Best Poke Restaurants In The US

One of the best and most beloved dishes to come out of Hawaii is without a doubt poke. This refreshing and seafood-based dish proves just how decadent and delicious a simple recipe can be. According to the Hawaii Ocean Project, traditional poke typically consists of raw tuna that is marinated in sesame oil, soy sauce, and chopped green onion. Though tuna is most commonly used, pretty much any chopped seafood can be used as a substitute.

From salmon to octopus, restaurants and seafood stands all around the country have managed to create some pretty mouthwatering combos when it comes to poke. While there is no denying that some of the best poke is found on the islands of Hawaii, the 48 contiguous states are also home to some pretty renowned spots that know their way around a poke bowl or two. That being said, here are some of the best poke restaurants in the United States when it comes to quality, taste, and freshness.

Obviously, Hawaii is a great place to enjoy sushi. In addition to the unparalleled access to fresh fish, it's also the birthplace of poke, so you know you're going to get the best of the best. At Ono Seafood in Honolulu, everything from the ahi tuna to the octopus is caught fresh daily, making it one of the most popular poke places on the island since 1995.

All of the poke is prepared by weight, and customers have the option to choose between a plate that comes with a hearty portion of poke over rice or a to-go container of just poke. When it comes to sides, the seaweed salad (referred to as the ocean salad) and the garlic soybeans are a must-try. If you are looking to keep lunch simple, go for an order of sashimi and experience the true taste of high-grade fish without all of the extra spices and flavors.

Considering that the owner of Hawaiian Poke Bowl is a native Hawaiian, diners can expect to indulge in beloved poke recipes that boast classic and bold flavors using quality seafood. Though Utah is not the first place that you might think of when it comes to amazing poke, don't let the location fool you. Since opening in July 2011, Hawaiian Poke Bowl has been serving the St. George community and providing them with an authentic poke experience that keeps things simple, sweet, and very satisfying.

The servings are large, and Hawaiian Poke Bowl definitely doesn't skimp on the protein. There are two different sizes available: regular and large. With each size, customers can choose one to three different proteins when building their own bowls. If seafood isn't your first choice, the kalua pork bowls are another option that offers a tasty experience without the fish.

Diners at Da Poke Shack can rest easy knowing that none of the fish used is ever frozen. In fact, everything is caught fresh, ensuring a rich taste and clean texture. Though Da Poke Shack is most famous for its ahi or yellowfin tuna, it also features shrimp, octopus, and ​​taegu, a seasoned cod fish. Those that prefer meat over seafood will appreciate the pork options, however, the poke is impeccable and worth giving a try.

If you are able to snag a table outside, be sure to take advantage of the shining sun and ocean breeze. There are also communal tables inside for those who don't mind getting cozy with others and making new friends. It is best to get there as early as possible since it has a tendency to sell out. Best of all, Da Poke Shack refuses to serve yesterday's poke, so you're never eating anything but the freshest catch of the day.

All of the bowls at Seaside Poke feature locally sourced ingredients that are fresh and flavorful. The menu features a variety of island-inspired recipes, with options such as salmon ponzu, tuna aioli, and classic spicy tuna. However, you can also build your own bowl, allowing you to get creative with different toppings, proteins, and sauces. Speaking of sauces, all of the ones used at Seaside Poke are made in-house, and they're available in glass bottles for purchase, making it easy for you to bring a taste of the restaurant home with you.

Whether you're planning on making your own poke bowls at home or you're looking for a new stir-fry sauce, the Seaside Poke sauces are a must when it comes to at-home condiments. Options include the sweet shoyu, traditional shoyu, and truffle shoyu. Also, if you are dining with children, they offer a kids bowl option on the menu.

No matter if you're keto, vegetarian, or simply looking for healthier lunch options, FOB Poke Bar in Seattle is here to help. In addition to promoting a healthier lifestyle, FOB Poke Bar also ensures that everything from the fish to the veggies is as fresh as possible. Nothing is ever left overnight, and that fact shines through in the taste and color of the food. Whether you choose crisp greens or soft white rice as the base, you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy proteins such as bright orange salmon or sweet shrimp before choosing the sauce that is going to bring all of those natural flavors to life. The signature Hawaiian shoyu-based FOB sauce is a fan favorite, but if you like a little spice, go for the wasabi aioli and let your taste buds soar. There are also more than 20 different topping options including mango, edamame, and fried garlic.

