orange and semolina. Basically pistachio ice cream cake with cherry sauce. It is simply a master piece. The texture the sweetness the bitterness I loved it! yelp.com/biz_photos/prim…
(5)AJ B.
This cozy little restaurant serves the best wood fired pizza I've ever tasted! The pasta is also a must have along with the fritters!
(5)Sharon S.
I love the pizza here! We lived in Naples, Italy, for seven years and really miss Neapolitan pizza and this is one of the best on Oahu. That said -it is NEAPOLITAN pizza- so if you want American pizza that has lots of sauce and no charred bits then don't come here. One of my biggest complaints with Neapolitan pizza places in the US is when they pile on the toppings to Americanize it. We were previously here for brunch and ordered the breakfast pizza (which I normally would not have ordered) and it was delicious! I do agree the tomato sauce on the pizza is not the best and, the last time I was here, they told me they were out of prosciutto because they had a busy weekend. Okay- but it was Wednesday late morning and, by the way, Prima is right next door to Foodland which sells prosciutto....
(4)Aulii H.
The best part about this restaurant is that the server was friendly. The portions were small, and everything was overpriced. They even charge you for their house bread. Granted, I know the person who makes it and it is good bread, however after paying so much for such a small entrée, you would think that they could throw in the bread for free. We did not pay for the bread. The pasta we had was over salted, and the salad was over dressed. The plantation iced tea was delicious. The pizza was just okay. It is BYOB, and it's kind of weird because they will tell you that after you are seated, and let you know that you can go next door to foodland to purchase alcohol and bring it back into the restaurant. I'm the type of person that once I sit down, the only reason I'm getting back up again is to go to the bathroom or leave. That's just me though. Unfortunately, I will have to say that I will not go back here mainly because of the overpriced food, and secondly because of the over salted flavor. Some people like it, but not me.
(2)Stephanie P.
Stopped for dinner after a day at the beach. We must've looked a mess, but they seated us promptly and were very gracious. I started with a glass of very tasty Prosecco and my husband ordered a glass of the Sangiovese that was served warm. Wine presents best slightly chilled - too warm and the alcohol is too pronounced, overpowering the fruit. My husband and I shared the steamed mussels with a garlic breadcrumb on top - loved the grape tomatoes, greens, and generous garlic pieces! We also ordered the specialty pizza of prosciutto, mozzarella and a sunny side egg on top - very nicely done! For my entree I ordered the pork belly served over a bed of polenta with greens and caramelized onions - they did justice to the pork belly. It was very tender and pan seared with a nice crispness - I loved that it was delicately seasoned (I always worry that it will be over salted). The polenta had good flavor & seasoning, and was just a bit grainy and it complemented the pork belly nicely. Thank you for a lovely meal!
(4)Christine P.
This was the first time I had the pleasure of going to Prima in Kailua. It was just after the Cool Kailua Nights Festival and me and some other Yelpers wanted a late night snack. The service was amazing, everyone was so nice and welcoming even though it was close to their closing hours. We ordered two pizzas and they were ready in about 7 minutes, that was the fastest pizza I ever had! Not only were their pizzas done in record time, they were delicious!! It was the cherry on top of the sundae. Their margherita pizza is to die for and I loved their Italian Sodas!! I will definitely be going back in the near future!!
(5)Ariel A.
Food was awesome and servers did an excellent job at explaining the specials of the day. Keenan was very thorough when delivering our food. Place is quite small so tables were very close together (I could touch the people sitting next to us if I extended my arms out). We went in hoping to order a pizza but was told they ran out of pizza dough. It was fine since there were a couple of other things we wanted to try that were also on special. But what wasn't ok was that a couple who came in after us grumbled about not having pizza dough then all of a sudden the server was able to find one last pizza dough. This wouldn't have been a problem if the server didn't just tell us that there was no pizza dough. (Mind you we can hear the server saying they had one more) Unfair! other than that I would probably come back to try the pizza out, just make sure to make reservations since they seemed pretty busy all night.
(3)Rita L.
arugula prosciutto pizza and french toast foie grois is a must. I do love the special pizzas with an egg on top. I honestly am addicted to this place. I love the service and i love how casual the restaurant is. BYOB is great too, especially with a wine store next door. The mushroom pizza is delish as well!
(5)Drake W.
This place is amazing! Just a great place to enjoy great food I highly recommend the sandwiches at lunch which is from 11-2 pm. For dinner I recommend the margarita pizza, Brussels sprouts and the romaine lettuce it's all excellent and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Kinga H.
Located in the FoodLand shopping plaza. Open kitchen layout. Modern seating however not the most comfortable, a pillow or cushion would be a nice addition for comfort factor. Very friendly service. Portion sizes are perfectly sized in my opinion although some might say on the small end. Stick with wine (a decent selection) or beer because the specialty cocktails are just okay, nothing too creative tasting despite the ingredients and quite a small serving. T H E E ATS- Night 1- BRUSSELS SPROUTS were yummy, a bit on the bland side despite a citrusy glaze... good but I've had better. The special on the night we went was a BAKED POTATO GNOCCHI, large pillowy gnocchi is a nice change from the smaller kind most places serve. Oh my yum, I loved this dish! The WINTER SQUASH SALAD was tiny, not a lot of food on a small plate however it was a delicious blend of a variety squashes... Puréed, cooked, & fritter style. Yum! The 3 above dishes were perfect to share for two. Each dish came out separately FYI as I know some people are picky about that. Night 2- PORK BELLY and TAKO (octopus)... both from the nightly special menu and both delicious. Both of these should be on the regular menu as I would be in here often to order either of the dishes. This place, although in an odd location, is a nice change from the majority of dining options in Kailua. I liked it... hence why I went with my mum and also on a date with ATR. It's apparent many others also enjoy this restaurant as the place was busy and always seems to be anytime I've walked by.
(4)Mari K.
Wow. Such a great concept and really great food. This is really a place that I would recommend any of my friends who come to Hawaii to go to. When you walk in you feel transported off the island to a restaurant somewhere much more metro like LA or NY. Really fresh ingredients, really well cooked food. Everything is really more tapas style and meant to order several dishes to share. We did a chef tasting when we were there and I think my favorite dishes were the meatballs (made there with fresh meat and fresh mozzarella that they make in house, melting out of it), the buffalo clams (clams in a buffalo chicken type sauce) and oh and their pappardelle was soooo good! It had this curry sauce and deep fried curry leaves that were just devine.
(4)Kyle H.
I'm torn about this place in Kailua. On one hand the food was pretty awesome. On the other, this is a modern style pizza place in a strip mall in Kailua that thinks its on the upper east side of Manhattan. Seriously, the food is awesome. Highlights being the chorizo soup and spicy meatball pizza. However, the great food is offset by the pretentious skinny jeans wearing server we had, and overall feel to the place. I'm just sayin'. If you're in Kailua, I'd definitely consider it. Take out would be optimal IMHO.
(3)Caitlin C.
Oh my gosh. Such good food and an amazing atmosphere. feels very European and I love it (: Bre was an amazing server and suggested our whole menu for the night. the prosciutto pizza, Brussels sprouts, Penne de Crema and not to mention the s'mores were absolutely phenomenal. Love everything about this place. new favorite restaurant one. Keenan was also really awesome and made the visit feel like I've eaten here all my life. Love this place
(5)Christy K.
I came here because they're quite popular in the local foodie scene and I've seen Instagram pictures of their food that have made me salivate. Their forte is pizza (of V-Lounge fame), with an emphasis on locally-sourced products. We ordered the Maitake Mushroom dish, a salad, the Boquerones pizza, the guanciale pasta, Brussels sprouts, and two cocktails. Our bill was a fair amount for two people. However, we got the WORST SERVICE EVER! I kind of hate saying that, because I, myself, work in a restaurant, but, seriously. The food runner dropped our mushroom dish with no explanation and the server came back and asked, "Did anyone explain this to you?" Then they dropped our salad and pizza, and said, "Here's your salad... And here's your pizza." I had to call the server over to find out what exactly was in the salad, and he looked irritated that he had to explain. We were still hungry, so we ordered the pasta, but they had forgotten our Brussels sprouts, so that came after the pizza, by itself. Then the pasta came much later. It was like a coursed meal! I enjoyed the Brussels sprouts, so I asked where they were from. The server says, "Oh, they're not local. We sell so many of them, there's no way they're local." And then he proceeds to walk away. Um, okay? All in all, a really bad experience. The food was decent, with the mushroom dish being the highlight, but you've gotta be a really bad chef to screw up salad, pizza, and pasta... so... yeah I'm never going back solely because their service really sucks.
(2)Rome S.
I eat paleo, so when I cheat on pizza it has to be exceptional. Their pizzas meet that mark. Along with appetizers and service.
(5)Brett J.
Altogether a Great Spot. Close to the best Pizza on the island. Fresh Neopolitan all the way. Beware of the heat coming off of the brick oven, especially in the summer months. The food is light and well prepared, almost something you would expect in the Northeast. The wine list could use a few more vintages.
(4)Kevin M.
This place is awesome! Everything from the appetizers to the main dishes were phenomenal. The tandoori pear was very unique, the chef really knows how to put together some amazing flavors. The braised pork belly was to die for, and the prosciutto pizza was also excellent! It was really cool to bring your own beer(s) in from next door. Thanks and keep up the good work!
(5)Jayde G.
First time at Prima... Can I get a high five?! :) ...Fabulous service for our party of 12. Started with wine (great selection) ...Grilled Romaine and Maitake Mushrooms - amazing!! I highly recommend both! ...had the Pappardelle Curry Pasta and Sopressetta Pizza. Tons of yummy flavors! Finished with Monte Blanc and quad of Sorbet and Gelato for dessert. Perfect ending! I'll definitely return!
(4)Amy N.
My husband and I finally got a babysitter so we could have a nice dinner out. We weren't sure where to go since we've been sticking to kid-friendly joints these days, but a friend recommended Prima so we gave it a shot. I had driven by here and never realized it was a restaurant since it's nestled in a strip mall between Baskin Robbins and Foodland. Such an odd location for the type of restaurant this is, but once we got inside, the ambience was lovely. The decor is very simple, modern and clean and I loved the little water glasses with water bottles they brought to the table. This is BYOB and luckily there is a wine store next to it and a Foodland right there so you can quickly pop out and get your drinks. I decided to stick with the Waialua Cream Soda they had available, but my husband grabbed a 6 pack next door. We decided to share an appetizer. I thought the selection of house bread with butter and olive oil would be nice, but then I noticed it was $5. I don't think $5 is expensive, but for bread and butter that usually comes standard at restaurants? Seemed silly so we ordered the crispy fingerling potatoes. They were pretty good, but we almost felt like they needed something with them....a dip perhaps? Or does that make it sound like we're watching a football game? I don't know....they were missing something, though. Then we ordered 2 pizzas---Margarita pizza for me and Spicy Meatball pizza for him. They were both absolutely delicious, but we stuffed ourselves silly so we probably should have shared a pizza and saved room for one of their desserts. A reason to go back! Our waiter was super friendly and the rest of the staff was just as nice. All in all, we really enjoyed our dinner at Prima and passed their menu on to our babysitter---who happens to be another mother and we're trading babysitting every other weekend so we can actually go out with our husbands! Imagine that!
(4)Karen D.
Weird, very weird. This was one of the strangest dining experiences I've had recently. Those of us who live in Kailua know that there aren't too many great restaurants here, so I was thrilled when Prima opened! I waited a few weeks to ensure they worked out any kinks in the business, then I read the up-and-down reviews and decided to take the plunge. Alas, Prima is a missed opportunity, an example of what-not-to-do with regard to service and ambiance while serving up tasty treats. Yes, the food was very, very good. But that's where the goodness ended. We started off on the wrong foot when the hostess, who was absent from her station for a few minutes, finally arrived looking frazzled. She then proceeded to have us stand there for a few more minutes while she ran all over the restaurant looking for menus. Hmmm.... Finally, we were seated. Now, I had made reservations requesting a lanai or window-side table. However, they had seated ahead of us an entire baseball team outdoors for a rollocking good time of after-game brewskies, thus we were banished to the far corner of the restaurant, near the woodpile. Yes, woodpile. For the brick oven. Stacked in the dining room. I was fervently hoping that no roaches would come crawling out! We were then regaled by an extensive playlist of finest 90s-era RAP music (think Eminem) as we ate a brick-oven pizza and an assortment of small plates in this urban-chic wanabee restaurant. The food was extremely tasty, but also extremely pricey. And given the overall experience, I will not return anytime soon. FIVE stars for quality/taste of food, ONE star for price and so-called ambiance, and THREE stars for service. Sad. Yelp 365 Challenge #172
(3)Tracy L.
I dunno what's happening with Prima lately, but the food and service is starting to feel weird. Usually when we go, the service is great, the items are described well, and the wait staff check up on us to see if everything's going ok. On my most recent visit, the waitress read us the menu and specials, one of the specials being this spaghetti with "bacon." When we heard bacon, we thought "Yummmmm," so we ordered it. When the dish arrived, we could barely eat it as it tasted as if a scoop of salt was dropped it. The waiter asked the kitchen to make another one. When we received that dish, it was still salty. Then... another waiter who walked by and saw our uneaten meal explained that the "bacon" is actually a special type of bacon that is cured in (you guessed it) salt. That explains it. Oh well, we still paid for our $20. spaghetti even though we couldn't consume it. Otherwise, the margarita pizza is always a sure thing, as well as the brussels sprouts. Will we go back there? Probably not. There are so many other good places to eat that really want the business.
(2)Bob M.
I wanted to give this place a try despite a friend's lackluster review. We were looking to have a salad and pizza. With its limited salad menu we went with the Field Greens. It seemed to be bagged salad from the grocery store with a few extras just for show. Underwhelming presentation and it didn't taste like anything at all. Maybe we chose badly, but if it's the only salad with greens on the menu, then it should be on point. Our server took it off the bill, so that was appreciated. As for the pizza, we had the prosciutto and arugula. It was flavorful, but heavy on arugula with four pieces of prosciutto. I guess we got our greens in after all. Good taste, but a little imbalanced. Don't plan on going back.
(2)Maria L.
It's sad.... We used to go to Prima more often, and used to be excited about going there. The 5 P Pizza was great, and the Brussels Sprouts awesome. The mushroom appetizer is still great and the pear. There are several other little dishes that used to be good. But over time we have come to realize that the meat slices and pepper slices on our pizzas have gone down in size. The portion size of the Brussels sprouts (which were already small but a good size) became even smaller - there were about 3 tiny pieces of pancetta total in the dish. In the past the pork belly special was superb, beautiful thick pieces with gorgeous plating. The last two times we have ordered this special, the pork belly was fairly dry and the portion pieces were extremely small - not worth $30 something for it. (I was so looking forward to it too.) The service... has gone terribly downhill. It took over 10 minutes to get our credit card back the last time we went to eat there, and there were a total of maybe 3 other tables there - apparently they had sent home wait staff - but apparently they needed to keep the wait staff there. Additionally, rumor has is that some of the staff isn't even getting paid - again rumor, but perhaps this is an indication as to why it has been declining in service and productivity. Went to check out breakfast there, and while the food was pretty good (waffle could have used more than 7 squares filled with syrup), service was incredibly slow because there was only one cook .... mind you, there was only one other table of three individuals seated next to us but the food still came out really really slowly. So sad, because it has been so nice to have such a unique option in Kailua for food - but we may have to stop eating there due to the lack of good service and quality of food.... hopefully the restaurant can get it together and get back on track!
