




Nico's Kailua
About
Fresh Catch Overlooking the Marina
Perched right along the water in Kailua, Nico's brings the spirit of the Honolulu fish auction house to the Windward side of Oahu. The atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious, defined by the clatter of plastic trays and the salt-tinged breeze rolling off the marina. It is the kind of place where locals kick off their slippahs after a morning at the beach to grab a bite without pretense.
The Poke and Plate Lunch Experience
The culinary focus here is undeniably anchored in the daily catch. Their signature furikake-crusted seared ahi is a local staple, served with a soy-based dipping sauce that balances the richness of the fish perfectly. Whether you opt for the classic poke bowl or the blackened catch of the day, the portions are geared toward those with a healthy appetite post-surf.
A Local Windward Rhythm
Don't expect white-tablecloth service; the experience is built around the open-air layout where the sound of harbor life provides a constant, rhythmic backdrop. While the parking lot can get particularly tight during the lunch rush, the trade-off is a front-row seat to the boat traffic and the stunning Koolau mountain range framing the horizon. It is an ideal spot for families or solo travelers seeking a genuine Hawaii plate lunch experience that values fresh ingredients over flair.
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Amenities & Features
Location
970 N Kalaheo Ave, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734-1801
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Reviews
Showing 6 of 113 community reviewsColbyGoogle Maps
Recently
Food, service and atmosphere were all impeccable. The only thing I can complain about is the prices. Obviously they can charge that because supply and demand, but still a little much. We will be coming back all the time though, the server we had (Young man, can’t remember name) was knowledgeable and accommodating. Food was fantastic we had the fish and chips and shrimp linguine. The live music was a nice addition to the atmosphere not too loud at all. They keep the bar and family dining slightly separate.
Chelsey Linclau WattsGoogle Maps
Recently
They marked GF on entrées that could be made gluten-free. The server was very knowledgeable about what I could and couldn't have and even checked labels on the Gelato to make sure it was OK. I got the Ahi Tuna and it was everything I had hoped for. The drinks were divine. My family is not GF but they ordered the crab patty burger, crab patty salad, shrimp scampi, the short ribs and the fish burger. The kiddos got the loaded brownie and it was a hit.
Jeff CurtinGoogle Maps
Recently
Nico's is a great restaurant, but their locations are like the Temu version of a great seafood restaurant; always falling just short. The food was good, not great. Highly recommend their Ahi dip. The Hose salad was just a pile of greens, the chicken Katsu lacked flavor, but the Poké was really good. Everything was served in to-go containers, which cheapens the dining experience and makes me question the pricing. Overall, still a good option for local seafood, but if you're looking for a view, I'd look elsewhere.
Gerri EGoogle Maps
Recently
Kelly was wonderful! Suggested and made the best lychee martini! Steven our server for dinner was absolute terrific! Now the food: the Friday catch of the day swordfish with asparagus and mango salsa awesome! The fish and chips, my sister loved it! The crab cake the best outside Maryland! Everything was just wonderful! Love it! 🥰
Ana BGoogle Maps
Recently
**A Gem in Kailua—Nico’s Delivers Great Food & Atmosphere** Nico’s Kailua is exactly the kind of restaurant that makes dining out a pleasure. Spacious, open, and bright, it offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can truly relax. While fine dining has its place, there’s something special about a restaurant like Nico’s—where great service, a lively ambiance, and delicious food come together effortlessly. We dropped in for lunch without reservations and were pleasantly surprised that we didn’t have to wait. The menu offered plenty of tempting choices, and we opted for the Chicken Katsu, the Grilled Kalbi short ribs special, and the Macadamia panko-crusted mahi-mahi (the special of the day). Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. The Kalbi ribs, in particular, were outstanding—tender, well-seasoned, and simply delicious. The presentation was unique, served in clamshell takeout containers—a casual touch that fit the restaurant’s relaxed vibe. Beyond the food, Nico’s has even more to offer: a variety of great desserts, a lively bar area, and live music that adds to the experience. The prices are reasonable, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal without overthinking it. If you’re looking for a fantastic dining spot in Kailua where you can unwind and savor great food, Nico’s is a solid choice. I loved it and would happily go back!
Jason RabonGoogle Maps
Recently
The food was good and our server was great. My family enjoyed the experience. But…Lots of open tables by the windows with water views.. but they were not seating those tables. They just left the tables dirty and expected nobody to ask to sit at them. I could hear the frustrations of the staff when guests kept asking to sit by the windows.. I could hear the staff complaining when they were getting sat and should have been getting off. A little tip from my experience in Hospitality.. If you have a desirable section next to windows with a water view.. and don’t want to seat those tables for what ever your reasoning was.. (cut staff early, short staffed, or just what your business model is) Push the tables together like it is set for a large party.. Then you won’t have the 5 different 2&3 tops asking to sit there.. (it will save your staff frustrations)
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