After wanting to try this place for months, I finally visited on June 1. The food itself was good, but the customer service left a lot to be desired. While waiting in line, I watched the customer ahead of me have his poke mixed with sauces in a separate bowl before being placed on top of the rice and greens. The employee never asked him beforehand if he wanted it mixed and the customer never requested it, it was simply done as part of the preparation. When I requested the same thing for my order, I was told I needed to have asked beforehand and that it couldn't be done. After I explained that I wanted it prepared the same way as the customer before me, the employee appeared frustrated by the request. What made the interaction particularly uncomfortable was that when he went to the back to get a mixing bowl, there was a loud crash of stainless-steel bowls that could be heard from the front counter. It sounded as though multiple bowls had been dropped or slammed together. This stood out because moments earlier, when he prepared the bowl for the customer ahead of me, everything was done quietly and without any issue. Whether intentional or not, it gave the impression that he was upset about my request. At that point, I told him not to worry about mixing it and asked for all of my sauces on the side so I could do it myself. I also requested an extra container so I could mix everything on my own. Later there was additional confusion regarding the sauces and what was included. I repeatedly offered to pay for any extra sauces if necessary, but the conversation still felt argumentative rather than helpful. The food was actually pretty good, which makes the experience even more disappointing. Unfortunately, the customer service made me feel unwelcome and almost caused me to leave before ordering. Consistency and attitude matter just as much as the food, and this experience fell short of what I expected. read more

Balboa Poke - Container and sauces - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Parking is still horrible.. But I wanted to update my review since the food is still on par with great taste and portions. I will recommend that the owners switch to a better Avocado style portion instead of what looks like paste? Fresh Cut avocados is the only way to go. Please consider this.. Other than that nice lady and great food to go.. Rice quality is great, and seafood so far is good too! Thank you guys! read more

So I've seen this place quite often driving past and grabbing an ice cream next door. Finally gave it a shot. It's park of a strip mall so there's some parking but limited. Parking always seemed to be full which I think it's mainly occupied by employees of the strip mall. So it's very limited for customers. There's street parking but that could be limited with the hours on balboa blvd. Stopped by at lunch time and it was quiet. There was no one there when I walked in but the lady that was working was quite nice. She could have been the owner. I'm not sure how long they've been opened. It's a small place which is more likely for takeout. Layout of the items in the counter. All proteins (fish, shrimp, tofu, imitation crab meat) are to the right, then you have your extras or sides (veggies, corn, onion , seaweed, soybean, jalapeño) items in the middle and then the sauces on the opposite end. Some of the items are additional charge. I went with the large bowl. Comes with white or brown rice. And four different proteins, 7 sides items and a crunch item (whatever topping) and a sauce. The protein scoops is quite small per items as well as the sides. But I guess if you're getting a few choices it adds up. Fish does look fresh which is a major plus. Also some of the sides items, I would have never thought to add. Never seen artichoke or some kind of a pickle veggies. To think of it, I don't remember seeing any pickle ginger on hand. Anyways, for the two large bowl, it came up to 43.00 and that's before tax. There's also a refrigerator case with the macaron ice cream . Bowl, it was good. The mixture of fish was nice. There was a lot of rice on the bottom. They could add more protein and the extra items and do a little less rice would have been nice. Overall, it was good. read more

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A must-try poke spot! They have a huge selection of fresh fish, toppings, and sauces, so there are plenty of options to customize your bowl. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and delicious. The owner was super friendly and helpful with recommendations when we weren't sure what to order. The prices are great, and the portions are generous and very filling read more

Balboa Poke - Large Poke Bowl - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Great portion sizes and the ingredients are always so fresh! I love coming here; my only complaint would be the parking lot is tiny considering how many businesses are located inside this plaza, so pack your patience! read more

3/26/26 medium bowl with tuna, salmon, crab. Sweet chili and Poke sauce drizzled. On white rice. SO FRESH AND DELICIOUS. Their store is very clean, always friendly and fast! read more

