Poke Cafe on Centre Pointe Drive — Fresh Fish Bowls in Columbia

What Poke Cafe on Centre Pointe offers

Poke Cafe sits in the Centre Pointe shopping area in Columbia and serves customizable poke bowls built around raw or seared fish. You choose your base (sushi rice, mixed greens, or both), your protein (ahi tuna, salmon, or octopus), and your toppings from a lineup that includes edamame, cucumber, seaweed salad, and spicy mayo. The restaurant also offers chirashi bowls, sashimi platters, and sides like gyoza and miso soup.

The space is casual and quick-service — you order at the counter and eat in or take out. The menu leans toward Japanese-style preparations, with flavors that range from traditional to house-created combinations. Poke Cafe draws both people looking for a fast lunch and those wanting to sit and linger over a bowl.

Key Takeaways

• Poke Cafe is located in the Centre Pointe shopping district on Centre Pointe Drive in Columbia, making it easy to reach from downtown or the midlands.
• You build your own bowl by selecting your base, protein, and toppings, so you can customize for dietary preferences or flavor preferences.
• The restaurant serves both raw and seared fish options, plus sides like gyoza and miso soup if you want more than just a bowl.
• Service is counter-order style, so expect a quick transaction whether you stay or take out.

How to build your bowl

Start by choosing your base: sushi rice (white or brown), mixed greens, or a combination of both. Sushi rice is the traditional choice and pairs well with raw fish; greens lighten the bowl if you prefer something fresher-tasting. Next, pick your protein — ahi tuna and salmon are the most popular, but octopus is available if you want something different.

From there, add toppings. The standard lineup includes cucumber, edamame, seaweed salad, avocado, and sesame seeds. Poke Cafe also offers spicy mayo, sriracha, and other sauces you can drizzle on top or mix in. If you are unsure what works together, ask the staff — they can suggest combinations or tell you what is most ordered.

Location and parking

Poke Cafe occupies a spot in Centre Pointe, a shopping center on Centre Pointe Drive in the midlands area of Columbia. The center has its own parking lot, so you can park close to the entrance. The location is accessible from I-20 and sits near other shops and restaurants, making it a convenient stop if you are already in that part of town.

If you are coming from downtown Columbia, Centre Pointe is about 10 to 15 minutes away depending on traffic. The address and exact suite number are worth confirming before you go, since shopping centers sometimes shift tenants.

What to expect in terms of price and timing

Poke bowls at Poke Cafe typically run in the mid-range for casual dining — more than a fast-food sandwich, less than a sit-down restaurant entree. The exact price depends on which protein you choose and how many toppings you add. Sashimi platters and combination orders cost more than a single bowl.

Service is fast because you order at the counter and the staff assembles your bowl while you wait. Most orders are ready within 5 to 10 minutes. If you are eating in, you can grab a table right away; if you are taking out, you can be back in your car quickly.

Dietary options and restrictions

Poke Cafe works well for people following pescatarian, gluten-free, or low-carb diets. You can build a bowl with greens instead of rice, skip sauces that contain soy or gluten, and load up on vegetables and protein. The staff can tell you which sauces are gluten-free and which toppings are vegan if you ask.

If you have a severe allergy, mention it when you order so the staff knows to take extra care during preparation. Raw fish carries a small risk for certain people (pregnant individuals, young children, and those with compromised immune systems should check with a doctor first), so know your own comfort level before ordering.

When to visit and what to bring

Poke Cafe is busiest during lunch hours, roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., especially on weekdays. If you want a quieter experience, go mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Evenings and weekends vary depending on the season and local events.

Bring cash or a card — most places in Centre Pointe accept both, but it is worth checking ahead if you prefer one method. If you are eating in, the restaurant provides napkins and utensils, but you might want to bring extra napkins since poke bowls can be saucy.

Other things to do nearby

Centre Pointe has other shops and restaurants, so you can combine a poke lunch with errands or browse nearby stores. The shopping center is also close to parks and recreational areas if you want to eat and then take a walk.

Downtown Columbia is a short drive away if you want to explore museums, galleries, or other cultural venues after you eat. The midlands area around Centre Pointe also has additional dining and entertainment options within a few minutes' drive, so you can plan a longer outing if you have time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order poke if I do not eat raw fish?

Yes. Poke Cafe offers seared fish options, and you can also order sashimi or chirashi bowls. Ask the staff which proteins can be cooked and how they prepare them. You can also build a bowl with cooked proteins and your choice of toppings.

Do you need to make a reservation?

No. Poke Cafe is counter-service and does not take reservations. You walk in, order, and eat. During very busy lunch hours you might wait a few minutes, but turnover is usually quick.

What if I am allergic to fish?

Poke Cafe is primarily a fish restaurant, so cross-contamination is possible even if you order a non-fish item. If you have a severe allergy, call ahead and speak to a manager about their preparation practices before you visit.

Can I order online or by phone?

Many poke restaurants offer online ordering or phone orders for pickup, but policies vary by location. Call Poke Cafe directly to ask whether they accept orders ahead of time, or check their social media pages for current information.

What is the difference between poke and sashimi?

Poke is cubed raw fish mixed with sauce and toppings, served over rice or greens as a bowl. Sashimi is thin slices of raw fish served plain, usually with soy sauce and wasabi on the side. Poke Cafe offers both, so you can choose based on what you prefer.