The Food Company Cafe and Catering
1020 Keolu Dr, Kailua, HI, 96734
The Food Company Cafe and Catering Menu
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Address :
1020 Keolu Dr
Kailua, HI, 96734 - Phone (808) 230-2333
- Website https://thefoodcompanycafeandcatering.tumblr.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Ryan S.
This restaurant is our new favorite on the Windward Side. We've been there possibly close to 10 times already (bringing other family members with us on several occasions) and have tried practically every dish on the menu. My favorite dish is the smoked chicken. You can get it as an entree by itself or as a side option with the mushroom ravioli (or you can get tofu or salmon instead of chicken). My wife, sister-in law, and nieces all raved about the mushroom ravioli. The same sauce is usually used on both the ravioli or smoked chicken dishes and all of us absolutely love it. Warning: We have gone for dinner only to find that the smoked chicken is already sold out for the day. There are usually about 3 different types of fish dishes on the menu and we've probably tried them all. We've had the salmon, pan fried opah, and peppercorn-crusted ahi and all were excellent. There are also Thai dishes on the menu. My wife has tried the green curry and said it was really good. We've also tried the pad thai noodles (which are very tasty and very different from the pad thai you get at any typical Thai restaurant) and the Singapore Street Noodles. The Singapore Street Noodles, though very tasty, have a different texture that takes some getting used to. There is usually one standard meat dish on the menu -- such as a flank steak, rack of lamb, or braised short ribs -- although we have yet to try any of these dishes. Another great thing about this place is the unusual side dishes. The first time we ate here, we had no idea what they were and asked Chef Jason for his recommendation. He suggested the quinoa, and we have been ordering it ever since. It has a nice mild curry flavor to it and is a nice change of pace from a scoop of rice. The Okinawan mashed potatoes are also very good. You also have the option of getting pearl barley or couscous as a side, but we like the quinoa and mashed potatoes the best. The only critique we have about this place is a lack of menu for younger kids. The menu does have panini sandwiches -- usually a grilled veggie panini and a pipikaula reuben, and maybe one other alternative. We also went once when there was a version of mac and cheese (with pipikaula) on the menu. Although my wife loved it, she felt it was probably too rich and too sophisticated a taste for younger children. However, the last time we went there were cheeseburger sliders on the menu so maybe they're trying to tweak their menu for younger children. Chef Jason is very nice and will offer his suggestions if you're stuck on the menu.
(5)Frederick W.
Just got done with our second meal in two months here, OMG the crab is the best, and my wife's pasta was fabulous, forget any negative reviews, spoiled idiots who wouldn't know good food if bit them on the butt, this place rocks.
(5)Karen W.
This is a favorite restaurant in Kailua! The food is always amazing, made with fresh, local ingredients by their very skilled chef. The waitstaff is friendly and goes out of their way to make sure you have everything you need. The mushroom ravoli, green curry, and shrimp scampi are three of our favorites, but you really can't go wrong with anything you order. And it's BYOB!
(5)Maria C.
So far I've tried the Opah and mashed Okinawan potato. Awesome- YUMMM!
(5)gary h.
Had the opah and quinoa. Outstanding food!
(5)Kailua G.
I totally disagree with the review here and the review I read in a local magazine that this is a fine dining establishment. Yes they have candles on the tables but that's it. There are two huge grab and go drink cases when you walk in thundering away, and two deli cases a little further in. There is a line of halogen lights aimed right into your eyes if you are sitting in the right spot. There are badly painted fish on the walls and pieces of paper taped to the windows about the specials. For desserts, you point to something in the deli case and they give it to you in the plastic box it came in! Very disappointing as far as ambiance goes. Then we were greeted by the wait staff. They were very friendly and nice but they seemed a little off. The first waiter, honestly we thought maybe it was his first night ever as a waiter. Very slow. Like we brought a bottle of wine and a waitress brought a corkscrew and placed it on the able. He looks at it and doesn't do anything so I picked it up and started opening the bottle. My honey said to the waiter, "Aren't you supposed to open the wine?" The waiter said, "Oh, yeah, and fumbled with the corkscrew and took forever to open his first bottle of wine ever. The head waitress came by when we were waiting for our food and asked "How is everything so far?" Well ... we don't know yet! Weird. They brought out an ahi spread that was okay, but with tortilla chips you get from the bag. When the food came it was very good (scallops for me and short ribs for my honey) but the portions were miniscule. The magazine article we read said they want to be the Le Bistro of the Windward side. This place is not on the same planet as Le Bistro. Maybe their food could be close but until the get the ambiance, service and portions right they can't ever hope to achieve that status.
(3)Leah H.
Went here based on yelp. Turned out very badly for us. We were not greeted on arrival. The waitress mentioned not having menus then walked away. We sat ourselves. After a wait, the kitchen guy brought water. The waitress found menus later and passed them out to us and 3 more tables that came in after us. Guess a whole stack of menus suddenly appeared. She didn't come for our order before the others who arrived after us. The menu items sounded great, so we stayed even though the waitress was completely disinterested, and a little confused. Started w/ iced tea. It was SUPPOSED to be iced tea. It was brown liquid....that's where the similarity ended. Tasted like coffee/cocoa/dirt dredged through a dirty sock. UNDRINKABLE, and probably toxic. They were returned. She then had trouble counting when 2 people ordered the same thing. 1=1=2. Not 3, miss. Strange, but we still pressed on. After a while she brought smoked tuna salad w/ a few cold tortilla chips. The people at the table next to us were completely ignored this whole time. The 4 of us sat uncomfortably wondering of the wisdom of staying here for dinner. Wondering who would spit in our food for returning the drinks. Each one of us had a very bad vibe. After 15 more minutes, we decided we'd be better off anywhere else but here. We offered to pay for the tuna salad app she brought, then left. So, I really can't comment on the food here.Just very disappointing. We will not return or recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Dylan A.
Chef Jason catered our small wedding ceremony in Waimanalo Beach. It was intimate, so we decided not to go with full service; we picked up the food in Kailua. Chef Jason was very patient with us as we put the menu together, selecting dishes from sample menus he provided for us. The food was simply DELICIOUS! Everyone raved about the menu. There was something for everyone, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. We simply can't say enough about his demeanor on the phone, his patience, how he put us at ease, and how fantastic the food was for our reception. We would recommend Chef Jason to anyone!
(5)C L.
This is my 2nd time visiting this restaurant. I had the shrimp scampi with nalo greens. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the shrimp was plump and juicy. For dessert I had the lemon li hing cupcake. This restaurant has good tasting food with fresh ingredients. I would definetly eat here again.
(4)Bill B.
By far, the best restaurant in Kailua! This place has a lot going for it; a welcoming atmosphere, great food, friendly staff and BYOB (no corkage fee). It compares very favorably with Roy's except it doesn't have his chocolate souflee. On our last visit, my wife had the braised short rib and I had the pork belly. Both were mouth-wateringly delicious. We finished the meal off with the nectarine cobbler. That was good, but not chocolate souflee good. Their deli next door has ono plate lunches, too.
(5)Michael L.
A little surprise in the Enchanted Lakes area. Food that surprisingly flavorful and well-prepared. They've gone to great length to create meal that is very different than all the rest of the choices in the Kailua area. Even the spectrum of food choices is quite surprising. Fresh, vibrant and delicious. What is disappointing is with prices of $16-29 (and as high as $50) per entrée are the plastic table covers, paper napkins and diner-quality silverware. It is a family restaurant so expect children to be running around. It is also quite noisy when the restaurant is full since there is nothing to dampen the noise.
