The popularity of poke in the last two years is illustrated by the insurgence of custom poke spots making a splash all over the Valley. While there were merely a select few at the beginning of the year, we now have a deluge of options, from fast casual spots that let you build your own bowls to elevated fine dining options on some of your favorite restaurant menus. The simple, fresh elements that are paired with poke, whether in a bowl or integrated into a stand alone dish, provide heart healthy omega-3s and loads of protein. If you’re experiencing a tough time determining which spots are worth your while, here’s a breakdown of some of the best Scottsdale poke spots.
Ahipoki Bowl
2805 N. Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale | 480.219.9310
Photo Credit | Ahipoki Bowl
Ahipoki Bowl offers up seemingly endless bowl creation opportunities. You can pick from an assortment of proteins, like tuna, salmon, albacore, octopus, shrimp, scallops and more. The sauces vary from conventional (garlic soy mirin or their house sauce) to uncommon (wasabi citrus and kimchi sauce.) The toppings are also generous and intriguing. You can visit a few times a week and never get the same thing twice. This is the ideal spot for those looking to produce a culinary masterpiece, one bowl at a time.
Chula Seafood
8015 E. Roosevelt St. | Scottsdale | 480.621.5121
Photo Credit | Chula Seafood
Chula Seafood’s fish is some serious next level quality. This Valley hotspot not only have their own fishing boat in Southern California but they make constant trips back and forth in their refrigerated truck. No need to rack your brain struggling to figure out the best bowl combinations, they are all laid out for you here. The Hawaiian style poke is as close to Maui as you are going to get without pricey airfare. If you prefer to mix things up, try their sweet and sour salmon poke or their spicy tuna bowl. There are no wrong choices here.
Coconuts’s Fish Cafe
7366 E. Shea Blvd. | Scottsdale | 480.596.2987
Photo Credit | Joanie Simon
The poke appetizer at Coconuts was so beloved by patrons that the proprietors elected to add a poke bowl to their menu. That same flavorful sequence that is available with house-made taro chips now comes over a bed of brown rice or mixed greens and topped with pickled cucumber, radish, mangos, edamame, avocado, red onion and ginger.
Hula’s Modern Tiki
7213 E. 1st Ave. | Scottsdale | 480.970.4852
Photo Credit | Hula’s Modern Tiki
If the thought of all those options is too much for you, the island style poke at Hula’s is likely just what you need. This starter blends all the factors that make those bowls so satisfying; ahi tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, avocado, onions and macadamia nuts. Classic, pure and bright. This is the perfect “gateway” poke. One bite and you will be hooked.
Koi Poke
18221 N. Pima Road | Scottsdale | 480.209.1137
Photo Credit | Koi Poke
Koi Poke adds a little touch of fancy to the traditional bowl options with lobster and champagne butter. They also include generous cuts of sashimi, allowing you to really experience the buttery flavors of your protein lightly dressed with the sauce of your choice. Their toppings get a little drama (and added health benefit) with shaved Brussels sprouts and kale. Up the ante on your healthy bowl additions and you won’t feel bad about trying their Hawaiian snow ice.
OBON Sushi Ramen Bar
15037 N. Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale | 602.491.2796
Photo Credit | Obon Sushi
While poke is not the primary focus of this new-ish eatery, its clearly not an afterthought. This lone menu entry grants you the option of tuna, salmon or rainbow trout adorned with cilantro, seaweed salad, crispy onions, jalapeno, scallions, avocado, cucumber and a fiery dressing all on a bed of rice. Your dish will arrive beautifully appointed, allowing you to expose the treasure within.
Poke Bar
10701 N. Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale | 480.459.5162
Photo Credit | Poke Bar
While there aren’t as many bowl options here, the fine folks at Poke Bar are striving for quality over quantity. The classic elements are meticulously chosen with an abundance of attention devoted to the flavor profiles and the end result. Guests are loving the kale base for the bowls and if you’re feeling a little mischievous, get the nacho base.
Do you have a favorite Scottsdale poke spot that we should check out?
I originally wrote this article for Scottsdale Health magazine and it appeared in the November 2017 issue first.