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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeDelawareNew Castle CountyNewarkJapanese Restaurant in East Main StreetPobu
Pobu ico

Pobu

215 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, USA

4.0
I've heard of sushi burritos and have seen poke bowls, but have never tried either one. I found Pobu while looking for a reasonably priced sushi joint and decided to do something a little different.Pobu is on downtown Newark right on Main Street (westbound DE 273) a couple blocks from the University of Delaware. The restaurant itself is a small establishment with plenty of seating inside and pretty open spaced. As this place serves sushi-based items the kitchen is a prep station behind the counter in plain sight. The atmosphere is plain but functional and simple which works here.The main offerings on the menu are poke bowls and sushi burritos. They have several "recipes" you can choose from or you can make your own combination as either a poke bowl or sushi burrito. For my visit I made my own sushi burrito with a mix of salmon and spicy tuna with other ingredients included focusing more on a "traditional" sushi taste as a sushi burrito is just a big maki roll after all.The ingredients were plenty fresh and I very much enjoyed the sushi burrito I made. The nori did a very good job keeping the burrito together and I like that they use Scottish salmon for their salmon which I though was also very tasty. Soy sauce is served in packets right by the soda fountain...which I think is a slight downside for dining in. This leads to a critique I have where I'd like to see some small bottles of soy sauce on the tables and cups to put them in so you can dip your sushi burrito. The packets work well for the poke bowls but not for the sushiritos.This is a great spot for a quick bite and if you happen to be in downtown Newark and wanting a quick sushi meal, Pobu is a good choice to check out. - Chad Winkler
Pobu Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Pobu Introduce

For residents of Delaware, especially those in the vibrant downtown area of Newark, discovering a unique and delicious twist on traditional sushi is always exciting. Pobu stands out as a pioneering spot, bringing the popular concepts of sushi burritos and poke bowls to the local culinary scene. If you've been curious about these modern Japanese-inspired dishes, Pobu offers a fantastic opportunity to explore fresh flavors in a convenient and customizable format.

Pobu prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create its signature sushi burritos and poke bowls. The concept is simple yet innovative: take the delicious components of sushi and present them in a way that's easy to enjoy on the go, or customize to your exact preferences. Many patrons rave about the taste and freshness, with one customer exclaiming, "Sheeeesshhh talk about delicious!!" and another praising the "plenty fresh" ingredients and "very tasty" Scottish salmon. Pobu provides a refreshing and flavorful alternative for quick, healthy, and satisfying Japanese-inspired meals right in the heart of Newark, making it a must-try for locals looking for something a little different.

Location and Accessibility

Pobu is conveniently located at 215 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, USA. This prime address places it right on East Main Street, a bustling and easily recognizable thoroughfare in downtown Newark. Its proximity to the University of Delaware makes it an ideal spot for students, faculty, and campus visitors, as well as general residents of Newark.

Being situated in a vibrant downtown area, Pobu benefits from high foot traffic and excellent visibility. For those driving, accessibility to Main Street is generally straightforward. While direct, dedicated parking might be limited on Main Street itself, there are often public parking lots and street parking options available within a couple of blocks, making it feasible for customers to find a spot. The restaurant's "small establishment with plenty of seating inside and pretty open spaced" interior suggests a welcoming and comfortable environment, despite its quick-service model. For those utilizing public transportation, local bus routes serving East Main Street provide easy access, ensuring Pobu is a readily available option for a quick and fresh sushi meal for anyone in the Newark area.

Services Offered

Pobu primarily focuses on a streamlined, customizable, and quick-service model for its Japanese-inspired cuisine:

  • Dine-In Service: While designed for efficiency, Pobu offers "plenty of seating inside" for customers who prefer to enjoy their meal on-site. The atmosphere is described as "plain but functional and simple," which aligns well with its quick-service concept.

  • Takeout Service: This is a core offering, allowing customers to easily grab their customized sushi burritos or poke bowls to enjoy elsewhere. Online ordering is available for convenient pickup.

  • Delivery Service: Pobu partners with major third-party delivery platforms such as GrubHub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Seamless, and Postmates. This extensive network ensures wide delivery coverage, allowing customers to enjoy Pobu's fresh offerings from the comfort of their home or office in Newark and surrounding areas.

  • Customizable "Design Your Own" Menu: A standout service is the ability for customers to fully customize their meals:

    • Sushi Burritos: Choose your base (sushi rice or brown rice) and roasted seaweed wrap. Select up to two proteins (e.g., Scottish Salmon, Ahi Tuna, Spicy Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, Crabmeat). Add up to four mix-ins (e.g., Cucumber, Seaweed, Diced Mango, Cream Cheese, Avocado). Finish with your choice of flavor (e.g., Sriracha Aioli, Wasabi Aioli, Sweet Teriyaki, Japanese Mayo), toppings (e.g., Pickled Ginger, Jalapeno, Masago, Cilantro, Furikake), and crunch (e.g., Fried Crabmeat, Peanut, Onion Crisps, Tempura Crunch).

    • Poke Bowls: Similar to sushi burritos, customers can build their own poke bowls with a base of sushi rice or brown rice, choice of proteins, mix-ins, flavors, toppings, and crunch.

    • Salads (Sarada): For a lighter option, customize a fresh salad with spring mix, choice of proteins, mix-ins, flavors, toppings, and crunch.

  • Signature Menu Items: For those who prefer pre-designed options, Pobu offers several popular signature sushi burritos and poke bowls, such as:

    • Pobu Burrito: Ahi Tuna, Scottish Salmon, Avocado, Edamame, Tempura Crunch, Wasabi Basil & Sriracha Aioli.

