Where to Eat Poke in Rome

Where to Eat Poke in Rome

Poke technically originate in Hawaii. It really means “cube of fish” and was used to refer to the pieces of fish flesh that would be left on the fishing boats after a long day at sea.

It collided with Japanese cuisine, and became the bowls we today know and love around the world. They are a typically a combination of sushi rice, sashimi fish, fresh vegetables, soy based marinade and  variety toppings.

Ami Pokè in Rome – by Ami Pokè – Uploaded by them

I thought finding acai bowls in Rome was hard, then I attempted to hunt down poke bowls. The following four are the only I have tried and tested until now. Let’s poke.

Mama Pokè in Rome

Mama Poke is the best poke you’ll find in Rome, with regards to both quality and location.

It’s situated on the left bank of the Tiber River, between the water and the Vatican City. There isn’t much to do in this area aside from eat and shop, & eventually make your way west for some sightseeing and guided walking tours.

This poke house does things traditionally. They have a menu of bowl options to choose from, or if you’re feeling creative you can build one yourself from the base up. Options include sushi rice, quinoa, mixed greens, fresh salmon, ahi tuna, ponzu marinades, Japanese mayonnaise and more.

Mama Pokè in Rome – by Mama Pokè – Uploaded by them

Take note of their hours of operation. Without thinking I’ve show up hungry and excited for a bowl only to realize it’s 5pm and they won’t be open for another two hours.

If you can’t make it out of your Airbnb or out of the office, Mama Poke offers delivery around Rome. Call them!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 4pm // 7pm to 10:30pm

Address: Via Sforza Pallavicini, 16, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Lepanto

Ami Pokè in Rome

I will admit that Ami Poke isn’t the best or most authentic poke experience, but it is one of just four in Rome, so that has to count for something. Another perk is that is is within walking distance of the Colosseum, making it incredibly central and convenient when the craving kicks in.

To give credit where it’s due: Ami does offer very fresh fish and quality ingredients. It’s just their portioning that can be a bit off, but if you build your own bowl and walk them through each step then you can often correct this. If you do find their rice portioning to be slightly on the generous side, add more sides and toppings.

Ami Pokè in Rome – by Ami Pokè – Uploaded by them

You’ll pay roughly €10.50 a bowl at Ami, give or take a few euros depending on the toppings and sauces you want to add on.

Like Mama Poke, Ami also closes for a few hours in the afternoon. The rest of the time it’s usually packed to the brim with famished tourists who have walked over from the Colosseum or are in need of a break before their next guided walking tour.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 12pm to 4pm // 6pm to 11:30pm

Address: Via della Madonna dei Monti, 38, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Cavour

Mahalo in Rome

Dining at this next spot called Mahalo is really depended on how badly you want to eat good poke while in Rome. The restaurant technically lies outside of Rome’s city center walls, as far north as you can go until you’re forced to cross over the Tiber water into suburban Rome.

It’s a journey and a half to get to, especially considering there are no trains that come here and you’ll have to use either the bus or a taxi.

Mahalo in Rome – by Mahalo – Uploaded by them

Mahalo isn’t a poke house; it’s a Japanese and Hawaiian fusion kitchen that happens to have poke on the menu. This is what allows Mahalo to remain such a popular spot in spite of being so out of the way; it’s a place where individuals who love poke can dine with individuals who perhaps hate raw fish… and anyone who doesn’t like Japanese food can join them & eat Hawaiian instead.

There is something for everyone. The poke bowls are great, and I recommend trying their fish burgers as well. A perfect fusion of cuisines done traditionally and authentically.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 12:30 TO 3:30 // 7PM TO 11:30PM

Address: Via Flaminia, 496B1, 00191 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Taxi or bus Only

Temakinho in Rome

Temakinho was the first thing I ate in Rome the minute I realized I had gone days without a pasta or pizza break since arriving. It’s also close to the Colosseum in the city center, but offers less poke options to the other spot nearby.

This is actually a fusion sushi house. This means that they do weird and wonderful (& colorful) sushi with all kinds of traditional and alternative toppings. Adding poke to the list was an obvious choice, since poke bowls are an extension of fusion sushi.

Temakinho in Rome – by Temakinho – Sourced from their Instagram

They have vegetarian and vegan bowl options, which is nice to see! Of course all of the other poke places can make these options as well during build your own service.

Interestingly enough there are a few Brazilian dishes on the menu as well, and some of the sushi plates draw flavors from Brazilian cuisine. A great place do dine with kids in Rome, take note!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 12:30PM TO 3:30PM // 7PM TO 12AM

Address: Via dei Serpenti, 16, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: CAVOUR