The best poke bowls in Los Angeles

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What is it? A nondescript Silver Lake poke shop with extremely fresh fish and darn good rice from the husband-and-wife duo behind Bodega Park.

Why we love it: Eric and Miriam Park have a standing annual family tradition—Christmas in Hawaii. It's no wonder, then, that their poke shop is an homage to the Hawaiian value of family (which is what "ohana" translates to). Here, yellowfin and bigeye tuna are flown three to four days a week from Honolulu (they also use local fishermen to supplement when necessary), and poke is made to order. The ahi gets a very traditional, very minimal treatment. Exhibit A: alaea (red volcanic sea salt), shiso, green and white onion, and sesame let the fish do the talking. It’s a wonderfully herbal alternative to classic shoyu, though we have no notes on the classic, either. Folks who like their poke hot will delight in the Thai chili ginger or the spicy mayo blend with Sriracha and masago. Neither is too overpowering. Chilled sweet white shrimp with Thai chili and cilantro is a delightful underdog—for when you've had too much tuna, if that's even possible. Bowls come in regular and large sizes, with rice and your choice of two banchan. About the rice… Ohana uses premium Tamanishiki short-grain rice (a blend of Koshihikari and Yumegokochi). Soft, sweet, and slightly sticky, it’s the perfect base for poke, plus the many banchan options. Think ponzu glass noodles with cabbage and carrots; a straightforward seaweed salad; piquant kimchi cucumber; addictive crab mac; oiji pickles; and sweet-and-spicy red beets. It's a tough choice considering they are all fantastic. 

Time Out tip: Grab a musubi for later snacking, and don't skip the watermelon-mint agua fresca.

Address: 2850 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 11am-4pm 

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What is it? A low-key strip mall Hawaiian restaurant from the husband-and-wife team responsible for Big Island transplant Aunty Maile's—with more than double the amount of poke options.

Why we love it: Island Rootz is still in its soft-opening phase, which means the menu is mutable and they're getting the hang of a digital POS, but that didn't stop them from going through 220 pounds of ahi their first week. The vibe here is family-forward. Owners of neighboring restaurants come for a meal and hang after closing up shop, and employees of Aunty Maile's bring their mom to eat on their day off. They treat anyone who walks through the door like family, too. Fuzzy feelings aside, the team wants to make sure you're well fed. That means poke made fresh daily. In addition to the Hawaiian, shoyu, sesame and furikake styles—which you'll find at Aunty Maile's—there are also spicy garlic, wasabi with masago and limu, kimchi and dynamite (a surprisingly light spicy mayo with masago). Expect new poke options to show up at any given time based on what co-owner Jun Tsukiyama is cooking up in her head. Poke aside, there are just as many musubi-evolving options, including a hash brown and ketchup iteration that has no business being as good as it is, plus chicken katsu, garlic shrimp, and other plate lunches. Poke bowls and plate lunches are served with rice and mac salad.  

Time Out tip: Bookend your meal with something sweet—lilikoi fruit tea to start, pandan pudding to finish.

Address: 1610 W Redondo Beach Blvd #11, Gardena, CA 90247

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10am-7pm 

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What is it? An Oahu North Shore poke transplant with made-to-order poke using fish flown in from the island five days a week.

Why we love it: All you really want from poke is ultra-fresh fish and solid rice, and Ry's Poke Shack excels on both counts. There's salmon, but you're here for the ahi, which gets various treatments. I like the classic shoyu, the gingachurri (think a gingery chimichurri) and the garlicky, gently spicy Lao style. You could go for the mayjah bowl, which gets you two poke styles, but if variety is what you’re after, the way to play is to get poke by the pound—a quarter-pound of each style you want to try, with a side of rice.

Time Out tip: While the Huntington Beach location also offers made-to-order poke, the newly opened Ry’s Poke Market in Lomita is scooping pre-made poke out of the display case. Worth knowing before you make the drive.

Address: 2700 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am-7:30pm

What is it? A no-frills poke joint in Redondo Beach.

Why we love it: The 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. 

Time Out tip: Seal the mouthwatering deal with a classic scoop of coconut and pineapple or green tea ice cream.

Address: 501 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun 11am–7pm

What is it? A South Bay seafood shop that serves high-quality fish flown in from the Honolulu Fish Market every morning.

Why we love it: This place serves some of the freshest, most delicious and traditional poke in Los Angeles—just ask anyone you know from the islands, and they’ll likely agree. Unlike build-your-own poke places, Ali'i Hawaiian Grill pre-marinates its fish, including its standout spicy ahi tuna poke, and serves poke both by weight and in combo bowls served with salad or rice. The marination process means every bite is full of flavor, whether you’re opting for the ponzu salmon or seaweed-flecked onion limu. 

Time Out tip: For those who prefer cooked fish, the ahi burgers are pretty great, too.

Address: 924 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Opening hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 11am–8pm

What is it? Yet another no-frills strip mall joint in the South Bay serving standout poke.

Why we love it: Poke Etc welcomes South Bay natives into a bare-bones space that can only be described as island-casual. In fact, flip-flops are practically encouraged. Serving up traditional Hawaiian poke like spicy tuna, limu, 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.

Time Out tip: Poke Etc also offers catering-sized trays of poke and other island favorites like kalua pork and ribeye teriyaki.

