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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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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).
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2 years ago
Upon arrival we were greeted and escorted into a private and charming dining area, the staff all attentive and professionally dressed. The tasting menu offered was easy to read and sounded delicious. Our server, Evan, walked us through the menu and selections with descriptive precision. The menu that followed was superb and flowed effortlessly from dish to dish, and as food enthusiast, we were both delighted and impressed. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a special night out. Thanks to the crew and Evan in particular! read more
8 months ago
4 months ago
2 years ago
Gorgeous presentation, service immaculate- very pleased and surprised to find this level of fine dining on Waikiki. The food is not only beautifully presented but the flavors are on point. Small portions, but plenty courses that you aren't leaving hungry. We did add oysters and the foi gras, both amazing! I just returned home from a high end very very well known Michelin restaurant in Paris, where every dish disappointed us not only in presentation, but in lack of flavor, this is such a pleasant surprise and a hidden jewel right here on Oahu. Prefix $200/pp read more
2 years ago
Epic dinning experience! Is how I would sum up our dinner at Mugen. From start to finish my husband and I were treated like VIPs. The service was on point but never felt pretentious. Douglas, Wes, Shari, and Ricardo went above and beyond to ensure our experience was special and memorable. I appreciate all the details they shared about the food, wine, hotel and restaurant that truly makes Mugen the Gem of Waikiki. The service they provided during our epic dinning experience was 10/10. To match the service was incredible food!! My husband and I both agreed that our dinner here was one of the best meals we have ever shared. Not only was EVERY dish beautiful they were each unique, spectacular and delicious. I took many pictures because there was no way I would be able to eloquently describe each course and dish, this is not typical of me but I needed to be able to remember each one of these stunning dishes. This beautiful restaurant was nothing short of phenomenal. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
We had the tasting menu. Service was phenomenal, they were already waiting for us went we got there, and greeted us by name. The server's name was the same as mine, so we had a nice conversation about that. The food was amazing, we had the tasting menu for 2. There are a few choices, they recommended to get a couple different things so we could try and share. I also had the wine pairing, it was well served and delicious. The vibe of the place was really nice, it's a really private place that's great for a date and a nice conversation. My favorite fine dining place in Waikiki, will definitively come back! read more
This restaurant provided the best dining experience I've ever had, from start to finish. Every aspect of my evening was exceptional, including the ambiance, service, table settings, food quality, and plating. The level of detail and care in everything they did was impressive. All the employees were so friendly and welcoming. Each bite was a delight, and I enjoyed the entire culinary journey. I was particularly pleased that the chef was able to accommodate my dietary restrictions. However, I recommend informing the restaurant ahead of time if you have specific dietary needs, so they can properly prepare and make the necessary accommodations. If you're considering dining here, I suggest checking their menu online to ensure there are no dietary conflicts with your restrictions. This will help you and the restaurant have the best experience possible. Overall, I can't recommend this place enough for its incredible food and exceptional service. I am coming back once there is a new menu. Thoroughly pleased to have celebrated my birthday here. Thank you Mugen team for everything! read more
Aloha, finally made it to Mugen. OMG so amazingly ono! If you're a foodie make your way here each dish was beautifully presented and better yet, delicious! From the Ute bread dish to the venison I was impressed. Celebrated GNO for 2 birthdays. So happy M picked Mugen. I really enjoyed my meal. The service is impeccable with Wes and Shari, so happy to see familiar faces. And a great wine list too. Will definitely bring hubby back to experience a fine meal here too. Enjoy! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Not sure what happened to their breakfast service, but it totally changed over the course of a year. We came here for brunch on my birthday last year and they treat us so well. They gave us complimentary apple cider (since we don't drink alcohol) & complimentary pastries. We ordered their lobster eggs Benedicts & they were excellent. It came with lobster claw meat, caviar, ikura, & truffle. This year, I had put on my reservation that it was my birthday, but they failed to even acknowledge the fact that it was my birthday. We were the only customers in the restaurant. They also changed the recipe to the lobster eggs Benedict and use tail meat instead of claw meat and took away the caviar, ikura, & truffle! I was very disappointed in my experience this year compared to last year's. I guess I'll be celebrating my birthday brunch somewhere else next year. read more
