Nico's Pier 38

Nico's poke bowl (2 choice) Fish - 8/10 Rice - 3/10 (lacks quality, texture, taste, etc.)Flavor - 5/10 (mediocre, needs improvement)Free toppings - 10/10 (probably wouldn't go as often if they didn't have this)Gone there about 15 times in 3 years. Would recommend to try it if you haven't. It's a busy popular place. Today's plate made me realize it's nothing special and that I would rather go to other places for fresh fish, but I was in the area and it's convenient.

This is such a cool lunch spot.Yes, they have breakfast and dinner, but if you're in the mood for fresh lunch with a view and some breeze, this is your spot!If its your first time please recognize that you must order at the counter, grab your drinks, and sit at any table. Bar is open all day.Perfect place for large parties as seating is super flexible.They need better signage. All the counters to order are on the left side of Nico's restaurant. Pick up counter in the back near the restrooms.Menu items:Braised pork - YesChicken katsu - YesCaesar salad / side salad with miso dressing - YesSide mac salad - YesChicken pesto - YesSoup of the day - YesSoup of the day in a bread bowl - WINNAH WINNAH

Service was prompt and our server was really kind.I really enjoyed the angry ahi dip, though it might be even better if there were chunks of ahi or something. Calamari was standard. The daily plate was definitely not bad but I probably wouldn't order it again. I loved the live music!! We were in direct view of him and it was really fun to watch him perform.

Got recommended this place by a local, so glad we asked where we should eat. The pier location is always fun and absolutely clear the fish is incredibly fresh.

To Pier 38, Honolulu. Driving in from Waikīkī. Raindrops, a secondary droplet, then more. Coming down fast and hard. I approached the entrance to Nico's Pier 38, a popular restaurant with walk-in only, no reservations taken. The wet weather I guess was in our favor. There was no line to get in. The welcome at the front and escort to the table was as dismal as the weather. Cold and gloomy. Am I still talking about the weather? LoL. The rain began to come down pretty hard, the wind blowing. Patio seating, even though under cover became uncomfortable. My guests wanted to move inside. But as a veteran in the Food & Beverage industry, I explained to my guests it wouldn't be right for us to transfer tables after our order was taken. Why? Because a different server would take over. I was torn, what to do. But to my surprise, our server was able to arrange for an indoor table knowing of our discomfort and my reasonings not to move. Expressed he would still be our server, I smiled. We all smiled. And the move happened before our appetizers were served. Luke, our server. His persona, his presence. As if parting the wet conditions. Dark gray clouds, gone. I almost forgot it was still raining. Forgot I was getting a bit wet while seated at my table outside under a covered lanai roof. Wish I had brought a jacket. A warmth, like sunshine beaming bright as he approached my table. Not a flinch, smiling along the way. Vibrant personality yet, done with care and gentleness. A perfect balance. His demeanor, extremely pleasant, comfortable. For me, for all at my table. Nico's Pier 38. Boasting fresh fish, from the line to the table. From the Honolulu Fish Auction, anchor of the commercial space on Pier 38. Here, fishing boats dock and unload their fresh catch directly into the auction area. Right next to this restaurant. Shared appetizers."Nico's Steamed Clams" Light sauce, beautiful broth. The wonderful flavors of diced tomatoes and garlic, Manila clams, beer steamed. Don't let this liquid goodness leave you. Soup 'it up with a spoon or pick up the entire bowl. Garlic butter bread dunk. Oooo, a loner clam in the broth. Score. "Fried Calamari"Lightly floured, fried until crispy. A favorite go-to if ever on the menu as an app. Golden brown, served with housemade cocktail sauce. Was it a stand-out? Well, let me just say it was satisfactory. That's all. "Angry Ahi Dip"Creamy, flavorful with a pop. The spices, the texture, the complexity. This French technique, confit of ahi is outstanding. Off the fork, enjoyable by itself. Place on a fresh, crispy wonton chip? Yes, truly divine, highly recommended. I had the delight of sampling a bite, a taste of my guests' entrées. Special: "Deep Fried Ahi Belly"All raves from the individual who ordered this. Lomi tomatoes, a perfect accompaniment adding needed color, a brightness in savoriness. Tender, subtle, sweet Ahi Belly. I would order this dish next time if it was available as a special. "Fish And Chips"The bubbles, flavor from the beer created a light and crispy exterior to this generous piece of fresh fish. Seasoned and deep-fried with care, as an aficionado of fries, I could tell. The true winner, the delicious ginger-garlic-cilantro dip. OMG. Special: "Miso Black Cod"Sweet umami flavor, the kabayaki preparation yielding a beautiful glaze. A filet with slight areas of crispiness due to the kabayaki, still maintaining a buttery and velvety inner texture. "A perfect balance between salty and sweet", as my niece shared her insight. "Parmesan Panko Tombo Ahi"Tonight's special or Nico's Signature Furikake Pan Seared Ahi? Lets just say I'm about 50/50 on what I should've chosen. Shoyu-Caper Butter Sauce, the highlight of this dish that may have just won me over. Tombo, usually reserved for the sashimi market, this fresh fish filet had all the signs. Seared with a light pink appearance, not overcooked and dry. Mild, sweet taste. Firm and meaty. Yet, after each bite, I guess I wasn't too keen of the chewiness. Still, it was enjoyable and I appreciated the preparation. Order the Pier 38 Punch with coconut, mango and Zaya aged rum. Or any one of their signature cocktails to begin with. A glass of White Haven Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, thanks Luke for the wine pairing with my entrèe. Then, end with a slice of cheesecake. A refreshing contrast after a rich, heavy meal. Quality ingredients sourced directly from the Honolulu Fish Auction next door. Menu fashioned by chef/owner Nico Chaize. French born with experience in Los Angeles, Hollywood along with local places like Michel's. Compelling attractiveness, endearing charisma. Like Luke, our server. Reasonably priced. Six-time Honolulu Star-Advertiser 'Ilima Awards recipient. Six-time Honolulu Magazine Hale 'Aina Awards recipient. Go and see what all the hype is about. Come and experience Nico's Pier 38. I'm glad I did.

