First time, had the curry chicken plate, very delicious! Prices are way reasonable, clean inside, super friendly staff! I'll be back for sure. read more

MY ORDER - Tempura Shrimp - Pork Egg Roll - California Rolls - Teriyaki Chicken, Rice, and Salad Plate - Bottled Water THE FOOD Everything was delicious. When I was there, a fireman came in and, while he was waiting for his food, shared with the owner about a fire truck that visits once a year for an annual event, and for lunch, with their choice of anywhere in the valley, they chose to come here, to Blue Fin. THE SERVICE The best part of my visit here was the service. Even if the food was only mediocre (again, it was delicious), I would go again just for the great service. The place is family owned. The staff was kind and patient. When I was seated, they came to check-in multiple times, offering extra sauces, a cover to keep my plate warm while I enjoyed my appetizers, extra cups of ice and water, and more. Mind you, this isn't a table service restaurant. This isn't a waiter earning a tip. This was grandma caring about the folks who chose to come to eat at her place. While I was here, I also observed a to-go order. They went through the receipt item by item with the customer, making sure that the customer knew what was what, and confirming that everything was right and present. So simple, but how many times have we all gotten wrong to-go orders elsewhere? All it takes is a little time and concern. THE VERDICT I will be back. I do recommend. This is a gem of a place. Parking in the back and on the side. read more

This is definitely my go to lunch place. I found it on Yelp one day and never looked back. I am a creature of habit so I get the same thing every week: A spicy all white meat teriyaki chicken bowl ($6). The portion is SO big. I have never been to any restaurant that actually over serves the meat portion. I typically find myself wanting a little more rice to finish all the chicken with. I love the way the chicken is cooked and the spicy teriyaki is just the right amount of spice. I will also sometimes splurge and get some dumplings ($2 with tax) which always come out very hot and taste great with their soy based sauce. It's not a traditional dumpling sauce that I love but it's still pretty good with the dumplings. The service at this restaurant though is what pushes me to give them a top notch rating. The people here are just such genuinely nice people. They are very helpful and they get your food out quick. I really do not have one con for this place. The prices are amazing for what they offer, the staff reminds me of my own family and they treat you like you are their family and the food is always fresh tasting and yummy. read more

The employees are very nice! This review is strictly just about the yakisoba. It was tasteless and seemed like it was boiled in water then served. The vegetables and tofu tasted also boiled. read more

I love this place! It's always delicious and the energy there is happy and fast. You won't regret going.

I'm starting to Realize People who Write Yelp Reviews Must not get out of the house much,or have very sheltered lives. I would love to give credit where credit is due...but who shaves chicken? I just had Teryaki chicken and the meat was shaved,dry and shaved,tough...weird. It wasn't good.I feel like I just ate cat meat. Sorry....It just isn't good,not even close to good. Please stop shaving chickens. Unless your helping a chicken shave his face.....STOP SHAVING THE CHICKEN FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. Does anyone Know a good Pizza delivery place downtown Phoenix? Cause I am still hungry. read more

Good fast food. We liked it here but it was the owner we couldn't get over. When we disagreed with her choice on politics (which she brought up) she basically called us dumb and lectured us for 30 minutes. My friend and I don't feel very comfortable eating here and if we had to, we'd get our orders to go. read more

Extremely mediocre food, served by delightful, friendly people.That's the best way to describe this place. We ordered California Rolls, and found them small, dry and not flavorful. Much like Grocery Store packaged sushi. The edamame was the worst I have ever had. It was obviously just 'nuked' and some of the beans had white areas on them from frost burn in their freezer. Really, avoid these! The teriyaki chicken bowls, which we were expecting based on the reviews here to be delicious, were only . . . "so so" at best. The meat was chewy, there was some gristle thrown in for good measure, and in general, it was a big disappointment. I went in on a Groupon type special and felt that we got our money's worth, but just barely. On the positive side, the serving size was nice on the bowl, and the women serving/making the food were very sweet and friendly. I hope their business does well, but I assure Yelpers that it will require them to upgrade their quality or this place won't be there long. read more