Very impressed experience. We started off having caviar and champagne on the rooftop by the pool and continued to the restaurant. We did the wine pairing with the 7 course meal and ordered a bottle of Wine to enjoy with the 5oz A5 that I ordered. We've been to many fine dining restaurants and Mugen definitely falls in that category of excellence. Many reviews mention about the potions being a little small, for me ordering 5oz of A5 was perfect. Chip the manager was absolutely amazing and took good care of us. Wine Sommelier- Kaulana did an amazing job choosing the right wine for us Taks - was amazing setting up the caviar and champagne on the pool deck. Caviar & Champagne $125 per person, well worth it especially if you understand what type of caviar you're eating. 7 course dinner $155 per person. If you understand the time and thought of how each dish taste then you will understand why the price. To me it was priced right and the portion was perfect. read more
7 months ago
2 years ago
Service was 5 star. Polite, attentive and looking to make sure you had a pleasant time. Ambiance was nice and decor was modern. No views to the outside, which would be nice since you are paying top dollar and across the street from Waikiki beach. Entrance and valet is tricky the first time going. Would be nice to have a sign on the curb letting you know the valet location, since you are not pulling off of Kalākaua. $200 a person for the 5 course meal which you get a choice on certain courses. All plated well. Looks much better than the flavor profiles. Food 3 stars for fine dining. Nice wine and drink selection. Old fashion was made table side with stamp applied to ice. Tube of chocolates given to take home. read more
Positives- The caviar service is worth it! The mochi blini are a neat innovation, maybe a little small to handle comfortably and a bit too sweet for my taste but the cured egg yolk was amazing! Also the drink menu was very interesting and well thought through with neat seasonal offerings. The pastry chef came and spoke with us at end of meal and he was wonderful and has a great fund of knowledge, so glad he took the time to speak with us. I hate giving lower star reviews so let me expand. Staff is all really nice but I expect more knowledgeable wait staff in a restaurant at this price point. Basically they didn't know anything more about foods or sourcing beyond the course soundbite description. And while the dining room is beautifully decorated it's dark and so frigid each course gets cold unless you scarf it down (despite plates being served wonderfully warmed). Service is a bit rushed too, as soon as a course was finished plates were cleared and next course set up. Again, at this price point I expect a chance to pause and savor each unique creation. I was hoping for an experience closer to Per Se or even Canlis but I know that's a lot to expect in Hawaii. Also not sure why they have those gorgeous roof top views because the dining room is windowless and claustrophobic. read more
This is the sort of place you go for a really really REALLY special occasion. The best about this place is the people. Every single person we interacted with was sincere, helpful, friendly and truly wanted you to feel special. We did. The food was expertly prepared and so well presented. You almost did not want to mess it up by eating it. We also started our even at the rooftop to see the sunset sip some bubbles and take in some delicious caviar. What a treat. Now. This is not the place to go with a big appetite. Do not save your appetite all day to enjoy dinner here because you will be hungry if not starving. But the ingredients are high quality. This is more of a gourmet rather than gourmand sort of place. If we could have gotten just a few more calories I would have bumped this up to 5 stars. read more
Beautiful plates of "Art", exquisite material, and excellent service. Valet parking right in front of the restaurant. Romantic and dimmed environment inside. We had the 11 course meal with wine pairing. Great for very special evening, an evening to impress someone...that someone can be impressed by beautiful food in tiny quality, but don't necessarily want to eat, a lot. Wine pair came with all plates. read more
Lovely dinner with more hits than misses and with spectacular service! The tomato gnocchi was light and very yummy. The turbot with the nashi pear & chamomile dashi was the highlight dish of the night for me. It was cooked perfectly and the skin was deliciously crispy. The Miyazaki A5 was rich and melt in your mouth. Paired with the chawanmushi and carrot purée was an unique surprise to the taste buds! The Kona Coffee dessert was shaped like a coffee bean which was very cute and too pretty too eat. When I finally decided to take the bite it was a nice explosion of strong coffee flavor. We ended with an artistic matcha/Sakura dessert that was as delicious as it looked with blood orange, pineapple and raspberry mousse cake! We left with some yummy Yuzu White Chocolate covered pistachios as a parting gift! Mugen has great promise and looking forward to the next seasonal menu release! read more