(3)Cammie F.
Food: Thai clams dish was the highlight and is worth stopping in for. Also tried the snapper special thai style and the langostine risotto with wild mushrooms. Great option is the BYOW with no corkage. Note, you will have to pour your own and suggest bringing own stemware, if bringing nice wine. No sparkling wine or champagne stemware available. A great place to meet friends for a casual dinner with quality food. Not a fine dining or date night establishment. Service was friendly, but lacks attention to detail. Example: 3 guests at table, 2 desserts ordered and only 2 dessert spoons brought to table, one with each dish. No worries, with this group, but worthy to note if dining with those that might be affected by little details. Reservations suggested, restaurant was packed friday night.
(4)Cat M.
I just read KD's review...and I just had to post a review because I was also at the Thai Pairing Dinner and had such a different experience. The Wine: As soon as I sat down, Sommelier Liane Fu came to our table and offered champagne. She would make conversation at each table, and certainly for us it was almost like a private wine class. She would talk to us about why she chose the particular wine--the characteristics she thought would pair with the dish. She would discuss the grape, the vineyard, the region, with detail, enthusiasm, and passion. During each course, she would make her way around the room offering more of the paired wine, in fact by the third course I was actually declining additional wine since I knew I'd be driving across the Pali back to town. For the desert, she offered a wonderful, refreshing Coconut Kaffir Vodka Martini served in a miniature martini glass, garnished with dried mango. Each person at my table was even offered a second mini-martini. The Food: This is the third wine event I've attended, and the value is outstanding. The serving size is almost like the portion of a mini-entree. By the third course I was actually not even able to eat the entire serving because I was getting full. Unfortunately, this was the filet mignon course! The meat was melt-in-your mouth tender, I was sad that my friend got to devour what I couldn't finish. I texted the photos to a Chef friend and he said "very nice conversions of classic Thai dishes into modern European plating." Indeed--that was one of the things that was so unique about this dinner. Chef Jason opened the night by talking about his year studying Thai cookery as Kasetsart University in Bangkok, about his passion for Thai cooking, and he explained the challenges of pairing Thai classics with reds like Pinot Noir and Sirah. Throughout the evening, Chef Jason visited each table, and he even showed each group a display plate he had prepared with the classic aromatics and flavors--galangal, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaf, palm sugar, chili, etc. The house-made Coconut sorbet and pandanus sticky rice with mango was a delicate way to end the evening. The Wait: The dinner was scheduled to start at 6:30, but at 6:30 only half of the reservations had arrived--staff told us there was a terrible accident on the Pali and many people had called to say they were running late. Understandable. The room was full by about 7--and by that time Sommelier Liane Fu and waitstaff had come by several times, offering amuse bouche and champagne refills. I was with wonderful company, so enjoyed the time to chit-chat and catch up. This restaurant is essentially a tiny hole in the wall mom-n-pop--the kitchen is smaller than the average residential apartment-kitchen (you walk right by the kitchen to get to the restroom), and what they do with their limited resources is absolutely amazing. These wine pairing evenings are delightful, educational events. The pace is perfect to savor the company of friends, revel in surprising pairings, and celebrate wine and food. (If you want a quick "in and out" type meal grab a plate lunch or hit up Roundtable Pizza next door.) The Value: $90 seemed very reasonable given the portion size and the essentially "bottomless" wine presented by Sommelier Liane Fu. When I go out to dinner, I figure that champagne or a mixed drink is at least $11, and wine by the glass runs about $9 on average. In this pairing, there were three wines, champagne, and martini. And each course was practically a full serving--certainly much more than what you'd expect from a paired prix fixe. I posted photos...two giant prawns? Filet Mignon? Salmon? Amazing value, in my opinion. (as an aside, this IS a BYOB...my friend loves his Thai food with beer, so he went to Safeway next door and picked up a 6-pack of Red Stripe.) Bravo to Chef Jason and crew!
(5)Christi T.
My family and I were visiting from Austin, Texas when we decided to give this restaurant a try. It was hands down the best meal I've had in Hawaii! I had the wild mushroom ravioli, which was probably the best ravioli dish I've had in years. The service was absolutely top notch. We LOVED the byob option as well. I highly recommend this restaurant, but try to make a reservation if you can.
(5)Chris O.
I so very badly wanted to give 5 stars! But the service was so bad, I just couldn't in good conscience. Food? Amazing. Wild mushroom gnocchi - delicious. There was a total of about 10 on the plate and I was devastated after inhaling all in one bite. I'm sure the risotto would be just as good...I was between the two when I ordered. Hubby had opah special with veggies and mashed potatoes. It was so tasty! If mine wasn't so good, I would have wished I ordered the same as my husband. Basically, entrees were perfect. Appetizer focaccia bread...good but served differently than we're used to. Regular bread to be dipped in oil/cheese/green olives+pits. Pretty good but we just thought it would all be baked in. Next time will order scallops :) Flourless chocolate cake with strawberries: ahhhhhmazing. Husband who doesn't do desserts stole most of my bites. It was hard splitting it since it was such a small little cake. Also major points given for BYOB and easy parking since it's located in a strip mall. Service? Yikes. I assume it was the owner who was manning the host stand. We saw him all night pointing at tables and telling servers what to do. We had reservations Friday night at 7 and didn't have to wait long at all to be seated...until we got to our table. We saw 3 separate servers throughout the night. We had to ask for menus, wine glasses and a wine opener. Then 3 different people came up to ask if we had placed our food order. When we did manage to place our order, the poor server had no idea how to answer our questions even with her "cheat sheet" notes. She left our table three different times to ask the chef simple questions like "what kinds of fish are in the Fish Pasta?" And "what's the Specialty Gnocchi?" It was very surprising that she didn't know considering that the menu doesn't change daily. I felt bad for the staff. Those in front and back of the house were running around stressed, scattered and with no designated tables. It seemed like they were just taking cues from people who were bored and approached the table only to find out what they were waiting on. Hopefully this was just a night where they were short staffed and/or had new staff without trainers. We will be back, just maybe not on a weekend night.
(4)Doris D.
