I used to live a few doors down from the restaurant, and every time I walked past it, it was always packed. I’m glad that I finally came and give it a try. For appetizers, I got a crispy calamari. It came super quick, within 5 minutes after I placed my orders. The batter was light and crispy. The calamari was tender. However, the sauce paired with it was a bit strange. It was the ginger dressing you’d get when you go to a regular Japanese restaurant, the kind on top of the salad. It didn’t go very well with the calamari. I also ordered an ikura sushi and a scallop sushi. Both were nice. The scallop was soft and tender, but the natural sweetness was a bit too mild. The ikura was nice and not too salty. The rice was slightly warm, but not sour enough. In addition, the rice was falling apart when I picked it up with my chopsticks. I also got a “good time” roll and a Manhattan roll. I forgot which was which, but they were very similar. One had tuna and salmon on the outside, and imitation crab meat avocado and cucumber on the inside. The other one had salmon slices on the outside, and avocado and asparagus on the inside. They were both okay, but a bit boring flavor wise. The texture contrast was nice though. Lastly, I didn’t know they were cash only. They should probably put a big sign on the outside. Good thing I did get enough cash on me. The service was nice and the server was friendly. I accidentally left too much cash in the tray, and he came after me to return my money. I really appreciate that! Overall, it was a nice Japanese restaurant. I just thought the food would be better.
Overview
When you're in the mood for something fresh and satisfying, look no further than Poke Japanese Restaurant, located at 343 E 85th St, New York, NY. This cozy spot has quickly become a favorite for those craving the vibrant flavors of poke bowls with a unique Japanese twist. Whether you're a longtime poke lover or a newcomer, this restaurant offers something for everyone.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the laid-back yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal with friends or a quick bite on your lunch break. The interior is bright, with minimalist décor and touches of modern Japanese aesthetics, creating a welcoming space to enjoy a meal. The restaurant’s menu is centered around the beloved poke bowl, a dish that’s as much about fresh ingredients as it is about flavor.
Poke Japanese Restaurant stands out for its attention to quality. Every poke bowl is crafted with top-notch ingredients, from fresh fish to crunchy vegetables and savory sauces. They offer a variety of proteins including tuna, salmon, and even tofu for vegetarians, along with a wide range of toppings like avocado, seaweed, and edamame. What makes the bowls here so special is the unique fusion of Japanese flavors. The chefs at Poke Japanese Restaurant carefully prepare each component, balancing the sweetness of the fish with the tang of the sauces, and adding a little spice for extra kick.
The restaurant also goes beyond just poke bowls. You’ll find a selection of sushi rolls, miso soups, and other Japanese-inspired dishes that complement the poke experience perfectly. For instance, their miso soup is a great way to start your meal, warming you up with its comforting depth of flavor. Pair it with a poke bowl, and you've got the perfect meal. The sushi rolls are also fresh and delicious, offering a variety of options that highlight the restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients.
If you're a first-timer, you might be overwhelmed by the number of choices on the menu. But don’t worry; the staff is always ready to help guide you through the options. They're knowledgeable about the ingredients and will happily recommend pairings based on your taste preferences. Plus, they’re always eager to share the restaurant’s most popular bowls, like the spicy tuna poke or the salmon avocado poke, both of which are customer favorites.
Another standout feature of Poke Japanese Restaurant is its commitment to serving healthy yet flavorful meals. The poke bowls are customizable, so you can load up on the ingredients you love while keeping it light and nutritious. For those looking to make a healthy choice without sacrificing taste, this restaurant is a great option. The rice can be substituted with greens for a lighter bowl, or you can choose a poke that’s packed with protein but light on calories.
Customer reviews highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients, with many praising the flavors and friendly service. The attention to detail in every bowl is clear, and people appreciate how the flavors come together to create something truly delicious. The restaurant has built a reputation for being a reliable choice for lunch or dinner, offering a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
While Poke Japanese Restaurant excels in poke bowls, it also makes a mark with its delivery and takeout services. Many locals rely on this spot to satisfy their cravings at home or the office. With fast, reliable service, it's clear why so many keep coming back.
If you're in the area and looking for something light yet satisfying, or if you're just in the mood for a poke bowl done right, Poke Japanese Restaurant is the place to be. Its prime location, combined with the unbeatable quality of the food, makes it a standout choice for anyone in the neighborhood or beyond. The next time you find yourself craving fresh, flavorful poke, head over to this gem and treat yourself to a meal you won’t forget.
Good to know
From the business
âś“ Identifies as Asian-ownedService options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inPopular for
âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet âś“ Assistive hearing loopOfferings
âś“ Healthy options âś“ Small plates âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Dinner âś“ Counter service âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendlyPlanning
âś“ Usually a wait âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Cash onlyChildren
âś“ Kids' menuPets
âś“ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
The experience was very nice. The food was tasty and the service was friendly and efficient. Overall the evening was OK. This place is cash only which is fine. My only problem is compared to the offering, it is overpriced.
Great BYOB, cash only spot for sushi. No reservations but didn't have any trouble getting a table around 630pm on a week night. Delicious sushi. The truffle sushi was very delicious and light. If you like truffle, it's worth a try. They let us sit there for a nice long time too which I really appreciated.
The sushi was solid - the portions were very small though. Was expecting more for how much it was. I thought the prices were really good but it definitely isn’t a great deal, they are “lower” because the portions are quite small. Good sushi but portion should be larger or prices should be lower.
Love this place! Great for a cute date night or catching up with friends. Always vibrant atmosphere and great service. Food is extremely tasty, some of the best sushi rolls and apps in the area! Especially for the price.
Our favorite sushi spot place in all of NYC- the staff is beyond kind and the sushi is outstanding- exactly the kind of casual neighborhood sushi spot you want near you
Everything was amazing except for the fried green tea icecream. Quick service, fun atmosphere and fresh food with interesting twists. 10/10 would come back multiple times but skip the dessert here.