Food was great. However one thing to consider is that the portions are on the small side. I'd consider this place more of a small plate, heavy appetizer restaurant. Service was really good, and the cocktails were tasty. Pricey but well worth it. read more

Little Plum offers a lively yet elegant ambiance over deliciously unique local Asian comfort food. Their Spicy Miso Eggplant was full of umami and flavor, and their Mushroom Jook was like nothing I've ever had before (and the shoyu egg on top was AMAZING). The Kalbi Shortrib Bao had melt-in-your-mouth shortrib with tangy kimchee inside, which made for the perfect little bite. My favorite was the Crispy Pork Belly, which was probably the best pork belly I've ever had in a long time. Vibe: The restaurant has many tables, perfect for get-togethers with family and friends or other celebrations. You can see the chefs cooking from most seating in the restaurant, which added a nice touch to the dining experience. The servers are all very attentive and friendly. Parking: Mānoa Marketplace offers lots of free parking in their large parking lot, although it does tend to get crowded during lunch. read more

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Returned this time for a brunch and it did not disappoint! We ordered the Kalbi Bao, Miso Eggplant, Pork Belly, Catch of the Day (Opah), Mushroom Jook, and the Menchi Katsu. Everything was delicious but my favorites were the Kalbi Bao and the Pork Belly dish, which is more like a watercress salad with crispy pork belly. The service was top-notch. We ordered family style and each of the main courses we ordered came with rice and they brought out all of these out at the same time so that we could have it with all of the other dishes - great attention to detail. We were also celebrating a birthday so they brought out complimentary matcha lemonades with a candle for a birthday cheers. read more

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This was my first time visiting this restaurant and I want to start with the customer service , it was A++. We went there for dinner and it was busy, but the customer service was A1. The decor was simple yet cute, down to the tables Ave chair arrangement. Let's get to the food, the bao buns were every dish was full of flavor and the combinations were crazy. The churros were soooo good. I highly recommend read more

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This place has been on my list to try for a while, and I finally came here last week with my friend to celebrate my belated birthday. We sat towards the back near the bar and bathroom, which was nice because it was very cozy and private. The restaurant space isn't too large, but just cozy enough that it isn't overwhelming. Since it was my first time, our server took the time to explain the menu to us. They are also celebrating their upcoming second anniversary, so they have a special menu for the occasion. After hearing some recommendations, we decided to order: Enoki Beef Rolls, Crispy Wonton, Garlic Shrimp, Mushroom Jook, and Crispy Pork Belly. For drinks, I ordered the Haku (non-alcoholic), and my friend ordered the "little cocktail" Tiny Victories. I loved my drink! I tried my friend's cocktail, which I would describe as tiny but mighty! All of the food was very tasty, but my favorites include the crispy wonton and mushroom jook. The wonton tasted like oxtail soup wrapped in a fried wonton, just as the server described. The mushroom jook was the most flavorful jook I've ever tasted. It was jam-packed with umami flavors, and the ginger flavor was heavily present. I found the dishes to be on the smaller portion size, which is why we ordered many items. They were all shareable, so you can taste a little of everything. For dessert, we decided to share the mochi churros. These were so good! Perfectly fried churros with mochi flour that added a chewy middle, then dipped in the kinako dipping sauce. They added a candle in a beautiful dish for my birthday. Very thoughtful! Throughout our evening, we had several different servers help us - either pour more water in our glasses, take our dishes away, or serve our dishes with a detailed description. All of the staff were very knowledgeable about EVERY dish on the menu. It felt like a family in how everyone took care of us and stepped in when they saw we needed something. I haven't had this type of service at a restaurant in a while, so I was pleasantly surprised. Overall, it was excellent service and delicious food! All the staff were very friendly from the minute we sat down until the very end of the night (three hours later!), when one of the chefs waved goodbye to us. What started as a good meal became an exceptional experience thanks to the incredible staff! I will definitely return with my family! Happy Eating! read more

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Honestly pretty bummed to give this place 3 stars because I was really excited to try it and the staff was super nice and helpful! The food unfortunately was underwhelming for me and pretty pricey. The stars of my meal were my ume/guava drink and the mochi churros (tasted like the delicious ones I've had in Mexico city). The jook was too peppery for me. The duck in the fried rice was great but didn't love the other ingredients in the fried rice itself. Wasn't impressed with the kalbi bao or the ume tomato. read more

