Pokeatery - San Mateo

The food at this restaurant is overall quite good. The staff is friendly and helpful. There are indoor and outdoor seating options, but they are fairly basic. Most people were getting their food to go. The concept of choosing your own ingredients by walking along a display is great; they do all the preparation for you. You start by choosing a base, such as rice, then pick your protein and sauce (I recommend the medium signature sauce), and finally add toppings. There are a lot of options to choose from. The meal is then put together in a box with a lid, which you can eat there or take away. I will definitely be returning to this restaurant.

I ordered "the vegan" dish with extra tofu and a side of seaweed salad. However, the dish came filled with salmon and tuna instead of tofu, and the seaweed portion was very small. I tried to contact the restaurant to request a replacement, but no one answered and their voicemail was full. As a result, I will not be dining at this restaurant again.

I arrived at the restaurant around 6:15pm on a Friday night and encountered some issues with the management. A family was monopolizing the only kiosk for over 15 minutes, while I waited to place my order. Despite knowing that the staff could take orders manually, I was told by the boy behind the counter that the family had arrived before me, even though they were still using the iPad to decide on their order. When I inquired about additional staff in the kitchen, I was informed that there were only two employees working - the boy and another guy. This was a disappointing experience, especially since I used to frequent this restaurant once a week during Covid times.

Value value value, they give four scoops of poki for only $15. Plus crab salad and rice beans etc. This same bowl would be $20-25 at other poki places. Not to say it tastes great, very fresh and fast service.

A lot of fish! Tasted good. Crab salad looked like it had a scary amount of mayo.