Formaggio Grill

The main purpose of this review is simple: To debunk aimlesswander's (ALW for short) short sighted review of a fantastic restaurant. Formaggio's is a good place to enjoy great food, great service, a great wine selection, and to meet new people. \r \r The snotty reference to ""communal cafeteria style seating"" is incredibly ignorant and tells me that ALW isn't very well traveled. The owners were obviously going for the European style 'communal' seating that invites you to meet and talk with new people OR host small events. This is a very traditional theme going back many centuries throughout Europe. \r \r ALW's reference to the ""unimaginative and typical menu"" is also misplaced. I'm not aware of many other places on this island (which lacks it's own imagination) that has anything close. If one does, the dishes are not as good as Formaggio's. His many insults to the menu make me question if he is an owner or manager of one of many competitors in the area that Formaggio's is taking business from.\r \r One last item of note: If you felt crowded at Formaggio's it's cause it's a very popular and very busy place. That's why it's in the middle of expanding into the next part of the building. :) Pros: menu, service, food, ambience Cons: limited parking, a bit pricey more

There's been quite a buzz in Kailua about this new restaurant, ranging from elation to frustration. I would frequent the Market City Formaggio very regularly. There is no doubt that the wine selection is impressive in both locations. Yet, there was never much fanfare about the food at Market City. But who went for food anyway? In Kailua, the atmosphere was rich warm, and seemingly inviting with good lighting. Till you realize the communal cafeteria style seating. There was certainly no risk in the unimaginative and typical menu. The lobster bisque was thick instead of being velvety smooth. It also lacked the intense flavor other notable bisques have. I struggled to taste the crab in the crab cake that came soggy. Clams were very tasty, yet nothing I haven't had better somewhere else (an occurring theme to the menu). Still the RARE highlight must be the foie gras, it was very close to perfect. Seared delicately on the outside and exploding with juicy flavor inside! Bruschetta, well its bruschetta, exciting? No. Good? Sure. For dessert, our flour-less chocolate cake didn't have much personality? Like having another darn creme brule pulled out of the fridge (which also was on the menu). Moreover, EVERYTHING CAME ALL AT ONCE and got cold immediately. Yes its a grill but i hope thats not an excuse to dump food as it may. Bruschetta soggy, soup thick and getting thicker, tell me is there anything less appetizing then clammy cold clams. Lastly try juggling 14 small plates and glasses on a literally 20 inch plank of wood, ridiculous! Cramp and impersonal with bad flow to the food. Yet, hearing every personal detail about the lives of the dinners right on top of you is kinda personal. In the end, the food is expensive, but good, the wine speaks for itself, service was prompt without being pushy, and the food is a bit above typical. If you can get over the noisy crowed pub with fancy fancy food feeling, at a hight than normal price point, then Formaggio will delight! more