My mom flew in from Florida, and I drove an hour and a half from the North Shore just for breakfast at Mugen, and somehow it still exceeded every expectation. This place is a hidden gem. Hard to find, absolutely worth it, and honestly the crown jewel of Waikīkī. The second you walk in, you will understand. The atmosphere at Mugen is iconic. If I ever owned a restaurant, I'd want it to look exactly like this. A divine bar lined with velvet chairs, moody dark walls, glitter-flecked tables, and private event spaces separated by elegant glass partitions. Every detail feels luxurious without trying too hard. Now the breakfast... Shockingly affordable for the level of quality. Cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso drinks around $10, and every bite looked like art. We shared the smoked salmon avocado toast topped with edible flowers, sea asparagus, tomatoes cut into flower shapes, all on perfectly toasted sourdough. Then came the bananas foster french toast with syrup, whipped cream, vanilla-infused honey, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Is your mouth watering? Mine still is. Only AFTER breakfast did we ask to see the dinner menu, and immediately realized we were idiots for not planning our entire lives around coming back for dinner too. But what truly made this experience unforgettable was Koji. Kind, knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely fabulous service. After hearing us rave about the space and me saying I couldn't imagine what was hidden behind these walls, he actually connected us with Vernon from ESPACIO, who personally gave us a full tour of the property. And WOW. The hotel was renovated from 77 rooms into just 9 full-floor luxury suites, each over 2,500 square feet. Multiple bedrooms. Sweeping views of the pink Royal Hawaiian, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, the giant banyan tree, and Diamond Head. The orchid carpet in the Diamond Suite on the 9th floor? I MUST have that in my future dream home someday. And that dragon tiled mural on the bottom of the pool? Bring your snorkel! Was I inspired to become a millionaire after this experience? Yes. Yes I was. Enjoy this place like I did. Bring your family. Tell your friends. Ask for Koji and Vernon. And tell them Crazy Katie from the North Shore sent you. All my love and aloha. read more

I highly recommend you try here at least once! From the moment we walked we were greeted and seated promptly. The hostess and wait staff are all so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating! The restaurant is very intimate and surprisingly not very noisy. The food is excellent. Every dish was flavorful and delicious! The lobster was cooked to perfection! The complimentary valet service is directly in front of the restaurant. The valet attendant was really nice and personable. I enjoyed talking with him while we waited for our car. read more

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The experience at Mugen was magical ambience! From the valet person out front, to the lovely hostess, wine sommelier Douglas, our server Shari, the other great people, Eduardo & unique name, Jahdi, made it memorable. I also thank hotel manger Vernon & manger Debbie!! THANK YOU!! Each utensil, 1 of a kind cocktails, bread & puzzle made spreads, gorgeous plating, chef well put together dishes, waygu beef tartare, Regiis Ova Ossetra Caviar, maine lobster, molokai venison, kona kampachi, scallops, maui beets, marrunga lamb, shima aji, toriyama a5 waygu, to 3 secret desserts and a surprise!! The sapphire tasting set is the way to go I say!! Comes with Chef's Seasonal Nigiri!! OMGOSH!! read more

Mugen - Wines with our sapphire tasting set, plus A5 waygu!! - New American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Mugen, located inside of the Espacio hotel, with valet attendants available right up front on Kalakaua Avenue. It looks like they share a parking garage with their neighbors in the back, to which it may take some time to get your car. When you first enter the hotel, go straight in and up the stairs to Mugen's bar/host area. Restrooms are downstairs, with a key access. There are elevators nearby for those needing ADA access. The dining room is quaint to which it can accommodate 8-10pax or smaller intimate 2-4 top tables. We had an amazing experience, partaking in their Special 7-Course Menu collaboration with cocktails and caviar. We had synchronized service this evening to which all servers would place the plates on the tables at the same time, for however many diners were at that table. Really a great sight to see, as not many restaurants partake in this. Overall, the food was great, the service was great, as was the ambiance. We will definitely be back for their afternoon tea service! read more

