Poke (pronounced poké) is one of my absolute favorite foods. Fresh, flavorful, and photogenic, i.e., Instagram worthy. A beloved local pupu (appetizer) when served over rice transforms into one of the best lunches you could possibly have. Here are my Top 5 fave poke bowls…

1 Ahi Assassins
If you’re lucky enough to find parking (located across from Puck’s Alley,) make your way up to the 2nd floor. This is the freshest, top grade ahi that I’ve ever had in poke. I like the Hawaiian style variety. Old-school. Inamona. Melt-in-your-mouth goodness…

2 Kahiau Jerky Poke & Provisions
New shop located in Chinatown. Always fresh, never frozen. Go for the Cold Ginger Ahi or Kahiau Special… or both. They even feature a Poke-of-the-Day. Poke Bombs are inari sushi cones topped with Spicy Ahi. Sells out fast.

3 Tanioka’s
While living in Waikele, this was my go-to place. Great quality fish and a ton of great menu items (fried chicken, salmon patties, tofu patties, etc.) I like their Onion Limu Poke. Check out their pop-up at Ala Moana Center for a limited time.

4 Off the Hook
Poke Market is across from the Manoa Valley Shopping Center (and next to Starbucks.) Fresh fish, great toppings, and seating. Really like their shoyu flavor…

5 Maguro Brothers
Find them in Chinatown inside the Kekaulike Market. Fresh fish, Kaisen-don, even King Salmon here. I really like their Hamachi Poke Bowl, flavored with soy and wasabi. Winnahs…

Also a big fan of Tamura’s, but I’ve never had a poke bowl there.

If you’ve only had poke bowls from Foodland, please try these suggestions. And lemme know if you have any recommendations. Always eager to expand my poke horizons…