Ono Poke Bowl | Fresh and Flavorful Poke in Morganton, NC

Overview

Ono Poke Bowl, nestled in the heart of Morganton, North Carolina, serves up a fresh, vibrant take on Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls that rivals many coastal favorites. This spot brings a taste of the islands to the NC foothills with a menu rooted in quality, choice, and bold flavors. Their poke bowls feature a carefully curated selection of bases, proteins, and toppings that come together seamlessly—highlighted by signature elements like the creamy Sriracha Aioli and the popular No Protein Bowl for those seeking a plant-forward option.

The experience at Ono Poke Bowl is unpretentious yet thoughtfully executed. The casual, friendly atmosphere echoes a genuine island vibe, where 90s rock hums quietly in the background and customer service makes you feel right at home. The ordering process departs from the typical build-your-own style; guests select from established offerings, making it ideal for those who appreciate clarity and composition in their meals. This approach also ensures consistency and lets the team showcase combinations that work exceptionally well together.

Freshness is front and center—whether it's the tender, flavor-packed tuna or the crisp, vibrant seaweed salad that several guests hammered home as a must-try. The poke bowls balance generous portions of protein and crunchy textures, complemented by house-made sauces like the spicy drizzle or ponzu, which elevate each bite without overpowering the natural flavors. Notably, the No Protein Bowl and choices like cauliflower rice cater to diverse dietary preferences, making Ono Poke Bowl an inclusive choice for a broad audience, from health-conscious diners to those craving simply great-tasting food.

Located conveniently on N Green Street, Ono Poke Bowl stands out in a town more accustomed to traditional dining options. Yet it manages to bring a slice of Hawaiian culinary culture to Morganton with authenticity and flair. It’s a welcoming space for locals and travelers alike—whether passing through the mountains or settling in for a quick, satisfying lunch. The generous portions and balanced flavor profiles ensure that even newcomers to poke will leave impressed.

In short, Ono Poke Bowl offers a thoughtful, refreshing alternative in the North Carolina dining scene. Its authenticity, quality ingredients, and service come together to deliver a poke experience that’s both approachable and memorable. For those seeking a fresh, flavorful meal with a splash of island spirit, this is a must-visit destination.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

Offerings

Serves healthy options

Quick bite

Atmosphere

Casual

Trendy

What Customers Say

W. Faulkner

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Didn't expect this place to hold a candle to the poke places in Maui or Oahu, but I have to give it to them. This place is legit, very similar in selections to Poke Bar in Waikiki. No, the fish weren't swimming just hours before, but the options are fresh, real and delicious which is saying something in the NC Foothills. I got a regular bowl with mixed greens, tuna, and some excellent toppings (they were out of pineapple, and that's the only thing I wish I could have had). Seaweed salad is definitely ono! My companion got the spicy tuna & said it was very righteous. We will be back!

Joshua Collins

Dec 3,2025

5/5

This is INSANELY GOOD! I am absolutely floored with the flavors and freshness! The tuna was so flavorful and the spicy drizzle really put it over the top! But seaweed salad? Really? It was SO GOOD! I really could eat this bowl without and meat. I could eat that bowl without and sauces too. But put it all together and you have one of the most incredible combinations you'll ever try! Pictured below: Sushi Rice, Spicy Tuna, Pineapple, Green Onions, Mango, Seaweed Salad, Crispy Onions, and Crunchy Garlic. Ponzu sauce and Poke sauce on the side

Brandon Coleman

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Didn't expect this location (food type) in this location (town size). I've gone to a few poke spots, but this is slightly different. You place your order at the cash register; it's unlike where they build it while you order, so you're going to have to know what you're talking about about when you're looking at those food descriptions. This facility did offer more variety than what I'm used to (e.g., cauliflower rice, 7 sauces, mango, oranges). I bought the regular bowl instead of the large & it seemed like a large bowl. It was stocked full of sauce & protein. 90s rock played on the monitor as I ate. I was the only customer for majority of the time there.

Blake G

Dec 3,2025

5/5

12/29/2024: Great experience. Great food and love the poke bowls. Price was appropriate for good food (good value). Service was great They opened up 15 minutes early to keep us from sitting out in the rain. Many thanks.

Lucus Allen

Dec 3,2025

5/5

We were driving from the mountains back to Charlotte when we came across this place. It was one of the best poke bowls I’ve had! The service was great and friendly, the portion size was generous, and everything was fresh. We’d definitely stop by again when we’re in the area.

Becca Bruce

Dec 3,2025

5/5

If you have not tried poke - it is TIME! We *LOVE* poke. Just think deconstructed sushi in a bowl. Ono Poke served up fresh ingredients, really tasty sauces, and the staff was very kind and knowledgeable. We especially loved that it is family-owned. We tried salmon and spicy salmon, sushi rice, cucumber wasabi sauce, and poke sauce. The cucumbers themselves were extremely fresh and crunchy, and the seaweed salad (my favorite - always) was super good! I topped mine with masago, another favorite of mine. My husband put tempora on his. Go support this local, family owned business. It's good to venture out and try something new. Fresh, light meals that are good for you Thank you, Brooke and Jonah, for your time today! God bless you and your business!

Leo Taylor

Dec 3,2025

5/5

I got a single poke bowl with spicy salmon, edamame, mango, seaweed salad, ginger, and avocado. I wasn’t expecting the salmon to be cooked, but it still tastes good and has good texture. There’s a good amount of each topping too, and it is all fresh. Cute interior though the bathroom has a bit of an exposed window.

luke weber

Dec 3,2025

5/5

This was a pleasant surprise. The food was fresh and delicious. I had a large bowl with chicken and shrimp, sushi rice, edamame, carrots, green onions, sesame seeds, and a sauce i don't know how to spell. My Girlfriend had a small bowl with the raw tuna. She loved it too. My 3 year old had a bow of plain rice.