Kazanori Poke opened inside the UTC mall food court a few months ago. They offer a variety of poke bowls, wraps, fresh squeezed juice and tea drinks.
We had heard some good reviews about Kazanori Poke. I was especially intrigued by some of their uncommon ingredient toppings like shishito peppers and quail eggs.
Their space is quite small and we missed it at first glaze. It’s tucked in between Noodles & Company and Rubio’s.
We decided to try one signature bowl and one create-your-own poke bowl.
Sumikin Char Siu
While not raw fish, I was drawn to the photos they had on their digital menu of this bowl which is supposed to contain pork belly, bonito dressing, carrots, cucumber, green onion, shishito pepper, spicy mayo dressing.
It’s hard to see, but there is pork belly in there. However, my bowl didn’t really resemble the bowl in the menu photos at all and I also noticed the lack of shishito peppers. When I asked about it, the employee told me they didn’t have any that day. I wish he had told me before I ordered it as it was one of the reasons why I chose this bowl.
The employee did offer to add any of the other ingredients as a replacement.
Create-Your-Own
Quail eggs are one of my favorite things to eat so I was quite excited to see it offered as an ingredient, however nontraditional it may be. They only give you one though so that was a bit of a letdown.
The portions of both bowls were decent and they tasted fine. The staff was friendly and nice. I didn’t really feel that this place stood out and with so many dining options coming to UTC, this wouldn’t be my first choice. However, if you’re really in the mood for poke and you are in the area, it is a decent option.
Kazanori Poke
Inside Westfield UTC food court
4545 La Jolla Village Dr
San Diego, CA 92112
https://www.kazanoripoke.com/menu
I’ve seen this little Poke shop when I visit UTC. I can’t believe they offer the pork belly as a protein – interesting concept. Was the avocado an additional charge?
no, the avocado was included in the price
That’s unfortunate about the peppers and that there’s only one quail eggs. I love quail eggs also and wish one of our local poke places offered it.
it’s not a very typical topping but I love quail eggs too