On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Balboa Teriyaki

3.5 star rating
based on 96 reviews

Category: Japanese  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
3536 Balboa Street
(between 36th Ave & 37th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 751-8895
Hours:

Tue-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
You Might Also Consider

Shimo

4 star rating
217 reviews
Neighborhood:
Outer Richmond

"Everytime I go, we try new things.  Here's something to definitely try next time:  Get the uni and ask for mint leaves and shredded daikon.…" read more »

96 reviews for Balboa Teriyaki

Review Highlights   

user photo
"green tea ice cream as i rounded up my filling meal on trip two." (in 10 reviews)
user photo
"Because I want to marry this place and have its sushi babies." (in 42 reviews)
user photo
"the spicy tuna hand roll with avocado is absolutely amazing." (in 29 reviews)
loading  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Jay Y.

 

7

12

Jay Y.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
11/16/2009

This place is great, not only do they give out free items on the house to satisfy your palate, the customer service is phenomenal. It's no secret that the owners are Korean however the quality of food is GREAT.

NOTABLE ROLLS:
49er Roll
The Grinch
The Sexy Roll
Dragon Roll

The Bento boxes are a great deal as well. If I could give this place 6 stars I would because between the good service, great prices and excellent quality of food I am always pleased with my experience at Balboa Teriyaki would definitely recommend this place to anyone who likes a solid eating experience at a good price.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of nobu k.

Elite '09

778

584

nobu k.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 11/6/2009

100% Korean.
I like Korean Japanese better than Chinese Japanese.
Korean is very similar to Japanese.
Well, most Japanese culture came from Korean peninsula traditionally.
So, I am comfortable with Korean food.

I ordered a Bento "BOX" Dinner with Chicken-Katsu & Sashimi.
14 bucks.
The Sashimi was small edge part of fish.
The Chicken Katsu was wet saggy. wasn't crispy, wasn't juicy at all.
Really disappointed.
I wanted to like the place because the service was good.
I wasn't happy.
I had better!

Should I give another chance?
I am afraid to go back.

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    11/6/2006

    Well,
    Its a Japanese restaurant by Korean.
    Small and cozy.
    Food was Okey.
    Nothing wrong.
    But  also… Read more »

Photo of sachiko k.

 

5

33

sachiko k.

San Mateo, CA

4 star rating
11/13/2009

FRIENDLY SERVICE! but more important.. FREE FOOD!
now that i got your attention... =)
yes, they give you a lot of on the house stuff.
i went with my boyfriend just for a snack.
we ordered a rainbow roll.
and while we're waiting for the roll they brought us some edamame :9 YUM!!!
and then they brought us 2 fried shrimp on a skewer. they were delicious!
and THENN, yes they brought us more free food! they brought us some sort of salmon ball. not quite sure what it was, but it was hella good! and that's all that matters. and it was free :)

and after our free and delicious appetizers, our roll came :) it was pretty good :) not the best, but nothing to complain about.

service: very friendly korean people who are very generous.
overall a great great environment and meal :)
our snack turned into more of like a meal.

at the end they give you this "membership card". not sure how it works. but basicallly everytime you eat there you get how much you spent typed on the card and some sort of discount from it the next time :)

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Suzanna G.

 

20

44

Suzanna G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/7/2009

The people who run this place are very friendly, customer-service oriented people. Just that alone makes me come back again and again. The last two times i have eaten there (after not being there for a while) we received a lot of things on the house. I think they gave us two appetizers, edamame, and ice cream for the dessert. And it was just the two of us. That's a really nice touch!

I'm a big fan of sushi platters and usually when i order it at most places, the chef picks your sushi. So often times i end up getting the stuff that i don't like (i.e. i don't like the dead dry shrimp sushi - tastes just blah to me, or the egg one, which i can eat sometimes, but still not a real fan of it). However, to my surprise when i asked them what's included in the chef's choice and when i shared that i don't like shrimp and egg, guess what the waiter told me?? He said, no problem at all, we'll replace them with something else! What?? That is awesome, i love you for that!! And guess what, when my sushi platter came, it had two salmon and two tuna - my most favorite!!

They definitely value their customers here and know how to please them! Given that i only live two blocks from here, i will certainly go back many more times!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Deborah C.

