MW Restaurant Wade Ueoka Michelle Karr-Ueoka MW Restaurant THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS MW Restaurant

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS MW Restaurant Awards

Chefs Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka highlight local produce, meat and seafood at this Honolulu restaurant.
Openings: Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly

Features

  • Valet parking
  • Dress code: Casual dressy
  • Full bar
THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS MW Restaurant, Honolulu, HI


THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS MW Restaurant Restaurant Review:


Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka, both alums of Alan Wong's Honolulu, are behind MW Restaurant, tucked in a nondescript building off Kapiolani Avenue. While the dining room itself is rather simple, the menu takes local tastes and turns them into special occasion fare, ideal for sharing family-style. Highlights include the pressed Jidori chicken and an ahi poke that stands out in a town full of ahi pokes, with the inclusion of pieces of uni, ikura and rice crackers. For entrées or larger plates, try the mochi-crusted opakapaka or the "Oxtail Stew and Rice," a stuffed oxtail roulade over a beef stew risotto --- with the garnishes of peanuts, cilantro and ginger, this really becomes a grown-up version of the homey Asian classic oxtail soup that is popular island-wide. It's not uncommon to see guests order one of each of the frequently changing desserts just to get a taste of Michelle's fanciful and often deconstructed creations; we recommend the Kula strawberry cheesecake dressed up with li hing and ume-filled strawberries. Diners are often sent home with a sweet parting gift in the form of a mini ice cream sandwich or a delicate cookie from the kitchen. Cocktails (including non-alcoholic versions) can incorporate local ingredients. Try the Aviation Garden, where grape tomatoes, shiso and white balsamic produce light, bright flavors paired with Aviation gin. We also like the Speyside Spice, which enhances Glenlivet 12-year with a touch of Lehua honey and chili pepper water. Look out for happy hour specials at the bar.