Uncle Tetsu - CLOSED

Uncle Tetsu is known for their light and airy cheesecakes. They originated from Japan and this is their first location in the United States. The cheesecake flavors are original and coffee. You want to buy the cheesecake right after it comes out of the oven. It is best to eat the cheesecake when it's still warm but if you put it into the fridge for a few hours, the cake firms up and is more like the American cheesecake. I enjoy the cheesecakes here because they're not rich and overly sweet. If you don't like cheesecake, they also have other baked goods and cold drinks.

They are located on the 2nd floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center at the Pa'ina Lanai Food Court. They offer validation if you make a purchase. The prices are reasonable so you might end up buying more than just a cheesecake.

Royal Hawaiian Center
2201 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-9680

Original Japanese Cheesecake

Ooey Gooey Cookies

Avenue's Bar + Eatery - CLOSED

Avenue's Bar + Eatery is a gastropub located in the Kaimuki area. They are in the former space of SALT and Hale Ohuna. The items on their food menu are heavy but if you like to drink, this place is definitely for you. The have unique cocktails and a big list of beers, wines, and whiskies. For food, my favorites were the antipasto plate (the bread is really good), poutine, jidori buttermilk fried chicken, and open faced smoked ahi melt. Those item are great for sharing. If you want something all to yourself, their burgers are also good. I enjoyed the Ni'ihau lamb burger and the Hawaii Ranchers pastrami sandwich. A lot of the ingredients they use are locally sourced. The prices are high but if you are dining with a group and you can split the cost, it's not bad.

Their interior space is small so I highly recommend making reservations. They are only open for dinner and it's gets busy. For parking, the paid parking lot between 11th and 12th Ave is your best option.

For more information about Avenue's Bar + Eatery, visit avenuesbarandeatery.com.

3605 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 744-7567

Antipasto Plate

Duck Fat Popcorn

Poutine

Ho Farms Lemongrass Pork Burger

Hawaii Ranchers Pastrami

Open Faced Smoked Ahi Melt

Jidori Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Manoa Chocolate Beignets

Menya Musashi Ramen

Menya Musashi Ramen is located near Ala Moana Center. They are known for their tsukemen and ramen. This has become one of my favorite places for tsukemen. The dipping broth is thick and it's not super oily. The noodles get coated nicely after each dip. They are generous with the kakuni (pork belly). The lean to fat ratio is perfect so you'll enjoy each bite along with your noodles. The noodles come in 4 sizes; regular, large, xl, and pounder. If you plan on sharing a tsukemen with your group, the pounder is a great option. The price range is about $10 - $15 so it's still reasonable. If you want a better bowl of ramen or tsukemen with flavorful broth, check this place out.

The shop entrance is small so you can miss it. If you're coming from Pensacola Street or Kapiolani Blvd, you'll see the Wedding Ring shop at the corner. On the next block of Pensacola Street, you'll see the Discount Store and Menya Musashi Ramen is next to it. There are parking spaces in front of the shop and some street parking. The inside of the shop is big and its interior is samurai themed. The kitchen is in the back and you can see the cooks preparing your meal as you wait. If you're coming with more than 4 people, I recommend making reservations.

560 Pensacola St
Ste 105
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 589-0634

Kakuni Bao

Super Musashi Style (ramen)

Nitoryu Musashi Style (tsukemen)