The best poke bowls in Los Angeles

The Redondo Beach lunch hour crowd flocks to Jus’ Poke’s glistening fish-lined deli case as if marinated poke is a vital nutrient to carry out the workday (it very well could be). You’ll want to come hungry. Score generous portions of original (traditional marinade), spicy, shoyu, wasabi or California roll poke (cucumber, tobiko, avocado and imitation crab) with rice and a side. But more than the perfect combination of buttery fish and crunchy onion, the translucent deli case is home to equally palatable sides included with each bowl. Choose from spicy edamame, seaweed salad, pickled cucumbers, Hawaiian chips and more for the ultimate complementary bite to your fishing expedition. Seal the mouthwatering deal with a classic scoop of coconut and pineapple or green tea ice cream.

With two locations in both El Segundo and Torrance, this small Hawaiian poke shop offers high-quality fish flown from the Honolulu Fish Market every morning in a casual, takeout-friendly environment. Unlike build-your-own poke places, Ali'i Fish Co pre-marinates its fish–including its standout spicy ahi tuna poke. Stop by on Taco Tuesdays for a discounted poke or fried fish taco. (For those who prefer cooked fish, the ahi burgers are pretty great, too.)

Poke Etc's second location (the original is in Carson) welcomes Long Beach natives into a no-frills strip mall joint that can only be described as island-casual. In fact, flip-flops are practically encouraged. Serving up traditional Hawaiian poke like spicy tuna, limu (algae), and sweet and sour octopus, these poke aficionados know how to whip up a bowl that’s worth the price. The menu also boasts other staple island fare like lau lau, teriyaki chicken and kalua pork, but since the shop's claim to fame is that it serves 100 pounds of fish per day, we’d say stick with the poke. The space is filled with aloha signs and beachy decor—further proof that the island spirit is alive and well.

Extremely fresh fish, primarily from New Zealand, lies at the heart of this retail market and raw bar at the western edge of Culver City. Despite the modest portion, we loved the tuna poke appetizer, which comes pre-marinated and uses high-quality deep red tuna—none of pale red frozen variety you'll find at build-your-own bowl spots around town. If you're anywhere close to the Westside and the South Bay feels like too much of a schlep, Tangaroa Fish Market will more than do the trick.

For anyone craving fish for breakfast, the crackly, naturally leavened sourdough bagels at this weekend-only brunch pop-up (Fri 8am–2pm; Sat, Sun 7am–2pm) at Vintage Wines + Eats in Studio City serves a standout tuna poke, which you can order by the half pound or pile onto a cream cheese-topped bagel. We scoured the rest of the city looking for under-the-radar poke joints, but none of them stood up to the flavorful, freshly marinated ahi tuna at Smögen Appetizers, which doesn't even specialize in the dish. 

Opening this Studio City restaurants's glass door is like peeling back the closet door to Narnia. It's one of those hole-in-the-wall spots you want to keep secret, but love too much not to tell everyone to try. Nestled in a Studio City strip mall, you’ll find red walls dripping in antiques and trinkets, dimly lit lanterns, Buddha figures, picture frames, Chinese quotes on banners—it’s as if a souvenir shop exploded, but in the most charming way possible. Beyond spice-scented aromas, sizzling tempura and other tantalizing fare, you’ll discover an entire section dedicated to succulent Japanese-style poke. Choose from selections of tuna, salmon, albacore and more, mixed with seaweed, green onion, pickled ginger, delicate shoyu sauce and served over a bed of lettuce and white, brown, or Hijiki seaweed rice. Pair these perfectly portioned one-size bowls with a cold Sapporo for an intimate date night or casual night out with friends. Be warned: It's a small space, so expect at least a 20-30 minute wait most nights.

All About Poke serves up some of the finest poke in town, and with locations in Burbank, La Cañada, Studio City, Eagle Rock and Palos Verdes, it's a spot plenty of Angelenos will be able to check out. All of the toppings are included in the final price (except mango and avocado, which will run you a little extra) and your bowl will surely be filled to the brim. You can always ask for more of your favorite topping (get the masago here) and the generous staff will accommodate. But it’s not just the portions that are great—it all comes out quick, too—they might be the quickest poke slingers in town. And while space is usually tight, the Burbank location offers limited outdoor seating that, if you can snag a table, offers great people watching and plenty of shade. 

Perky pop beats fill this Glendale poke shop as guests are met with equally upbeat staff. Upon entering this tiny oasis, pick out your favorite toppings and have at it. Served in a one-size, large container, these heavy-handed scoopers fill your bowl for a great price. Start off with two servings of white or brown rice and a savory cup of imitation crab, then choose from a myriad of fresh or cooked fish (including wildcards like scallop, shrimp, unagi, soft shell crab and baked crawfish). The glass deli case serves as a drool-worthy 3D menu, hosting everything from pickled cucumbers and fried garlic cloves to seaweed salad and more. Top it off with a sauce of your choosing and enjoy your bowl at the small community table (though considering the tight squeeze, it might be best to just get it to go).

With locations in just about every neighborhood, these artistic, enticing bowls combine for an experience that can only be defined as poke chic. Culinary wiz Dakota Weiss (a former Top Chef contestant) has reinvented the traditional poke bowl. Unlike the usual white or brown rice fare, you’ll choose from an uplifted base selection of green bamboo rice (same sushi rice texture but healthier), fresh kelp noodles and cucumber slaw, or a citrus kale salad. Top off your poke experience with a build-your-own bowl or choose from a myriad of zesty signature dishes like the mango albacore with ponzu-lime, macadamia nuts and ginger or the spicy yuzu salmon tossed with yuzukoshu sauce, edamame and fresh lime. Nothing imitation about Sweetfin. Standouts from the toppings selection include wasabi-toasted coconut flakes, pickled shiitake mushroom, and fiery jalapeños. Complement your bowl with thin-cut taro chips, house-crafted iced teas and matcha popcorn (white chocolate, matcha, black sesame and coconut) for a heavenly mid-day treat.