Maksym KuzaievThe first time I tried a poke bowl, I’ll admit—I thought it was just a fancy salad in disguise. But then I took that first bite, and suddenly, I was rethinking every life decision that had led me to not eat poke until that moment.
I knew two things instantly: first, this was going to be my new favourite, and second, I was definitely going to take one (or two) home. Fast forward to today, and after countless messy meals, I’ve already got my favourite go-to spots.
Each of these has its own take on this bowl of goodness that’ll surely get you hooked as well! So, here’s a list of the best poke bowl spots in Ottawa you have to check out! Read on.
Paradise Poké
– Media credit: paradisepoke.ca
Address: 134 Bank St.
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost: $$
Paradies Poke’s setup is sleek and straightforward, perfect for grabbing fresh, delicious eats any time of day. Here, you can build your own paradise bowl if you’re feeling creative, or go with their signature bowls that are already crafted to perfection.
Favourites like the Royal Hawaiian, featuring OceanWise ahi tuna with classic sauce, crispy shallots, and a pop of mango for sweetness, are always worth considering. Or dive into the heat wave, with fresh Atlantic Canadian salmon, spicy mayos, and cabbage.
If you’re looking for something gluten-free, the North shore and good Seoul bowls are standout options. If you’re not in the mood for a full bowl, their sides and drinks are just as worth it.
| Pro tip: Paradise Poke often switches things up with seasonal specials, so keep an eye on their menu—their limited-time bowls always stir up some serious excitement! |
GoGiYa Sushi n Poké
– Media credit: thehungryottawacouple
Address: 504 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 567 9696
Operating hours:
- Monday and Wednesday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 2 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $$
GoGiYa Sushi n Poké is all about a fusion of fresh ingredients, giving you options that are both tailored to your taste and pre-made. Their menu leans heavily on creative combinations, whether you’re a fan of seafood or going all-in with vegetarian options.
One of their standout bowls is the super poké—it’s loaded with shredded crab stick, red tuna, fresh salmon, shrimp, and more. Another favourite is the tuna poké, which keeps it light and bright with fresh tuna, avocado, and your choice of sauce.
If you’re a fan of customization, you’ll love their range of proteins, toppings, and sauces! Outside of the bowl, GoGiYa’s sushi selection is just as fresh and thoughtfully made as their poké, so it’s worth grabbing a roll or two!
| Pro tip: Order online for pickup and use their coupon code—you’ll score 10% off your meal! It’s quick, easy, and a great way to skip the line while saving a bit. |
Le Poke Station
– Media credit: pokemtl
Address: 151B Second Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 233 6999
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$$
Le Poké Station nails customizations—it’s a must-visit spot for poke bowl enthusiasts. The setup here feels fresh and modern, designed so you can breeze through ordering while dissecting their impressive lineup of ingredients.
You can start with bases like sushi rice, brown rice, quinoa or salad, then pile on proteins like salmon, tuna, lobster, or tamago, depending on your vibe. When it comes to toppings, the shiitake, avocado, edamame, or fried kale are just a handful of choices.
If you don’t feel like building your own, their chef’s choice bowls are solid options to fall back on. Try the salmon or tuna bowl if you’re into sweet-savoury combos or the supreme bowl if you’d rather go all-in.
| Pro tip: Remember to check their gift cards if you’re planning to introduce a friend to their poke bowls. Little perks like this make a trip to Le Poké Station even better! |
Burrito Sensei
– Media credit: burrito.sensei
Address: 199 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 680 0802
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Burrito Sensei is super casual, making it perfect for grabbing a quick bite without overthinking it. Their menu leans into bold flavours and customization, whether you’re up for something already perfected or want to craft your own creation bowls.
What sets them apart is how versatile they are—whether you’re all about poke bowls or just curious to try their sushi burritos (definitely try these). They have something for everyone, and gluten-free and vegetarian options are available!
Now, onto their poke bowls, the fire salmon bowl and tuna bowl are standout signature options that are always a safe—and wildly tasty—bet. Everything is fresh, flavourful, and super customizable, which makes it great for those who love variety.
| Pro tip: Take a glance at their combo deals if you’re ordering a poke bowl and want to try a sushi burrito on the side. They’re a great way to sample different items without breaking the bank. |
Kuidaore
– Media credit: kaylaedoyle
Address: 420 Preston St.
Contact details: +1 613 422 7537
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$$
Kuidaore’s menu offers a thoughtful mix of creative dishes that cater to various dietary preferences. While the restaurant is known for its wide range of Japanese-inspired meals, its vegetarian selections deserve some serious attention.
For poke lovers, Kuidaore currently has just one option on the menu, but it delivers big on flavour: the Yam tempura poke bowl. With seasoned rice as the base, it’s loaded with an assortment of toppings like avocado, cabbage, corn, cucumber, carrot, and more.