Little Plum - Ume tomato and kalbi bao - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Little plum is a discrete restaurant located in Manoa and is tucked behind a playground set in the Manoa Marketplace. We were all eagerly anticipating this restaurant since it was on all our lists of must try places in Honolulu. The restaurant is decent sized and looks very modern. It seemed like more of a local spot with a few tourists. We had the following: Tomato salad with whipped soft tofu (3/5) the tomatoes were sweet and a nice balance with soft tofu Eggplant (4.5/5) was the best dish and we polished it off quickly. The flavors were on point and eggplant cooked perfectly Tempura (2/5) epic fail. Overcooked, hard, and dense. I'd avoid this dish. Duck fat fried rice (4/5) the duck was cooked well. Rice was garlicky and flavorful. Recommend! Pork belly & watercress (4/5) a solid pork belly dish! The pickled veg were needed to cut the fatty pork. Definitely recommend ordering. Mochi churros (3/5) were unexpected and pretty good. Orange cream dessert (3/5) was refreshing and a good end to the meal Service was attentive and friendly! Prices are a bit high but because of the service and overall quality we were ok with it overall. Parking is excellent as it is ample, free, and safe. I'd definitely return to try other dishes. A nice little treat in the heart of Manoa Valley. LOCATION: 4/5 FOOD: 3.5/5 SERVICE: 4/5 VALUE: 3.5/5 AMBIANCE: 4/5 PET FRIENDLY: not sure CLEANLINESS: 4/5 PARKING: 5/5 read more

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I really wanted to like this place but I was pretty disappointed. I didn't like the vibe of the super loud open kitchen and everything was overpriced for the quality. We found the food utterly undersalted - I had to ask for salt! We had: Spicy miso eggplant - Fine, not spicy Adobo fried chicken - Fine, regular fried chicken, nothing special Short rib Kim chi bao - Fine, nothing special Cocktails - Manhattan and Lucky you - Tasty read more

I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with Little Plum in Manoa. For one, the interior of the place is beautiful. The restaurant was decorated tastefully, yet minimally--resulting in a refined, elevated space. Tons of seating. Staff provide little baskets for your bags. A nice touch. The small details truly make a world of a difference. The knit coasters for water glasses, wet wipes following dinner/dessert, lucky candies with the bill. My table enjoyed the open kitchen. We could smell the delicious aromas of meal-prep and watch the chefs showcase their expertise. The staff were very welcoming, upbeat and helpful. All good humans providing excellent service. The food was lovely. I really liked my mushroom jook. The flavors of ginger and chicken paired beautifully with the ramen-style egg and crunchy pieces of chicken. My table loved the fried chicken adobo--somewhat of a hybrid between mochiko chicken in its texture and adobo with its vinegary appeal. Everything was presented nicely, portions were just right--not too filling, nor meager. Prices fair for quality food. The pudding dessert was a hit despite our table having those who generally dislike coconut. Overall, a pleasant experience. Will be back to check out lunch! read more

Little Plum - Adobo - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Went here on a double date and we ended up ordering a bunch of dishes family style, which made it really fun to try different things. The service was amazing and our waitress gave great recommendations that honestly helped a lot since there were so many things we wanted to try. I also thought it was such a thoughtful touch that they offered little baskets to keep your purses by your feet. My favorites were definitely the skewers, the shrimp toast with the white sauce, and the bao buns. I'm a really picky eater, but they somehow managed to sneak vegetables I normally avoid into several dishes and I barely found myself picking anything out, which says a lot. The atmosphere was perfect for a double date. It wasn't overly quiet, so we could actually have conversations without feeling like we had to whisper. Overall, such a cute spot with great food and great service. I can definitely see myself coming back. read more

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Little Plum Serves Big Flavor in Manoa Nestled in the back of Manoa Marketplace, Little Plum is a great culinary find. The menu is built around small, shared plates so you can sample more of what they offer. Spicy Miso Eggplant: A chilled dish with great umami depth. Ume Tomato and Whipped Tofu: Refreshing, smooth, and balanced. Corn Ribs: Always a hit, especially if you love corn like I do. Duck Breast: Cooked perfectly, and the rice it came with was just as memorable. Lamb Chop: Flavorful and well executed. This was our favorite bite of the night. Our server made the experience even better. I wish I had remembered her name. Final bite: Thoughtful flavors, a cozy setting, and standout service make Little Plum a hidden gem worth seeking out. read more

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Food, Service and Ambiance all excellent. For Lunch, Little Plum gets high marks for great drinks and wonderful small dishes. You can order a bunch as they are not overpriced. I tried the yubaba (nonalcoholic soda) with ume undertones. Would definitely recommend one of these sodas with the meal! We ordered the Chicken Adobo with arugula, the miso eggplant, some namul and the ume/tofu tomato appetizer. The tomato has a whipped tofu sauce with a touch of ume flavor. The miso eggplant wins for having a tangy miso glaze! The chicken adobo surprised us by being fried as well as tasty. For dessert, we had the mochi churros with kinako. It's a must if you come here. Have to go here at least once because you'll be back. Lunch on weekdays is quiet and the service is excellent. read more

