
Nico's Pier 38
Nico's Pier 38 is Honolulu's premier fish restaurant, offering the freshest seafood directly from local fishermen with a blend of French and Hawaiian ...

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Must-see attractions
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Nico's Pier 38

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nico's Pier 38 is Honolulu's premier fish restaurant, offering the freshest seafood directly from local fishermen with a blend of French and Hawaiian flavors.
"Experience top-notch seafood with stunning harbor views without the upscale price tag."
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds and potential service delays by dining during non-busy times.
Be ready for self-service
Order at the counter and be prepared to pick up your own food; ask staff if you need assistance.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, French, Hawaiian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh-Off-The-Boat Seafood
Experience unparalleled freshness with seafood sourced directly from local fishermen and the Honolulu Fish Auction.

Relaxing Waterside Dining
Enjoy stunning harbor views and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for casual lunches or sunset dinners.

Gourmet Seafood, Affordable Prices
Indulge in gourmet seafood dishes prepared with French and Hawaiian influences without breaking the bank.
Plans like a pro.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds and potential service delays by dining during non-busy times.
Be ready for self-service
Order at the counter and be prepared to pick up your own food; ask staff if you need assistance.
Parking can be challenging
Arrive early or be patient as the parking lot fills up quickly.
Ask for extra sauce
Fish sandwiches can be dry; ask for extra sauce to balance the flavors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid crowds and potential service delays by dining during non-busy times.
Be ready for self-service
Order at the counter and be prepared to pick up your own food; ask staff if you need assistance.
Parking can be challenging
Arrive early or be patient as the parking lot fills up quickly.
Ask for extra sauce
Fish sandwiches can be dry; ask for extra sauce to balance the flavors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nico's Pier 38 is celebrated for its incredibly fresh, locally sourced seafood and relaxed waterside atmosphere, offering gourmet flavors at affordable prices. While many praise the vibrant ambiance, live music, and the quality of dishes like poke and fish specials, some diners have experienced slow service and self-service aspects during busy periods.
"Had an amazing dining experience at Nico’s Pier 38! The food was absolutely delicious—especially the beef, which was incredibly tender and full of flavor. You can really taste the quality and care put into each dish. The drinks were on point too, refreshing and well-crafted.
What really took it over the top was the scenery. Watching the sunset over the harbor while enjoying a great meal made the whole experience feel extra special. Whether you’re looking for a solid dinner spot or a chill place to unwind with good vibes and good views, Nico’s is definitely worth the visit."
Pedro Loran
"We went there on Wednesday about 1120a. Gravel lot parking and also staggered parking stalls around. I thought this was going to be a service type of dining. This is a fancier fast food eating/dining. Only walk-in...or looks like take out, lol. There's a table with menus for food and cocktails. You order food at front desk, pay and they give you those vibrating gadgets... don't be dumb like me and give a tip because you service yourself. You find a table if you want to stay. If you want cocktails, you go to the bar and order. When gadget vibrates, go to food counter and get your plate lunch. Atmosphere is actually nice... there's also live music. I got a sweet okole cocktail...a little strong. There's free water at the food counter Fountain drink machine. I had the crab burger...not bad but i think it's can crab. My friend had the furikake mahi... she liked it. We also had the side order garlic pesto shrimp... tasty, but they used small shrimp. The fish market is adjoining, so you can buy and eat that there too. It's not bad and i would eat here again"
Mary Arao
"Good was good but I was hoping for a little more taste in the burger that was featured on diners, drive-ins and dives. It’s got a good view and I don’t really bother you if you stay for a while, which is great. I did not appreciate that The soda was not free refill. A little odd that you have to order lunch at the front, but they had table side service for dinner. As with most fish sandwiches, they often need more sauce to balance out the low-fat content of the fish. Ask for extra sauce if you’re ordering a fish sandwich."
James Goerke
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
It's known for serving the freshest seafood, sourced directly from local fishermen and the Honolulu Fish Auction, offering gourmet flavors at affordable prices in a relaxed, waterside setting.
