SAOKO

The pulse of Geneva’s Left Bank beats a little stronger on the first floor of the Confédération Centre. It’s here, inside the Spoon Food Hall, that a new kind of culinary escape has set up shop: Saoko Nikkei Poke Bar. Born from the meeting of Ivalu Acurio and Yoss Kakinuma, this venue marks a bold new step in Geneva’s food scene. After winning over street food fans with their SANDO burgers, the duo returns to its roots to celebrate the sacred union between Peru and Japan. In a bright, modern setting, Saoko establishes itself as the go-to address for anyone looking to escape for the length of a lunch break, discovering Nikkei cuisine that’s as colorful as it is exquisite.

What products can you find at Saoko?

Saoko’s offering is a true ode to freshness and inventiveness. The concept rests on a masterful reinterpretation of the poke bowl, where the simplicity of the Hawaiian dish is elevated by the complexity of Nikkei flavors. Each bowl is a meticulous composition featuring top-quality raw fish, crunchy grains, and sun-ripened vegetables.

Complex marinades — true signatures of the house — bridge the vibrant acidity of Peruvian citrus with the umami depth of Japanese sauces. To go with these creations, Saoko also offers a selection of fresh juices made to order. Pressed on demand, these drinks retain all their vitamins and aromas, offering a healthy, energizing alternative to industrial beverages. It’s a complete experience, built around raw ingredients and wellbeing, that defines every item on the menu.

Nikkei fusion at its peak: poke bowls reinvented with passion

Saoko’s menu doesn’t just follow the trend; it creates it with unbridled energy! The core offering stands out through signature recipes where every ingredient plays a precise role. Nikkei cuisine, born from Japanese influence in Peru, comes alive here through surprising pairings: tuna meets aji amarillo chili in a punchy ponzu sauce, while salmon takes two forms — a spicier version lifted by soy pickles, and a milder one balanced between sweet potato and Peruvian choclo corn.

The strength of this Nikkei Poke Bar lies in its ability to balance contrasts in spectacular fashion. Crunchy gives way to tender, sweetness to acidity, with disarming fluidity. This is Asian dining in Geneva that dares to break from convention, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite. Each bowl is prepared right before your eyes, guaranteeing full transparency on the quality and freshness of every component. A visual and gustatory showstopper with every order.

Fresh expertise: juices pressed to order for instant vitality

Beyond the food itself, Saoko has cultivated real expertise in the art of juicing. This service is an essential part of the brand’s DNA. Customers can choose from blends of fresh fruits and vegetables, selected for their nutritional value and bold flavor.

Whether it’s a detox juice to go with a light meal or an exotic fruit blend for an afternoon pick-me-up, “made-to-order” changes everything. You can taste the vibrant pulp, the fruit’s original aroma, and that instant energy only freshness can deliver. It’s the perfect companion for a healthy meal in Geneva, combining taste and optimal nutrition within the dynamic setting of the shopping center. A genuine shot of energy for your day.

Who is Saoko for?

Thanks to its modern approach and balanced cuisine, Saoko appeals to a diverse clientele united by one thing: an uncompromising demand for quality.

• Working professionals — For those working in the area, Saoko is the ideal partner for an efficient lunch. Service is fast, but what’s on the plate remains restaurant-quality. The perfect solution for eating well without losing time.
• Flavor explorers — Fans of world cuisine will find an authentic, creative take on Nikkei fusion, led by chefs who genuinely embody both cultures.
• Families and young urbanites — With its convivial atmosphere inside the Spoon Food Hall, the venue draws those who enjoy a relaxed moment together over visually stunning dishes.
• Flexibility seekers — With Click & Collect and fully customizable bowls, Saoko fits any lifestyle, whether eating on the go or taking a meal to go.

The benefit is clear: access to chef-driven, healthy, transporting cuisine, with all the ease of street food. An everyday luxury within reach.

Our expertise

The secret to Saoko’s excellence lies in artisanal rigor at every step. Ivalu Acurio and Yoss Kakinuma’s choice to set up at the Confédération Centre is no accident — it reflects a desire to bring exceptional cuisine to a central hub of daily life. That expertise shows in the details: fish is cut according to traditional sashimi technique, respecting the structure of the flesh for the perfect bite.

Ingredients are never chosen by default. The rice is selected for its texture, the fish comes from responsible sources, and the vegetables come from trusted producers. This “homemade” approach extends to the marinades and sauces, crafted without additives so the purity of the spices and herbs can shine through. This level of rigor is what justifies the brand’s superior quality: here, ingredients aren’t simply assembled — they’re turned into culinary alchemy.

Choosing Saoko means stepping into an Asian dining experience in Geneva that honors its roots while embracing modernity with flair. It’s an invitation to discover, a bridge between two continents, served with a smile and genuine passion for the craft. Come taste the Saoko difference and let your senses travel.