Poke District — Restaurant in Orange

It’s the latest, but not the greatest doing fresh fish. It’s Hawaiian’s raw version of Scrod. Poke is inherently fresh, it’s not 100% tied to any one variety, but most notably big eye and ahi with Salmon being more recently made attractive. It’s fresh cut scraps from local catches meant for the local fishermen and their families. It was never meant to or compete with the fatty belly sold to sushi restaurants or the true sashimi, but more as a snack. The rice sort of makes it a meal in the same way that a combo platter’s rice makes BBQ a meal.

They should call this place Poke Bowl, no Poke District because all their dishes are bowls. The cubed chunks cut from a likely frozen saku block. I would think procuring huge amounts of fresh tuna (never frozen) is near impossible, even locally. And the saku block is perfect for poke. I know a few restaurants that do this instead of using the filet, belly or loins. The ahi has ok color, it’s firm, but not buttery. The salmon is a little thinner and softer in flavor and texture. I could not put my tongue on the origin (likely not NZ or Scottish variety).

The sauces to me are pretty basic as well as being bland. I was really hoping for bright and contrasting. They skimped on the sesame seed oil, didn’t have yuzu or any citrus. The avo aioli was good by itself, but mixed with the fish, rice, cucumber or salad felt like it was something that dropped from a burger. The Lava was your basic scriracha-esque aioli except this one is just heat, no depth or flavor. The sweet soy is good, but no attempt to make it their own. White rice was cooked well, brown rice was cooked well. I like the furikaki dusting and the sesame seed were nice, but prefer the oil in the fish (I actually find it to be a base flavor I prefer in all my poke). Kanikama. Meh. Cucumber salad. Meh. No ogo, limu, no kukui nuts. That pretty much makes it not Hawaiian at all and to me barely poke. No potato salad. The seaweed salad was good, small, but not expensive. I always mix it in, it makes it really just like they actually make it in Hawaii even without all the proper accoutrements. I bought my friends kid a happa bowl since he is pretty new to fish that’s not in stick form). He liked it and dug the avocado. He felt it was very light and refreshing compared to his usual burgers, pizza that his mom feeds him.

Tip: Check in on yelp and get 10% off.

Service is friendly. It can be slow considering the menu is small and simple. Price is ok even without the check in due to the price of fresh fish, but I was hoping for a wow factor, authenticity or something to keep my attention. It’s a great start and probably just the beginning in OC’s poke trend or plan to take down stalwart North Shore.

Ambiance is relaxed as is the décor, the owner is nice and explained he’s bringing on some other proteins, but could not confirm what kinds. Though I may write about my disappointment with their lack of authenticity I think it’s only fair to label it California Poke. There is room for improvement in variety, execution, but for those who have never had authentic poke it’s probably to them top of the mountain. Even though I’m Filipino with family in HI and I’ve spent quite a bit of time there I’m still a Haole and will...

If you're searching for a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you feeling refreshed, look no further than The Poke District. My recent visit to this vibrant eatery was nothing short of extraordinary, and I feel compelled to share the joy I experienced.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cleanliness of the space stood out immediately, showcasing the care and attention to detail the team puts into maintaining a pristine environment. It’s clear that The Poke District values not just the quality of their food, but also the comfort and satisfaction of their guests.

Now, let’s talk about the food—oh, the food! Each poke bowl is a colorful masterpiece, expertly crafted with the freshest ingredients. The vibrant hues of the vegetables, the succulent fish, and the perfectly cooked rice come together to create a visual feast that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Every bite bursts with flavor, and the variety of toppings and sauces allows for a personalized experience that caters to every preference.

What truly sets The Poke District apart is their commitment to quality. You can taste the freshness in every ingredient, and the passion of the chefs shines through in their meticulous preparation. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that inspires you to savor each moment, reminding you of the joy that good food can bring.

Whether you're a poke enthusiast or a newcomer, The Poke District is a must-visit. It’s more than just a dining destination; it’s a celebration of flavors, health, and community. I left feeling invigorated and happy, and I can’t wait to return for another delightful experience. If you haven’t yet discovered this gem, treat yourself—your taste buds...

Best Poke in OC!

Hands down the best poke you’ll find in Orange County! I had the salmon bowl and was blown away. The fish was incredibly fresh, and one of the rare places that doesn’t overdrench it in sauce—just the right balance to let the quality shine.

The rice was cooked perfectly, the seaweed salad with imitation crab on the side was a great touch, and the roe on top brought the whole bowl together beautifully.

Service was just as impressive. Mey was super friendly, welcoming, and made the experience even better. You can tell they really care about their customers.

The ambiance was great too—super clean and bright, and the place was buzzing with people. Despite how busy it was, everything moved efficiently and smoothly.

If you’re craving poke and want quality, great service, and a clean, lively spot to enjoy it—Poke...