Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » I’a Poke – San Francisco
I'a Poke - San Francisco
Photo from I’a Poke
I'a Poke at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#1021 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
80
Reviews
76.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Good value
- Patient staff
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Small portions
- Farmed salmon
The restaurant I’a Poke invites you to experience a taste of the islands right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant West SoMa neighborhood. This Hawaiian restaurant is known for its casual yet trendy atmosphere, offering you a perfect spot for a quick, healthy bite.
You’ll find delicious options that cater to your desire for fresh, flavorful meals, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go.
Overview: Introducting I'a Poke
I’a Poke offers a straightforward experience where the focus is clearly on the food. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients, particularly the fish, and the variety of choices of sauces available.
It’s often noted for its generally pleasant atmosphere, with a good seating area for dining in. However, some visitors have pointed out that the seating can be quite limited, making it better suited for smaller groups or takeout.
There have also been occasional comments regarding portion size inconsistencies, which can impact the overall perception of value for some.
Good
7.6
out of 10
80
Reviews
76.3%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
61
positive
I’a Poke achieves a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7.6, indicating a generally positive dining experience. Customer feedback further reinforces this, with a Customer Satisfaction of 76.3%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 80 customer opinions, with 61 positive remarks and 17 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food (8.0) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its quality.
Service (7.0) is also rated well, with staff often described as patient. While Ambience (6.7) is considered good, Value (5.3) is seen as average, a mixed bag for some, despite mentions of relatively cheap prices.
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Good value
- Patient staff
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent portions
- Farmed salmon taste
I’a Poke is a solid option if you’re seeking fresh poke bowls with a good selection of sauces, served by attentive staff. With a Recommendation Score of 7.9, it generally delivers a satisfying meal.
It’s particularly well-suited for a quick, casual bite, especially if you prioritize the quality of the main ingredients. However, be mindful of the potentially limited seating, especially during peak hours, and be aware that portion sizes might vary.
While the food quality is often praised, those sensitive to farmed salmon or looking for a spacious dining area might find it less ideal.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Hawaiian Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
191
85.3%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hawaiian Restaurant
7.8
out of 10
out of 10
122
79.5%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hawaiian Restaurant
7.7
out of 10
out of 10
149
78.5%
- $$
- Jordan Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hawaiian Restaurant
7.6
out of 10
out of 10
176
73.9%
- $$
- Excelsior
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hawaiian Restaurant
7
out of 10
out of 10
227
67%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Hawaiian Restaurant
6.9
out of 10
out of 10
240
66.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on I'a Poke
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 81.7%, it's clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 60 opinions, 49 rave about the fresh ingredients, generous servings, and delicious flavors, especially praising the variety of options available.
However, not everything is perfect. A few of the 9 negative comments point out issues like sushi burritos becoming a soggy mess if not eaten immediately, salty seasoned tuna, or sticky white rice. Some also noted a preference against farmed salmon.
Food
60
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
- Delicious flavors
What people don't like
- Soggy sushi burritos
- Salty seasoned tuna
- Sticky white rice
Often praised
- pokePoke is a taste that Koreans can't help but love. You just need to find a place that manages hygiene well.
- fishthe fish was incredibly fresh
- fresh ingredientsUnfortunately, by the time I walked five minutes to sit down and eat, my sushi burrito had become a soggy mess. While the ingredients seemed pretty fresh, the overall experience wasn't cheap for lunch, making me unsure if I'll return.
- ricespicy tuna with sesame seeds & rice, it was delicious
- spicy tunahighly recommend their spicy tuna
- Matcha Toffee Tealiked that it wasn't too sweet and just enough flavor
- Poke Bowlthey looked absolutely delicious
- bowlI ordered a bowl
- bowlslike to come here from time to time for their bowls
- choices of saucesunlimited choices of sauces
Frequently criticized
- farmed salmonthey use farmed salmon which tastes funny to me
- mix of flavorsoverdo the mix of flavors
- portion sizethey really skimp on the portion size now
- sea weed papersran out if sea weed papers
- seasoned tunaseasoned tuna a little salty
- small and large bowlTheir prices have also gone up by a whole dollar across the board. There's no difference between the small and large bowl except for paying an extra $4 to add one more choice of protein. Eating here now makes me feel cheated.
- spamm masubi pappersspamm masubi pappers are a little harder to chew
- stuffed sushi burritoHowever, I found that adding almost all of them resulted in an overwhelming mix of flavors. Unfortunately, by the time I walked five minutes to sit down and eat, my sushi burrito had become a soggy mess. While the ingredients seemed pretty fresh, the overall experience wasn't cheap for lunch, making me unsure if I'll return.
- white riceThe white rice was a little too sticky
If youre craving fresh, delicious poke or a custom sushi burrito with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of potential sogginess if youre taking your burrito to go, and perhaps inquire about the salmon source if thats a concern for you. Overall, its a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to service, guests often rave about the nice and patient staff, with many appreciating how servers professionally align components and even make things just how they like. With 6 positive remarks out of 9 total, it's clear the team makes a good impression, contributing to a solid score of 7. However, the limited and non-existent weekend hours are a recurring frustration, and an outdated website adds to the confusion.
While the service itself scores well, the 66.7% customer satisfaction suggests these operational hiccups create a mixed experience, with 3 negative comments highlighting areas for improvement.
Service
9
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Patient, nice staff
- Good service
- Customized orders
What people don't like
- Limited hours
- Closed weekends
- Outdated website
Often praised
- lineUsually not a long line
- made it how I likeHe made it how I like
- patient staffpatient staff
- serverhe professionally aligned all components
- serviceGood service
- staffThe staff were nice
Frequently criticized
- hoursthe hours are very limited. Wish their hours were more extensive.
