Any longtime Denizen followers will be well aware of our ongoing obsession with poké. Fresh raw fish, lightly flavoured, garnished and served on a bed of fluffy rice, the delicate dish is just about the perfect lunch. Honing in on our weakness, Takapuna’s Poké Poké is the newest opening celebrating the Hawaii-born bowls, and one that comes with options.

Proceeding to order, we were told to pick our choice of base, protein, sauce and garnish, which the adept team behind the counter then artfully assembled in takeaway bowls. The selection is vast, sure to please every palate with options catering from the classic to the contemporary. The traditional salmon with toasted sesame sauce and white rice, for instance, is of course a staple, but if you were feeling more adventurous, why not give sous vide prawn with wasabi mayo a go? With possibilities that include lobster salad, seaweed, tofu and crab, you could stop by every day for a month and never have to repeat.

Tucked away down Fortieth & Hurstmere — conveniently, right next to Bluebells Cakery — the bountiful bowls are a delicious new addition for a workday takeaway or weekend stop in.

Opening hours:
11.30am-8pm, Monday-Saturday
11.30am-4pm, Sunday