Balboa Poke - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Anytime I'm even remotely in the area, I drive out of my way to come here. They have the freshest fish, unique toppings, and the kindest staff. It's always hard for me to eat anywhere because most foods and toppings are not safe for my medical condition and they are always kind about answering my questions about ingredients and nutrition facts, so I feel safe and comfortable eating here over and over. My absolute favorite Poke spot in LA, truly! (Trust me - I eat A LOT of Poke!) read more

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Bomb fresh poke bowls and delicious sushi rolls all in one spot. Perfect for families and groups because even if someone isn't into poke bowls, the sushi hand rolls are always a hit. A wonderful establishment serving flavorful food, great quality, and warm smiles every time you walk in. read more

Was excited to try a new poke spot in the valley, but I won't be coming back unfortunately. The brown rice was undercooked, the fish didn't taste fresh, and the sauce was lacking flavor. The skimped on the toppings in my opinion. I really wish I had a better experience. Can't win them all. read more

Balboa Poke - To go order - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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The service was top tier, the food was delicious, and the restaurant was super clean! Definitely coming back for more Poki Bowls

The signature bowl was amazingly delicious with all natural, fresh and healthy ingredients. This is the location I know that red caviar is included. The customer service was great. Parking is available. I highly recommend this location for everyone. read more

Balboa Poke - Signature bowl #3 - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

I ordered delivery from this place so this review is about the food only. I ordered a large and 3/4 of the bowl was rice. The fish wasn't the best and the portions were small. I did appreciate they had a lot of sauces and a lot of sides to pick from. One of the cons was you had to pick crab as a main protein instead of adding it after like most places. Also, seaweed salad was $1.50 more so I opted out. I was excited because they offered eel and yellowtail but neither of the fish I got was amazing. I most likely won't be back which is sad because it's is somewhat close to us and the selections sounded good. read more

Balboa Poke - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

The brown wasn't cooked at all. The bowl just didn't taste fresh. I ended up getting very nauseous after having a few bites. Everything was just sour. read more

Hands down the best poke spot! Everything tastes super fresh and full of flavor. The customer service is amazing--they really treat you like family and are some of the sweetest, most down-to-earth people. The prices are definitely worth what you get, and the ice cream macaron sandwiches are top tier! If I could give more stars, I definitely would! read more

Been meaning to try this spot, and glad we did! I'm a sucker for helping a small business and the owner was super friendly and inviting. There were a lot of protein options and they were all fresh and delicious. I got the spiny tuna / tuna / shrimp / salmon, while my wife also got the shrimp cocktail (his take on it - homemade sauce). Toppings were on point, and the sauces were solid. My wife got the medium and I got the large. We both have had poke several times -- these are the portions you'd expect and honestly felt like a great value. Very clean store, well lit and exactly as you'd expect a small poke shop. We'll definitely be going again. read more

Stop debating and HURRY over! I love this place. Trust me as a poke connoisseur it's amazing! The food is always consistent, fresh, and delicious. I've tried easily over 20 poke spots. This place took my # 1 spot. I drive all the way from manhattan beach to eat here and I'm never disappointed. It's always clean and has two tables to eat. I've come here every week since I found it on yelp like you did! The workers are super respectful I'll be coming here for many months to come! :) Here are just a few photos I've taken and shared with family and friends. My menu photo isn't the best since the sun reflected but here you go! Head over! Or order :) read more

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Really good bowls. The medium was more than I was expecting and I have some left over. Salmon, albacore and tuna tartar were all fresh and the bowl really hit the spot. The service was quick. I live a block away and I called it in and it was ready when I got there. read more

Never had poke bowl before and I'm so thankful and blessed to have tried this place. What I had was so tasty and the lady who helped me was super courteous and with a super kind attitude. read more

