A Hawaiian-style poke stop delights in Capistrano Beach
Yusuke Kawamata, owner of Kawamata Seafood in Capo Beach. Photo: Andrea Swayne
By Samantha Hammer
Kawamata Seafood
26881 Camino de Estrella, Capistrano Beach, 949.248.1914
An avid surfer, world-traveling backpacker and seasoned sushi chef, Yusuke Kawamata, a native of Osaka, Japan is living his dream. With a love for sunshine, the outdoors and being close to the ocean, he found a great little spot in Capistrano Beach to bring his expertly crafted poke to the people.
The doors to Kawamata Seafood opened May 2014, just steps from the bluff overlooking the beaches of Dana Point, and has since become popular among poke aficionados.
“The most important thing to meis serving ‘Ja-waiian’ (Japanese/Hawaiian style) poke, having fun and offering people my genuine spirit,” Kawamata said.
An admired and creative sushi chef with a spontaneous sense of humor, Kawamata loves to mix with the customers. He also adheres to two of his strongest guiding principles—always strive to be the best and honor all people, he said.
Kawamata Seafood offers an ocean-to-table poke experience. The flavors are fresh, bold, crisp and affordable. The daily poke meals include your choice of ahi tuna, salmon, octopus, imitation crab or combination specials. The No. 1Special is ahi tuna served over white rice, brown rice or green salad. A topping of his original blend secret dressing is included, or choose from shoyu, wasabi or spicy mayo. Side dishes, sashimi and snacks—including Spam musube—assorted beverages and bottled water are also offered.
Limited indoor counter seating is available but sitting outside at an umbrella table adds favorably to the experience and is reminiscent of some of the great poke stands in Hawaii.
PRICE RANGE: Regular size poke bowl $8.50, large $11.50
PAYMENT ACCEPTED: Cash only
HOURS: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.