Top notch service and food. Wesley was attentive attentive, respectful, and welcoming. Food was excellent . We tried the Japanese breakfast and it was fresh and quite tasty. Best Japanese breakfast we've had in 17 years of living in Japan.
mi
The attention to detail of food presentation is impeccable. The combinations of local floors and artistically presented home grown vegetable are remarkable. Definite place to experience. Would do it again!
Juliet
Outstanding! We have been in Oahu for three weeks and enjoyed several dining experiences, however Mugen stands out as our very favourite for service, a delicious culinary experience and a fantastic wine list. It's a small intimate restaurant. The oysters were some of the best I've had, and I've dined in many fine establishments all over the world. Presentation and flavours are superb! We are looking forward to returning soon.
Rupert
It was really good food. Staff were very friendly too. Nice quiet place, good for a romantic evening. Pricey though.
Amber
We ordered ala carte and everything was amazing ! It was my birthday dinner and I was happy with every single dish !!!!
Stephen
Bartender was wonderful. The sommelier to extra care to describe each wine and beverage. All the staff were attentive. Food was wonderful.
Marko
If you're looking for a truly elevated dining experience in Waikiki, Mugen is where art meets cuisine. Located inside the ultra-luxurious ESPACIO hotel, Mugen isn't just a restaurant—it's a culinary event. From the moment you walk in, you're immersed in a space that feels more gallery than dining room, with an intimate, upscale ambiance that sets the stage for what's to come. The tasting menu is a journey—one that blends Japanese precision with French flair and island-sourced ingredients. Each course is meticulously crafted and plated with stunning detail. Highlights included the Hokkaido scallop crudo, A5 Miyazaki wagyu, and the uni egg custard that could easily be the best bite in Honolulu. The wine and sake pairings are thoughtful and refined, enhancing rather than overpowering the dishes. Service is flawless—attentive but never intrusive. The staff is knowledgeable, clearly passionate, and well-versed in every ingredient and origin. They guide you through the experience with the kind of warmth and professionalism that makes you feel like a welcome guest rather than just a customer. Yes, it's a splurge—but Mugen delivers on every dollar. Perfect for special occasions, anniversaries, or when you just want to experience some of the best dining Oʻahu has to offer. Book ahead—it's exclusive, and for good reason.
Lynn
High priced but the food was creative, delicious and beautifully plated. Our server was super attentive. I wish we lived here so we could make Mugen a regular date night!
Kirsten
The staff was so kind and hospitable which was absolutely the highlight but there were many details that took away from the experience. Brought my mom and enjoyed the afternoon tea pre-fixe but did not know we would be sat at the bar (there were two tables of 4 and then two parties of 2 sat next to each other at the bar). Definitely expected more space and she's short so it was difficult for her to sit there. Also think timing needs to be fine tuned - parties could choose their teapot as they're being seated instead of being seated then asked to stand up and walk back where they came from to choose a pot. We were seated first and next to the teapots but asked to choose last which was odd. Would also be nice if tea for the party was served at the same time- I got my tea 10 minutes before my mom did. Wanted to take photos but the liquor bottles and the computer are in the background as they're obviously behind the counter we were sat at. Still rated highly because the staff, tea, and desserts were delicious.
Tim
Food was great, service was superb parking was simple however, there was an annoying hum from air conditioning or some other mechanical device that lasted throughout the dinner
Me and my husband had a wonderful time at Mugen. The food was delicious and reminded us of our trip to Japan. Would definitely come again.
Jim
Must try when in Waikiki. Top notch food, top notch service. Doug is amazing. We probably had too much wine, if that's possible.
ann
Everything we ordered was really good.. but the foie gras sandwiches are to die for.. It wasn't just a sandwich. It was a moment, the kind that makes you stop mid-bite, close your eyes, and savor everything.
Heather
Sapphire tasting menu with nigiri was amazing! The lamb was flavored so well. Would definitely go back
Daniel
One of the best meals I've had in my life. Amazing dishes, wonderful service, and perfect wine pairings.