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This is definitely a humble but very aesthetic culinary gem tucked into the corner of Manoa Marketplace with tons of parking. I know this place had killer food because I happily sat through an entire meal while listening to Christmas music (after Christmas was over 2 days prior!) and wasn't losing my mind with annoyance. Their cocktail menu has some delightful flavors with something unique or simple for everyone. I opted for a mezcal and scotch drink with mango juice and it was amazing (the recipe is from Wild Orange speakeasy who really know their elixirs). Wine menu is simple but has a few options for each type of wine and the bottles are fairly priced. For food, we opted to share everything family style so we could try as much as possible and everything was a hit for me besides the churro dessert. The roasted tomato salad with thin strips of shiso and a tasty soft tofu sauce was a small portion but very flavorful and a light way to start the meal. The corn on the cob riblets were perfectly cooked, sweet and savory. Like a local twist on elote because instead of Mexican seasoning flavors it had furikake but was still served with lime and mayo. Tasty! The kalbi bao were the best bao I've ever had in my life. Period. The seasoning was slightly sweet and oh so savory with a pungent crunch of kim chee. The kalbi was perfectly cooked for tender juiciness almost like a pulled brisket style. The bun was pillowy soft and fresh. I could have eaten 10 of these! The duck fat fried rice was a good dish to share. It had several pieces of duck breast served atop rice with shiitake mushrooms, lots of ginger and scallions. Very flavorful and well executed in terms of playing and cooking technique. The crispy pork belly was tender inside and lightly crisped around the outside. It was served a top a delightful sauce with some veggies. This was a hit for me and one of the more generous sized portions for sharing. The fried chicken adobo was perfectly crispy and fried with a dusting of adobo for some savory acidic flavor. It reminded me of chicken Karaage with a twist. I think it needed some sauce tho. It's served with arugula. The lamb chops were perfectly cooked and seasoned. They're a small portion for almost $40 so I don't think this stands alone as a main. They're served with pickled onions, peppers. The size of the dishes is on the smaller side so I recommend ordering a few things and sharing. Each dish on its own wouldn't satisfy my appetite as a main. The dessert was my least favorite. The mochi churros were dry and fell apart like a powdery cookie as soon as I put it in my mouth. There was no chewiness to the mochi like I was expecting. Its texture is more like solid cinnamon sugar dust sticks. It's served with a creamy vanilla sauce to dip it in. I'm shocked it did it dissolve in the sauce like a piece of cotton candy in water. We got one of each dessert (100% of those proceeds go to the kitchen staff which is cool) and the pineapple haupia pudding was way better. The little toasted coconut shreds gave the creaminess of the pudding some texture. We dipped the churros in this and it made the churros edible. The service was impeccable. Attentive, kind, knowledgeable and very timely. Small touches like a basket to hold my purse, a shawl if you're cold (their air conditioner pumps!) a wet hand towel at the end of your meal, water constantly refilled, descriptions of what's being served. All the things that restaurants in Honolulu at way higher price points fail to do. Little Plum has got you! I'd confidently take someone here for a special occasion or a date night because this place is doing it right. The acoustics are loud in here so maybe not good for large groups or senior citizens but bonus for no screaming babies. read more

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Came here because my friend has wanted me to visit her nephew's restaurant for years. Am so glad I finally could make it work! Cute place in Manoa marketplace. Reservations were a little tricky to get so plan ahead. Asian fusion where everything was just delicious. My favorite was the spicy eggplant and both desserts (server said to order the pudding and dip the churros in it-that was very good advice!). We followed almost all the recs of our friendly server and were steered the right way. Highly recommend! read more

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Cute interior! Good parking because it's in the Manoa shopping center. Food was tasty but the best part was their dessert. Mochi churros!!! Holy damn!! I wish they gave more vanilla dipping sauce ughh. I was skeptical of their pineapple orange pudding at first but damn, that was delicious!! Overall, food was good but dessert was better! 10/10 for their desserts read more

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I had lunch with one of my friends during a recent visit. Although reservations weren't available when I tried to make them via website, I called & left a message & was so happy when they returned my call to make a lunch reservation (I was actually at the airport getting ready to queue up to board when they called). The restaurant is pretty easy to find, located in Mānoa shopping center where I think the previous Bank of Hawai'i Manoa branch was located. I had the Haku beverage to start which was nice & refreshing. I had the chicken adobo set where the chicken was super tender & perfectly seasoned. My friend had the ahi tataki set & the ahi was pretty good too. We had room left in our stomachs so we shared the churros & mango pudding desserts. I love churros & these were petite & very good. The pudding was light in texture & was the perfect ending to our meal. Service is friendly & helpful. read more

