Was surprised to find this place, cute restaurant nestled in between a a few hotels in Santa Barbara. Ingredients are super fresh and full of flavor. Was served the freshest fish, sauces and veggies gave the bowl I created an extra kick of flavor ! If you're in the area , this is a great place to stop for a quick clean lunch read more

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Actually one of the best poke bowls I've had on the mainland purely because they didn't mash up the spicy fish. However I ordered spicy tuna and spicy salmon not realizing they were already marinated in spicy sauce so I had an extra spicy bowl. But it was yummy. Unagi sauce was not as thick as I would've liked. Also very expensive but that's expected read more

Pokéwaves - Spicy salmon and spicy tuna with spicy mayo - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Poke waves owners are very kind, accommodating and the service is very quick! The fish is always fresh and consistent. It's very clean and the store itself is very high end and beautiful. :) would recommend if you're in the area. read more

Pokéwaves - Small build your own - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

So fresh. Like, shockingly fresh. Delicious fish with great assortment of toppings and sauces. I am yet to try the sushi but will soon. I had to dock a star because with a light tip, my bowl was super super pricey. read more

Very unfortunate, The Customer Service here is HORRIBLE!!! And Yes, By the Owner!! It's truly appalling. Why these ppl own businesses they hate going too! SMH- The food used to be good and fresh but the last couple times I've been there there is a def decline in the food quality and freshness! No sushi on some days too, not very consistent. Take your money elsewhere! read more

Poke waves is honestly amazing... I've had poke in Hawaii and finding somewhere that comes close has been so hard. I wanted to give this place a try because not only did it look fresh I loved how the fish was chopped not smashed. It's by far one of the best pokes I've had. Everything is amazing not one thing I've had hasn't been good. Service is good but I do have to admit the owner is a bit cold but the quality of his fish is fantastic. The place is very clean and every time I'm in Santa Barbara I try to stop by and eat here. My favorite is the spicy tuna and salmon. If you're ever in the area trust me and stop by to eat some poke. You won't regret it. read more

Pokéwaves - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

the food is feel good to me the services is poor the lady in the counter not even say hello to me and i am only the one there so just she play with the phone on the counter where is the raw fish ? then she not really care much look like she dont even won to be there after little research look like them try the sale the place for 200k so them not really care any more with this bad service 200k? yyea right is risen why this place is down fall read more

This was a clean small restaurant. The poke was fresh but they were running low on salmon so they had to get more and it was still partially frozen. The salmon was good and the drink selection is very limited. I bought a Chi white peach drink which turn out to have a lot of artificial sweeteners in it. The addition of masago which is fish eggs was extra dollar. The ponzu sauce was good but a little sour. The medium salmon bowl with additional $1 masago and the drink was $26. We got lucky and got one of the very few assigned spaces for the restaurant. This was during an odd hour of 3:00 p.m. This is a family-owned restaurant. I would recommend if you want to try something different and healthy. read more

Pokéwaves - Medium poke bowl with salmon and 3 dollar chi peach drink - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great poke bowls. Fish is fresh. I always do the custom bowl. The man who runs it is really nice, we love to support local businesses especially when they are delivering on flavor. read more

Pokéwaves - Spicy salmon topped with crunchy onions and a little spicy mayo. - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

All the toppings and the fish were really fresh. Everything was clean. The bowls were a bit pricey but I guess inflation + Santa Barbara = expensive. They also had some sushi by the piece available which looked good and reasonably priced. read more

I've been here a few times and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, last time I went the fish in my bowl was still partially frozen. It was kind of gross to bite into the fish and have it not be fresh. read more

Just opened up, Pokéwaves is a new poke restaurant in the Santa Barbara area. The bowls are made to order and they have a menu of bowls that a preset. The staff is friendly and very quick to make your order. The fish and ingredients all taste amazing and fresh. You also get a good serving of your protein of choice with every scoop. I've been very much looking forward to this place opening. If you're looking for a great poke spot in the Noleta area of Santa Barbara this is your spot! read more

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It's nice to finally have a poke bowl and sushi restaurant right down the street from where I work! Although the location kind of sucks because it's in the same area as Starbucks. Anyone who is familiar with this location knows that the parking is minimal and the traffic tends to be a nightmare for people trying to get in and out. Aside from this issue, we were lucky to come at a time when there was no line or traffic in the parking lot. So, take it as hit or miss on the parking situation. I love the modern vibe and aesthetic inside! They have an ample amount of seating and it's pretty spacious considering how small it looks from the outside. I was surprised to see already made sushi to go offered in their small fridge section. Some of the rolls they had available were California rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, eel nigiri, dragon rolls, and spicy tuna rolls. All reasonably priced and they looked very well made and fresh. For my order, I couldn't decide whether to get sushi or a poke bowl, but I opted for the Ahi Poke bowl. This came with regular ahi tuna but I subbed for the spicy ahi instead. Toppings included were shrimp, edamame, pineapple, radish, corn, green onions, and crispy onions. I also added shredded carrot and cabbage at no extra cost. Price came out to $20 after tip, and this was with 10% discount during their soft opening. Yes, a little steep but at least the quality met the price. You can also do poke your way and create your own bowl. Overall, a great little spot to check out if you're craving a poke bowl or want to grab sushi to go! The customer service was friendly and welcoming. read more