During breakfast and lunch, it's a walk-up counter for ordering. Dinner offers an expanded menu and table service.
Yes, the outdoor terrace is pet-friendly, offering water views and live music.
Popular choices include the fish burger, poke bowls, furikake ahi, and fresh seafood specials like Mahi Mahi.
Yes, there is a gravel lot and staggered parking stalls, but it can fill up quickly.
Yes, live music is often featured, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
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The Best Places For Fresh Seafood In Honolulu
Known as Honolulu’s premier fish restaurant, Nico’s Pier 38 features fresh fish caught by the local fleet, hand-picked daily by Nico and his expert fish buyers. All of the food served at the restaurant is locally grown and sourced whenever possible. Started by two local fisherman and the young French born chef owner Nico Chaize, the restaurant brings its patrons closer to the boats, the fishermen, and the unique Honolulu auction where the premium fish comes from.
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Fresh fish is hand-picked daily by an expert team, and that’s the way some grandmas like it. In addition to showcasing fish caught by local fleet, the oceanside eatery features a menu of ingredients grown locally on the island, which overlooks docked fishing boats bobbing in the ocean. During breakfast and lunch, diners can walk up to the counter, order, and find an open seat, while at dinner, Nico's offers an expanded menu and table service.
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Lyonnaise chef Nico Chaiz's harborside restaurant is steps from the Honolulu Fish Auction, which explains his "line-to-plate" concept—super-fresh fish dishes at a reasonable price. But he lets his French flag fly in dishes like steak frites and bouillabaisse, too. Lunch focuses on local-style plate lunches and serves more of a local workers crowd.
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Nico’sis a waterfront dining experience that allows you to roll up in flip-flops and a tank top and yet indulge in seafood dishes that rival those of upscale restaurants—without the upscale prices. The open-air setting offers stunning harbor views, making every meal feel like a special occasion, even if it’s just lunch on a Tuesday. The menu is a testament to local flavors and ingredients, with the furikake ahi being a standout dish that draws locals and tourists alike.
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Gourmet” and “seafood” rarely go hand in hand with words like “affordable” or “budget friendly,” but at Nico’s Pier 38 on the Honolulu shore, you’ll feast on just that: cheap, gourmet seafood. It doesn’t get much fresher than Nico’s, where the seafood comes straight from the fishermen’s boats — and you won’t pay extra for that luxury, either. Pan-seared ahi, fried ahi belly, poke bowls and grilled fish sandwiches will all please your palate for less than $15.
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I’ve been so spoiled by Hawaii’s seafood that I’m hesitant to eat it in other parts of the world – even some that are famous for their seafood!. (Granted, I usually do anyways, and Hawaii’s seafood always tastes better.). Nico’s is one of the best places to get some fresh Hawaii seafood – and, as an added bonus, you don’t have to fish all the money out of your pockets to pay for it (check out the prices of Mama’s Fish House on Maui for comparison).
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About: A sun-soaked outdoor terrace makes Nico’s Pier 38 one of the best pet-friendly restaurants around Honolulu’s harbor area. With uninterrupted water views and live music in the background, your furry companion will be happy to rest while you fill up or quaff a drink (or two). What to Try: Mix and match a poke bowl or create your own Hawaiian platter at the Fish Market, which serves fish brought fresh every morning from the auction block.
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Located on the island of Oahu, the cooks at Nico’s have access to some of the best seafood in the world. Located close to the Honolulu Fish Auction, Nico’s Pier 38 offers access to the freshest catch of the day, thanks to its proximity. With ginger, garlic, and cilantro dipping sauce, the Furikake Pan Seared Ahi is the perfect accompaniment to the catch of the day special, which is always fresh from the auction.
17 Spots to Find the Best Poke in Oahu (2025 Guide)
Next door to Nico’s Pier 38 restaurant, the fish market is a stop you should add to your Oahu itinerary if you love poke. They have a wide variety of poke made with some of the best ingredients on the island, so you’re sure to find something that satisfies your craving. And to make things even better, they also have a wide selection of traditional Hawaiian breakfast dishes like Loco Moco and savory lunch plates.