Balboa Poke - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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If I could give this place zero stars, I would. What a joke of a café. The portions are laughably tiny -- more like samples than actual meals. They nickel-and-dime you for every little topping, served with a teaspoon as if they're sprinkling gold dust. The smell inside is nauseating, like rotten fish left in the sun, and sadly the fish looks just as bad as it smells. I waited TWENTY minutes for basic rolls (seriously?), only to get something I wouldn't feed to my dog. To make matters worse, one of the employees had their child running around the place completely unsupervised, bothering everyone and making it impossible to enjoy what little there was to "enjoy." The radish literally stank, and the cream cheese was yellow. Yellow. That is not fresh -- that is spoiled. Absolutely disgusting. This is hands down the worst dining experience I've ever had. Save your money, save your stomach, and go literally anywhere else. read more

First off, got to the restaurant a little before opening and I wasn't turned away. This Great service prompted me to give you a review. The food is very fresh, the restaurant is spotless, you can almost eat off the floor. I have been here twice now and I'm very satisfied, will be back for more healthy food. Thank you read more

Terrible quality. Dude, I could smell the fish (insanely fishy smell) through the plastic bag the poke bowl was packed in. When I opened the container, the smell became even worse. I took one bite, and immediately knew something was wrong. I could not take more than three bites and I had to throw it all away. Look, I'm not looking for insane quality fish when I'm spending $15-$30 on a poke bowl, but I at least expect it to be edible OR at the very least not set off alarm bells in my head. I hope that was just a one time occurrence. That's all. Thanks for reading. read more

Came here after my regular poke spot had closed. I have to say it's pretty good decent poke bowl! I loved how the cucumber was super fresh! I got spicy tuna and it was really good! I don't know what the people are talking about in the comment section, saying that it's not fresh, it tastes fresh to me! Overall it was a great experience from customer service, to the cleanliness, to the food. I would definitely go again. read more

I love trying out new local places and I heard about this place and I had to check it out on a warm Saturday afternoon. Only to my surprise it turned out not so great. Price :$20.00 for a very small large Ingredients: Could not find much protein in the bowl seemed more like mush tuna with a lot of veggie toppings and drenched in sauce. Didn't ask for wasabi but I got a mouthful of horrible wasabi and it really ruined the already bad bowl. read more

My wife and I wanted to get some poke bowls to take to the beach. This spot provided great service and food! I think the very nice and friendly girl working the front counter was the daughter, and her parents were back preparing the non-poke items like the sushi rolls. They had the usual options but also had choices I've never seen at other poke spots like artichokes and mandarin oranges. Everything was fresh and tasted great...only wish they gave more fish (looked like about 2 ounces per protein choice). Regardless, my wife and I will be coming back to support this family-run business that's close to our house! read more

Balboa Poke - Small Poke Bowl - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

The food here is amazing. I drive 20 min just to come specifically here. They have the best fish best customer service. I definitely recommend this place to all my friends and family. Very clean and is pleasant to be there. read more

Highly recommend this spot if you're looking for good poke in the valley! Great food quality, service was excellent , definitely coming back! read more

Loved this place good was great i tried the california roll it was made fresh to order, I will be back.

delicious! staff was very nice and very helpful. thank you for the amazing food!! will definitely be back read more

Balboa Poke - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

As much as I want to support this local business that I once really like, I have to be honest. It's sad that greedy business owners ruin businesses. Also, I'm confident the other 10 reviews are fake - from employees, owner(s) and family friends. Pros: overall the food is good. The young female employee is really nice. Cons: The new male employee is rude and the worse. I would have fired him on day one. Just really bad service all around. That said, what is even worse is that just about every topping that is free/included in all other poke restaurants everywhere are considered "extra" here. Total rip-off. By the time you add all, you'll be paying $30+ for a small bowl that would, at most, cost you $18/20 elsewhere. For example, they charge extra for crab meat, masago, seaweed salad, pineapple, etc. Also, the portions are very small. You can tell the owners trained the employees to be very conservative in the portions. You would think that since you're paying extra you would end up with more but that's not the case, it will all fit in the same size bowl. LoL Conclusion: if you want poke, just drive a little more and get more for your buck. No fast food poke restaurant should charge you this much. You might as well go to a nice restaurant. read more

I liked coming to this spot been coming since they opened and have noticed the protein portions the two new girls serve now are no where compared to when the owners used to serve. The owners used to make it worth the $20 a bowl now it's not even worth it! read more

