I really love poké bowls. When I crave comfort food, I crave poké bowls. I had exceptional poké in Hawaii, so I’m always picky about the poké I find elsewhere. So, I jumped at a chance recently to check out Koibito Poké in Scottsdale. If you want some fresh flavors—and good-for-you food—I recommend you stop by one of the four Koibito Poké locations in Arizona. There are additional locations coming in other states, so put this fast-casual restaurant on your radar.

The Story Behind Koibito Poké

I believe that the story behind things is what makes them interesting. Even this fast-casual restaurant has a fun story. Koibito Poké began in 2018, created by former Arizona Diamondback pitcher Todd Stottlemyre. The restaurant features Hawaiian and Japanese flavors and focuses on clean eating. In fact, Koibito means “love” in Japanese, so Stottlemyre chose the name to signify that when you eat a poké bowl at Koibito Poké, you’re showing your body some love.

How Koibito Poké Works

Each location looks similar and the concept is the same no matter where you visit. I visited the Scottsdale Waterfront location mid-afternoon and there were just a couple of other diners, but it gets hopping at the lunch and dinner hours. But don’t worry—the entire process goes super fast.

Inside Koibito Poké. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

You have a chance to build your own bowl as you move through the line. You can pick one of the premade bowls, or create your own. Simply begin by choosing your size—small with two scoops of protein, medium with three, and large with four. My husband and I both had medium bowls. I opted for a medium so I could sample three of the proteins. That size was the perfect meal for my husband.

Each bowl begins with a base of either white or brown rice or spring mix. Then, you select your protein. You can do all the same protein or mix it up. While I chose different raw fish, my husband chose a single cooked protein. You can select salmon, tuna, yellowtail, spicy tuna, or Hawaiian tuna as a raw protein. I chose Yellowtail, Hawaiin Tuna, and Spicy Tuna. For me, the Hawaiian Tuna is the best. I’ll have to check out the salmon next time. My husband chose the grilled chicken and says he would like to do the Asian Chicken next time.

After your protein, you select a sauce. The Koibito House sauce is sweet and tangy with a hint of ginger. This is the one my husband tried. I love the citrus bit of ponzu, so chose the Citrus Ponzu. There are options for teriyaki, some spicy aiolis (wasabi or sriracha), sesame oil, or creamy champagne butter. There are ten different options.

Continue building your bowl with toppings. Choose from about ten free toppings ranging from cilantro to cucumber to ginger or pineapple. You can even opt for one of the premium toppings, such as masago, cucumber salad, seaweed salad, or crab mix for no extra charge. Extra amounts cost a bit more. You can also add avocado for an additional charge.

Finally, you garnish it with your choice of crispy onion, garlic, wasabi, sesame seeds, or furikake and you’re set. The results are colorful meals in a bowl that you can feel good about eating.

Our meal at Koibito Poké. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Opting for a Pre-set Signature Bowl

If you’re not sure the first time through and want to taste one of the pre-made bowls, you can definitely do that. Just order one of these and Koibito Poké pulls together its recommended flavors. The signature bowls come in medium size and sell for $13.99. There are currently two options (as of June 2021) and four more signature bowls will be available in the coming months.

The Koibito Bowl

The Koibito Bowl has a bit of heat to it. As with all bowls, you start with your choice of base. Then, Koibito fills your bowl with Salmon, Hawaiian Tuna, and Regular Tuna mixed in Sriracha Aioli. They top that off with Cilantro, Edamame, Cucumbers, Seaweed Salad, and Sesame Seeds.

The Koibito Bowl. Photo courtesy of Koibito Poké

The Tuna Trio Bowl

Koibito’s Tuna Trio Signature Bowl also begins with your choice of a base. Next, it features Spicy Tuna, Hawaiian Tuna, and Regular Tuna mixed in Sweet Chili Lime Sauce. Finally, that is all topped with Edamame, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Pineapple, Sesame Seeds, and Masago.

The Tuna Trio Bowl. Photo courtesy of Koibito Poké

Where to Find Koibito Poké

There are currently four locations of Koibito Poké in the Phoenix area: Scottsdale Waterfront, Arcadia, Scottsdale Gainey Village, and The Plant in Chandler. The Gainey Ranch location closed for a bit and is now reopen in a new location at The Shops at Gainey Village. Check out the menu and details online at Koibitopoke.com.