FORC Restaurant - Waimea, Hawaii

Cora

My favorite meal on the big island! The Korean Braised Beef Rib was delicious. And everyone in our party loved what they got, so you can't go wrong.

denise F.

We had a great time for Happy Hour with some friends we met. Our server Hannah was very nice, answered all my questions about drinks and food. She was busy behind the bar making up drinks for the evenings popular drinks. In the bar area is a television where you can catch a ballgame and enjoy Happy Hour that begins at 3:00pm. Dinner hour begins at 4:30 and can be served in their dining rooms which are very charming. From the Happy Hour menu I got soup of the day - portugués bean soup pretty interesting and good, a tomato base soup, parmesan fries and the sandwich. All were delicious. We would love to make it back for dinner!!

Matt M.

Leaves much to be desired for the price. Chef is incapable of cooking steak as ordered. Photo is “very very well done”. Ambience was absolutely appalling! They had a comedian providing crude adult jokes and discussing vomit, asking if “everyone is drunk yet?” The entire room was horrified. This is what I expected at a comedy club where I’m eating a $10 hotdog, not a $55 undercooked steak and wine. An absolute fail. Will never ever visit this place again! They need to decide if this is a fine dining restaurant or not. $200 for terrible food and appalling atmosphere. Wait staff are amazing though, I do not fault them in the slightest. PS Out of kindness I emailed them 2 weeks ago about my experience and they didn’t bother to respond. It’s clear they don’t care, and have zero desire to make anything right. So here goes the public review.

Eys K.

In an area teeming with over-priced resort restaurants that provide soulless food exploiting ignorant tourists, this restaurant provides rare and much- appreciated value. As we entered the restaurant, we got warmly welcomed by the staff amidst the buzz and hum of activity on a Saturday night. I recommend reserving a spot ahead of time, as this place appeals to both locals and visitors. The levels of the music volume remained at the perfect volume that stimulated and encourages people to converse, which resulted in an organic and authentic vibe. People seems to generally enjoy gathering here. Me and my spouse noticed that many patrons seems to know each other and many a handshake and hug got exchanged...as a visitor, it warmed my heart to know that we happened upon a place that the community clearly valued enough to continue supporting.

The menu described the items in a very straightforward manner, dispensing with overly florid descriptions for accuracy and honesty in the ingredients and the fashion that Chef Hess chose to prepare them. We started with a beet salad that balanced all elements beautifully to start the meal. I saw a table near me eating the lettuce wraps (a menu item I normally avoid) that looked strangely tantalizing. I flagged down the server and placed an order as I felt compelled to try it. The lettuce wraps provided ample short rib meat offset by the crispness of the lettuce. We ordered the butterfish and the lau lau. Chef Hess diligently made rounds and took effort to welcome us and strike up a conversation amid a full house of patrons on a Saturday evening. He genuinely made us feel welcome, despite us being tourists who might never return to this area. As the food came out (promptly), we immediately could tell the quality of the meal we soon got to savor. As I must keep this review under 2000 characters, I shall simply remark that this type of restaurant exists as our kind of place. Thank you, Chef Hess, for providing us a wonderful experience.

Michael B.

Our server was fantastic! She did a mic drop on our friend Tim regarding ABC. Lol! The food and drinks were excellent! We'll be back again.

P L.

Had a great experience here. The staff were friendly, flexible, and accommodating with our party, which had to reschedule and adjust group size a few times.

I was very happy with the food. Every dish we had was grounded in tradition but exhibiting tasteful innovations. Altogether a delicious execution of the farm-to-table style.

I'm sure the tasty cocktails and colorful platings contributed to the atmosphere, which I found elegant but not stuffy. If I had the chance I would love to come back to try their menu again as the seasons change.

Z H.

The food at Forc is both high quality, a true culinary experience, and you will leave feeling full! Every time I go it is truly a special occasion and dining experience. The staff are friendly and work to make sure you're taken care of even on hectic nights for them. Chef Hess is amazing and super welcoming. They have elevated the standard of fine dining on Hawaii Island. If you show up on a busy night and have to wait for people to leave so they can clear tables, don't get upset, it is always so worth the wait.

Avlan

Nice place with friendly staff. Food was delicious. Our steaks were undercooked, which wasn't a problem since they gladly recooked them when asked. Drinks were amazing as well.