Sweetfin Poke opened in Westwood Village two weeks ago, becoming the third poke restaurant in two blocks – a sign of the poke craze (of the raw fish variety, not the game) spreading through Los Angeles. Even though Sweetfin Poke is the most recent addition, the chain has been around for a couple of years, serving customizable build-your-own bowls. In Los Angeles where many seem to be vegan, gluten-free or paleo, Sweetfin Poke’s menu fits in with those diets, using high quality sustainable fare.

The concept is pretty simple. Much like a poke version of Chipotle, you choose a protein, a space, a base and toppings. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, tofu or chopped vegetables can serve as the main, instead of raw fish. The bases can be combined as well, like bamboo rice with citrus kale. There are over 30 toppings – from seaweed salad to premium ones which cost a $1 extra ,like macadamia nuts or blistered shishito peppers.

If all the options prove too overwhelming to make a selection, Sweetfin Poke has 10 signature bowls, making ordering a little easier. Sweetfin Poke is a little on the pricey side, the cost of quality sustainable fish being what it is. For a healthy eater like me, the large portion is just enough to satisfy my hunger pangs. The poke is fresh and the bowls are tasty and feel healthy to eat (if they aren’t, please don’t tell me). Sweetfin Poke may have been the last poke place to open in Westwood, but they’re definitely first in my book.

Location – 1146 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles 90024. Additional locations in Santa Monica, Woodland Hills, Larchmont. Downtown LA and West Third locations to open soon.
Website – http://www.sweetfinpoke.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Options – Yes