Find the best poke bowls NYC has to offer for a refreshing meal (2024)

Find the best poke bowls NYC has to offer for a refreshing meal (1)

See what the fuss over the best poke bowls in NYC is by diving right into the Hawaiian-inspired trend

Photograph: Courtesy Chikarashi

Written by Christina Izzo & Time Out contributors

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New York is no stranger to imported foods, from Detroit square pizza to Mission-style burritos, but Hawaiian poke (raw-tuna salad) was a deliciously out-of-left-field addition to the scene. A fresh change from your regular sushi order, the best poke bowls NYC has to offer comes courtesy top-rate seafood restaurants, modern Hawaiian restaurants and forward-thinking food halls.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best sushi in NYC

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Best poke bowls in NYC

1.Noreetuh
  • American
  • East Village
  • price 2 of 4

Photograph: Liz Clayman

Successful in its aim to refine classic Hawaiian cuisine, chef Chung Chow’s poke salad features quivering cubes of sesame-oil–slick big-eye tuna texture-bombed with chunky macadamia nuts, pickled jalapeños and delicately briny seaweed tendrils.

2.Chikarashi
  • Hawaiian
  • Little Italy
  • price 2 of 4

Photograph: Courtesy Chikarashi

Two food-world buzzwords—poké and bowls—collide at this fast-casual Chinatown concept from Neta alum Michael Jong Lim. Hawaiian poké (raw-fish salad) is zapped with Japanese, Chinese and Korean influences at the six-stool restaurant: The six sea-to-table bowls on offer include a goma-shoyu tuna with garlic chips, a chojang-fired fluke and a sushi-grade Scottish salmon variety with Szechuan-spiced mayonnaise and daikon, and the stock Japanese-rice base can be swapped out for Asian greens.

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3.Pokéworks
  • Midtown West
  • price 2 of 4

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Amy C.

Using only high-quality, sustainably sourced fish, Pokéworks puts a Hawaiian spin on this sushi trend, tossing the cubes of raw fish with chopped green onion, shredded sweet onion and a touch of Hawaiian salt before serving it up as bowls, burritos or salads with uniquely Japanese flavors like hijiki seaweed and shiso leaves.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Amy C.

4.Sons of Thunder
  • Seafood
  • Murray Hill
  • price 1 of 4

Photograph: David Williams

Although it seems the poke wave is cresting, there’s nothing fishy or flash-in-the-pan about bowls of seafood, rice and light vegetables done right. This Murray Hill iteration combines the Hawaiian dish with some distinctly West Coast sensibilities, serving fresh, super-filling dishes of ahi tuna drizzled with shoyu and sesame oil over white rice, as well as an avocado-heavy, chili-dusted salmon tostada boasting a warm, freshly made tortilla that tastes oh-so–Left Coast.

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5.Flip Sigi
  • Filipino
  • West Village
  • price 1 of 4

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/2nd City

At this Filipino-fusion taqueria, chef-owner Flip Sigi pads out his poke bowl with sushi-grade tuna, sweet miso, coconut-scented steamed rice, chopped scallions, crispy wontons and carrots, and pickled red onions.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/2nd City

6.Union Fare
  • Food court
  • Union Square
  • price 2 of 4

Photograph: Masahiro Noguchi

Draft lattes, balsamic co*cktails and Santa Barbara sea urchin—you can get all of it under one roof at this 25,000-square-foot restaurant-and-market concept taking over the former Barnes & Noble flagship space. The sprawling complex is broken down into various grab-and-go stalls stocked with Hawaiian poké, Peruvian rotisserie chicken and New York street food.

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7.The PokéSpot
  • Hawaiian
  • Nolita
  • price 2 of 4

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/The PokéSpot

This counter-style operation offers eight signature bowls, including a classic ahi tuna variety with roasted seaweed and sweet onions, as well as more versions made with citrus salmon, spicy ponzu tuna and even a vegetarian-friendly shiitake-tofu combination.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/The PokéSpot

8.Seamore’s
  • Seafood
  • Nolita
  • price 2 of 4

Photograph: Paul Wagtouicz

This white-washed, pastel-trimmed Nolita remake of old Montauk fish shacks spotlights underutilized species (monkfish, tilefish) from east-end outfits Dock to Dish and Sea to Table. On the menu, you can find fish tacos, crispy squid and poke bowls fitted with crunchy peanuts, cubed avocado and ponzu sauce.

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9.Sweetcatch Poke Bar
  • Hawaiian
  • Midtown East
  • price 2 of 4

Photograph: Courtesy Sweetcatch Poke Bar

Even your bodega might be serving poke these days, but for an authentic taste of the Hawaiian favorite, head to Midtown East. Unlike many other poke joints, which skip marinating the fish in favor of a quick toss in seasonings before serving, Sweetcatch offers up to a dozen different marinades. Try the classic Hawaiian shoyu, made with onions, seaweed and sesame seed.