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Nico’s Pier 38 Perched steps away from the Honolulu Fish Auction, this is the freshest fish you will find in Honolulu and Chef Nico Chaize is a master at their preparation. Hailing from Lyon, France he does an amazing cream sauce preparation and that’s usually my go-to from the specials menu. The inside poke counter is amazing as well – 3 choices for $9 in a poke bowl to go.
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Any fish or seafood lover already knows about Nico's Pier 38 but might not know that it is dog-friendly too. With plenty of open-air seating, you and your pampered pup can enjoy morning, afternoon, or evening meals together, overlooking the water from the scenic patio. While you are there with your dog, try some fried Ahi belly or the classic fish and chips.
9 Waterfront Restaurants in Honolulu
Look no further if you are looking for fresh ocean-to-table seafood while watching Honolulu’s finest fishermen at work. Nico’s Pier 38 is the place to go for the best seafood in Hawaii. Not only does this restaurant use fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, but it also takes pride in knowing it serves the most authentic Hawaiian cuisine in the area.
7 Best Poke Spots in Honolulu, Oahu
You’ll find über-fresh poke at Nico’s fish market, where they feature local fish straight from the morning’s auction block. You’ll find classic ahi poke, as well as tons of other options like garlic scallop, kim chee white crab, and mussel onion. Aside from poke, you’ll also find in-house smoked fish and Hawaiian plate lunches on the menu.
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< Lunch ideas: though Nico’s at Pier 38 is not immediately nearby, it’s somewhat convenient for lunch. This restaurant is very popular with local residents. Alternatively, another convenient stop for lunch that’s near this sightseeing plan is Liliha Bakery which is near your next stop, Punchbowl. Don’t miss Liliha’s famous Coco Puffs.>
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Breakfast ranges from $3 to $16, lunch starts at $6 and dinner can be anywhere from $8 to $33. Choose from plate lunches, spring salad, chicken katsu, loom salmon, short ribs and so much more. At Nico’s you will also find a fish market where local fisherman have some fresh fish you can buy to make your own poke and other seafood.
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Appears in: Season 8, Episode 11 “Triple D Goes Hawaiian” (4/5/10). Being on an island surrounded by the ocean has its perks, such as having some of the freshest fish you’ll ever eat. Nico’s at Pier 38 is located right on Honolulu Harbor, and the special of the day is hand-selected at the Honolulu Fish Auction every morning.
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Come to Nico’s Pier 38 restaurant if you want a taste of delicious seafood and amazing views of the ocean. The restaurant located right next to the Honolulu Fish Auction, and the fish served is purchased there the same day. The restaurant offers both plate lunches and also fresh poke to go, which is perfect for any occasion.
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Nico’s Pier 38 is one of the most popular cheap eats spots in Honolulu but not without reason!. This beloved Oahu staple churns out top-notch seafood dishes every day of the week and the generous portions make meal-splitting easy. Seafood is the name of the game at this restaurant, with the fish of the day stealing the show.
Nico's at Pier 38: Still Our Pick for Best Plate Lunch
It’s where the Hawaiian plate lunch undergoes a healthy French makeover 7 days a week. This isn’t a recent find as we’ve been eating there for many years in both its prior and current locations (both on the same pier). They’ve also been a repeated Hale ‘Aina award winners as one of the best restaurants in Hawaii.
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Nico’s Pier 38 is a must-visit for seafood lovers in Honolulu. Located at Pier 38, this restaurant offers a fresh and tasty seafood experience that is both affordable and comfortable. Freshness is the hallmark of Nico’s, with a menu that features a variety of seafood dishes prepared with the catch of the day.
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Nico's Pier 38 offers dockside dining – Photo courtesy of Izah Blue. Situated on the harbor, the bustling Nico's Pier 38 offers a rare dockside dining experience on Oahu with picturesque waterfront views in a laid-back indoor/outdoor setting. Especially popular at sunset, Nico's is the real deal.
