Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke — Restaurant in Edmonds

Ono Poke is competing for the best Poke in the PNW. To start, the ingredients are all high quality, especially the fish which is the main star of the dish. Each fish it cut to the perfect size to maximize the flavor and texture of each bite. Like I said previously, the incredients are quite good, and many poke restaurants in the are are able to source good quality fish, but what makes Ono Poke stand above everyone else is the quality of the sauces and seasoning which compliments and highlights the flavor of each fish. Many poke restaurants struggle to season correctly where the sesami oil, soy sauce, ginger, or some other seasoning stick out and overpower the fish, but here at Ono poke, each ingredient added brings the fish to a whole new level rather than hiding it.

I've tried every option multiple times and they are all incredible, if you don't like a particular fish, you will probably find another that suites your palette. Ask the cashier and you can get samples to find out what you like.

As for what is specifically on the menu. Everytime I go (usually once a week) I always see salmon and tuna. Each fish usually has two different styles of preparations and the sauce used is rotated almost daily. There are other fish that are on rotation depending on the season. I always look forward to tako (octopus) it rarely lasts past lunch time, so if its available that day, show up early because it won't last to dinner time. The scallops are another favorite of mine as well.

The one thing that many people sleep on is the red item on the menu which is a hot dish. Ono poke is clearly a poke restaurant through and through, but their hot items are also a master class in asian cuisine. It rotates every day on a variety of asian cuisines from chinese, and japanese to filipino and thai. Every single hot dish has a powerful comfort element of home cooking but in a restaurant setting. I also heavily recommend working through their hot dish if you're looking for something to warm yourself on a cold PNW day.

Note: Ono poke is very popular and although it closes at 7pm, not all options will be available by then. On the weekends, especially when it's sunny, it's common that they close early because they sell out of everything so come early and order ahead of time. The lines are long but your patience and tongue will be rewarded with an...

Summary: Great place to stop by if you’re a fan of poke. Expect to pay about $20-$30 per person, but portion sizes are generous, and the food is very filling. The poke was fresh, prepared well, and definitely the star of the show. You really can’t go wrong no matter what you choose. Sides were ok, but definitely left something to be desired. Friendly staff and a bustling atmosphere made this place feel warm and welcoming. Worth the stop by, and I’ll be back if I’m feeling like treating myself.

Food: We got one regular and one large bowl, both with almost the same order - Hamachi and spicy tuna on rice, with one bowl going with the Mac salad and the other with their crab salad for the sides. Portion sizes are generous; I, as a guy with a pretty big appetite, got full halfway through the regular one. If you’re looking for a satisfying single meal, the small is the way to go because the regular is definitely two solid meals in one. All of the poke was very flavorful and fresh, and the spicy tuna had a tasteful amount of heat to it - it was felt, but wasn’t overwhelming by any means. Both the Mac salad and crab salad were ok, they just weren’t as flavorful as I’ve seen from similar offerings at places like Kona Kitchen or Bob’s Hawaiian. We went with full rice for the base because based on past experience, the greens just aren’t worth it.

Service/Atmosphere: Can’t speak much to this because we got our meal to go, but from what we did see, the place was clean, well kept, busy, warm, and friendly. There was a couple behind us who were stopping in for the first time, and the staff were kindly helping them through the process of building their poke bowl. We felt taken care of, and the bowls were ready within 5 minutes of...

This place is amazing in so many ways.

First and foremost... the fish. Everything is so fresh and it's instantly apparent by the look, texture and taste. Finally got to sample the scallops last night. Oh man. The Hamachi is to die for. Tuna is always a winner. Everything is just fabulous. I've been putting the Miso Salmon over Cottage Cheese the next morning. (don't knock it until you try it!!!)

The staff. They are one of the friendliest and most helpful group of people I've encountered in a restaurant (really anywhere). You are greeted with genuine kindness immediately and it doesn't stop throughout the visit. (Global Pandemic side note: They have a clear and safe ordering system and are very respectful with health protocols)

The owner. You want him to be your neighbor. Steven is such a warm and friendly guy and he is killing it bringing his enjoyment of fresh fish to us. His passion and energy is so apparent in his business. I think it is a big reason his employees are so happy and friendly.

I look forward to stopping in to the new Kingston location this summer when I'm on my motorcycle. (The best way to Ferry!)

Edmonds is very lucky to have him here and Ono Poke is a great part of one of the best food towns around. Keep it up! We'll keep coming...