Restaurant Review: Ohana Poke

Downtown Fairhope says "aloha" to Ohana Poke's Pacific vibe.

Ohana Poke exterior
Ohana Poke // Photos by Elizabeth Gelineau

Fans of Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” already know that “ohana” means “family.” But for the staff and owner of Ohana Poke, the first restaurant of its kind in downtown Fairhope, it means much more than that one simple definition.

In a deeper subcontext, “ohana” also means “to share.” “When the Japanese arrived in the Hawaiian islands, they had limited resources and food,” says Chris, the restaurant’s owner. “So they would bring what they had from the house to the table and cut it into small pieces to share. Poke means pieces.”

In essence, Ohana Poke combines small pieces of varying ingredients with a fusion of Hawaiian flavors and Japanese techniques. Put another way, it transforms traditional sushi into a bowl format. Their signature bowls are popular amongst regulars, but every order at the counter is completely customizable. Select bases of different rices or salad are tossed together with proteins of choice, sauces and mix-ins. Toppings are added at the end to enhance flavor and add crunch. 

Although most quick-service establishments emphasize speed, the Ohana team ensures quality over quantity and quickness. Each bowl is artfully crafted to create an end result that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Specific amounts of each ingredient are portioned into every bowl, to adhere to Chris’s goal of “fulfilling without overfilling.” 

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And don’t brush past the more unusual of the offerings — a majority of Ohana’s ingredients, including their selection of Asian teas and specialty sodas, are sourced directly from Japan to create the most authentic experience possible. Bring the family and share in the cultural trend that, at Ohana, is prepared with heart and history.

Poke bowls from Ohana Poke
Ohana Poke Bowl, Tuna Lover Bowl and Create your Own Bowl

On the Menu

Tuna Lover
Spicy tuna, mango and edamame tossed in signature poke sauce create a sweet-heat sensation when paired with sushi rice, seaweed salad and vibrant roe. 

Ohana Poke Bowl
Spicy tuna and spicy salmon mixed with jalapeno and chili sauce give a fiery kick, but a salad base and fresh accoutrements calm the palate.

Hawaiian Bowl
The flavor of fresh salmon gets fresher with mango, tomato, pineapple and radish, glazed in mango sauce and finished with sesame seeds and roe. 

Create Your Own Bowl
MB dished up a green bowl with cucumber, cilantro, edamame, avocado and seaweed salad on a base of brown rice and tofu – give it a try! 

Ohana Poke • 561 Fairhope Avenue, Unit 102, Fairhope • 517-7760 • opfairhope.com
10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week

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