Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pokewan – San Diego
Pokewan - San Diego
Photo from Pokewan
Pokewan at a glance
San Diego Carmel Valley
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#454 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#5 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 10 in San Diego
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
365
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High pricing
- Service inconsistency
Overview: Introducting Pokewan
Pokewan offers a generally positive experience, with many appreciating the fresh food and generous portions that make for a satisfying meal. The inviting atmosphere also contributes to a pleasant visit, often described as clean and enjoyable.
However, some diners find the price a bit steep for what’s offered, and there have been occasional reports of inconsistent service. While many praise the friendly staff, a few experiences suggest room for improvement in attentiveness.
Good
7
out of 10
365
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
99
negative
16
neutral
250
positive
Pokewan holds a solid Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer sentiment is a bit more nuanced, with Customer Satisfaction at 68.5%, placing it in the mixed category.
This suggests that while many leave content, a notable portion have reservations, based on 250 positive and 99 negative opinions out of 365 total customer remarks. Diving into the specifics, the Food (7.3) is clearly a strong point, often praised for its freshness and quality.
The Ambience (8) also receives high marks, contributing to a pleasant dining environment. However, Service (6.4) and Value (4.9) hover in the average range, indicating areas where experiences can be inconsistent or fall short for some patrons.
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
- Friendly, efficient staff
What people don't like
- Perceived high pricing
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Occasional food quality issues
With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, Pokewan generally delivers a satisfying poke experience. If you prioritize fresh ingredients and a clean, inviting space, it’s certainly worth a visit.
It stands out for its quality food and pleasant environment, making it a solid choice for a quick, healthy meal. However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and service can occasionally be inconsistent.
While the food quality is often high, rare reports of issues mean managing expectations is wise. It’s a good option, but not without its minor caveats.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pokewan
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty good, with a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 72.9%. Based on 240 opinions, many rave about the incredibly fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. Guests frequently praise the generous servings and the fantastic customization options, making every bowl just right.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled. Some diners have noted concerns about small portions, especially regarding protein and fish. There are also occasional comments about rice quality and issues with sauce consistency, like too much sauce or not being mixed properly.
A few even reported unpleasant experiences.
Food
240
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
54
negative
11
neutral
175
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Generous portion sizes
- Great customization options
What people don't like
- Small protein portions
- Inconsistent rice quality
- Sauce application issues
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise for a quick, fast food treat. The ingredients were incredibly fresh and delicious. It's an unassuming gem of a spot that's hard to beat for its quality.
- pokeI was able to easily split a 4-protein bowl over 2 meals, which helped make the price a little easier to manage, especially since everything is pricey these days. However, you definitely pay for quality, and I've thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful poke 🍚 💛.
- fishThis is hands down the best poke in the neighborhood! The fish is incredibly fresh and clean, and I always feel great after eating here. The customer service is fantastic, and the place is spotless—super clean inside.
- ingredientsAs someone who travels all over California regularly, I can confidently say that this chain offers the highest quality and most fairly priced Poke bowls in the entire state. The portions are generous, with a great variety of available ingredients. The staff is consistently super friendly and efficient.
- bowlsbowls look small when you start - The smaller "Happy" size seems tiny, but don't be fooled, when they pack it full it is heavy, and you'll be stuffed
- poke bowlsthe poke bowls are so good!
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was positive due to the decent portions. You can choose between 2 or 4 scoops of protein for regular or large sizes.
- Pokeit's the best Poke in this area.
- freshPerfectly fresh
- poke spotNot only are the prices outrageous but the portions are very small and they stopped doing the birthday bowl deal in the middle of the year who does that? It’s really too bad that the other location in Carlsbad closed down cuz pokewan really was a good poke spot. Oh well only a matter of time before this one closes down ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Frequently criticized
- portion sizeThey reduced the portion size
- portionsUnder the new stingy greedy cheapskate owner it gets zero. Not only are the prices outrageous but the portions are very small and they stopped doing the birthday bowl deal in the middle of the year who does that? It’s really too bad that the other location in Carlsbad closed down cuz pokewan really was a good poke spot.
- riceThis place has been my go-to for years, but recently, especially with online orders, they’ve been giving less than a scoop of protein in person and less rice. A major change is that they no longer mix the sauces on the plate, which completely alters the taste.
- avocadoThe avocado had brown stringy bits and clumps all over it
- bowlHow is it possible that they think it’s going to taste good with that much sauce? My bowl looked like soup! I couldn’t even eat it; I just ate the fish off.
