Local Farmers Market Poke Specialists Going Brick-and-Mortar

Poke is having a moment in San Diego, and a local farmers market poke vendor is poised to join the rising tide of Hawaiian-inspired poke-centric eateries. San Diego Poke Co., which launched a year ago and has since become a popular food option at both the Hillcrest and Scripps Ranch Farmers Markets, will transition into a brick-and-mortar space this May when it opens its first storefront in Mission Valley.

The 900-square-foot space will be open daily and feature counter-style service for its menu of made-to-order poke rice bowls, salads, wraps and more, ranging in price from $10 to $12; diners will be able to custom build their dishes with a variety of fish and other seafood, plus toppings and sauces ranging from housemade truffle soy sauce to umami sauce. The desserts will change seasonally, and include mochi ice cream straight from Hawaii. To helm the causal eatery, owner Yohei Umezu has signed up chef Meljohn Sebastian, who spent ten years working at well-known sushi and Asian fusion restaurant Café Japengo in La Jolla.