Big giant fish burger!!! It was amazing!!!! The service was friendly and quick!A bad started playing also! The ambiance was amazing!

Nico's on the pier is a popular restaurant, well known for its fresh fish and salty air vibes.We came for lunch on a Sunday and found a table right away. You walk in and grab a menu, then proceed to the cashiers to order, cafeteria style. I ordered the grilled ahi sandwich. I asked for it seared, but the cashier said "rare?" and I said sure -- I would say this was a little bit too rare for me because the piece was so thick. I can 100% get past that, but the fish also had a long silver skin left on the piece. That made it difficult to eat. I also asked for crispy french fries, but they were pretty soggy, honestly. Service was friendly and there was a guy playing live music, so that's a plus. But I probably won't order this if we come back again.

This was the first place I stopped at after arriving and I was hungry. I wanted to try some fresh seafood and the Furikake Pan Seared Ahi caught my eye. I ordered it medium and I had it with brown rice and macaroni salad. The fish tasted nice and fresh and it was cooked as ordered. I sat at the bar and service was good and my drinks were filled. There was also someone playing live music so that was a good touch to eating at the restaurant. I would try to come back again to try the other menu items.

Sunday January 19, 2025. I came here with friends to eat dinner and hang out. Their is plenty parking around their place. The food is still good from the first time here till today. You can order poke and other stuff from their market and eat it at the bar counter or on a table. The service is always friendly and fast. My friend ordered a Bloody Mary with vodka instead of the usual beer. Alegra the bartender makes a very good Bloody Mary. My friend makes and blends his own at home with fresh ingredients and he says, he wants her to make it as much as possible. The other guy made it for him too. It was good. But, hers was better. Lol.

Nico's was highly recommended by the locals and it did not disappoint We ate at the restaurant and the fresh seafood market. The poke and sashimi were delicious. MmmmmPlease note they do not have table side service. Pros: Restaurant had a cool vibe and awesome food. Cons: The air vents were dirty in-fact grime fell on our plate.