(2)Warren F.
Everything was great. Sat at the bar and ate, you get to watch em cook your food. All really good, fresh and local ingredients. There's only a couple outstanding restaurants in Kailua, this is one of them. Also, best pizza around, thin crust and fresh ingredients. Had a spicey meatball pizza, yummy good!
(5)Braddah Bryan F.
Great food and service. Pizza and pork belly is a must! Gets crowded during the weekend so make reservation!
(5)Nadia K.
Prima had been on our list of places to try since my coworker had told me that his wife, who is from Italy, gave the thumbs up on the pizza there. But being that Prima is all the way in Kailua, it took us awhile to make it happen. But I'm glad we did because I really enjoyed the pizza. The crust was good and the taste of the pizza was really good. We started with the sopressatta pizza, chicken fried veal sweetbreads, pork belly special, and maitake mushroom appetizer. But once we had a bite of the pizza, we ordered a margherita pizza too. We enjoyed everything we ordered. I thought it was a bit hot in the restaurant, but then again we brought our two kids with us and my 1 year old always makes me work up a sweat while keeping him busy. They are a kid friendly place, but they don't have any high chairs so if you make a reservation, let them know, and they will seat you against the wall. The bathrooms are outside and you need a key. Since my visit, I have found out that you can get the same pizza at the V lounge. Yay! I like to have options. :) Definitely try if you love pizza!
(4)India R.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Kailua! Great food, pasta and pizza, and creative apps. Since I'm there fairly often, I would like it if they would switch up the menu once in awhile and I wish they would be open for LUNCH. However, they do charge a $3.00 corkage fee, and it's a bit noisy, but I love the food! So it makes up for it! The Pappardelle is my favorite, it comes with fried curry leaves!! Such an interesting combination! Great service, family style and things come out one at a time which I enjoy. That way you can have a taste of everything!
(4)Stacie P.
AH-MA-ZING! I don't eat out much so this past Friday when I went to dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday it was ON like Donkey Kong and Prima did not disappoint (*Note: there is a disclaimer to this statement that I'll talk about later in my review but for now lets keep it on the up and up) My friends and I had reservations for dinner this past Friday night 11/22/2013 which happened to be during restaurant week. I'm not sure what restaurant week is all about but at Prima it meant a special tasting menu that allowed diners to order items not typically on the menu. Since it was a special occasion and being that I don't dine out often, it was time to indulge! The tasting menu was $45 per person. I'll pause here and just say that I took pictures of everything we ate but completely blanked and forgot to take a picture of the menu so I have no idea what we ate other than that it was good! THE HIGHLIGHTS: BYOB! There were 3 of us for dinner and we each bottle a bottle of wine. Well, actually, 2 of us brought bottles of wine and the 3rd one of us brought a bottle of vodka which got some stares from other customers and cheers from our waiter, Keenan! Hey, we were 3 friends out to celebrate so that we did! OUR WAITER: Keenan was our waiter and he was fun, attentive and extremely apologetic for things that were just beyond his control (*note: refer to the disclaimer) APPETIZER: The appetizer was a sashimi dish with deep fried kale and some kind of sauce. Now, I realize an appetizer is intended to be a small portion but when the waiter came out with the dish, the serving size was just laughable. It wasn't a typical slice of sashimi, instead, it was more like tiny scraps of fish on an extra large plate. Despite the teeny tiny itty bitty portion, the dish was AH-MA-ZING. It was so YUM and my favorite of the night! I loved the deep fried kale that topped the fish, which gave the melt in your mouth fish a crunch texture. DESSERT: The dessert options included a pumpkin bread pudding and a smores. Being that I LOVE pumpkin, the decision was easy for me. Ironically, however, the best part of the dish was the caramel sauce that was drizzled over the plate. I had a mini orgasm the caramel was so good. The rest of the dessert was delicious but I was disappointed in the whip cream that topped the dish. I like sweet, as you could've probably guessed, and the whip cream was anything but that. However, my friend, who ordered the same dish said that the fact that the whip cream wasn't sweet was why she loved the dish so much. She said that's how dessert it supposed to taste - not so sweet and I say bring on the caramel!! THE NOT SO GOOD: ENTREE: The entree was the only disappointing dish and out of the 2 options: one being a roast pork and the other a root vegetable pot pie; I chose the latter. The pot pie was served in a ramekin like dish with steamed vegetables on the bottom and a puffed pastry on top. As cute as it looked in it's petite little outfit, it was forgettable. The vegetables were bland and needed either salt, as my friend said, or my vote was for a creamy sauce smothered over everything. THE DISCLAIMER AND EPIC FAIL OF THE NIGHT: So of all nights that we go out we end up eating in a sauna! Unbeknown-st to us, the air conditioner at the restaurant was broken this night. I had arrived a few minutes ahead of our party and checked in with the hostess who was standing outside. It wasn't until I walked into the restaurant that realized I was in a sauna; it was like eating in a desert for the entire duration of our meal. We grinned and bared it, and I'm glad we did because the food was AH-MA-ZING (Are you tired of hearing that yet?), but I had sweat running down my back and ass crack it was that hot. It was comical to look around the restaurant to see how others were trying to keep cool. One guy had a grocery bag filled with ice that he was balancing on the back of his neck. Another little kid had stripped down to his diapers and we were ordering buckets of ice. We all joked that this was the only dinner where we actually burned off calories. In all seriousness, though; it was H-O-T. The worst part was that the manager didn't even bother to come around to the tables to acknowledge the broken a/c. Our waiter apologized profusely but, come on now, something like this warrants the manager's attention. In addition, there was no compensation (free dessert or percentage off the bill), of any kind, offered to patrons as an apology - not good and bad form, hence the 4 stars vs. 5 Would I come back? Absolutely but I'd have to make sure the a/c is working
(4)Carol Lynn G.
Arrived here after a long drive from town, 15 minutes early for an 8p reservation. Was then notified the restaurant is closing early because the pizza dough is just not "working" today. Let the server know that I had a standing reservation to which she replied, "Oh I didn't see that!" as she was shutting the door. Terrible service (would have at least appreciated a phone call), will never eat here again.
(1)Co Y.
So, first time here. Early Saturday evening. We were asked if we had reservations. We didn't. Didn't look crowded, even for a small place. She came back and said they could seat us. Funny, we got seated at the largest table in the restaurant. The menu: small. Not much choices. Not much alcohol choices either. We were not sure what to order. The menu descriptions were not detailed. It told you what was in it but didn't say if it had dressing or not, etc. We ordered a seafood dish that was on special and a pizza. Pizza was okay, nothing special and definitely not worth it for the price. The seafood dish was good but the 2 pieces of toast that came with it was burnt! Overall, we will not be returning. Mediocre food at expensive prices. I was still hungry after spending $68 plus $15 tip for 2 people and a kid. This place is also not for kids. Nothing for a kid to eat. I plucked off the toppings from the pizza and basically gave him the bread. No free house bread. House bread is $5. We left and went to Foodland for beer and poke. The Tecate beer that my husband ordered at the restaurant was warm! Crappy place. Never again.
(1)Craig W.
Magnificent meal. they had a pork belly special that was particularly good. This is a place I will definitely return to.
(5)Heberto G.
Cozy restaurant with phenomenal brick oven pizza. The spicy meatball pizza and the prosciutto with arugula are my two favorites. All of their food is exceptional. Be sure to try the special appetizers that change daily - very unique and very delicious. That also goes for their desserts, all homemade. Prima recently started opening for lunch Wed.-Sat. and now we can enjoy them twice as much. The only slight bummer is that they stopped serving beer and wine. They charge a pricey corkage fee if you bring any alcoholic beverages, especially not worth it if you bring your own beer. I suggest that you have some drinks before you get there, or maybe as a way to wrap up your evening, but go somewhere else - stick to the food at Prima. The staff and service is awesome, they always make us feel at home. Love this little gem in Kailua.
(4)Holly B.
Appetizers are outstanding, especially the mushrooms on toast! Delicious! My friend and I were quite happy indulging in different appetizers. My main entree was house-made pasta with sausage and it was heaven! Will definitely bring friends back!
(4)Serena Q.
Who knew the best pizza I ever had would be in Hawaii?!? Certainly not me, but with that Prosciutto and Arugula, with that brick oven fired crust and amazing mozzarella, well I must say it was amazing! Now, my New York friends already talk shit when I try to tell them my favorite pizza is in SF so they are really going to mock me when I adjust my claim to Kailua, HI, but I am standing by it. Maybe the good vibes and chilled out spirit of the island made everything taste a little bit better, but whatever it was this pizza is magical.
(5)Matt H.
I had just returned from a business trip and wanted to try something new and Italian and I thought it would be a great idea because there was pizza for the kids. However, I don't think the price compliments the quality of the meal. We were briefed that the meals were served family style but when they came out they were anything but family size. I got the Spaghetti and my wife had one of the specials. Both were a very creative twist on flavor but a bit bland and no basic resource of seasoning was provided. I was also hoping to enjoy some wine or a beer off of my long trip but I was disappointed to learn that there was no alcohol served. However, if you bring your own they charge a $3 glassing fee if you would like to bring some of your own. Don't get me wrong I think this is a very good place to eat pizza but I would leave it at just that.. Overall the service was very pleasant and fast.
(2)A. L.
Pizzas good, but we got ours with a lil extra protein if u catch my drift . Our arugula had a live tiny caterpillar on it. The staff did offer us a new pizza. But we already was full since we ate half of it prior . This is the same owner as bar 7? Our credit card statement said so. That's why the pizza taste the same. It's a good pizza don't get me wrong. But just not worry driving all the way there from in town good.
(3)Kathy H.
Mmmm pasta, mmmm pizza :) You gotta love a place that sells classics, but with delicious twists. That's how I viewed Prima. If you're looking for traditional Italian, this is probably not the right place for you, but you'll be missing out :) I went with my hubby and his grandparents. We ordered a lot of food...haha probably too much for 4 people, but I wanted to try everything! Appetizers: *Maitake mushrooms - probably one of my favorite things I ate, had many different types of mushrooms, each prepared differently. Delicious. *Ceviche (one of the specials for the day) - I honestly do not remember much about it expect for the Okinawa potatoes because I was trying to figure out what they were *Clams - Solid dish Entrees: *Spaghetti - this spaghetti was SO good. I don't know what was in it, but nom nom nom *Curry Papperdelle - my first thought when eating this was, "this is different". Not bad different, mind you, just not what I was expecting different. You can definitely taste the curry flavors. Tasty *Prosciutto Arugula Pizza - can't go wrong with prosciutto arugula! Crust was light and fresh tasting. Side: *Bread - kind of hard...especially for the grandparents :\ I liked the variety they had though *Brussel sprouts with bacon - mmmm bacon and brussel sprouts Needless to say, I enjoyed the meal. Hubby really really enjoyed it :) Plus the servers at the restaurant are all very friendly and helpful :) Will have to go back next time I'm in Oahu.
(5)Gina N.
I never thought I would leave Hawaii saying..........Man, I'm really going to miss the pizza. This restaurant was amazing. We ate here 4 times while we were visiting family. The slow-roasted pork. Out of this world. The chocolate ganache dessert.........amazing. My absolute favorite was the mushroom appetizer. If you are a fan of mushrooms. You have to do this.......twice. Maybe 3 times. Don't forget to bring your booze with you!!
(5)Kimo S.
As customary, we tried this restaurant twice to really get a good idea of the service, food and people running the show. Needless to say, everything is consistent, excellent and fantastic here. There is no reason to worry about driving out to Kailua (if you're a townie like me), it definitely is worth it. Keenan has helped us twice and while he might not remember us, I definitely remember him and he is an excellent server. The menu is not too extensive so you'll be able to pick through most of the favorites in a few visits, I definitely recommend a pizza each time though. We've done the Prosciutto and the Funghi pizza so far and I find the Funghi pizza to be my favorite of the two. It's like grading one pizza a 95/100 and the other a 96/100, it's a personal choice but they are excellent pizzas here. As people have mentioned, they honed their skills and craft from V Lounge so you know you're in for a treat here. The Papperdelle and the clams rank up there as two of my favorite dishes and if you're feeling like you need a little side dish I really enjoyed the Brussels Sprouts with bacon to nibble on. Reasonable corkage fee so definitely bring your own wine if you have the opportunity!
(5)Sonoma D.
We had cheese pizza, house salad and brussel sprouts. All incredibly delicious!! The brussels were my fave. Would definitely eat there again.
(4)Peter E.
What a great place to dine! I loved the atmosphere, casual, laid back and very comforting: a good place to take your time in. I like restaurants whose wait staff knows they have a good product and it shows in their enthusiasm and attitude, as though they really enjoy what they do. And Prima has a good product...I have been three times ..and as previous Yelpers have mentioned the miatake mushrooms are a must as is the house bread with local Naked Cow Butter..! For main meals the Octopus was amazing as was the seafood gnocchi...And then there are pizzas! One of my most favorite pizzas is a Marguerita...so simple..yet so difficult to find a good one and Primas is spot on...their crust just the right amount of char..crunchy on the outside, tender and chewy on the inside..absolutely perfect! Prima also has a limited but well thought out wine list and local beers from Maui brewing... Although I usually skip dessert and opt for Port , this last visit i shared the pistachio glacee...and I'm still thinking about it today, it was that good.. That said there are some things i would like Prima to do...For an appetizer i would like them to offer mixed olives along with their wonderful bread and butter..And i would also like for them to offer Pizza Bianca and some white/ bechmal sauce pizzas to complement their red sauce pizzas. But other than that Prima is a great dining expereince well worth the trip over the Pali...
(5)Trent D.
Great spot: good beer, wine and all pizzas are what an artisan pizza is supposed to taste like. These guys also know how to cook mushrooms. Try the Maitake appetizer folks are taking pictures of or add them to your pizza. If you are on the go or can't get a reservation, call in your order and pick it up. There is a great grocery store next door to pick up some beer or wine with dinner.
(4)Pat S.
Hand down the best pizza in HI! It's not cheap, but the quality is fantastic and we love sitting at the bar and talking with the staff. As we live in Kailua, this is our regular hang out for a yummy dinner.
(5)KK M.
One of my favorite restaurants - simple but so creative, super fresh local food. I could eat here all time and never get tired of it. Most recently, I had a relaxing, fun dinner with a friend sitting at the bar - a little warm if you're on the pizza-oven end of it but so worth it to watch the chefs work their magic! Panzanella salad was killer, brussels sprouts never disappoint, and our spicy meatball pizza was beyond delicious. The pizza took a long time due to a take-out order back up, but our waiter was apologetic and accommodating, and dessert on the house more than made up for it. Its BYO for now, so dont forget to pop into Foodland first to grab beverages.
(5)Angela W.
