Awesome Poke Bowl. Unlike poke joints launching all over the place these days, Santo Market uses premium tuna, as well as real ogo (seaweed). Taste and quality far beyond the rest. A great stop every trip to San Jose's Japantown, and a great family-run tradition.
When I saw the add in the Metro saying fresh poke bowls made daily I had to go. We were not disappointed. I also picked up a 1/2 pint of the spicy poke and some manapua for later. I think this place will become a new favorite that will be visited again soon and often. Mahalo
First time trying and I’ve always seen long lines outside. Two orders were placed before me and my order took about 5 minutes to make. Friendly staff and lots of parking available (on weekday). I opted for the shoyu poke which was so delicious. Reminded me of all the great poke spots I’ve had in Hawaii. The fish and ingredients were all fresh and works really well together. I will be back to try the spicy poke. Santo is a definite winner!
Yes, the poke is salty. That is how it always has been. They could dial back the amount of shoyu or hawaiian salt they use, but I feel like that is their family recipe that they wouldn't like to be messed with. Just make sure you have rice to go with it! Something about the taste always brings me back though and makes me crave it. I've always gotten poke by the pound because the prices are really worth it (~$22+ ish? per pound as of Sept 2023). This time I got the poke plate with rice and the rice was too mushy. I'll stick with poke by the pound and make my own rice.
We were early enough to get their strawberry mochi. Yum. I heard it is made on Tuesdays and Saturdays. We also had poke and rice which brought back nice memories of Hawaii. It is all to-go but you can eat in the car or find a bench. You order at the window and they call you in about 5-10 min. Friendly service, fun Hawaiian deli foods.
Small market that has a window for poke takeout. There was no seating as of Nov 28, 2023 so we had to eat in our car. This place can get pretty busy during lunch. They do not have salmon poke.
Poke bowl ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: tuna was pretty fresh and flavors were decent but I'm just used to all these fancy other toppings that it might take me a little bit to appreciate simpler poke.
The poke they sell is very good! Simple and perfect for nice small meal! One of my favorite poke places! Pretty small menu but that just makes it easier to choose. Suggest people that visit come right before lunch time rush or order online as you head over! If you love simple Hawaiian poke, this is good place to go.
I tried this place for the first time today. Driving by it recently I saw a good two dozen people standing in line one day a bunch of cops and sheriffs as well as others so I got my attention today I tried the half-and-half poke with a side of rice and a side of ocean salad Everything was outstanding. The guys behind the counter were awesome and super friendly. I’m no poke expert but clearly this poke is super fresh and loaded with flavor. The spicy poke had a good amount of heat, but not overpowering. I love white rice, and this rice was very very good topped with seeds and ground up Seaweed it came to 18 bucks with tip. I’ll definitely go back.
Finally had the opportunity to stop by to try all their goodies. Arrived at 8:45 AM on a Saturday morning, shortly after a line formed before opening. If you're trying to get your hands on some strawberry mochi, this is the time to arrive. I ended up coming back for a second serving of poke to take back home at 10 AM and over heard someone trying to order the strawberry mochi and they were already sold out.
Tried the guava cake, nice moist and delicious.
Hands down the best poke I've ever had. This is like Hawaii fresh poke. I tried both the shoyu and spicy, shoyu was my favorite! Tried an order with the side of rice and another with the cucumber and tofu, both were great. Their udon is pretty delicious and they sell cold steam buns you can warm up at home and those were delicious as well!
They also sell banchan items!!
Will definitely be going back whenever I can, worth the 45 minute drive.
Gilberto “Gil” Hernandez
+5
They definitely have a simple yet tasty loco moco. Best loco moco in the area. There is plenty of other stuff on the menu and it can get very busy. Recommend using the Kiosk to order if there's a line.
Open at 9 o’clock, and the Strawberry Mochi only available for Wed & Sat! This picture was taken 8:30am. After 9:30am maybe there is no more mochi (sold out).
Parking spot only for 4~5 cars.
Wonderful Hawaiian style poke. Somehow it has continued to get higher in quality and better tasting over the years we've been getting it here. The strawberry mochi is also incredible, though it's difficult coming on the right day & time for it. Extremely worth the visit.
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