Where to Eat Poke in San Diego

Whether it’s island or mainland style, there are plenty of options in town

by Jackie Bryant Nov 28, 2018, 2:15pm PST

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by Jackie Bryant Nov 28, 2018, 2:15pm PST

A “best poke in San Diego” list is hard to write, mainly because the restaurants that source their fish using sustainable methods are few and far between in San Diego (and elsewhere, as well) and also because there are a glut of poke restaurants throughout the county. But poke’s natural home on the mainland is San Diego, seeing as it’s the first stop off the island for many Hawaiians. Add to that our robust fisheries and fishing culture and, well, it’s obvious to see why the city has so many options. Taking into account sustainability first and, where that isn’t possible, taste second, here are the best places in San Diego to eat poke.

This map is organized geographically and though it notes which places lean towards more sustainable, it’s important to do personal due diligence when eating fish that come from threatened fisheries.

It's Raw Poke Shop

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One of the favorite poke shops among Island-style enthusiasts is Ocean Beach’s It’s Raw, which is run by a duo from Oahu. No-frills ahi, salmon, octopus and more is served by the scoop or pound with corresponding scoops of rice and little else, the way its done on the islands.

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3112, 4991 Newport Ave A, San Diego, CA 92107

(619) 564-8421

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Good Time Poke

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The group behind Kettner Exchange opened a daytime poke spot in Pacific Beach in late 2016 called good time poke. Their bowls are ripe for customization with plenty of bells and whistles—known as mainland style poke—and come with fish like albacore, ahi and salmon and spicy shrimp. Tiki enthusiasts will know it as the adjoining restaurant to The Grass Skirt.

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910 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 999-0257

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Single Fin Kitchen

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While Little Italy Food Hall’s Single Fin Kitchen doesn’t serve a traditional Hawaiian poke bowl, it does serve donburi bowls, which should satisfy any fish and rice in a bowl cravings. On any given day an order might be interrupted with fisherman trotting up to deliver his or her freshest catch, which should give customers an indication of just how well they’re sourcing their fish.

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550 W Date St suite b, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 326-4500

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Fishbone Kitchen

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Co-owner Dan Nattrass, who spearheaded Catalina Offshore Product’s fresh fish program decades ago, is the man behind Liberty Station’s Fishbone Kitchen, which serves one of the best and most sustainable poke bowls in the city.

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2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

(619) 643-2261

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Poke Etc.

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One of the Poke OGs is National City’s Poke Etc., which serves a variety of different fishes and accompanying sauces and dressings island style with rice. Word on the street is that they have a killer kalua pig, too.

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916 E 8th St, National City, CA 91950

(619) 474-2866

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Fish 101

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Encinitas fish joint Fish 101 serves many of the best versions of various dishes in several categories. Known best for their fish taco, their poke is well worth a try, as well according to Neens Camilo of Ono Yum and the I Love Poke Festival.

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1468 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 943-6221

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Sweetfin Poke

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Los Angeles-based chain Sweetfin Poke has made sustainability part of its marketing M.O. The popular chain recently expanded into San Diego, where its offerings rely on a Chipotle-style, choose-your-own topping customer conveyor belt.

Suite 2035, 4301 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122

(858) 251-4840

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Bivouac Ciderworks

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Executive chef DJ Tangalin sources his fish from Pacific Shellfish, a company that he says is, “extremely picky with their fish. They buy straight off the dock from fishermen.” His award-winning poke, which was crowned the 2018 I Love Poke Festival winner, can be found on Bivouac’s regular menu.

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3986 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

(619) 725-0844

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Fish Pit

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College Area’s Fish Pit serves poke with fish they claim were line-caught. The protein options include tuna, salmon, tofu and an ever-changing seasonal fish.