I've had two drastically different experiences at Prima. Several months ago I ate here NYE and the food and service were exceptional. Like all the reviews have stated, you really can't go wrong with any with the pizzas. However last night me and several friends made reservations for 8pm. We were right on time however it took some time to get us seated. The server Keenan was very pleasant but told us that they have 86'ed the pizza!! He said that they would give us a generous discount bc we had made reservations. It was disheartening, your menu is labeled Pizza and Not Pizza and you have just run out of half of the menu. We were still willing to stay and so we asked what would we get for a discount, 30% would have been nice but he tells us 15%?!?!? Seriously 15%?!!? We came here for the pizza! Very disappointed and we decided not to stay.
(3)Harsh C.
This is one of seven Kailua restaurants ( the others being Formaggio, Uahi Grill, Noboru, Assaggio's, Baci Bistro, The Food Company) where one can enjoy consistently good food. Although some portions are on the small side, everything is tasty and beautifully presented. Don't waste time eating the pizzas. Order the mushroom appetizer, Brussels sprouts, pappardalle pasta, and all of the desserts!
(5)Ross M.
Located in a strip mall, this restaurant promises to be the kind of place Yelpers hunger for. Loud and bustling, this place strives to be the unpretentious, working man's special night out spot. Prices are a little steeper than you might expect from a place like this, considering the location and atmosphere. Usually, I'm willing to overlook all of that if the food is exceptional. This is where Prima falls down. We started off with the Winter Squash Salad. Elegantly plated, this dish was thrown off by what I believe was a tart pomegranate reduction. Next we had the Chicken Fried Sweetbreads. The sweetbreads were perfect, for someone who doesn't like sweetbreads. The batter was so heavily spiced, you could have served anything underneath and it would taste the same. Though the batter was tasty, I have to give a thumbs down due to the mistreatment of such a beloved ingredient. The last dinner course we had was the Curry Bolognese Papardelle. The pasta was beautiful. The noodle had a nice chew that I believe you can only get from making your pasta fresh. However, the Curry Bolognese with deep fried curry leaves as a garnish/seasoning was a little off putting. Maybe it's just me, but I felt it was too difficult to enjoy the noodle with this strong blast of curry in every bite. Thinking about the curry by itself, I would say that it was very tasty and a good dish. But put it together with this lovely pasta and you've just wrecked both pieces. Finally, I can't remember the name of the dessert we had, but is was cannelles of pear sorbet over nutella and a vanilla creme anglais with thin vanilla wafer like cookies. Unfortunately, while the pear sorbet was delicious, it really didn't pair (no pun intended) with anything else in the dish. I'd have to say that the wait staff was very attentive and the atmosphere, while loud and a little crowded, was pleasant, more of a fun night out feel than a elegant once-a-year-on-your-anniversary kind of place. Despite what I've said above, the food was fine, absolutely nothing was inedible or offensive. The problem was that every dish just had something that threw off the balance. However, I do recognize that the chef was clearly trying to build some strong contrasts in the dishes and come up with some truly original ideas. For that I applaud him/her for having the guts to do so in market as competitive as Oahu. Unfortunately, from what we had last night, I have to say "nice try, better luck next time".
(3)Roxanne T.
We went to this place because the reviews looked great, and we were not disappointed! The pork belly was great - like crispy bacon, but an inch thick! The service was so laid back and friendly you instantly felt welcome. They don't serve alcohol here, but will let you bring in whatever you'd like. We went to the grocery store next door and bought a bottle of wine and they uncorked or for us (no uncorking fee), gotta love byob!
(5)Natasha M.
Aaaaaand last night at Prima . . . *Grilled Ceasar Salad. I could have DIED from the delish. *Fennel Panna Cotta - but of course. *Some kind of crazy mushroom appetizer with Shimigi and another kind of mushroom that made my INSANELY picky husband actually talk about licking the plate. Yeah. *Funghi pizza . . . um, we love mushrooms. *Aaaaaaaand - the gelato = Cinnamon Lemon, Jasmine, Citrus whiskey, and apple pie. You cannot go to Prima and leave sad. Not humanly possible. Perhaps one of the most satisfying places to eat on O'ahu - maybe on earth. I don't know. It's just . . . mmm . . QUALITY. And FAIR prices for it to boot. Dear Prima . . . you are my sunshine. Love, the universe.
(5)Cherilyn I.
Great food, great service. We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared them family style. The waiter was down to earth and incredibly helpful. The pizzas were actually better tasting than what we had at their sister restaurant, V Lounge, (we had the 5P and Funghi) but they can still work on making the dough less soggy in the middle and less burnt on the crust. The Dominican soup was excellent. Rich in flavor. Gnocchi was soft, not too doughy, and in a delicious sauce. The brussel sprouts were not bitter at all--very tasty. My favorite was the roasted chicken they had on special -- it was moist, but the skin was crispy, and the sauce was savory. YUM! I didn't like any of the gelato (yogurt, papaya, Capt. Crunch, calamansi) but my friends and husband liked the yogurt one the best. I'll definitely go back and try another one of their desserts.
(4)Rachel N.
Good pizza and great service. Love the BYOB especially since it is right next to a Foodlion.
(4)Tracy M.
Fabulous restaurant great food and great service. We love the principal of sharing dishes that way you get to try a lot of things. We had the Chargrilled romaine salad with Caesar dressing Chinese duck gnocchi OMG to die for White anchovies pizza Chocolate coated banana with blood orange gelato Everything was fantastic wine although only a small selection was good Prices very reasonable we will be going back before leaving Great job guys Considered licking the plate
(5)Haein P.
It's remarkably difficult to find restaurants that do Italian-American food justice in Hawaii. Especially one that is slightly more upscale and trendy. Even finding the right kind of pizza on this island can be something of a scavenger's hunt. Granted, there are places like JJ Dolan's (God bless your delicious pizza-soul) and V-lounge (one word: PRIMA!), but nevertheless, it's a challenge to get a really nice, quality, hand-made pie. Unsurprisingly, it's from the same masterminds behind the oh-so-notorious prima pizza at v-lounge that Prima the restaurant was born. Go figure. Blaine is someone who definitely has an eye for the aesthetics and a tastebud for the gourmet. He has created and cultivated his craft, which is most ostensible at this intimate, hipster restaurant. AMBIANCE: - the interior is kept simple and clean with a tasteful, minimalistic choice in furniture and design - the natural, light-colored wood imparts a peaceful and soothing vibe - the kitchen counter & bar consist of recycled mahogany & stainless steel, exuding environmental and slylish flair - the tables are rather tightly packed, but you get a sense of community/family-style eating as well as comfortable intimacy, which is perfect for the gourmet/casual-style restaurant this is. - i love menus that list ingredients only, without a need for a dish "title," per se. It highlights each individual, fresh, and if possible, local ingredient on its own to depict to guests the value of each component in the making of a wholesome dish. SERVICE: - our server was extremely friendly and attentive, constantly had a warm smile on her face - she was always ready with suggestions and had smooth-flowing answers when prompted questions regarding the menu and its ingredients - Blaine happens to be a friend of my boyfriend's and therefore, showered (or should I say stuffed) us with gastronomical goodies - the food came in a timely manner, nothing took too long and each dish came out appropriately FOOD/DRINK: - they have a modest selection of beer, wine, and spirits. - they have peroni, which is a must at any italian-influenced restaurant - (Maitake Mushroom, Pickled Hon Shimeji, Cremini, Cauliflower Puree) : this appetizer was whimsical and while definitelly delicious, seemed to lack that extra kick or spice or contrast in flavor that could have elevated it to the next level. - (Chicken-Fried Veal Sweetbreads, Rhubarb, Artichoke) : sweetbreads are an acquired taste, or rather, texture. There are some who love it and some who'd like to steer clear of it. Personally, I enjoy them and having them prepared this way was pleasant. I particularly enjoyed the crisp, fried exterior against the soft pudding-like texture that is essentially sweetbread (thymus, innards, etc. In this case, throat I believe). I especially loved the tart and tangy rhubarb puree that was served underneath the sweetbreads. It added that sweet and sour note to cut through the fattiness of the sweetbread. - (Papparadelle, Curry Bolognese, Fried Curry Leaves) : one of my absolute favorite dishes of the night. The papparadelle was so fresh and cooked perfectly to al dente, with just the right amount of bite/chew. The curry bolognese was so rich and flavorful, it really enhanced the beauty of a classic bolognese dish and the fried curry leaves added that crunch factor while also complimenting and reiterating the balanced presence of curry in the dish. - (Funghi Pizza) : Though I do love mushrooms to an unreasonable degree, I found this pizza slightly disappointing especially since Prima advertises their use of keawe-wood and brick ovens. The crust was on the soggier side and didn't quite hold up the toppings and the moisture that was released from the mushrooms upon baking. The lime juice in the pizza was just the right amount though to brighten up the flavors, so that I enjoyed. DESSERT: - Some kind of FRITTER that I can't specifically remember, but I do remember I could do without. It was tasty, but not enough to place an order myself. OVERALL: - Definitely worth going back to even despite the drive out to Kailua. This is definitely a winner in my book.
(4)Shelley H.
This is one of favorite restaurants and I often come here for lunch on the weekends because their pizza is so delicious! They have quality ingredients and an wood fire oven and if you sit at the bar you get the added entertainment of watching them make your pizza!
(5)Arlene A.
I finally had the chance to dine at this new Kailua restaurant for Sunday brunch. That wasn't originally the plan, but it gives me another reason to come back to try their dinner menu. Made reservations for 11 a.m. which is also when they open. The place isn't the easiest to find since there are no large signs on the exterior. My friends and I even Mapquested the location but ended up having to call the restaurant to get specific landmark directions (they are located next to Foodland). Our reservation was early enough that we didn't have to wait very long to get seated. The restaurant was practically empty (though not for long). We were given the Sunday lunch menu. Dishes ranged from $12-$20. Our group decided on 1)Prosciutto and poached egg pizza ($16), 2)braised flank steak and spaghetti ($17) and the 3)meatball bruschetta ($17). They were all very delicious and to our surprise, large enough to share. The staff were quick and friendly and the atmosphere was very low-key and casual. Just how I like it. So why four stars? They didn't have any dessert options. They are however, trying to work out the prep so that they can offer it sometime in the future. I guess I'll have to return to come for dinner next time!
(4)Sean W.
Prima was awesome! The food was spectacular! For the appetizers we had the mushroom medley, summer squash salad, broccoli and prosciutto the soup of the day which was a Samoan crab bisque. The squash salad was very fresh and tasty and the crab bisque was very delicious, yet very rich. The mushroom medley was small, but unique tasting. I enjoyed the broccoli dish... the sauce tasted like some kind of balsamic vinegar. We had all the specials which were a pork belly dish, seared taco on watermelon, and a pasta dish. The seared taco was so soft and tasty; the watermelon went very well with the taco too. The pork belly was cooked perfectly and was so tasty. We ordered a margarita pizza which was so fresh, light and delicious. The paper thin crust and fresh mozzarella made that classic dish even better. For dessert we had the anise fritters, torrone alla banana, and the gelato. I loved the gelato... we had 4 flavors: pistachio, yogurt, orange vanilla, and mango pepper. All were delicious but the mango pepper was the most unique and interesting. I really enjoyed the service here! The way they give you a bottle of water is practical and fun. The waiters know their dishes well and give good explanations for each dish they serve. I also enjoyed the casual/trendy atmosphere. I would have enjoyed something more comfortable than plastic chairs, but they were okay. The restaurant was a bit warm but it may have just been warm for me. Also, the restrooms are outside which make it a little inconvenient, but they are really close so it is not too bad. All in all, I really enjoyed the experience here and would highly recommend you to try it!
(5)mark s.
I used to rave about this place when it opened. The pizza is very high-end but they got greedy. Jacked what is really a small personal pizza from $16 to $19. Too much. I'm going elsewhere.
(3)Casey A.
We ventured to have some of the small plates last night - Adobo Headcheese and Clams. Clams were a little salty but headcheese was awesome. We finished off the night with our standard - Boquerones Pizza - saved the night. We'll be back for more pizza!
(4)Don W.
We have been here about 20 times. Most times I would give it an A-OK (3) to Woohoo (5) rating. But something has changed and the past two times we had much lesser experiences. Two times ago, the Amatriciana past dish and a soup were salty to the point of barely edible (and I love salt). This last time we met friends who came from town. Each person was hoping for specific dish they wanted: Papardelle Bolognese, English Pea Risotto, Octopus and the 4 ice cream dessert. It's fine to switch up the menu if the replacements are stellar. The first three items are off the menu and the octopus was changed, for the worse. The amount of octopus itself shrunk. It was grilled/charred as usual, but with spots of blackened bitterness made each of us cringe. It is now sitting in a watery broth which itself is ok but doesn't go with the tako, doesn't cling to it and you cannot really taste since you don't have a spoon anyway. The panzanella salad was quite good. The grilled ceasar was bitter and wilted/soggy and watery (rather than crispy with a slight smoky faint char). The watery aspect diluted the dressing. The grilled radicchio was pretty standard. No more bitter than usual but lacked the agrodolce tang to balance the natural bitterness......so the taste impression was just bitter. We have taken many others to this place and referred many others. But the feedback in the past month or two has been more negative than positive......so something has changed for the worse. It could just be two off nights, but friends are giving similar feedback. If they bring back some of the original items and up the performance in the kitchen, we will return, but otherwise I'm afraid our group of patrons will have to go elsewhere. Sad to lose this quality dinner option.
(1)BagLady M.
A good choice if you're in the neighborhood. Right in between Foodland and Baskin Robbins. Ample parking, but tight stalls. Casual, family friendly, great service. Reminiscent of our recent trip to the Big Apple, with their beautiful pizza oven in full view. Look up on the big chalkboard for the specials of the day. After hearing fellow Yelpers rave about the maitake mushroom appetizer, I just had to try it. Spot on, Yelpers! Super ono!! I couldn't get enough of it and even wished I had double ordered. Only thing is the grilled radicchio was too charred for our taste. Ok, it tasted burnt. Prosciutto pizza was good. Very generous on the arugula. The crust is chewy and just right. BF spotted the next table's order of pork belly and put it on our list for our next visit. Especially after watching her whack half the plate in the blink of an eye!
(4)Ken D.
Pizza was decent. We sat at the main table, the one pictured in their front page of the website. Problem was the AC vents overhang the table directly and one AC vent kept dripping water right onto our plates. The staff just said sorry and didn't do much about it. Granted, you can't do much, but they could have offered to move the table or switch us to a different. Overall, not impressed with the food or its selection. They don't have any drinks like Coke, Pepsi, etc... either
(2)Rosh D.
Simply amazing!!! I've read some of the other reviews and I'm not sure that everyone gets the concept. If you are looking for a quiet intimate setting then this isn't the place for that occasion. If you want awesome food and fun there's no better place. I'm glad to see the Hawaii food scene making a change and I complement the chefs for expanding everyone's tastes to something new and fresh. . This place isn't a glutton affair. It's about fresh ingredients and technically prepared food. This would be a hit in any metropolitan city and so happy to have it here in Kailua. Everything I ate tonight was well plated and tasted even better. Would recommend to anyone with a good sense of food and anyone wanting to try something truly unique. Best restaurant not only in Kailua but on the island. Looking forward to my next visit.