My wife surprised me with dinner at Mugen and I couldn't be more impressed. From the moment we walked in, until we left, it was a first class experience! Mugen is located in the Espacio hotel in Waikiki....the true definition of a hidden gem! My wife mentioned that the reservation process was done thoughtfully in stages to make sure everything was in order. What a nice surprise! We were a little early when we arrived, and the valet was very helpful. We arrived before the restaurant opened and the valet arranged for us to relax in the hotel lobby beforehand, which was so nice! We were met by Vernon the hotel manager, who graciously treated us to water and a quick chat. He offered to give us a quick tour of the property, which we graciously accepted. There are only 9 suites in the hotel on 9 floors...yeah....out of this world!! It's an amazing property that caters to those who appreciate the finer things in life. If I was a visitor, and had the means....this is where I would stay! Everytime! After our tour we were seated in the restaurant. It is a calm, cool, and relaxing space to have a meal. There is a menu card letting you know a sneak peak on what you will be having for dinner. There is also a cocktail menu and wine list. I was able to try the Garnet cocktail and the Monkey Biz cocktail. Both were refreshing and not too sweet. I felt they both fell into the 'aperitif' category. There is only one tasting menu and everyone gets the same dishes, but you do have a choice of drinks and if you want wine pairings with your dinner as well. I can't say enough about the customer service here. This is the best service I have had in Hawaii. No question....hands down. Every employee from the valet to the hotel manager, to each server and the wait staff were amazing. Each was knowledgeable, attentive, caring, funny, polite and professional. They anticipated our needs and explained everything to perfection. The food was delight for your eyes and tummy... Caviar This dish was beautifully plated. There was an apple component that was a nice contrast to the richness of the caviar. I felt the apple flavor was an unorthodox and an unexpected flavor to match with the caviar and uni, but it worked. Hirame This was very similar to ceviche. The flounder fish mixed with the other ingredients made for a bright dish that was delicious. Sugar snap We were told that this was the chef's favorite vegetable and that's why he created this dish. It was definitely a contrast in textures. The flavor was subtle and nice, and the shiso really made the dish. Managatsuo The butterfish was soft and perfectly cooked. But the horse hair crab demi glace sauce was heavenly. It was to die for. Such depth of flavor and aroma. I could have licked the plate but was embarrassed to do so in such a nice setting. Poha The palate cleanser was good, but almost tasted like dessert. The poha berry gelee was nice, as was the pineapple sorbet. Miyazaki A-5 Beef OMG. This melted in my mouth...it was glorious. We opted in for the shaved truffles on top and it put the dish over the top. It was so soft that you didn't need a knife! Shikwasa This was a nice transition before dessert. It was lightly sweet and had a nice green tea flavor. It's always awesome to have a pre dessert! Wielaiki Honey Dessert was beautiful and looked extremely difficult to make....it's shape almost was like a yellow submarine! The outside had nice lilikoi flavor and the inside was filled with Mililani chocolate from Manoa Chocolate Company. The coffee whipped cream made this dish absolutely perfect. We will be back to dine at this restaurant. What a wonderful experience, all the way around! read more
9 months ago
Mugen has been on our list of restaurants to visit for a special date night and I'm so excited we were able to have this dining experience! The staff, atmosphere, drinks, and food were all excellent - My husband and I had such a wonderful time! Parking is via Valet off of Kalakaua right in front of the restaurant, and there is a quick temperature check when you check in for your reservation at the front. The ambiance is sleek and relaxing - We were seated in the room to the right after you pass the Chef's Counter & Bar. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about all of the drinks and dishes. All of the staff were very attentive. My husband decided to go with the wine pairing and I opted for the Butterfly Pea Daiquiri - Such a beautiful and delicious cocktail! There's a pretty flower frozen in the middle of the ice ball, which lasted throughout the entire dinner service (about 3 hours)! Each dish was unique and packed with an array of flavors - Definitely an experience for the taste buds. My favorite was the Kuromutsu & Hubbs was the Miyazaki A5 (definitely recommend adding on that extra ounce if you love meat). I opted for the Truffle add-on and chose to have it with the Liberty Duck course which was perfect - The truffle wasn't too overbearing and complimented the dish nicely. At the end of the service, we were given a treat to enjoy at home - Overall, we had an amazing experience and definitely well worth the price for the service, ambiance, and exquisite drinks & food! read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