 

19

43

Deborah C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 10/27/2009 7 photos

5 stars again because of their great service and food, i've been coming here at least once a week since the first visit. :D

FOOD is tasty and all the waiters/waitresses are so kind. i can tell they work really hard to please their patrons. :D

on a side note, i went inside to get some food to-go.  i got the bento dinner special with pork katsu & vegetable tempura.  it was a lot of food for the price of $15. i actually had left-overs and ate it the next day for lunch. whoo-hoo!

while i sat and waited at the front for a few minutes, they offered me some hot tea.  thereafter, one waitress offered me to sit at the table and gave me some edamame.
AND...
they also served me a yummy fried tempura fish ball.  i was quite sure what it was, but the presentation was so creative and looked appetizing.

after 10-15 minutes of waiting, i was already satisfied and left the restaurant happy.

OF COURSE...
i went home and enjoyed every bite of the food. :D

THUMBS UP, Balboa Teriyaki!

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    9/3/2009

    you are in for a treat! :D LUNCH SPECIALS are awesome here!
    WHY?
    you have so many choices to choose… Read more »

Photo of Katy A.

Elite '09

73

119

Katy A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/12/2009

Free stuff? Yes!
Easy to understand menu?! Yes!
Delish?! Yes!

Triple Win....
totally comin' back!

So, for a newbie-ish sushi lover...it's important to me to be able to go to a sushi place and feel comfortable learning about new things...trying new slimy deliciousness and not going broke doing it.
This place had adorable covered booths that pulled us in...and a menu that had loads of images and explanations. I learned about a lot of things I wondered about in the past. The waitress was really nice and helpful. When they gave us free tasters, I felt comfortable asking what they were and how to eat them. As my boyfriend says "Comfort is the new black"...
and this place made me feel so comfortable we stayed for nearly an hour!

Can't wait to keep learning and come back for more!

The sushi, btw, was also super tasty...the fish was soft, fresh and beautiful.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Senic D.

 

11

91

Senic D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/7/2009 1 photo

Korean owned.  Great, attentive service.  Small inside.  Cute decor.  

I went on a Wednesday afternoon around lunchtime.  Place is small.  About half full when I went (three booths filled & one table + me, eating alone, sigh).

I had a headache and I didn't really feel like eating but this place seemed so inviting and where I could just relax for a few minutes.

Everything I ordered came out in about 5 mins.  They kept offering me tasty sides *on the house*.  Salad was definitely mayonaissey but unexpectedly good.  Loved the bento box presentation.

Even though I had to run (I miscalculated how much time I had for lunch) the staff was super sweet and packed up my lunch and even offered me green tea ice cream!

Will definitely come again.  Thanks (:

Was this review …?

 

Photo of B L.

 

2

4

B L.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
9/19/2009

My girlfriend showed me this place and I would definitely recommend it to others.

I had the Lunch special (Ton Katsu) and she had a Bento box with salmon and saba. We also ordered a Dynamite roll on the side.

Everything was great tasting and not to mention affordable! When it comes to restaurants, I'm always critical of places that do not have the right kind of quality for the price they are asking for.

To me, Balboa Teriyaki is right on the money! Great quality combined with a great price.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of G C.

 

1

10

G C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/13/2009

I used to go here a lot when I was younger before they added that fancy sign outside. After going here yesterday, I must say I will definitely be back again.

The waitresses are all very nice and they all greet you the very second you step inside. They were even nice enough to offer me some free yummy edamame while I waited for my to-go order. Their selection was good and it took me a while to finally decide on their New Rainbow Roll (shrimp tempura, real crab and avocado inside with tuna, tai, salmon, ebi, hamachi and two types of tobiko- green and red on the outside) and their Spicy Sake Roll. Both were very delicious (especially the New Rainbow Roll). The food wasn't exactly cheap, but it was worth the cost.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Eugene M.

 

0

11

Eugene M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/7/2009

I've been eating here for a few years. This place got a new owner about a year ago - under old management, it was 5 stars.

Recommended rolls:
A's roll (soft-shell crab, eel)
Bay Scallop roll (baked roll - covered in mayo)

You may want to consider take out from here, because your clothes will smell like tempura if you eat in the restaurant.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of susa w.

