Poke Burrito is a self-described Asian fusion restaurant that takes pride in its fresh and high quality ingredients. The Chicago-based chain opened their seventh location and first in Naperville on Route 59 April 25. The restaurant’s initial selling point is their burritos filled with poke fixings, but they also offer traditional poke bowls as well as ramen. 

When I went, I ultimately decided not to try their namesake poke burrito, instead springing for the poke bowl, though both are composed of the same ingredients, just arranged differently. 

 I was excited to try an alternative to Aloha Poke, especially after learning they file lawsuits to run family-owned poke places out of business. 

In the meantime, I had been eating the ready made poke from Marianos, which isn’t bad. Needless to say, it’s fun to go to a fresh poke place nearby. 

I was initially a bit put off by the prices at $16 for a poke bowl, but the portions are very large, boasting more than enough food to share between two people. 

Highlights of the menu include the Salmon Obsession and the Spicy Tuna Poke, which I tried. Even if none of the house creation bowls cut it for you, they offer a build-your-own bowl style menu item for the same price that allows you to pick and choose the ingredients.

Ingredients do put Poke Burrito above the other poke options nearby. I did not experience any still partially frozen fish that you occasionally find in poke or sushi, and the portions lived up to the prices. They were generous with the fish and avocado, which is always appreciated given other restaurants are sometimes lacking. I do wish they came with a bit larger portion of rice to balance out all the meat and spice in the spicy tuna bowl. 

The restaurant itself has a refreshing atmosphere and has ample seating. The location itself, off Route 59, is not bad, but may be a bit of a drive depending on where you are located. 

Ultimately, Poke Burrito has good sushi and poke given that Naperville is far from the oceans. Anyone looking for a better alternative to the current offerings should try it.