Start to finish everything blew us away. Was worth every penny. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Our favorite meal of the trip and will definitely come back the next time we're in Oahu. read more
3 years ago
Amazing experience in Waikiki! The food was appealing to the eyes and as delicious as they looked!! The service was on point with knowledgeable staff. The mixologist was like a magician and prepares us so of the most amazing cocktails and mocktails! The ambiance and experience was luxurious to say the least. read more
Dined here for a special occasion, it was intimate and cozy. The plating and presentation of the five-course menu and drinks were superb. Our server made sure to answer any questions we had and even checked with the chef regarding a few things. Chef graciously modified some of the dishes that I couldn't eat due to food allergies. The som was friendly and had great recs for the wine pairings. The small bite appetizers were a fun start along with the bread and butter. Chose the wagyu beef tartare (flavorful) and Kona kampachi (ok) for the seconds. Lamb and washugyu ribeye mains did not leave a lasting impression. A few of the fried sides like corn toast, potato pave, and taro were done really well. The Black Forest cake and nocciola desserts were incredible. Wine service timing was a bit disjointed with the course menu and was even spottier as more guests joined. The food/service has a lot of potential, and hopeful that it will match its price point soon. We were given a fancy container of chocolate covered hazelnuts as a parting gift. read more
2 years ago
This is a very fancy restaurant. Service was awesome! They pay attention to you a lot! Even the chefs in the back. I feel like they're just looking at your reactions to everything they made. They have a set menu. The servings were very small of course but very delicious. I like how they combine different flavors and they all compliment each other. Ambience was beautiful. It's more intimate. Very small place. There's probably around 3 tables and there's a few bar stools for the bar. They have a whole wall of wines. I wish I took a picture of it. Overall I loved the experience of coming here. read more
4 years ago
Bf took me for my birthday and it was definitely something different. The hotel it's located in is Espacio and you literally just pull up and a valet will come out to park your car. Very classy, somewhat intimate, there's only about 6 tables and a private area for a small party. It's your typical fancy restaurant where the portions are small, the food was delicious, but I don't think it's worth the price... One of my favorites were the haricot vert (green beans) that has vadouvan spice, which is a French derivative of a masala. I LOVE THIS SEASONING!!! Sooo good! I also liked the itoyori (threadfin bream fish) that was drizzled with sunchoke purée that made the dish even more flavorful! The liberty duck was splendid and the risotto tasted delicious with it! The Miyazaki A5 was yum! And the blue cheese with with the brioche wasn't too bad. All in all it was a lovely night with excellent service (the servers came around frequently to wipe even the slightly drop(s) of water on the table)! Merci! Domo arigato gozaimasu! read more
1 year ago
What can I say. Chef Jason Yamaguchi elevates Japanese/French cuisine with some special dishes at the beautiful Espacio all suites hotel's new Mugen Restaurant. A seasonal menu is offered but I would opt for the Chef tasting menu with wine pairing to get the ultimate experience. The room itself lacks some charm but the service and food makes up for the plain enclosed atmosphere. The wagyu beef was so delicious and I am still dreaming about the butterscotch caramel Pots de Creme. I would definitely suggest this for a very special occasion. read more
In the heart of Waikiki in the Espacio hotel tucked away and private. Staff was attentive to details and friendly. A pre fixed menu $195 per person. Sooo worth the beautiful experience. Each dish has a specific blend of flavors that combines elegantly along with a wine pairing for an additional $90. Chefs attention to detail really shines through. All these pictures don't do justice. A must for a special occasion as this is very exclusive. read more
Went here to celebrate my grandma and parents birthday. The ambiance is nice and staff very professional, my dad will point out slippers are okay, but is fancier attire. Tasting menu does start small and you question if you'll be full at the end. YOU WILL BE. Only one course that I didn't care for was because of the tangerine zest, our table agreed it made it too bitter for our taste. But besides that it was course after course of incredible food. My 9 year old loved the fact that everything was small and bite size. Service was so great that before we started we were asked if my daughter would like something else as I imagine most 9 year olds don't sit through every course and again on the cheese course with blue cheese she was offered ice cream instead but she thoroughly enjoyed it and everyone at the table said it was the best meal they had experienced. Although I will put it out there she did still rank my steak higher. read more