Address: 860 E Carson St #120, Carson, CA 90745 

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9:30am–7pm; Sun 10am–5pm

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What is it? A Big Island transplant in Torrance serving traditional Hawaiian plates and a small but mighty selection of ahi poke.

Why we love it: Aunty Maile's is the kind of South Bay Hawaiian institution that has earned its lines out the door the old-fashioned way: by doing the classics right. The menu is as close to authentic island cooking as you can get—plate lunches, oxtail soup, Kalua pig, loco moco. But the poke deserves its own spotlight. If it’s your first time, opt for the Hawaiian-style ahi (sans soy sauce), mixed with green onions, ogo (Hawaiian seaweed), ground roasted kukui nut and Hawaiian sea salt. Other styles include shoyu, sesame, and furikake—all served in modest, properly seasoned portions. Bowls come with rice and mac salad, but purists can order the poke on its own.

Time Out tip: If available, try the spicy avo style poke, which is only on offer when the avocados are just right. 

Address: 19106 Normandie Ave Ste 2, Torrance, CA 90502

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 8am-8pm 

What is it? A South Bay poke counter opened by an ex-sushi chef. 

Why we love it: Even in the land of amazing poke, the vigor and focus that goes into these bowls is difficult not to notice, and sets this spot apart from the rest of the competition in the neighborhood. Choose from three sizes (small, medium, or large), and get a protein-loaded bowl that includes salmon, albacore, and white fish marinated in black pepper ponzu. And while you don’t have the option to choose your proteins, there are sauces and homemade toppings to choose from, all served over a bed of warm sushi rice or brown rice. For a twist, you can also order a newer menu option called the California Bowl, which consists of poke poured on top of eight pieces of California roll. 

Time Out tip: The regular poke bowl here is delicious in its own right—unless you’re very averse to certain ingredients, I recommend ordering as is.

Address: 2366 Pacific Coast Hwy, Lomita, CA 90717

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 11:30am–8pm

What is it? A Glendale seafood counter that’s been around since 1948.

Why we love it: Fish King is not your average poke spot. It’s first and foremost a seafood market, but it is this distinction that allows them to serve some of the best poke in town. Diehard regulars take numbers and scan the daily catch, but our favorite order here is the Hawaiian-style poke—no bells, whistles, or frills. Just extremely fresh fish, scooped over warm rice with seaweed salad and a side of crab and no option to customize it. The pricing is about average, but the portions and freshness are well worth the asking price.

Time Out tip: If you’re on the go, you can also order the poke wrapped into a “totoritto,” or sushi burrito wrapped on soy paper.

Address: 722 N Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91206

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm

Why we love it: If you’ve ever visited the restaurant-laden stretch of Sawtelle Boulevard, you've likely walked by Sea Salt Poke dozens of times without realizing it was even there. But be warned, this is not for those who have trouble making choices. There are so many options, from several proteins to dozens of toppings and sauce, you might be overwhelmed. However, there are some truly special flavors to emerge from this space, such as a truffle yuzu salmon bowl. The prices are high, but if you order carefully, you can hit the build-your-own poke jackpot.

Time Out tip: Try the house-pickled mango slices or ponzu shiitake mushrooms. 

Address: 11301 W Olympic Blvd #106, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11am–8:30pm; Sat noon–8:30pm

What is it? A casual retail market and raw bar at the western edge of Culver City.

Why we love it: Extremely fresh fish, primarily from New Zealand, lies at the heart of Tangaroa Fish Market. Despite the modest portion, I loved the tuna poke appetizer, which comes pre-marinated and uses high-quality deep red tuna—none of the pale red frozen variety you'll find at build-your-own bowl spots around town. If you find yourself 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 the next time you’re craving poke. 

Time Out tip: Other menu standouts include the fried fish collars and mixed shellfish pasta.

Address: 12604 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90066

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11:30am–9:30pm

What is it? A longtime Studio City restaurant serving homestyle Japanese food. 

Why we love it: Opening Daichan’s glass door is like stepping through the wardrobe into 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 and albacore, 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. 

Time Out tip: It's a small space, so expect at least a 20-30 minute wait most nights, and longer on weekends. 

Address: 11288 Ventura Blvd, Ste F, Studio City, CA  91604

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:30pm–8:30pm; Sat 12pm–2:30pm, 5pm–8:30pm

What is it? A standout build-your-own poke chain with several suburban locations. 

Why we love it: 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. 

Time Out tip: Although space is usually tight, the Burbank location offers limited outdoor seating, which, if you can snag a table, offers great people-watching and plenty of shade.

Address: Multiple, incl. Studio City, Eagle Rock and Palos Verdes

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

What is it? A tiny build-your-own poke shop in Glendale with a devoted local following.

Why we love it: Perky pop beats fill Poke n Roll 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 to the brim for a great price. Start off with two servings of salad, white or brown rice and a savory cup of imitation crab, then choose from a myriad of fresh or cooked fish (including wildcards like shrimp tempura, unagi and salmon skin). 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 or at a seat along the bar.

Time Out tip: Since Poke n Roll isn’t too far from the Americana at Brand and the Glendale Galleria, it’s the perfect place to get a meal while avoiding the crowds.

Address: 413 S Central Ave, Ste B, Glendale, CA 91204

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11:30am–8pm