2 Best Restaurants in Iwilei, Honolulu and Pearl Harbor

Chef Jason Peel's critically acclaimed Japanese fusion restaurant has an eclectic, creative, and often surprising mix of dishes from brunch through dinner, served in a bright, modern, high-ceilinged dining room or a smaller side dining space. Lots of local seafood, vegetables, and other island ingredients infuse the menu. Japanese breakfasts and omelets, plus twists on American brunch favorites, are served from morning to early afternoon. Nostalgic and playful izakaya-style shared plates dominate the large dinner menu.

Lyonnais 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. Come dinnertime, you'll see a mix of tourists and kamaaina here for beers on tap, cocktails, almost nightly music, and an excellent menu across the board. Although most indoor tables have harbor views, try to get a table on the lanai. If you're staying in a place with a kitchen and need to stock up, the fish market also sells prepared foods like poke, soups, and stews. In Kailua, there's a Nico's serving almost the same menu as the original at Pier 38.