Izi

Poke had a banner year in New York, with sit-down restaurants like Noreetuh and fast-casual operations (Pokéworks, Wisefish Poké) alike bringing Hawaii’s hallmark raw-fish dish to our shores. And demand doesn’t seem to be slowing down—at this 26-seat Japanese izakaya inside the W New York-Times Square, a section of chef Juan Carlos Ortega’s menu is dedicated to the stuff: The Blue Fin chef turns out tuna poke with sake-braised hijiki, a hamachi version with crispy rice, and a vegetarian variety made with asparagus, fava beans and ramps in citrus ponzu. Beyond poke and snacks (ginger-togarashi olives, bonito-topped shishito peppers), sushi chef Mike Lim (Sushi of Gari) fills out the menu with dishes like Japanese snapper with plum salt, and salmon with lime kosho and ginger blossom. It’s a fish focus reflected in the sleekly nautical room, set with mahogany-wood paneling, navy booths and a statement “wave wall” designed by Yabu Pushelberg.