This Montreal Spot's Colourful Poke Bowls Make You Feel Like You're Next To The Pacific

Montreal poke spots are all the rave now. And for good reason — not only is it delicious, but poke bowls are beautiful looking dishes that come from a beautiful part of the world: Hawaii. Even though we can't just head to the middle of the Pacific Ocean whenever we feel like it, we can head to Koa Lua, an amazing Hawaiin-inspired restaurant right here in Montreal.

Poke is from traditional Hawaiian cuisine made of sliced raw fish and actually translates to "to slice" or "cut crosswise into pieces" from the Hawaiian language.

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About ten years ago, poke became incredibly popular in North America. In fact, Eater tells us that the trend is here to stay.

And we're not complaining. Because it means we get to cool restaurants like Koa Lua.

According to the restaurant's Facebook page, Koa Lua is "a cool spot, showcasing Hawaiian food with a funky twist from various culinary influences!"

Currently, only the location at 1446, rue Sainte-Catherine O. is open but it's still Montreal's one of go-to spots for poke.

The menu offers six types of poke that can be either pescetarian, made with tuna or salmon, or vegetarian, made with tofu, all with veggies and rice.

Prices start at $14.75, which is definitely cheaper than a flight.

And a lot faster.

For dessert, you can try a butter mochi, which is listed as a "coconut and chocolate chip cake."

Honestly, it sounds too good not to try.

But what people love most about Koa Lua is the decor.

Walking in, you'll feel like you've hopped on a flight and landed in Honolulu.

Beautiful greenery surrounds the place, with colours as bright and rich as the colour of the Pacific waters and a neon sign that says "Aloha" to welcome to your piece of Hawaiian heaven right on the island.

From the island of Montreal to a Hawaiian island. 

Koa Lua

Address: 1446, rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montreal, QC

Why You Need To Go: To go on a tropical vacation without leaving the city.

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