Nico’s Pier 38 is more than a seafood restaurant; it is a local institution located in the heart of Honolulu’s bustling harbor. With a focus on fresh catch, island-inspired recipes, and a laid-back, aloha-infused vibe, Nico’s delivers a dining experience that brings together tradition, sustainability, and flavor.
Whether you are craving poke, grilled fish, or simply want to relax by the water with a mai tai in hand, Nico’s Pier 38 is a must-visit on Oahu.
A Harborfront Landmark with Local Roots
Opened in 2004 by Chef Nico Chaize, Nico’s Pier 38 sits adjacent to the Honolulu Fish Auction, the only auction of its kind in the United States. Nico’s was one of the first restaurants to bridge the gap between commercial fishermen and diners, offering freshly caught, wild Hawaiian fish direct from the source.
Key Highlights:
- Casual counter-service setting with spacious outdoor seating
- Daily menu changes based on the morning’s catch
- Beloved by locals, tourists, and visiting chefs alike
🐟 Nico’s Pier 38 – Restaurant Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Google Rating | 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8,042 reviews) |
| 📍 Address | 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
| Price Range | $30–50 |
| 🕒 Hours | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| 📞 Phone | (808) 540-1377 |
| 🌐 Website | For the menu and prices, visit the official website here. |
| 🍽️ Dining Options | ✅ Dine-in ✅ Takeout |
| 💬 Description | Large waterside hub showcasing locally sourced seafood & dishes blending French & Hawaiian styles. |
| 📦 Order Online | Available via website or supported platforms |
5 Best Dishes to Try at Nico’s Pier 38 Menu
The menu at Nico’s Pier 38 is built around the bounty of Hawaii’s waters, with many dishes featuring local, wild-caught fish.
Best-Selling Items:
1. Furikake Pan-Seared Ahi
Lightly crusted with Japanese seasoning and served with wasabi aioli
2. Garlic Pesto Shrimp
Served with grilled veggies and white rice
3. Pier 38 Double Fish Burger
Two fresh fillets on a brioche bun with house tartar
4. Loco Moco
A local comfort food classic with a seafood twist
honolulumagazine.com
5. Poke Bowl
Made with sashimi-grade ahi and customizable toppings
Tripadvisor.com
Vegetarians and non-seafood eaters will also find flavorful options like the Hoisin BBQ Chicken and Braised Pork Belly Plate.
Nico’s Pier 38 Menu With Prices
Breakfast Menu
🍳 Breakfast Entrees
| Item | Description | Price |
| Fish & Eggs | Fish of the day served with 2 eggs any style and tartar sauce. | $15.50 |
| Fish Omelette | Sautéed fish with garlic and green onion. | $15.50 |
| Omelette | Choose two: Portuguese sausage, bacon, pork link, ham, spam, kamaboko, etc. | $14.25 |
| Regular Loco Moco – Breakfast | Nico’s hamburger steak, 2 eggs any style with mushroom-onion gravy. | $16.50 |
| Mini Loco Moco – Breakfast | Nico’s hamburger steak, 1 egg any style with mushroom-onion gravy. | $14.00 |
| Eggs and Things | 2 eggs any style with ham, bacon, spam, or Portuguese sausage. | $13.00 |
| Fried Rice Plate | Served with one egg any style. | $10.00 |
| Nico’s French Toast | Sweet bread from Kaneohe Bakery with powdered sugar. Syrup & butter on side. | $10.25 |
| Breakfast Croissant | Ham, cheese, and scrambled egg on toasted croissant. | $8.25 |
| Breakfast Sandwich | Ham, cheese, and scrambled egg on white toast. | $7.75 |
| Pancakes (Short Stack) | 3 pancakes served with lilikoi butter, syrup, and butter on the side. | $10.50 |
| Steak and Eggs | 8oz. NY Strip with 2 eggs any style, fruits, and choice of rice. | $17.50 |
| Steak Plate – Breakfast | 8oz. NY Strip with fruits and choice of rice. | $15.50 |
| Saimin | Japanese noodles in broth with spam, kamaboko, green onions. | $7.00 |
| Pier 38 Saimin | Noodles with spam, kamaboko, fish, egg drop, and green onions. | $10.00 |
🍽️ Breakfast Sides
| Side Item | Description | Price |
| Side of Spam | $5.00 | |
| Side of Portuguese Sausage | $5.00 | |
| Side of Sausage Links | Out of Stock | – |
| Side of Ham | $5.00 | |
| Side of Fried Rice | $6.00 | |
| Side of Bacon | $5.00 | |
| One Egg Any Style | $2.00 | |
| White Toast | 2 slices with butter and jam on the side. | $2.95 |