- foodfood they served is bad
- pokeNobody informed me that the rice was missing when I picked up my order. For my first experience, I ended up eating poke with bread 🤬😡, as poke without carbs doesn't help when you're hungry.
- poke bowlI don't think my poke bowl was cold
- ahi pokesomething tasted wrong with ahi poke
- bar of metalMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, with excellent food. However, there was a significant issue as I found a literal bar of metal in my poke. The service and atmosphere were rated well, contributing to an overall decent visit, but the discovery in the food was a major concern.
If you're looking for fresh, flavorful, and customizable poke with generally good portions, this spot is a solid choice. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller protein servings or inconsistent rice and sauce, which could be a minor disappointment.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot shows some real promise! With 42 positive remarks out of 66 total, many customers rave about the friendly staff, excellent service, and overall speed. Youll often find the team to be super accommodating and efficient, making for a pleasant experience.
However, its not always smooth sailing, as reflected by an average score of 6.4 and mixed customer satisfaction at 63.6%. There are 24 negative comments, with some folks encountering order pickup issues, incorrect orders, or even instances of horrible customer service and disrespectful servers.
Service
66
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
24
negative
0
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Efficient service
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Order accuracy issues
- Poor customer service
- Pickup order problems
Often praised
- serviceThe food taste and service I visited recently were really good.
- staffThe staff are welcoming and attentive
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe fish is incredibly fresh and clean, and I always feel great after eating here. The customer service is fantastic, and the place is spotless—super clean inside. I absolutely love it and can’t recommend it enough.
- employeesThe employees are fast, efficient, and kind.
- accommodatingthey let me bring in my boba drink
- counter serviceThe counter service was friendly, helpful and patient
- excellent serviceconsistently excellent service
- experiencemade the entire experience so much better
- friendly stafffriendly staff
Frequently criticized
- customer servicethe customer service is horrible
- servertreated with so much disrespect from the server I had
- apologyThe apology felt forced
- associatesI went after a hard workout for a health snack and was treated like dirt. I’m not sure if it was because my hair was a mess or because I was tired looking, but I was treated with so much disrespect from the server I had.
- birthday bowl dealUnder the new stingy greedy cheapskate owner it gets zero. Not only are the prices outrageous but the portions are very small and they stopped doing the birthday bowl deal in the middle of the year who does that? It’s really too bad that the other location in Carlsbad closed down cuz pokewan really was a good poke spot.
- dropped my foodthey dropped my food on the floor
- employeethe one employee on duty grabbed four online orders
- forgot utensilsforgot utensils
- new serverA new server wasn't aware and was dismissive
- orderdid not add rice to our poke
If youre looking for generally friendly and efficient service, youll likely find it here. Just be mindful that online orders can sometimes have hiccups, and a few customers have reported less-than-stellar interactions. It's a bit of a gamble, but often worth it for the good moments.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, with many guests praising the cozy atmosphere, spotless cleanliness, and comfortable seating. People also appreciate the convenient location. With a solid score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 87.5%, its clear the ambiance is a major draw, based on 21 positive comments out of 24. However, its not entirely perfect, as one minor point came up: the lack of a restroom.
While this is a small detail among 24 observations, it's worth noting for those planning a visit. Overall, the positive aspects far outweigh this single concern.
Ambience
24
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
- Great location
- Comfortable seating
What people don't like
- No on-site restroom
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was very enjoyable
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeplace is spotless—super clean inside
- restaurantThe restaurant was clean
- chillthis place was very chill
- del mar heights plazalocated in the del mar heights plaza
- locationMy experience at this poke bowl place was great. It's conveniently located in the Del Mar Highlands town center, right in front of a trampoline play area. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was very enjoyable.
- lunch spotA super solid lunch spot
- nice locationsuch a nice location
- nice sitting areaNice sitting area right outside this place.
Frequently criticized
- restroomthere's no restroom here
If youre looking for a spot with a great vibe, cozy atmosphere, and sparkling cleanliness, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that there isnt a restroom on-site, so plan accordingly before you settle in for a meal.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a puzzle. Despite a poor customer satisfaction of just 34.3%, some folks found decent value for money here. With a score of 4.9, its clear theres a mixed bag, but positive comments highlight fair prices and moderate pricing for what you get, with some even calling it most fairly priced for the quality.
