The Poke Guy

Vancouver may lack Hawaii’s tropical heat and aqua waters, but we can taste traditional Hawaiian poke (pronounced po-kay) right in our own backyard. Located in the heart of Gastown, The Poke Guy is one of the city's first poke-only restaurants, offering customizable bowls of the marinated seafood snack in a beachy, laid-back atmosphere.

“Seeing everyone enjoying our food is an exhilarating feeling,” says Angela Quan, who opened the 20-seat restaurant with her husband Jak Wong in 2016. The idea for the eatery came to the couple during one of their frequent family visits to Hawaii.

“The first thing we do when we arrive is eat poke, and it’s the last thing we do before flying home!” says Angela. “One thing led to another, and with a little blood, sweat and tears, here we are! Talk about dreams coming true,” she continues with a laugh.