| Side of Fruit Salad | $4.00 | |
| Nico’s Garlic Cilantro Dip | Famous dip served with Furikake Ahi & Fish and Chips. | $0.25 |
| Side of Macaroni Salad | 1 scoop | $3.95 |
| Side of Spring Mix Salad | Topped with house Lemon Miso Dressing. | $4.00 |
Lunch Menu
🍤 Appetizers & Specials
(Available 10 am–4 pm or until sold out)
| Item | Description | Price |
| APPETIZER #1 | Nico’s Deep-Fried Tempura Shrimp (8 Pieces) with Ponzu Dipping Sauce. | $16.95 |
| Catch of the Day | Garlic Panko Crusted Swordfish with Crab and Artichoke Cream Sauce, served with rice & salad. | $23.95 |
| Daily Plate #1 | Bacon Chipotle Cheeseburger Sliders with Brioche Buns, lettuce, tomato, Thousand Island, fries. | Out of Stock |
| Daily Plate #3 | Deep-Fried Ono topped with Spicy Lomi Tomato Salsa, served with rice & salad. | $18.95 |
| Salad of the Day #1 | Parmesan Panko Crusted Ono with Lobster Clam Cream Sauce on Baby Spinach, Plum Vinaigrette. | $24.95 |
| Large Seafood Soup | Nico’s Seafood Gumbo. | Out of Stock |
| Small Seafood Soup | Nico’s Seafood Gumbo. | Out of Stock |
| Hawaiian Plate | Lau Lau, Kalua Pig, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi and choice of rice (no noodles). | $22.00 |
🍛 Local Favorites
(Includes white or brown rice, chow mein noodles, and choice of green salad or mac salad — except for the Hawaiian Plate)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Braised Pork Belly | Topped with Asian macadamia nut pesto drizzle and pork au jus. | $18.75 |
| Hoisin Barbecue Chicken | Grilled boneless thighs in Nico’s special hoisin barbecue sauce. | $17.00 |
| Crispy Orange Chicken | Fried chicken tossed in a slightly spicy orange sweet chili sauce. No noodles included. | $17.00 |
| Chicken Katsu | Boneless chicken with Japanese panko crumbs, deep-fried, with Nico’s dipping sauce. | $17.50 |
| Regular Loco Moco | Two burger patties on rice, topped with 2 eggs any style and mushroom-onion gravy. | $18.00 |
| Mini Loco Moco | One burger patty on rice, 1 egg, with mushroom-onion gravy. Macaroni not included. | $14.00 |
| Hamburger Steak | Two burger patties on rice with mushroom-onion gravy. Comes with chow mein noodles. | $17.00 |
| Beef Stew | Savory mix of slow-cooked beef and vegetables in a robust, homemade-style gravy. | $19.00 |
| Combo Plate | Choice of any two local favorites (excluding Hawaiian Plate and daily specials). | $20.00 |
🥗 Soups & Salads
(Made with fresh local produce and Nico’s signature dressings & sauces)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Soup & Salad Combo | Caesar Salad with 8oz Soup of the Day. | $14.25 |
| Fishermen’s Stew | White chowder of fish and clams served in a sourdough bread bowl. | $10.00 |
| Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad | Grilled chicken breast sautéed in basil pesto, with romaine, parmesan, croutons. | $17.00 |
| Crab Cake Salad | Crab cake over spinach, topped with sun-dried tomato aioli and plum vinaigrette. | $19.75 |
| Herb Dijon Salmon Salad | Herb Dijon salmon, sun-chokes, onions, tomatoes, mixed greens, ravigote dressing. | $19.00 |
| Fried Calamari Salad | Fried calamari on spinach with sweet chili vinaigrette and cocktail sauce. | $18.00 |
| Seared Ahi Poke Salad | Flash-seared tuna seasoned with shoyu on mixed greens with plum vinaigrette. | $16.50 |
🐟 Fresh From The Sea
(Featuring fresh fish hand-selected daily at the Honolulu Fish Auction)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Furikake Pan-Seared Ahi | Ahi tuna steak with Japanese seaweed & sesame seeds, cooked to order. Served with cilantro dip. | $18.50 |
| Fried Ahi Belly | Quick-fried Ahi belly steaks topped with spicy tomato salsa. | $17.25 |
| Fish and Chips | Beer-battered fresh fish served with thick-cut fries and garlic cilantro dip. | $17.00 |
| Garlic Pesto Shrimp | ½ lb shrimp sautéed in garlic pesto, finished with white wine butter sauce. | $18.00 |
| Shrimp Scampi Pasta | Sautéed shrimp in parmesan garlic cream sauce over linguine. Includes garlic bread. | $23.00 |
🥪 Sandwiches & Burgers
(Served with choice of thick-cut garlic salted fries or green salad)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Crab Cake Burger | Fried crab cake on a brioche bun with spicy basil jardiniere spread, tomatoes, and arugula. | $20.00 |