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I've been to Mugen countless of times, dare I say, I'm a regular here?! It's one of my top favorite restaurants on the island. A romantic date night, special occassion, or if you're just in the mood for delicious food- this is the spot you want to be at. From the moment you step into Mugen, you quite literally feel like you are stepping into royalty. When they say this is "Five Star Dining", you can expect literally no less. Both their afternoon tea and dinner menu is absolutely delightful. However, this review will be for their dinner, which I just attended last night. Mugen offers both ala carte and set menus, but what I really like about their set menu is that you can pick and choose what you want to eat, as well as do add ons. They have three different set menus: a 4 course (Jade), 5 course (emerald), and a 6 course (sapphire). All of the set menus come with an amuse bouche and dessert. Also, they also don't require the entire table to have the same set menu which allows for much more flexibility. My friend and I had the sapphire set menu and our choices were: 2 Starters: oysters & scallops Chef's seasonal nigiri (not our choices but AMAZING) 1 Kai: lobster risotto 1 Aina: toriyama A5 wagyu 1 Dessert: I can't remember the name but I think it was the sakura breeze? Everything was SOOOO good. Like literally everything makes you go "MMMM"! The amuse bouche was delicious- their take on a "poke bowl" and was almost like ahi crispy rice, oysters were super fresh, scallops were cooked perfectly, the lobster risotto was so savory and the risotto it came with was so tasty, and the toriyama A5 wagyu was chefs kiss. The wagyu also comes with a shortrib mandoo- SO delicious! And we actually got three desserts (I can't remember the names), but all of them were great. I also want to mention that sometimes set menu's can take forever (I've been to fine dining restaurants where you are waiting almost 20-30 minutes between each course), but Mugen courses everything perfectly so you're not waiting too long between each meal, but also have enough time to savor your wine pairing. Overall dinner was a 10/10. Their regular menu is amazing, but from time to time they also have collaborations with other chef's and have special menus too! I mean what can't they do? I literally love this restaurant. The staff is so kind and friendly, and the chef's clearly know what they are doing. I 100% recommend Mugen to anyone who is in the mood for a 5 star experience. I can't wait to be back again soon! read more

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I wanted to love Mugen (and at the cost, I really should have). But while impressive, I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed. Perhaps it was that the best dish was an add-on (a Wagyu musubi). I ended up doing the mid-range tasting menu and I'm glad I tried a bit of everything, so I'll just evaluate what I had. The amuse bouche was nice, but a bit heavy on the parmesan flavor. The tartare was overwhelmed by the egg; it needed more meat. Oysters were wonderful (they always are). Scallops were a standout, and the spicy Thai sauce really worked - a new and unexpected combination for me. The shima aji was a fun experience; I associate that mostly with sushi, so a cooked version (tasted a bit like sea bass) was a cool experience. I do wish I'd have tried the lobster, though. The main dish was a well-cooked Molokai beef. Dessert was quite fresh; I loved the combination of flavors. Service: incredibly attentive, but not good with dietary accommodations. I was surprised by how rigid the menu is. The kitchen is trying something impressive, combining Hawaiian flavors with European techniques and Asian influences. It's likely among the best fine dining spots on Oahu, but it was just a "good" for me. read more

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In awe of the utter perfection in service, overload to the visual sense AND deliciously memorable experience to the palate at Mugen. Thank you Yelper Kathy A. for introducing me to this wonderful experience paired with even better company. I have been to many afternoon teas. This was by far, the most memorable. Top notch service began with Valet parking curbside on Kalakaua where our car was received and we were then escorted into the boutique hotel Espacio where Mugen is located. Taken to our dining table where a whimsical tree filled with sweet treats was waiting for us. Each ornament filled with a tasty treat. The set menu started off with a glass of Louis Roederer Rosé kicking off the afternoon tea (for those non-alcohol drinkers may be substituted with a refreshing hibiscus tea). Continuing on with five of the most delectable and palate pleasing savory treats: 1) Ossetra caviar 2) Hokkaido uni chawanmushi 3) Mugen lobster roll 4) seafood cake (my favorite) filled with scallops, shrimp, and lobster, and 5) Wagyu short ribs arancini. Just when you thought your tummie was satisfied, a plateful of sweet treats arrived. Yes, some of it got taken away. Undoubtedly the most memorable afternoon tea in Honolulu! read more

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After my first experience at afternoon tea in January I immediately booked one for May 30 to celebrate my daughter's birthday. I had raved to her about the experience. She was so excited. She was flying in from Wisconsin and brought her boyfriend with her. We were seated and greeted warmly. I had indicated we were celebrating a birthday and that I was gluten free. They received the gluten free message, but there was no mention of her birthday although we saw other tables being recognized for their birthdays. Good thing my daughter knew I had good intentions. The thing is, the service was not outstanding. The food took a long time to come out. I noticed they added two more tables in the area to accommodate more people. It took a while for servers to notice the water was low. Our tea had gotten cold before anyone checked to warm it up. Food was brought without any explanation or description as to what we were having. My gluten free options were brought without any explanation. Just said this is your gluten free dish. I didn't know what I was eating. The second course came and it came with two gluten free options. I asked why? He said he didn't know. He also said someone mentioned avoiding seafood. I said that's not accurate. We had caviar in the beginning, is that not considered some kind of seafood? I was disappointed that for my gluten free option I didn't receive caviar. I did the previous time. He said it was because it had a soy sauce. Anyway, the second course- my daughter's boyfriend receive cucumber so I said he's not averse to seafood. They made him another one but it took another 15 minutes. It's was 1.5 hours to get through the savory parts of the menu. He was so hungry. It was disappointing. My daughter asked if this was the kind of service I was raving about. I said absolutely not. This was night and day. The personal attention just wasn't there and for $165 of small little bites, the experience needs to be worth my two hours of time and still go to McDonald's after to get a snack. read more