 

0

3

susa w.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/5/2009

I love this sushi place!!! I love it so much that when i used to live in NY and come to SF to visit this would be the first place I would  come and eat at.  The service is great and so is the food. I love the specialty rolls. I am not such a fan of the Teriyaki though. The Hawaiian roll, tiger roll and dragon roll are my top three.  They are  awesome!!!!
The only issue is that they are a bit pricey but such a yummy treat.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Zin B.

 

23

145

Zin B.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/12/2009

Headed to the outer Richmond fog to lunch on Shanghai dumplings.  Was sad to find both joints are closed on Tues. Sooo, walked around a couple blocks & decided to give this place a go.  

Glad we did.  Got the 2 item lunch box - $8.50 - which included 4 pieces of CA roll too.  PLUS all these freebies:  edamame, 1 skewered shrimp, 1 seafood dumpling & green tea ice cream!!  The food quality was much better than Ichiraku which also gives freebies.

The salmon teriyaki was ok & tonkatsu good (didn't look like a fried frozen patty like most other cheap Japanese joints).  The tempura was also much better than most - light batter & not greasy.

Our waitress was responsive & nice.  It's a small place.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Rebecca B.

 

1

2

Rebecca B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/10/2009

This place is a great deal when you get the bento box at dinner. I got sashimi and tempura in my bento box and there was a good amount of sashimi and tons of tempura. That also comes with free edamame, miso soup (with refills!), salad, and green tea for dessert all for $15.

They also give fried shrimp on the house and each time i have gone there they always have given me some extra free food.

Once I got free a potsticker platter and another time I got fried sake balls.

There is no sushi bar and that atmosphere is average but it is a really great spot. Service is fabulous and fish is very fresh. I highly recommend.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Martin C.

 

0

105

Martin C.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/13/2009

I've eaten here several times over the years, either before or after a movie at the Balboa Theater, whenever I was in the mood for Japanese and didn't want Chinese, Italian or Vietnamese food, which are all also available on the same block.  

The restaurant is very small and crowded when fully occupied.  The food is ok, not great or awful, but you can get better elsewhere if you're willing to drive there.  Just  ate here again a couple of months ago and had some grilled salmon which was fine.  Service is also ok, but they only have one server and you'll have to make an effort to get his  attention (it's always been a guy when I've been there) especially if they are busy.  They don't have enough room for a sushi bar and I've never had sushi here, because if I can't see it, I won't eat it.  However, they do serve some unusual Japanese dishes that are posted on signs on the walls and I've tried some in the past and it must of been ok because I don't recall it being bad but I also can't remember what I had, so it wasn't all that memorable.  I do recall however that some of the entree dishes seemed quite pricey.  So, it's advisable to pay attention to the price of what you're ordering,

I'd plan to eat there again whenever I'm in the area and am in the mood for Japanese food, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Eileen L.

 

94

1066

Eileen L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/13/2009

I like this place . I just came here with my friend yesterday . The chicken teriyaki was not bad . The California roll was okay . The tiger roll was really good !! It had a hint of spicy flavor to it which was nice . They gave us two shrimps on the house which tasted alright . They also gave us two deep fried salmon balls on the house which were pretty good =) . Good, friendly service ... very attentive staff . Will definitely be back !

Was this review …?

 

Photo of marcy c.

 

1

11

marcy c.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/20/2009

The memories my boyfriend (boyfriends!) have of coming here so many times over the many years that we've been addicted to Japanese cuisine (sounds much better than just simply food).\

But , ah!  

Much to my startlement, they now have new ownership.

Looks like they are freshinin up things a bit.  The standard fare for unadventerous hakujin (white folk), but also a number or interesting items.  The sushi is very good for a regular Japanese restaurant, as opposed to a place that bills itself as a sushi bar or house.

Good selection of beers, sake, and wines.  You get the idea.
No, I'm not a lush. But I do enjoy good spirts with my equally good food.

The decor hasn't really changed.

I would make one suggestion to them:

Put a menu in the window for passerby.

(as with any restaurant in the area, parking can be a pain in the tush, especially when the Balboa Theatre is showing good films, which is just about always.

This will be my first review of many restaurants, but especially Japanese restaurants.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of I. P.

 

0

5

I. P.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/7/2009

My husband and I enjoy eating here often. We especially like the spicy, salmon, "tiger roll" and the fresh, lemony, salmon "49er roll". My favorite is the delicious chicken teri don. They usually offer a nice green tea ice cream on the house, after you're done with your meal. The service is quite friendly and attentive.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of santita h.

