3 Must-Try Poke Spots in San Diego

really stood out to me was the addition of chili pepper flakes, adding a subtle heat that complemented the fish beautifully and elevated the entire bowl.

Next, the Poke Burrito, which arrived with a clean, upscale presentation. It was delicious, but resembled more of a traditional burrito than a poke dish. I found myself wishing for more tuna to bring out a stronger poke flavor. That said, the sauce on the side was a standout — creamy, spicy, and exactly what the burrito needed. Overall, it was very tasty, and perfect for those who prefer their seafood on the milder side.

Last but not least was the La Chinesca, a dish that certainly sets Nico’s Fish Market apart. Described as a “sophisticated poke bowl with a Mexico City twist,” La Chinesca shares flavor notes with the Ahi Tuna Bowl, but its toppings sit atop a bed of crispy rice, adding an extra layer of crunch and depth to the plate. As with the other dishes, the plating of La Chinesca was elegant and enticing, and the sauce was fantastic. Though the Ahi Tuna Bowl held the top spot for me, La Chinesca is a must-try for anyone craving a creative spin on poke.

It’s easy to see why Nico’s Fish Market earns so much praise online. With fresh ingredients and inventive dishes, they deliver a

poke experience that feels both elevated and authentic. Next time you're in the area, this place is definitely worth a stop.

Tucked away in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, Makai Sushi has been serving up fresh, authentic Hawaiian poke and sushi since 2023. Impressively, it has already earned itself the #8 spot on Yelp’s list of Best Sushi Restaurants Nationwide, thanks to the care and expertise of Chef Matthew Oliver. A native of Hawaii, Chef Matthew is on a mission to bring the flavors of home to San Diego through high-quality, locally sourced poke bowls, soy-paper burritos, sashimi, and tapas-style plates.

The second dish I tried was a sushi burrito, which features sushi rice, avocado, sweet and green onion, wasabi aioli, unagi sauce, roasted sesame seeds, and tobiko, all wrapped in soy paper. It was light and refreshing, and the sauce was an absolute must. The avocado was incredibly fresh and paired perfectly with the saltiness of the crab. Like the poke bowl, the sauce was super light, elevating the ingredients without overpowering them — though I liked the flavor so much that part of me wished there was more!

Overall, this location is a bit on the pricier side, but you’re definitely paying for quality. The owner goes out of his way to

ensure you have a memorable experience, and the food alone makes it worth every penny!

This Hawaiian restaurant was first recommended to me by my partner, and it did not disappoint. Located in North Park, Chris’ Ono Grinds is a small, hole-in-the-wall spot with limited seating — but what it lacks in space, it more than makes up for in bold, unforgettable flavor. They have just two poke bowls on their menu, aptly named: the Poke Bowl and the Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl. Both are fantastic.

Their Poke Bowl features sashimi-grade ahi tuna marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, then topped with furikake, diced veggies, macadamia nuts, and a drizzle of wasabi aioli. Although I’ve always disliked wasabi, I actually really enjoyed this aioli — it was smooth, balanced, and flavorful without overpowering the dish. I was pleasantly surprised. The bowl also included fresh avocado,

which added creaminess and color that elevated the entire plate. The portion size was generous too, with a hearty serving of rice and fish and the perfect amount of toppings to complement them.

The Spicy Poke Bowl builds on the classic with the addition of spicy mayo and chopped jalapeños, meant to kick up the heat. To be honest, I didn’t notice a huge difference between this dish and the original — the spice level was milder than expected. That said, it still tasted fantastic. While I would have preferred a bit more heat given the name, it delivered the same fresh, satisfying combination that made the original so good.

There you have it — three highly rated poke spots in San Diego. With so many poke restaurants across the city, I’ve only scratched the surface, but these are a few that consistently earn high praise from the community and have earned a spot on my favorites list. I’ll keep you posted as I continue the search for more standout poke in San Diego.

Hi! I’m Lindsay, a recent college grad turned full-time office worker in sunny San Diego. But I don’t let my day job stop me from exploring the world. How? Weekend getaways, holiday travel, and a clever use of time off. When I'm not editing copy or planning my next vacation, I'm on here, sharing my adventures and honest reviews with a bold community of travelers. Feel free to take a look around!

Some people might be caught off guard by a couple of the non-traditional toppings on these poke bowls, like red bell pepper, but I really enjoyed the twist. While I do love a simple, classic poke bowl, Chris’ Ono Grinds completely won me over. The unexpected ingredients complemented the fish beautifully. Even if it sounds like an odd pairing, I’d recommend giving this one a try. It definitely worked on me.

I tried two dishes during my visit, starting with the Godzilla Bowl, which features ahi tuna, salmon, and blue crab over a bed of sushi rice and mixed greens. The bowl was topped with cucumber, avocado, sweet and green onion, roasted sesame seeds, unagi sauce, wasabi aioli, and tobiko. The crab was a standout — remarkably fresh, with just a hint of spice and a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly salty. The salmon was equally impressive: tender and fresh, straight from the sea. The sauce was light and well-balanced, letting the quality of the fish take center stage. Even the mixed greens were an excellent addition — I’ve never been a fan of greens as a poke base, but this dish completely changed my mind. It served as a crisp, refreshing vessel for the fish.