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My friend heard about this restaurant & made reservations which are strongly recommended. It's located in a boutique luxury hotel named Espacio. There's an elevator that opens to the restaurant. It's a modern, dark & sleek interior design. It's not a big restaurant which is nice for a quiet dinner. Our server John, strongly resembled Stanley Tucci & he was fabulous, helpful, entertaining & warm. We ordered the Jade level tasting menu & we each ordered different things so we could have more variety. Everything was delicious & beautifully prepared & presented. I would say that I personally enjoyed the seafood dishes over the meat dishes though. We were super full & the lighter dessert (Tropical Fall Fusion) was the perfect ending to our meal. They present their guests with a box of sweets at the conclusion of your meal service. read more

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This small place is a true gem. True fine dining, service staff in suits, a real sommelier, and fantastic world class food. They use a unique approach to their tasting menus, allowing you to select specific options from different categories on the menu. We did the "emerald" version which included an amuse, bread course, two starters, a seafood dish, a meat dish, and dessert. You can add supplements if you want. They then pair wine with each dish. Eduardo (our primary server) was fantastic. As was the Somm. The meal progression was flawless and we enjoyed every single dish. My wife and I chose a few different options along the way and it was fun to get a taste of the things she selected. We have had Michelin Star meals on three continents, and this was as good a meal as many of them. This is now one of my top 3 fine dining restaurants in the state (along with Nylos in Maui and Maze also in Honolulu). read more

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Spent a couple of hours this Saturday catching up with friend Li Y sharing her recent trip to Japan and Korea while having another fabulous Tea at Mugens. One of those "a picture is worth a thousand words" places. You can easily spend a couple of hours being treated to an exquisite banquet that is an amazing experience for both your taste buds and your eyes. I've always believed you embrace your good visually, than by fragrance and lastly palatableness.....this is the place. read more

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Note: Afternoon tea review. The best and most exclusive afternoon tea in Hawaii. The experience begins when uniformed valets escort you into the Espacio Waikiki where you're handed off to one of the servers who takes you through to a sitting room right off the lobby. Guests are guided through a 25 selection tea menu, being offered the chance to look and more importantly smell the tea before finalizing the individual selection. Next, guests are taken to a display case to make their tea pot selection. A glass of Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rose and we're off. Unlike the classic tea service, savory items are coursed keeping everything vibrant and at proper temp. Plating ranges from elegant to whimsical. Flavors are bold and pay homage to the chef's native Barbados. For example "De Pattie", essentially an empanada that is filled with an outstanding oxtail and curried channa. A flavor explosion. Adding the accompanying tamarind sauce made it even better. I have a new favorite lobster roll. Lilikoi and parsley aioli paired with cucumber all accompanies chunks of sweet Caribbean lobster. Brilliant way to add fruity, floral elements while providing the requisite acidity. Sadly, after the vibrant yuzu, olive oil sorbet intermezzo, the dessert box was a challenge. Servers were quick to acknowledge it and had take out boxes and bags ready. Though, the cranberry strawberry scone with clotted cream and pineapple marmalade made for a great ending. Service is extremely friendly and omni present. At the end of the experience, servers take you back to the valet where cars have already been brought out curbside. This is a very exclusive event. Only 12 reservations available per week. Saturday, 13:00. The Spring 2025 experience is $120/pp. Reservations should be made three months in advance. Parking is valet only. Pull into the 3 minute loading zone directly in front of the hotel on Kalakaua Ave. As with all multi course meals, not everything will be to everyone's liking but the huge positives outweigh minor negatives (I did wish there was an option to have caviar spread across the entire creme fraiche cheesecake). So yes, without a doubt the best afternoon tea in Hawaii. read more

