Poke bowls in Melbourne have evolved far beyond their Hawaiian roots. Traditionally, poke is a simple dish of marinated raw fish, usually tuna, tossed with sea salt, seaweed, and served over rice—a mix of freshness and simplicity. But here in Melbourne (and much of Australia), poke has become a fusion of Hawaiian tradition and Japanese sushi bowls, creating a uniquely Aussie take on the dish. In Melbourne, a poke bowl can mean anything from the classic fish-and-rice combo, to bowls packed with marinated meats and toppings like pickled veg and ponzu sauce. Our list of the best poke bowls in Melbourne certainly reflects this Hawaiin/Japanese/Aussie fusion – so let’s dive right in.
Best Melbourne Poke Bowls at a Glance
Below is an overview of our favourite poke bowl spots in Melbourne!
- Best overall: One Plus Piece
- Best for traditional poke: Moonfishh
- Best for vegan: Paradiseescape
- Best for creative poke bowls: Toro Sushi & Poke
Now let’s take a look at the long list of where to find the best poke bowls in and around Melbourne.
9 Best Poke Bowls in Melbourne
1. Toro Sushi & Poke
- What we like: Good place to dine in or grab food on the go when in Collingwood
- What could be better: If you want sushi rolls, it can be a bit hit or miss compared to the poke bowls!
On the Menu
Toro Sushi & Poke in Collingwood is a must-visit for anyone who loves a good poke bowl. Their menu is a solid mix of traditional flavours and creative options, making it easy to build your perfect bowl. Start with your choice of protein, like fresh salmon, ahi tuna, or even premium options like scallops or soft-shell crab (or lobster!). Then, pick a base – you have a choice of white rice, sushi rice, or something lighter like seaweed salad.
What really makes Toro Sushi & Poke as a great boke bowl place in Melbourne is their variety of sauces and add-ons. From the classic shoyu to the tangy ponzu and spicy mayo sauce, plus add-ons like crispy garlic, avocado, and masago, you can easily elevate your bowl to gourmet status. We also love the attention to detail at Toro. Every ingredient is fresh, and the combinations are spot-on. Whether you’re a poke purist or like to experiment with different flavours and textures, Toro Sushi & Poke has something for you.
You’ll also find other non-poke options chicken or salmon teriyaki bowls, udon noodles and more. You can eat in every-day from 8.30am until 8.30pm, or grab a bowl to go! It’s a great spot for a healthy catch-up with friends, or to dine in on your own when out and about in Collingwood.
- Address: 190-192 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
- Phone: (03) 9419 5886
- Opening Hours: 7 days, 8.30am-8.30pm
2. Poke The Bear Cafe
- What we like: Nourshing poke bowls that are gluten free and vegan friendly (but you can add meat!)
- What could be better: If you’re dining in, it can feel a little crowded as the tables are close together.
On the Menu
The menu at Poke the Bear doesn’t scream “dedicated poke venue” but we didn’t want to not include them on the list. Inner-north locals rave about their poke bowls that are fresh, healthy and packed with flavour. They aren’t what you’d call traditional poke, but it definitely hits the spot when you’re craving a huge bowl full of goodness.
The Red Poke Bowl is a crowd favourite – a mix of quinoa, sweet potato, charred corn, and pickled cabbage, all brought together with a creamy hummus and zingy spinach and pea pesto. So dang good. You can also load up your bowl with salmon, pork, chicken, egg… whatever you fancy, really. Apart from poke, you can grab options like brekky tacos stuffed with scrambled eggs, avocado, tomato relish. The lunch menu is equally tempting with toasties, nachos, and some tasty house cut potato skins.
Poke the Bear also serves up a solid coffee game with beans from Wide Open Road. They’ve also got you covered with freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and cocktails too.
- Address: 2A Mitchell St, Northcote VIC 3070
- Phone: (03) 9481 5554
- Opening Hours: Sat-Sun 8am-3pm, Mon, Thurs, Fri 7.30am-2.45pm
3. Tengu Melbourne
- What we like: Clean, fresh ingredients and great customer service
- What could be better: Service can be a bit slow during lunch-time rush
On the Menu
Tengu is a bit of a hidden gem on Little Collins Street, perfect for a quick and healthy lunch break. The setup is simple, with a focus on fresh, delicious food rather than elaborate decor. It’s popular with the office crowd, so expect a bit of a rush during lunch hours.
The poke bowls are the star here (obviously). We’re big fans of the Tengu Mayo Salmon Soba Poke Bowl—packed with fresh salmon, avocado, and a tasty mayo drizzle. They also have a Spicy Pirikara Mayo version if you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick. The portions are generous, and the ingredients are always fresh. If you’re not into poke, they also offer sushi, bento boxes, and other Japanese dishes like Japanese Chicken Curry.
