Open for brunch and dinner, Nami Kaze’s menu falls somewhere between intriguing and overwhelming, with things like a chili garlic shrimp caesar and a teriyaki ahi burger on the breakfast menu. Even the straightforward-sounding omelet comes out as a not-at-all-straightforward chawanmushi topped with mentaiko. Embrace some surprises and you’ll end up with a table of delightful options like the must-order honey walnut shrimp waffle, a.k.a. the best waffle pairing since fried chicken.

Chef Jason Peel's critically acclaimed Japanese fusion restaurant has an eclectic, creative, and often surprising mix of dishes from brunch through dinner, served in a bright, modern, high-ceilinged dining room or a smaller side dining space. Lots of local seafood, vegetables, and other island ingredients infuse the menu. Japanese breakfasts and omelets, plus twists on American brunch favorites, are served from morning to early afternoon.

Nami Kaze, a restaurant down by the industrial fishing harbor, celebrates seafood and local produce, infused with Hawaii, Japanese and international flavors.

Nami Kaze is what happens when a longtime right-hand chef to Hawai‘i’s fine-dining luminaries finally opens a place of his own. Jason Peel’s dishes erupt with originality, folding in influences from his childhood on Kaua‘i (‘ulu tots, showered with tomme shavings, nest in a pool of his grandfather’s barbecue sauce) to his penchant for izakaya-style dining. Brunch features everything from honey walnut shrimp waffles to luxe sushi rolls, and dinners of small shared plates can wrap in a lemony lobster chawanmushi, cold-smoked local tomatoes draped on custardy tofu, and ethereally fluffy sweet-corn beignets dipped in curry salt and Kewpie.

Nami Kaze opened during the pandemic with a brunch service and expanded to a full-blown diner last year. A James Beard Culinary Awards semi-finalist, this modern izakaya and sushi bar is located at Pier 38 in Honolulu, serving up decadent brunches (honey walnut shrimp and waffles, anyone?) and snack-size dinner plates such as lobster chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) and Kona abalone. Like any good izakaya, there’s also a substantial sake menu to accompany your food, including sake on-tap for $10 USD.

Open for lunch and dinner, this spot is a perfect brunch venue on the weekends. Owner and Executive Chef Jason Peel draws from the flavors from his hometown of Kaua‘i, and the decades of experience working with some of Hawaii’s culinary leaders. His farm-focused approach and inspired creativity produces a series of eggs Benedicts, Japanese-style teishoku set meals, sandwiches, salads, omelets, and sweet breakfast selections.

Nami Kaze was a James Beard semifinalist for 2023 Best New Restaurant. Chef and owner Jason Peel serves a wildly creative brunch during the day and transforms the menu to offer izakaya-style small plates at night.Photo: Melissa Chang. Opened at the tail end of 2022, Nami Kaze is one of the most talked about spots to hit Oʻahu’s restaurant scene—and the buzz isn’t just on-island.

Nami Kaze is a cozy and authentic Japanese restaurant tucked away in the heart of Honolulu. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favorite among locals seeking traditional Japanese comfort food. From delicious ramen to freshly prepared sushi, Nami Kaze offers a delightful taste of Japan in the heart of Oahu.

- Rating: 4.5/5 (762 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1135 North Nimitz Hwy Honolulu, Hawaii - Categories: Japanese, Asian Fusion- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Highest-rated Mexican restaurants in the Honolulu area by diners