Ichii in Japanese means first place. Poke Ichii is just that... First place!
I pretty much expected this new addition to the North Natomas area to be like all poke places. You know, you walk in, read the menu, see the same items, pick and choose etc. It was so much better!
Poke Ichii does fall into place with starting with the size bowl you would like. You may combine or have just one of the base items; sticky rice, brown rice, salad, or wontons. I selected the brown rice and a few of the wontons. The wontons are crispy and taste super fresh. The rice is made throughout the day, and super fresh tasting.
I ordered the three choice protein bowl. So much good stuff to choose from. Poke Ichii offers items that I havent seen at other poke places, such as, ahi, spicy scallops, spicy salmon, and just so much goodness to select from.
They have a variety of sauces, and will let you try the sauces so that you can pick whats right for you. I had a combo of sauces, and once mixed with the fish, WOW. Super yum!
The add-ons range from crab salad, mango, a variety of veggies, masago, bacon, yes, bacon!, and enough to make your creation unique and tasty. The portions are generous. Is it pricey? Yes. Despite the cost, you're getting a bowl filled with fresh fish, and good tasting items that you've customized to your tastebuds.
What I found to be really special about Poke Ichii is the customer service. From the moment that I walked in, to when i left, I felt welcomed. They greeted me when I opened the door, and smiled when they offered to help me. They were patient with my questions, and were happy to suggest combos, and deter me from selecting items that they thought wouldnt be tasty together. They offered tasting of items that i wasnt certain about. Truly great customer service. When I asked if it was okay to take pictures, they graciously agreed. Just super nice people.
Since they just opened, they are still in their soft opening phase, and i would strongly encourage you to stop by and give them a try. During the soft opening, they are offering 30% off each bowl. After the soft opening, they will offer stamp cards for each bowl purchase. Your tenth bowl is free.
Poke Ichii is located in the same shopping center with other restaurants and businesses, so parking may take a moment to find. You can dine in, but space is pretty limited. I would suggest getting your food to go, and enjoying it at home, or one of the local parks. Super fresh food, and super nice people! They also own a sushi restaurant in South Natomas (Lotus Fusion) so they know food! The poke bowl was really good!!
Diners tip- ask for more than one sauce! The more the better.
They are also happy to give you extra sauce to go. read more