Generally, poke is a compilation of sushi-inspired ingredients mixed into a bowl–yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds. Not only have these Atlanta locations perfected the bowl, some have even strayed to create wilder ways to enjoy raw fish—nachos, burritos and donuts to name a few. Sushi lovers rejoice, its time to take your game to the next level.
Fish Bowl Poke
Atlanta’s first ever poke restaurant was Fish Bowl Poke—the Hawaiian fast food was clearly a hit, because many more fell in line. This is where you get the best basic bowl, with your choice of rice or salad, sashimi, sauces and toppings like avocado, crab meat, sesame seeds and seaweed salad. Several locations are in the Atlanta area.
Poke City
While also having many locations, the best Poke City to visit is the one beside the Midtown Trader Joe’s. Because there’s plenty of parking, it’s particularly awesome—great parking is a big deal in Atlanta! In addition to traditional poke toppings, there’s tasty Hawaiian add ins like pineapple—and the açaí bowls are great to split with a special someone for dessert.
Poke Burri
A Japanese burrito is like a huge sushi roll filled with all of your favorite fresh ingredients, and of course sashimi—it’s Poke Burri’s specialty. Poke Burri’s bowls are great, but these monster seaweed wrapped rice burritos will fulfill your sushi loving dreams. Seriously, they are huge, and oh so satisfying to sink your teeth into. Don’t forget the sushi donuts, which are basically a sushi rice ring topped with your favorite fish and toppings!
BoruBoru
Poke bowls always come with a choice of protein, and BoruBoru has the competition beat in that department. While most places offer a few types of fish, chicken and tofu, you have the option of tempura, octopus, eel, soft shell crab and delicious fried salmon skin here! BoruBoru is chef driven, and also serves up more artisanal items like braised pork belly and marinated soy eggs. Sushi nachos atop wonton style chips are probably the quirkiest, possibly most incredible thing on the menu.
Bowl Lab
In addition to superbly fresh poke (and seriously awesome seared albacore tuna), Bowl Lab masters another common dish for the Hawaiian style eatery—açaí bowls. Filled with a smooth açaí base often blended with other fruits and veggies, the naturally sweet treat is garnished with everything from chia, coconut, fruit and granola, to bee pollen!
Poke Bar
Through Atlanta there are many locations, Decatur and Sandy Springs for example. Poke Bar’s plate presentation is beautiful, and the kale base means low carb dieters can indulge in the sushi goodness topped with fresh ingredients and house made sauces. There’s a bit more of an updcale feel to each dish, giving Poke Bar a slightly different edge from the rest. With this particular type of cuisine spreading so quickly through Atlanta, it’s nice to see places shaking it up.
