Noreetuh on First Avenue is a beautiful study in contrasts – an unpretentious East Village spot serving some of the most sophisticated Hawaiian-inspired cuisine you’ll find anywhere in NYC. Chef Chung Chow’s menu breaks free from mainland expectations of what “Hawaiian food” should be, instead offering a deeply personal and refined take on the islands’ multicultural influences.

The space itself is understated – warm wood tones and minimalist decor that lets the food take center stage. And what food it is! Their spam musubi elevates the humble canned meat to something extraordinary with perfectly seasoned rice and a house-made teriyaki that will forever change how you think about spam. The pineapple-braised pork belly strikes that perfect balance of fatty richness cut with tropical brightness.

What makes Noreetuh special is its thoughtful approach to Hawaiian cuisine through a fine dining lens, without the fine dining pretension or prices. The wine program deserves special mention – their selection focuses on value-driven bottles that pair beautifully with the food’s complex flavors.

Most compelling of all is how the restaurant feels both deeply personal and universally welcoming. Whether you’re a homesick Hawaiian or someone who’s never set foot on the islands, there’s something magical about how Chef Chow translates his heritage and experience into dishes that feel both innovative and comforting.