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This is a review for Mugen's Afternoon Tea only. Made a reservation via Open Table. Only Saturdays, with a 1 pm seating. They fill up fast. I believe there are only 10 seats. Make your reservation early. Valet parking when you pull up in front of Espacio ON Kalakaua Avenue. There's no driveway, so the valet will come help passengers get out. Take the elevator to Lobby, which is transformed for Afternoon Tea. No charge for parking with validation, just give tip. TLDR; Pricey but comes with excellent Service, a really elevated kind of tea service with really delicious teas and food offerings. Highly recommend AND I would go again. Got a complimentary glass of champagne. Picked our teas and tea pots. The savory food offerings were decadent (caviar, lobster, foie gras, etc.) and generous in their servings. Some of the bites made me swoon, they were so good. The amuse bouche was a three biter for me, which I appreciated over the typical one bite. ;) but you can really see the attention to detail and that things are prepared to order. I went to try their Andagi. EXCELLENT. Crispy exterior and fluffy interior. And it comes out HOT! Hard to get fresh fried andagi. Dusted with cinnamon and sugar with option to dip in Ka'u Coffee Semifreddo. The scones were hot and flaky. I was not as wowed with the yogurt gelato, tapioca, and panna cotta. They were enjoyable but didn't pack the same punch as the rest of the food items. I was told a pastry chef from Germany was starting soon, so looking forward to their creations. I am serious when I say I enjoyed this Afternoon Tea so much that I would go again. Cos I am going again with friends next month! Oh! They gave us a tube of strawberry chocolate covered nuts to take home. read more

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Visited one of my top favorite restaurants in Waikiki, Mugen. We were celebrating an anniversary with a reservation for two at 6:15pm on Saturday. This seemed like the perfect time to be there with a moderate crowd. Our first time here we had a reservation at 5 and it was a little too early because we had the restaurant to ourselves for a little (unless you like that). The entrance is a hidden little hole in the wall in Waikiki jammed between an ABC store with only a valet desk marking its presence. They only offer valet but it's free for Mugen guests. You enter through a grand secluded lobby, leading to the beautiful Mugen. A small but thoughtful space with an open kitchen layout and subtle decor. For ordering, there are three tiers to the pre-fix menu with the option for 5 courses ($150) or 6 courses ($180) or 7 courses ($200). They also offer supplements and enhancements like a Wagyu musubi or a the caviar course. We had the 7 courses and the caviar course and this was a lot of food! I barely made it to the 6th course! Drinks, we started off with the vaccine, a mezcal with lemon ginger and honey and this was refreshing and not too sweet! We also go the matcha Saturn which was our favorite drink of the night! It was a refreshing blend of floral matcha with hints of lilikoi and citrus! Very refreshing. We also tried nebula's kiss and the bartender's drink of the night a strawberry mule and that was great too! Our favorite courses of the night were the seared scallops! This was a last minute change in preparation but was a pleasant surprise with the refreshing but flavorful Thai sauce with mushrooms and yuzu jam lined dish. The presentation on this dish was exceptional and captivating. Another favorite was the Maine lobster course which we've had before and made sure to get our own this time around! Trying the venison with sunchoke and foie gras was good but I wish I got the lamb too!!! We also loved the amuse and the bluefin Otorro! Caviar service was also great with so many options provided! Basically everything we had was good! Only things I want to point out was the tartare course where it came with the layered potato sides, I do wish my potato was a little crispier as it was on the soft side. And I do wish there's was another flavor like capers in the tartare adding that pickled component you usually have to a tartare. It is just a preference and the texture of the tartare was perfect! For our anniversary they provided a complimentary scoop of ice cream. At first we thought it was vanilla, but after taking the first bite we could tell it was some kind of frozen yogurt type ice cream and it was really good. Service here is always spectacular! The whole front of house works as a team to care for all the tables making sure water stay full, dishes are cleaned in a timely manner and food comes out on time. Do be prepared to be here for a while, our dinner took three hours but it went by so quickly! They also sent us home with a box of housemade chocolate macadamias which were soo delicious! Definitely one of our top favorite restraunts that we will be back to!! read more

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An unexpected little gem in the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. You walk through a small door and narrow corridor, up a flight of stairs and enters a quaint little restaurant. Our party of 4 were seated in a semi private room, which added a nice touch. Our server was extremely friendly, welcoming and professional. He took the time to explain the menu to us (how the tasting menu worked) and also went above and beyond to make sure our picky-eater kids were able to order from off the menu with the chef's permission. Our courses came out at a good pace, unlike many other fine dining which can be tiresome with long waits between courses. Each dish was super flavorful and perfectly seasoned. We loved that the chef created items that were both themed seasonally and best for the season. Dishes that stood out for us were the scallops and lobster. The dessert presentation was exceptional too. We left with a very relaxed and satisfied experience (and a couple of sweet treats that the restaurant gave us too!). Highly recommend Mugen if you're looking for fine dining in the area. read more

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Solid 5 for the food. I stumbled across their page on yelp while looking for afternoon tea, and ended up booking here for dinner. I picked the Jade course because I wasn't super hungry. For just 150 dollars, the portions were generous and I was pretty full with just 4 courses. We can't even eat anything as well cooked in the Bay Area for that price. Every course was cooked well and flavors were delicate. I was surprised by the flavors of the duck and how it wasn't dry at all. Dessert was also amazing. I can't wait to return to other dishes and even to visit for breakfast. read more