| Grilled Ahi Sandwich | Grilled fresh Ahi steak on French baguette with spicy wasabi aioli, tomato, and arugula. | $18.50 |
| Pier 38 Double Cheeseburger | Two burger patties with lettuce, tomato, red onion, 1000 Island dressing, and cheddar cheese. | $18.00 |
| Pier 38 Fish Burger | Ground fish with citrus, dill, and basil aioli. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. | $18.00 |
| Blackened Fish ‘Wich | Cajun-spiced fresh fish filet with butter lettuce, tomato, and basil aioli. | $16.25 |
🍕 Pizza
(12-inch pizzas made fresh to order. Serves two.)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Cheese Pizza | Classic Pomodoro tomato basil sauce with mozzarella cheese. | $18.00 |
| Margherita | Tomato basil sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, topped with fresh arugula. | $20.00 |
| Pepperoni | Pepperoni with Pomodoro tomato basil sauce and mozzarella cheese. | $21.00 |
🍽️ Sides
| Item | Description | Price |
| Side of White Rice | 1 scoop | $3.00 |
| Side of Brown Rice | 1 scoop | $2.25 |
| Side of French Fries | Thick-cut fries tossed in garlic salt | $5.00 |
| Side of Macaroni Salad | 1 scoop | $3.95 |
| Side of Baguette | Freshly toasted French baguette | $3.50 |
| Side of Garlic Bread | 1 piece | $3.50 |
| Side of Spring Mix Salad | Topped with house Lemon Miso Dressing | $4.00 |
| Side of Beef Stew (26 oz) | Does not include rice | $10.45 |
| Side of Pesto Chicken | $8.00 | |
| Side Order of Fried Calamari | $9.50 | |
| Side of Garlic Pesto Shrimp | $13.50 | |
| Nico’s Garlic Cilantro Dip | Signature dip for Furikake Ahi & Fish and Chips | $0.25 |
| Side of Spicy Lomi Tomato Salsa | Served in a 2oz container | $1.50 |
| One Egg Any Style – Lunch | $2.00 | |
| Side Caesar Salad | Does not include chicken | $10.00 |
| Side of Bacon | $5.00 | |
| Side of Caesar Dressing | $0.25 | |
| Side of Catch of the Day Sauce | Sauce served with daily Catch of the Day fish | $3.00 |
| Side of Cocktail Sauce | $0.50 | |
| Side of Lemon Miso Dressing | House dressing from Spring Mix Salad | $0.50 |
| Side of Pesto | Tossed with chicken in Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad | $1.50 |
| Side of Sweet Chili Dressing | Served with Fried Calamari Salad | $0.50 |
| Side of Wasabi Aioli | Served with Grilled Ahi Sandwich | $0.50 |
🍰 Desserts
Please note: All desserts may contain nuts or be produced in a facility that processes nuts.
| Item | Description | Price |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie | 5-inch cookie with chocolate drops, bittersweet & semi-sweet chocolate. | $4.00 |
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookie | Chunky 5-inch cookie with creamy peanut butter and honey roasted peanuts. | $4.00 |
| Oatmeal Raisin Cookie | 5-inch chewy cookie spiced and loaded with oats and raisins. | $4.00 |
| 4 High Carrot Cake | Moist carrot cake with raisins, walnuts, pineapple & cream cheese frosting. | $7.00 |
| 5 High Chocolate Cake | 5 layers of dark chocolate cake with silky chocolate filling and ganache. | $7.00 |
| Salted Caramel Vanilla Crunch Cake | Vanilla cake with caramel layers and salted caramel crunch. | $7.50 |
| Apple Pie | Tart apples baked with cinnamon cider and crunchy crust. | $7.00 |
| Chocolate Peanut Butter Stack | Peanut butter crunch, milk chocolate mousse, and fudge brownie layers. | $6.00 |
| Luscious Lemon Bar | Buttery shortbread base with lively lemon curd topping. | $6.50 |
| Oreo Dream Bar | Rich chocolate cake with Oreo and chocolate ganache. | $6.00 |
| Rockslide Brownie | Brownie topped with caramel, brownie cubes, toasted nuts, and chocolate drizzle. | $6.00 |
| Toffee Crunch Blondie | Blondie bar with white and semi-sweet chocolate chunks and toffee bits. | $6.50 |
| Blueberry Cheesecake | White chocolate cheesecake with wild Maine blueberry swirl. | $6.50 |
| Raspberry Cheesecake | White chocolate cheesecake swirled with red raspberry, hand-fired and glazed. | $6.50 |
| Triple Chocolate Cheesecake | Dark chocolate crust, milk and bittersweet chocolate cheesecake, finished with ganache. | $6.50 |
🥤 Fountain Drinks
These drinks are self-serve once you come in. Mahalo for your Kokua!