The price is up there in terms of poke places but the large is actually large. I was very happy with the size. She also added an extra scoop as a part of their promo I'm assuming. All I can say is that I had a good experience coming here. The woman working the front was very friendly. If I could give 4.5 stars I would because nothing is ever perfect but I would say this leans closer to a 5 read more

Balboa Poke - Ocean beings - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Great food Ample parking Fast service Fresh food Clean Great atmosphere Owner operated and very friendly read more

i drive past this place daily and been meaning to try it out! i cheated on my usual poke spot but it was worth it! from the very beginning the gentleman that helped my sister and i was very friendly and helpful with all his recommendations. the food was so yummy and fresh! super generous portions too, which i've never heard anyone complain about haha the place is very clean and even has seating to dine in! i love supporting local businesses and i would def return! great place :) read more

If I could give it a 0 star, I would. Would not come back to this poke spot again. The prices in the pictures for the menu are not accurate and a small bowl is no longer offered. Instead a medium bowl with three proteins is almost 18 dollars for small portions of fish, and to add crab is seen as a protein and not a topping like usual places. As well, seaweed salad a USUAL topping for poke bowls was an extra charge. Avocado being an extra charge makes sense but seaweed salad really? Already paying $18+ for a poke bowl why charge extra for the normal things?? Not worth it spend your money on a different, better poke spot. read more

Great food. Amazing selection of fish. Awesome customer service by the workers. And I hope they stay in business forever being that they're 2min from my house!! read more

Balboa Poke - Poke bowl - Poke Near Me - Van Nuys, California

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Came for the first time today and I will come back 100% The food is very goood and the person working was very helpful as I was lost. Wish I got a large instead of a small read more

Food : The food was quite fresh and tasty. I like how they mix the protein with the sauces so it doesn't taste too fishy to me. There is also a wide variety of protein choices, i got the eel, octopus, and spicy salmon which was phenomenal. Service: The service was nice and quick. I'm not sure her name but a young lady helped us out and was super nice about our first time there. Personally, the medium was enough food for me, but I do wish they would add a little more of the protein & toppings, because towards the end of my bowl I was pretty much eating just the rice. However the rice they use was very fresh & well-seasoned. Overall a good experience and wouldn't mind coming here again if I'm in town. read more

The ambience coming in was very quiet and cold. The staff aren't very personable, which obviously shouldn't be an expectation, but would have been nice. The fish looked like it has been out for a while and not very well covered or cooled. It was lukewarm in the bowl. The avocado costs extra though it is mashed and kind of soupy. I got a medium bowl which came with 3 proteins, but they put hardly any of each in. (Masago is a protein here) There aren't many options as far as toppings, but the fish selection is okay. Usually when I get poke I get a small, but got a medium this time as the menu says toppings are limited (they are not, aside from the extra charges on seaweed salad and avocado.) I also typically have leftovers to put in the fridge from a small bowl, but the portion on the medium here is so small I ate the whole thing. I asked for crunchy toppings at the end and when I got home and opened it up, they didn't put any. (Sure, maybe I should have paid attention.) The fish was chewy and tasted the way the beach smells, and they drowned it in so much sauce that everything tasted the same. All in all, I wouldn't say this poke bowl is anywhere near worth the price, ($17 before extra charges) and I would reccomend trying Rainbow Poke on Sherman Way instead. In my personal opinion, this place feels more like a cash grab than a restaurant that opened because they actually want to make good food. Mildly disappointed. read more

had such an amazing experience here and have officially found my favorite poke place! i had a favorite poke place in the valley but it closed and i have not been able to find any place that is just as good and this place is BETTER! the customer service was amazing and the man who took my order was so so kind and gave me a free drink just for my kindness! the food was absolutely delicious and such a great price for such a large portion. and all the fish was super fresh even with ordering a poke bowl closer to closing. i can't wait to come back! the environment is really nice too and there's tons of parking. thank you balboa poke! :) read more

The best Poke in town. Hands down! Everything is super fresh, and the price is reasonable. And the people are awesome.