Poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish, consists of diced-up raw fish mixed with other mouth-watering ingredients. Poke combines a seafood flavor with the fresh taste of savory vegetables. In Marin County, restaurants dedicated to poke are hard to find, but there are a few hidden gems that offer a unique taste of this Hawaiian favorite. Keep reading to discover which poke stands out in terms of taste and presentation and which of these delicious bowls will claim the number one spot.
Pacific Catch:
Located in the Town Center shopping center, Pacific Catch offers many different types of poke, from salads to dips. The dips consist of a bowl of poke and some chips on the side, while the poke bowls are more similar to the other restaurants. Pacific Catch is a family-friendly sit-down restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating. I ordered the Japanese Wasabi Ahi Poke and the presentation was polished and appealing. The Ahi poke was flavorful and the combination of greens and toppings was refreshing. Pacific Catch also provides opportunities for customization, including doubling the proteins and changing up the base. These bowls cost $18.95 for the small and $21.95 for the regular, the dish is on the pricier side, yet it’s still a quality meal.
ALOH-O:
A charming poke restaurant situated in Strawberry Village in Mill Valley, ALOH-O offers an engaging experience where customers get to pick and choose their ingredients on paper. The inside of the restaurant is quaint, with a variety of tables and a selection of snacks perfect for every mood. I ordered the standard poke bowl, which consists of a base, choice of meat and garnishings, which came out to $16. The serving size was more than enough for a lunch or dinner and the presentation was well done. There were numerous options, in which I chose
the sesame poke as my main meat, rice as my base and carrot and avocado as a topping. The dish was flavorful, unique and the store itself was welcoming.
Gilligan’s Poke Shop:
Located at the back of the Sausalito Market store, Gilligan’s Poke Shop has the best bang for your buck. Whether you are looking for just plain fish, or the option of poke with rice and additional toppings, Gilligan’s offers both at low prices. Gilligan’s stood out because of its uniqueness and customization that they offered. I recommend visiting if you are looking for a smaller portion, or if you are hesitant to try poke. I ordered the spicy ahi poke, which was only $12, the least expensive out of the four places I tried.
World Wrapps:
Another delicious poke restaurant in the Town Center shopping center is World Wrapps. Popular amongst students, World Wrapps offers a variety of cuisines and has a diverse menu. I was pleasantly surprised by the poke I ordered, and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an option close to Redwood. I ordered the Hawaiian Poke which was $16 dollars. I found the flavoring more subtle than the other restaurants, but it still had hints of sesame. The vegetables added a nice flavoring that brought the dish together. Compared to the other places, this poke is best if you are looking for a stronger vegetable flavor. Of the restaurants I tried, World Wrapps had the least customization options, which is something to keep in mind if you are considering it.
Whether you are a Poke fan or are looking to expand your palate, try one or all of these restaurants and get their unique spin on the traditional Hawaiian dish. All four restaurants left me with a good impression and I would suggest grabbing a refreshing snack of poke.