If this restaurant is aiming to be the Le Bistro of Kailua then I'm sorry to report that it has totally missed its mark. I rarely give 1-star reviews and here is my experience of the cafe dinner: The table appetizer was an uninspired combo of stale tortilla chips and tuna salad (they called it smoked ahi dip but it was obviously a run of the mill tuna salad). We complained about the chips and the waitress got us new chips. For a restaurant that charges "fine dining" prices at $20+ an entree, you'd think they be more creative, or just stick with the classic bread and butter. For appetizers, we had Kona Abalone Escargot Style ($17), Rosemary Focaccia w/ puglia olives, balsamic, & shaved parmesan ($7), foie gras, and grilled octopus. The abalone was the best thing we had all night - it is done exactly the same way as Le Bistro does their famous escargot, down to the plating (they cut up pieces of abalone and stuck them in an escargot dish). Also, why can't they call it butter and garlic abalone? There's no escargot here and no such thing as "escargot style." They need to research what focaccia bread is because it was not focaccia; it was french bread with some rosemary in it. Who are they fooling? The olive dip was completely disappointing - no zip, nothing special, the olive oil and balsamic had no perk. The foie itself was good. It had a fruit compote of some sort which could not provide enough acid. The dish was flat and too sweet. The grilled octopus was done Mediterranean style - tomatoes, fava beans, capers, greens. It was very one-note and the octopus was chewy. I should note that one of the appetizers had a HAIR in it. It was blonde so it was definitely not from my family (we have black hair). Also, it was SO hot in the restaurant. Once the place filled up, it was suffocating. I was sweating! The entrees were no better. I had the scallops ($24) with mashed potatoes and greens. The scallops were small, they were quite obviously the pre-frozen variety, and, sadly, overcooked. The cognac butter sauce was completely flat. The greens had some old, yellowing leaves. The mashed potatoes were tasteless and piled on, cafeteria style, with an ice cream scoop - for a "fancy" dish, you'd think they'd at least pipe the potatoes. The kicker? It had ANOTHER HAIR (blonde) in my sauce! My mother in law had the clam pasta ($17) which looked ok albeit quite dry. Strangely it had sausage bits in it which made the dish incongruous (is it a surf and turf?). It's like they said ok this pasta is boring, let's throw in sausage! My husband had the ribeye special which was plated in a very unappetizing way - just a big floppy piece of meat plopped onto a scoop of Okinawan mashed potatoes. He said the steak was ok, not the best. My father in law had the short ribs ($23) which he liked. It looked pretty dry to me but he ate it all up. The dessert was also sad. They only featured 3 desserts (yet had all these wonderful looking cakes in the fridge section). One was a "seasonal cobbler" which turned out to be apple. Um, news flash it's not apple season (again, who are they trying to fool?). My chocolate cake was the tiniest cake in the world at $8 (baby's fist size). Now I don't mind a small cake as long as it's packed with flavor and amazing. The cake tasted exactly like a Betty Crocker frozen lava cake that you would just microwave. Totally uninspired and lacking in flavor (just a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and a really sad cut-up strawberry around it). No sauce, and the strawberry wasn't even macerated. The service was also incredibly intrusive. She kept asking us how things were every 5 minutes. Yet we hardly had any water service. We got our appetizers and we didn't even have a second before she asked how the appetizers were. Then the entrees came and I still had my appetizer plate. She looked at me like I was supposed to do something. Um, maybe you can clear my plate first. She also cleared out plates really quickly otherwise - service felt so rushed like she was trying to get rid of us. Well, we couldn't wait to leave because we were so hot! Anyway, sorry for this long review, but in the midst of all these glowing reviews, I had to write about my own extremely lackluster experience. For the prices, I suggest you just eat the gas money and drive yourself to Le Bistro or The Grove instead.
(1)Carrie K.
It was my first time here...and Wow!!! We made reservations..good thing to do on a weekend night. So we started with a Scallop appetizer and...Mmmm soooo deeeelish!! BYOB! ...that's an automatic star. We brought "Hanaialii" from Napa, nice Merlot with a local root. Amy Hanaialii Gilliom's creation. Very good! Ok back to the food... I had the Onaga, fresh catch! Mmmm ...always go with the Chef's pick! Amazing!!! He had the Osso Bucco..another special which was so flavorful like it was slow cooked in a beef stock red wine bath. Mmmmm!!! Dessert... Apple cobbler with Vanilla ice cream...good... We will be back!!
(5)Michael M.
The Food Company et. al. have really bumped up their game! My mom wanted to go here for her birthday. Mom's always have great taste. This place had specials out the waazoo. Since we were dining as a family, we ordered an appetizer and three entrees and had them served family style. We had alaskan crab in curry sauce served as an appetizer. We had prawns in a garlic sauce. We had ribeye with another great sauce which included oyster mushrooms. We had onaga with TRUFFLE sauce. We had beet salads with goat cheese. Since I ate them all on the same plate, the curry sauce, beets, and poi mashed potatoes made a cool looking rainbow pattern when I was pau. For dessert, we had a choice between flourless chocolate cake, creme brûlée, and apple cobbler. Since we couldn't decide we ordered all three. All equally delicious with their own twists. Dinner for 5 cost about as much as dinner for two at Alan Wongs. This was way better. Service and everything. Just don't confuse this place with the plate lunch diner next door.
(5)Kainoa T.
The wine pairing dinners hosted by Chef Jason Kiyota and Liane Fu (The Wine Stop Sommelier) are world class events with estate wines and champagne and port paired with amuse bouche, prime cuts and fresh catch. This is one of the few places in Hawaii nei still where you can interact with a rising star Chef in his own restaurant. And even when there are wine pairings, you can bring your bottle, just like we like it.
(5)Crash D.
Enjoyed a great dinner with the wife here this past weekend. I had the shortribs, she had the langoustine risotto. We both shared the smoked mackerel as a starter. Mackerel was very good and the pickled onions that accompanied it were awesome. Shortribs were pretty solid but just a touch dry. Risotto was pretty good but could have used some salt . We called about an hour before arriving on a Friday and had no trouble getting seated promptly. I would definitely call ahead if you can. Restaurant suffers from bad acoustics and it got very loud in the crowded dining room. They do allow you to BYOB, a definite bonus. As for the service....SPOT ON!!! Probably the best service we've received in a long time. Waitress (didn't catch her name, but she was from TX) was awesome and very personable. Waters were never empty which is awesome since I pound H2O like a college dude slugs back Keystone Light. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Adri A.
This place is soooo delicious. I have been to Prima, Kalapawai Cafe, Alan Wongs, Roys, and this chef is legit ! I can't stress enough how well executed the food is and I will return probably every night left of my trip ... Get here! .... It's next to a cafe called the same name so don't get confused. The dinner side is where ya want to be.
(5)Gail L.
Absolutely excellent! We came in on a Wednesday night without reservations and had no problem being seated. For an appetizer we ordered the beet salad over goat cheese with a drizzle of truffle oil and it was divine. They didn't skimp on the goat cheese either. My main dish was seriously one of the best dinners I have ever ordered.... garlic butter scallops over purple mashed potatoes with a side of greens. Wow, the flavors were incredible!! Absolutely fantastic! My husband ordered the curry of the day and was pleased. We split the flourless chocolate cake for dessert and we spooned up every last bite. We should have ordered two. The service was fantastic. Our server kept our waters full and got our food orders in promptly and the food was out quickly. Our bill for appetizer, 2 entrees, and dessert was $58 including tax. Not a bad price for a nice dinner out. I highly highly recommend this place! Also if you want beer or wine you can stop by Safeway next door and bring your own.
(5)Marie O.
The food at Food Company is excellent, and who doesn't love BYOB? I've eaten here a handful of times and the dishes that stand out most to me are the hamachi and the risotto. Well balanced dishes and perfectly prepared. Don't expect to get in and out quick since this great food takes time to get just right. Service could be a little faster, though. The missing star here is for the smokiness coming from the open kitchen. I have sensitive eyes and definitely felt the sting of the smoke after a while. Lacking the option for outdoor seating, a stronger vent hood would be a welcome addition.
(4)Noelani C.
