Roomy grill serves Japanese plates in an eco-chic interior or on fireside patios.
We have come here often and unfortunately the food has not been consistent. This last visit for my birthday was disappointing. We order 6 different items and only two things were great (Lemon Roll & Seaweed Salad). We also had to wait 30+ minutes to get our sushi’s after ordering which was not cool considering it wasn’t that busy. We order a small fried rice and a roll as appetizers which our waitress got to us quickly. They said there was a big party in the back which was the reason for the long wait. Everything looks but rice and flavors were not good this trip. I won’t be visiting for awhile as it’s too pricey for Inconsistent food quality.
Published 4 months ago
I love this restaurant because it's the perfect combination of classy, cool, but not too pretentious. The prices are a little steep, but the food is always excellent and good portions. I also love it because it has such a unique sushi roll, the kobe style beef roll that takes slices of beef, puts a butter on top and then blowtorches it to perfection. Never disappointed here. That said, sometimes the service can be a touch slow because they are always busy.
Published 6 months ago
This is a great sushi spot! A little bit pricey but tasty food. Go here if you are looking for something more high end. I liked how they brought all of our rolls on one plate.
We went here before going to a concert at SDSU. It was really easy to hop on the trolley across the street and ride a few stops t the venue.
Published 5 months ago
Amazing place,
Amazing food,
Great atmosphere,
Good location.
The reason for the 4 star is our waitress, she was able to mess up almost every aspect of our order, from the drinks, to side dishes, to getting a different item on the menu.
I would expect from a place established many years ago to have a process in place for when they mess up.
Edamame could be with Kosher salt vs the cooking soapy they used.
Besides that, I love the food and atmosphere and typically the service is good. There are still a few items on the menu I want to try and explore.
There is no wrong place to be seated on this place as the inside has a huge beautiful glass window. The patio seating is also very nice. As you wait to be seated you can seat the the patio lounge and order drinks so you won’t get to bored.
Will be back. Thank you for the good vibes.
Published 7 months ago
Awesome sushi place! Pretty outdoor area with a firepit, which is enjoyable from inside through the large windows. Service is great. Plenty of seating at the sushi bar. I had eel nigiri, octopus nigiri, salmon nigiri, and a dragon roll. All were great! Good selection of sake, cocktails, and Japanese whiskey. I think my only complaint is that the appetizers all looked a bit pricey, but I enjoyed the pork gyoza. Highly recommend, I'll definitely be coming back!
Published 5 months ago
Service and atmosphere (ambience) were great. It’s a great place to meet and talk since it’s a spacious place for indoors and outdoors.
It just the food was lacking of the authenticity in term of the taste. Too fusion maybe (?) Presentation was great tho. We ordered 3 items, we couldn’t finish one and took it home. We didn’t take the picture of that one roll.
Their menu was massive, a bit confusing for a first timer.
I have to say for the price, I expect more authentic Japanese flavor, and didn’t find it here.
Published a year ago
This place was awesome. We tried all the drinks on the menu including the creme brulee martini, love potion, french martini, peach margarita, and asian pear martini. All were great but margarita with tajin rim was fave. For sushi rolls we tried all of our waiter’s suggestions - hokkaido ahi roll (amazing 6/5 stars), ultimate hamachi roll (suuuuuper refreshing, if not a little too much cilantro), and tiger lilly (maybe the prettiest roll on the menu and packed with shrimp). We were very impressed by the food and suggestions by our waiter Kayla who was awesome and we will definitely be coming back for more. Yum yum 🤤
4 stars for atmosphere because we couldnt sit outside 😢
Published a year ago
Published 24 days ago
The best place ever
Published 25 days ago
Published a month ago
Published a month ago
Published a month ago
I had an exceptional dining experience at Banbu sushi restaurant! The tastefully designed ambiance created a delightful atmosphere. The food was a true culinary delight, with each dish showcasing exquisite flavors. A special shout-out to our server, Jess, whose warm hospitality made us feel right at home. A definite 5-star gem!
Published a month ago
Published a month ago
Nothing about this place could possibly justify their insane prices. It's $25-35 for one small sushi roll. They aren't doing anything nicer or better than your average small sushi shop that charges less than half that. For example, their edamame is $17. That's a small bowl of soybeans that costs about 20 cents.
Published a month ago
Published a month ago
Had food poison from this place and its very expensive.
Published a month ago
Food came out slow and was incredibly expensive for average sushi.
I would not recommend.
Published a month ago
Very expensive for mediocre rolls.
Published a month ago
The best sushi in town...
Published a month ago
Published 2 months ago
Came here for a date night and had an amazing experience. Food was great and service was awesome. The sashimi was one of the most authentic and fresh I’ve had in a long time. The drinks were just as good too. Definitely recommend
Published 2 months ago
Published 2 months ago
Waited almost an hour for our first thing we ordered. Everything came out veeeerrrrrry slow. We had to ask the server 3 different times where the food was. They didn't offer anything in the meantime to help while we waited.
Published 3 months ago
Published 3 months ago
Love their food, it's just a bit expensive to go there as often as I'd like! The "extended versions" of their sushi rolls are beautiful and delicious. Artistically made and plated. Any other sushi place I can eat 2 different rolls, but not here. Actually, you can order a standard roll, but bumped up and topped with diced shrimp tempura or crab salad? OMG. Kudos to the chefs and the always great and accommodating staff.
Published 3 months ago
Banbu was always a go to for great sushi but the poor service vs much higher prices has forced us to look for another restaurant. Wife's dinner was already in the to go container before my sushi was delivered and place was 1/2 full. 2 people 1 salad, 1 app, 1 dinner, 1 roll and 3 glasses of wine 160.00.
Published 3 months ago
Published 3 months ago
Great lunch date spot - $150 with drinks for two and lobster/scallops rolls. Worth the money.
Published 3 months ago
My wife and I decided to try this place instead of our usual sushi place and it was okay. We got to a table right away and taking the drink order was pretty quick. But the wait for the food took about 40 mins for two rolls and some yellowtail. Plus the prices are a bit much and honestly not worth it. If you are going out with friends it seems like a fun place as the atmosphere was great and the outdoor space looks super nice. But as a casual place for sushi the prices are not worth it.
Published 3 months ago
I arrived and placed a Togo order at 12:54pm and was helped by Melanie. I was told it would take 20-30 minutes and to wait outside and that someone would bring out the order to me. I waited 30 minutes outside before going back inside to check on my order. There were 3 girls at the front counter and the girl that tired to help me was told by Melanie that my order still wasn’t done yet and to wait outside and someone would bring it out to me once again. I noticed a Togo bag behind them but figure this wasn’t my order since I was told that it wasn’t. I waited agin for another 30 minutes before getting fed up and went back inside and was greeted by no other than Melanie again. She goes to that same bag that was sitting there for at least 30 minutes and when I told her that’s the same bag that was there when I came in to check on my order and she hadn’t nerve to lie and say it wasn’t her and she had left and wasn’t there when I checked on my order. She conveniently left the part out where she was too busy yapping at the mouth with her coworkers and actually stopped her coworker from helping me and getting my order out to me.
Published 4 months ago
Published 4 months ago
Mediocre quality sushi at very high prices. $26 for a roll better be amazing... but it wasn't. Plus we waited 30min for four orders of nigiri and two rolls, and our waiter was trying to argue it was "only 15 minutes". Hardly anyone in the restaurant at the time... Hard pass next time.
Published 4 months ago
Prices went ridiculously high. Not even reasonable and it's the same food and service. I understand prices going higher due to inflation but this is double. I think they are trying to rebrand as more luxury restaurant.
Published 4 months ago
Great selection of fresh rolls & so much more. Our service was attentive and friendly. Good experience overall. Would def come here with a group of friends, they have the space! Love the outdoor patio area.
Published 4 months ago
The service was very good and for the most part the sushi was very good but the prices really seemed over the top for the Three of us it was close to $200 for lunch seaweed salad an additional salad and a couple of rolls and one of us only drank water and no one had alcohol
Published 4 months ago
Great spot, customer service excellent, ambiance sleek. Fantastic menu, prices range on high side. 1st timer, unsure what to expect. Read menu prior so you won't be shocked. Nothing negative to say. For an absolutely enjoyable meal for one would have cost me around $40. My California roll, mango tea, $5 tip cost me $22. Would definitely go back to try other menu items.
Published 4 months ago
Published 4 months ago
Published 4 months ago
Published 4 months ago
Went here recently to celebrate a birthday.
We were seated quickly because it wasn't busy. The patio area outside is very pretty. Despite the lack of diners this night, all tables were in very close proximity to each other. This made the area feel claustrophobic and gave little privacy for conversations. Even though it was colder and in the evening, we needed to request that the outdoor heaters be setup.
We ordered four green teas, but only received three. Unlike traditional sushi restaurants, you will not receive a pot of hot tea to share. Only cups of hot water that you must steep yourself with a bag. Honey was provided as a sweetener. We waited a long time between refills of hot water, owing to the lack of a shared pot, and this made the dining experience a bit awkward.
We ordered one appetizer, which was the "toro" tartare. We were assured by our waitress that the portion would be big enough for our table of four. However, after a while of waiting, we were informed that this particular appetizer only has three small servings. We had already been waiting a while, and decided that one of our table would need to just split one of these servings.
When the "Toro" tartare arrived, I realized that it was actually ground up Maki tuna, like what you would find in a low grade tuna roll. This was not toro, as the name sake for this appetizer implies. It felt deceptive, especially considering the price point for this appetizer (three small morsels) was nearly $23.
We continued onto our mains. One of our party ordered a tempura plate, which I'll touch on more later. Another a dragon roll, and again another a crunchy roll. The last item we ordered was a sushi and sashimi combo. The combo itself was beautifully plated, with some quality cuts of fish. I have no complaints about the quality or portions. However, if you're paying nearly $60 for this combo, it seems rather insulting not to be given the choice between fresh and fake wasabi. In this case, the $60 combo is served with fake wasabi. I'm at a bit of a loss why the owners would try to serve food at this price point (in La Mesa of all places), while failing to execute on some really standard things.
Back to the tempura. Our sushi mains came out, but the fourth member in our party needed to wait an additional 20 minutes for their tempura course. We were informed that this was normal as they were all prepared in different kitchens. No, I'm sorry. Nothing about that is normal. It's literally standard business practice to bring mains out at the same time. Yet again, if you're going to charge $25 minimum per main, they better come out together. I can't over emphasize how disappointing this was.
Overall, the quality of the ingredients was good, except for the fake toro appetizer. However, the execution is just not there to warrant the astronomical prices. You're charging like this is a New York Michelin starred Sushi spot and still serving standard California sushi fare. Nothing is innovated on here. This wasn't a profound experience. Even the execution of standard things like fresh wasabi, tea, and mains coming out together is botched.
Justify your pricing or just stop being so pretentious. Any number of places within ten minutes drive of here will serve you similar quality, similar dishes, with better service at almost half the price point.
All in all, not worth it.
Published 4 months ago
We have come here often and unfortunately the food has not been consistent. This last visit for my birthday was disappointing. We order 6 different items and only two things were great (Lemon Roll & Seaweed Salad). We also had to wait 30+ minutes to get our sushi’s after ordering which was not cool considering it wasn’t that busy. We order a small fried rice and a roll as appetizers which our waitress got to us quickly. They said there was a big party in the back which was the reason for the long wait. Everything looks but rice and flavors were not good this trip. I won’t be visiting for awhile as it’s too pricey for Inconsistent food quality.
Published 4 months ago
This is a great sushi spot! A little bit pricey but tasty food. Go here if you are looking for something more high end. I liked how they brought all of our rolls on one plate.
We went here before going to a concert at SDSU. It was really easy to hop on the trolley across the street and ride a few stops t the venue.
Published 5 months ago
Awesome sushi place! Pretty outdoor area with a firepit, which is enjoyable from inside through the large windows. Service is great. Plenty of seating at the sushi bar. I had eel nigiri, octopus nigiri, salmon nigiri, and a dragon roll. All were great! Good selection of sake, cocktails, and Japanese whiskey. I think my only complaint is that the appetizers all looked a bit pricey, but I enjoyed the pork gyoza. Highly recommend, I'll definitely be coming back!
Published 5 months ago
The food Banbu is excellent and the staff is always friendly and helpful. My goto order is the Baja Splah roll, a side of steamed rice, and the sautéed shrimp appetizer.
Published 5 months ago
This is one of the few surviving sushi restaurants in LaMesa. To be fair it is not a spot to find good quality sushi prepared in a traditional Japanese fashion. This place makes what I would call VERY expensive shopping mall sushi. It looks like sushi drowned in multiple sauces, dips and whatever they found colorful and creative. We ordered two rolls and both were completely drenched in a sugary sauce that made them nearly inedible. Actually I did not eat mine so mostly inedible would be a better description. The “Bluefin Tuna looked and tasted like Ahi, not the more expensive Bluefin. I ordered Yakisoba or at least that’s what it was called. Being a lover of Yakisoba from Japan, I know it’s tough to get it right but this tasted like Raman noodles with three packets instead of one. I’m sure they wouldn’t substitute without telling us would they. did throw in some fresh veggies and that made it edible. I like Raman I just don’t like paying $28 for it. The chicken in the soba was as dry as a tea biscuit. We removed them and set them aside to show the server. Our server was uninformed, cordial, clueless and very unhelpful. That’s not much different than most servers these days but at least she was cordial. I do not recommend this eatery if you are looking for good food and good service.
Published 5 months ago
Great selection and amazing flavors.
Published 5 months ago
Published 5 months ago
Published 5 months ago
This is just the place to go for sushi! Everything is so yummy and the service is amazing. The server Nia is the best! She went above and beyond. Food is also served so fast. I am never disappointed when I go there. Thank you Nia for your amazing service. I will be coming back forever
Published 5 months ago
Published 5 months ago
Great atmosphere. The food was good even though it was a little too pricey for what they had to offer. Service was cordial an polite.
Published 5 months ago
Very good service and delicious.
A little pricey
Published 5 months ago
Great experience! Service was spot on. Food was tasty and visually appealing! A hidden gem, definitely.
Published 6 months ago
Highest quality sushi I’ve ever experienced
Published 6 months ago
Kate was an amazing waitress she always checked in on us and got us everything we needed and checking on our table multiple times thank you for an amazing time. She also recommended the house made wasabi definitely recommend it try it !!!
Published 6 months ago
My family and I came to bamboo for Dinner and the food was excellent and so was the service. Our waitress was Kate and she had an amazing personality as well as a good vibe. We will definitely be coming back.
Published 6 months ago
Such a pretty place.
Published 6 months ago
It’s too bad that they do not allow service animals. We love the food here. We came with our dog and requested to sit outside without with our very small frenchie. They denied us service. I will never be back again.
Published 6 months ago
On the expensive side but the food was very good and the presentation breathtaking.
The whole staff was very courteous and attentive.
The air-conditioning was set too cold. It was still ok for me but my wife has to wear a jacket.
Also, the tables are placed a little too close together. Not ideal if you want a romantic evening.
Published 6 months ago
I love this restaurant because it's the perfect combination of classy, cool, but not too pretentious. The prices are a little steep, but the food is always excellent and good portions. I also love it because it has such a unique sushi roll, the kobe style beef roll that takes slices of beef, puts a butter on top and then blowtorches it to perfection. Never disappointed here. That said, sometimes the service can be a touch slow because they are always busy.
Published 6 months ago
Nice eye candy 🍬
Published 6 months ago
Published 7 months ago
Published 7 months ago
Food is a bit overpriced, but it is the best sushi in our area. There are not many choices in La Mesa for sushi. It's a nice restaurant and we will probably be there once every couple of months. Staff is very nice and we do enjoy the food.
Published 7 months ago
Published 7 months ago
Amazing place,
Amazing food,
Great atmosphere,
Good location.
The reason for the 4 star is our waitress, she was able to mess up almost every aspect of our order, from the drinks, to side dishes, to getting a different item on the menu.
I would expect from a place established many years ago to have a process in place for when they mess up.
Edamame could be with Kosher salt vs the cooking soapy they used.
Besides that, I love the food and atmosphere and typically the service is good. There are still a few items on the menu I want to try and explore.
There is no wrong place to be seated on this place as the inside has a huge beautiful glass window. The patio seating is also very nice. As you wait to be seated you can seat the the patio lounge and order drinks so you won’t get to bored.
Will be back. Thank you for the good vibes.
Published 7 months ago
we recently dined at your establishment and while I was impressed with both the food and the overall atmosphere, I was very disappointed by the extremely cold temperature inside. It was so uncomfortable that my entire group, along with other guests around us, were shivering throughout the meal.
We paid a substantial amount for our dinner and expected to enjoy our time, but instead, we couldn't wait to leave due to the freezing conditions. It felt as though the temperature was deliberately set low to ensure quick turnover of guests, which severely impacted our dining experience.
I hope you will address this issue so that future patrons can fully enjoy the otherwise excellent offerings of your restaurant. Unfortunately, due to this experience, we will not be returning.
Published 7 months ago
Published 7 months ago
I kept ending up with someone’s hair in my nigiri.
I ordered spicy edamame and it came out cold and dry I didn’t complain still ate it.
I got one roll came out great and also got two orders of nigiri no wasabi as i’m allergic.
2/4 nigiri pieces came with short hairs in them I asked the server if I could just send those pieces of nigiri back and I didn’t need a replacement, she ended up bringing a replacement anyways and surprise it had wasabi I spent the rest of the night in the hospital and still got charged for the replacement the replacement nigiri that I didn’t want lol and now tag a few grand in hospital bills because no one listened to my allergy thank god grossmont hospital is right next to this business
Published 7 months ago
Published 7 months ago
We ordered the surf and turf, and the filet was full of grisle. I have never had a filet that was so hard to chew and we ordered it medium. Yuk, waste of money!
Published 7 months ago
Published 8 months ago
Great nigiri. If you want Uni go elsewhere. They weigh the portion. Go to Temari Sushi, Jump Tokyo or Kyoto Sushi but call for availability.
Published 8 months ago
Published 8 months ago
Published 8 months ago
Too expensive
Published 8 months ago
Published 8 months ago
Published 8 months ago
This is the best sushi restaurant that I have ever been to.
Published 8 months ago
Fun place with Great Food and super service 😎
Published 8 months ago
Published 8 months ago
Nuh uh. WAY too slow. I waited 1 hour 55 minutes for my meal😒
Published 8 months ago
Published 8 months ago
The food was incredible, and my Zach special Old Fashioned was the best I've ever had.
Published 9 months ago
Went there about 45 minutes before closing. The service was great, and so was the food. Time flew and I realized we were there passed close. The staff was still very welcoming and lovely. They all smiled and said thank you as we left :)
Published 9 months ago
Published 9 months ago
Really nice sushi. A bit pricey.
Published 9 months ago
Really awesome place!! Great service and food. Side note, the heaters outside are actually really nice. Sitting close isn't a sauna and sitting far is still nice and warm!!
Published 9 months ago
Published 9 months ago
Food is mid-tier. Not bad, but way too expensive for its quality. We got an appetizer; three pieces of shrimp wrapped in wonton wrapper and fried — $22 for three over-cooked shrimp.
Published 9 months ago
We had the best server we have ever had at this location and we have been coming for years! Emma was so nice and attentive to what our need were, before we even needed them. Thank you Emma, we enjoyed our dinner and your polite, smiley self! The food was also amazing as always!
Published 9 months ago
Our second time going there. The food is good. Being able to get real wasabi is rare. The rolls are larger and so far 3 out of the 4 were really flavorful. This was the second time we ordered the premium Samurai but this one's flavors were lost in the heat. A bit more spicy than the last. The Onion soup is a delicious change from simple Miso. The BEST thing about our visit this time was our server Nia! We dine out regularly around the Country and it's very rare for us to just stick around and chat with our server. She was a great addition to the atmosphere. She also surprised me with a belated and unsolicited Birthday desert! It was so delicious we will be ordering it from now on!
Published 9 months ago
Published 9 months ago
I was looking for sushi with vegan options for my friend and we found this place. I'm not vegan, but their vegan options are on point. I got the combo sushi and sashimi platter and I'm always reminded of how boring I find tuna to be. Chef's choice often means tuna, shrimp, yellowtail, albacore, and salmon. Tuna is always so boring to me. No fault of the restaurant. That's on me for forgetting and then ordering something I don't like. The highlight of the platter was the yellowtail. It was buttery and creamy on the palate. I almost didn't recognize it. In fact, I didn't believe it until I asked the waitress and had her confirm what it was. Fortunately I had taken a picture. I highly recommend the special sweet potato roll if they still have it. It's supposedly seasonal. It's a vegan roll with truffle oil and avocado and it was delicious. It would be a bit dry and flat, but the truffle oil just brings out a depth of flavor that makes the whole thing sing. I got the creme brulee for dessert because it looked like the only thing on the menu that required any skill to make and that was the best choice I made all night. They used coarse raw sugar for the brulee and it was lightly sweet and the bitterness you get on the front end comes after you get the creaminess. The raspberry puree that comes on the side brings out the vanilla and a hint of almost a banana flavor that rounds out all the flavors. One of the best I've ever had.
Published 9 months ago
A nice dining experience, but a little pricey.
Published 9 months ago
Published 9 months ago
Picked up sushi last night and loved every bit of everything! Great to see Banbu busy and the people happy to be there. The staff was friendly, efficient and acknowledged everyone. Can't wait to come back and dine in!
Published 10 months ago
Published 10 months ago
Published 10 months ago
We went at 8pm on a Sunday. They seated us immediately, however it was located towards the back with no view of anything even though there were several tables available near the windows. We did not say anything because it was ok for us as we enjoyed the privacy and really just wanted to eat. The food was outstanding. We shared oysters, chicken bites, turf and surf, a ramen noodle bowl, and monkey roll. We had enough to take some home. Delicious food. The food and dining experience has been overall great on each of the 3 times we have eaten there.
Published 10 months ago
The sushi is really good (not the best in the area though). It is very busy most of the time and the wait times for service and food match that. Every time I've been there, it has taken a considerable amount of time for the food to arrive. Still recommend if you have the time.
Published 10 months ago
Published 10 months ago
We are regulars here because the service is top notch, the food/sushi is excellent, and the bartenders remember us and our favorite drinks every time we grab a seat at the bar. The Rose Roll is second to none, the Ramen is bomb, and my partner loves the Lemon Cilantro Roll as well. It can get really busy late night on the weekends and sushi during these times can take a long time to come out (understandably) so plan ahead, be patient and kind. Mahalo!
Published a year ago
This place was awesome. We tried all the drinks on the menu including the creme brulee martini, love potion, french martini, peach margarita, and asian pear martini. All were great but margarita with tajin rim was fave. For sushi rolls we tried all of our waiter’s suggestions - hokkaido ahi roll (amazing 6/5 stars), ultimate hamachi roll (suuuuuper refreshing, if not a little too much cilantro), and tiger lilly (maybe the prettiest roll on the menu and packed with shrimp). We were very impressed by the food and suggestions by our waiter Kayla who was awesome and we will definitely be coming back for more. Yum yum 🤤
4 stars for atmosphere because we couldnt sit outside 😢
Published a year ago
This sushi restaurant is one of the best in San Diego! Its menu selection of sushi is amazing, plus their entrees are delicious. I highly recommend making a reservation for dinner. Walk-ins, okay, but it'll be a long wait.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Great spot for date night or Tuesday dinner. Solid selection of craft cocktails and beer. All the fish tastes very fresh and the presentation is on point. The rainbow and afterburner rolls are our favorite. Make it a point to stop here and give them a shot. You'll be glad you did.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Super drinks, awesome sushi, and Japanese cuisine! Love the variety, the craftsmanship, and professional staff. It's always a pleasure. :)
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
yummo
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Good place for sushi
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Food was excellent atmosphere was upscale prices were fair, want to give a special shout-out to our server Kayla who was spectacular and really worked with us to accommodate our dietary requirements. She was top notch. Recommend this place highly.
Published a year ago
I haven't visited this area before, but I recently discovered a charming spot near the malls in the Kearny Mesa area. The restaurant has a quaint ambiance, and while the sushi isn't outstanding, it's decent. The service is commendable, making it a solid choice among the many good dining options in the vicinity.
Published a year ago
Super delicious food
Published a year ago
Great place to hangout with yur significant other.
Published a year ago
Found it by accident and decided to give it a try. The atmosphere was BUSY with no less than 6 or 7 young ladies at the Hostess stand. After one asked if we had reservations (we didn't), they told us it would be an HOUR wait. 🤯 Or we could sit at the bar, which we did, after they pointed 👉 in the direction of the bar. Not one of them moved to show us...but oh well, right?
Service was good at the bar, and the bartender even made a yummy mocktail. The Brussels we had as an appetizer were good, and our Ramen was tasty.
Now, was all of this worth almost $100?!?! No. We truly could have gone to Nishiki Ramen or somewhere on Convoy for a richer flavor. Guess we should have gotten sushi. But that's what happens when you don't do research, right? Will definitely come back to try the sushi.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
We went a little before 8pm. Its was a group of 6 people and was told that waiting time was from 45-1hr. We waited more than an hour. We waited in the car for an hour then We sat outside by the fire pit and within 3-5 minutes they turned off the fire pit knowing we were waiting in the cold. Mind you, it was on when other people (white race) were there. I went inside and asked politely if they can turn it on since it was cold and we were waiting to be seated, they say yes but they never bothered to do so. We still waited for another 15-20 minutes and no update on how long more we had to wait. They never apologized for anything. We left, I won’t be going back and will let my friends and family know about it.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
The ambiance is nice, but meals are VERY overpriced from the cost of rolls to the price of appetizers, especially in comparison to portions sizes. Service is very slow as well. Took entirely too long for my table to receive two (what we consider) basic rolls. Again, nice atmosphere tho
Published a year ago
What a fantastic place to dine with fantastic people to serve you and make your favorite sushi excellent place. Recommend it one out of 10. It's a 10. Everyone should try it
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
It’s a nice place. The staff is great. I think the food is severely overpriced. Especially sushi rolls and very average quality. I got a rainbow roll and a couple others. So the three together were around $80. And I’m still hungry. I’m not a big guy and I normally don’t eat that much. I’m not sure who would Really come back here for the sushi. The rolls would be on par with good quality grocery store sushi. We traveled here because they said they had a happy hour which the staff informed me they got rid of because they’ve been slow lately. That’s pretty funny.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
The food, when we finally got it was very good. They were busy Friday night at 6:30. We waited 25 minutes for a table.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Wonderful experience!! The rolls were some of the best I've had in San Diego.
My favorites were the Ceviche and the Crunchy Rolls.
The Edamame with garlic and salt was delicious.
Our server, Kyle, was excellent.
The ambiance was very nice.
I brought my brother to celebrate his birthday, and he was given an amazing desert, Tempura Banana Split. It was absolutely perfect 👌
Published a year ago
Wow! This place is bomb! The food was fabulous and good portions. Our server Jess P. Was so fun and offered the BEST service. This was our first time. This will become a regular.
Published a year ago
Arrived and waited 1 hour to be seated. We ordered some miso soup and after getting it were told dinner would likely be over an hour wait because the kitchen is backed up. Bot my problem they are understaffed . I don't go out to dinner they hear the restaurant's problems, I want a nice dinner out. Unless they are gonna not charge me for the meal which these people absolutely did. After waiting over an hour for 2 sushi rolls which were made so small that whenever I dipped them in my wasabi sauce they came apart because they were cut too thin. It ended up being with the tip for my wife had a glass of wine I had water 2 sushi rolls $100 and it took over 3 hours to get out. Worst!
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Sitting at the bar by the front door was cold and drafty.
Published a year ago
Food is good just like a typical sushi grill place. service needs improvement because it’s takes an hour to sit but the issue is the neglect of how long the actual food takes to make. Total wait 2h and 15min. Make sure before you order, you find out food wait times are. Because the servers will stretch the truth.
But if you have 2 to 3hrs to burn have at it. Just to set expectations, always have a backup restaurant.
Published a year ago
This place is always great ….a little pricey but I think it’s worth it. Always nice and cool inside!
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Service and atmosphere (ambience) were great. It’s a great place to meet and talk since it’s a spacious place for indoors and outdoors.
It just the food was lacking of the authenticity in term of the taste. Too fusion maybe (?) Presentation was great tho. We ordered 3 items, we couldn’t finish one and took it home. We didn’t take the picture of that one roll.
Their menu was massive, a bit confusing for a first timer.
I have to say for the price, I expect more authentic Japanese flavor, and didn’t find it here.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Excellent food with a wide variety menu. It's a must for Asian cuisine.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
I always love going to Banbu Sushi. Everything is fresh, beautifully plated, and the servers are friendly and helpful. This time we went to celebrate my husband's birthday. The birthday was just randomly mentioned while the server was there. At the end of the meal, she brought over a dessert (ice cream and tempora banana) with a candle and a happy birthday on the plate. Very nice touch to a delicious dinner.
Published a year ago
Jorge was our server. He was very attentive. Got our order right. Gave great wine recommendations to pair with our sushi. Ask for Jorge!
Published a year ago
This place had some amazing drinks. All recommended by our wonderful waiter Jorge. He recommended our my sushi aswell. So good.
Published a year ago
Food was great & sake was amazing !!!
Published a year ago
The restaurant boasts excellent food quality, accompanied by a friendly staff, making it an ideal spot for the entire family to enjoy.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Good food and vegan options but not kid-friendly so avoid if you have kids.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
The food is a bit pricey, but I know that going in. The bar service is great. My girlfriend and I like to sit at the bar but I do have a complaint about the temperature. They have vents aimed right at the seating area and the average temperature is 55-60°. We’ve asked them to please adjust the air conditioner so we don’t have to sit there wearing heavy coats. The bartender usually says that there is nothing that he can do and ignores the situation. That’s about the only disappointing part of the restaurant. As I said, it is pricey to go in there, with an average bill well over $100. Great food though. It’s kind of a shame… We would still probably come in more often, if they didn’t keep the bar area as cold as a refrigerator.
Published a year ago
I saw an add for this place and we decided to try it. As it was Saturday night, the place was pretty busy, so it took quite a long time for the food to come out, but I get it. Our server was nice and tried to make it a great experience for us. We ordered oysters, 2 sushi rolls , ramen special. I saw a few pictures of sushi online and was excited to try. Presentation of sushi was great but to be honest the taste was pretty basic, the pictures online are more impressive than it turned out to be.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
2 hours to eat , table next to us was super annoying and they sat down 20 min after our party and got their food faster .. last time I go here
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Good but $$$ most rolls are over $20. Better place to come on a date or for a meetup with friends than a dinner out for the family. Rolls are good, however they are not very traditional.
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
The food was delicious. Jade was the best waitress! She was so sweet and helpful:)
Published a year ago
Slightly pricey, but good none-the-less.
Published a year ago
Great service and food!
Published a year ago
Great food, fantastic service
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Expensive
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
Expensive but the best sushi I've had
Published a year ago
A friend of ours was celebrating and offered to buy us dinner, other wise this place would have been more or less out of my budget. The entrees were excellent. I ordered the Sesame chicken and rice. With bottled water It was a dinner for 4 situation more or less a double date. Appetizer, entree, desert. Out the door was $250.00 plus tip. So about $300.00. It was all very good. Service was excellent, so for those of you who can afford to eat out at a nice place. This spot is just for you. But. I skipped college and am now a self made man, which is code for, I’m paycheck to paycheck. So. Go for it if you got it like that. Hope this helps.
Published a year ago
Victor is the man!
I don’t order from the menu, just sit in front of him and he feeds me all the best things!
Published a year ago
Nothing should be this expensive. Don’t get me wrong, sushi was good but I had sushi as good for half the price. A root beer or a kid’s pineapple should never be $5, ever. Waitress accidentally added a $27 sushi roll to our order and instead of just acknowledging it, she took our ENTIRE order back just to remove the roll from the plate. That’s just terrible customer service for such expensive and “high end” place.
Published a year ago
Great food, great service, great atmosphere...it is a little pricey though...
Published a year ago
Published a year ago
A gem in La Mesa.
Published a year ago
My wife and I celebrated our 42 anniversary there. It was a great restaurant experience.
Published a year ago
The sushi was very good. The restaurant was nice. Servers were attentive. The rolls are a little larger than other sushi restaurants and I think the price per roll reflects that. Would go back again.
Published a year ago
Food was extremely bland, waitress rude and didn't ask if we needed anything while there. Everyone that arrived after us (aproxx 10, 20 mins) were receiving their food before us. We had to ask another staff member if he could check on our food.
Published 2 years ago
Great food as usual. Nice atmosphere. But the service was not as good. The waitress was not able to multitask, with a full house, very well. The drinks were good, but a little over priced for being in a Restaurant where food and dining is the main event.. They are very creative with the presentations of different Sushi dishes/rolls. The outdoor dining is nice too.
Published 2 years ago
Published 2 years ago
Love banbu, one of my fave sushi spots! A Lil more pricy but the taste and quality is worth it! The green helix roll is my all time fave! They Also have ramen which my kid loves. Great for lunch brunch or din and have great drinks! Full bar but I love saki and they have plenty of choices! I take me kids for lunch or have date day or night often!
Published 2 years ago
- 12 photos
- 200 reviews
- 4.4 rating
- Phone: +1 619-589-0071
- Website: http://banbusushi.com/
- Address: 8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 106, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States
- Coordinates: 32.780477, -117.013857
- Sushi restaurant
- Bar & grill
- Family restaurant
- Japanese restaurant
- Restaurant
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Monday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- Kerbside pickup: Yes
- No-contact delivery: Yes
- Delivery: Yes
- Takeaway: Yes
- Dine-in: Yes
- Fast service: Yes
- Fireplace: Yes
- Great tea selection: Yes
- Lunch: Yes
- Dinner: Yes
- Solo dining: Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible car park: Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible seating: Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Yes
- Alcohol: Yes
- Beer: Yes
- Cocktails: Yes
- Coffee: Yes
- Happy-hour drinks: Yes
- Happy-hour food: Yes
- Healthy options: Yes
- Late-night food: Yes
- Organic dishes: Yes
- Small plates: Yes
- Spirits: Yes
- Vegetarian options: Yes
- Wine: Yes
- Brunch: Yes
- Lunch: Yes
- Dinner: Yes
- Dessert: Yes
- Seating: Yes
- Bar on site: Yes
- Gender-neutral toilets: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
- Casual: Yes
- Romantic: Yes
- Trendy: Yes
- Upmarket: Yes
- Family friendly: Yes
- Groups: Yes
- Tourists: Yes
- University students: Yes
- Dinner reservations recommended: Yes
- Accepts reservations: Yes
- Credit cards: Yes
- Debit cards: Yes
- NFC mobile payments: Yes
- Credit cards: Yes
- Good for kids: Yes
- High chairs: Yes
- Kids' menu: Yes
- Free of charge street parking: Yes
- Free parking lot: Yes
- Parking: Yes