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I have driven by this spot numerous times but finally tried it for lunch recently! It was delicious. I opted for one of their pre-made signature bowls but added jalapeños, which I highly recommend if you like some spice with your food. The bowl was super fresh and provided A LOT of food. I couldn't finish my meal. We were hoping to call ahead and place our order but their phone wasn't ever picked up. Hopefully they can resolve that soon. Their location does include some parking. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Overall it's a bit on the pricey side but the food is yummy and hits the spot for a sushi/seafood fix! read more

Pokéwaves - House Ahi bowl with jalapeños ($17.99 before tax) - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Excellent food. Best Poke in town. I love that you can buy sushi seperately....that is so awesome....especially the individual vegetarian sushi with soy paper..... read more

Had a great first experience here. I studied the menu and realized it was a build your own bowl experience and while i was a bit overwhelmed at first, it was pretty easy. Everything tasted good and fresh. I added the seaweed salad to my bowl (sushi rice, ahi and salmon, cucumbers, onions, green onions, carrots, edamame and ponzu sauce). They didn't have a water station so i purchased a bottle of water for $1. There is ready made sushi and other drinks. The place has seating inside and outside. Parking is difficult due to all of the Starbucks customers. read more

Pokéwaves - Salmon and ahi small bowls - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I went to Pokewaves for lunch. As a first-timer, I found the establishment to be exceptionally clean and welcoming. The owner, who took my order, was incredibly chill and helpful. I had heard great things about this place on the Nextdoor app, and they were spot on. The ingredients were fresh and the food delicious. read more

Pokéwaves - Medium. Spicy Ahi Tuna, Spicy Salmon and Shrimp - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Fresh Poke. Super delicious. Owner seems like a relaxed and chill person. If you're looking for a quick lunch option that's healthy and tasty Pokewaves is great! read more

Pokéwaves - protein: my top picks include spicy tuna, spicy salmon - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Delicious mini poke spot with a la carte sushi. I love walking here for lunch, & everyone that works here is extremely kind.

Love, love, love this place!! Ever since Pokewaves opened, I crave the bowl. I enjoy how many options you have to choose from. Seafood to fish, vegetables, fruits, rice, sauces you name it. My favorite is the build your own bowl with two scoops of protein, half and half base which is the mixed greens with a type of rice (sushi rice is excellent), pick your sauces, mix-ins and toppings. The service is fast and attentive so you just order what you like and you're on your way. Inside you are welcomed by the staff and they have a small seating area with relaxing ambiance. I come and get my Pokewaves craving at least once every few weeks and enjoy every minute of it, never disappoints. read more

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I've been wanting to try this place for a while. I arrived thinking Starbucks would be emptier (shares a parking lot) but the line for Starbucks was down the street at noon and there was no parking in the lot. A bit frustrating while trying to go place a quick poke bowl order. Anyway, i love that pokewaves had pre-selected menu bowl choices and also build your own bowls. I got a small poke bowl with spicy salmon and ahi which was delicious. The spice level was perfect. I love sauces and could have used a bit more sauce in the bowl because the rice was a bit dry - i will be happy when i figure out my correct sauce ordering ratios (they will give you as much sauce as you want)! I'm glad to have a poke place near me just wish the parking was a better situation! read more

Pokéwaves - Small poke bowl - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This place is absolutely fantastic! The food is delicious, incredibly fresh. Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, you'll find a great selection here that truly satisfies your cravings. Highly recommend trying their specialties! read more

easily the best poke in goleta/IV/santa barbara area. super clean location and the fish is always so fresh. the workers are also really friendly :) if you're looking for a quick and fresh lunch, this is the place!! i ordered a small build your own bowl, with sushi rice base, spicy ahi tuna, spicy salmon, house poke sauce & spicy mayo. toppings are seaweed salad, edamame, corn, masago, and crunchy onion !! i do wish they had ginger and cucumber as toppings but it's okay read more

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This is one of the best poké places in the Southern California. I'm not even exaggerating. I'm half Chinese, grew up going to Hawaii a good bit, grew up in LA/Pasadena area, so I've had a lot of poké in my life. The price is a tad higher than most, but the quality is so worth it. Santa Barbara seafood is just always phenomenal. This is the first poké shop to offer (1) sushi rice (2) chili oil and (3) mango as options! It also has non marinated ahi tuna and salmon AND pre marinated ahi tuna and salmon. I got the marinated ahi tuna and yellowtail. Onions and cucumber. With the house poké sauce and the chili oil. Normal fixings plus the mango :) the sweet and spicy was so good. And I don't like pineapple in poké so it was refreshing for me :) 12/10 would come again read more