Top notch service and food. Wesley was attentive attentive, respectful, and welcoming. Food was excellent . We tried the Japanese breakfast and it was fresh and quite tasty. Best Japanese breakfast we've had in 17 years of living in Japan.
The attention to detail of food presentation is impeccable. The combinations of local floors and artistically presented home grown vegetable are remarkable. Definite place to experience. Would do it again!
Outstanding! We have been in Oahu for three weeks and enjoyed several dining experiences, however Mugen stands out as our very favourite for service, a delicious culinary experience and a fantastic wine list. It's a small intimate restaurant. The oysters were some of the best I've had, and I've dined in many fine establishments all over the world. Presentation and flavours are superb! We are looking forward to returning soon.
It was really good food. Staff were very friendly too. Nice quiet place, good for a romantic evening. Pricey though.
We ordered ala carte and everything was amazing ! It was my birthday dinner and I was happy with every single dish !!!!
Bartender was wonderful. The sommelier to extra care to describe each wine and beverage. All the staff were attentive. Food was wonderful.
If you're looking for a truly elevated dining experience in Waikiki, Mugen is where art meets cuisine. Located inside the ultra-luxurious ESPACIO hotel, Mugen isn't just a restaurant—it's a culinary event. From the moment you walk in, you're immersed in a space that feels more gallery than dining room, with an intimate, upscale ambiance that sets the stage for what's to come. The tasting menu is a journey—one that blends Japanese precision with French flair and island-sourced ingredients. Each course is meticulously crafted and plated with stunning detail. Highlights included the Hokkaido scallop crudo, A5 Miyazaki wagyu, and the uni egg custard that could easily be the best bite in Honolulu. The wine and sake pairings are thoughtful and refined, enhancing rather than overpowering the dishes. Service is flawless—attentive but never intrusive. The staff is knowledgeable, clearly passionate, and well-versed in every ingredient and origin. They guide you through the experience with the kind of warmth and professionalism that makes you feel like a welcome guest rather than just a customer. Yes, it's a splurge—but Mugen delivers on every dollar. Perfect for special occasions, anniversaries, or when you just want to experience some of the best dining Oʻahu has to offer. Book ahead—it's exclusive, and for good reason.
High priced but the food was creative, delicious and beautifully plated. Our server was super attentive. I wish we lived here so we could make Mugen a regular date night!
The staff was so kind and hospitable which was absolutely the highlight but there were many details that took away from the experience. Brought my mom and enjoyed the afternoon tea pre-fixe but did not know we would be sat at the bar (there were two tables of 4 and then two parties of 2 sat next to each other at the bar). Definitely expected more space and she's short so it was difficult for her to sit there. Also think timing needs to be fine tuned - parties could choose their teapot as they're being seated instead of being seated then asked to stand up and walk back where they came from to choose a pot. We were seated first and next to the teapots but asked to choose last which was odd. Would also be nice if tea for the party was served at the same time- I got my tea 10 minutes before my mom did. Wanted to take photos but the liquor bottles and the computer are in the background as they're obviously behind the counter we were sat at. Still rated highly because the staff, tea, and desserts were delicious.
Food was great, service was superb parking was simple however, there was an annoying hum from air conditioning or some other mechanical device that lasted throughout the dinner
Restaurantji Recommends
Me and my husband had a wonderful time at Mugen. The food was delicious and reminded us of our trip to Japan. Would definitely come again.
Must try when in Waikiki. Top notch food, top notch service. Doug is amazing. We probably had too much wine, if that's possible.
Everything we ordered was really good.. but the foie gras sandwiches are to die for.. It wasn't just a sandwich. It was a moment, the kind that makes you stop mid-bite, close your eyes, and savor everything.
Sapphire tasting menu with nigiri was amazing! The lamb was flavored so well. Would definitely go back
One of the best meals I've had in my life. Amazing dishes, wonderful service, and perfect wine pairings.
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