Where to Eat Poke in New York
When we fingered poké as a burgeoning trend at the close of 2015, we had no idea just how frenzied the Hawaiian-style, marinated fish craze would actually get. Wisefish alone seemed like proof of concept when it opened this past February, but dedicated poké spots have proliferated at a furious pace since then, blanketing New York with food hall stands, fast-casual eateries, elegant sit-down restaurants and more. And poké mania shows no signs of slowing down, with perhaps the buzziest eatery yet (that would be Sweetcatch, a franchise-ready collaboration between Deuki Hong and Lee Anne Wong) set to debut this fall. So here’s a (pared down!) selection of where to stock up on poké in the city, from Midtown to Brooklyn and beyond!
Wisefish Poke
One of the first standalone poké spots to hit NYC last winter, this fast-casual counter peddles made-to-order poké bowls, with bases of rice or zucchini noodles, toppings including ahi or spicy tuna, salmon or tofu, and toppers and sauces such as edamame, avocado cream, citrus shoyu and Hawaiian sea salt.
Read MorePokeworks
This California-based chain joined the NYC poké fray this year with a Midtown location, and two others on the way. Made with sustainable seafood, toppings include Spicy Ahi, Salmon Shiso, Wasabi Shrimp and even Ginger Chicken, although you can customize your fillings; incorporating options like scallops, mango and ponzu into bowls, salads or pokirittos; white rice and seaweed wraps.
Read MoreChikarashi
Influenced by Japanese chirashi (scattered sashimi over rice) this above average poké haunt comes courtesy of Michael Jong Lim — formerly of Neta — which means quality is king. Meticulously executed arrangements include Bluefin Tuna (sometimes even Toro, based on availability) washed with goma shoyu and chili oil, and lined with avocado and garlic chips, as well as Chojang Hirame; Fluke teamed with gochujang, kyuri cucumber, negi onion and wakame.
Read MorePoke Kitchen
Yet another diced fish spot appealing to Midtown office workers desperate for deep-fried alternatives, Poke Kitchen keeps things moving with a highly abbreviated menu. Seriously, there’s only one item to choose from — a $15 Omakase Premium Poké Bowl — featuring sushi-grade market-fresh seafood and organic vegetables, selected at will by the chef.
Read MoreGotham Poke
A requisite addition to UrbanSpace’s newest collection of food hall vendors, you’ll find Gotham Poke at both Gansevoort Market and Broadway Bites, serving up bowls with grains, kale or grated cauliflower at the bottom, Coriander-crusted Tuna, Kalua Pork or Huli Huli Chicken in the middle, and tobiko fish roe, pickled mushrooms, or fresh charred corn on top.
Read MoreNoreetuh
Actually a fine dining Hawaiian restaurant (helmed by Per Se alums), poké is just one of Noreetuh’s elevated menu additions; choose from Shrimp with cucumber, wasabi, pearl onion and yuzu, or Big-Eye Tuna tossed with pickled jalapenos, macadamia nuts and seaweed.
Read MoreOnomea
This whimsical Williamsburg restaurant is devoted to casual, Big Island-style fare, such as Spam Musubi, Loco Moco (egg and gravy-topped teriyaki burgers) and of course, poké; a mix of Ahi Tuna with white onions, green onions, seaweed and sesame seeds.
Read MoreEast Coast Poke
This sought after Smorgasburg vendor serves cups of cubed fish on the Williamsburg waterfront; using exclusively Hawaii-sourced products such as ahi tuna speckled with black sesame seeds and served over seaweed salad.
Read MoreCheck out My Book – Try This