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Food was good. Chefs and line cooks were friendly and very professional. Servers were nice as well. Was seated quickly without a reservation. Appetizers and entrees came rather quickly. For the 1 hour we were there, the server rarely interacted with us, don't know why? Guess there were more important guests than us, or maybe because we were walk in's; who knows. No utensils were provided for my dish which was difficult to eat with just chopsticks. Couldn't ask for utensils cause our server rarely came to our table. Water was refilled once throughout our dinning experience. First time here so I'll give the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully if we come here again, will hope to have a better experience, Setting was nice and easy going. read more

A nice spot in Manoa Marketplace, Little Plum is an Asian Fusion restaurant located on the bottom floor. There is parking for the marketplace. With clear windows, you can see inside as you walk by. The restaurant looks refined, clean, and simple with wooden furniture. We did not have a reservation but were able to get a table at the bar. The people working were really nice and accommodating. They were definitely a highlight of Little Plum! We decided to order the mushroom jook and menchi katsu. The jook was good -- the flavor was not overpowering, but it was tasty. The menchi katsu was good as well, and filling. The portion sizes were decent. The prices felt a bit high as the jook was about $25 and the katsu was about $27. However, it was overall a positive experience and a nice place to try. read more

Little Plum - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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After dining here at least a half a dozen times, I'd say Little Plum has become my go-to restaurant in Mānoa! My go-to menu item is the veggie tofu bowl over rice (turns out the noodles aren't vegan), which I happily enjoy every visit though I wish there were more options. My dining companions have enjoyed the eggplant, beef stew, and other main entrees while also raving about the churros at dessert. Service is always friendly and I do think the added touches such as a basket to put your handbag in just elevates the customer experience. Prices are reasonable considering it's all fresh made and not fast food, again, gives Little Plum an edge over other dining places in town. Definitely appreciate the free parking and ease of making reservations. I know I'll be back! read more

Little Plum - Side dishes - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Reading reviews from a number of Oahu Yelp Elite friends, I searched and made a Friday night reservation for dinner with a group of local friends. Due to a series of conversations about work schedules and availability, I had difficulties with changing the party number and left a phone message asking for their assistance. They answered my two calls in changing our party size twice. Being my 1st visit, I asked my friend to use his GPS in guiding us here. The signage was blocked by the tree brush so it took us a while to find our way here. The landmark is the Brug Bakery and Subway Sandwich shops. Arriving at 5 :30 pm, we were seated at a long table near the entrance by the window. We were given menus immediately and discussed the items as we read them. As we studied the menu, it wasn't a matter of what we wanted to try but how much stomach room we had. I explained our dilemma to our waitress and she suggested that we craft a family style meal. As I listed items from the various sections, she guided me in determining whether one, two, or three orders were needed for everyone to try them. From here, our dining journey began. Instead of commenting on every dish (there were 12 items besides a dessert). My favorites were the Daikon & pohole (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=N-LdkMxe03_ugSaYot0IUA) and the Kalbi short rib bao (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=EBYqqdhTd7jXG4ESK7FInQ) from the starters section. For the proteins, they were the spicy eggplant (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=192&select=1x6lpsIVmF8WT0vxdOBlOA) and the fresh catch which was a grilled Mahi Mahi (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=CZqHpOykWCdlG_5WjHRbLA). We also enjoyed the Menchi katsu (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=NMCmshJGdh9PY5MfjogvwQ) from the bowls section. We finished with the mochi churro (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=o8e49h5DP0xK5QQMAQGMTg) which were served temperature hot with a dipping sauce; this was delicious. Kudos to Maddy for her patience in hosting our big party and especially guiding me in our menu choices. Shout out also to our greeter Hang for checking on us and helping to clear our empty plates, bowls, and utensils when needed. The guys before the counter in the kitchen were cool too as they waved as I took photos of the interior. Looking forward to returning and having some of those favorites and trying other items. read more

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Amazing from start to finish! Every single thing we ordered was excellent. We started with the Ume Tomato which was simple but so fresh and bright with a smooth and delicate whipped tofu base. The Shortrib Bao with it's tender meat and perfectly balanced flavor. The Chicken Adobo Set and Beef Cheek Stew Set were both rich, comforting, and beautifully done. The Mushroom Jook was pure comfort in a bowl, especially on a nice Mānoa evening. We could not stop raving about this throughout dinner. For drinks, we had the Jolly Rajah and Like Cracks, both fun, well-balanced cocktails that paired perfectly with the food. And we couldn't leave without dessert, of course! The Mochi Churro was crisp, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet. Service was warm, vibe cozy, and the food so good we joked about coming back the next day. Definitely one of our new favorite spots. Oh, and please don't stop giving out the beloved Asian candies like white rabbit, plum candy and haw flakes. What an ever sweeter way to end such a lovely meal. read more