Eating at Crunchy Poké in Portland, Maine, means supporting local and sustainable fishing. Best of all, Crunchy Poké makes it a mission to give back to the community through donations and charity, allowing you to feel just as good about your purchase as it tastes. The poke options are vast, ranging from Maine lobster to spicy scallops. There's even a hearty unagi eel bowl for those who prefer sweeter recipes.

The signature base at Crunch Poké consists of lettuce, avocado, cucumber, carrot, edamame, red ginger, green onion, microgreens, mixed crunch (which is fried onion and garlic, sesame seed, tempura), and a base sauce. The sushi burrito is another tasty treat, made with white rice, avocado, cucumber, masago, mixed crunch, and house poke sauce. If you're craving something cooked, both ramen options are warm, hearty, and comforting, while the side calamari salad is tender and tantalizing.

Located on the stunning Hawaiian island of Maui, Kaohu Store is a local favorite that serves poke (and more) by the pound. The fish is caught right off the coast daily, and it is some of the most melt-in-your-mouth meat packed full of fresh flavor. The mixes are pretty simple and standard, keeping the recipes aligned with traditional poke ingredients. If you feel like indulging in something more unique than ahi tuna, order the tender tako poke and experience just how dynamic octopus can truly be.

Vibrant and delicate sashimi is also an option at Kaohu Store, and everything is conveniently packaged so that you can take it to go and spend your day under the sun or on the sandy shores of a nearby tropical beach. Some amazing sides that are available at Kaohu Store include the Chinese lemons, macaroni salad, pickled peaches, and pickled cuttlefish.

Between the bubble tea and the build-your-own bowls, Freshe Poke is one of the best places to get poke in South Carolina. In addition to sourcing the finest fish and produce, Freshe Poke also places an emphasis on sustainability and responsible farming, ensuring that you can get your fix and still feel good about where your money is going. Even the ingredients used to make the bubble teas undergo a strict protocol of responsibility and ethics.

While creating your own poke bowl, you can choose between one to three scoops of poke (or more if you're feeling ravenous!). In addition to traditional proteins like ahi tuna, Freshe Poke also serves chicken, organic tofu, crab salad, and even avocado as main options, ensuring that a variety of diets are addressed. If you feel like having something a bit different than a bowl, give Freshe Poke's famous poke burrito a try.

Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co. is a Hawaiian staple that has mastered the art of poke. In addition to poke bowls and plain poke, this beachside eatery also serves platters for a reasonable price, allowing you to order two scoops of poke, two scoops of rice, and two sides of your choice. From cold macaroni salad to seaweed salad, everything here works together to create delicious dishes that can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere.

All of the fish used at this beloved poke joint is caught locally daily, making it a refreshing and sustainable lunch option. After grabbing some food, be sure to spend some time browsing the t-shirts, hats, and other merchandise available so that you can rep the restaurant from near and far. If you're looking for something more unique, snag some dried ahi tuna if it's available. This seafood jerky is surprisingly addictive.

Located in Capistrano Beach, Kawamata Seafood is a locally owned and operated restaurant with a laid-back and casual appeal. The focus at Kawamata is not on the aesthetic of the restaurant or fancy decor, but rather the quality of the food. Upon arrival, guests order at the counter and then have the option to snag one of the few tables or take their poke on the go. There are also some spots outside on the patio for those that prefer outdoor seating.

When building your poke bowl, the first thing to choose is the size. After deciding between regular or large, diners are then instructed to choose their base. Though white rice is the most popular and classic base, other options include brown rice or cabbage salad. Next is the flavor, which ranges from spicy mayo to shoyu to wasabi. Then, comes the protein, where you have the option of salmon, tuna, octopus, or a combo of the three.