Get The Freshest Catch

Uncle’s Original Poke Tower ($19.50)

Located at Pier 38, just footsteps away from Honolulu Fish Auction, Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill offers a unique ocean-to-table dining experience.

Named after “The Uncles,” a group of legendary commercial fisherman whom founder Bruce Johnson credits as his heroes and mentors, the restaurant serves the freshest fish from Hawaiian waters, supplied by parent wholesale company Fresh Island Fish, and the highest-quality seafood in the Islands.

“We use the best products; for example, the ahi we use is No. 1 grade,” says executive chef Geoffrey Arakawa. “Our fish buyer is at the auction at 5:30 a.m., hauls it back, they unload it, we cut it, portion it out, cook it and (by lunchtime), it’s on the plate.”

Open for lunch and dinner, the casual, family-friendly restaurant opened 10 years ago, and features a spacious, welcoming setting decorated with old fishing portraits, along with a view of Honolulu Harbor.

“Our best seller is Garlic Ahi followed by Fresh Onaga — they’re always fighting for first place,” jokes Arakawa, noting the menu is a combination of local, Pacific and Continental cuisine.

For those craving fried foods, Arakawa suggests Big Uncle’s Combo ($18.50) consisting of the daily fresh fish, two giant white gulf shrimp and two calamari strips — seasoned, panko-breaded and deep-fried in zero-trans-fat oil; and served with french fries and a side of house-made coleslaw.

A-OK WITH POKE

From the restaurant’s Raw Bar, try Uncle’s Original Poke Tower ($19.50), especially as an appetizer to share. Served with white corn chips, enjoy sushi rice layered with fresh ahi poke, homemade guacamole and ahi tartar, and topped with masago and sliced nori.

Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill

Fishing Village At Pier 38
1135 N. Nimitz Hwy., Honolulu
275-0063
Daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Unclesfishmarket.com