Nestled in the heart of Glenelg, Pokenom is making waves with its fresh, flavourful poke bowls that are as nutritious as they are delicious. This family-owned eatery, only three weeks old, is already becoming a favourite among locals and visitors, and for good reason.
Co-founder Johnny Wehbe said he and his partner were inspired by a coastal trip where they discovered poke bowls and fell in love with the concept.
“When we returned to Adelaide, we couldn’t find anything that came close, so we started making our own and realised that we were seriously good at it,” Johnny shares.
With a background in restaurants, the decision seemed obvious. The couple and her brother turned their newfound talent into a shopfront, offering a fresh, healthy dining experience right by the beach.
Located between Zambrero and Cold Rock on Moseley Square, Pokenom is easy to find yet feels like a hidden gem. The menu boasts a range of signature poke bowls, wraps, and smoothies, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
“We’re trying to create Hawaiian-style poke bowls, but with a Japanese twist,” says Johnny.
Think fresh, Japanese-style sashimi, raw seafood, reduced sugar and oil, and thoughtful preparation, adjusted to taste. Catering to all preferences, Pokenom has everything from chilli mayonnaise to gluten-free, vegan options.
“It comes down to the customer, they can change the bowl depending on what they like. We have a range of our own recommended recipes, but you can also build your own, so it never gets boring.”
The fan favourites that are “winning hearts daily” include the Salmon Bowl, a mix of salmon, avocado, edamame, and coconut-lime ponzu, and the Pulled-Beef Bowl, packed with noodles, crisp vegetables, and honey soy dressing. For a lighter yet equally satisfying option, the Chicken Bowl combines quinoa, mixed greens, and a sesame-mayo drizzle.
“Glenelg needed a healthier option,” Johnny explains.
“It’s not easy finding food in Adelaide that’s both light and full of flavour. That’s why poke bowls and Glenelg feel like the perfect match. They’re fresh, healthy, and made to enjoy right by the water.”
Not feeling hungry but need a refreshing and guilt-free beverage? The menu also offers a range of sugar-free smoothies, and fresh juices are in the works.
But beyond just great food, Pokenom cares about how it’s made.
“We’re not just about serving great food. We use fresh, locally sourced fruit and vegetables, cut our fish and meat in-house daily, and use eco-friendly packaging to help keep things clean and sustainable.” Johnny says.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. The soft launch became an official launch because business kicked off as soon as doors opened.
“We didn’t have a launch date. People kept coming in so we stayed open. When we were planning Pokenom, we dreamed of the day people would line up to order our poke bowls. Then, on our very first weekend, it actually happened. It was surreal.”
“Some customers even go out of their way to congratulate us and show support as a new business. It’s those little moments that make all the hard work feel worth it,” Johnny adds.
With homemade treats and exciting promotions on the horizon, Pokenom is set to become a staple for fresh, healthy eats in Glenelg. Head down and spruce up your Monday lunch with a tasty bowl, a premium 1645 Coffee Roasters coffee and a whole lot of nom nom nom.
WHAT: Pokenom Poke & Wraps
WHEN: 11am – 8pm daily
WHERE: Shop 13/7 Moseley Square, Glenelg
For more info, click here.
@pokenomau
