Pipeline Poke — Restaurant in Wilmington

Pipeline Poke must mean Heaven in some language. I am a sushi snob, and therefore a poke snob—seriously. Pipeline is the brainchild of Chef Lee, owner of Bento Box, and Zac, his then sous chef.

Pipeline serves the same excellent sashimi as Bento Box and therefore is the best poke you will ever eat. The end. The menu options are authentic, inspired by co-Owner’s Zac’s personal experience living in Hawaii and experiencing poke in the motherland.

The setting is really cool, something to experience and a decent place for work-from-homers to get out of the house for an excellent meal while still being connected to free high speed internet.

Sunsets are quite nice if seated outside, caveat like most restaurants in NC, if you’re not looking at the sunset you’re looking at a parking lot. But there is an outside firepit and ample seating to enjoy dinner and a drink with family and friends. Definitely a great place to host...

This place has really good poke!! I grew up in Hawaii, so I know it's the real deal. I ordered the "North Shore", which includes sesame soy sauce, garlic, sweet onions, and scallions.

You order at the counter and it's ready in just a few minutes.

The portion of the tuna was ample. The rice wasn't drenched in soy sauce, which is a good thing. Just the right amount. The sweet onions were flavorful. Could have used a little more in the bowl.

I though it was on the pricey side, but it was sushi grade tuna. And it was filling.

The restaurant is just one room with a couple of high top tables and bar seating along the walls. Cool atmosphere with a blue tiled wall in the kitchen, a blue floor that reminded me of the ocean, and hanging lanterns.

There's also outside dining, but it was too hot for me to sit outside. I preferred the a/c. :)

The gal that took my order was very friendly.

I'll be back to try a...

We have been looking forward to Pipeline Poke’s opening for over half a year now and our first experience did not disappoint. We grabbed 2 tuna bowls hurricane style and the tuna tasted very fresh. The other flavors in the bowl were great and I’m looking forward to more in the future!

Update March 2023: I have had Pipeline about a dozen times (at least) since it’s opening and can confidently say this is the freshest and best poke in town. I have had other locations poke and they do not compare (IMO). I will gladly pay for quality and the service they provide- they get my order right every time which is something I appreciate. The tuna bowl hurricane style is still my go-to but I will occasionally switch it up with one of wraps. The macaroni salad is a tasty little side as well as the seaweed salad when you want a fresh bite. Pipeline is a staple in our house and I’m so glad...