Poke Me

Poké Me first launched in Melbourne late 2016, but on the back of a successful Royal Croquet Club pop-up, it opened in Adelaide less than a year later.

Pronounced poh-keh, the Hawaiian diced-fish dish is essentially a deconstructed sushi bowl: you start with a set-price protein (tuna, salmon, chicken or tofu); choose a rice, soba noodle or “green” base; then add toppings, sauces and seasonings. For once, avocado isn’t extra.

Co-founder Leigh Morgan relies on punchy, fresh flavours from sauces developed in-house. Ingredients include yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit), togarashi (chilli-sesame powder) and wasabi.

Sushi doughnuts are a snack-size alternative. The entire menu is available on UberEATS. The fast-paced, in-and-out concept lends itself to Gawler Place’s corporate crowd.

The interior, like the menu, bears Japanese influence: dark features and wooden furnishings, with a splash of colour from a pink feature wall. The concrete Caesarstone benchtop houses a purpose-built fridge.

Drinks wise, the Poké Me brand includes Konnichiwater – a house-made, fruit-infused “detox” water. Keep your bottle for half-price refills. Morgan’s own juice brand, Utonic, is also available.