(5)Peter W.
My wife and I have been trying to get to Prima for a few months. We finally found the time to give it a try. We were delighted with our meal and the friendly service given to us. The appetizer special included the grilled octopus and the slow roasted pork belly entree. The octopus was grilled with just a touch of char which gave it a distinctly delicious flavor. Until now I've never had a fork tender octopus. It was set on a puree of Lima beans. Every bite was perfection. The slow roasted pork belly was tender with a crunchy glazed skin on top. It was set on pureed potatoes and a mound of fried kale. Pork belly has never been better than what was served to us tonight. We plan to be frequent diners at this fine addition to the Kailua scene.
(5)T. C.
Heaven. Please open in Honolulu, more specifically Kaka'ako. Or someone please just build the rail to go door-to-door from my apartment to your restaurant.
(5)Steve S.
Prima lived up to all the high reviews and more! The food was first rate....we started with the Fennel Panna Cotta and it was delicious. The combination of sweet and savory really hit the spot. Then we tried the grilled octopus which was tender and tasty. Our last course was the Fungi pizza and again it was done to perfection. The top quality ingredients came though in every dish we tried. The atmosphere was a bit loud but in a festive way so it was no problem. Nice wine and beer selections and friendly wait staff. All in all we couldn't have had a better experience.
(5)helen w.
Yes five stars. In Kailua ( Hawaii in general) there seems to be a focus on quanity and not quality People want mountains of food. Not actually well thought out, intentional,artisinal cuisine like Prima. The owner and whole staff were awesome and the food interesting and fullfilling. No it's not monstrous portions but it was more than enough ( we had tons of leftovers) sharing one starter and 2 entrees The ny style pizza was awesome, the pastas homemade a delicious,and the veggies fresh and local . All of the specials looked and smelled amazing! Get out of your comfort zone and try this place. It knocked two city snobs socks off and one of us has been a chef a 3 star michelin restaurant in Paris....
(5)Alicia P.
Yum!!!!! Really fantastic! Delicious bites, beautiful presentation, good deals on wines!
(4)Brooke N.
To tell you the truth I was expecting a bigger menu..but everything looks good and tastes even better. Never thought I'd say I LOVE pureed cauliflower!! My new love :) This comes with the mushroom app. The brussel sprouts were great and the risotto and pizza...YUM! I have to say it was a little difficult to find the place, especially if you're not familiar with the area. It is located next to Kailua Foodland, the signage was minimal. Good luck finding it but I can tell you it is worth the search.
(5)Michelle S.
If you are around the Kailua area at all and interested in serious Italian then you must go here. (On the other hand if you prefer the typical Italian-American fare with the usual non inspired over cooked pasta with bland red sauces then this is not the place for you.) We had two last nights in Kailua and ate here both nights. The chef does excellent Northern Italian dishes but adds a little "local" flavor to make it interesting but without losing it's authenticity. The second night we had pizza and were not disappointed. They have of course a wood fired oven and the thin crusted Neapolitan pizza was as authentic as possible outside of Naples. Isiah who makes the dough as well as the pizza is a true pizzaiolo. And the service was excellent. There were a few missteps (such as no coffee service) which would normally negate a 5 star rating but it still well deserved. It is the kind of restaurant you only expect to find in NY, Chicago, SF or Portland!
(5)titus n.
I frequent Prima at least 2 times a month. I recommend them to anyone who loves a good pizza, these hand crafted Italian pies never disappoint. They serve a full bar with a half way decent wine list and specials are always out of this world. It's worth the drive to the windward side. Just make sure to make a reservation, prime time dinner hours are normally quite busy.
(5)Amber C.
We visited Prima based on a tip from a local. This was our favorite meal on the island during our 9 day stay. We had the mushroom small plate which was absolutely amazing. I had the risotto and my husband had the buffalo clams and a fish dish. We were both super impressed. The food is hands down the best food we came across! And the best part is all the food is local. I heard even the interior of the restaurant is made of all reclaimed items. The meal was so good we ordered a pizza to go for the next day! The only drawback is the place is pretty small. We were basically sitting at our neighbors' table (which by the way they were just as impressed by the food as we were!)
(5)Pat C.
The evening began with super friendly and enthusiastic service from two women. (The guy who also assisted never warmed up to us.) Our dining experience, for a group of 7, started deteriorating from the initial exuberance the wait staff hit us with once we placed our orders. We all noted the explanation on the menu that the food would be served as it was prepared. Fair enough. But, my husband waited for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for the pasta special of the evening: mahi and clams with capellini. He was literally served after the rest of our party was finished with their food and the table was cleared for a feeble offering of the dessert menu. After waiting over one hour for the pasta, various people at our table who inquired about the $23.00 missing dish were told the pasta was on the way . . . But, it was clear that none of the wait staff took responsibility to follow through on the order . . . as it still did not appear after the third response that the dish would be served in "5 minutes." I believe my husband was finally able to eat his pasta about 20 minutes after the last 5-minute estimation of the serving time. I glanced at a watch and it was about 8:20 pm when my husband was served. We were seated for dinner at 6:30 pm! I ordered a mushroom appetizer that was accompanied with about two teaspoons of a cauliflower dipping sauce. The dish was not edible because it tasted like the sauce was made from equal parts of cauliflower and processed salt, meaning it was so salty no one could eat it!! (The only reason we ate the entire dish was because several people took one bite each in order to not waste the food.) At this point, though, I didn't want to say anything to the wait staff about what a waste of money the dish was because it was impossible to eat, as we were still dealing with the missing pasta dish and unconcerned servers. In addition, we all discovered we had to yell to carry on any sort of conversation or just not speak at all. The restaurant needs an expert on acoustics to help with making the place more pleasant in terms of the ridiculous noise level. A restaurant does not need to be this loud to be hip and cool. We all know we will not go back to Prima due to the lack of concern and poor customer service that was exhibited throughout the evening. It was interesting to observe how the quality of service and friendliness diminished as the night wore on. The servers need to learn how to be more even tempered and not just explode with an initial burst of enthusiasm because the fade to indifference through the course of the dinner left a very sour taste in my mouth. At the very end of my husband's meal he was told, in a very quiet and meek manner, "Thank you for your patience." Nothing was offered as compensation for the poor service. On the whole the experience at Prima was disappointing and frustrating. I wanted to like the food and the restaurant, but the noise level was ridiculous and even though most of the food was better than average, the poor service and lack of concern on the part of the restaurant staff wiped out any positive opinions about the decent food. My brother-in-law concluded the evening by asking, "Do they understand how much business they just lost from us? Seven people times all of their friends, family, and co-workers . . . that's a lot of money in just one year . . ." I agree!!
(1)Harry A.
I have never had feelings strong enough to write a review until now. Writing this while eating here for the first time. Flavor and quality of the food is good. Not amazing, just good. Portions and price are an insult. $13 for 1 meatball! GTFO. The whole thing reminds me of an episode of Portlandia. To those that like this kind of thing I am sorry. I am just not cool enough to relate.
(2)Mike M.
Flavorful but tiny little portions... Pizza is good. Pricey, trendy, trying to be like Town. Not quite my kind of place but it's nice to know that rich Kailua hipsters have a new place to hang out. Add some real sized meals and then we can talk... I don't own any skinny jeans I need to fit into.
(3)Remy H.
Such a cool place! The atmosphere is great, service is wonderful, and food is delish! Get the mushroom pizza and Pistachio dessert!
(4)Elyse M.
Loved everything about this place - the service, the atmosphere, and (maybe most importantly) the food. We started with a few appetizers, including the grilled romaine, fingerling potatoes, and maitake mushrooms. I'd recommend any of these items. For dinner, we split the margharita. Best pizza I've had on Oahu, hands-down. The crust was an impressive balance of crisp and hearty, the mozzarella added a sweet and tender quality, and a just-right amount of basil complemented the fresh tomatoes. I do not live in Kailua anymore, but if I did, I'd add it to my rotation for a nice dinner or cocktails.
(5)Stew R.
Four stars for the overall value! This place is amazing. While not a high-end fancy Waikiki Restaurant, Prima gets it done the right way. A very simple menu but superbly designed and balanced. I love the prosciutto pizza cooked in a wood fired oven. They have a chalk board with a daily special that has never disappointed me. My only knock on them is that it can get really warm in there.
(4)Angelena D.
If you like napoleon style pizza, their brick oven pizza is pretty spot on. Some folks don't know what napoleon style pizza is and give a negative review without knowing! The prices are a little up there for us, but when we're in the mood for some yummy pizza, this is where we go! Maybe I should clarify, the pizzas aren't too pricey, but they have certain items that are. For the sake of not remember how to spell... they have a "desert" which is basically a piece of french toast with some fancy duck liver spread. I had it (before knowing what it was) and yes, it's great, but if you are against animal cruelty, then don't order it because the way they get the ducks liver so "buttery" is by force feeding the ducks to make their livers this way. Anywho.... my husband and I both like the atmosphere and the people who work there are always nice. It's got a trendy hip feel to it. All around good place to get some yummy pizza, oh and they serve wine now too!
(4)Faith E.
We went there on Saturday night and it was bustling. The guy who seats people was ignoring the line and all three of our different parties gave up. It wasn't a big deal we understood they were busy. We came back Sunday and this time we made reservations. The wooden bench seat is uncomfortable, try to avoid it. The service was poor. I'm actually surprised at how poor it was (and I was with a local, so it didn't have anything to do with me being a Haole). He was surprised that the service was so bad for the price of the place. I'd go here again only if someone I was with really wanted to go. I'll just have to find my newly discovered pizza elsewhere.
(3)Cody J.
In response to my negative Yelp of Prima, I received an email from the Prima management. He apologized for our subpar evening and offered to make amends. I thought this was a nice gesture and showed the management cares enough to contact a unsatisfied customer and genuinely wants to improve. I thought I'd share this b/c it shows the business is taking an active role to improve itself. I won't return for Prima any time soon but perhaps in the distant future...
(2)M G.
Stopped her for lunch before heading to Lani Kai beach. Certainly not a traditional Hawaiian joint by any means but very reminisiant of a good spot in LA or Manhattan. We shared the spicy meatball pizza and it didn't dissapoint! Crust was light and flavorful, cheese was fresh and melty and the spicy meatball was just downright tasty. The lunch menu was a bit small but who cares the pizza was so good! Would highly recommend!
(4)Rachel A.
Fantastic service, fantastic food! Particularly liked the Bologna Pizza with a poached egg on top.... Yum! Good price for the quality of food.
(4)Jess W.
Driving through Kailua looking for some lunch. Cute little restaurant, nothing fancy. Lunch menu was very small. We had the margarita pizza. It was delicious!!! Server Kailey was very nice. We got our food quickly and it was very fresh.
(4)Alvin K.
They've always been accommodating whether we've had reservations or not and service has always been good. Food has been hit or miss for my taste depending on what was ordered. 50% of the menu is pizza focused so selections are limited if you're not in the mood for that. One tried several of their pizzas and give it an overall score of 3/5. I used to come here more cuz they had a BYOB but now have their license. I prefer wine and they suffer from a very limited selection. Our favorite food item is their spaghetti which is awesome and ordered on every visit. I'm pretty sure the pasta is fresh made and perfectly aldente If not for that one item, we probably would not be here as often or at all. They seem to have an affinity for grilled food as almost everything from vegetables to entrees get that touch; even their garlic bread quick seriously lacked any flavor. Their grilled Caesar salad was more grilled than Caesar with very little hint of dressing but lots of smoke. Overall I'd keep coming back for their spaghetti
(3)Kenyan K.
I ate here with my girlfriend and her family last Sunday for dinner. It is located in a shopping center with Foodland and some other stores so there is lots of parking. The restaurant is pretty small with tables both indoors and outdoors. This is a very simple, casual place with almost a drive-in type of feel. It wasn't too crowded but then we ate from 5:30-7pm. The food was very good, a tasty American/Italian fusion. We ordered a bunch of stuff and ate everything family style. We had the grilled romaine caesar salad, curry clams, seared ahi, two types of pizza, and risotto asparagus pasta. Everything was delicious! They also have some import beers like Peroni. The service here was excellent. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive.
(4)Allison H.
Went for the special restaurant week menu and had all 9 items. Some things like the beet salad (and I hate beets), mushroom gnocchi & braised pork were true winners while the seafood sausage dish was odd & the root veggi pot pie was a bit bland. The s'more dessert tasted burnt but the pumpkin bread pudding was amazing! Overall it was a nice meal, good value & the service was very good.
(3)Naureen A.
Great pizza joint in Kailua. Glad to have tried it. Good food and service. BYOB so don 't forget to bring booze. They'll even refrigerate your extra beer so it stays chilled. Definetly recommend it.
(4)Stephanie G.
Came here for the first time tonight and came with our appetites, mind you. Had the Brussels and Mushrooms for our appetizers and then had the Prosciutto Pizza for our entree. Brussels were slightly under cooked, mushrooms appetizer was yummy. The food was good but slightly over priced. We ended with their dessert which reminded me of a malasada, but it was yummy! Our server was very nice and catered to us when we needed him, unlike what some of the prior reviews had mentioned. We are planning to go back, but hopefully we'll try one of the specials.
(3)Li Y.
Amazing...Simply amazing! Went with a group of friends to celebrate a few birthdays and couldn't be more pleased. The food was so upscale chic one almost forgets they are dining in a near school cafeteria casualness. We started with the most memorable fennel panna cota which was uniquely garnished with fennel chutney, a vibrant green sauce and coffee salt. We also shared (little bites) the grilled Caesar salad and grilled broccoli, both perfectly seasoned. One in our group got the ever popular pizza with a poached egg. Yep, that's right, a soft poached egg...and delicious it was, every last drop wiped up with pizza crust! Another ordered the spaghetti...we also said "spaghetti!?!". Yet, the noodles were mouthwateringly prepared al dente and flavoed delicately with butter, cheese, sauce...perfection! The rest of us ordered the perfectly cooked moist onaga with fragile yet crisped skin. Yummm, don't know if there is anything better than perfectly cooked snapper! Ohh wait, yes there is something...the evening finished off with their gelato sampler of watermelon, strawberry guava, jasmine rice, and cookies n cream ice cream. Served complete out of the cafeteria plastic tray! :). Hey, I'm not complaining...by all means keep serving those scrumptious dishes out of plastic trays while continuing to keep the price down!
(5)Jens B.
Fairly small restaurant with some seating outside. Overall, the pizza my wife and I had was fresh and flavorful. I've had better, but most times I've had worse.
(4)Hannah E.
I might give Prima four stars if it were in a larger city, but this is a great addition to Kailua! We went for lunch and ordered a field greens salad, funghi pizza and the chicken entree with fingerling potatoes and chard. The pizza was AMAZING! Crust was perfect, toppings well paired. The only thing I would change (but it wasn't the end of the world) is that the middle seemed a little soggy. Prices not too bad - I mean where can you get a wood-fired pizza for $15? It would be enough for two if you get a salad and an appetizer or dessert. I brought half the pizza home. Location a bit weird next to Foodland, but it's a good central spot. The decor/atmosphere is pretty cool ... they have cute light blue Eames chairs and the benches scream "reclaimed wood." They have an open kitchen and you can see the pizza oven looming behind the bar. Reservations aren't needed for lunch and we were seated right away. Our waitress was really friendly and totally on it. I can't wait to try it out for dinner!