Looking for more fresh fish?

Check out the best fish markets in NYC
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Samuel Yoo

At a fantastic fish market in NYC, pick up a fine fillet, choice crustacean or tasty tuna for dinner

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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    Find the best poke bowls NYC has to offer for a refreshing meal (2024)

    FAQs

    Find the best poke bowls NYC has to offer for a refreshing meal? ›

    Poke bowls are celebrated for their high nutritional value, providing a well-rounded meal that satisfies various dietary needs. At their core, poke bowls consist of lean protein from fish like tuna or salmon, which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health and cognitive function.

    Is poke bowl really healthy? ›

    Poke bowls are celebrated for their high nutritional value, providing a well-rounded meal that satisfies various dietary needs. At their core, poke bowls consist of lean protein from fish like tuna or salmon, which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health and cognitive function.

    What is a poke bowl in a restaurant? ›

    Poke (pronounced POH-keh) means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian referring to cubes of marinated sushi grade fish which is then tossed over rice and topped with Asian- inspired sauces.

    What makes a poke bowl good? ›

    Not only is this colourful, fun, and easy-to-assemble dish delicious, but it's also packed full of nutrients like vitamins D and C, iron, zinc, magnesium, and healthy omega oils from the fish. Originating from Hawaii, poke bowls offer an umami flavour explosion blending traditional sushi tastes with modern twists.

    Are poke bowls good for dinner? ›

    A Poké bowl consists of rice, fresh veggies and raw fish. The fish can be prepared in different ways, but is commonly served raw. Poké bowls are incredibly nutritious and make for a well-balanced meal anytime.

    Is it OK to eat poke every day? ›

    Can be high in sodium and calories. Poke bowls are usually made with sesame oil, which is very calorie dense, and soy sauce seasoning, which is generally high in sodium. While sodium is an essential nutrient, it can raise blood pressure and increase heart disease risk in some people when consumed in excess.

    Why are poke bowls so popular? ›

    There are several reasons why poke bowls have become so popular. One of the reasons for their popularity is the convenience and flexibility they offer. Poke bowls are typically served as a single dish, making it easy for people to grab a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner on the go.

    Is everything in a poke bowl raw? ›

    C.C.: Generally speaking, poke would refer to raw pieces of tuna cut into cubes, then marinated with soy sauce and sesame oil and mixed with onion; though the variations go far beyond this generalization. Poke doesn't necessarily have to be tuna or even seafood, nor does it have to be raw or cubed.

    What is a fun fact about poke bowls? ›

    A Hawaiian cuisine, poke began when fisherman would season the cut-offs from their catch and eat it as snack. That is also where poke gets its name, as poke is a Hawaiian word that means “to slice, or cut crosswise into pieces”.

    How to tell if poke is bad? ›

    If the color of the fish has changed or gotten dull, or if it develops a slimy texture or oozes any kind of a slimy substance, then you should also throw the poke out rather than risk food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning from eating bad poke can include stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    Are poke bowls good for high blood pressure? ›

    In addition, poke bowls have been shown to be beneficial for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that regular consumption of fish, especially fatty fish such as tuna, can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

    What is the proper way to eat a poke bowl? ›

    The secret is in savoring the diversity of flavors and textures with each bite. Unlike traditional mixing, poke bowls are meant to be enjoyed by combining different elements as you go. Chopsticks are a popular choice for enjoying poke bowls as they allow you to create unique flavor combinations in each bite.

    Are poke bowls good for your stomach? ›

    A poke (pronounced "po-kay") bowl is a quick and easy way to pack in nutrient-dense fresh produce. Carefully selecting ingredients that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes can help to ensure that you are breaking down and absorbing all that nourishing goodness!

    Is poke bowl good for losing weight? ›

    Poke is a Low-Calorie Food

    Finally, a food trend that is actually healthy! 4 ounces of poke contains less than 150 calories, meaning you can pig put on poke without having to count your calories. Enjoy your poke guilt-free!

    How many calories does a typical poke bowl have? ›

    The number of calories in a poke bowl can vary widely depending on the ingredients and portion size. A standard serving can range from 500 to 800 calories. It's essential to be mindful of the toppings and sauces you choose if you're watching your calorie intake.

    Is poke bowl good for skin? ›

    Raw ahi tuna is a popular choice, except poke bowls with wild caught ocean salmon are the best choice for acne prone skin. Traditional poke bowls contain tuna. This particular fish isn't approved for an acne-safe diet due to the large amounts of iodine it contains.

    Is poke really raw? ›

    C.C.: Generally speaking, poke would refer to raw pieces of tuna cut into cubes, then marinated with soy sauce and sesame oil and mixed with onion; though the variations go far beyond this generalization. Poke doesn't necessarily have to be tuna or even seafood, nor does it have to be raw or cubed.

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