I followed the trail left by fellow Yelpers and this was as accurate it goes. Ambience: There is not much to it. Even the owner admits that much. However, it is bright and open. Most of all, it looks welcoming. Food: It's very good, but most of all, it's excellent bang for the buck! The teriyaki is not too sweet and it is well seasoned. I ordered the chicken fried rice with Iced tea. It was great. The iced tea comes with unlimited refills which the owner often reminds the customers while I was there. Service: Although it is a "self-service" restaurant, the owner and staff was extremely helpful to a fault. She refilled my iced tea a couple of times. I will return for sure. The owner did take her time to talk to most if not all her customers. If you are looking for a friendly place with good food, this would be it! It definitely does not hurt that the food is very affordable. read more

The food was fine on my only visit to Blue Fin, when my son and I stopped in on a hot, off peak summer afternoon following a library assignment., but what we remember most was the elderly Japanese lady who refilled our drinks, took several moments to chat, and repeatedly referred to my son as "Son". Or possibly "San" - I'm not entirely sure. She just had a gentle grace about her, from another culture, and another era, that made a lasting impression on my teenager. That was three or four months ago, and he still brings her up every so often. "Hey Dad. Remember that lady at Blue Fin?" "What's that?" Oh, who am I kidding. She made an impression on me too. read more

Fast service and good food. I got tempura chicken and it was so good. Big portions and friendly service. Great affordable lunch location . Glad I tried something different. read more

Holy moly! I'm addicted. This place is amazing! Friendl6, fast service. I had the panko chicken it was amazing, filling and a great price. I will be at this place a lot! read more

I started working for the State Dept of Transportation in about 1983. I discovered this place shortly after. The food is consistently good and not very expensive. I usually got the chicken teriyaki, but have started branching out into the Panko Fish and some kind of pork/egg bowl. Both were very good. You can get a bowl of your meat with rice, or upgrade to a plate that comes with rice and salad. I like to chat with the daughter, who graduated from MIT and has a wit that is refreshing to experience. They also have fresh sushi rolls that I've had upon occasion. read more

I have been eating at Blue Fin for easily 10 years. This family owned restaurant in midtown phoenix, is well worth the drive! The food is fantastic and the service is worlds beyond any other business i have been too. My favorite is the Beef Bowl special! read more

First time I came to eat here in 20 years. Congrats on staying in business! The owner is so sweet. She absolutely keeps this place successful I'm sure. Oyako chicken bowl : it's good. But they use the same chopped up chicken they use for teriyaki I think. So if you expect a true Japanese Oyako, this isn't quite it. With that said - I'm being picky because I'm Japanese. Eggs should be somewhat runny and mine was completely scrambled dry like you get in Mexican burritos. 5 stars for service and 4 stars for food quality :-) read more

What a wonderful dive! It's small, family run and very tasty. I enjoyed some already prepared sushi, (which was better than the description might describe it to be) and the vegetables noodles. I ate every bite, pausing once to answer the sweet old lady who came by to ask how I was doing. This is the first time I've been here, but for the food, the price, and the friendly service, it won't be the last! read more

Came in after looking up japanese food on yelp. My wife and i came in while we were on a trip to phoenix. What we found was one of the nicest people we have ever met and a great restaurant! My wife ordered the chicken katsu which is called panko chicken here which she enjoyed and got nice portions. I got the chicken curry which after the owner let me know that for $2 more she would double the size. Which i promptly did and got a nice helping of food. It's very comfy home style cooking. I can't say enough good things about thw owner she was very friendly and engaged in conversation with everyone. The prices are incredibly reasonable! Highly recommend it! read more

The food is average but tasty, but I the service is outstanding. Our server was extremely nice and attentive and competent, and the place was jumping with the lunch rush. I'd go back. read more

The best teriyaki you can get for lunch! I love this place and the staff is always pleasant. The healthy special is a great pick that comes with brown rice, white meat teriyaki chicken, salad, and your choice of tea or lemonade. Perfect. read more

Terrific spot in downtown Phoenix! I love the Panko Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken and the Curry Vegetables first and foremost. Beyond that, it's all good and healthy portions. Tankatsu sauce is a favorite right now too. read more

