The Most Creative Food in Hawaii
Leave your expectations behind because the food you’ll have at MW Restaurant is like no other.
Certain dishes may sound familiar, but don’t be fooled. The owners, Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka, both worked at the Island favorite Alan Wong’s restaurant long enough to put their spin on his classic Hawaiian dishes. Take their ahi poke which, instead of the usual bowl of cubed fish, is presented on a long plate with chunks of uni and crunchy rice crackers. The flavors resemble the original dish, but the presentation is certainly unexpected.
The restaurant’s creativity best shines in its appetizers, like the crispy arancini balls filled with creamy bits of eel. Order a bunch to share with your table. Diners will be comfortable with one entrée each, but they may want to order more than one so they can try more off the menu. It’s hard to pick a bad meal.
Make a full night out of it by starting out at the bar. While paired down, their wine list has many good bottles. Their cocktails utilize the area’s exotic ingredients.
Service is a bit slow for a business dinner, but the servers are attentive. Be sure to close the night with (at least) one of the restaurant’s impressive desserts. Last year their pastry chef was a semi-finalist for the James Beard Awards. The presentation will stick with you long after your Kula Strawberry “Shave Ice” as disappeared.
Take advantage of the valet parking. The restaurant is a destination for foodies and locals, but it’s not within walking distance of the major hotels.
Menu Highlights:
Unagi and Butterfish Arancini, Seafood Gumbo, Kurobuta Pork Chop, and Kula Strawberry “Shave Ice.”
| Address | 1538 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Ste. 107, Honolulu |
| Website | mwrestaurant.com |
| Phone | 808-955-6505 |
| Hours | M-Th 10:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m., F 10:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sa 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Su 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. |
| Entrees | $26-$60 |
| Great For (size) | 2-10 people |
| Notable | Hawaiian Regional |
| Attire | Business Casual, Islandware |
| Atmosphere | Modern |
| Reservations | Highly Recommended |
Dining Out on an Expense Account 