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Cute place with good service and Teishoku sets as well as other bites - Had the tempura which came with 2 large shrimp and some veges - batter was light - tasted the fried chicken adobo and egg plant - all were tasty - all served warm - rice was lukewarm - and lacking the quality of aromatic Japanese rice - I like food served hot ... co diners loved the churros - but was too greasy for me- read more

Little Plum - Tempura - adobo- by the chopsticks- eggplant - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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First time here and I really enjoyed it! The vibe is cozy, intimate, and perfect for date night or catching up with friends. I wish I caught my server's name because she was amazing; super kind, patient, and so careful with my long list of food intolerances. She went above and beyond to make sure everything I ordered was safe and still delicious. I got the tempura (made with mochiko flour - gluten free? yes please!) and it came with soup, rice, and pickled veggies. I also tried the ahi tuna, and chicken jook which was fresh and perfectly cooked and so delicious! My wish the food was seasoned just a tiny bit more, but everything was still so good! My friend got the menchi katsu and bao buns and loved them! If you go, please try the Wild Orange purple dragon cocktail AND their specialty old fashion. I'm not exaggerating when I say it will change your life. Can't wait to go back to try more of the menu! read more

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First time here and was excited to try this restaurant. Each dish had their own flavors and was really a Fusion of traditional Chinese food. The service was excellent, attentive and helpful. For a Monday evening, they were busy! The ambiance has clean lines and wood finishes. Support this local business. read more

Little Plum - Jook and duck fried rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Loved Lady Elaine so had to try the sister restaurant Little Plum. Greeted by a friendly hostess whom sat us a nice table in front of the kitchen. Server greeted us with drinks and explained the menu. We both decided on the same item, Ribeye Skewers. It came with miso soup + tsukemono + namul + rice. The meat was soft and tender complimented with kimchee underneath. Rice was cooked perfectly, everything was Devine. Service was quick, friendly and attentive. Ambiance was inviting, relaxing and most importantly clean which makes it so comfortable. Definitely my go to spot in Manoa! read more

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Always a grand experience and exceptional service at Little Plum. The food is memorable and delicious. A spot to enjoy great food and great company. read more

Little Plum - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Rating is really a 4.0 to 4.5 depending on the dish. Went on Sat 2/14 so parking lot was full because there was also a Chinese New Year Lion Dance in the courtyard. But there was still street parking. Service by server Sarah was awesome and 5 stars. She took excellent care of us, making sure we understood the menu and the dishes. She also checked on us regularly. Loved that they serve chilled water instead is water with ice. So much easier to drink, tastes better, too. Decor is simple and nice. Love the three kimono on the wall. One wall is glass so you can see the courtyard outside. Drinks: Old Fashioned was delicious. Sarah even asked if I preferred bourbon or rye. Bar looks well stocked. Sake options and drinks look good. Hubby had a Japanese rice based beer - Kohishikari Echigo beer. Ambiance - 3.5 to 4.0. A little noisy so hard to have conversations if you have a larger group. Food was good. Loved the Kalbi short rib bao. Short rib was very tender. Kimchee was diced well and of course added to the flavor. Bao was tender and fresh. Hubby had the duck fried rice. Well flavored ginger/garlic style fried rice with slices of roast duck and pickled thin sliced cucumbers. Yummy duck. Yummy fried rice if you like ginger/garlic fried rice. I had the Menchi bowl. Menchi was nicely breaded and very crispy. This was my first Menchi so I'm not sure how the ground beef texture is supposed to be but it was a bit chewier than I expected. Taste was very good. Mushroom gravy was yummy, and the onsen egg was awesome! Mochi churro with kinako was good because it was piping hot, crunchy, well coated with sugar, but the kinako didn't quite match (and I love kinako). Anglaise sauce was awesome. It was also fun because the Lion dancers came inside for good luck. Free entertainment! Would definitely return to try other dishes. read more