While they’ve focused on this single poke bowl, their other offerings are definitely worth exploring. Their ramen bowls, for example, are gluten-free and packed with bold flavours, along with vegetarian sushi rolls, which are always a hit.
| Pro tip: If you’re diving into poke bowls or appetizers, consider placing your order earlier in the day. Since sushi service is only available Wednesday evenings, Thursday, and all day Sunday, it’s worth planning ahead to make sure you don’t miss out. |
Mr Poke
– Media credit: eatwithsjs
Address: 62 Barrette St.
Contact details: +1 613 869 5547
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $
Mr Poke serves up some seriously impressive bowls that highlight fresh ingredients and bold flavours. The menu here keeps things straightforward and is loaded with classics like the fresh ahi tuna or salmon poke bowl.
There are also creative options like the BBQ eel poke bowl. If you’re looking for a veggie option, the veggie tofu poke bowl is worth checking out—it’s halal and made with local organic tofu.
Nearly every bowl has sushi rice topped with crispy onion, edamame, purple cabbage, and more. Then, you can finish off with homemade sauces like spicy mayo and teriyaki.
| Pro tip: Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Stick to their recommended sauce pairing (like spicy mayo + teriyaki) for maximum flavour—they know what works best together. |
Maki Sushi + Poke
– Media credit: bytownfoodie
Address: 5754 Hazeldean Rd unit 6, Stittsville
Contact details: +1 613 836 3838
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost: $$
Maki Sushi + Poke is both family-owned and community-loved, making it a top spot for poke bowls and sushi lovers. Their fans (and us) swear by it, and for good reason—they consistently deliver fresh flavours and creative combinations that stand out.
When it comes to poke bowls, their ingredients are fresh, come in large portion—great for sharing (or not). You can go for one of their curated poke bowls, such as the salmon Hawaiian poke or the edamame Hawaiian poke.
If you love variety, I recommend opting for the seafood trip poke where you’ll have salmon, tuna, and shrimp all together! Of course, as the name suggests, don’t leave without trying some of their maki rolls!
| Pro tip: If you’re hosting an event or get-together, their party platters are a lifesaver—packed with variety and fresh enough to impress even the pickiest guest! |
On Rice
– Media credit: chuhmuks
Address: 248 Kent St.
Contact details: +1 613 565 6894
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
On Rice is the go-to spot for anyone craving freshly made poke bowls in downtown Ottawa. They’re all about blending Korean and Japanese flavours, and their menu showcases a variety of options—from sushi and sashimi to savoury hot plates.
Their poke bowls, though, are definitely worth a mention if you’re a fan of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Of course, they’ve got classic bowls, such as salmon, tuna, and shrimp poke bowls.
Another must-try are the bulgogi poke and tofu poke bowl. Oh, and don’t leave without trying their hot plates—these are what they’re known for!
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a get-together or a small celebration, On Rice offers beautifully crafted sushi trays—salmon, maki, or assorted sushi and sashimi—that are perfect for sharing. |
Pokeworks Barrhaven
– Media credit: pokeworksca
Address: 51 Marketplace Ave Unit 104 B2A, Nepean
Contact details: +1 343 547 9097
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$$
Pokeworks in Barrhaven is the spot for anyone who loves a great poke bowl and wants it their way. The setup here is all about letting you be the boss of your meal.
You can fully customize your bowl or opt for one of their crafted signature works if you feel like it. Speaking of, you’ve got options like the popular umami ahi, which balances bold flavours, and the yuzu ponzu salmon if you’re into tangy bites.
Moreover, they don’t stop at the proteins. Bases like ramen and salad mix (fresh romaine & spring mix) make every bite feel fresh and satisfying. And if you’re into a little crunch, the toppings section has you covered with garlic or onion crisps and shredded nori.
| Pro tip: Make sure to add a side of spicy edamame or their garlic Spam musubi—it’s the kind of extra that turns a good meal into a great one. Oh, and if you’re thirsty (who wouldn’t be), their Coca-Cola Freestyle lets you mix your favourite drinks! |
Sushi Poke Go
– Media credit: mai_mai_salon
Address: 2138 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans
Contact details: +1 613 830 9888
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Sunday – 4 PM to 8 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 4 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $
Sushi Poke Go is super easy to get to and the perfect place to grab a bite when you’re craving something that tastes both healthy and satisfying. This place does a great job of mixing traditional Japanese cuisine with that special twist.
Their poke bowls are seriously on point—they have some killer options (I mean, spicy!), like spicy salmon and spicy tuna poke bowls. But if you’re not into spicy, then you can opt for the best-selling lobster and salmon poke bowls.
It’s all about those fresh, high-quality ingredients here that make each bite a flavour explosion. And if you’re feeling like diving into something else, they’ve got a solid lineup of sushi as well, so no one’s leaving hungry.
| Pro tip: Call ahead for your order, especially if you’re in a rush, as they get pretty busy, and this way, you can skip the wait. And trust me, trying their sashimi is a must—it’s some of the best you’ll find in Ottawa! |
