The Pearl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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