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Foodie connections. Part 2. My CPA also recently suggested we have dinner at Little Plum (LP), another new restaurant in Manoa Marketplace. They opened in June 2024 and is the sister restaurant to nearby Little Elaine that opened several months later. LP focuses on Asian fusion cuisine to mirror current trends in an updated vibe. Arrived at 7pm on a Saturday evening and was impressed on how packed the restaurant was. LP also has open kitchen that you see as you walk in. I also noticed the bar on the left and the three kimonos displayed on the right wall. This was a surprise party for me as there were 6 table settings on our table where my family showed up shortly after I arrived. We dined family style and ordered a fairly extensive selection of their offerings. Overall, my family and I agreed that the beef dishes were executed well. The best entree of the evening was the lemongrass short ribs, the daily special. The beef clearly was marinated for such a flavorful, tender beef while maintaining the beefy flavor. The beef tenderloin and short rib bao were also delicious. The beef tenderloin was so hearty, tender and satisfying. Complimented well with in the kochujang marinade served with kimchi. Great flavor and texture contrast. The Bao seemed homemade as the shape was unique and not the consistency that I'm accustomed to when usually served with Peking duck or kau yuk pork belly. The bun was firm and held its shape when paired with a thick slab of braised short rib with kimchi. Other favorites of the meal include the menchikatsu, ahi tataki, adobo chicken and mushroom jook. When it came to dessert, my CPA surprised me with a customized matcha cake with azuki and fresh strawberries. This cake was made in house by their pastry chef. The buttercream frosting had the matcha flavor that I enjoy and complimented perfectly with azuki paste and fresh strawberries. The cake also had strategically inserted assorted Japanese Pocky sticks . Service was also top notch here. Staff are clearly trained well and attentive of patron's needs. I also noticed some of the staff who I saw at Lady Elaine. They remembered me from my previous visits to Lady Elaine. Overall, an above average experience where I'd be game for a return visit. I'd like to come back with my foodie friends to experience another meal at LP. read more

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I took my friend to Little Plum for her birthday, she has been talking about wanting to try this spot out for a while so it was the perfect opportunity to do so. The establishment is a bit tucked away in the Manoa Marketplace Mall area, in between the subway and the laundromat. Upon arrival, the hostess guided us to our table and at first it was going to be (in my opinion) one of the worst tables there, tucked away, dim corner, next to the bathroom... We asked if we can sit at the bar instead and the hostess said sure. A bit of a questionable start especially as I put in a reservation (noting the birthday), I thought we would be seated in a nicer area. The bartender was basically also our waitress that took our orders. She was helpful in guiding us in our ordering but was also busy with the drink orders. She explained to us that we could order the teishokus as the premade sets or as ala carte (without the sides, rice, and miso soup). We ordered the ribeye skewers, tuna tataki, miso eggplant, and adobo fried chicken. One of them as the set and the rest as ala carte. The food took a while to be made and come out, but they did all come out at once. * Miso Eggplant: 11/10, so delicious and flavorful, slightly crispy and soft on the inside, cooked perfectly. * Ribeye Skewers: 9/10. Good, nothing crazy but solid. Not tough but also not super tender. * Tuna Tataki: 8/10. It was ok to me, I don't usually care for tuna tatakis though, my friend did like it though. It was light and fresh. * Adobo Fried Chicken: 7/10. It was also just okay, it wasn't super flavorful nor did it really taste like adobo at all, it just tasted like normal fried chicken to me. My friend also got the plum crackseed cocktail for her drink. The bartender was super accommodating with her, adding a bit more lemon juice to her drink to ease the taste of the alcohol (after my friend voiced that she wasn't LOVING it per se). I strongly recommend ordering one or two dishes as sets and rest as ala carte if you were thinking about trying some of the teishoku dishes. I would note that the ala carte option didn't have a significant price reduction compared to the set, maybe like ~$5. I do wish that was listed out on the menu (the option for ala carte and the $). Overall, I would also recommend specifically the miso eggplant, and I would come back just to eat that again along with trying some of their other dishes. We were stuffed so we didn't even get to try the mochi churro that I was eyeing before we even got there. read more

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We came for dinner for the first time tonight. Bud's game finished at 4:45 pm at Manoa Park so I checked Yelp for suggestions. I was in the mood for traditional lacy battered shrimp tempura. Unfortunately that's not the method used to prepare theirs here. However Kudos for selecting different items in the tempura mixture- not the regular green beans, sweet potato, etc. The 2 pieces of shrimp were plump and good. The ice tea was much better with the liquid sugar that was brought to our table. The four stars were for: *Friendly staff who opened the door before 5 pm to let us and another party of 2 in. Young, courteous, good looking staff on the floor. *One of the owners was surveying the room and helping bring items to the tables ie rice, miso soup, etc. ñHe also took our bill up to the bartender cashier when we were ready to pay. *Enjoyable local style music that I could recognize from the 90s. *Excellent prompt delivery of hot food and removal of varied used dishes off the table which I appreciated. Consistent use of black paper and cloth napkins. What could be tweaked a bit: tempura dashi was a tad sweet even with the grated daikon. The tsukemoko was not typical of a namasu flavor even though it looked nice. read more

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Recently I seen Bradah Fran .C post at Little plum . Located in the Manoa Market place lots of parking available nice atmosphere restaurant with an open kitchen . The food was not bad my favorite was the appetizer Kalbi Kim Chee Bao and the dessert mochi Churro w/vsnilla dipping sauce . Service was on point probably we got there once they opened @ 11am lol . Very clean bathrooms as well . Nice kimonos decor on their walls . Support local read more