(5)Alexander H.
Fantastic food. Creative, different and extremely friendly staff. Was a breath of fresh air with all the other touristy junk around. All locally sourced and you can tell, everything is super fresh. Smaller plates make it bit pricey for a family, but if well worth the price for a nicer family meal.
(4)S. T.
I ordered a special - soft shell crab tempura with a wasabi-aioli sauce for my main dish. Hubby ordered the carbonara with mushrooms instead of bacon (vegetarian) and a brussels sprout appetizer. Service was very good and the food was very tasty. I'm dropping a star because my main dish was TINY. I was still hungry after finishing my tiny crab. Happy that hubby shared his pasta and appetizer with me! The pasta was a good size portion, but they really needed to have given some vegetables and starch with my dish. Also, not happy that they didn't serve complimentary bread like most decent Italian restaurants. Drinks are BYOB.
(4)Shauna S.
I've heard a lot of great things about Prima but after trying it first-hand my opinion of this little restaurant is somewhat mixed. The atmosphere of this eatery is fresh and modern. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but the outdoor seating is limited and somewhat awkward. Let me explain: we sat outside and had to inch past other diners and then move our table just so we could squeeze into our seats. Then every few minutes a Foodland shopper would roll by with a loud cart or a car would pull into the stalls in front of us and blind us with their headlights. I'll call it awkward, but I'm sure some would call it annoying. I will say that the food here is really tasty. My hubby and I shared the Sauteed Greens, Maitake Mushroom plate, and a Margherita Pizza. The greens were good, and the Mushroom plate was very unique--I've never had anything like it before. It had a pretty presentation and was quite delightful. The pizza had that great wood pizza oven flavor and tasted really fresh. Like many people have commented though, it was a tad bit soggy. My biggest problem with this restaurant was the service. Our simple dinner took over 2 hours simply because the waitress never came to our table. She took our order for appetizers and didn't come back for an extended period of time. In fact, we were done with our starters for over 10 minutes by the time we placed our entree orders. Overall, I'd say that the location of Prima is not ideal and, at least from my one-time experience, the service is lacking, BUT the food is nice so if you're feeling like someplace new, the place is worth a try.
(3)Chris C.
The complex compositions here are perplexingly delicious and so carefully put together. A great show from the guys who used to bring you grilled cheese sandwiches. The fennel panna cotta in particular is a shining star.
(5)Pascale H.
Very disappointing little restaurant. We sat outside because the small space is soooo noisy ( music too loud and poor insulation). Way overrated by other customers!'Too pricey overall. The pizza was not warm enough, nothing exceptional apart from the prosciutto and the arugula ,which were very good. They pizza was also very chewy. $20 dollars for a small,mediocre pizza!!! the green salad was tiny and bland. Sorry to say that it seems like a "a wannabe kinda of a place". Hard to believe that people give it such high rating. A plus: they did not charge us for a corkage fee and they did not charge us for the green salad when we told them it lacked dressing. Good customer service.
(1)Marcus S.
Ok, where to begin. First of all the staff was soooo cool. Our waitress was nice and really knew the menu. As for the food: mixed green salad, Brussels sprouts with bacon, mahi mahi over a fresh bed of corn and mushrooms, veal sweetbreads (yeah brains), pasta with pork cheek, and the dessert with strawberries 4 different ways was all frickin AWESOME!! Oh did I mention they were playing Dr. Dre in the background, Hell to the Yeah, my kind of place. I love this place. I cant wait to go back. I think I could eat all three meals here. These are the same guys who own The Whole Ox and you know that place is kick ass. Go Go Go, Go NOW!!
(5)J L.
Funghi pizza was delicious. Panzanella salad was yummy. Jalapeño popper had too much ranch dip. Service was great.
(4)Kenny C.
Very cool little restaurant in Kailua Town. I like how they source local ingredients and use them in inventive and delicious creations. The wait staff is friendly, courteous, and eager to share the uniqueness of the restaurant and the special approach in which they prepare their food. The pizzas are delish, as is the maitake mushroom appetizer, which if it's not their signature dish, certainly captures the spirit of the place. The other evening, one of our dishes took a little longer than we expected to arrive. When we asked to cancel the order, they instead apologized profusely, offered to box the entree, and comp'ed it to boot! That kind of service will guarantee that we will be back.
(4)Emily O.
I've been currently reserching top restaurants in Kailua, because I am planning on taking my parents there when they come out to visit me. I want to get out of Waikiki and give them a proper Hawaiian cultural experience. Well, the catchy name that surfaced amongst the prime picks Google delivered me as I searched popular Kailua eateries was, 'Prima,' therefore I downloaded that Menu pdf file right away! Threir unique menu was mouthwatering and also stumbling, but I am so determined to try it. The one detail that caught my attention that it was very blunt in its descriptions, and to be honest it is frankly a d*ck of a menu if there ever was one, go on give it a try:http://www.primahawaii.com/ But that being neither here nor there I was intrigued and tabbed their 'photos' link, and immediately was brought to a gallery of about 7 picture thumbnails. They were of the restaurant's dining room and booth section in different arial degree positions. There were two other pictures of both the hostess stand, and hallway entrance in yet another angle of the room. It just seems strange, because this is supposedly a chic new place to chow, but I am surprised there are no photos of any of their menu dishes. Has anyone reading ever eaten there, or stopped by? I really would love to go if it exists. Please advise.
(2)Alan M.
Prima is a welcome addition to the high end but casual restaurant market in Kailua. You feel very welcomed as a customer when you arrive and the staff is very accommodating. Dress is generally casual, but the food is more tasteful and complex. Wonderful matchings that show that the chef has thought through the menu and sought out flavors that match up with Hawai`i food sources that taste really wonderful. You will be impressed with these creative fixings and not mind paying a bit more for the quality. Pizza's are small, but can be exquisite coming out of the brick oven. Other entrees are not the traditional fare - more fusion-based cuisine, but tasty. Oh, yeah, BYOB is a welcome option, since R. Field is nearby to meet all your wine needs. Great summer night venue if you sit outdoors, too.
(4)Em M.
Great service inventive dishes! Highly recommend the mushroom appetizer
(5)Nancy M.
After reading the reviews, I knew I had to check this place out. I love Italian food, but most important-I love it done authentically. There is nothing worse than a pizza smothered in tomato sauce and cheese being hailed as "authentic", and based on previous yelp reviews, the chefs do try to make things right here. So on a Saturday I called right after opening and asked if they would advise us to make reservations. They did and they could squeeze us in, awesome. We arrived a bit before our reservation at 6:30 and they were able to seat us outside right away. Outside is great for people watching (what is everyone buying at Foodland on a Saturday night?) but maybe not so much for conversation. Between the other patrons, people walking by, and the ever increasing group of people waiting to be seated at Prima, it got borderline loud. My poor husband and I had to lean in to speak to each other, and even then it was, "say it again?" Lesson: eat inside next time. (Which actually sounded louder than outside, but I'd try it at least.) The menu was one page front and back and while it had authentic dishes, it also had an air of trying too hard. You couldn't just get a panzanella salad, it had to include "croutons flavored with xyz" and the salad came out beautiful, but more Waikiki presentation than Kailua. Basil-olive-something or other circled the plate for "dipping" yet the salad was flavored enough, if not too much already. It was then I realized we weren't going to Italy on this food journey, we were going to neo-Italian with a Hawaiian flair. Everything that is served is family style, and the Italian soda I ordered was yummy, the pizza WAS delicious-you can't go wrong with prosciutto and arugula pizza- and we decided to order dessert. The dessert menu was another level of pretentious with crazy flavor combinations that I trust work, but didn't appeal. We were interested in gelato and were served 4 flavors: hazelnut, lemon, peanut butter, and blueberry. The gelato was good, but not great. It's worth noting the service was fantastic and it also was very kid friendly. I would go back to try more flavor combinations, but definitely not under the assumption this was true authentic Italian. If you want to challenge your food palate, go here and enjoy. Just don't expect anything "simple." It's definitely not your Mother's Italian.
(3)Rob J.
My wife and I had a really nice time at Prima. The food was delicious and memorable, the service was excellent and the cocktails were professionally mixed and hit the spot. Exactly what you should be able to expect when taking someone special out for dinner. Try the pork belly - you wont be disappointed.
(5)Lola Z.
The food was single dimension - salty. Waitress - cold. I have never ever seen an Italian restaurant not serve complementary bread. Not in the states. Not in Italy. Never! Especially when you're paying 19 bucks for a bowl of spaghetti. How it has earned 4 stars was beyond us. We'd have been better off at Olive Garden. Well no, not really. But at least at OG, you pay appropriately for what you get. And you get bread.
(1)Hoku W.
Love Prima. The tako is amazing. Tender, tasty, melt in your mouth goodness. We had a going away dinner with 11 people. Called at 9am the day before to make a reservation and someone answered! Love the cocktails, especially the Aperitif. BYOB ($15 corkage), which is worth it. If not they have great bottle selections. I've had everything on the menu and its great. We always do family style, portions aren't huge but they are fair for the quality and price. Wait staff was great. Kailua has a limited selection of good restaurants, Prima is definitely a must in Kailua!
(5)Megan G.
This is a review for last Friday night's takeout. We called in an order for 2 pizzas. It was a typical long busy work week, and we want to unwind, drink some adult beverages and relax, veg, and catch up on the shows piling up on the DVR. We have been here to dine in several times, and having eyed the incredible fresh baked (wood burning oven!!) pies on other diners' tables in the past, and being the food snobs we are, we opted to call in an order and pick them up. Boquerones and Prosciutto Ruculo were the two we ordered and both were amazing. Chewy bubble filled crust, the flavor of fresh dough and oven baked goodness.... oh Prima I wish you only delivered your delicious pies.... wait I make my fiancee go and pick up takeout anyways, so what do I care?! Also, when we do come to dine in, the Buffalo Clams are always ordered. The heck with wings, every bar should learn from Prima and serve these treasures instead!
(5)Kate R.
Prima, prima, prima.... I had been wanting to try this new little gem for awhile, and the perfect opportunity came up recently for my hubs and my anniversary. The occasion definitely colored my experience there rosy -- had it not been such a happy day, I may have knocked it down a star for the high prices and small portions. However, I'd go back again -- and this is why. -It's unique to Kailua. Sure, we've got Formaggio, which up until Prima was really the only hot (warm?) spot with tasty gourmet-ish eats in the 96734 (since Lucy's closed, anyway). Prima has unique items on it's tiny but delicious menu, such as steak with marrow butter (The marrow butter totally made this dish - it was FABULOUS) and sweetbreads (didn't try this but has gotten rave reviews). -Their pizzas rock my world. They're priced reasonably ($13-$15 a pie), are big enough to share, and have some pretty slammin' flavor combos like poached egg and mortadella. -Their servers know their stuff. This is unusual for a new restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprised by my server, Amanda, who made several recommendations that were delish. I'd love to see this little joint start up a happy hour with some discounted eats or drinks... or better yet, both -- and while I may not eat a full on dinner there again for pocketbook preservation reasons, I'd definitely stop in for drinks and apps or a pizza. Yelp 365 Challenge #28/365 The foodie edition
(4)Leah R.
Nice new place to mix things up. Went here with some foodie friends from NYC, and we were all pleasantly surprised. Will return again. Kailua is getting trendy, and I like the new addition. It's nice to have a more diverse selection of things to choose from. So what if it's not a beach-type place? There are plenty of those already. Hawaii was sorely lacking a good small plate style restaurant, and this place hit the spot. Pros - fresh food! (I loved the fact that they got in a fresh lamb and changed up the dishes for it), innovative dishes (the beet salad wasn't the run of the mill beet salad, and it was tasty and fresh too. also good were the special ceviche/fried shrimp, brussel sprouts, pappardelle with lamb special instead of curry bolognese, mahi mahi, & risotto), great wines, friendly service, trendy vibe Cons - small menu (but at least they highlight their strong points), small space (so it can get cramped and noisy, and you should really get reservations!) The food here is up to par with other restaurants back in NYC, but so are the prices. So those who aren't used to seeing them this high might be taken back, but we all thought it was well worth it. We will be back!
(4)Rose Z.
Prima....Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this...and totally redeem yourself! My good friend convinced me to give Prima another shot after I was upset about waiting 40 minutes to have them run out of pizza - and i am REALLY glad that I went back. The funny thing is that I thought that the other dishes were much better than the pizza! Ha! We had the following: Field Greens Salad - dressing was citrusy, delicious Brussel Sprouts - Amazing! One of the best dishes Prosciutto Pizza - really good but I'd order a different pizza next time to test the others out Clams - yums Spaghetti all'Amatriciana - very good and finally - the Banana desert (forgot the name) - is PHENOMENAL - you MUST must order it. I thought that the dishes (especially the brussel sprouts and desert) was very reasonably priced. The dishes are fine dining but in a casual setting so the prices may seem higher than what you'd expect but the quality of dish is worth the price. If those dishes were in SF then they'd be the same price or more expensive. The wait is still long and I wish it'd be shorter but that's just cause restaurants like Prima are really lacking in the Windward side. Thanks Prima! and I WILL be back.
(4)Vince B.
DESERVES 6 STARS! Found this place thru a good friend. Recommend the pizza, and damint might be the best pizza I have ever had. Honestly. Great food! great brices for hawaii. Great friendly atompshere. Loved it!!!
(5)Lindsey J.
I had high hopes for this place after the reviews but it didn't live up to the hype. I took my husband here for his birthday. We made reservations and were promptly seated but the tables were cramped and very close together. I practically could have eaten off the plate of the diners next to us and shared their conversation. Thumbs down for noise level and a serious lack of intimacy. It was cool to see the kitchen staff working but I have to remove more points for one of the specials that night that used some kid of dehydrated shrimp. The stench was overpowering and the whole restaurant smelled so foul I almost lost my appetite. The diners next to us ordered it and sent it back immediately because of the smell. The wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The food was just ok and the beer was overpriced. We each had the pork belly (I've had better) and the baked pear dish was over salted and dry. I wanted to like it but I just can't recommend Prima.
(2)Diana L.
Great food and service!!!! We thought we were in New York or San Francisco!!~! If you know and appreciate good food, you'll love it. Prices ARE FAIR for Hawaii and what you get. Even "low"!
(5)Ikaika A.
I like the food, but this place is always closed when I go there...
(3)Jane M.
Spent $65 and didn't think it was a good value based on portion size and no alcohol. However the dishes were delicious and creative. Will return after a while.
(3)Malia D.
I ate here for the first time with some friends and was pleased. 4 Stars because the pizza crust was almost black is some places...left in the oven too long:( The sour cream and onion potato chip soup and the ahi crudo (specials that night) were AMAZING! Will go back:)
(4)Elijah-Jaymie F.
