Ali'i Hawaiian Grill

This pint-sized poke counter in El Segundo, with a second location in Torrance, understands a fundamental truth: Quality fish is king (they source their tuna from the Honolulu Fish Auction). From succulent cubes of ginger soy ahi to a slightly wasabi-y ponzu salmon, the poke here tastes like what you’d get from a Foodland poke counter in Hawai’i (no small compliment). If it's your first time, try their loaded surf and turf bowl. It comes with your choice of poke flavor and a generous serving of kalua pork over perfectly cooked sticky rice.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Yasara Gunawardena

Ginger Soy Ahi Poke Bowl

The best option here is the ginger soy ahi. It’s a subtle version of the dish, with a marinate so fragrant it must come from a flower-bearing plant. There’s not too much sauce, with only a light soy sauce glaze, so you can really taste the fish. Order this with a scoop of avocado.

photo credit: Yasara Gunawardena

Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl

Unlike the final wing on Hot Ones, the spice levels here aren’t sadistic or capable of burning your tastes buds off, but rather create a marinade with a satisfying kick. Japanese mayonnaise is mixed with a dash of Sriracha, then studded with tiny balls of tobiko.

photo credit: Yasara Gunawardena

Signature Ahi Burger

If you’re going to eat a meal here, you should probably get a poke bowl. But if raw fish just isn’t your thing, order the burger. It’s a hefty boy, with a one-inch ahi patty smothered in melted cheddar cheese then topped with alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes, onions, and luscious garlic aioli. Even when cooked, the fish quality shines through - this isn’t some Starkist burger. And the sharpness of the cheddar cheese brings all the crunchy, creamy, and fishy flavors together.

photo credit: Yasara Gunawardena

Chips & Kiawe-Smoked Ahi Dip

This dip is so fcking good. Shown here with their signature ahi burger, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal. It’s smoked fish dip in its ideal form - filets of ahi are smoked over kiawe, a bush-like mesquite tree common in Hawai’i, then combined with a little cream cheese and sour cream, and sprinkled with paprika. I don’t really watch football, but if I were ever invited to a tailgate, I’d bring this dish.