ORIGIN STORY
To be honest,
I wasn’t always
a foodie —
In fact, for most of my early life, food was just… food.
I stepped into adulthood as a banker – organized, analytical, and driven to build things people genuinely loved. When my business partners and I opened our first restaurant, Taste of Tokyo, it was a calculated business decision. But what I didn’t see coming was how deeply the world of food would pull me in and how it would slowly shift from a venture to an absolute passion.
Everything changed the day I stumbled into a tiny, unassuming poké joint on a trip to Hawaii.
It was one of those blink-and-you-miss-it spots – if it wasn’t for the lineup that stopped me in my tracks.
That first bite? unforgettable. A half-and-half bowl – spicy tuna on one side, classic marinated ahi on the other, served over warm rice. Simple. Fresh. Balanced. It was a moment that instantly defined my path, and forever changed my relationship with food. I knew I needed to bring this experience home – Hawaii’s iconic eats, capable of transporting your senses, where the land and sea’s bounty has sustained generations of culture unique to this Pacific oasis.
When I returned, I took a deep dive into everything I could about what made Hawaiian poké truly authentic. The technique, the marination, and the ingredients. We featured our first poké bowl at Taste of Tokyo, staying true to the traditional methods and sourcing the freshest, highest-quality ingredients we could find.
Our poké bowl quickly became a fan favourite, and we realized we were onto something bigger. This success sparked the creation of Ono Poké.
Opening Ono was not just about the recreation of delicious food, it was about sharing the culture of an island close to my heart, in the form of something simple yet complex, balanced, and made with care.
My take on that original half-and-half bowl is still on the menu today, a quiet nod to where it all began, and the standard that has shaped every dish that followed.
Crafted with passion. Served with Aloha.
OUR
MISSION
Our mission is to serve fresh, Hawaiian-inspired food in a space where every guest feels like Ohana (family). Rooted in the spirit of aloha, we’re here to nourish our community through bold flavour, genuine care, and heartfelt connection.
Ono Poké Would Not Be Possible Without…
Our Team
Ono Poké wouldn’t be what it is without the people who bring it to life every day. Our crew is the heart of everything. From prepping in the kitchen to serving at the counter, they pour genuine care into every bowl and make Ono the welcoming, feel-good place it is.
Our Partners
We’re proud to work with local suppliers and business partners who share our values – from the fishermen and farmers who source with integrity to the local collaborators who help bring our vision to life.
Our Guests
You’re the reason we do what we do. Whether you’re a long-time regular or just discovering poké for the first time, you’re part of our Ono Ohana. Thank you for supporting us!
Hawaiian Roots Meet
West Coast Spirit
What We Stand For
At Ono Poké, every detail – from the way we marinate our fish to the way we welcome our guests – is rooted in care. We blend authentic Hawaiian tradition with the freshness of the West Coast, serving honest food made with heart, flavour, and a whole lot of aloha.
Aloha in Every Bowl
Kindness is at the heart of everything we do. From the food we prepare to the way we treat our guests, every experience at Ono Poké is infused with warmth, respect, and genuine aloha.
Island Flavour.
West Coast Soul.
Our recipes stay true to Hawaiian tradition, crafted with fresh ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. While our fish comes from trusted suppliers in Hawai‘i and beyond, our produce and seasonings reflect the freshness of the West Coast.
Freshness You Can Taste
We believe great food starts with great ingredients. That’s why we hand-cut whole-loin fish, marinate daily, and choose the freshest produce we can find. No shortcuts – just honest, flavour-packed food made with care.
Crafted for Everyone
There’s something for everyone at Ono. Whether you love raw ahi tuna, crave Hawaiian BBQ, or prefer plant-based, every dish is made-to-order and customizable so you always get your perfect flavour combo.
Community is
Our Compass
From supporting local suppliers to building lasting relationships with our guests, we’re proud to be part of a community that shares our love for good food and good people.
Good Vibes Only
Great food, friendly faces, and a place where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re new to poké or know your order by heart, we treat everyone like family and keep things easy, welcoming, and full of good energy.