Ever since high school, I have ordered here and the same sweet couple runs this place. She takes the orders and her husband cooks in the back and preps all the delicious food! Today I went to pick up some chocolate cake and carrot cake...noticed theres a new edition to the original Food company spot. It looks good and way more spacious. The tuna melt I ordered was delicious and the young bearded gentleman I ordered from was very nice and has a really good positive spirit! That is what brings me to rate The food Company still a 5 Star in my books! Not only do they have ultimate grinds and a new edition with yummy pasta, wraps and sandwiches, but they have the ultimate customer service. Great aloha spirit! keep up the fabulous vibes! This restaurant has the ultimate home made tasting dishes. Excellent Customer Service team!!
(5)Kaneohe B.
Food was good. Service was bad. The night we ate there someone from the kitchen, I'm assuming it was the head Chef, offered other tables specials that were not offered to us. That was disappointing.
(1)Ruth K.
Ok this place may seem super Haole...BUT give it a chance because it is Amazing! We had the figs and abalone escargot for appetizers which were so Good! It's also BYOB which was great cuz Safeway is right there:) I asked for the Chef's Choice they will make something AMAZING for you! They made me the Risotto with Braised Short Ribs on top...it was like heaven! My friend had the short ribs also but with mashed sweet potatoes...soo good too!! And for desert we split the flour less chocolate cake which was delicious! Next time I'm gonna try the carrot cake! The service was great and it was a great atmosphere! Enjoy!
(5)Breeze O.
The Kona Abalone (Escargot style) is ridiculously delicious! If in doubt, ask for a "Chef's choice" and the result is a life-changing experience you won't regret! Bring your own wine is easy with Safeway right next door.
(5)Barry W.
Always have great specials. Even the regular items are of gourmet quality. The chefs really know how to blend their flavors and each dish comes out unbelievable. Can't get enough of the variety. Still haven't made it through the whole menu yet because I sometime have to try a favorite again once in a while. The fish taco appetizer is a must try.
(5)Wendy H.
Must try.!!! Will definitely come again just to try other dishes! We came for dinner and we started off with the Kona abalone appetizer escargot style, it was so good I kept dipping the bread in the sauce just to soak it all up. Then they gave us chips w/smoked ahi dip which was Ono. Mom had the Nalo greens w/wine soaked pear, creamy gargonzola, Walnut relish port vinegarette salad that was big enough to split between 3 adults. All the entrees where very tastey and nicely plated. (see the pics) then for desert the creme Brulee omg... It was really yummy & I have that @ every restaurant that has it from Kincaid's, Aulani, Haleiwa Joe's, Henry Louis, Hy's, JJ's. Only down side to this dinner was they were out of clams & the braised short ribs, hopefully they will be available the next time we go or I will just have to try the wok seared dungeness crab in garlic curry sauce. Oh can't wait til then...
(5)Rachel C.
We ordered the abalone cooked escargot style app, and the scallops and salmon entrees. They are BYOB, and I don't think they charge a corking fee so that's a plus. Atmosphere is pretty average but the food makes up for it. Service was excellent.
(4)K D.
We normally love the food and service here. However, we decided to come to one of the preset meals on Wednesday with with the Thai theme and wine pairings. First we waited one hour and 15 miinutes before the first course was served, with one small glass of champagne to drink for that whole time! The next 3 courses came out every half hour, so we were there a total of 3 hours. The wine pairings were not parings, but small tastings. For the kind of money we paid, I'd expect more prompt service, and the wine that I paid for! So anyone that thinks they'd like to do this in the future, prepare to sit for a long long time, and I'd recommend skipping the wine tasting and bring your own bottle.
(2)Kathy O.
Chef Kiyota and Lianne Fu, from the Wine Stop, teamed up for the first (of many, I hope) Wine Pairing Event at the Food Company Market Cafe. And my friends and I were completely wowed by the amount of thought and talent that went into this amazing production. The food was some of the best I have ever eaten and certainly the most unique and creative; and the wines were perfectly suited for each course. I have to say that they will be hard-pressed to match this magnificent affair; but I sure hope they do! This is the start of a new concept for the Food Company and I give it thumbs-up all the way!! And clearly I am not the only one who appreciated the effort. The sold-out first night gave way to a second night. Well done!
(5)Britni K.
Unfortunately for my birthday I received a severe sinus infection. Boooo! But on the bright side, I was able to have my birthday off for some R&R. Woke up to beautiful sunshine and decided I wanted to head over to Kailua to get out of the house for a nice birthday lunch. My roomie and I were headed off on our little excursion, taking the scenic route to Kailua for fun. Using my handy dandy Yelp app, I came across this fairly new looking eatery. Inside you'll walk into what looks like a plate lunch setup. We eyed it over and saw to the right, it looked like there was an outlet to another part of the cafe. We were greeted by one of the chef's working on that side, who told us the right side was more for "fine dining". Their menu was a bit limited, consisting of mostly pastas, hot sandwiches, and salads. So we snuck back into the other side to have another look. The plate lunch side had a variety of options. There was a pretty decent breakfast menu (served only until 11), home cooking kind of plates, local plates, wraps, sandwiches, etc. And in their display case, ahi bowls and other sushi, and an awesome dessert showcase. I remember pumpkin crunch, blueberry cream cheese pie, and brownies with macadamia nuts- mouth watering! I have to keep my sweet tooth in check, else desserts would make up about 70% of my diet. Ultimately, I ended up deciding on the roast turkey plate and my roomie chose the chicken penne pasta. You order at the front and just have a seat. Because we were dining in, our entrees came on actual plates that were served to us. My roomie's plate smelled delicious- I was surprised because I was having trouble smelling anything at all! But he said he felt it was missing something. My roast turkey plate was huge, but the steamed veggies looked and tasted more like they were boiled. The stuffing under the turkey was yummy, but I don't know if was dry or not since it was all completely drenched in gravy. Not my fave. And I was disappointed in my cranberry sauce serving- teeny piece in a little plastic cup you serve salad dressing in. The cranberry is what pulls a plate like that together!! Don't skimp on me, now! It was a decent and filling lunch, but nothing really stood out about The Food Company Market and Cafe that would entice me to come try it again. The food was pretty mediocre, as well as the service on the plate lunch side. When we were about to order a girl was up at the front and we just stared at each other awkwardly until she said "Someone will be right with you", without even trying to grab the attention of someone else who was trained/authorized to work the cash register. Whenever I end up heading out to Kailua for lunch again, I'll probably try my luck with somewhere new, and maybe stop by there on the way home to grab a dessert out of the window. ;)
(3)HighStandard S.
Greatly improved service! Waitress was knowledgable, courteous, and no-nonsense. Along with free smoked ahi app, the meal came to $50---easily enough food for two, very high quality, and delicious! Fois gras: Not a pate. Just a grilled slice of liver with some mushrooms in a balsamic reduction, I think. Grass fed steak: huge portion cooked correctly to order with a nice char crust without overwhelming salt/pepper. Choice of starch (okie mash, curry quinoa, etc.) and a simple salad of esoteric local greens and grape tomatoes.
(4)Skip B.