 

0

8

santita h.

Santa Cruz, CA

4 star rating
10/1/2009

Had a very late lunch there today, so the place was empty which you dont want to see...but this place looked promising and was great!

I had the Unagi Don and Poke Roll. Portions are good, more importantly the fish taste Fresh and prepared so well!!

My husband had the chefs choice sashimi and the cuts were so good and generous.

They gave us a few items on the house: shrimp app and green tea ice cream.

Definately would go back!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kimberly K.

Elite '09

122

483

Kimberly K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/11/2009

though i've only been a couple times, each time i've gone to balboa teriyaki i've been pretty impressed with the customer service.  i'm not a big sushi gal, but teriyaki and i can be bffs if it hugs me back.  not one of those fake keep your butt farther away from your chest when you hug..but like.. a big ol' bear hug.

...i think i've lost my train of thought.

balboa teriyaki wins in my book for the bonuses.  after ordering edamame the first time, i had complimentary edamame on my return.  bonus!  both times they provided shrimp on the house.  bonus!  green tea ice cream as i rounded up my filling meal on trip two?  dayum.  y'all give more bonuses than an automotive CEO hiding out from a bailout in his corporate jet.

decent food.  my friends loved their sushi, and i devoured the teriyaki leaving barely any left to spare.  

extra points to the server for helping me not feel like such a dufus when i spilled my soup all over the table, cleaned it all up and said "let's pretend it never happened."

...reminds me of prom night.

balboa teriyaki, you're a win.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of charley b.

 

15

63

charley b.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
5/13/2009

Before reading this review, please ask yourself this question:  Is a sushi restaurant a real sushi restaurant if there is no sushi bar?  

Do not go here under any circumstances.

I should have canceled my order and left when my friend who I used to eat here with told me over the phone that I should leave immediately.  But no, the nice Charley said I must stay and see for myself.  He also told me  to avoid anything terriyaki at all cost.  great.  it just so turned out that I ordered a dinner bento with tempura and chicken terriyaki.  mind you, it came with weird fish balls that I ate one of and spit it out back onto my box right away.

we ordered some "fish":

yellowtail
salmon
albacore

so gross.  you would think that if the "itamae" is serving "fish" that is not so fresh, he might try to disguise that fact with smaller portions of fish and a little more wasabi than usual.  Not the case here.  In fact, each piece of "fish" was larger than my tongue and I have a big fucking tongue.  they also did not taste like what they were supposed to taste like, i.e. the "fish" must have been thawed (there is no fresh fish here) for at LEAST 8 days.  

the service was fine.  they asked if everything was okay like 5 times, which leads me to believe they either:

A) knew we hated the shit out of their food
or
B) knew their food would be passed up by a black lab (they'll eat just about anything)

I overtipped way too much because I felt really bad about how bad their food was.

oh, as soon as we walked in, my lady friend asked me if I thought the tables had just been finished.  yes.  they had been.  i have no nose hair left and i think the first three layers of my skin  is stuck to the top of the table.  

overall, and I say this with the utmost repsect to the folks who are trying to make it in the restaurant industry, close this place and do something good in this section of balboa and do what the smart korean restauraunt owners do and open a korean restaurant.  serve up some kalbi, some kimchee, sell some hite, whatever,  just stop making the mess that is masquerading as food at this restaurant.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of chriss l.

 

2

61

chriss l.

Fullerton, CA

5 star rating
4/26/2009

Been going since 1997 and NEVER been disappointed.

This time, went for lunch, their hours have changed, open at 2 pm!

We ordered:

Agedashi: deep fried tofu with sauce. Soft, silky, DELICIOUS!

New Spider Roll: it was good. but didnt taste like the crab was fresh fried though.

Caterpillar roll or something: delicious unagi on top.

House roll: this one was FREE!!! deep fried goodness

Golden  california roll: pretty and delicious, made with REAL crab!!! and they didnt skimp either!

It also came with soup and salad and edamame.
plus beer

altogether $48 with $8 tip already included

street parking
very helpful and friendly staff
I LOVE this place!!! never ever change!!!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of lisa m.