Such an amazing dining experience at Mugen. It has been opened for three months. It was recognized by USA Today as one of the ten best new restaurants in the USA. Mugen has two seatings: 5pm and 7:30pm. The restaurant is super intimate, with only 14 seats. I was the only person dining at 5pm. Chef Jason Yamaguchi is the son of a French mother and Japanese father. It explains his French and Japanese influenced cuisine. Jason and Lee, the restaurant's manager, were exceptionally friendly, answered my questions and gave me VIP treatment. I start with Sasanian Osetra Caviar, followed by King Crab. The elegant plates were custom made in Japan. Next Heirloom Beets, followed by Tagliatelle. Pineapple Sorbet to cleanse the palate. For my protein, Colorado Lamb, incredibly tender, perfectly prepared. For dessert, Milk & Honey, followed by Butterscotch Pot De Crème. Wow! My prix fixe dinner took just about an hour to be served. At lunch, you can order off the menu. Soon they will be expanding their dining room to accommodate even more guests. It was a spectacular way for me to finish five months of travel to Honolulu! read more
5 years ago
M-U-G-E-N. I wouldn't call this location just a restaurant. That would be a true understatement. This is more of a one-of-a-kind palate adventure of French-Japanese cuisine (whatever you would want to call it). Before I review each dish, I wanted to shout-out to our main server, Eduardo, and his runners for providing us an extravagant and unforgettable experience. Their dedication of service is well-defined during our evening here. Thank you all for the wonderful, utmost service. This evening, we had the pre-fixed menu ($150) + wine pairing ($70 additional) + truffle ($60 additional) + wagyu beef ($60 additional). I would suggest the wine pairing if you want to take your taste buds to another level. Btw, I started the evening with their Tiger Eye cocktail. Whiskey lovers, this is the drink for you. It's a unique version of an old fashion. Get it and just drink it to get the mood going. If you are wine paring, I would suggest to just order one drink because you are in for a roller coaster with the wine pairing (in a good way, of course). Sobriety is not an option, if you are planning to finish each wine served per dish. Trust me. On to the each dish...and please keep in mind each dish has its own wine. I'm not a wine person so I don't remember which type of wine was paired. 1) Sassanian Osetra Cavier - very good! Tangy taste with cavier. Very unique! 2) Hirame - one of my favorites! Never knew a vegan dish could taste this good! Hard to describe but wow! 3) Sugar Snap - a pastry filled with unknown goodness! 4) Amadai - topped with the additional truffle. Wow! Chrispy fish skin and bottom tenderness. You have to eat with all the garnish to experience the full flavor and wine. My goodness! Top 2 of my favorites! Btw, at this point, you will feel tipsy. 5) Poha - this is the intermission dish before the "entree". It clears up the taste buds. A unique sherbet. 6) Long Island Duck. Topped with the additional truffle. Again, just wow! Make sure to eat with the liver to understand this dish. 7) Shikwasa - wow. Just wow! I can't fully describe how delicious this first dessert was. It was perfect! 8) Wilelaiki Honey - If you already finished your wine from 7), ask your server to refill it for this dessert. Not too sweet and it was terrific! Has a hint of chocolate alcohol to it. Ok, by the end of the last dish, I was DRUNK af! Not going to lie. Lol! Worth it! Overall, my deepest compliments to the chef. I am in awe. Ask me to dine here again...please take my money because I will be BACK! I love MUGEN! Everything was perfect! 5 stars indeed! **Warning** Mugen is expensive. But if you want to experience something special, then you better be ready to pay for it. read more
3 years ago
Super pricy tasting course. They changed menu every season. The food is delicious and interesting. Fine dining style restaurant. The service is above what you expected. read more
5 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
More info about Mugen
2452 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
Waikiki
Directions
(808) 377-2247
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https://www.mugenwaikiki.com
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Ask the Community - Mugen
Is entertainment available at dinner?
Aloha Beatriz, Mugen is a small intimate restaurant that has a view of our Chef show kitchen. We do have curated background music to provide the backdrop for Chef's cuisine and dining room service professionals.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, everyone is welcome to try our tasting menu! However we do not have any ala carte or children's menu available.
Are most of the food raw? Is it pregnancy safe for pre-fix?
We do have a couple dishes that are raw or medium rare. But our team will always accommodate our guests who are expecting.
Anybody know the dress code?
Resort casual is preferred. Many other diners are celebrating Birthdays, Graduations, Anniversaries or Honeymoon so are dressed to impress. Don't be that T-Shirt and flip flop person.
How about 2021 Aug price for taste menus?
As of October 1st they have introduced an 11 course tasting menu for $195. Wine pairings are $90.
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
6 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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Mugen - newamerican - Updated June 2026
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