Though we have always valued our visits to the Food Company Market and Café in Kailua, last night my wife and I truly enjoyed a most exquisite experience created by Chef Jason Kiyota and his staff in a perfect Valentine's Day dinner. We savored the delicate balance of tastes and textures, exceptional presentations, and the ideal ambience of smiles. When we entered the restaurant we immediately felt the Aloha--we appreciate you--with the casual yet seasoned welcome extended by Davis at the door, expanded on by the kitchen staff from the opened-layout, and further realized in a most genuine smile from our waitress Nichole as we moved to our cozy corner table for two. We quickly uncorked our BYO bottle of Pinot Noir previously recommended by Chef Jason for the pairing of this night's special pre-set menu. Our wine nicely complemented the amuse-bouche and prepared us for Jason's art of cuisine yet to come. Nichole brought us carefully sized proportions of sweet Hawaiian shrimp and yellow tail crudo served with shaved fennel and chorizo. Beautifully plated smoked duck breasts, baby beets, and braised cabbage beside a butternut squash puree followed. OMG! Our palettes were alive and satisfied when our waitress brought beef tenderloin and scallops with marinated grape tomatoes and micro herbs. She shared her insights on the grass feed, butter-poached beef accompanied by corn emulsion and truffle demi glaze. Each course came precisely timed, carried by the personality of pure lovely. And then came an exceptional finale to our evening--a dessert of diced pineapple beside a tiny chocolate basket holding smaller chocolates and a crisp strawberry. Both delights sat near a velvety gelatin dragon fruit mousse (pink for Valentine's Day of course) crowned with a white powdery mound of delicious. WOW! The Food Company Market and Café has been our favorite restaurant in Kailua. And yet, last night we discovered an even higher appreciation for the amazing mastery of Chef Jason and his staff. On this evening we experienced an inclusive combination of delicious ingredient that shaped a remarkable presentation of fine cuisine. Thank you Market and Café for making our evening very special ...
(5)Angelena D.
Yum!!! Seriously, I don't know why my husband and I haven't been here before today! Hubby had the short rib ragu pasta and I had the smoked chicken pesto sandwich. Of course I always have to taste his food, and it was great! Between both dishes, the flavors were perfect! The lunch menu had so much more we want to try. It was just great food with an awesome vibe! We definitely look forward to next time!!
(5)Michael M.
What a treat to have another good spot on the windward side. This place is tucked away in the back of the shopping center. We had The Kona Abalone (Escargot style), "CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB" over Okinawan Sweet Potatoes with a side of fresh Nalo Greens and Baby Tomatoes. Chef Jason Kiyota and his staff put out good food and service. You can BYOB too.
(5)Jennifer J.
Everything I had was fabulous! I had the abalone appetizer, the ahi tuna dip, short rib plate, the salmon, and the ravioli, superb! I went home and raved about it all! Great gem, atmosphere is casual, and the food is amazing! I'll def be back again!
(5)Ron Jeremy R.
============================================ RjR - Issue # 79 - EXPLORING HIDDEN KAILUA Edition ============================================ I love finding hidden GEMs...and I came across this little place and its friendly staff way out there in Kailua. Q
(4)dave c.
We have dined in some of the finest restaurants in the world, from Hong Kong to New York and last nights birthday dinner for the wife was one of the BEST meals we've ever had! The Abalone and The fig appetizer were to die for! We practically licked our plates clean with the warm bread. The seared scallops and the linguine with clams were fantastic. Topped the meal off with a Creme boule and we were in heaven. Chef Jason is the Bomb! Service was top notch and we couldn't have imagined a mo betta experience.
(5)Jody S.
I LOVE the fact that the Food Company offers a WIDE selection of veggie and seafood options. AND the food items are plentiful AND super ONO! Yummeee!! I've eaten their tofu katsu, furikake mahi, crab cakes and tofu tempura---ALL super delicious!! My kids also enjoy the teriyaki chicken and beef. Perfect for ALL types of tummies and all types of hunger pains.
(5)Amy K.
This place has a very cool concept: its a sit-down dining style restaurant, a stop & go cafe section and a garden/produce "market". I'm still trying to figure out their hours, but I know that they're closed on Mondays. The Market and the cafe have two different hours of operation I believe. The service on both sides is quick. I would have to say it is more friendlier and helpful on the dining side (its the side that looks not as cafeteria-like) which also has the market items (produce, etc). The meals are very gourmet looking and the prices for them are lower than I thought it would be. I think I got a dish there and it was around $12. There are also display cases of items to go if you're in a rush, like pre-made sandwiches, salads, antipastas and desserts. They also have shelves of fresh local produce, seed packets and herbs already growing. Its located in the Enchanted Lakes Shopping Center adjacent to Safeway Supermarket.
(5)Traci M.
Outstanding! Fresh farm-to-table produce, BYOB, and nuanced flavors right in the heart of Kailua. What could be better?
(5)Brian L.
Great local food and super friendly service. This is one of my son's favorite places. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can't go wrong here. The mochiko chicken bento and any one if their cakes or pies never fail to satisfy us. The staff are always friendly and make you feel like you're a long lost friend.
(4)A M.
Had a splendid dinner with friends recently. VERY good seafood dishes and superb desserts. The cafe side is low-key but intimate in its own way, including a great serving staff with the typical laid back (but attentive!) style of the state. Had a risotto dish that was near perfect, and the salad we shared at the table was very good. Make a reservation as not many tables and seems to be pretty full most days. My understanding is there aren't a ton of nice options in the area, but this certainly merits the drive from Honolulu.
(4)Danny C.
Let me be fair and start with saying that the food was definitely spot on quality, for the price I've had better deals but still pretty well worth the price for the quality of food, definitely a gem of a place and blows away the surrounding competition for food quality. so why the only 3 stars?! So the service was pretty slow but what totally got me twisted was the services. So I was bragging to some out of town guests how awesome hawaii people are and that the fact that we had an additional add on to our reservation of 4 would be no problem. We get there and the inital highschool waitress says no problem, but wait the head older highschool waitress basically shuts us down saying that it would cause too much clutter. what a bunch of bull! there was ton of space and it was real early but here is the real kicker, the add on was an acquaintence of this high schooler and THEN IT SUDDNELY BECAME OK to add one dumb chair. It's this kind of nepatistic retarded way of doing things that unfortunately pervades so much of hawaii society, down to school kids being taught this. That rather than doing a nice gesture she would rather not work harder and accomodate a group of customers on a week day. Huge dissapointment and it casted a shrowd over my meal.
(3)Alexandra L.
I'm hesitant to write a positive review because while I want to support this wonderful restaurant, I selfishly want to keep it a secret so I can have it all to myself. My husband and I LOVE eating here! We love the food, the smoked ahi dip, and the fact that they use local products when able. The only downside is that their prices have increased since they first opened and now we can't afford to eat there as often as we'd like to.
(5)Lynne H.
What is that place next to the Food Company in the Enchanted Lake Shopping Center? Why it's The Food Company Market and Cafe........Not to be confused with The Food Company which is right next door! Quite interesting......They have an amazing chef who prepares daily specials, and curries, a poke bar, and desserts to die for. They also have take out dishes (salads), produce, and potted herbs. This is the first time I've seen an organic green egg except when watching Martha Stewart''s.The homemade cookies looked tempting, but I opted for my favorite cupcakes.......Brandoncakes. It's a casual place to eat in or take out.. I bought myself a small barley salad though they do have large green salads, roasted beets, hummus, etc., etc. I ordered my husband ahi with vegetale ravioli and greens. The price was very reasonable for delicious gourmet fare. Hats off to the chef Jason Kiyota. Today (April 16, 2011) is their grand opening, and they are offering free samples from 11-2. I know I'm not doing this review justice so go and try it out for yourself!
(5)Jeremy G.
