NICO'S PIER 38
HONOLULU, HAWAII
The "new" Nico's Pier 38 is awesome. Huge open air space with a great view of the harbor. If you are fan of the old Nico's you should love the new one. It is located directly across from the old restaurant and adjacent to Uncle's. As you enter the large restaurant there is a counter where you order off the menu that hangs above. Daily Specials are posted on a black board. To the left is a small and bright fish market where you can purchase fresh fish and many different types of Poke. It is a mini market within the restaurant. The lunch menu features local favorites like Orange Fried Chicken, Pork Chops, Chicken Katsu, Loco Moco, Beef Stew and Combo Plates. There are several fresh fish selections as well as Fish and Chips and Poke Bowl. You can also get salads, sandwiches, burgers and pizza. We arrived at 11:30 am and there was a sign that said Pizza was Sold Out. I ordered the Nico's Pier 38 Fish Tacos ($8). Fresh beer battered fish with shredded cabbage, lime marinade, onions and Nico's Tomato Salsa. Served with some good home made tortilla chips. I liked the tacos but wish they had more cabbage and salsa. My friend ordered the Fried Ahi Belly ($10.25). Tuna belly steaks that are fried and topped with a spicy tomato salsa. Looked like he enjoyed it. Nico's was popular with locals before, but I think this new large restaurant will put it on everyone's list of places to eat. I certainly will be back with the entire family real soon. Hope it is not too crowded. UPDATE: Went back again and enjoyed a Fresh Ahi Sandwich. My friend had the Beef Stew and absolutely loved it. By 11:45 am there was a line out the door. Seems the word is out about the new Nico's Pier 38. UPDATE: Went back for a third visit. This time I realized that the food here is not that great and really nothing special. We ordered the Margherita Pizza ($14). Liked the flavor but wish the crust was thinner. Tomatoes were cut in thick slices. Took some back to the office and they loved it. The Fish n' Chips ($9.75) was terrible. One giant piece of fried fish that was raw inside. Had to take it back. This piece of fish could have been cut into three pieces and should have. The Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad ($9.75) had good Pesto flavor but was a bit boring with just lettuce and chicken. After three visits, I really don't think the food here is anything special. The prices are reasonable and should be since you order at the counter and clean your own table when you are done.
UPDATE: Back again. Tried the Daily fish special ($12.50). Fresh Island Ono with a Lobster Creme Sauce. TOTALLY AWESOME!
Fish was cooked to perfection and sauce was out of bounds good. I put Kilauea Fire Sauce on the rice and fish and it was fantastic. Best dish I have ever had at Nico's.
UPDATE: Have been back to Nico's on several occasions. The place is busier than ever but i am still not a huge fan of the food. I ordered the Fresh Fish Wrap ($12.95) and was served a tortilla filled with Mahi Mahi and a whole lot of mayo or some white sauce. This was terrible and served with a pile of plain bitter lettuce. My wife tried the Seared Ahi Salad ($10.95). This was pieces of bland Ahi over some greens.
NICO'S PIER 38
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You struck out I guess. Nicos fish and chips is the best I've had. Ever. Had me interested in your blog until I read that. Won't be coming back.
ReplyDeleteNice you share your thoughts. Nicos is recognized as one of the best fish places around. Maybe you shouldn't review types of food you don't know anything about. You are certainly in a very small minority not liking it. And some of your pictures are just black. Why post black pictures? And those menu pictures. Seriously?
ReplyDeleteBest meal ive had in the 2 years ive been here. The mac crusted swordfish with the bacon spinach lobster sauce was to die for.
ReplyDelete