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Came here for a special dinner and it did not disappoint. The staff are all so friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable about the menu. We got a bunch of dishes to share here's the rundown. Menchi katsu was so crispy and delicious the umami flavor was incredible. The Ume Tomato was refreshing and theres a tofu sauce on the bottom that when I got home I had to try to recreate (no luck). The fried chicken adobo also very delicious i feel like this probably is right up with some of my favorite chicken dishes ive ever had. Curry min was good I waited to long and didnt get to much sauce because my friends had most it but the winner of the dish was the beef skewer took me right back to hanabada days going to Jane's fountain when my dad would get one Teri skewer for the sailing. The cucumbers are deceptively good I personally love cucumber but my friend who does not like them at all could not stop eating them. The bao was so soft and it complimented the kalbi really nicely. The pohole salad was also a nice addition to the meal because it kinda worked for us as a palate cleanser. The drinks were all phenomenal to be honest we tried all of them and cant go wrong. The restaurant is top notch in my opinion and cant wait to go back this time ill take my family its such a nice modern space with delicious asian inspired food. read more

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What a nice surprise! To celebrate my friend - Cathy I's birthday, we set up a little luncheon at Little Plum at the Manoa Marketplace Shopping Center. Located on the ground floor, just next door by the University of Hawaii Federal Credit Union, you'll find this wonderful trendy looking neighborhood eatery. Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted promptly & seated right away (reservations are recommended). While looking over the menu we ordered the following items - 1. Ume Tomato - Whipped tofu, shiso, ume vinaigrette for an appetizer to share ($12.00) 2. Local Catch Set - Local fish of the day, with choy sum, ginger scallion, crispy shallot ($29.00). The meal set came with miso soup, tsukemono, namul, rice. 3. Ginger scallion/tofu bowl - tofu namasu, choy sum ($20.00). 4. Beef Cheek Stew Set - Bilistered tamato, kalo, market vegetables ($32.00). The meal set came with miso soup, tsukemono, namul, rice. 5. Mochi Churro - for dessert to share ($11.00). This dessert is unbelievable! A "MUST" if you have room for dessert, after you have your meal here. Overall, a wonderful meal, as the food was delicious. Service here was on point, but if I had one takeaway about this place..........there was another large party close by, & they were also celebrating a birthday. The group was having a great 'ol time & got pretty boisterous. It got so loud in the restaurant that I had to literally yell at my friends just to communicate with them. Lol! I guess due to the size of the restaurant, when it gets busy, it may not be the most ideal location to dine at, especially if you want to have any intimate conversations with your dining partner. read more

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Reviews from Fran C ,Nadine C and Donna O . made my brother-in-law pick LIttle Plum for lunch. Upon entering we were cordially greeted and seated. The decor is spacious, with a view of the kitchen. Also they have a bar. looking at the menu I noticed that one side was all cocktails. The selections of the food was limited. Well My wife and Craig T ordered the Tempura Teishoku set, and I ordered the mushroom jook. we had an order of the Kalbi Kimchee Boa to start and the Mochi Churro for dessert. The service was excellent. My water was refilled five times. Overall the food is three and a half stars ,and five for service and ambiance. Enjoy read more

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5/5! Staff was attentive and seemed to care. They offered little baskets to people w purses/bags, so our personal items didnt have to touch the ground. How thoughtful - be try Japanese-esque of them. Bar was cute and stocked with all the essentials. Kitchen has an open concept that allowed diners to view in. Entire place was warm, cozy, and clean looking. Food: fusion but not sure of what. I tasted some Hawaiian flare and felt it leaned closer to Japanese cuisine. I got the hamburger steak deep fried katsu which sat in a bed of white rice smothered in mushroom gravy. It was topped with an onsen egg. I enjoyed my dish. My friends got the egg plant and a side of rice which she enjoyed. The others got I believe a salmon plate and handful of vegetarian stuff like the tomatoes. They loved it. read more

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Little Plum is an amazing Asian Fusion restaurant nestled in the Manoa Marketplace that warrants international recognition for its innovative flavor pairings from Asian, Hawaiian, & French cuisines. Everything was prepared to perfection with the savory mouthwatering meats so tender that they practically melt in your mouths. The distinct genius of Little Plum is their unique pairings of spices, sauces, & flavors used to bring out the rich yet subtle flavor notes of their dishes. We enjoyed their Ahi Tataki, seared ahi with lumpy, sea asparagus, & shishito chili crisp, the Spicy Miso Eggplant with charred leeks, togarashi, goma vinaigrette, & the Ribeye Skewers, which are tender gochujang marinaded ribeye chunks with Napa cabbage & kimchi relish, accompanied by the Duck Fried Rice with sliced juicy duck breast, namasu, & tomato chili sauce. An absolutely unforgettable medley of culinary delights!!! Topping all of this off in a class all of its own was the Mochi Churros with kinako (roasted sesame powder) & Anglaise sauce & Pineapple Orange Pudding with whipped haupia & toasted coconut. The Mochi Churros is an awe inspiring dessert experience no one should miss. It's like biting into crispy pockets of air dusted with sugar & kinako, & when dipped in the Anglaise sauce or the pudding feels like you're in heaven. Sealing its place as a world class dining experience is their outstanding, informative, attentive, joyful, & engaging staff. Our host & servers would impress the most discerning diners in the finest dining establishments. The ambiance is casual but upscale, & it's reasonably priced. Needless to say, Little Plum is a gem that cannot be missed & definitely one of my favorite places to dine. read more

