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# 220 Grille – Culinary Excellence at Kapiolani Community College, Affordable Gourmet Dining in Honolulu, Student-Run Restaurant

220 Grille is a unique dining experience located at Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu, HI. This student-run restaurant offers an array of gourmet dishes prepared by culinary students, providing them with hands-on experience while delivering exceptional meals to patrons. Established to support the college's culinary program, 220 Grille has garnered positive reviews for its delicious food, reasonable prices, and beautiful ocean views. The restaurant operates during limited hours, making it a sought-after spot for lunch, especially among locals and students. With a commitment to using local ingredients, 220 Grille not only serves as a learning platform but also as a community favorite for quality dining.

## History
### The story of 220 Grille
220 Grille was founded as part of Kapiolani Community College's culinary program, aimed at providing students with practical experience in a real-world restaurant setting. The vision was to create a space where culinary students could showcase their skills while offering the community high-quality, affordable dining options. This initiative not only benefits the students but also enriches the local dining scene in Honolulu.

### Milestones and growth
- **Establishment**: Opened as a student-run restaurant to support KCC's culinary program.
- **Menu Evolution**: The menu changes each semester, allowing students to experiment with new dishes and techniques.
- **Renovation**: Recently renovated to enhance the dining experience with improved ambiance and seating arrangements.
- **Community Engagement**: Grown in popularity, attracting a loyal customer base from both the college and the surrounding community.

### Cultural and local influence
220 Grille has become a cultural staple in Honolulu, reflecting the local culinary landscape by emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant not only serves as a dining venue but also as a community hub, fostering connections between students and locals. Its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing resonates with the values of the Hawaiian community, making it a beloved establishment.

### Continuing the tradition
As 220 Grille continues to thrive, it remains dedicated to its founding principles. The restaurant provides a platform for students to learn and grow in their culinary careers while maintaining a focus on quality and affordability. This tradition of excellence ensures that both the students and the community benefit from the restaurant's offerings.

## Community
### Community involvement
220 Grille actively engages with the local community, encouraging patrons to support the culinary students. The restaurant often hosts events that highlight local ingredients and culinary traditions, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Additionally, patrons are encouraged to donate to the culinary program, further supporting the students' education and experiences.

### Community notion about the place
The community views 220 Grille as a hidden gem, where diners can enjoy gourmet meals at student-friendly prices. Many locals appreciate the restaurant for its commitment to quality and the opportunity to support aspiring chefs. The positive reviews highlight the restaurant's role in promoting local talent and providing a unique dining experience that is both affordable and delicious.

### Events and gatherings
220 Grille hosts various events and gatherings throughout the year, often centered around culinary themes or local ingredients. These events not only showcase the students' skills but also bring the community together, allowing patrons to engage with the culinary program. The restaurant's limited hours encourage diners to plan their visits, often leading to bustling lunch crowds eager to enjoy the latest offerings.

## Offerings
### What 220 Grille offers
220 Grille provides a diverse menu that changes each semester, reflecting the culinary students' creativity and the availability of local ingredients. The restaurant focuses on delivering high-quality dishes at affordable prices, making gourmet dining accessible to everyone. With a commitment to excellence, the culinary students prepare a range of dishes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at 220 Grille is casual yet refined, with a focus on quality and presentation. Patrons can enjoy a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts, all crafted by the students. The restaurant's commitment to using local ingredients enhances the flavors and freshness of each dish, making every meal a delightful experience. The ambiance, complemented by ocean views, adds to the overall enjoyment of dining at 220 Grille.

### Events and packages
220 Grille offers special events and themed dining experiences throughout the year, allowing patrons to explore different culinary styles and techniques. These events often feature guest chefs or focus on specific cuisines, providing a unique opportunity for diners to expand their culinary horizons. Additionally, the restaurant may offer catering packages for special occasions, showcasing the students' talents beyond the restaurant setting.

### Facilities and features
- Indoor and outdoor seating with ocean views
- Newly renovated dining area for enhanced ambiance
- Takeout options available for convenience
- Seasonal menus that highlight local ingredients
- Community engagement through events and donations

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of 220 Grille consistently highlight the quality of food, affordability, and the unique experience of dining at a student-run restaurant. Many patrons express their appreciation for the culinary students' efforts and the delicious meals they create. However, some reviews mention challenges such as limited parking and the restaurant's restricted hours of operation.

### Compliments and strengths
- **Quality of Food**: Diners rave about the high quality of dishes, often comparing them to those found in established restaurants.
- **Affordability**: The prices are considered very reasonable, especially for the quality of food offered.
- **Community Support**: Many patrons appreciate the opportunity to support local students and their culinary education.
- **Ocean Views**: The scenic views enhance the dining experience, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a meal.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While the food quality receives high praise, some diners note that the service can vary, as students are still learning. Additionally, the limited hours of operation may deter some potential customers. However, those who make the effort to visit often leave with positive experiences and a desire to return.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, 220 Grille stands out as a unique dining destination in Honolulu. Its combination of quality food, affordability, and community involvement makes it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. While there are some challenges, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a delicious meal while supporting aspiring chefs.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
220 Grille is located at 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816, nestled within the Kapiolani Community College campus. The restaurant is conveniently situated near popular attractions such as Diamond Head State Monument, where visitors can enjoy hiking and breathtaking views. The surrounding area is rich in cultural and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for those exploring Honolulu. The restaurant's location also provides easy access to local beaches and parks, enhancing the overall experience of visiting the area.

## FAQs
**What are the operating hours of 220 Grille** The restaurant is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm.
**Is there parking available at 220 Grille** Yes, there is parking available on campus, but it can be limited during peak hours.
**Can I make reservations** Reservations are not accepted; seating is first come, first served.
**Are tips accepted at 220 Grille** No, students are not allowed to accept tips, but donations can be made to support the culinary program.
**Is takeout available** Yes, takeout options are available for those who prefer to enjoy their meals elsewhere.

## Visit 220 Grille Today
If you're looking for an exceptional dining experience in Honolulu, 220 Grille is the place to be. With its commitment to quality, affordability, and community support, this student-run restaurant offers a unique opportunity to enjoy gourmet meals while supporting aspiring culinary professionals. The beautiful ocean views and delicious dishes make it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Don't miss the chance to experience the culinary talents of Kapiolani Community College's students—plan your visit to 220 Grille today!

bd16e15f-9f1f-43ca-ad95-db50cd3c5fcc

Great lunch options and great value. Support the culinary students at KCC! Currently located in Ohia building.

939314a9-de8b-43b6-afb8-45b253df78dd

Pre-COVID Review: This was my favorite place to eat while at KCC. The student chefs cooked delicious meals at an affordable price. You can get 3 to 4 star like meals for half the cost. The students were the servers and chefs at this student run restaurant. It was a great learning experience for them and a delicious foodie experience for me! My favorite thing to eat here were their desserts and the pot roast with mashed potatoes. The pot roast was always tender, cut through like butter and I loved the gravy on it. It was my comfort meal before and after any exams I would have on campus to treat myself. The service is good, the students try their best to be helpful and give excellent service but they're still learning. So sometimes mistakes can be made but they're quick to fix it. Their meats and seafood is always tender, moist and well seasoned. Their desserts aren't too sweet but still have the chocolate and delicious sweetness of desserts we all enjoy. Thank you for the delicious meals and grear service! I would totally recommend dining here to support our local students trying to make it in the restaurant industry. Thank you for all the good food!

883bd737-1316-489a-8d59-f8dd15f1e5cd

Great lunch place in Oahu! Reasonable for the high quality of dishes, because KCC Culinary students does great job!! LOVE that they use mostly local ingredients!! If you can make a time for very limited business hours, recommend you to try here!

0d740f71-fa73-429a-8113-f48411de9aae

I love coming here for lunch to support KCC's culinary program which is only open at certain times of the year. My coworkers and I were able to dine in the newly renovated dining hall which has more tables. They also got rid of the dining bar and outside patio but kept the beautiful view of the shoreline. The flooring and lighting are much brighter and cheery than before. I also enjoyed the cute plants on the table. Now the important part: the food is still great! I had the beef burger with tons of mushrooms and sweet potato fries. It was juicy and delicious! I wish there were more fries though and some ketchup or dipping sauce on the side. I think it was supposed to come with pickles but I think it was missing. Anyways, it was a steal at only $9. My coworkers also had the famous steak calamari with creamy mashed potatoes. Always a favorite of mines. They also have blue zone dishes too that sound tasty. Make sure that you come when they open at 11am or you'll have trouble getting a seat. It also looks like you can order takeout again. Also if you eat in and want to order an entree to go, make sure you order it in the beginning. My coworker ordered something to go in the middle of our meal but she had to cancel it because it wasn't ready (we waited for more than 10 minutes after eating) and we had to get back to work. There is also a table with local products such as mochi chips and granola for sale. Great, quality food for a great price! I'm always excited to see what's on their menu.

0205ab9d-1b53-4ef8-89d0-374e43a4e625

It took my coworker about a year to convince me to try this restaurant out. I usually don't need much convincing when it comes to food; I like trying new things but 220 Grille is a restaurant run by Kapiolani Community College's culinary students and is next to their cafeteria. First of all, we work nowhere near KCC; second, I didn't exactly like the idea of being a food guinea pig for the college students. My coworker didn't give up. He kept raving about it and he actually convinced a bunch of us to go. So I finally agreed to take the 20 minute drive away from work during lunch and pay for a meal made by students. Guess what...I'm impressed! PARKING | It sucks. The college students have a hard time finding parking as it is and there aren't too many parking stalls near the restaurant. HOURS | The operating hours are lame. They're only open during lunch from 11:00 am - 12:45 pm Tuesday - Friday I know, I know...two negatives so far but everything else is worth it. Trust me! AMBIANCE | The restaurant itself is really simple, minimal decorations and basic wooden tables and chairs. There is both indoor and outdoor seating and if you sit outside or near the window, you get a pretty good view of the ocean. The restaurant is very casual and most of the patrons are students. CUSTOMER SERVICE | The employees are very polite and helpful. Our server, Spencer gave his recommendations and was very informative. Some of our food came out very quickly while a couple of the dishes took a long time. FOOD | Impressive. Just freakin' impressive for food made by students. Their food can easily compete with other well-established restaurants and straight up blow the competition out of the water with their low prices. The appetizers are small and are good for two people. Although the portions were small, I can't complain-the appetizers cost $4 each! I tried 3 different ones and my favorite is the fried calamari. The calamari is seasoned with furikake and made the flavor perfect. I had the dry rub barbeque chicken with mac and cheese and a quinoa salad for my main dish. The chicken was covered in really good barbeque sauce and the mac and cheese was on point. I'm usually not a fan on quinoa but it had a good mixture of veggies and it was actually pretty darn good. For dessert, my coworkers and I each ordered something different and I was able to try a little bit of everything. My two favorites are the Strawberry Shortcake Biscuit and the Okinawan Sweet Potato Cheesecake. The cream filling mixed with fresh strawberries was perfect for their freshly made biscuit that was drizzled in honey. If you're a fan of both cheesecake and Okinawan sweet potato, you'll enjoy their dish. The cheesecake wasn't heavy like most cheesecake and the sweet potato was perfect and didn't overpower the dessert. PRICE | Two thumbs up! I had a three course meal and paid only $16 for really good food! Most of their appetizers are $4, entrees average $8 and dessert is about $4. Winning! It's apparent that Kapiolani Community College runs an outstanding culinary program. The taste and quality of the food was amazing and at great prices, I don't see why these students would have a hard time starting a culinary career. I'm happy that KCC allows the students to showcase their skills and share their talents with us. My tummy is extremely grateful for that! P.S. The students aren't allowed to accept tips but there's a donation box at the front with the cashier. All donations go towards the culinary program.

1768cdca-deb5-4bc1-bc57-88139ebcb603

It amazes me that Kapiolani Community College (KCC) has better dining options than UH Manoa. If I worked at KCC, I'd dine here everyday. Enter 220 Grille and the first thing that will catch your eye is the ocean view. It is absolutely gorgeous, even though the ocean is in the distance. The menu changes every semester, and they usually post the current menu on their website, so if you are like me and like to plan out your meal ahead of time, check their website for the menu, and check YELP and their Facebook page for pics of their current offerings. Also check to be sure they will be open because they close during school breaks and holidays. On their current menu, the Yankee style short ribs is a sure winner. The meat is super tender, you need not use your knife to cut it. For dessert, you must try Chef Eddie's Vanbanna Pie. Prices are very reasonable ($8-9 for an entree; desserts are $3-4) and the servers really aim to please. You can park on campus for free so long as you don't park in the zones reserved for faculty/staff (look for the signs). There are a few stalls reserved for restaurant guests in the back of the building (diamond head side if campus). Service is first come first serve. Take out is available! No tipping is allowed since this is a laboratory for culinary students.

