In the midst of the poke takeover, one place we think is doing it exceptionally right is Sweetfin Poke in Santa Monica. Just a few blocks from the 3rd Street promenade, Sweetfin is like taking a dip in your neighbor’s above-ground pool on the hottest day of summer. One important thing we’ve learned from frequenting Sweetfin is that the “base” of the bowl is really important. Choose wisely and remember that kale still tastes like kale, even when covered in really delicious poke.

Food Rundown

Spicy Tuna Bowl

The tuna here is topped with creamy togarashi sauce, hijiki, and avocado. We once made the mistake of going for a kale base – it was overpowering in its kale-iness. Stick to rice here.

Sriracha Tuna Bowl

This one comes with sriracha ponzu sauce, hijiki, and avocado. We went with the cucumber slaw for the base. The sriracha ponzu sauce here is a lighter option than the spicy tuna’s togarashi sauce.

BYOB with Sriracha Tuna, Crispy Garlic, Crispy Onions, Wasabi Coconut, Habanero, and Mango Over Rice

A friend recommended we try this combo and now we’re sold. It’s basically a giant luau in your mouth.