The dessert menu at this husband and wife-run restaurant may induce much hemming and hawing, because the impressive list is not only typically 10-plus options deep, but Pastry Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka has been a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef multiple times. Like their savory menu, desserts are inspired by local comfort food, with a twist. Find artistic takes of local favorites like shave ice made with haupia tapioca, strawberry kanten, mochi ice cream strawberry-yuzu sorbet, and shaved hibiscus strawberry in addition to grown-up versions of childhood classics like Karr-Ueoka’s signature house-made doughnuts, candy bars, and seasonal pop tarts.You can’t really go wrong with anything on the dessert menu, so come with a group of friends and convince everyone to cap off their meals, family-style.

The "M" and "W" team of husband-and-wife chefs Michelle Karr-Ueko and Wade Ueko combine their collective experience (20 years alongside chef Alan Wong, a side step to the famed French Laundry, and some serious kitchen time at comfort food icon Zippy's) to create a uniquely local menu with a decidedly upscale twist. Michelle's flair for sweets has resulted in a dessert menu as long as the main one, including tropical fruit creamsicle brûlée, an MW candy bar, and the frozen lilikoi (Hawaiian passion fruit) soufflé.

MW Restaurant, inside a luxury car dealership, applies contemporary twists to local favorites, like a multi-layered and textured shave ice.

One of Honolulu’s finest examples of Hawai‘i regional cuisine, husband-and-wife team Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka reinterpret locals’ favorite flavors in refined ways, such as in a starter of unagi butterfish arancini with nori jam and entrees including mochi-crusted fish, giving the local catch a thin, crisp surface. Absolutely save room for dessert — the shave ice uses seasonal fruit in its ice and layers it with panna cotta, haupia (coconut) tapioca and sorbet for thrilling textures. You can also pick up slices of Karr-Ueoka’s cakes in the downstairs cafe, Artizen.

MW Restaurant, located on Kapiolani Boulevard, is another top pick for fine dining in Honolulu. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka, the restaurant offers a contemporary take on Hawaiian cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes that highlight local ingredients, such as “Ahi Poke,” “Kiawe-Smoked Pork Belly,” and “Mochi-Crusted Kona Kampachi.” With its chic interior and exceptional service, MW Restaurant provides a memorable dining experience for any occasion.

Husband-and-wife owners Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka’s recipes frequently draw on memories of foods they grew up with. Won tons of pork hash and foie gras, pressed cubes of jidori fried chicken in a garlicky soy, and miso-honey glazed butterfish are standouts at dinner, and every dessert, from elevated, seasonal shave ice to the chocolatey layers of the MW candy bar, is appropriate for a sweet ending. If Karr-Ueoka’s ice cream sandwiches make a rare appearance, make a special trip.

Situated 15 minutes from Waikiki and right behind Ala Moana Center, the award-winning MW Restaurant is among the most reliable upscale dining places in Oahu. Offering Hawaii regional cuisine with a creative and inventive twist on every plate, this restaurant is a must-visit. Owned by a couple, Michelle and Wade, MW is a fantastic option especially if you want to dine in a classy yet authentic Hawaiian restaurant.

Nestled in the heart of Honolulu, MW Restaurant is a culinary gem that seamlessly blends traditional Hawaiian flavors with a modern twist. The restaurant, founded by renowned chefs Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka, has become synonymous with sophistication and culinary excellence. As you step into MW Restaurant, you'll be greeted by a chic and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening.

This upscale restaurant is owned by a husband-and-wife duo; he is the executive chef and she is the pastry chef. The tropical creamsicle brûlée was the highlight of my meal there. Refreshing lilikoi passion fruit sorbet is layered with a smooth custard, burnt sugar, tapioca, and house made gummies, giving you the perfect combination of sweet, tart, smooth, crunchy, and chewy.” —Jo Seuk

While MW Restaurant showcases some of the island’s finest Hawaii Regional Cuisine dishes, it also serves one of the best flavored steaks in the State. The ribeye steaks from Brandt Beef are served almost exclusively here in Hawaii, its bold-flavored cut prepared in a variety of ways, based on seasonality. No matter how the steak is presented, the beef is rich and absolutely addicting.

This tropical creme brulee is almost too pretty to eat – almost – Photo courtesy of Melissa Chang. Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka's Tropical Fruit Creamsicle Brûlée has become a signature dessert at MW Restaurant in Honolulu. This delightfully sweet and creamy specialty features Haupia tapioca, tropical fresh fruit, lilikoi sorbet and custard, topped off with a thin, crunchy brûlée.

Step into MW’s upscale, yet down-to-earth setting, where diners are greeted by a warm, inviting ambiance and impeccable service. Signature dishes include the Mochi Crusted Opakapaka, a dish that beautifully marries local seafood with Japanese influences. Equally impressive is their unique take on the classic loco moco, which is a must-try for adventurous foodies.

Now that I live on Maui, every time I'm back in Honolulu there are only two places I'll breakfast: Fook Lam Seafood Restaurant (100 N. Beretania St., Honolulu) for dim sum and Koko Head Café. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say that given it's my own restaurant, but our brunch kicks ass, and I love dining in our new location!

MW Restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers in Honolulu. James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina brings a line-to-table philosophy to this unique seafood restaurant, where friends and family gather for beachfront meals paired with local brews, tropical cocktails, and panoramic ocean views.

Tea set also included fresh mixed berry scone with Yuzu Curd (not shown). ​Last trip, our MW Restaurant server said to us "see you next month!". ​Well, it's finally a month later and another girl's afternoon out.(Don't worry if you're a guy, I saw quite a number of male customers during tea time).

MW has the largest happy hour food menu and most of the items are $5 each. Some of the appetizers are big enough for sharing. They have healthy items like salad but also the heavy items like the kalua pig potato gratin, salmon and butterfish skin chips, ahi poke mandoo and pork meatballs.

Slat wood walls, bamboo and cement tiles create clean, modern lines at this second-floor restaurant at Velocity Honolulu. The simple, natural décor allows colorful contemporary Hawaiian cuisine, including mochi-crusted Kona kampachi and Southeast Asian braised beef bao buns, to shine.

Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka, the wife-and-husband team in the kitchen, are Alan Wong alums, and here they give their own take on Hawaii Regional Cuisine. What that means at MW is local comfort food re-envisioned for fine dining. An ahi poke dish turns the familiar staple into…

The distillery also established pickup locations at restaurants such as Big City Diner and MW Restaurant to make its products more accessible in town. This cross-promotion is happening all over Oʻahu and creates more convenience and opportunities for customers to support local.

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Michelle Karr-Ueoka, MW Restaurant, Honolulu; Robynne Maii, Fête, Honolulu; Mark Pomaski, Moon & Turtle, Hilo; Sheldon Simeon, Tin Roof, Kahului; Robert Urquidi, Ethel’s Grill, Honolulu; Jojo Vasquez, Fond, Lahaina.

888 Kapiolani Blvd, Commercial Unit, Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96813Phone: 808-955-6505 Visit Website. A post shared by MW Restaurant (@mwrestaurant). A little over two miles from Ala Moana Beach Park is MW Restaurant.

888 Kapiolani Blvd Commercial Unit Suite 201Honolulu, HI 96813(808) 955-6505. MW Restaurant offers a stylish venture serving creative Hawaiian fare and cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka, this restaurant is a testament to their passion for food and their commitment to showcasing the flavors of Hawaii.

MW Restaurant** offers a modern take on Hawaiian and Asian fusion cuisine, with creative dishes that showcase the best of local ingredients.