Superb! Everything starting with the server was truly outstanding! Smoked tuna with corn chips as a pupu comes on the house and surprised me and amazed me with perfect flavor. Kampachi was cooked exactly right with the sweet potato mash made for a happy pallet. The Dungeness crab Thai style was out of this world!! Portions were perfect with an app and bread it was more than enough. Got to meet the chef which is a good end to the meal. Bring your own wine, love this!! Decor was simple and not extravagant. Waiters were all very nice and could be a bit faster but if your drinking wine they had perfect timing. Will be going back often.
(5)Sabrina K.
The Food Company has become one of my perfect places for a take out order... on a lazy Saturday. The food is amazing and so is the staff. I don't know what the magic is about getting called "honey," but it instantly makes me feel so welcome and the food that much better. So far my favorite menu item is the salmon bento. Delish!!
(4)Leah Y.
I can assure you that as a preschool teacher, I have a lot of patience. However, my recent experience at The Food Company Market and Cafe definitely tested my patience (and ability to console the growling hunger monster in my stomach). On their specials menu it says that all of their dishes are made to order and are "never fast but always fresh". I can totally stand behind a restaurant that is dedicated to treating ingredients with respect and preparing dishes with care...but taking over an hour to prepare two entrees? I don't think so. Upon entering the restaurant on a Friday evening, it was clear that restaurant was busy, with most tables occupied. Our party was seated quickly at a table with water and wine glasses from a previous party, which is not a big deal considering they were busy. The server brought us menus, left, and came back to take our order before clearing the used tableware. Again, they were busy and he seemed like he was new to the job, so it wasn't a problem. The table was empty however (no utensils or napkins) when he brought our water so we pointed out to him that we needed some utensils. He was very nice and apologized and came back quickly with our napkins and utensils. We enjoyed the complimentary chips and dip as we waited for our entrees. There were two other parties sitting near us that seemed to be waiting for their entrees as well and about 20 minutes after we had ordered, the server came out to let us know that our dishes would be out next. "Hooray!", I thought. Ten minutes later I noticed that no dishes were coming out of the kitchen. We had not gotten our food and neither had the other tables around us. It does say "never fast but always fresh", I told myself. We continued to wait. After 45 minutes of waiting, I was getting concerned. There were still no dishes coming out of the kitchen and the servers seemed to be avoiding our table. I know that the servers have nothing to do with how fast the food comes out of the kitchen, so I wasn't blaming them, but couldn't they come and give us an update? Finally, after 50 minutes, a server was walking in our direction with two plates of food. He walked the food to a table near us and was setting the plates down when the couple told him that they had not ordered those items. Oops. The server apologized and another table that had been waiting called over to the server that those were their dishes. I was glad that at least someone was getting their food. That meant our food had to be coming soon, right? Wrong. The server came over and said that our food would be "right out" in about 10 minutes. He apologized and I could tell that he truly was sorry and he was trying his best. He asked if we would like some more chips and dip and brought it over to the table, along with more water. I zeroed in on our dishes coming out of the kitchen and towards the table after we had been waiting for them for a grand total of 65 minutes. I don't think I'm being unreasonable here but having to wait 65 minutes for 2 dishes is straight up ridiculous. I have to be fair and say that the food was excellently prepared. We had the salmon with couscous and red wine braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes. Very nice presentations and great flavors to be sure but am I willing to risk waiting over an hour to try something else? No thanks.
(2)Kevin T.
The roast turkey plate here is pretty good but the portion size is more like a mini plate:(
(3)Kristina D.
I can't say enough great things about this place. The fiancé and I arrived at 7:45 planning to order to go. The waiter assured us it was fine to come in and be seated, no need to take it to go. I had the shrimp an risotto (amazing) and the honey had the opah which was also delicious. You would think since it is all local food it would be more expensive but our meal was under 40. Service was stellar, everyone was very friendly. Also it is byob which is pretty cool. I would highly recommend anyone try this place out!!!
(5)Matt D.
Awesome food. Byob was great (Safeway is next door). Such good risotto and local prawns was to die for. Dessert is a must, especially if they have apple cobbler with rum raisins and vanilla ice cream. Our waiter, Davis, was excellent. Perfect service and gave us some great recommendations. Could not recommend this place more.
(5)Heidi P.
I have to give it 3 stars, I wanted to give it 4 or more after my friends raved about the food - but the service just killed it for me. The restaurant itself is very unassuming form the outside and it does not lend you to think you would be in a restaurant that has such great options to choose from. We had the Braised Short Ribs with Wok Steamed Claims and a Nalo Green Salad. I have to say the Shirt Ribs were super tender and the Gallic Mash Potatoes that came with it were good. The salad was fine and the claims were flavorful and served with crispy garlic bread. But the funny thing was that for the dishes themselves - they were OK good - soft ribs but the flavor was lacking. Flavorful claims but the portion was small and many of the claim shells were empty. Our server was very soft spoken and hard to understand - but nice. However we waited 20 minutes for the salad - which I thought was strange and then when we got our food it wasn't very hot - it was like it had sat out for a bit before getting to us. All the while the staff kept apologizing for the slow service - yet I just felt like they couldn't get it together, not that the kitchen was so back up. We even got a "sorry the service was so slow" written on our dining receipt with hearts drawn across it and an arrow pointing to the words "Come back again soon" underlined several times. As we exited the hostess shouted "come back again please". It was so weird to leave with such mixed feelings, a little disappointed in the food and the service and yet feeling bad for them that they already knew they were struggling in that area. I thought - isn't there a manager here that can coach them, but it was like they were all just trying to figure it out with no direction - I hope they do though, it would be great to go back and be pleasantly surprised.
(3)Kathy F.
Enjoy the breakfast, mahi mahi and the homemade tartar sauce is super ono. Ordered fried saimin for my son and the noodles were hard and very burnt, not very edible. Overall a great place, I still go all the time, just avoid the fried saimin
(4)L C.
We love the food here. The kampachi is excellent! And the abalone escargo is so delicious with the crusty french bread. YUM!!!! I agree with the other reviewers that the service is sometimes awful. It depends on which server you get. There needs to be better training. Sometimes, we would sit there and the waitresses would just stand around and not service you, just because it's not her table!!! They need lessons from Robert irvine of Food Network, "Restaurant Impossible!" Service is not only slow but sometimes unprofessional. Just lack of proper training. I gave it a four star instead of five mainly because of the poor service. You have to be very patient and have lots of time if you were planning to have dinner there. Some wait staff are very good but like I said, it depends on who you get.
(4)Richard H.
This place keeps improving every time I visit the restaurant. Chef Jason does an outstanding job in creating dishes that are nothing less than amazing! I just ordered the Dungeoness Crab in Yellow Thai Curry with red/Jasmine rice and it was outstanding! The crab was chopped into pieces with the Shell removed into a delectable sauce mixed with bits of crab meat. It was so tasty and paired so well with the red/Jasmine rice. This was a very different from Dungeoness crab from a Chinese restaurant. For Thai dishes, the focus is the curry or sauce, whereas, for the Chinese entree, the crab is the center of attention. The Thai Curry Dungeoness crab is a wonderful creation. I can't wait to order his next masterpiece!
(5)Lofa L.
We ended up sitting on this side of the cafe because the counter side was packed. After looking at their desserts we ended up buying a few cupcakes for the road. They were pretty good. The other items in the deli section looked great as well. The okinawan potato salad was calling me, but I just put away a huge fish plate so it will have to wait till my return visit. The menu had some great looking pastas and mussels as well. They also sell seeds for you to grow your own veggies at home and a small produce stand. I stocked up on some local bananas and made the trek back over the ko'olaus. Pretty dope concept indeed.
