Well, it kinda took a minute, but now there’s no shortage of poke restaurants all over Tampa Bay. While a seasoned raw fish salad might not appeal to everyone, the popularity of the Hawaiian dish that is poke has made a big enough splash locally for CL to compile a guide to these purveyors of marinated goodness, which often offer create-your-own options — and even tofu as a protein.
Heads up: We got a little choosy and decided to only list dining spots that’re really known for their poke bowls. However, for regionites attempting to embark on a cross-bay poke voyage, this is still a good place to start. —Meaghan Habuda
Poké Fish
4424 W. Kennedy Blvd. #B, Tampa. 813-252-4189.
A bright, welcoming newcomer to fulfill any poke craving. The specialty bowl known as One — which features, like, all of the toppings — is a house favorite, and there’s also a selection of juices and infused water. Per bowl: $8.95-$14.95.
Photo by Chris FasickZukku at Heights Public Market
Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 813-250-3725.
Part of Heights Public Market, this sushi stall invites customers to express themselves by embellishing custom poke bowls, or deciding between the quintet of house builds. Per bowl: $10.95-$16.95.
Photo by Chip WeinerBig Island Poke
3601 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa. 813-999-7815.
Signature builds mingle with a make-it-yourself section at this drive-thru poke stand, alongside juices and smoothies, acai bowls and hot dogs dressed with tropical ingredients.Per bowl: $6.95-$12.95.
Photo courtesy of Big Island PokePoké Café
1140 Main St., Dunedin. 727-871-7653.
This quaint poke joint was the first to exclusively specialize in what co-owner Colleen Vilches calls a “quick, affordable delicacy.” In addition to the bowls, poke tastings and poke by the pound are highlights.Per bowl: $7.50-$13.50.
Photo by Shelbi HayesPoké Rose at The Hall on Franklin
1701 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-405-4008.
Among the tenants inside the European-inspired Hall on Franklin, Poké Rose knows how to whip up a damn good bowl — so much so that chef-owner Jason Cline has expanded his thoughtful, fresh lineup to Largo. Per bowl: $8.95-$15.95.
Photo by Alexis Quinn ChamberlainOld Southeast Market
1700 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-823-1992.
A one-stop neighborhood shop for craft beer, coffee and other life essentials, including poke. Expect sauces like mango sesame and garlic ponzu, plus toppings ranging from onion crunch to furikake.Per bowl: $7.99-$11.99.
Photo by Meaghan HabudaPoké Island
7093 66th St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-350-4040.
Poké Island Guests showcase their personal tastes while constructing the bowls of their dreams with ingredients such as spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, cilantro, pineapple and crispy wonton. Bubble tea and sushi burritos accompany the poke. Per bowl: $8.95-$12.95.
Photo by Meaghan HabudaAloha Poké Bowl
927 Dodecanese Blvd. #2, Tarpon Springs. 727-331-1333.
Billing its poke as “sushi in a bowl,” Aloha specializes in the customizable variety, allowing guests to pick from their surfboard menu of bases, proteins, mix-ins (think seaweed salad and chipotle chile), sauces and toppings.Per bowl: $9.95-$13.95.
Photo by Meaghan HabudaU Poké Spot
5001 E. Fowler Ave. #F, Tampa. 813-533-3707.
A hidden gem doing create-your-own and signature bowls worth the price tag in simple, casual digs. Poke burritos are a thing here, too.Per bowl: $10.95-$13.50.
Photo courtesy of U Poké SpotSailing Poke Bowl
10019 N. Dale Mabry Highway #800, Tampa. 813-533-3039.
House-made sauces crafted with gluten-free soy sauce coat the proteins of this poke bar, where bowls runneth over with deliciousness.Per bowl: $9.99-$11.99.
Photo by Meaghan HabudaPoke Express
1514 E. Fowler Ave. #B, Tampa. 813-280-9010.
Speedy bowls built upon rice or greens, then loaded with a customer’s choice of contents. Bringing an appetite? You might wanna go for the super-sized bowl.Per bowl: $8.99-$29.99.
Photo by Meaghan Habuda