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Nico’s Pier 38: Honolulu’s Nico’s Pier 38 specializes in fresh, local line-caught fish. They buy more fish than any other restaurant on the island and also have a fish market and retail store. Buy fresh local fish from the market to take home, or grab some prepared platters or poke to-go.
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A standout for its food, location, and atmosphere, Nico’s Pier 38 has it all. Located on the water at Pier 38 in Honolulu, Nico serves seafood straight from the ocean, guaranteeing the freshest fish to its customers. Open from breakfast to dinner, Nico offers fresh fish all day long.
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Nico’s Pier 38 Located by the waterfront in Chinatown, Nico’s Pier 38 is a seafood lover’s paradise with fresh catches and local Hawaiian favorites. The “Furikake Pan-Fried Ahi” and “Poke Bowl” are popular choices, and the casual yet vibrant atmosphere adds to the dining experience.
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Nico’s has expanded from a hole-in-the-wall to a gleaming, open-air restaurant almost four times its original size. The food isn’t quite as good as it used to be, but it’s still one of the best places around to get fresh fish plates for under $20. I also love its setting along the…
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Sourcing their fish from the Honolulu Fish Auction, Nico’s offers fresh seafood at affordable prices. Providing outdoor seating with harbor views, this place comes well-recommended. This is because it has won awards as Honolulu’s best seafood eatery several years in a row.
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Located in Honolulu, Nico's Pier 38 is a must-visit seafood spot on the island. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, friendly service, and casual atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes here, including poke, fish tacos, and grilled fish plates.
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Nico’s is one of Honolulus best cheap eats for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Breakfast ranges from $3 to $16, lunch starts at $6 and dinner can be anywhere from $8 to $33. Choose from plate lunches, spring salad, chicken katsu, loom salmon, short ribs and so much more.
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Nico's Pier 38 is another great place to eat fresh seafood and a longtime favorite of my family. My sister opts for the furikake pan-seared ahi, and I almost always get the fresh ahi poke in its fish market. View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Oahu.
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Breathe in the fresh ocean air with an outside table at Nico’s Pier 38. This hot spot for lunch offers an extensive menu of sandwiches and burgers. The fans over each table and booth keep the sea breeze moving and cool you off after a morning on the beach.
My Base Guide - <!-
Just off Nimitz Highway on the pier with the same number sits Nico’s Pier 38. You’ll get the freshest fish on the island that comes straight to the restaurant from the local fish auction. Watch the fishing boats go by and soak in some of that aloha spirit.
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About: Vibrant and casual harborside spot with an emphasis on locally sourced seafood and French-Hawaiian fare. Events: Lunchtime (Noon to 2 pm) and evening (6 pm to 8 pm) shows featuring country, folk, slack-key, reggae, ukulele concerts, and more.
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Nico’s Pier 38 is a casual restaurant that has live music playing every day of the week. It is a great place to go when you want a loud and fun night out. Nico’s website showcases a calendar with every act that will be on for the entire month.
Best Poke in Oahu
Nico’s is a restaurant, but they’ve got a great fish market attached. Go straight to the fish market and head to the back to the poke display. They’ll have at least 10 different kinds that they sell by the pound.
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The answer is a restaurant located just feet from the pier where the fish arrive and are auctioned each morning. That restaurant is Nico's Pier 38, located at 1129 N. Nimitz Highway in Honolulu.
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The Japanese panko bread crumb crust goes well with the generous portion of Nico’s dipping sauce. I know what you’re thinking: “Why are you getting katsu at a place known for seafood?
Great seafood restaurants on Oahu? Help.
For a vey different kind of experience and good reasonably priced seafood try Uncle's Fish Market and Grill at Pier 38. http://www.unclesfishmarket.com/
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Traditional Hawaiian food plate lunch options from Highway Inn (left) & Nico’s Pier 38 in Honolulu. (Honolulu Vibes photo Ronen Zilberman)
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French born chef/owner Nico Chaize's motto is “only the freshest” and that is what you will get at his eponymous restaurant.
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