(4)Andy G.
Picked up a late lunch here and really enjoyed it. Chicken curry was great. Chicken was moist and the curry was just right; just a little heat but not too much. Chicken Katsu was good as well. Not too dry; cooked just right. Great to have this place in Kailua. Will definitely be back. Good job.
(4)Dara Y.
I walk by this place all the time and never went in until last night - can't believe I missed out on something so good for so long!!! The food was absolutely PHENOMENAL and most impressively (having been a waitress before) the staff really loves and is proud of the food they serve. VERY IMPRESSIVE menu with gourmet choices and love it that you can bring your own wine (no corkage fee and nice wine glasses - not junk!) Chef studied in Thailand so Thai-based flair to some of the offerings - can't wait to go back!!!
(5)M F.
The food company is the best! The service is always welcoming with aloha and the food is excellent. I have tried a number of their dishes and all of them are good, but I particularly enjoy their sandwiches (especially the one with turkey, avocado and cranberry) and soups. Their desserts are also tasty. Breakfast is amazing and a wonderful place to take friends to dine as well. I highly recommend this establishment. Only piece of advice is not to come here when you are in a rush because sometimes it can be pretty busy (but then again, it is probably just because this place is awesome!) If you are however on a time restriction- just order take out and it will be ready by the time you arrive. My only gripe would have to be the seating arrangements - the chairs are a little uncomfortable, but besides that - a winner in my book for sure! :)
(5)Hang B.
We enjoyed everything we had today. Such high quality food!
(5)Keahi S.
Food and service excellent. Had the dry ages rib eye. I love the fact that you can bring your own wine/beer.
(4)Lisa G.
Had dinner with a group of friends and enjoyed the food!!! We had a spread of appetizers; I think we had almost every item on the menu! My favorite were the clams. Our main dishes came and boy we could have split our dishes... I had no room for desert although someone said the cheesecake was great. The only reason I'm giving the 4 starts I'd because there was no A/C when we first got there and it was really uncomfortable. A few of the men stood outside to cool off. Not until an hour and a half later we felt it cooling down. The atmosphere was very relaxed and customer service was on it!
(4)Sunita B.
I dont usually review restaurants on yelp but this is such an awesome place I knew I just had to. My husband and I went here on our way to Lanikai beach. I ordered a veggie burger which was out of the world and the husband got a seared ahi tuna. The food was fresh and very tasty !! The restaurant is very casual and low key but the food was really good and the servers were very sweet as well.
(5)Dion G.
Was back in my hometown and discovered Food Companye the first morning I was there with a girlfriend. I mentioned it to my parents and they already had a catering order to an upcoming party...ha! The spinach/mushroom omelette was very delicious... The corn beef patty, (homemade), was too potatoey for me. The catering they did for Dad was outstanding! We will be back!
(4)Rob S.
This place has the best food on the island and the service is awesome as well. If you're visiting, this is a must do, highly recommended!!
(5)Karen D.
This is my new favorite fine dining place in Kailua! Chef Jason really impressed us tonight with fresh, (mostly) locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor profiles. Everything was prepared well and served with a casual but friendly approach. Servers were attentive and helpful. My husband and I tried the "December" chef's special, which is a complete meal for $26: appetizer, soup, salad, entree, side, and dessert. It sounds like a huge amount of food, and while we were full when we left, the portion sizes were such that we didn't stuff ourselves despite cleaning our plates. We started with an ahi dip appetizer that was different and delicious, with a smoky flavor and creamy texture. The clam chowder was excellent, with clams that were tender and tasty (not chewy and gritty like I've often had). My entree of seared scallops over a bed of curry quinoa was fab-u-lous. I could have licked the plate! The Nalo green salad was good, too. I polished off my meal with a piece of the almond cake, which is moist and scrumptious if you love almonds and almond extract flavor (I do). The taste was just like marzipan. The only major drawback of The Food Company Market and Cafe is the lack of ambiance. It's a low-budget dining room connected to a second Food Company restaurant that sells local style food/plate lunches at the counter. The hubub next door really detracted from the setting, and the little votive candle on our table didn't make up for it! Also, they are BYOB (but will charge you $2 per glass) and CASH ONLY. Still, I would absolutely recommend the "market and cafe" side of The Food Company and hope to return soon. In addition to serving lunch and dinner, the market and cafe offers take-away food; you can also book them for private events/catering. View their menu and specials at foodcompanykailua.com The Food Company Market and Cafe is located in the Enchanted Lake Shopping Center, in the strip mall diagonal from Safeway. Hours are Tue-Sat, 10am-8pm, closed Sunday and Monday. Yelp 365 Challenge #143/365
(4)Cherilyn I.
After a botched dinner reservation at Baci Bistro, The Food Company was able to take all 10 of us on a Saturday night! All of the food was amazing, particularly the Shrimp and Mushroom Risotto and their Red Wine Braised Shortribs. We even splurged and ordered all of the desserts on the menu, all of which were great. I had the creme brulee which was almost perfect--a little burnt in the middle, but it had a hint of fruity flavor and was not too "eggy." I only gave 4 stars because our waiter was a little inexperienced (he tried hard though) and the waitress that took his shift afterwards told us there was no more blueberry cheesecake, but as we walked out of the restaurant, there was blueberry cheesecake in the showcase. Otherwise, this is a little gem hiding in Enchanted Lake!
(4)Maile W.
Came here with my Godmother before she headed to work since I was visiting for the holidays and it was pretty good. Loved the wide selection of food. If I were to visit Hawai'i again, I'll defintely come back here.
(5)Liv K.
A bit confused when we walked in. There is a nice side and a divey side, we first were seated on the nice side...menu pricey but looked great. However, we were coming based on the reviews for the other side, so ended up ordering from the counter. It was friday, so plate lunch of lau lau & pork was great. Tempura shrimp received rave reviews from my son and my daughter enjoyed her bento.
(4)Kate R.
By George, I think they've got it. Enchanted Lakes REALLY needed a cute little restaurant -- and here it is. I've never really been that big of a fan of The Food Company -- they were never open when I tried to go -- but I stumbled across this place and was intrigued. Is it a fresh produce market? Or a grab 'n go cafe? Or a restaurant? It's all of the above! It's actually a little odd -- there's a LOT going on in there, and they're still clearly discovering what they'll specialize in -- but the food did not disappoint. And it was reasonably priced (just as inexpensive as The Food Company), AND you can BYOB. I had the smoked chicken after reading raving reviews of it - and yes, it was delish. I opted for it with the sweet potatoes and greens, and my hubs got a Pikikaula Reuben sandwich which even I liked. I didn't try dessert, as neither option was homemade -- but our server said that they change every few days and oftentimes they are made in house. I'll definitely be back. The whole meal set us back less than $30 - including wine. And, it was amazing.
(5)Ed C.
The best hidden gem in Enchanted Lakes. The tofu katsu is awesome and the baked goods are to die for. Fish specials always fresh and delicious. Ono grindz!!!
(5)Karina G.