Pokéwaves - Build your own - medium - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

All of the food here is delicious and fresh. It's like if the fish swam from the ocean straight into your bowl. I come here at least once a week. The $2 sushi per piece is revolutionary because you can get a variety. Would highly recommend. The owner laid-back and a little shy. read more

Oh my gosh, soo yummy! Like others have said, fresh, clean, friendly service and plentiful options. I was torn between buying the Red Dragon to-go sushi roll or ordering a poke bowl. I ordered a small "Poke Your Way" bowl, which included two proteins, and it was more than enough :) I chose tuna and salmon with sushi rice, seaweed salad, fried onions, sesame seeds, cucumber, poke sauce and eel sauce. Crab meat and avo is extra. read more

Pokéwaves - Small "Poke Your Way" bowl with salmon and tuna - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Very nice place, they just opened. Small but full menu, with enough positions. The staff is nice and friendly. I liked the interior, everything is neat, clean, nice colors, and there are tables with umbrellas outside. I didn't like the poke because there weren't enough sauces, we took a House Yellow Tail bowl and it was tasteless, although it had a large number of ingredients in the bowl. Or they forgot to add the sauces altogether. The prices are a little high for me. read more

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Great quality fish and ingredients. I'm very particular, but this place passed the test. Friendly owner and cool store overall. Also they have happy hour special mom their beer 5-9pm read more

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New poke spot by the freeway! The perfect location to grab a quick healthy option. I thought the bowls were expensive ($17 for a medium) until I saw how massive they are! I could have shared the medium with a friend. Wow. The ingredients are fresh, which is very important for a raw food restaurant. Also a major plus, the mango topping was delicious and perfectly ripe. The ambiance is bright, clean and airy. Friendly smiley staff. Clean restrooms. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Portions are insanely small. Half scooped everything, especially the dude working there. Stingy. Dude has too much attitude. We said "hello!" to the lady and he walked in giving us a stank eye. Like what is your problem? But the lady working there was sweet! Not enough side options. read more

Half price sushi at 8pm. It goes quick, so be on time! Great food and service, and LOVE the half price sushi!

This is a local business. Everything is always fresh full of flavor. The sauces are homemade. The people making the bowls are the owners. They are so nice so welcoming they recognize you. I recommend pokey waves if you are in town they just started doing 14.99 per pound rolls. The food is amazing. Great flavor you get what you pay for. read more

Pokéwaves - New sushi bar only 14.99 per pound! - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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if there was an option for zero stars id choose that... Horrible service by owner, overpriced, old proteins, and minimal selection. Don't even bother and go somewhere else. read more

Came across this place from yelp and honestly it was amazing!! Couldn't get the workers name but he was nice and everything was super clean! Fish was fresh, especially the shrimp which my boyfriend and I loved! Overall good poke and a great ambiance, will definitely go again :) read more

Pokéwaves - Two medium bowls & a coke. Came out to about $52, we got extra add ons like avocado, crabmeat and masago. ($1 each) - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Recently visited this place, and was disappointed with the service. The man who assisted us was very unwelcoming and seemed like he didn't even want to be there. Despite being the only customers in the store, he was rude and a bit dismissive. I felt as though our presence was an inconvenience to him! Definitely a negative impression. Portions were small and price was completely unreasonable. 2 "medium" bowls for $46 is absurd. I'd take my business elsewhere. read more

My wife and I decided to checkout this restaurant on a short trip to Santa Barbara. You can order house bowls or your custom own protein (salmon, ahi tune, scallops, shrimp, octopus, yellowtail, etc.) WITH multiple add ins, toppings, sauces, and rice. Everything is very fresh and healthy good eatings stuff. I had ahi and the spicy ahi, and the seaweed salad is killer! Really great value in a very clean venue - and highly recommended by this Yelper. read more

They counted the number of salmon (4 pieces)- stingy! Sauce is just alright but it's just on the fish- not on the crab or rice. Just alright. read more

Very nice and clean spot. The fish is also so fresh! The couple inside working are so sweet and they even added more spicy mayo on our bowls when we asked twice! Haha very great spot! We will definitely come again read more

Pokéwaves - Poke Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Today I had the large ahi poke bowl - it had maybe 5 small pieces of tuna, I asked the lady to please give the 4 scoops for a large bowl and she said she did? Then she added fried onions and other toppings that I didn't ask for or want. Then she was rude when I asked for a cup of ice. After that her and the manger sat at the table next to my wife and I and the lady listened to YouTube on her speakers with no care about disturbing the customers. Definitely skip this place if you're in town. I won't tell my son's team to visit here while we are in town for a tournament. read more

I was shocked at the amount of fish given compared to Choppa Poke. This was my second time giving them a shot as it's more convenient, but I can't return when I know that my money can go exponentially further elsewhere. read more