Artizen by MW — Restaurant in Honolulu

I have always been a huge fan of MW Restaurant so when a friend suggested dining at the Artizen by MW for brunch I was really looking forward to it. We came to their new location at 888 Kapiolani Blvd today and arrived a little after they opened at 10am since they do not take reservations.

First of all, I was shocked how disorganized and clueless the staff members were. The person taking our order was nice but after we looked at the menu and mentioned what we were thinking about ordering, she said that they were out of that menu item (mochi crusted fish). Then we wanted to order the Tofu and chicken menchi katsu...to which she replied that they had no rice cooked due to a power trip and said that she could replace the rice with a salad. She also gave us the menu change option (misoyaki butterfish), then stated again that there was no rice. When I added the frozen MW chili to my order she walked alway saying that she had to check because of menu changes. I was like...it's frozen, right?

It was such a hot mess ordering and she kept walking away to verify things. She also forgot to give me back my credit card. I didn't notice at first because I'm so used to tap and pay or inserting my own card into the chip reader.

Their service system was poor...the server came to our table 3 times with others people's orders and drinks asking if they were ours. When we noticed the server delivering people's food that ordered after us and had to stop her to ask what happened to our order.

The food...was just okay. Not worth the price and I'm not sure that we got the salad that was supposed to replace the rice with the Menchi katsu...unless it was the tiny bit of kimchi and curry potato salad. We didn't want to bother asking.

Again, super disappointed. Definitely not worth the drive from Mililani. Still shocked at the food and service because MW Restaurant has always been on...

This restaurant is located in the Honolulu Museum of Art in downtown Honolulu. It has a open entry from the museum lobby and a back entrance from the street. The decor is very modern and clean like you would see in a museum. The menu is seasonal and changes at least every 2 months since that was my usual cadence going here. Ice water is dispensed in a clear party dispenser along side cute 6 ounce cups. Interior seating is usually for two to four people with some spaced accomodating up to 12 people (usually with a reservation). It is pretty much open seating unless you call ahead to reserve a table. The staff is friendly and helpful and usually behind the counter and in the kitchen as there is no table service and you bus your own trays/plates after the mean. The food is the highlight of the place. The only down side has been that my favorite items rotated out and are no longer available. If you see the Korean plate lunch sandwich, this thing is awesome. Basically, it has Kalbi, fried chicken, spicy Korean pork, Taegu watercress salad, potato roll with a side of sweet potato fries. I was stuffed but wanted another to take home. The pork adobo was very tasty and had a nice side salad with what tasted like a Japanese sesame dresing. The only downside was it had lean pork instead of fatty pork so it was a little drier than I'd like. Where's the fat?

The prices are fair for downtown but it definitely is not budget food. I like coming here a lot for the bright open space and great food. The frugal side considers this place a treat to eat at and it is cheaper than most other hip downtown lunch venues. Will be back probably for my monthly visit. I would definitely recommend stopping here are a...

UPDATED REVIEW: I originally gave Artizen 2 stars. I added another star because my food arrived cooked this time. If ordering online, the menu is limited. You have to go in for the full menu. Still on the slow side. Food is good, not great.

OLD REVIEW: I heard great things, but my first experience was not good by any means (raw hamburger and not ready on time). I can see it being good, though. I ordered online for a pick up at 11:30 (paid online, too). Came in on time, asked about my order, and was told it'll be a second. I waited ten minutes and asked again. It turned out they didn't start my order until I after arrived. I got my food almost 20 minutes after it was supposed to be ready. When I got back to the office, I found the burger was RED AND COLD on the inside. I asked for medium, this was not close to that. It also looked like it was thrown in there with no attempt to construct a burger, maybe I was meant to build it myself. It all seemed rushed, which is a shame given the quality of the good looked good.

I did not feel like going back to fix it or get a refund.

The fries were fine, but definitely over salted.

Maybe I went on an off day, but it was bad.

I'll go again because their other restaurant is great and the menu here looks promising. I'll revise my rating if the...