However, the conversation around value is heavily weighted by concerns about prices being too high, with 20 negative opinions compared to 12 positive out of 35 total. Many felt it was an expensive lunch and overpriced for the portions, leading to sentiments like waste of $20 and questioning the overall value for money.
Value
35
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
20
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- No topping upcharge
What people don't like
- Overpriced for portions
- High overall prices
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- priceMy experience at Pokewan was very positive. They offer a really nice selection of food and toppings for poke at a pretty decent price. The atmosphere is very cozy.
- pricesprices are great for what you get
- mealThey offer good options and consistently provide excellent service. While the price is a bit high, it's comparable to other inflated restaurant prices and offers a much healthier and tastier alternative to fast food like McDonald's.
- moderate pricingmoderate pricing
- toppingsthey dont charge you for toppings
- valuea good value
- value for moneyvery good value for the money
- what you getGlad Carmel Valley has a poke place now. I think the prices are great for what you get!
Frequently criticized
- priceit is a little bit pricey compared to other Poke places.
- 16 oz fountain sodaa 16 oz fountain soda was $3.18
- expensive lunchVery expensive lunch
- free bowloffered to a free bowl if I go to pick it up again tonight
- masagoCharged extra for topping I usually see for free like masago
- overpricedreally overpriced for what it is
- paying for thisI also got onions, which I did not ask for. At this point, I wonder why I am paying for this because it is not what I asked for.
- pricesUnder the new stingy greedy cheapskate owner it gets zero. Not only are the prices outrageous but the portions are very small and they stopped doing the birthday bowl deal in the middle of the year who does that? It’s really too bad that the other location in Carlsbad closed down cuz pokewan really was a good poke spot.
- store creditstore credit, only after I mention if there was going to be some form of compensation
- upchargeupcharge for getting the wasabi on a side dish
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this spot might disappoint due to often-cited high prices. However, if you prioritize quality and are prepared for a higher bill, you might find some specific value, but overall, its a mixed bag.
How are the prices at Pokewan?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 39 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.
Looking at the full picture, most diners (27 out of 39!) find themselves in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with just a few venturing into the slightly higher $21–$30 range. So, prices are pretty consistent around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.
How this Hawaiian restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Hawaiian spot in San Diego. You know what youre getting, and it wont break the bank for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pokewan
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Loved the Poke Bowl and Service!
I LOVED the poke bowl, ESPECIALLY the avocados. They were cut so nicely and gave Michelin star vibes from the server. She was super nice and gave the BEST fish to lettuce proportions.
🥰🥰🥰
- poke bowl10
- avocados10
- server10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Impressively Bad Order & Past Mishaps
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. They somehow forgot the fish in my pokebowl, which was impressively bad. This was my second chance giving them a try, as last time they dropped my food on the floor 😭 (they did remake the bowl, but still).
I would advise checking your orders before you leave.
- fish in my pokebowl1
- dropped my food1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Tastiest Bowls and Friendly Staff!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved my food. The staff was incredibly friendly, and I had one of the tastiest bowls I've ever eaten.
The atmosphere was also great, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- food10
- staff10
- bowls10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Poke in the Neighborhood!
This is hands down the best poke in the neighborhood! The fish is incredibly fresh and clean, and I always feel great after eating here. The customer service is fantastic, and the place is spotless—super clean inside.
I absolutely love it and can’t recommend it enough. Thank you!
- poke10
- fish10
- customer service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Disappointing Changes in Quality and Preparation
This place has been my go-to for years, but recently, especially with online orders, they’ve been giving less than a scoop of protein in person and less rice. A major change is that they no longer mix the sauces on the plate, which completely alters the taste. I'm super disappointed by my last couple of bowls because one side has the sriracha mayo and the other sauce is on the opposite side, not mixed together.
Additionally, they always forget the spicy base in online orders. Please also consider offering eco-friendly bowls!
- eco friendly bowls6
- protein2
- rice2
- sauces2
What Pokewan offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
How does Pokewan generally score with customers?
Pokewan achieves a **Restaurant Score** of **7** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **68.5%**. Its **Food** (7.3) and **Ambience** (8) are highly rated, while **Service** (6.4) and **Value** (4.9) are considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Pokewan?
Customers frequently praise the fresh ingredients and generous portions of the poke bowls. Many also highlight the clean and enjoyable atmosphere, along with the friendly and efficient staff.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks at Pokewan?
Some customers find the pricing to be on the higher side, and there are occasional reports of inconsistent service. Rare instances of food quality issues, such as foreign objects, have also been noted.