Fodor's Expert Review Lucky Belly

A hip local crowd sips cocktails and slurps familiar noodle dishes with a modern twist at this popular fusion ramen bar. Try the Belly Bowl with smoked bacon, sausage, and pork belly in a savory broth loaded with noodles, as well as the trendy small plates such as pork belly buns, oxtail dumplings, and steak tartare spiced with Japanese chili powder. The service here is unpretentious and attentive, and you can also order your food to go. Lucky Belly accepts dinner reservations for 5–6:30 only, so be prepared for a wait if you dine after that. Late-night hours also make it a great stop after shows at Hawaii Theatre, or when that dinner elsewhere didn't quite do the trick. Arrive by 11:30 if you want a table for lunch; this place quickly fills up with the downtown crowd.