Cuisine Scene: Poke
Poke (pronounced poh-keh) has quickly risen to popularity in the U.S. thanks to its presence on social media and an ever-growing interest in healthy foods. Serving raw marinated fish mixed with nuts, seaweed, and vegetables is a Pacific Islander culinary tradition dating back centuries. Enjoy the flavors of the Pacific at these restaurants around Long Beach where poke shines.
SWEETFIN LONG BEACH
Sweetfin (4612 2nd St) is a new arrival to Belmont Shore, opening its doors in fall 2023. The restaurant offers poke bowls with fusion flavors, poke burritos, and a bento-style meal called a SweetBox. Try a plant-based bowl, like the Miso Eggplant and Mushroom Poke Bowl, or the Immunity Bowl, with shrimp, rapini, Fresno chilis, oranges, cucumbers and yuzu sauce. Pair it with a guava lemonade and finish your meal with a Matcha Dream Pop.
POKE AND MORE
Poke and More (2292 Carson St) lives up to its name with a menu that goes beyond poke and right into Mexican, Filipino, as well as breakfast dishes served all day. The poke offerings include burritos and bowls topped with up to three types of poke. On Poke Tuesdays, get a half-pound of poke and two scoops of rice with a free fountain drink or Hawaiian Sun tropical fruit canned drink at discount prices.
POKÉ2 GRILL
The offerings at Poké2 Grill (4150 McGowen St., Unit 11) reflect a fusion of SoCal flavors, with both traditional poke ingredients and some non-traditional, like creamy cilantro sauce, nacho chips, and even Hot Cheetos. The restaurant is located in The Hanger at Long Beach Exchange, the popular food hall just north of Long Beach Airport. So after your poke meal you can get a sweet treat at one of the other nearby food stalls.
POKE PLUS
Transport yourself to Hawaii at Poke Plus (1422 W Willow St), which serves many Hawaiian dishes, like plate lunches, loco moco, and kalua pork. The poke case is especially authentic, looking like what you’d find at the back of a small convenience store on the islands. Poke flavors include spicy mayo, fresh ginger, and kimchi. Build your own poke bowl, or purchase poke by the pound to take some home for later.
POKE PUB
Poke Pub (160 The Promenade N) is a convenient spot if you’re in the downtown area; especially if you’re on foot. This restaurant was started by two friends, one from Hawaii where their family owns a sushi restaurant. You can build your poke bowl with all the usual ingredients, plus bulgogi or chicken teriyaki, or try a poke burrito or hand roll. Then, grab a seat on the patio facing the Promenade and enjoy your meal with a Maui Hard Seltzer.