I was pretty excited to eat at this little restaurant since I've heard good things about this place. The menu is quite different as they try to venture different types of creative pairings that seem bizarre but actually taste well together. We ordered the proscuitto pizza, a frois gras terren dish and their homemade bread (which was alright). I really enjoyed the frois gras dish. The atmosphere was nice and they had a friendly staff. The dinner was quite pricey so we probably won't eat there as frequent as I would like but it was still an enjoyable and tasty evening.
(4)Melissa P.
Some friends and I went here recently on a Saturday night and LOVED it!! We basically ordered everything on the menu and were thoroughly impressed. It's so nice to have a place like Prima here in Hawaii. The mushroom dish was absolutely amazing! WOW!! Seriously, everything is so good. If you are not the type to try food outside your box, this is a good starting point for you. Yummmm!!! Thank you Prima :)
(5)Lyra H.
I wish wish wiiiish I could give this place 5 stars. The food was delicious. They have very interesting dishes. A nice pizza and appetizer selection, but not so much for their larger entree dishes. This was my first time eating here. We decided to get the mushroom app, pizza, spaghetti, and fritters for dessert. I enjoyed EVERYTHING. The pizza and app were probably my most favorite. They weren't too heavy and they had a lot of flavor (& I don't even care for mushrooms). The fritters weren't my cup of tea (kinda soggy), but I think that's how they're supposed to be. If you sit at the counter, you can see everything being prepared. The service wasn't too bad. Our waitress was pleasant enough. There was a point though toward the end of our experience (when it got a bit busy) that our waitress took a bit longer. I understand that there were only about 4/5 front of the house workers, but it was a bit disappointing. It felt as though we were put on the back burner because we were closer to the end of our meal and getting dessert. So, the reason I can't give Prima 5 stars is because of the ambiance! ): ): the interior is a more trendy industrial vibe. It reminded me of a younger generation feel (even though the majority of people there were older Kailua folk). The music that was playing (though you can't hear it too well) was hip-hop. I recall hearing Atmosphere and Warren G. Unfortunately the noise level was SO loud. My throat started hurting because I had to talk so loud. When we left Prima, I remember we all made a comment about how much quieter it was outside. I think this just happens because of how small the establishment is and how many people were actually inside. If you're eating with an elderly person or want a more intimate setting, I would definitely recommend sitting outside. Overall, I enjoyed eating a Prima. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's looking for a new place to try.
(4)Michael K.
Everywhere but Prima, pizza making is still in its infancy in Hawaii. Busy, a bit crowded, and noisy, but excellent food. These folks know and care about their pizza (fancy wood-fired oven imported from Italy. Caputo flour for the crust. San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce) and it shows in their other entrees as well. Small, but carefully selected wine and beer list (Small carp: three of the wine selections we opted for were out of stock). Our server was friendly, knowledgable, and efficient. If you're a pizza aficionado, Make the trip to Kailua to Prima. It's well worth it. But make reservations first. Take out is also available.
(5)Seth H.
Fantastic meal. Our server Keenan was responsive and helpful, and all of the food was cooked to perfection. We got a plain pizza for our kid, and three dishes for the adults. Every item we had was amazing, we loved the restaurant and will definitely be back! Portion sizes could be a little bigger, but that is how delicious food like this is usually served - ample but not large portions.
(5)Al D.
Was good. The fennel pannacotta was interesting. I liked it. The funghi plate was amazing. The mushrooms tasted like meat! I couldn't get enough! We ordered two pizza and my favorite was the rucola pizza. very declious. The other had pepperoncinis and a boiled egg on it. That one was a little strange. i wouldn't recommend it. overall good experience
(4)Mary S.
If something new and different comes to Kailua people tend to get excited. Sometimes that excitement is worth it and sometimes it is not. In the case of Prima...it is leaning towards the not worth it side. Probably the best thing about Prima is their approach to food. The fact that 90% of their menu comes from local farms is great. More restaurants need to be taking that approach. While that justifies some of the cost, the food that you get at Prima is still extremely overpriced for the amount you get and the quality of their food. For the first course I got their daily soup which was a minestrone. It consisted of little shavings of root vegetables and no more than 15 cannellini beans in about 2 oz of broth. I don't mind a light soup but when I am paying $7 for the "bowl" I want a little more bang for my buck. My mother got the fennel panna cotta with coffee salt and fennel marmalade. She enjoyed it but again it was $11 for what was essentially a palette cleanser. For the "main course' I ordered one of their pizzas with sopressatta and fennel sausage. The toppings were different than your usual pizza and tasty, but the rest of the pizza was a mess. The outside of the crust was dotted all over with burns which really affected the flavor of the crust. On the other hand the crust under the toppings was soggy and extremely hard to cut. For her main course my mother ordered their special which was Waimanalo Shrimp. The shrimp were tasty, but almost impossible to take the shell off of (and my mother is no stranger to eating shrimp). They also had not cleaned the shrimp either so in the end more shrimp bits were left on her plate than actually eaten. Funny enough, the day before we could have bought a pound of these guys at the Kailua Farmers Market for the same price she paid for her plate of 7 shrimp and nothing else. Similar to the food, the service had both good and bad sides. Our waiter was very friendly and talkative about the viewpoint of the restaurant. His level of professionalism was lacking though. We were seated outside and multiple times he would stop in mid-explanation or conversation with us, to high-five people who were passing by. We also ate at the outdoor seating area which had a gate that had to be opened and closed to enter the area. Our waiter would just lean over the little fence to talk to us which also seemed rude (and made it much easier for him to high five his buddies). At the end of the meal he kind of slaps the check on the table, and we can hear him talking to the other staff about peaceing out for the night. Guess if we stayed around for dessert that might be an inconvenience. Overall, while they show some promise, Prima is an overpriced eatery with some fancy foods whose quality just do not match the price.
(2)Lily B.
Love the concept and everything these guys are trying to do here. Prices are a little higher than normal.... Plates are a little smaller than normal.... BUT they are supporting LOCAL agriculture and proteins - SO just help them out and go eat here. You MAY want to bring salt and red pepper for your pizza because mine was bland as hell....provolo. Took it home and sauced it up with VLounge hot sauce and it was perfect. Thanks, Ring Stinger! Chocolate Banana Turon dessert was the best thing I ate there - and get TWO! Notes: They have nothing to drink but WATER...it's BYOB with a corkage. Space in here is TIGHT. Everything is close together so be prepared to sit and hear your neighbor. It's LOUD. The hostess/front of house situation is a WRECK. She shoved two people off our table to seat us after bringing us to the table...then told another couple they would have to eat in 1 hr or less because they had a reservation...not very welcoming but hey I guess they are working out the kinks.
(4)Samantha J.
This place was delicious. They were out of the mushroom dish so the chef sent us out a special variation- it was amazing. I think the menu changes fairly often but if you get a chance to try the fennel panna cotta, it's to die for.
(5)Veronique N.
Pizza is good but to be expected from V Lounge. Appetizers are not that special. It's borderline weird. Left there still pretty hungry. Pricey. They wouldn't let us make a reservation at 6:30 for a party of seven people for no apparent reason.
(3)Grace S.
My good friend invited us to Prima for dinner last Friday night and it was wonderful! The only negative is that it's not a kid-friendly restaurant in any way, shape or form (no high chairs and no keiki menu) It's a small, modern, chic, place with bright lighting and that 'loud' echo sound through-out so not an intimate setting. The food was innovative, put together and very tasty! We tried one item under each category; we started with the Maitake Mushrooms w. cremini toast, pickled hon shimeji, cauliflower puree - to say this was "to die for" is an understatement! EVERY morsel was cooked to perfection; light and creamy. We then tried the Pappardelle w. curry bolognese, fried curry leaves which my husband ate and enjoyed every bite - it had a light curry blend and the noodles were cooked perfectly. We also tried the Grilled baby romaine. The leaves were slightly wilted then blended w. Caesar dressing and topped w. shaved Parmesan, excellent! After that we tried with slow roasted lamb belly and OMG - it just melted in my mouth (all of us said the same thing!) We also tried the Sopressatta Pizza (which we took home after sampling a slice or two) and it was delicious; the crust was perfect and crisp, the cheese very fresh, and the sopressatta was perfectly portioned. Last but not least was dessert; the four sorbets were refreshing and their individual taste selections were spot on! The lilikoi was like I was eating passion fruit as was the mango, guava, and berry. All in all I can say that it was a superb meal all around. Do yourself and your palette a favor; leave the kids home, take a drive to Kailua, and try a Prima date night! ...you won't regret it!
(4)Tara S.
Just fantastic! From the apps to the pizza. Don't miss this one if your visiting or a local. We go twice a month. Don't forget to ask for the hot sauce. So great on the pizza and bread!
(5)John V.
Bottom line: we need more places like this in Hawaii. The space is aesthetically pleasant. The wait staff is friendly and competent. (Dana was great.) We started with the beet salad, which could have used a bit more flavor. The presentation was beautiful, but my hopes that the small portion would be made up for by big flavor were dashed after the first bite. A stronger goat cheese would make this dish a lot better. The next course was the Caesar salad soup--yes, soup. It was an interesting concept, but nothing to write home about. Maybe some anchovy incorporated into the dish would give it the flavor it lacked. This is just a special, however, so I hope it doesn't return. Our main course was the Salciccia pizza. The crust was worth all of the praise this place has been getting, but like the other courses, the favors were underwhelming. The house-made fennel sausage had no punch. Our server discouraged us from adding any ingredients to the pizza for fear of offending the chef, but we probably would have been better off not heeding that advice. Salt and red pepper were no where to be found--a major taboo for any restaurant serving pizza--upscale or not. We'll definitely be back to try the many other dishes. Hopefully the chefs and owner pay attention to reviews like these to ensure that their venture is long-lived.
(3)Katie W.
Food was delicious, but rather pricey for minimal amounts. Family style dining is encouraged, but the 5 of us just got nibbles of everything for a cool $175. The boys devoured a pizza topped with prosciutto and peppers and egg. The spicy meatball, yes only one, was stuffed with cheese and went fast. The fennel panna cotta was flavorful, and the dressing on the mixed green salad was tangy and yummy. Our server was very knowledgable and prompt, and the atmosphere in the dining area is hipster themed with a clean, cozy vibe. This was an overall great experience, and I suppose my only hesitation for not giving a full five would be the rather small portions that come with the hefty price tags.
(4)Vanessa T.
I went with my Sardinian born friend and we both enjoyed it. We ordered two pizzas: mushroom w/truffle oil and the other I don't recall but we ordered because it had anchovies. Really good-quality anchovies! I believe they are affiliated with V Lounge behind Ala Moana and the quality of the pizzas are the same, which is to say we enjoyed the pizzas from both locations. We had excellent service and I look forward to visiting Prima for dinner. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who's visited Italy and had authentic Italian pizza. If you're in the mood for doughy, heavily sauced, greasy, massed produced pizza, skip this place, otherwise it's worth a try!
(4)Fred H.
Yelp says they don't have alcohol but they do. One of my go to places in Kailua - great food and pizza. Lots of locally sourced ingredients. Friendly people but getting busy so some nights there is a wait for the table.
(4)Jennifer W.
Great food, great service! All around awesome restaurant!
(5)Judy F.
It was New Years Eve at 5 pm. My husband (wheel chair bound) and I met our friends there for "dinner." The place was empty except for us. Our friends were seated at the counter with their 2 little girls who were watching the pizza being made. We were told that all the tables were reserved so we asked if it was okay to sit at the counter with our friends. We were told the Wheel chair would block the isle. (Block who? no one was there). We asked if the tables outside were available and we were told they were. We sat outside separated from our friends, who felt bad. We ordered a pizza and salad to share. As we were eating our pizza people walked by and comments were made about our food ("burnt pizza") and while we enjoyed each others company it was a bit too close to the passing public. The salad was a pile of unidentifiable greens in the middle of a plate with a splash of vinegar and oil on it. We shared it, but it was VERY small. Our bill was $31 and we left hungry. We went to Foodland and picked up food to prepare at home. We are always excited when a new restaurant opens in Kailua and always happy to support a new business. We tried... We won't be back You may want to go somewhere else if you are hungry or in a wheelchair or want a good value for your money. The waitress was very sweet and attentive. She got her 20%.
(1)Edmond K.
The food was excellent great job Devon Beppu, Aker Bomber, Lindsey Ozawa I really enjoyed everything! glad you guys are doing great hope all of you will be soon opening one closer to town. I had half the menu It was
(4)Kepa D.
My second review of Prima and it only gets better. Some of the weaker menu items are gone and they are replaced by better dishes. One great star is the roasted summer squash salad. Another is the ahi crudo which is delicious! Service is getting better and the key as usual is to make reservations to avoid any crowds. Be adventurous and give new dishes a try. They may not all hit the mark perfectly, but the journey and evolution are just as much fun. The desserts are very good as well.
(5)Guy A.
We decided to try Prima in Kailua since many posted four and five star reviews. It's an nine mile drive from town but decided to be adventurous. The service though very cheery was sloooow. It took long to get water and longer to even order drinks. It looked like some where like us who had to wait and others got their food faster. Not sure where the problem is. Now the grinds. Ordered the Maitake mushrooms and Brussels sprouts to start as they got good reviews here. WOW...the mushrooms looked like artwork. The flavor was yummy but VERY salty. The Brussels sprouts were a bit over charred and good but also salty. We tried the spaghetti and the sauce had a lot of "umami" or depth but I don't know if it was just us but it too was salty. We went all out as I wanted to also try a pizza. The crust was awesome. My wife who almost never eats pizza crust ate all of hers. We had the prosciutto pizza and wow it was great. It was also a bit salty but this one may have been caused by the prosciutto as the pizza was literally coved by it. I think that I had my sodium fix for the week but overall the food was great. When it was time to pay my tab, I noticed that the amount on the credit card slip was less, way less than my tab. Notified the waiter and I got a credit slip with no total on it!?! Inquired about it and I was told that is how their system works. So now I don't know if they credited the wrong tab correctly until everything posts on my credit card. So now I suffer for doing the right thing. We are not slow eaters but the service was so slow that our meal took over two hours. If my selection were less salty I would have rated the food four or five stars. Oh almost forgot, while waiting for the restroom key, I stood by the bar which overlooked the kitchen. Noticed two chefs discussing something over a piece of meat that looked like the guanciale for the spaghetti. One said something to the other and the other picked some up with his fingers and popped some into his mouth and then kept on cooking. No washing of hands possibly contaminating the meat and whatever dishes that he was preparing.
(3)j M.
