The popular Hawaiian staple of poké has taken full flight in Southern California. The myriad of restaurants now offering this deliciously fresh raw fish salad in a variety of ways is a hot commodity all across Orange County. Whether you’re enjoying a pescatarian lifestyle, or simply, looking for tasty, healthy options, why not give poké a try? Selections of ahi tuna, salmon, albacore, octopus, salmon roe, and more are offered at these restaurants, and the combinations are as varied as your imagination will allow. Here are a handful of stellar poké choices in Newport Beach to whet your appetite.

Photo credit: Bear Flag Fish Company

There are two locations of Bear Flag Fish Company in Newport Beach, one at Lido Marina Village, and another at Crystal Cove, which offers a lovely sea-view across the street. The Ahi Poké here is solid, with large chunks of fresh ahi tuna tossed in a traditional soy marinade with scallions and black sesame seeds. This poké is as authentic as it comes!

At KSK Poké & Boba, a simple no fuss three-step program gets you the bowl of your choice. Start with brown or white rice, salad or chips, then choose from six toppings such as cucumber, cilantro, crabmeat, before selecting from six proteins: salmon, tuna, shrimp, scallop, spicy tuna, or tofu to complete your bowl. A selection of sauces are mixed with your protein, and finish with additional toppings like ginger, green onions, and sesame seeds. The difference here is that the bowls are assembled in the kitchen and not in a line in front of you.

Photo credit: Poké Fresh

Poké Fresh is dedicated to bringing diners delicious Hawaiian poké made using only the highest quality ingredients and fish from local vendors. Like most poké restaurants, you customize your own bowls the way you want them. At Poké Fresh, along with the usual options of white or brown rice, and salad, they also offer soba noodles as a base item. Gluten free soy sauce is also available upon request.

Photo credit: Poké OC Café

Step off a flight at John Wayne Airport and hank for some poké? Look no further than Poké OC Café situated on Birch Street. Here, poké bowls come in two sizes, and the tofu, as a protein, gives vegetarians the opportunity to create their own tasty concoction. During the week, Poké OC Café offers a Happy Hour special, with a coupon code available online at their website. They also have a loyalty program where customers will receive a free bowl after the purchase of 10 consecutive regular-sized bowls.

Photo credit: The Poké

You might miss The Poké if you’re flying down Balboa Blvd, but it’s right across from The Crab Cooker, so you won’t miss it if you’re using this iconic spot as a marker. At The Poké, you have the option of three bowl sizes with a base of your choice of white or brown rice, salad, or chips. A ton of unlimited topping options such as masago, ginger, and edamame are also available to complete your bowls.