 

1

10

lisa m.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/12/2009

We wandered in one day after Dumpling King was busy hosing out their kitchen or some shit, and now we still have never been to Dumpling King cause this place is fantastic! Their sashimi has the giantest cuts of fish and we absolutely freaking love the service there. I usually get chefs choice sashimi, but the other day I ordered a softshell crab and some baked oysters and it was all excellent. I get a different saki every time, and the green tea ice cream really makes my day. I'm going there right now. Then to the Hockey Haven!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Marco M.

 

29

36

Marco M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
3/24/2009

Ok, so - this place isn't bad. In terms of my part of the Outer Richmond, I'd say it's actually better than some of the other sushi offerings. Portions are good size, and the price isn't awful. And - as anyone who has read my reviews knows I will eventually mention - the girls that work there are awfully damn cute!

That being said - this place really isn't much more than average. As other Yelpers have mentioned, they do tend to overdo any of the sauces - especially the cream ones. I personally feel this doesn't do justice to the fish.

I just went this past Sunday (3/22) and the fish seemed to be fresher and better than it usually is. I have a bit higher standard when it comes to fresh fish, so my last excursion here wasn't the best - but I gave it another shot, and this past time around was a lot better - but still fell short of the mark.

The waitress we had DID give us a few "on the house" items, which was super cool, but didn't manage to really make the experience that much better.

if you just want some quick sushi and don't want to mess with all the fuss, this is a good spot - but if you want an honest to goodness sushi experience - go to one of the umpteen million other better sushi joints all over town. This spot is more a "I'm feeling super lazy and not wanting to leave the neighborhood" kinda spot.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Ravenna P.

 

2

22

Ravenna P.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
2/24/2009

I'm majorly bummed. My husband and I used to go here all the time as it was close, inexpensive, filling, cozy, and lots of veggie options ie agedashi tofu, assorted rolls and vegetable gyoza. Went in recently and it just wasn't the same. From reading here I guess they've changed owners and it totally makes sense, soft lighting has been replaced by too bright lights, a hideous and huge sign out front, and the cute little dishes they used to use replaced by standard white china you'd find at IKEA... basically all the things that used to give this place character are now gone.

That would be bearable if the food hadn't gone down hill as well. As a vegetarian I don't want some weird eel sauce on top of my VEGETABLE ROLL. Duh. Especially if said sauce was not in the menu write-up. Blech.

I'm so sad my awesome neighborhood place is now lame.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Bergamot L.

 

20

108

Bergamot L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 2/28/2009

Unfortunately, I have to add to the chorus of concern and disappointment over the decline in service quality since the new management and renovation. The sushi still tastes pretty good , although the poki roll has gotten unpleasantly more spicier than it used to be. It seems redundant to even put wasabi.  And just be careful not to order any rolls with cream cheese, because for some reason this place likes to OD on cream cheese, and what's the point then?

But the service has definitely and positively gone down tremendously. FOOD TAKES FOREVER TO ARRIVE. And, as recently as last night, we didn't get our menus in a fortnight. Balboa Teriyaki, you've made me resort to using a word like "fortnight". Not cool.

The staff remains polite, but you can tell they are constantly falling behind and it shows in how forced their attentiveness is expressed. And anyway, what the heck do the Japanese thing of we quaint Americans who like to to load our sushi with things like cream cheese and deep fried fish? (Not that I'm complaining, because from time to time I do like those kinds of things for sushi. I just like to amuse myself imagining what our Rising Sun counterparts must think.) In any case, my former stellar recommendation for this place has dwindled into grudging approval. It's nearby, it has sushi, so meh. Why not.

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    11/17/2008

    The volcano roll is GLORIOUS.

    I ordered one of the dinner combos once and that sucker was pretty… Read more »

Photo of Eric T.

Elite '09

34

116

Eric T.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
1/27/2009

I must admit, Balboa Teriyaki is seriously going down hill. The service here is some of the worst i've ever seen, no question. But what offsetts the extreme lack of service is the fact that the food really isn't that bad once it arrives to your table. But that's it, that's the only thing.

Tips and Pointers:
-Wait staff and management are very rude and not friendly, but I suppose very rude and not friendly are the same thing. Oh well.
-Food is good, try the unagi dinner
-Prices are midrange
-Wait staff again, very rude and not very friendly.
-Do you (the reader) want a tip? You're better off going to Miki's or Yu-zen.

[NOT APPROVED, NOT AT ALL]

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sarah P.