BYOB, what a fantastic idea! The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food. We had the abalone (yeah, abalone) starter. OMG, perfect and so buttery, not tough. The braised short ribs were the favorites. We got the pasta and it was delicious. The service was also excellent. Out waiter was wonderfull and on it. He even kept our beers cold in the back and made sure we were never empty. This was the best place we ate at in Oahu during our whole stay. I wish we could come back.
(5)Annie K.
I honestly don't know what Bob C. Is talking about...he must be confused with another restaurant because there is NO WAY this food is mediocre!! Seriously! I love everything here. The service is always friendly and sweet :) even if they are a little busy :') Definitely worth a try if you're thinking about it.
(5)Z Z.
Went here today after reading the great reviews. Sadly, I was not impressed. Ordered the crabcake bento ($10.50) and a desert ($5) and paid over $16 with tax. Kind of expensive for a lunch. My crabcake bento came with rice, mochiko chicken, and a choice of teri beef or chicken (I got the chicken). Seemed like a good deal. The bento was served with a very very small portion of chicken and the crabcake was not fresh. It was also mostly breading and slivers of what may have been crab or imitation crab. While the crabcake wasn't horribly bad, I still wasn't impressed for the price they charge. There should be LUMP crabmeat in there. I think they charge over $7.00 for their crab cakes. The dipping sauce had more flavor than anything on my plate. The chicken was dry and cold to the touch, so obviously it didn't come straight from the fryer. Gross. My desert was a peach cream pie. It was ok, but not worth $5. Maybe $3 or $4. This place might have better food options, but I don't think I would return. Even though it is a sit in restaurant with servers, they don't wait the tables. Instead you order at the counter which causes a line to form that crowds the entrance way. It could be a long wait just to order your food. Bad set up. Why not just let the servers wait the tables and get tips. If you have the space for it, it makes more sense. I don't know why The Food Company "Market" (not a market in any sense of the word) has such rave reviews. Pretty disappointing.
(2)Rise D.
Regular Food Company might be better. I had the shrimp scampi which tasted good, but it also kind of tasted like the kind you make from a pre-packaged frozen shrimp and vegetable box from Costco. However, it was only $10 for a pretty good sized portion and came with salad. The workers were nice and kept asking how my friend and I were doing. It also felt like the AC was off, and it was a really hot day. I would probably return to try a couple of other things on the menu, but might also just stick to regular Food Company in the future.
(3)Sabrina B.
The chef..Jason..is such a nice guy. He makes the best chicken curry. That's the only thing I get there. It's got a hint of heat, a creaminess from the coconut milk, large pieces of lean chicken and tender-crisp vegetable. I deducted a star because I don't care for the cupcakes..they tasted like they are made from cake mix. They were dry and the frosting was way too sweet. Their other desserts are delicious but are a little pricey-- $5/piece. I'm a sucker because I buy them anyways :-)
(4)Timothy W.
The wife and I had brunch here, I had the fried rice bowl with teriyaki chicken and an egg over medium. Everything was cooked just right and was delicious. Prices are fair, seating was fine at 10AM but could become limited at peak hours. The staff was friendly and the environment was comfy casual. If you need a reasonably priced bite to eat give it a go.
(3)Margaret P.
Foodie Heaven in Enchanted Lakes??? Really, it is. This is what eating out should be.. high quality meals, with the luxury of bringing your own high quality wines without even a corkage fee. The secret is definitely out on this one, so I recommend going Tues - Thursday night when it is not so crowded (although always worth the wait). In reading the other reviews about service. The service: it is not a fast experience, but that works for me, when I eat out with friends, I like having the luxury of actually spending time with them. This is a small restaurant with limited staff, so you can always bring your own opener and wine and just relax. Great food is not fast. They are very generous with the smoked ahi dip and chips, and there is that wine........ If you are in a rush and just want good food to take home, pick something up at the market next store or call ahead and place an order for take out. For meat lovers the menu standard of the short ribs should not be missed. The lavender scented duck breast is a delight. I don't think you can ever go wrong with the fish on the menu or specials of the day. The risotto with langoustine shrimp and wild mushrooms is exquisite. Chef Jason is very creative and is always offering new and interesting ways of preparing, and presenting his dishes. I am usually inclined to try any of his specials. Last night I did the lamb medallions on the garlic mashed potatoes. Fantastic!!! They also have the most amazing curry dishes. The sides are always perfection. One of the best experiences was for a larger group (I think the minimum is 6), where the hostess worked with the Chef to design a custom menu, it was truly gourmet, excellent service, and simplified the process by having the bill pre-determined to avoid large party financial haggling.....a great experience. Again - would not recommend doing this on a weekend night. The Food Company Market and Cafe is located in the Enchanted Lake Shopping Center, in the strip mall diagonal from Safeway. Hours are Tue-Sat, 10am-8pm, closed Sunday and Monday. I do wish both the market and cafe would consider opening on Sunday. This part of town really needs these types of food options.
(5)Scott B.
Our favorite place in Kailua. Will not have guests come to town without taking them here. Have not had one thing that we did not like. Service is as good as the food. BYOB makes it even better. Go and enjoy!
(5)Amy G.
When you eat here, you should eat a couple appetizers 1st. Then eat your main course and then have a dessert. However, their food is awesome & the cupcakes are made each week.
(5)Jason G.
Just had a simple stir fried veggie and tofu dish. It was excellent. Lots of locals which is usually a good sign. Looks like a great breakfast place.
(4)Allyson S.
I was a bit disappointed with dinner tonight. The ravioli was cold and the salmon was mushy. Must have been frozen, not fresh. Service was good.
(2)Mercedes F.
I'm so clueless I ddn't even realize that there was a cafe that opened next to Food Company. I had to check it out. How refreshing! Fresh food, locally grown veggies, etc. It felt like I was visiting a fresh farmer's market. The baked goods are pleasing to the eye, as well as fabulous for the tummy! Chef Jason Kiyota can always be seen by the counter prepping food. His menu varies. He's studied in Thailand, but comments that he enjoys making mediterranean food. What is Mediterreanean food? I had no clue, so for my husband's birthday I had the chef create his own menu of food fo us to try! W.O.W. Talk about killer food. My husband's not a picky eater, but he definitely appreciates good food. The other couple that joined us have some pretty high standards since they've lived all over and they were quite impressed with the food! The Food Company Market and Cafe was a big hit and we're excited to eat there again!!!
(4)Joseph A.
This was a nice clean healthy place to have lunch!
(4)Tad N.
Read the reviews and decided to give it a try. Was very happy with both the food and the service. Wife had the braised short ribs and I had the cioppino. We finished the dinner with the apple cobbler. This is one of the best restaurants in Kailua. Would definitely go there again. To top it off they accept the IDcard and give a 10% discount...they said its 15% on weekdays.
(4)Lee S.
Great food, value, and reasonable portions. No leftovers! Highly recommended. I had the braised short ribs, my wife had the salmon and mushroom ravioli.
(5)Rochelle U.
I now have a favorite cafe in Kailua. Fresh local ingredients, all prepared by Chef Jason. Food is just delish! Our party of 9 was not disappointed. We had called in advance and they had a table set for us and served us family style. Good thing too, otherwise folks would have been disappointed NOT to have tried the other dishes. Salmon with couscous was succulent, wine braised short ribs with amazing gravy and yummy Okinawan mashed potatoes was fork tender, and the smoked chicken on quinoa was to die for. If you appreciate fresh local ingredients being transformed into healthy entrees, this place will not disappoint you. Neither will their prices.
(5)