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My wonderful husband took me here for my birthday dinner, and I loved it! It was such a romantic setting, and everyone that works here is so friendly. For my cocktail, I had the matcha Saturn, and it was so unique and tasty! For our appetizer, we had the Kona kampachi. It was pretty sizable for 2 people. For our main, we went for the tomahawk steak. The bone marrow was also included, and it was divine! The bread that it was served with was perfect! The tomahawk itself was cooked perfectly!! It was so delicious! It came with truffle mashed potatoes, which were amazing! For dessert, I had the Koloa rum toffee cake. It was decadent! read more

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Manager Wes and his team truly took great care of us last tonight! We started with Roederer Estate champagne at sunset on the pool deck of this boutique hotel. Such a special way to celebrate a scenic Happy Aloha Friday :) For dinner we enjoyed the Fall prix fixe menu. Chef made an incredible line up of six tasty treats and presentation of each plate was done with style and grace. We especially enjoyed adding the Osetra Caviar to everything for that little extra ;) So nice of Chef to stop by and greet guests when his schedule allowed. Sommelier Doug took the time to tell us about each of the wine pairings. We were so fortunate to taste a sample of smooth Iwa 5, as he told us about this special sake from Japan. Servers Shari and Eduardo were very pleasant all evening. They checked on us often and at their recommendation, we added the A5 wagyu musubi to our prix fixe. This establishment offers valet parking from Kalakaua Ave. The Valet will escort you passed the secured entryway. Elevators to the pool deck are also by secured escort. At the end of our enjoyable dining experience, they gifted us with gold dusted chocolate candies in a sleek black cannister, such a classy touch. Great service, delicious food, and lovely atmosphere...we will certainly return because this was such a memorable dining experience! read more

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Since it was Valentine's Day, only a special preset menu was available. Every single dish was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. I'd love to come back next time to try their regular menu. read more

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Off the hook Asian fusion cuisine. Prix fix menus with fine wne pairings was awesome. Shari was an awesome server and made fantastic recommendations. read more

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Had dinner here with my partner to have a belated anniversary celebration dinner on our first night in Hawaii. What a great place to start our amazing vacation. We were greeted immediately upon entry and felt at home. The servers were super attentive and friendly. We started off with the scallops which was quite delicious. My main dish was the wagyu short rib which I'm still dreaming about. It was incredibly tender and flavorful. The dining area was classy and intimate. Definitely recommend coming here! read more

Mugen - Wagyu short rib - New American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Mugen redefines what Hawaiian cooking can be, elevating it with a global polish and presenting it in a fully customizable tasting menu. This is a dining experience that is as much about delightful surprise as it is about culinary expertise. The dishes themselves are a testament to this balance. Shima Aji was rich and fragrant, its delicate flavor lifted by a saffron yuzu dashi. The Maine Lobster paired with truffle nori risotto and parmesan foam was an indulgent combination. A playful yet decadent foie gras sandwich became an instant new obsession, while their A5 Wagyu musubis proved that you'll never look at a musubi the same way again. Course after course, the kitchen delivered a perfect harmony of comfort and artistry, with each plate feeling intentional and the progression building naturally. The exceptional service only enhanced the experience. The team moved with an effortless confidence, anticipating our needs before we even had to ask and explaining each dish with a clarity that made the storytelling feel completely organic. The space itself is a destination. Intimate, modern, and serene, the room has just enough design detail to remind you that you're in Waikīkī without any of the tourist bustle. This is the kind of dining room that encourages you to slow down and truly savor each moment and every course. For the quality of the ingredients, the talent on display, and the lasting memory it leaves behind, the value is absolutely within expectation. Mugen is proof that Honolulu can deliver a dining experience on par with the world's great food cities. This is a place to seek out, whether you're a local or a visitor, and one I would return to in a heartbeat. read more

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Wow what an experience! Tucked away in the Espacio Waikiki, Mugen is a hidden gem you'd easily miss if you weren't looking. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable valet greeted us, walked us in, and from there, the entire team made us feel like royalty. Special shoutout to our waiter John and his team , whose warmth and attention to detail elevated the whole night. The vibe was quiet, elegant and sophisticated. We chose the prix fixe menu the middle one, they had me at caviar bites and Wagyu and yet every dish was a flavor-packed work of art thoughtful, beautifully plated, and truly melt-in-your-mouth. From land to sea, the ingredients, flavors and the variety of dishes lamb, Wagyu, Maine Lobster, Hamachi, scallops kept each course exciting. The wine pairings were Flawless. From champagne, rosé, white, Bordeaux, and Pinot Noir incredibly matched with our meals The portions were just right we didn't leave full, but we left fulfilled. It's refined, intentional dining that lingers with you. And yes, I shamelessly devoured the chocolate macadamia nuts they gave us with the check. Worth every bite. If you're a foodie or celebrating something special, Mugen is absolutely worth the splurge. This is five-star dining done right. read more