 

0

12

Sarah P.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 2/8/2009

I raved about this place some time ago as one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants.  Do you know the feeling when you return to a place you love and everything seems so ... different?  There's a gaudy sign outside, the menus are filled with glossy photos, the sweet-voiced Japanese girl who always welcomed you has been replaced by a brassy waitress, the lighting is too bright and the classic music has turned into all-purpose world-pop?  My husband and I looked at each other, and our hearts sank.  Gone, our favorite little spot!  Under new management.  Still, we wanted to be fair and at least try the food.  

To make a long story short: if your main interest is in quantity, this is the place for you.  Big portions.  Lots of fish.  Poke salad is REALLY spicy. (As in: mouth-on-fire spicy.)  Rolls are huge and filled with stuff, mostly cream cheese.  No worry here that you will be leaving hungry.  These folks are generous.  They can't really cook, the ingredients are not first rate, and they are certainly not Japanese, but they want to make sure you leave here with a very full stomach.  This is not my idea of a good time, but for some people, this may seem like a deal, so go for it.  

We'll mourn our sweet, gentle, family-style Japanese place ... and go down to Clement Street and eat at at Oyaji!

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    7/6/2008

    A neighborhood favorite -- we never had a bad meal here.  Their sushi is very decent, their gyoza… Read more »

Photo of Jason B.

Elite '09

90

1215

Jason B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/1/2009

There was nothing about Balboa Teriyaki that screamed above average when I was there. Decor was standard, menu didn't offer up much in the way of originality and the service was par for the course.

Then I loaded the first of five teriyaki chicken sushi pieces into my mouth and was overcome with sushi bliss.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jerry J.

 

130

734

Jerry J.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
12/11/2008

So I walk in there at 9:40 pm, and ask for a table. The hostess tells me they're closing at 10 pm, but "it's OK you can come in". This is what followed:

1. I get an iceberg lettuce salad that I wouldn't feed to a rabbit.
2. No water, and no ones bothers to ask me if I'd like ANYTHING to drink.
3. Oyokon Donburi that's a disaster. Undercooked chicken thigh meat w/ a freezer-burn aftertaste. Day old green peppers, and stale onions were also part of this amazing dish.
4. I had the... audacity to ask for green tea ice cream, to which the hostess in her most condescending tone replied.... "Sorry we're closed"...
I looked at the clock, and it's 10:01pm. I almost said something off-color, but I restrained myself. Sometimes the customer service is so bad, that it's better to laugh it off than even make an issue of it. It'll be a cold day in hell when I set foot in that place again.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Colorful Rainbow s.

 

11

404

Colorful Rainbow s.

Larkspur, CA

1 star rating
12/15/2008

So, I went to this place after discovering that the place I wanted to go to originally was closed.

When I walked in, the place was empty at 11:30 am. So, I thought it was probably really early in the day for lunch. I ordered take out, but when I walked in and about to order, I found that the staff were pretty rude and care less about the customer. It almost like they were in a bad mood or something.

Anyway, I ordered beef teriyaki and tempura, and others ordered almost similar things. The price is very competitive with other Japanese place around, but the taste?!  Meeehhh!! methinks not!! Didn't like what I ordered and so did other people. And, to make matter worst, after a while, we all had sort of stomachache!

So, next time?! I don't think so!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Paulina F.

 

8

29

Paulina F.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 4/4/2009

I'm in love! Five stars, five stars, five stars! :D

The new owners and staff are better than the old. The remodeling is great. The menus look polished. The service is a lot faster. Everyone is very kind. The food is tastier and more creative. Almost every time, I get something on the house.

Keep up the great work, Balboa Teriyaki.

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    5/24/2008

    I think I'll be a regular here, especially when I officially make the move to the area.

    Initially,… Read more »

Photo of chris c.

Elite '09

76

227

chris c.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
11/1/2008

I went here for a quick bite to eat. Sake and beer were good out of the bottle. Can't mess up stuff thats already bottled for you right? I just ordered some assorted tempura and it came with some free miso soup which is total score. The prices here are pretty reasonable, in line with a typical lunch for a chinese place. Definitely coming back if i'm in the area.

P.S don't be stupid and say things like idatakemase or kom ba wa, lots of the staff are actually korean.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Shauna C.

