Carlsbad CA— From the creators of Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar, Pokewan in Carlsbad has finally opened its doors. Located next door to Blue Ocean, the build-your-own poke bowl restaurant offers guests a taste of Hawaii in a fun and modern setting with flavors that appeal to both poketraditionalists and non-traditionalists alike.
Build-your-own poke fans start by choosing a base that ranges from white and brown rice to quinoa, mixed greens or cucumber noodles and protein options likes tuna, albacore, salmon, shrimp, tofu or mixed veggies. Each bowl can be made spicy or not spicy and toppings include everything from seaweed salad, avocado and furikake to less traditional options like watermelon radish, goji berries, beets and more. A variety of crunchy toppings like crispy garlic, tempura crumbs, rice popcorn and more, and one of five signature sauces makes their creation complete.

Aside from the build-your-own bowls available, Pokewan offers signature poke bowls created by Executive Chef/Owner James Pyo that are all unique with distinct flavor combinations. Signature bowls include the Superhero Bowl with fresh salmon served on quinoa, topped with avocado, blue crab, blueberry, chia seeds, goji berry, watermelon radish, sweet onion, scallion, furikake, and yuzu citrus sauce and the Miso Nutty Bowl with spicy tuna, albacore and salmon served on seasoned rice, topped with macadamia nuts, avocado, cucumber, blue crab, corn, watermelon radish, sweet onion, scallion, masago, furikake, sriracha, ponzu and golden miso sauce.
Continuing with the traditional Hawaiian flavors, Pokewan is serving mini-Spam musubi, the popular snack and lunch food in Hawaii composed of a slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with nori. Fans of sister restaurant, Blue Ocean + Robata can also enjoy nigri and sushi rolls.
For those craving something on the warm side, Pokewan will feature a one-of-a-kind miso soup-dispensing machine. With the push of one button, the perfect amount of soup is dispensed into your bowl in 4 seconds!
But the creativity in the menu doesn’t end there. Pokewan has brought the puffed corn ice cream cone from Korea to San Diego. Filled with vanilla ice cream and made in an array of colors, the Jolly Cane is the sweetest ending to a perfect meal. And for those fans of the Dole Whip, the pineapple-flavored frozen treat known by many as only available at Disney Parks, there is no need to drive far anymore. Pokewan will be serving both the whip and float!
Designed by CEO Jenny Pyo in collaboration with Hollis Brand Culture, the space is bright, clean and colorful.
Interior design elements feature the game of cats chasing the tasty fish. Their motto: Tasty Fish + Good Vibes= Happy Cat.
Stay tuned as Pokewan is set to open their second location at the Del Mar Highlands by end of April!