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If I could give more than five stars, I would. Dining at Mugen was an unforgettable culinary experience--elegant, thoughtful, and flawlessly executed from start to finish. We chose the Sapphire tasting menu, and every single dish was a masterclass in flavor, presentation, and precision. We kicked off the evening with two cocktails--Smoke & Mirrors and Whiskey Business--and both were absolutely perfect. The attention to detail was already apparent with the branded Mugen ice block floating in each glass, adding a touch of sophistication and style. The amuse bouche of fresh fish over a crispy tapioca puff with caviar was divine--light, crispy, and full of flavor. It set the tone for what would be an extraordinary evening. The appetizers were truly exceptional: Oysters - fresh and bright with a balanced vinaigrette. Octopus Garden - perfectly tender with a umami-rich XO vinaigrette. Wagyu Beef Tartare - rich yet delicate, with black garlic and quail egg. And my personal favorite--the scallops--cooked to absolute perfection with the ideal sear and tenderness. Scallops this good are rare. Then came the seasonal nigiri, and wow--what a surprise. Unassuming in presentation but bursting with bold, elevated flavors. Some pieces were subtly smoked, and the touch of caviar made it feel incredibly luxurious. It rivaled (and maybe even outshone) the $200 omakase we had the week before. For our main entrées in the "Kai" course, the: Maine Lobster with truffle nori risotto was decadent yet refined. Best lobster dish I've ever had! Shima Aji, with its crisp skin and delicate saffron yuzu broth, was beautifully balanced and cooked to perfection. Then came the "Aina" course: The SRF Wagyu Shortrib was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a complex, umami-packed lemongrass jus. The Maple Leaf Duck Breast was just as stellar--perfectly cooked, rich, and complemented by a lovely blueberry gastrique. To end on a high note, we had the Passion Fruit Custard and Guava Baba for dessert. Not only were they beautifully plated, but the flavors were fresh, bright, and balanced--an elegant conclusion to an already incredible meal. On top of all this, the service was truly world-class. The chef personally came out to check in with us, and every staff member made us feel welcome and cared for. Even the sommelier took time to talk through the wine pairings with us--something that made the experience feel even more personal. Final verdict: If you're looking for a fine dining experience in Honolulu that competes on a world stage, Mugen is it. The tasting menu is worth every penny, and then some. We left with full hearts, full bellies, and memories of an exceptional meal that we'll be talking about for a long time. read more

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The perfect place for a special celebration, we were so excited to experience Mugen for the first time. From the moment we arrived, the valet was seamless and is directly out front of the hotel & restaurant. There is a separate spot to pull over on Kalakaua and unload while the valet takes your car. We remarked that the atmosphere felt very Japanese; it was small and intimate without being crowded. We thoroughly enjoyed every dish from the tasting menu and the sommelier provided us excellent recommendations for our wines for the meal. It was quiet but still festive and we left feeling perfectly content and relaxed. read more

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Amazing! Sorry I waited so long to try. As a single diner they gave me a seat at the bar which afforded a wonderful view of all the happenings. The staff were incredible and very personable. Great sommelier, knowledgeable and hospitable. The $150 Jade tasting menu was an ample meal and you choose the selections. The Amuse Bouche was fantastic but as Chef kiss it wasn't printed in the menu. The taste was a large glorious tater tot topped with poke and caviar! Stupendous! My favorite dish was the Australian lamb. Least favorite was the scallops. The bread basket, very cute but not good, underproofed. The fruit frozen dessert sounded the least rich but was a delectable as it was beautiful. It looked like a snow globe. It's a fancy dining experience but people in shorts were seated, it is the beach and Waikiki. I would suggest dressing smart. Complimentary valet is available. I'll be back .... Soon! read more