I am split down the middle when it comes to Prima. It pains me to see a restaurant that got so many things right while simultaneously getting so many things wrong. Upon our first visit to prima I was cautiously skeptical. I saw the eerie formula that many other modern restaurants like this posses. White walls, concrete floors, pressed bent laminate furniture, exposed ceilings deceptively unique menu. It reminded me of the Nightmare that was Tango restaurant in Ward Center. Which was so horrible I can not put that many explicits in one review. However for many restaurants with ultra modern aesthetic the food goes lacking. Like opening a beautifully wrapped turd a classic case of style over substance. Thankfully on our first visit my skepticism was proven mostly wrong. As a tapas style restaurant we ordered generously over the menu. The beet and taleggio plate was balanced and superb. Stinky cheese with sweet and tangy roasted and marinated beets? Who could go wrong? We ordered the special ahi sashimi absolute heaven. Then there was the funghi pizza. Even though I should have known better then to order it as I could tell from all the other tables whose pizza looked wet and mushy. After a lengthy explanation of their rare imported pizza kiln, I went with it. The flavors were all correct however as I suspected it was like eating a very tasty wet sponge that essentially fell apart. I also had this same experience at V-lounge (a sister restaurant) with their pizza. The waiter explained that it was because of their hand pulled mozzarella and extremely fresh ingredients. I felt a little insulted. A pizza is something you cannot do wrong. Every American knows a good pizza from a bad pizza. But as the saying goes even a bad pizza is still a good pizza, so long as it does not end up resembling soup. Beyond that the highlight was the pork belly. I have had dreams of this dish since I had it the first time. The skin was expertly crisp and much of the fat was painstakingly rendered to create a harmonious explosion of flavor and texture that only pork can deliver like a fancy lechon kawali something that most Filipino restaurants have perfected. All in all, the first visit was worth the $100 price tag without drinks. BYOB with a $10 per glass charge was upsetting but understandable. I couldn't wait to go back but I wish I left it at that. Our second visit was quite a disappointment. Again we ordered the Beets still amazing. This time we added the Buffalo clams, which I must say was truly unique and delicious with the shredded duck confit sprinkled on top. However they were overly generous with the celery leaves much like how bell peppers can add or distract from a dish so did the celery. The spicy meatball was wrong on so many levels. After counting 12 slices of Thai chilly, spicy was just a suggestion. It was like lava. But it did say spicy so you can't really judge them on that but you can judge the fact that it was of the way raw. Yes nothing like a raw lava meatball. Huge culinary mistake. Avoid this dish unless you are into the punishment! Lastly, I had to order the pork belly again. I was sure this would have saved the meal. Sadly it was not the same. The skin was far from crispy but flabby and the fat was certainly not rendered at all. I took one bite and I knew it was wrong. It was heavy, fatty and gelatinous. I forced myself to eat another bite but couldn't do it. It was exactly like eating a raw piece of fat. The waitress asked if I wanted to take it home. She looked surprised when I declined. I though to myself how could the same restaurant and the same dish be the best thing I ate all year and the worst thing I ate all year. We gently suggested to the waitress that a few items were slightly under par. She shrugged told us she "got it," raised a condescending brow turned and walked away. She assumed that we didn't want dessert but I needed something to abolish the fatty deposit from my mouth. The chocolate banana terrine was perfection topped with a fruity olive oil. It was a smooth, silky almost sultry end to an arduous meal. Go there get lucky and be impressed. Go there get unlucky and waste another $100 bucks. This is a restaurant I want to love with its motto of using island fresh ingredients from local famers to the truly unique and refreshing menu. My only hope is that I can get myself to go back after the last visit and if I do I want to add another star to their rating.
(3)LT L.
Finally made a rez and went with a few gfriends Friday 10/28. Brought a bottle of bubbles and a red. I was originally told that it was $5 pp to drink..but our waitress was cool and charged us only $5 per bottle. Lots of servers working the room. The Mgr and 2 owners were also present. We decided to split everything so we started with a super good beet salad and delicious home made bread. We also ordered a meatball (WOW) and a salami pizza. The food was really delish..the flavors exploded in your mouth. The portions were a bit small and I would say $2-$3 over priced on items except pizza. The pizzas were fairly priced..the toppings, the sauce and crust was like I was back in Italy. Really good job..we also split a banana dessert.. They do use very fresh ingredients and try to use local whenever they can..so it drives the price up a but. All in all the food was amazing..and even thought it is in a strip mall..it is hip inside. Alot of things from Re-use/Recycle Hawaii. Love to see new options in Kailua..we need them!
(4)Pauline W.
If you locked a few seriously talented chefs in a room together, they would make some something beautiful, and they would call it Prima. The food was excellent. It was fresh, delicious and visually delightful. Since there was a group of us, we were able to try one of everything on the menu (except the pizzas, we'll be back for those soon). Some of my favorite dishes: I loved the crudo, it was refreshing and full of flavor. The fish they used was opakapaka, which was great with the tomato, basil and pomelo (yes, pomelo). The fennel panna cotta was excellent. I already find panna cotta hard to resist in the first place. Mention fennel and coffee salt in the same sentence and I'm done for. It looked amazing and tasted even more amazing. You have to get a little bit of everything in your mouth at once for the full effect of the perfectly complementary taste and texture. If I didn't have to mind my manners, I would have licked this plate clean. The pappardelle with curry bolognese and fried curry leaves was really tasty. The spicy meatball was filled with mozzarella (you heard me, a mozzarella stuffed gigantic meatball) was also really good. You could really, REALLY taste the freshness in these two dishes. The mahi mahi, which sat atop a carrot puree, was perfectly done, and I mean perfect. Now can we talk about the veal breast for just a minute? Hello Amazing, it's so nice to meet you! The meat was so tender and wonderful. It came with a delicious marsala sauce and the whole masterpiece was topped with prosciutto. I'm ordering this every time I come here. I thought the fennel sausage in the squid "cannelloni" was a little dry, though it did taste good. I didn't care for the veal sweet breads picatta, it didn't have too much flavor. On to the desserts! You can't go wrong with any of them, they were really good. I did especially like the ricotta tart. The crust was excellent. The gelato & sorbetto was amazing as well. The flavors we had were: lilikoi, cherry, chocolate and Cap'n Crunch. The Cap'n Crunch was smooth and creamy and tasted JUST LIKE THE CEREAL. Aaaahh!! The cherry sorbet was amazing as well. Some side notes: I thought it was a tad pricey, not for the food because it was actually REALLY good, but more for the casual atmosphere. Our food came out really quickly, to the point where we felt overwhelmed and had to tell them to slow it down. Since they're new, I'm sure this will be ironed out in no time. Bring some friends, bring some drinks, be ready to gorge yourself because there are so many good dishes. I'll definitely be back -- for the fennel panna cotta, for the veal breast, and to try some pizza from that spiffy looking oven.
(4)Dan O.
Heard good things about Prima and wanted to check it out for myself. Had to go to the windward side for work and made my way to Prima after. They open for lunch & dinner only. Easy parking, in a strip mall with Baskin Robbins, Foodland, & Big City Diner. Had to wait about 45 minutes until they opened up for dinner. Went to the bar and opened the recommended pizza and meatball. The bar seats about 8, and the rest of the restaurant has 2-6 seat tables. The pizza preparation area is located on the other side of the bar, so I got a cool bolo head row seat view of my pizza being made- very cool! The meatball came out first. Nice tennis ball sized meatball- the mozzarella stuffing, meat filling, and marinara sauce were excellent, but not $13 excellent (almost as much as the pizza). The pizza had that wonderful brick oven sear, crust, and taste. All in all Prima is a good place, although it's a little pricey. I would come back if I'm in the area, but not go out of my way to visit again. Glad there is another great brick oven pizza on oahu!
(3)malakial j.
I have been dying to try Prima since it opened a month ago and while I am glad I tried it, I won't be rushing back anytime soon. For starters, the space is small and in a place as small as this, I was surprised by the number of waitstaff. It was a bit excessive. I constantly felt like I was being stalked by my waiter because every time I looked up, there he was. We ordered the spicy meatball, curry pasta and sauteed greens to share. After ordering, the waiter returned to tell us there were no sauteed greens that evening, no big deal we ordered the mashed potatoes instead. A few minutes later, the waiter returned to tell us he has put an order of braised lettuce for us and if we didn't like it, he would remove the charge. Ummm...if I had wanted braised lettuce I would have ordered it in the first place. It was rather presumptuous of him to do that without checking with us first, especially since we had already ordered a sauteed greens substitute from him! He came back a few minutes later to tell us the breads they were offering that evening and then walked away. We had no idea if we were to order the bread, if the bread was complimentary, if he just wanted us to know, what was he telling us?! There was no bread on the menu, but we were told by another table it was $2.00 for a basket and that it wasn't worth ordering. If you are being charged for bread, it should be listed on the menu. Our meal came and was a bit disappointing. The meatball which was $14.00 was quite small for something that was that price and to be shared. The two of us had 2 bites and it was gone. The Indian curry pasta, whose real name I can't remember, was yummy and for around the same price as the meatball, much more substantial. The mashed potatoes tasted like polenta. The braised lettuce was odd and should have been skipped all together. Although the waiter hovered over our table the entire meal, never did he ask how the braised lettuce was and although only a small portion was eaten, the cost remained on the bill. The second a fork was put down, the waiter was there to clear something, even if nothing needed clearing, something was removed. All of our plates and utensils were cleared and as he went to take the remaining braised lettuce, he asked if we wanted to continue eating it. Hello! How can I when you have just taken my fork! Am I supposed to eat it with my fingers? We ordered dessert, a strawberry mascarpone thing on brioche. It was totally forgettable. The brioche was a bunch of crumbs underneath a pile of mascarpone that tasted nothing like mascarpone. While we were eating dessert, our water glasses were cleared even though they still had water in them and we were still drinking the water. I have never felt so rushed during a meal and could not wait to leave. You shouldn't feel that way when eating out. Sorry, Prima, I highly doubt I'll be back.
(2)Vikki W.
Been wanting to eat at Prima. Never seem to be in Kailua for dinner so when I got a chance to try lunch I did. The service was attentive. Pizza was great and large enough to share. Veal parmigiana was flavorful and moist. Ziti was dry. It could have used more sauce and or cheese. It was not our favorite. Now my problem with the place is that lunch seems to be an afterthought. A few of the tables had stuff laid strewn about. An employee's backpack was on a chair. The bar area had boxes on it. The place was really messy. I really got the feeling like "we are getting ready for dinner service but we will serve you lunch". The waitress was great but the kitchen workers are really great at ignoring the customers. A smile once in a while would be good. I still want to go back for dinner and I'd try lunch again hoping that I got them on a bad day.
(4)Denise V.
Yep. 1 star. 2 other 4-tops seated and my pasta special of the night takes 45 min!!!!! Everyone else in our party was finished with their meals and ready for dessert. The excuse I get: "Our kitchen is too small." O.o Too small to make 3 ravioli with 6 other people in your restaurant? Please. Never again. Over priced, over slow.
(1)Bryan N.
I took my family to Prima's last night for a birthday dinner. At first it seemed like a good choice and I had been looking forward to trying it out but... The dishes came out at all different times so each of my kids ate alone while the rest of of us waited/shared theirs and finally like 25 min later the rest came out which we took to go cause by then we were upset and full of bread and water. Good food but with those prices and serving sizes I don't think we'll be going back too soon. Servers were great!
(2)Carolyn S.
Tried the Parpadelle with fried curry leaves. It was definitely different, but very tasty. Could have used a little bit more pasta. The pizza with tomato sauce and white anchovies was very tasty. Especially when we added some dried red chili flakes they brought. The mushroom pizza was a white pizza. It was tasty, but some of the mushrooms were sort of dry. Both pizza crusts were soggy in the middle, but really nice around the edges where it wasn't soggy. Both pizza crusts were burnt in places around the edges. Overall the dough for the crusts was really good. They need to figure out a way to keep the centers from getting so soggy. The most interesting and amazing part of the meal was the strawberry dessert. It was an amazing combination of a number of different types of strawberry preparations, fresh, dried, strawberry salt, sauce and coulis. The strawberries were a perfect match for the parmesan panna cotta with baby basil leaves. Even though it sounds odd, it was a great dessert. Light, refreshing, interesting and delicious! The service was very good. We sat outside so we could bring our dog. Definitely worth going back!
(4)Kaiulani K.
Prima is almost like an upscale dining experience in a casual dining environment. The food is good and service is friendly. If they lowered their prices and expanded their menu just a bit, I'd be on Prima like Kate Moss on cocaine. A few quick tips: 1. it's BYOB with a corkage fee of $5 per person; the restaurant happens to be right next to a wine boutique and a foodland. 2. the items all seemed to be "small dishes", so don't expect to order one entree and be good for the night. 3. they are offering take-out, but only for pizza. Which leads me into the food. The Margherita pizza was my favorite of the night. Chewy, tart and cheesy on an amazing crust. Also, do you enjoy brains? Well, their veal sweet breads may well make a zombie of you yet. The sweet breads are prepared in piccata (as piccata? hm...) and are abso-effing-lutely DELICIOUS. The curry papardelle noodles are a bit thick and long (THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID) which makes me think they make them fresh. It was yummy, although the dish doesn't really taste like curry. The fried curry leaves are really interesting and don't taste how you might imagine. The squid cannelloni was pretty tasty. The sausage had good flavor, but was a bit dry and the the squid didn't really come through. The garnishing peppers and onion were very savory and probably the best part of the whole plate, especially since they set off the protein so nicely. Also, my favorite part of the squid, the tentacles, were fried up like a traditional calamari and served as a garnish also. The crispy calamari was perfect - if they offered this on it's own, I'd be on it like Johnny Depp on Kate Moss. THANK YOU, I'LL BE HERE ALL WEEK.
(4)Katie R.
We love the salad, brussel sprouts, tandoori pear, pappardelle and pizzas at Prima, but some of their other plates have gotten a little too fancy to eat. I think it's neat that they put so much into the presentation, but I think they could back track a little to become my favorite again.
(4)Paul A.
Food was delicious and the decor was creative. Service was pretty good but they seemed short-handed the night I went. Definitely a solid place to go for dinner if you have the time.
(4)Maggie H.
My husband and I went to Prima for the first time last night. We made reservations and were seated as soon as we arrived. I would definitely recommend getting a reservation because we noticed that a line formed outside soon after we were seated. The inside of Prima was cozy with only about 12 tables and the bar area. There are also a few tables outside. Since it was our first time we wanted to try a bunch of different dishes which worked well with Prima's concept of sharing all plates. We started out with a bottle of Selvagrossa Merlot for around $33. We got 4 dishes as well as dessert. The first small plate was the spicy meatball which was filled with mozzarella and sat atop a spicy tomato sauce with arugula. The meatball was delicious and the sauce had the right amount of spice to it. The second dish was the pappardelle with curry bolognese. I'd read good things about this dish and our waitress said it was one of her favorites. I'm not a huge fan of curry but it was excellent! The bolognese had a rich flavor and the fresh pasta was perfect. Definitely the favorite dish of the night! The third dish we got (and was our least favorite) was the buffalo clams. The clams were super fresh however the duck confit that came in the dish was extremely tough and lacking in flavor. It was almost like eating jerky in its texture. The Frank's red hot broth was okay but overall I think this dish could be improved upon. The fourth dish we got was the Margherita pizza. We asked for garlic to be added, and the waitress had to double check if it was possible since it wasn't one of the additional topping choices. We said if garlic couldn't be added then onion would be fine. When the pizza came out it had onion on it, and then halfway through eating that one, a second pizza came out with garlic on it. Apparently there was a mix-up putting the order in and we ended up with two pizzas instead of one. Another waitress (not the one who was serving us all night) who dropped off the first pizza didn't seem to care when we tried to explain that we think something got mixed up, but our waitress realized and gave us the second pizza for free. It will make a great lunch for today. The pizza crust was so fresh with a wonderful texture. Finally we got the torrone alla banana which was another favorite of the night. The salty sweetness of everything together on the plate was to die for. Overall, we had a great time at Prima. The food was excellent (minus the buffalo clams) and the service was good. The only thing I would say is that we asked for bread and never got it. We thought it was weird that they were only bringing out bread to certain tables and not others. Then we didn't even get it when we asked for it from the waitress. Our bill came out to $106 before tip. We will definitely be visiting Prima again. It is a great, exciting new addition to the Kailua restaurant scene.