 

2

15

Shauna C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/28/2009

I moved into the neighborhood a few months ago and have eaten here a few times already.  It's always been good sushi (had terriyaki once too) and nice service.  I will say I wish they cut the sushi pieces smaller.  Both times we come in kinda late at night, between 9-10p and had no problems.  We like it a lot and will be back many times I'm sure.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Rich W.

 

323

193

Rich W.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
10/11/2008

This place has gone downhill, we have dined here about three times in the last 18 months.  The food taste different, staff is nice, service is extremely slow.

The chicken kariaga is mainly batter w/no taste.  The bento meals are a fair deal (taste should be everything) - better off going to a mall food court for teriyaki.

We are moving on...

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Roth E.

 

1

5

Roth E.

South San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/13/2009

I don't find many decent sushi restaurants that give many appetizers on the house (sometimes rolls) every time I stop by. The rolls are served in large portions and the sashimi is always decent (and huge). I know that I can probably go somewhere where the fish is slightly better but in smaller portions. I wouldn't take a date here but I'd definitely go with friends to fill up on sushi goodness.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Mike D.

Elite '09

3

81

Mike D.

Cupertino, CA

4 star rating
6/2/2009

I've been here a few times since they changed owners and haven't experienced any of the bad things some other have written about.  The food comes out in a reasonable (avg) amount of time and service is fine.  My food's always been fresh and yummy in good portion sizes at decent prices.  The sauces have never been overabundant (and I hate over saucing).  At each dinner service I've been to, they've offered some sort of appetizer on the house -- a nice gesture.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of DImitry G.

 

1

6

DImitry G.

San Mateo, CA

4 star rating
4/22/2009

very nice and non expensive sushi place.
i go there any time i'm in that area

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Mike D.

 

44

115

Mike D.

Daly City, CA

4 star rating
8/28/2008

OH HELLZ YEAH!!

Just went here yesterday and they had renovated the place and the menu is a little different. Prices have gone up a little too.

The Poki salad is to die for and the Dinner Bento boxes are great! I usually get the Unagi Teriyaki and Salmon Teriyaki Dinner! MMMMMMMMMM SOOO GOOD!

The sushi is very good. I like the hotategai nigiri! Melts right in your mouth! The spicy scallop and tuna hand rolls were great! Lots of great rolls to try and so little time!

Very nice waitresses and great service!

Parking is ok, food is great! I need to go back soon!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Katelynn L.

 

19

190

Katelynn L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 5/3/2009

I've been back half a dozen times or so in the past two months and each time, the food was super good and the owner (?) gave us a bunch of stuff (i.e. miso soup, edamame, sushi rolls, appetizers) on the house.  I also like that they have a lot of vegetarian friendly dishes that are actually tasty.  Balboa Teriyaki has definitely become one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the city.

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    2/11/2009

    I came here once when it was still under the previous ownership and thought it was OK.  But when I… Read more »

Photo of jen p.

Elite '09

60

262

jen p.

South San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
3/15/2009

hubby introduced me to one of his lunchtime spots during the workweek - nothing fancy, just a simple spot for grabbing a quick sushi/tempura/teriyaki fix.  typical japanese resto decor - not as barebones as akagi's, and the booths are a nice touch.

a decent rendition of the namesake dish (beef in this case), as well as mixed tempura - not overly battered or greasy, a plus.  also solid sushi rolls; the shrimp tempura rolls are much larger than you'd get at most places but the rice to filling ratio is also a bit high.  

prices are pretty low...all in all, not someplace to go out of your way for but a solid go-to place if you're in the area.

Was this review …?

 

1 to 40 of 96 |  
Page: 1 2 3
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Miki Restaurant

    Miki Restaurant

    4 star rating
     100 reviews

    Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

    Category: Japanese

  • Photo of Yu Zen

    Yu Zen

    4 star rating
     70 reviews

    Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

    Category: Japanese

  • Photo of Sapoten

    Sapoten

    4 star rating
     56 reviews

    Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

    Category: Japanese

  • Photo of Americana Grill & Fountain

    Americana Grill &…

    3.5 star rating
     166 reviews

    Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

    Category: Vietnamese

  • Photo of Ariake Japanese Restaurant

    Ariake Japanese…

    4 star rating
     113 reviews

    Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

    Category: Japanese

People Viewed This After Searching For...