Mugen - New American Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The world food tour duo ventured into Waikiki and made their first visit to Mugen, in the ESPACIO Hotel on Kalakaua Avenue. I decided against valet parking, as they use the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower parking lot, so we parked at the International Marketplace. After a leisurely stroll down Kalakaua, we found ourselves at the ESPACIO, a nine-suite hotel at $5K/night. The restaurant is inside the hotel, up a short staircase. It is a dark and intimate space ... I loved the atmosphere. I perused the extensive wine list and we started with a bottle of 2014 Le Corton ($330), a red Burgundy from Bouchard Pere et Fils. The bottle had a lot of sediment, so we had it decanted. It was very dark ruby red with hints of cassis and some astringency from the residual tannins. Mugen has a six-course tasting menu ($200pp) and on our visit one chose one of three options in course two, one of two in course three, and from three options in course four. The first course features three items: a glass of Taro Vichyssoise, a piece of charred octopus sitting on wasabi pesto, and a mini tart with ahi and Hamachi poke with a dollop of caviar on top. The better half of the duo opted for the Wagyu Beef Tartare, Shima Aji, and Maui Venison while I chose the Kona Kampachi, Lobster Risotto, and Marrunga Lamb. The tartare was served with two rectangles of potato pave. It was luscious and creamy though I thought it would have been better with toast points for a texture contrast. My Kona Kampachi came with a wonderful cranberry ponzu sauce ... A fabulous dish. The Shima Aji was a disappointment ... my better half usually prefers raw to cooked fish and I thought the skin of the aji was far too salty. On the other hand, my lobster risotto was spectacular. The lobster was perfectly cooked and the Shimeji mushroom risotto was perfection. I wanted more. The venison was crusted with what was described as heart of palm and shallot crust ... it was tender and so flavor rich. It came with a black garlic blueberry gastrique ... It didn't need any of it. My lamb was served with quarters of charred Brussel Sprouts, Maui onion jam and a lavender jus. Like the venison, it was perfectly cooked and oh so tender. Two fabulous main dishes. Course five was dessert; one could choose from three offerings; we selected the Chocolate & Chestnut and the Green Apple & Ginger Sorbet. My chocolate dish was a log of chocolate and a nest with chestnut atop a small serving of apple banana "foster". I don't like bananas, so I didn't eat that portion of my dessert. The sorbet was served with a container of warmed mulled hibiscus. The sorbet was decorated with slices of Asian pear and halves of grapes. The finale was a plate of several cheeses. One was served like a cookie with cream filling, and pieces of pineapple cooked in sweetened mustard wine (mostarda) atop some creamed cheese was the other item. Two hours later, we left thoroughly sated and content ... Dinner at Mugen, with one exception, was superb and comparable to other extraordinary venues in Honolulu. Service was attentive and gracious; the atmosphere was tranquil, and the food was fabulous. We hope others make their way to Mugen because it was empty for much of the time we were there. People don't know what they're missing. Highly recommended! read more

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I was able to try the Caribbean inspired afternoon tea on Saturday and i loved how every dish I ate was flavorful and unique. read more

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Amazing birthday dinner! Mugen is an upscale restaurant that goes above and beyond not just for their quality of food but for their service! We were utterly pleased with how seamless it was to get seated from our reservation, review the menu, and the whole dinner from beginning to end. Each menu item was creatively plated and well executed. The flavors came together and we loved everything! Our waitress was also very kind as I really wanted the truffle mashed potatoes that was part of another menu item and she was able to ask the back if they could make it an a la carte item for me. Everything was delicious. We enjoyed our night, the ambiance, and small talks with our waitress. There's also complimentary valet parking. We will definitely come back to try their high tea/brunch and come back for dinner too! Highly recommend!!! read more

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The food, service and wine were as good as it can possibly get! This was such an amazing meal with perfect service and a fun, professional, passionate staff! Each dish was more incredible than the next and you can feel the love with everyone involved! This is definitely my new favorite and best restaurant in Hawaii! read more

Came here for the tasting menu and had a delicious (& surprisingly filling) meal! Our server was super friendly and great at explaining dishes + recommendations. Everything we ate was delicious and although they were small portion sizes, we were stuffed by the end. Place was quiet with some background noise but not uncomfortably silent. Attire ranged from casual to more dressed up. Highly recommend! read more

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It is one of the best fine dining experiences we've had. When you dine at Michelin restaurants in the mainland, it hits the mark (or sometimes doesn't) with their taste and services. But at Mugen they went above what we expected. We felt like we were happy to give the 20% tip. Shari and all the staff members were so friendly and helpful, and gave us extra bite of an amuse bouche. I also had a dessert plate with "Happy Date Night" written on it which is a first. Ususally the restaurants only do that for a birthday or an anniversary. It's the first time my date night felt so special, almost felt like it was our anniversary dinner. Food wise, you can order a la carte mixed with tasting menu, the whole party is not required to participate in the same tasting menu. And anything you order you will not be disappointed. The meal was a real treat from start to finish. PS valet is free! Tip only, isn't that a first?! read more

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For my birthday, my husband wanted to treat me and our girls to somewhere truly special. Since our daughters had never experienced fine dining, he searched for the best spot he could find--having tried many with me over the years--and this place did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, we were in awe. The ambiance was elegant yet inviting, with formal aesthetics softened by warm, welcoming staff. The lighting was perfect, setting a relaxed tone without feeling too dim or too bright. Our server, John, was not only knowledgeable but also a wonderful storyteller. His recommendations were spot-on, and his attentive service made us feel genuinely cared for. Now, the food. It was nothing short of extraordinary. We started with the oysters, which were so fresh and flavorful we had to order them twice. The A5 Wagyu was phenomenal--tender, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection. We also indulged in lobster, brisket, beef tartare, and several other dishes, each one beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The four of us kept exchanging delighted glances, savoring every bite like it was a revelation. Of all the fine dining experiences I've had, this ranks at the very top--possibly number one. My husband truly outdid himself. It was a birthday to remember, and we can't wait to return. read more