- Address: 431 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: (03) 9606 0982
- Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-5pm
4. Rolling Nori Japanese Cafe
- What we like: No fuss, fresh poke bowls
- What could be better: The vibe is more functional than cosy, so it’s great for a quick bite but not the place if you’re looking to relax with friends.
On the Menu
Rolling Nori, located on Rose Lane in the CBD, is a low-key spot that’s perfect for grabbing a quick a delicious poke bowl in Melbourne CBD. The café has a simple, no-fuss vibe with a focus on delivering great food fast.
The menu at Rolling Nori is packed with delicious Japanese dishes, but everyone comes for the poke bowls (but also the katsu curry and rice – seriously so good). The fresh salmon bowl is clean and fresh, but if you really love your raw seafood, go for the fresh mixed poke bowl with salmon, kingfish and tuna! Rolling Nori also offers other Japanese staples like ramen, bento boxes, and salads, so there’s something to keep everyone happy.
Rolling Nori keeps the drinks list simple with soft drinks, but they also offer Japanese beverages like sake and beer. If you’re in the mood for something warm, their matcha hot chocolate is next level!
- Address: T302/11 Rose Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: (03) 9886 5888
- Opening Hours: 7 days, 10am-9pm
5. Moonfishh
- What we like: Their menu is driven by seasonal market offerings, offering what it calls a “full-sensory sushi experience”
- What could be better: Pricing is on the higher side
On the Menu
Moonfishh in Albert Park (but also at University of Melbourne and Southbank) is renowned for its fresh, seasonal poke bowls. Chef Haru Sonobe brings his years of experience as a sushi master to every dish, making sure what you’re eating is not only fresh but also thoughtfully prepared.
We’re big fans of the classic Salmon Poke with diced salmon sashimi, brown rice, avocado, edamame, and tomato. It’s super simple but since the salmon is so incredibly fresh, you don’t really want any sauces overpowering it! It’s the real star of the dish, after all. The Sashimi Poke is another great poke bowl option if you love a variety of seafood, featuring a balanced mix of sashimi on top of sushi rice and salad.
While it is on the pricier side for poke bowls, you definitely get what you pay for with fresh, seasonal and sustainably sourced seafood. There’s also udon, bento boxes and a variety of other sushi options.
- Address: 101 Bridport St, Albert Park VIC 3206
- Phone: (03) 9699 5920
- Opening Hours: 7 days, 10am-7pm
6. Bowls Baby
- What we like: 100% gluten free menu and generous portions
- What could be better: Sometimes the bowls can be a bit too saucy
On the Menu
If you ever find ourself out Essendon way, Bowls Baby is a must visit for a poke bowl (and just about every other type of bowl you can think of). There is a CBD shop, but the consensus seems to be the Essendon shop serves up a better experience in terms of food and service.
The Poh Key Bowl is the classic option, with cured salmon, brown rice, edamame, and a tasty ginger dressing. But you can build your own bowl with a range of proteins like beef, salmon, halloumi, or spicy tofu, plus all your traditional sald options. All bowls are 100% gluten free, and the serving sizes are super generous – you’ll definitely leave full and happy.
They also serve up breakfast bowls (acai bowls) and several banging smoothies (would recommend the Double PB with natural peanut butter, dates, banana & almond milk).
- Address: 35 Rose St, Essendon VIC 3040
- Phone: (03) 8256 3360
- Opening Hours: 7 days, 10am-8pm
7. One Plus Piece
- What we like: Super fun vibes with so many poke bowl options to choose from!
- What could be better: It’s a very popular Balwyn cafe, so you might find yourself queueing on the weekend
On the Menu
One Plus Piece in Balwyn isn’t just great for poke bowls in Melbourne – visiting the cafe is an experience in itself. It’s a playful-animed-themed space that takes fun vibes and good food to the next level.
We rate this one of the best poke bowl spots in Melbourne because of the incredible variety – from traditional poke to more inventive options. The classic King Salmon bowl, with its mix of pickled radish, avocado, and wasabi mayo, is fresh and zesty, a classic done right. If you’re after something with a bit more kick, the Spicy Tuna bowl, with creamy chili mayo, crispy shallots, and avocado, hits all the right spicy and crunchy notes. Or, if you like a mix, the D.S.T. bowl is a solid choice with diced salmon and tuna, sriracha maple sauce, and crispy kale for that perfect crunch.
