Troy Guard’s three-year-old RiNo restaurant has a new approach—and lunch!—led by chef Tristen Epps.
BY CALLIE SUMLIN | MAY 7, 2019
When Mister Tuna opened in 2016, the moniker—love it or hate it—got people talking. You see, “Mister Tuna” is chef/owner Troy Guard’s father’s nickname, and the hip RiNo eatery was loosely inspired by the casual outdoor cooking of Guard’s Hawaiian upbringing.
That name also confused some diners, who walked in off of Brighton Boulevard expecting a sushi restaurant, but instead found a New American menu with Hawaiian influences. That issue needed solving, so when chef Tristen Epps took the reins as executive chef last year, the team decided to completely reimagine the menu. The result, which rolled out late last month, is now more global, more shareable, and more small-plate oriented. (And yes, the new menu does include a sashimi option or two.)
For daytime diners, Mister Tuna also rolled out a new lunch service as of April 30. The simple, meat-and-three-style menu features the likes of Kona coffee-brined kalua pig and lentil faux’lafel, plus sides like grilled carrots and Hawaiian-style macaroni salad. You order at the counter, and pay $13.50 for a main dish, two sides, and an agua fresca or lemonade.
Here are a few of the new dishes you’ll find when you check out Mister Tuna 2.0:
If you go: Mister Tuna is open for lunch Tues-Fri, 11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m, and for dinner Tues-Fri at 4 p.m. Dinner on Friday starts at 5 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