- websiteThey should update their website though, it’s says this location is closed
- weekend hoursIt is a shame they are not open on weekends
Overall, if you can catch them during their operational hours, youll likely enjoy the attentive and personalized service. However, be prepared for potential disappointment if youre hoping for weekend visits or relying on their website for accurate info.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Diving into the ambience, its clear guests appreciate the hygiene management and often mention the good seating area. With 2 positive remarks out of 3 total, theres a decent foundation. The overall score for the atmosphere sits at an average 6.7, indicating a generally acceptable environment.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 66.7%, and it seems the seating is the main point of contention. One guest noted that the seating is limited, making it best suited for small groups or takeout. This suggests that while the overall vibe is okay, larger parties might find it a bit cramped.
Ambience
3
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good hygiene
- Good seating area
What people don't like
- Limited seating
Often praised
- hygiene managementhygiene management well
- seating areagood seating area
Frequently criticized
- seatingIt is limited so best for small groups or takeout
If you're a small group or planning takeout, the decent hygiene and seating make this place worth considering. However, the limited seating could be a dealbreaker for larger parties, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Lets talk value! This place scores an average 5.3, and many diners appreciate the great prices for their classic bowls, finding them relatively cheap and a solid deal. Plus, a nice bonus for some is the absence of that pesky SF 4% fee.
With 4 positive comments, it seems like a decent option if youre looking for a standard price point. However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, with a 50% customer satisfaction rating indicating a mixed bag. Some diners feel the price has crept up, especially noting that adding an extra choice of protein can make lunch feel far from cheap.
Based on 4 critical remarks, its clear that not everyone feels theyre getting their moneys worth.
Value
8
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good base price
- No hidden fees
What people don't like
- Rising prices
- Protein add-on costly
Often praised
- pricerelatively cheap.. ($14 for classic bowl)
- SF 4% feeIt's relatively cheap, with a classic bowl costing $14, and the food is good. I also appreciated that there was no SF 4% fee. Honestly, you can't go wrong here.
- pricesGreat prices
Frequently criticized
- Eating hereThere's no difference between the small and large bowl except for paying an extra $4 to add one more choice of protein. Eating here now makes me feel cheated. Cheers.
- extra choice of proteinpaying 4 dollars more to add 1 extra choice of protein
- lunchnot a cheap lunch
- pricetheir price went up by 1 whole dollar
If you stick to the basics, you might find the pricing quite reasonable, especially without extra fees. However, be warned that adding protein or expecting the same old price might leave you feeling a bit short-changed. Its worth trying if youre mindful of add-ons, but it might disappoint if you're looking for a super cheap, customizable meal.
How are the prices at I'a Poke?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 14 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend right in this sweet spot, with prices clustering nicely around the average, showing a consistent offering rather than a mix of super cheap and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.
See how this Hawaiian restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hawaiian spot in San Francisco. It offers a consistent mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about I'a Poke
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Value, Can't Go Wrong
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's relatively cheap, with a classic bowl costing $14, and the food is good. I also appreciated that there was no SF 4% fee.
Honestly, you can't go wrong here.
- classic bowl8
- price9
- SF 4% fee9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Fresh Poke, Limited Hours
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around a delicious poke bowl. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the sauces and toppings tasted great. While they offer some indoor seating, it's limited, making it more suitable for small groups or takeout.
A notable downside is that they are not open on weekends, which is a shame.
- poke bowls9
- fish9
- sauces and toppings8
- seating4
- weekend hours3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Tasty bowls and sushirritos, but farmed salmon issue
My experience at this restaurant was pretty tasty. I like to come here from time to time for their bowls or sushirrito. The only con is they use farmed salmon, which tastes funny to me.
- bowls8
- sushirrito8
- farmed salmon3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl!
My experience at the restaurant was great! The staff were nice, and the fish was incredibly fresh. I ordered the spicy tuna with sesame seeds & rice, and it was both delicious and filling.
I'd definitely recommend it!
- staff9
- fish10
- spicy tuna10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Poke Bowl, Excellent Service!
My first time here was a fantastic experience. I tried the classic poke bowl and it did not disappoint. The server was attentive and asked about modifications, which I declined.
He professionally assembled all the components, resulting in a delicious meal. The service was good, the seating area was comfortable, and the poke bowl itself was delicious. I especially loved the generous scoop of rice, with the option of white or brown.
I highly recommend checking this place out.
- classic poke bowl10
- server9
- poke bowl10
What I'a Poke offers
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at I'a Poke in West SoMa?
At I’a Poke, you can look forward to a casual and trendy Hawaiian restaurant experience in San Francisco’s West SoMa. They offer healthy options, vegetarian choices, and are perfect for a quick bite. You can choose to dine-in, get takeout, or have your meal delivered, making it convenient for you.
Does I'a Poke offer accessible options and convenient services?
Yes, I’a Poke offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your comfort. For payments, you can use credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments. They serve delicious Hawaiian cuisine for both lunch and dinner, with convenient options for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
What is the overall verdict on I'a Poke?
I’a Poke generally offers a good experience, with a Restaurant Score of 7.6 and 76.3% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.0) and Service (7.0) are strong, while Ambience (6.7) is good, and Value (5.3) is average.
Is I'a Poke considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the prices relatively cheap and appreciate the absence of an SF 4% fee, others note price increases and inconsistencies in portion sizes, particularly regarding protein choices.
What are the standout features of the food at I'a Poke?
Customers frequently praise the freshness of the fish and other ingredients. The wide variety of sauce choices is also a highlight, allowing for customizable and delicious poke bowls.