If you’re after a more meat heavy poke bowl, we’d suggest Wagyu bowl with frilled M9+ Wagyu, pickled radish, and a 63° egg drizzled with home-made garlic soy sauce. The BBQ Duck with cucumber, pickles, fried egg and spring onion is also a delicious option.
What we really love about One Plus Piece is the generous serving sizes and affordable prices. Poke bowls start at $18 and don’t get more expensive than $20!
- Address: 266 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103
- Phone: (03) 9830 4459
- Opening Hours: 7 days
8. Paradisescape
- What we like: 100% vegan menu – but it’s hard to tell!
- What could be better: It’s hard to fault this place – everything is pretty great!
On the Menu
If you’re looking for vegan poke bowls in Melbourne – head to Paradisecape in Brunswick for the biggest selection of vegan poke you’e ever seen. Their OG Poke Bowl is a standout, featuring vegan salmon sashimi that’s marinated to perfection, paired with edamame, avocado, and a light, tangy yuzu mayo. It’s everything you love about poke, made vegan! If you’re in the mood for something filling, the Vegan Unagi Don with plant-based teriyaki unagi and seasoned sushi rice is another solid option.
If you’re looking for something other than poke, you have to try the BBQ duck wraps and massaman curry, which bring some incredibly bold, rich flavours to the table.
What we love about Paradisescape is everything is made with care, and the flavours really pop – it’s honestly hard to believe it’s all vegan! Overall, Paradisescape is a must-visit if you’re after fresh, flavourful vegan food that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Address: 51 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
- Phone: (03) 9492 2888
- Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-10pm
9. Maki Mix Prahran
- What we like: Fresh, affordable poke bowls in the heart of Prahran.
- What could be better: If you’re dining in, service can be a bit slow.
On the Menu
Maki Mix on Chapel Street is the go-to spot for poke lovers in Prahran. The Tasmanian salmon bowl is a fan fave, featuring diced salmon sashimi with a fresh mix of beetroot, edamame, cucumber, and seaweed salad. It’s all served on a base of mixed purple rice and soba noodles, topped with fried shallots and sesame seeds for that extra crunch. If you’re more into tuna, the yellowfin tuna bowl is equally delicious, combining tender tuna with fresh veggies and a punchy wasabi mayo and ponzu sauce.
If you want to try something different, the soft shell crab tempura bowl offers a crispy, flavorful twist with a generous serving of soft shell crab, paired with the same fresh veggies and sriracha mayo. And if you’re in the mood for something more customised, their “build-your-own” poke bowl option lets you create a meal to satisfy whatever it is you’re craving.
For something non-poke bowl, you’ve gotta try the triple tacos – it’s basically a sushi-style taco! You can choose form prawn tempure, chicken nori, spicy tuni, soft shell crab, lobster nori and even a Philly cheese steak option which we hear from the locals is a must-try.
- Address: 328 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181
- Phone: (03) 9529 6029
- Opening Hours: 7 days, 11am-8.30pm
How Man of Many Chose the Best Poke Bowls in Melbourne
With an editorial team full of foodies, Man of Many has had the unique opportunity to directly experience some of the best spots for poke bowls in Melbourne.
It is also based on our experience, in-depth research and customer reviews of poke bowls in melbourne. As expert journalists who guide people between competing products and services, we have provided our independent opinion in formulating our selections. Our editors have taken into account food, service and atmosphere to come up with this list.
You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews.
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Melbourne Poke Bowls FAQ
Poke bowls can be super healthy! They’re usually made with fresh ingredients like fish, veggies, and whole grains, which pack in nutrients and good fats. But, like anything, it depends on what you put in your bowl. Opt for lean proteins, lots of veggies, and go easy on heavy sauces to keep it light and healthy.
Poke bowls and sushi bowls are pretty similar, but there are a few key differences. A poke bowl is typically Hawaiian and focuses on marinated raw fish like tuna or salmon, served over rice with a mix of veggies, seaweed, and sometimes fruit. Sushi bowls are more like deconstructed sushi, with raw fish, rice, and the typical sushi toppings like avocado, cucumber, and nori, but without the marination and with more emphasis on traditional Japanese ingredients. However, in Melbourne (and much of Australia), often when a menu says poke bowl, it’s usually an amalgamation of traditional Hawaiin poke bowls and a suhi bowl. Let’s call it an Aussie poke bowl!
A good poke bowl is all about balance and freshness. The fish should be high quality and super fresh, the veggies crisp and colorful, and the grains cooked just right. A mix of textures—like creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and tender fish, along with a sauce that complements without overpowering, makes for a great poke bowl.