| Item | Description | Price |
| Small Drink | Self-serve | $3.50 |
| Large Drink | Self-serve | $4.50 |
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Service
Unlike many restaurants, Nico’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with distinct menus and vibes for each part of the day:
- Breakfast (Mon–Sat 6:30 AM – 10 AM): Think Loco Moco, Portuguese sausage, and fresh island eggs
- Lunch (Daily 10 AM – 4 PM): Poke bowls, fish tacos, daily plate specials
- Happy Hour Pupu Menu (Daily 4 PM – 5 PM): Small bites and drink specials
- Dinner (Daily 5 PM – 9 PM): Expanded entrée list, grilled seafood, and rotating chef specials
The Bar and Happy Hour
The indoor-outdoor bar at Nico’s serves a mix of classic and tropical drinks in a casual island setting. Highlights include:
- Local beers from Aloha Beer Co. and Maui Brewing Co.
- Mai Tais and Hawaiian Sunsets – Bright, refreshing, and perfectly island-themed
- Daily Happy Hour (4 PM – 5 PM) with discounts on pupus and select drinks
It is a great spot to wind down after a day at the beach or before a sunset stroll.
Live Music and Community Vibes
Live music at Nico’s enhances the already lively, local atmosphere. Guests can enjoy:
- Two performances daily, during lunch and dinner
- A rotating lineup of talented Hawaiian musicians, slack-key guitarists, and vocalists
- Events that draw both regulars and first-timers
Nico’s Pier 38 Reviews
Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5.0 (⭐⭐⭐⭐) Based on 8,042 reviews. Google Reviews.
Nico’s has earned praise across platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google Reviews. Common highlights include:
“Freshest fish imaginable – and I live on Oahu!” “Friendly staff, generous portions, and incredible ocean views.” “Perfect spot for lunch after exploring downtown Honolulu.”
5 Nearby Restaurants Serving Similar Cuisine
Explore more local flavors at these nearby seafood-focused spots:
1. Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill
- 📍 1135 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
- 🌐 For the menu and prices, visit here: Website
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.4 (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- Located right next to Nico’s, Uncle’s serves fresh island seafood in a casual atmosphere. Try their poke tacos and ahi belly specials.
2. The Fish Hook Cafe
- 📍 324 Coral St, Honolulu, HI 96813
- 🌐 For the menu and prices, visit here: Website
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- Known for their friendly service and creative seafood plates, The Fish Hook Cafe is a downtown favorite with generous portions.
3. Paia Fish Market Waikiki
- 📍 2299 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- 🌐 For the menu and prices, visit here: Website
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.6 (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- A Maui transplant serving no-frills seafood plates, including grilled fish, tacos, and burgers with island-style sides.
4. Herringbone Waikiki
- 📍 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- 🌐 For the menu and prices, visit here: Website
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.3 (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- Upscale yet beachy, Herringbone offers ocean-to-table cuisine and cocktails in a stylish open-air space.
5. Ono Seafood
- 📍 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
- 🌐 For the menu and prices, visit here: Website
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.7 (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
- A legendary hole-in-the-wall known for some of the best poke on Oahu. Fresh, fast, and deeply local.
Location and How to Get There
📍 Address: 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
🚗 Parking is free and located right outside the restaurant.
Location on Map:
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Nico’s Pier 38 is just minutes from downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana, and the airport.
Takeout, Online Ordering & Gift Cards
For convenience, Nico’s offers:
- Online ordering through their official website
- Takeout and curbside pickup options
- Gift cards for food lovers or special occasions
Perfect for both quick lunches and special dinners.
Nico’s Pier 38 Operating Hours
Restaurant:
- Breakfast: Mon – Sat: 6:30 AM – 10 AM
- Lunch: Daily: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Happy Hour (Pupu): Daily: 4 PM – 5 PM
- Dinner: Daily: 5 PM – 9 PM
🐟 Nico’s Pier 38 Fish Market Hours
Looking to grab something fresh from the sea?
Check out the Fish Market Page for full offerings.
| Day | Hours |
| Monday – Saturday | 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
FAQs About Nico’s Pier 38
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: No reservations are needed – seating is first come, first served.
Q: Is Nico’s family-friendly?
A: Absolutely! There is plenty of seating, a casual vibe, and a kid-friendly menu.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Come as you are – flip-flops and aloha shirts are welcome.
Q: Can I buy fresh fish on-site?
A: Yes, the adjacent Fish Market offers fillets, poke, and more.
Final Thoughts: Why Nico’s Pier 38 is a Local Favorite
With its unbeatable freshness, harbor views, and genuine aloha spirit, Nico’s Pier 38 stands out as one of Honolulu’s best seafood experiences. From breakfast to dinner, live music to sustainable practices, every visit offers something special. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning as a regular, Nico’s captures the soul of Hawaiian dining.
➡️ For menus, live music updates, and online orders, visit nicospier38.com.
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