2ce5b785-5859-456c-b545-e2eba6326bc5

Okay, so this review is tempered by the fact that this is a student lab restaurant. So some things I would be more critical of normally I'm willing to let slide. Having said that, the servers we had today were very good. We had a variety of "small" plates. Don't believe the small part. I ordered two "small" plates and was totally stuffed and still had half a dish to take home. ST had the burger (which looked lovely) and the taco salad. I had the Chicken boule (pronounced bool) which was like a chicken pot pie but in a sourdough bread ball. It was very nice, and I probably would have liked it a lot more if I hadn't also had the Garganelli house-made pasta, sautéed with diced taro, kale, Ho Farm tomato, garlic, Italian sausage, and Sicilian pesto, which was exquisite. This restaurant is a real gem, but it's not always easy to get a seat. It's only open during certain modules and the menu changes with every module, so if there's something you like, don't expect it to be there next time. The doors open at 11:00 a.m. and it fills up fast, so the best advice I have for you is, "go early and go often!"

93a80984-b2a6-4100-b706-aec0ac890790

Beautiful view!!! The restaurant can be a little tricky to find, but it is towards the Great Lawn. I found out while I was there that the is a parking lot for the restaurant. The restaurant is hosted by a culinary class, so the students/staff are very attentive. Super nice and accommodating. Food/Beverages The plantation ice tea comes fresh brewed and unsweetened. They offer simple syrup to sweeten it up. Loco Moco was yummy. Perfect white rice, large beef patty and gravy on point. $9 Chicken Boule- sort of like a pot pie, but a bowl made of flaky croissant dough. Sooo yummy! $7!! Loco Moco with cornbeef hash patty over mash potatoes. Soooooo good!! Cheeseburger- it wasn't mine, but it was truly gourmet and was devoured by our big eater. Chocolate mousse cake was divine. All in all, the food is amazing and very affordable. Will definitely go again!

f563fbc8-96ca-4d4c-84e3-7558f8e16772

Wonderful place to stop if visiting Oahu :) can hike diamond head then stop here after for lunch :) affordable pricing for gourmet entrees $4-9 :) plus supporting the KCC culinary programs Great views of diamond head and koko head :)

f5786f2c-51f2-478a-9b95-576d3a8a2d49

FINALLY got to 220 Grille on the last day of this session...Been meaning to try this venue for years, but never had the time (working) until today! Tried the catch-of-the-day (succulent opah!) over creamy risotto with edamame, spicy radish sprouts, fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese! ONO! With a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, the dish was perfect, no need for salt or shoyu or any other seasoning. And the various textures made the eating interesting! Got to have dessert! So I finished lunch with Chez Lauren's Chocolate Decadence Cake. Even in a cardboard take-out tray, it was delicious, especially with the coffee cream and tart, fresh raspberries and mint. Ah, food happiness! Woo hoo!

Discover 220 Grille in Honolulu for a memorable dining experience. Savor delicious cuisine in a vibrant setting. Book your table now for an unforgettable meal.

220 Grille in Honolulu - Memorable Dining Experience

Honolulu

220 Grille

Honolulu County

Enjoy exquisite cuisine at 220 Grille in Honolulu, HI. Savor fresh seafood and stunning ocean views. Book your table now for a memorable dining experience!

220 Grille, Honolulu - Unique Dining Experience with Ocean Views

Learn about 220 Grille in Honolulu, HI. Discover our culinary philosophy, chef, and what makes us a top dining spot near Diamond Head. Visit us today!

About 220 Grille, Honolulu - Premier Restaurant on Diamond Head Rd

Opening hours for 220 Grille, Honolulu, HI. Find opening hours for 220 Grille, Honolulu on 4303 Diamond Head Rd.

220 Grille Menu Overview

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