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The food was delicious! Unique flavor pairings, interesting textures and very good quality ingredients. I loved the small plates it was perfect for sharing. I highly recommend coming here with a group of people so you can share. It was so worth it to try everything. The ambiance of the restaurant was dark and intimate. The staff was so friendly and on point. -The drinks were perfect, sweet with complex complimenting flavors. The Zeniba was ever so slightly more interesting than the Haku. -The Ume tomato was a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Some of the tomato's were peeled and the house tofu was flavorful and coated the tomato's like a sauce. -The kimchee Kalbi bao was tender and savory! -The bonito flakes had a deep smoky flavor that was perfect over the blanched green beans and crispy daikon. -The ahi tataki was my absolute favorite dish. The fresh fish flavor and the sea asparagus was perfect together. -The adobo fried chicken was good -The fresh catch was better. -The mochi churro stole the show for me. The crispy outside and soft mochi inside was the perfect combination. -The pineapple orange pudding was amazing flavor combination with a coconut cream and toasted coconut flakes! Everything was so ono! read more

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Went here with my family for lunch, it's a cute spot tucked into Manoa Marketplace. We started off strong with delicious drinks-- both their mocktails and cocktails were so good! The flavor combos were true to local flavors & very well balanced. Especially loved the haku, which had a fun vinegar taste that wasn't overpowering. Honestly, the food was just okay. I think my favorites were the kalbi bao and maybe the lilikoi orange pudding? I felt none of the flavors were especially rich or developed, although everything was solid. Special shout out to the kimchi ribeye skewers(?) for being especially juicy and tender. Service was nothing special- our particular waitstaff was very low energy, but that wasn't necessarily negative. Overall, wouldn't go again for a meal but definitely will be back for drinks!! read more

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The food was decent but for the price we're paying, honestly we're expecting more. We came in a fairly large group and we all got to sample other dishes besides the one we ordered, so I would say I got a pretty good picture of their menu. We came right when they opened at 11am on a Saturday, and people who lined up made their way to the tables. We're lucky to have the first seating without any wait. The place was also quite spacious with a good number of tables as well. The service was friendly. They took care of us with a large table and made sure our glasses were always full. I wish I could love this restaurant, but I wasn't too happy paying $32 for a watery, soupy, under seasoned, small-portioned beef cheek stew. However, at least their Menchi katsu was enjoyable ($26) but still a $15 loco moco would provide me with the same satisfaction. I was also looking forward to their mochi churro. I appreciate the portions! But the mochi was not distinguishable from any ordinary dough. I get it that they're trying to do something different, but honestly the quality and the execution couldn't justify the price. I don't think any of us was impressed, and unfortunately my husband and I don't see ourselves coming back. read more

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Love this spot for a birthday dinner! My friend and I went to Little Plum to celebrate, and first off -- being in Manoa Marketplace is such a win because parking is easy, no stress. The vibe is super cute, with an Asian-inspired look and some of my favorite local jams playing in the background, which I loved. Only downside was it was pretty packed that night, so it got kinda loud and we had to talk louder than usual just to hear each other. Now the food -- sooo good. There were plenny things on the menu we wanted to try, but since it was just the two of us, we shared a few dishes. For appetizers we got the kalbi short rib bao and the ahi tataki. For mains, we split the menchi katsu and the pork belly. And for dessert, we had to try the mochi churros because we saw them going to almost every table. Here's my ranking, in order of favorites: Menchi katsu (hands down my top), kalbi bao, mochi churros, ahi tataki, then pork belly. Everything was tasty, but the pork belly ended up last only because the onions it came with were a little too salty for me. Service-wise, no complaints overall. Everyone was really friendly and attentive, and food came out at a good pace. Our server was just so-so, but the rest of the staff and overall service definitely made up for it. For drinks, my friend got the rock salt plum cocktail and really liked it. I kept it simple with a Pinot Grigio. I'd definitely come back again. I'm giving it 4 stars just because of the noise level, but food and vibe-wise, it was a solid dinner spot. read more

Little Plum - Mochi churros dessert - Asian Fusion Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii