Balaboosta

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1. SC

   StephenC

   New York Area

   9 reviews

   4.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on September 28, 2017

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Noisy but enjoyable and different. To be honest a little overpriced compared to others we dined at given the relative levels but still an enjoyable evening.
   

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2. S

   Steph

   Fort Lauderdale

   21 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on September 10, 2017

   overall4food5service4ambience5

   Perfect for a date
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on September 2, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We came in for brunch and had wonderful cocktails and delicious food. I had the shakshuka, which did not disappoint. There were a number of items on the menu that I would have been happy to eat -- always a good sign. The service was impeccable. I will continue to return to Balaboosta.
   

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on August 31, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Balaboosta with attentive service and really delicious Mediterranean fare!
   

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   11 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on August 29, 2017

   overall5food5service4ambience4

   Delicious!
   

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6. AN

   AziN

   New York Area

   93 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   93 reviews

   Dined on August 26, 2017

   overall4food5service3ambience3

   Our food was absolutely incredible! We had the octopus salad, Israeli street fair (yum!) and the skirt steak. Everything was on point with taste! Server wasn't the most attentive or friendliest but that didn't impact us. Can't wait to be back!
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on August 26, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Food was so delicious, reasonable, and the service was great.
   

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8. d

   diner

   New York Area

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on August 23, 2017

   overall3food3service3ambience4

   Everything was generally fine, except one of our starters was completely forgotten about. When we raised the issue it came out with our entrees, as well as an apology from the waiter who didn't hesitate to claim responsibility. So I was very surprised when the bill arrived that the item wasn't omitted. Just not exactly what I would expect from Balaboosta.
   

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9. CD

   CliffD

   New York Area

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on August 12, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Just a really pleasant place. Food was terrific, room is very well designed, staff couldn't have been nicer. The slightly "different" nature of the food made it interesting - there was a pasta dish unlike anything I've ever had before. I've already recommended it to a number of people. Im anxious to try the other restaurants affiliated with Balaboosta
   

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10. MM

    MichelleM

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    A favorite. Consistent, delicious, fresh food and friendly service
    

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11. CT

    CaitlinT

    New Mexico

    19 reviews

    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2017

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    The food was very good and it's a cute spot, but the service was strange. The waitress had absolutely no personality and could not engage. We heard other tables trying to ask her questions and involve her in their decisions and there was just nothing there, a blank stare. The bus boy was a little too eager to fill up water and wine glasses that didn't need filling up. There was a guy who helped us with wine and seemed to actaully have thoughts and opinions and know some things about the menu so that was good.
    

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a great experience in Balaboosta! I had be waiting to try this restaurant since a long time and it lived up to my expectations ! Excelent service, amazing food and drinks! We are definitely coming back.
    

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2017

    overall2food2service1ambience1

    Way over priced. Food just ok- nothing special Service not great.... long wait in between courses. Too loud to talk with the rest of our group without screaming. Completely overrated!
    

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14. WB

    WillB

    New York Area

    56 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service and food. Best hummus I've eaten. Very creative cuisine
    

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15. B

    Bill

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2017

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    And that will be my very last visit to this once-great restaurant. The food remains wonderful but the portions -- especially the appetizers -- have become microscopic, even too small for two people to share. The past few times we've tried to visit, the hosts were absolutely obnoxious. Not so this time, but there's an air of arrogance that pervades the restaurant. Too many other great places to eat in this city. . .
    

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16. NJ

    NJlovesNYC

    New York Area

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We had a great evening here. Unique combinations of flavors, great cocktails and wine, and very attentive but not overbearing service.
    

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17. B

    Bobette

    New York Area

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    I go about once a year since opening. I Always take new friends and no one has ever been disapointed. The food is different and absolutely delicious. Very creative cuisine.
    

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18. MM

    MelissaM

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    The food was amazing and the restaurant was incredibly intimate. However, I was surprised that our server never came back to the table and check-in on us after she took our order. Also, because the restaurant is very intimate, seating can be tight.
    

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19. LP

    LisaP

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2017

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    Always visit when I'm in NYC. Comforting atmosphere and food.
    

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20. JP

    JamesP

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing Israeli food experience
    

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21. SK

    SharleneK

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    The food and service was good, pricey but good. I just didn't like being seated right in front of the kitchen window area. I really took away from the ambiance of the place. There was always a waiter walking by the table with something in their hands, I was scared i was going to hit someone by accident.
    

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22. M

    Mike

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was outstanding, service was quick. Loved trying different quartinos of wine.
    

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23. e

    emgee

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2017

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Order the cauliflower! Fried olives! Hummus! It's all excellent.
    

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24. C

    Cyril

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2017

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    Good neo Israeli food. Nice decoration brasserie/library style. The services is friendly with a mix of real waiter and plate dropper. Two main critics: Very noisy and expensive for Mediterranean food.
    

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25. M

    Mjhs

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Good inventivefood( israeli middle eastern) Attentive caring staff But the room lacks warmth, is noisy even though a smallish space. And evethough we could have been spread out more we were placed in close proximity to other dinners, when there were lots of tables available to give us all more privacy...
    

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26. OA

    OlgaA

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fabulous fabulous food! My husband and I are world travelers and Balaboosta is one of the best meals we've ever had anywhere. What a great experience!
    

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Mobile

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious meal!! Highly recommend the lamb burger and the sampler.
    

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28. BA

    BA4555

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great as always. One of my go to spots in NYC. The staff is great, always friendly and helpful. Love this place.
    

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29. BK

    BarryK

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2017

    overall3food2service4ambience3

    The fish didnt come out as described had to send it back for another dish.
    

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30. EG

    EliG

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2017

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    Balaboosta used to be exceptional but now it is merely good. It's vegetarian small plates were especially disappointing and did not deliver anything special for $16 a plate.
    

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31. EV

    EVFoodie

    New York Area

    328 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    328 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Superb couscous - only available on Tuesday nights, and we'd been looking forward to this meal for a long time. There are two choices of what to have with the couscous - we had short rib (tender and flavorful - superb) and fish (moist and perfectly flavored). The couscous was light and fluffy, and the three side dishes that come with each couscous order were absolutely delicious. Truly a treat. Can't wait for the opening of the couscous restaurant that will become part of the empire of restaurants owned and operated by THE "Balaboosta" herself, Einat Admony.
    

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32. M

    Mrsyack

    New York Area

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    Food delicious. Atmosphere and overall enjoyment was affected by a large family with noisy kids and loud technology. Surprised staff didn't ask them to quiet down.
    

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33. GN

    GroveNative

    Miami

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really good experience. We started with the hummus, which is served in a mortar and pestle. It comes with warm pita that is topped with zatar. Excellent. We also enjoyed the crispy cauliflower, the half chicken and the brisket. I'll definitely be back.
    

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34. ED

    EvaD

    New England

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    Excellent. But very noisy, which seems to be the norm in NYC.
    

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2017

    overall2food3service4ambience2

    The food and service were good. Small portions. High prices. Limited menu.
    

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36. G

    Guinevere

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2017

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    Very disappointed with this return visit. We used to love this place (as a reliably good place to go for birthdays, etc.) , but the food was so-so and the drop-off in quality disheartening. Prices, of course, higher. Cost-cutting everwhere apparent in changes to the menu, and the execution was not good. A side of sauteed kale was downright insulting -- bland and dry. The old magical cauliflower has lost its magic. I miss the little bowl of black salt on the table. I know, I know, rising rents are squeezing everyone, but it's still possible to put good food on the table and make people feel they aren't being ripped off. And to keep a birthday happy rather than having one more thing to be depressed about. I said a silent final goodbye to Balaboosta when we left.
    

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37. PE

    PETERG

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Loved the food and staff!
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We enjoyed our meal - excellent service and beautifully prepared food!
    

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39. M

    Michelle

    Philadelphia

    84 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    84 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    We went for lunch, and didn't realize the menu was a limited brunch menu. However, our Mediterranean sampler, and schnitzel sandwich, were very good. The bloody mary, was exceptionally good. I would go back for dinner, with a menu of more choices.
    

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40. p

    pmom

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2017

    overall3food2service5ambience5

    The couscous special at $37 was good, but not outstanding and the portion for that price was quite meager.
    

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