    • Tokyo Moe's Burrito: Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Cream Cheese, Avocado, Masago, Sweet Teriyaki, Sriracha Aioli, "Tempura Style."

    • Chirashi Bowl: Sushi Rice, Ahi Tuna, Scottish Salmon, Cucumber, Mango, Avocado Sliced, Furikake, Masago, Tempura Crunch, Sriracha Aioli, Wasabi Basil.

    • Harajuku Bowl: Sushi Rice, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Spicy Crab Meat, Edamame, Avocado Sliced, Furikake, Masago, Tempura Crunch, Fried Crab Meat, Mayo, Sweet Teriyaki.

  • Appetizers: A small selection of common Japanese appetizers like Pork Gyoza, Shrimp Shumai (steamed or fried), Kani Salad, Crispy Veggie Rolls, and Veggie Gyoza.

Features / Highlights

Pobu stands out in the Newark, DE dining scene with several distinctive features that contribute to its popularity:

  • Innovative Sushi Concept (Burritos & Poke Bowls): Pobu is a pioneer in bringing sushi burritos and poke bowls to Newark. This offers a fresh and modern take on traditional sushi, appealing to those looking for convenience and customizability beyond standard sushi rolls.

  • Highly Customizable Menu: A major highlight is the "Design Your Own" option for both sushi burritos, poke bowls, and salads. This empowers customers to select their preferred proteins, mix-ins, flavors, toppings, and crunches, ensuring a personalized and satisfying meal every time.

  • Exceptional Freshness of Ingredients: Customers consistently praise the "plenty fresh" ingredients. The use of "Scottish salmon" is specifically highlighted as "very tasty," indicating a commitment to quality in their protein selections. The kitchen being a "prep station behind the counter in plain sight" further reinforces transparency and freshness.

  • Delicious Flavor Profiles: Reviewers frequently use words like "delicious," "sssooo good," and "top notch" to describe their food, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the taste. The combination of fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces creates a memorable culinary experience.

  • Friendly and Kind Owner/Staff: One glowing review specifically mentions the owner being "SO kind and funny," which "made our day." This personal touch and positive customer service contribute significantly to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.

  • Convenient Downtown Location: Situated right on Main Street, Pobu is easily accessible, especially for the University of Delaware community and local residents looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

  • Ideal for a Quick Bite: Pobu is described as a "great spot for a quick bite" and a "good choice to check out" for a "quick sushi meal," perfectly aligning with its fast-casual model.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on publicly available information, Pobu frequently utilizes digital platforms to offer various promotions, making their fresh sushi burritos and poke bowls even more appealing to locals in Delaware:

  • Delivery Platform Discounts: Pobu often participates in promotions offered by major delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. These can include:

    • $0 Delivery Fee for First Orders: A common incentive for new users on a platform to try Pobu.

    • Percentage Off Deals: Occasional discounts like 10% or 15% off orders over a certain amount, or specific item promotions.

    These promotions are dynamic and change frequently, so checking the respective apps is always recommended.

  • Loyalty Programs via Online Ordering: While not explicitly detailed, restaurants using platforms like Beyond Menu or Grubhub often integrate loyalty or reward programs where frequent customers can earn points or discounts over time.

  • Specialty Bowl/Burrito Combinations: Pobu's "Signature" sushi burritos and poke bowls, while not always discounted, offer curated combinations of premium ingredients at a set price, often providing a good value for the specific mix of components included.

For the most current and specific details on promotions, locals in Delaware are encouraged to:

  • Check Pobu's direct online ordering website (if available) or their listings on DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, Seamless, and Postmates.

  • Follow Pobu on social media (if applicable), as restaurants often announce daily or weekly specials there.

  • Call them directly at (302) 366-8080 to inquire about any in-house specials.

Contact Information

To experience Pobu's fresh sushi burritos and poke bowls, you can reach them using the following contact details:

  • Address: 215 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, USA

  • Phone: (302) 366-8080

  • Mobile Phone: +1 302-366-8080

Hours of Operation (Note: Hours can vary slightly across platforms, best to confirm directly):

  • Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

  • Tuesday: Closed

  • Wednesday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM (some delivery platforms list until 9:00 PM for pickup or 8:30 PM for delivery)

Note: Given slight discrepancies in listed hours across various online platforms, it's always recommended to call Pobu directly to confirm their current operating hours, especially if you are visiting close to opening or closing times.

Conclusion: Why Pobu is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Newark, Delaware, and the wider surrounding areas, Pobu presents an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing dining option, especially for those seeking fresh, customizable, and convenient sushi. Its primary suitability for locals lies in its innovative approach to sushi, offering the popular and versatile sushi burrito and poke bowl formats. This allows for a delightful and less traditional way to enjoy sushi, perfect for those who might find conventional rolls cumbersome or who simply prefer a heartier, more customizable meal.

The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, including acclaimed Scottish salmon, ensures a delicious and wholesome dining experience. The ability to "Design Your Own" burrito or bowl is a significant draw, empowering locals to tailor their meal precisely to their preferences, whether they are adventurous eaters or prefer classic flavor combinations. This level of customization caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and dietary needs.

Furthermore, Pobu's prime location on East Main Street, just a couple of blocks from the University of Delaware, makes it incredibly accessible for students and residents alike. The convenience of both takeout and extensive delivery options through major platforms seamlessly integrates with busy local lifestyles, providing a quick and healthy meal solution. The positive feedback about the "kind and funny" owner also adds a welcoming, community-focused touch to the dining experience. For Newark locals looking for a quick, fresh, customizable, and delicious sushi-inspired meal, Pobu is undeniably a top choice, proving why it's a beloved "great spot for a quick bite" in Delaware.

Pobu Photos

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Pobu Location

Pobu

215 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, USA

Pobu Reviews

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