(4)Sherlyn G.
food very good. atmosphere not so good
(3)Marissa L.
Yum! Delicious food in a fun atmosphere, what more could you ask for? I came in on a weeknight with a party of four, and we decided to try a bunch of dishes and share them all. We tried the spicy meatball, buffalo clams, brussels sprouts, curry bolognese with papardelle, and the proscuitto pizza. Everything we had was fantastic! My favorite was the pasta - you wouldn't think that curry and bolognese would work together, but it was awesome.
(5)Katie H.
Proscuitto Arugula Pizza is the bomb~~~~ We have lived in Italy, Naples to be exact, and this pizza is as good as it gets! The Panang Clams tonight were...eh. Potato Chip Soup was good, not great. Will stick with the pizza!!!!
(4)Joe L.
I gave it one more try and I am hooked! This is one of best restaurants in Hawaii! Look close.
(4)JAN I.
Great food...love their pizza!! Brick oven is always the best
(5)Coco C.
We wandered by opening night and were told "they were booked solid" but we could call for a reservation during the week. WTF? That's kind of pretentious for being in a suburban strip mall. Please! Don't know who they were expecting, but it didn't look like they showed up. In the hour that passed between our walks by there were no more than 8 people seated. We did get a look at the menu. But $10 for a Caprese Salad? Really?
(1)Thomas S.
Decorum inside appears trendy and nice. Evidently they have a custom made pizza oven that seems legit. Didn't try their pizza but had a few appetizers which were good. Had a really good caprese with very good fresh mozzarella. Went for a special event so not sure if it was the normal appetizers. The others left a little to be desired. I'll have to go back and sample them again during dinner service. A side note though, the tables were light and slid when I put my weight on it. Wasn't terrible but I did keep having to slide the table back to my side.
(4)Ssil T.
We chose this restaurant from a list to qualify for bonus miles on our credit card. I am so glad we decided to go. My husband and I ordered the grilled octupus and manila clams- both entrees were delicious. Since moving to Oahu 7 months ago, I have been disappointed with the lack of quality restaurants. Prima was a pleasant surprise. My only complaint is the octupus portion was small...I would've loved just one more piece. Our server was vey pregnant, yet attentive. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was fun. I've told friends about Prima and we're already planning to go back!
(4)Stacie T.
Every dining experience (5+?) that I have had at Prima has been superb. Everything on the menu is excellent, and you absolutely must save room for dessert... order a few of them, you won't be sorry! The food is consistently tasty, made from quality ingredients by people who obviously care about what they're serving, and the location is great.
(5)Wendy L.
Ohhh Man was I dying to try this place... My fiancee surprised me with dinner here tonight and the food, atmosphere and service was excellent! We did arrive early, but our table was ready so we were whisked right in. (I think we were the last table to be sat inside, so the place was really jammin') Our server Jordan was bubbly and attentive and explained to us that the menu is structured that plates are to be shared with everyone at the table and comes out as they are ready. AWESOME! She immediately took our drink order and brought them with a basket of bread. The bread was house-made and arrived cold :-/ The butter and olive oil that accompanied it was delicious. I think it was Naked Cow Dairy butter from Waianae and very fruity high quality olive oil. Hot bread really would have been a plus. Next we ordered the Ahi Crudo special. Ahi wrapped prosciutto with parsnip puree, watercress, pickled onions, garlic chips and balsamic reduction. It was tasty except one of my ahi cubes had too much salt garnish and another hardly had any. My first bite was really salty, but I do admit I was scraping the plate with a piece of bread to get all that yummy sweet balsamic... Next I had the Beet Salad with Taleggio Cheese. I need to warn you that I LOVE roasted beets and taleggio cheese. To me taleggio is an acquired taste, it's creamy, stinky and tastes soo good good with the roasted beets. They also served the beet salad with shaved raw beets (excellent textural contrast) and purslane. I personally hate purslane, only because growing up I was taught that it was a weed. It would invade my grandma's flower bed, but I always thought the flowers were really pretty. Prosciutto Rucola pizza was next and the chef (no substitutes!) let me add roasted alii mushrooms and an egg yolk to his creation. It was so tasty and reminded me of old school VLounge. (Went there a couple of weeks ago... it's not the same... GO TO PRIMA!) FINALLY we got the Striploin with bone marrow butter and tarragon puree. The local steak was tasty, but I honestly could have done with out both sauces. The bone marrow butter was rich and fatty, while the tarragon puree was vinegary. A perfect gastronomical balance, but I could have done without the butter and puree. Steak was cooked perfectly, root vegetables were oh so tender and our side roasted fingerling potatos were perfect. I honestly could not have done a meal better myself. All in all, at Prima, expect the highest quality of food possible. I generally do not like cured meats but the prosciutto was so melt in your mouth good.... I would highly recommend it.
(5)Ryan H.
They ran out of the pizza that we came for. They ran out at 7pm, which is almost forgiveable, since pizza represents more than half of the entrees. The octopus was out of this world. The pasta was just okay. The pizzas, on the tables surrounding us, looked amazing, and that's why I did not give them 2 stars for running out.
(4)B R.
The service was horrible. The waiter took like 25 mins to take our drink oder. then they served red wine in small white wine glasses. Very small pour and not small on the price. It took well into 1 hour to receive our meal and we were starving. The Pork belly was amazing. The ahi was under seasoned and the salad that it came with was smothered in dressing way over kill not to mention the croutons inside the salad were soggy. The presentation was very well done, and the food was over all was 50/50 split 1 we liked 1 we didn't. The rest of the experience killed it. I wouldn't go back.
(2)Miki H.
I love this place! The food here is done so well and is so out of the box that once inside, you could easily be in L.A. rather than Hawaii. I've been here for dinner four times and lunch once and all meals were fantastic. At the top of my list is the spicy meatball which is delicious whether served as an open-faced sandwich or on its own. Once, there was a caesar salad soup which sounds bizarre but it was delish!! I have no idea how they did it but I was drinking caesar salad and enjoying every second of it. I've been waiting to see it reappear but it hasn't so maybe it was labor intensive or not well received. I also recommend the curry bolognese which is fabulous and innovative with its use of fried curry leaves. After happening upon a spice store in Denver last month, I bought a bag of curry leaves and will try to recreate this dish at home. I'm slightly worried that I need fresh curry leaves though to execute this properly. Anyway, they have a very limited dessert menu but the gelato is pretty good. We weren't paying attention when the waitress told us what flavors each scoop was but had a ton of fun trying to guess on our own before asking her to clarify. Needless to say we were only so accurate but it made for an entertaining and delicious experience!
(5)Yvette A.
I was in charge of finding a place we haven't tried yet. Since we live on the Leeward side there aren't too many options. Searched Yelp in Kailua and found Prima. Booked my reservation through Yelp. Went next door bought a bottle of wine since its BYOB. We were seated right away. Most of the food is small portions you can share. We ordered to start: Panzanella Salad, bread w/oil and Spicy Meatball Pizza. There were 4 of us with plenty still to eat. I ordered the special: Pork Belly. I only wish there was more polenta. It's was so creamy and went well with the crispness of the pork belly. To end the evening we had the Smores with homemade marshmallows. It was more like a deconstructed Smores. Yummy. The staff is so friendly and you really feel like they really want you to have a good dining experience. And yes the menu changes and that's ok. I like change and I love to try new things. I will be back for sure. Love, love, love Prima.
(5)Ann P.
I walked by this place after buying groceries at Foodland before Prima opened for business. I did a double take after seeing what I thought were Eames chairs. Being a midcentury modern enthusiast I couldn't believe it. Most restaurants here look like they could care less about interior design. So I popped my head in to ask about the (very pricey) chairs and learned that this was going be a new restaurant. So I decided to give it a try. If you've lived in Santa Monica, this place seems like it was plucked right out of Montana Ave. or next door to Fred Segal's (you work up an appetite after shopping). And so I love it. The prices and portions are comparable to casual dining restaurants in Santa Monica/Brentwood. I'm pretty frugal, but I really don't mind paying a bit more for good quality food. We had a pizza and the curry papparedelle. The pizza suited my taste. I prefer thin crust pizza. It was actually quite lovely because it reminded me of eating pizza and drinking wine in Naples, Italy. The oven is from Napoli and so is the flour and tomatoes in the pizza. I usually hate fusion cuisine and thought "oh god, curry in an Italian dish?" when my husband ordered curry papparedelle, but I like it much to my surprise. I've missed the restaurants in Santa Monica that not only manage to create an atmosphere but also inject creativity in their menu items. It's nice to have the variety in Kailua. The desserts looked amazing. Too bad I had too much self control that night otherwise I'd write about them.
(5)robyn t.
Read an article about this new place and beyond the link to VLounge, I was unsure what to expect. Before you decide to check this place out, here are a few things to expect (so that you aren't disappointed): 1. the portions are more "tapas" style and not "entree" size. 2. they currently do not have their liquor license but will probably be receiving it soon. 3. suggest making reservations (via email...) especially if its a large party. The place is decorated in a modern minimalist fashion and is really quite cute. Its a great girls' night venue...which is what we did. The food here was great. The service awesome and spunky. But the highlight? The dessert. If you decide to give this place a go, make sure to save some room for the Torrone alla Banana...i have dreams of this... :)
(4)Vanessa K.
Excellent food - sophisticated but uncomplicated Asian fusion flavors (curry bolognese tagliatelle is amazing) and one of the best pizzas on Oahu. Other must trys- maitake appetizer, clams in Penang curry and the chocolate banana dessert. Friendly staff and attentive service, definitely worth the trip into Kailua!
(5)Blue H.
Hands down one of the best restaurants in Hawaii EVER. I get bored very easily. Not that I don't love traditional cuisine, but there is something to be said for Prima's hapa (yea, Hapa) style of cooking that has brought a new era of what it means to be fusion. First thing is the food- Brilliant! The menu reads as a simply stated, classic and timeless documentation of the pristine ingredients. They don't try to be sell-y, or overly descriptive which, as any true foodie knows, can be the downfall of any great restaurant. The flavor and balance between all the selections is so well thought out. There are not any dishes that clash so one can happily pair any of the dishes, in any order, and never be overwhelmed or left wanting for something more. The portions are perfect, just like the best tapas ideals from around the world, Prima balances the perfect flavoring and size to leave your mouth and tummy fully happy, not weighted down. The customer service here is stellar. The wait staff is attentive but non intrusive, knowledgeable and charismatic. By my second visit they knew who I was and my top choice of plate from the last time. The price- Worth every penny. The ratio of what you pay vs what you get is un real. In LA you'd be paying the same price or more for smaller portions with less tasty options and a less interesting menu. Over-all this place brings the most metropolitan ideal of eating experiences to Hawaii. The presentation, complexity of flavors, quality ingredients, unique expressions of both flavors and ambience lead me to state that Prima is the best eatery for those looking to give their taste buds a culinary journey that they will remember for a long time.
(5)Mari P.
VEAL SWEET BREADS PICATTA. If you enjoy this kind of food, Prima has one of - if not, THE best preparations of these tasty tidbits I've ever eaten. If you've never had this before, but always wanted to, this is an excellent way of trying sweetbreads for the first time. Cooked to tender perfection, and the picatta matched so beautifully. Absolutely wonderful. My husband and I also ate the Striploin Steak, Brussel Sprouts, Sauteed greens (beet greens!), and a Boquerones Pizza. Washed everything down with a Guiness each. Everything was DELICIOUS. Steak was crazy tender, and they paired it with marrow "butter." Hello?! Where the heck has that been all my life? I'm hooked. Veggies were great ( I swear there was like $10 worth of saffron on the beet greens). Pizza was one of my top 3. Already comes to the table with the chili pepper water on it! We pretty much licked all the plates clean. Didn't order dessert. Such a shame - I overheard the next table eating, what looked like a frozen sampler, and they mentioned something about graham cracker and peanut butter. Really? Graham cracker flavored ice cream? I wish I had the room... I know it sounds like so much food, but this place gets minus one star for that. I have to agree with my fellow yelpers and say that the portions were tiny, and the price was pricey! The vibe is more funky and casual than the other Kailua "fusion" restaurant. Super cute. Perfect for the location. Wished they were open earlier, but they close pretty late. They also have a website with the menu, so you won't be surprised when you look at the prices. Overall, I love this place, and we are putting it on our "date night" list.
(4)Keala H.
AWESOME food. A bit warm, but I guess that's because of the pizza oven. So far, everything I've eaten here is spot on!
(5)Adam P.
The menu here is really great. It's not your typical Italian menu (so if you're expecting to see spaghetti or lasagna, you're out of luck), but your upscale, creative, inventive type of menu. Other than the pizza, I mean. And this pizza is awesome. If you like the pizza at V Lounge you'll like it here. I went with the margherita, and it is great. Pure and simple, the sauce is tasty, cheese is SO good, everything works really well. Also highly recommend the veal sweet bread picatta and papperdelle. Tried the fennel panna cotta, and thought it was okay. I like fennel, but didn't think the panna cotta was all that great. The squid cannelloni was tasty, but I don't think I'd order it again. For dessert, they have a sampler of gelato and sorbetto: cherry, lilikoi, cinnamon (just tasted like vanilla, to me) and CAP'N CRUNCH! The next time I go, I'm going to ask for four scoops of the cap'n crunch; it really is that good. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 due to the price:portion ratio. High prices, small portions.
(3)Scuba K.
It's so hard to keep my girlish figure, so I like to order apps instead of entrees. I had Spicy meatball with arugula - so tender and perfectly cooked Ahi Crudo with pear and parsnip puree - all of my favorites in one dish Brussels Sprouts - roasted goodness and not too greasy I really wish I ate more carbs because the pizza sounds to die for. I told the waiter how much I enjoyed the food, and the chef came out to greet me! He's super cute too.
(5)Doug ..
awesome pizza and octopus. go there on sundays where they have 1/2 bottles. you should make a reservation.. and when you do, tell them you're going to order a pizza. they run out of their dough pretty quick
(5)Gerald S.
Pizza, with various twists. Pleasant, non-fancy atmosphere. Open to the outside.
(3)J A.
Service was great, didn't help that I knew the waiter. Thanks for everything. I had the fried "Jidori" chicken. 4pc. The chicken was flakey an salty(great) even after I peeled the skin to eat first. The inside was juicy an flavored. The mash creamy an buttery. The collards might be a little to strong for people that never eat it. I enjoyed it. I dined with two of my friends who had the Boquerones an the Veal. as soon as I find out their yelp names I'll edit review to add names.
(3)