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Our leadership team has our year end dinner here. This beautiful restaurant is located at Espacio Waikīkī. Fine dining at its finest. This is my first time dining here and I have never had such a unique dining experience. Our team of butlers, sommelier, and chef created a tasting menu for our team that was impeccable. The food was so tasty and delicious. Although the servings were bite sized, I was full at the end of our last course. The champagne and white wine were crisp and light, and complimented every dish. For anyone looking for a once in a lifetime dining experience, you need to try out Mugen! read more

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Mugen is located inside ESPACIO, and they offer a breakfast, afternoon tea, and a dinner menu. We came to check them out for their dinner - we weren't sure whether to go for their 6-course or for their Dry Aged Prime Tomahawk for Two experience, but we ended up choosing the latter! The meal started off with: +Poke & Caviar - ahi, hamachi, ginger, and green onion aioli +Pea & Parmesan Arancini - with iberico ham and truffle aioli; I opted out of this +Charred He'e - with kupu place nasturtium wasabi pesto Out of the 2nd course choices, we went for: +the Scallops - caramelized cauliflower, shio konbu cabbage, and golden raisin +the Wagyu Beef Tartare - with egg yolk gel, black garlic, and potato pave The Dry Aged Prime Tomahawk came with assorted local banchans and a black garlic bordelaise. We went to add on a couple of 'enhancements', which included the A5 Wagyu Musubi and the Foie Gras Sandwich & Banyuls. For the dessert, we went for the Green Apple & Ginger Sorbet (with warm mulled hibiscus, Asian pear, and grapes) and the Okinawan Sweet Potato (with speculoos, torched meringue, and a coconut water veil). The restaurant has 34 seats, which makes the dining experience a bit more intimate. Service was friendly and attentive, and the space was dimly lit and sophisticated. +located at ESPACIO +friendly service read more

Food was delicious from start to finish. Ricardo explained all parts of the menu and his service and recommendations were excellent. We tried the house margaritta, and it was probably the best on the island using higher end resposado teqilla. Although the food may look small, you are still left satisfied as each bite was delicous and different. The courses are cohesive and the ambiance of the place makes everything come together for an immservice experience. Each main was different and we would definitely want to come back as the seasons change. Would highly recommend going there, it is different than pre-covid, so it is worthwhile to check it out again. read more

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This has become one of my favorite restaurants period. I loved the meticulously prepared menu and the professionalism and humbleness of each and every staff. I can see they have put a lot of thought into preparing the whole experience. They truly know the spirit of a high end restaurant and deserves a star! read more

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We came here to celebrate and it was also recommended by a friend. This place did not disappoint. The food was all delicious. Each course came out timely and in such a beautiful presentation. Our server Jada (hope I'm spelling his name correctly) was delightful and easy to talk to. He made the experience that much better. It's a pricey place, but def worth the experience. The food combinations play on a variety of cuisines with a touch of Hawaii to each dish. My wife is Vegetarian and we requested to see if they could accommodate and they did! They did a rendition of the tasting menu and altered each course to be vegetarian, even the ones that already were got a little twist to add to the experience. We both loved our night here and will def comeback the next time we are in Hawaii. Thank you to the Chef and Staff for the signed menu. Food and Experience was outstanding! read more

For our 33rd anniversary, we decided to fly to Honolulu to attend the Opening Night of Cirque du Soleil's Auana and then try Mugen Restaurant for Breakfast the following morning. We wanted to see if it was worth the trip to return for Dinner and the full experience at a later date. We were not disappointed. Ralph and Gerric served us - while also answering all of our questions about the dinner menu and service. The breakfast fare was amazing! It was fun to watch the morning chefs select fresh cuttings of herbs from their indoor hydroponic herb garden. The food was healthy and prepared beautifully. The mango chicken sausages were plated with fresh edible marigolds. It wasn't just a meal, it was an experience. Mahalo Nui to Chefs Gino & Lowell and to Ralph and Gerric for providing us with seamless service. Patrick Toal & Jon Vagi Hawaii Island read more

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Upon arriving, we were told they were only offering a caviar and champagne experience with a $280 minimum. We didn't want champagne or caviar, but we were also told we couldn't order any other drink--there were no alternative options available at all. The interaction left us feeling a bit dismissed, as though we were being turned away simply because we weren't opting into that high-priced offering. We completely understand specialty menus, especially during holiday weeks, but a little warmth, clearer communication, and at least one alternative drink option would have made a big difference. The location is beautiful, but the service experience unfortunately didn't match the setting. read more