Best Poke in San Diego: 3 Must-Try Spots

If you’re searching for the best poke in San Diego, you don’t have to look far. From Pacific Beach to North Park, I’ve tried some of the city’s most beloved poke spots to see which ones are worth your money.

I was first introduced to poke in Hawaii, and I fell in love from the very first bite. Fortunately, I live in San Diego, where fresh poke bowls are available year-round. But with so many options, it can be tough to know where to start. I’ve tried some of the most talked-about poke spots in the city, earning serious praise from both locals and visitors (and me, too!). Whether you’re craving classic poke flavors or something with a twist, these spots deliver big on quality and taste. Let’s dive in!

Nico’s Fish Market (Pacific Beach)

Located in Pacific Beach, just steps from the beach and Crystal Pier, Nico’s Fish Market serves fish they describe as “‘straight off the boat’ fresh.” They have a case of locally caught fish available for purchase at the front counter, or you can order a unique dish off their menu. One of the restaurant’s most innovative poke dishes? A bold creation they like to call La Chinesca. For the full experience, I tried three of their most popular menu items: the Ahi Tuna Bowl, a Poke Burrito, and of course, La Chinesca. Here’s how it went.

First up, the classic Ahi Tuna Bowl. This was my favorite of the three — it’s hard to beat a well-executed poke bowl. The dish was packed with rich, deep flavors, and the tuna was undeniably fresh. I appreciated the well-balanced ratio of ingredients, which made each bite a perfect mix of texture and flavor. What

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.

Poke Burrito from Nico's Fish Market.

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 seafood and inventive dishes, they deliver a

La Chinesca from Nico's Fish Market.

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

Makai Sushi (Hillcrest)

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 Godzilla Bowl (left) and a sushi burrito (right) from Makai Sushi.

Godzilla Bowl from Makai Sushi.

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

Sushi Burrito from Makai Sushi.

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

Chris' Ono Grinds Island Grill (North Park)

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.

Poke Bowl (left) and Spicy Poke Bowl (right) from Chris' Ono Grinds.

Conclusion

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 won a spot on my favorites list. Next time you're in the mood to eat poke, be sure to check out one of these standout locations!

For great deals on airfare, car rentals, and hotels in San Diego, click here.

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!

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 bowl. As with the other dishes, the plating of La Chinesca was elegant and enticing. Though the Ahi Tuna Bowl held the top spot for me thanks to its depth and flavor, La Chinesca is a must-try for anyone craving a creative spin on poke.

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 North Park location 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.

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

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.

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, tasting like it had come 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.

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 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.

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 and enhanced its flavor rather than distracting from it. Even if it sounds like an odd pairing, I’d recommend giving this North Park location a try. It definitely worked on me.

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 won a spot on my favorites list. Next time you're in the mood to eat poke, be sure to check out one of these standout locations!

For great deals on airfare, car rentals, and hotels in San Diego, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best poke in San Diego?

The best poke in San Diego depends on what style you’re looking for. For traditional Hawaiian-style poke with minimal ingredients and high-quality fish, spots like Nico’s Fish Market and other locally loved seafood counters tend to stand out. If you prefer build-your-own bowls with sauces and toppings, there are several casual poke shops across La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Convoy that offer customizable options, like PB Poke House Oceanside. Ultimately, the best poke in San Diego comes down to freshness, portion size, and whether you prefer authentic island-style or modern mainland variations.

Is poke healthy?

Yes, poke can be a very healthy meal option. Traditional Hawaiian poke is made with raw fish (usually ahi tuna), sea salt, seaweed, and simple seasonings, making it high in protein while remaining relatively low in calories. However, build-your-own poke bowls in San Diego often include sauces, fried toppings, and large portions of rice, which can increase calories quickly. Choosing brown rice, limiting creamy sauces, and adding vegetables can keep your poke bowl balanced and nutritious.

Where can I find authentic Hawaiian poke in San Diego?

Authentic Hawaiian poke in San Diego is typically found at seafood markets and smaller Hawaiian-run establishments rather than large chain-style bowl shops. Look for places that serve poke by the pound instead of heavily customized bowls. Traditional Hawaiian poke focuses on the quality of the fish, minimal ingredients, and simple seasoning rather than heavy sauces or toppings. Neighborhoods with strong local seafood culture often have the most authentic options.

What’s the difference between Hawaiian poke and mainland poke?

Traditional Hawaiian poke is simple: cubed raw fish, sea salt, seaweed, and sweet onion. The focus is on fresh, high-quality fish with minimal seasoning. Mainland poke, which is more common in San Diego bowl shops, is often fully customizable. It includes multiple protein options, sauces like spicy mayo or ponzu, and toppings such as avocado, crispy onions, or edamame. While both styles are popular, Hawaiian poke is more minimalist and fish-forward, while mainland poke is more of a build-your-own bowl experience.