I'm half Japanese and have had a very difficult time finding good authentic Japanese food in the Phoenix area. I am so impressed with this little restaurant! The customer service is awesome. The owner walked around talking to people and refilling drinks, getting to go boxes, and generally made sure everyone had everything they needed. Top that off with some majorly delicious Japanese food, and that's The Blue Fin. I had the Katsu Pork and I have to tell ya, it's just like my mother's. Their food is made fresh and their sushi is made daily. It's made the old fashioned Japanese way, not like the kind you get at Fry's Grocery Store. Their prices are also very reasonable. I can't wait to go back for the third time to try some other dishes. Hmmm...maybe the yakisoba... read more

My boss took me here for my birthday last month and I was SURPRISED! I thought hmmm, little crowded, little small, little dirty.... not impressed, AND THEN... I tried the avocado crab salad and I saw the clouds parting above and angels coming to sing hallelujah. This place has AMAZING food. My friend and boss had the same thing but tells me the Teriyaki bowls are good too and I will be back to try them. The atmosphere was very homey as I discovered once I got over my claustrophobia. All the other customers seemed to be VERY friendly and even had us talking across tables and joining in conversations we normally wouldn't have done. Being from a very "suburban" neighborhood with no flavor I think this place has inspired me to try all the little places near work and believe me now my adventure has begun. Thank you Blue Fin! read more

I was walking down central and thought I'd try this small restaurant. I'm sure glad I did. The food is great especially for the price. Best of all is the woman that works here. She'll walk by and talk to patrons. Refill your drink, get you more teriyak read more

My girlfriend and I love coming to this restaurant. I always end up getting the Panko chicken bowl with all white meat, it's pretty delicious. The food is always ready quickly, and the staff are very friendly and considerate. I would highly recommend checking this place out, it's a quick and easy lunch venue not too far away from downtown Phoenix. read more

I go to Blue Fin for lunch with friends almost every other month. Locally owned and the little Japanese lady (we call her "mama" san) thanking everyone for coming and making sure your cup is full is awesome and one of the main reasons I keep going back for more. Food is great for Japanese fast food. I just tried their coconut shrimp and it was awesome! If you are hungry try the terriyaki chicken , rice and salad combo, yum!! read more

Yummy Japanese hole in the wall type place. Fast, friendly service, great portions of yummy food and they will customize dishes not on the menu. read more

This place is really great for teriyaki. In fact it is really the only place worth going for teriyaki. First of all - it is really very inexpensive (lunch for two under 20 - easily). Second of all - the service is great because it is family run - you see the same people there everytime. The food is really good - and just hits the spot when you have a hankering for teriyaki. My only complaint would be the hours- bums me out when I want teriyaki for dinner and they are already closed. read more

Took a feel bites of my Teriyaki Chicken and had to throw it out. Super sweet. Diabetics...beware!!

Blue Fin has awesome Teriyaki Bowls and daily specials for under $10. The portions are large and you will even have leftovers. I am a big fan. The menu is a bit limited, but has good customer service and short wait times. Took off one star for limited seating- it is very busy and I would like to have more table space/options. read more

BUT....DO NOT ORDER ONLINE. Sweet, sweet people who own this, but they don't have the online order thing down. I've tried three times and even though I wait 30 min. to pick it up, they haven't had my order once. Not just that it's not ready.. that they have no record of it. Good food... not your regular teriyaki thick sauce stuff. If you want a 'to go' order, you'll have to call it in if you want to know for sure it will be ready to pick up. Crab puffs are amazing!! read more

Went to Blue Fin for lunch today. The service was quick and very kind. My vegetarian egg roll was perfectly crispy and flavorful, and for the first time in my life I didn't have to spit the first bite back out because it was too hot for consumption. Not sure what happened with my Vegetable Yakisoba, but it had NO flavor. Really, none. When I got it home I had to smother it with Soy Vay, which is kind of sad. I'll definitely go back (the price is right), but with a different game plan in mind for my order. read more

just grabbed lunch there today. Had the all white meat Teriyaki bowl. It is dry and flavorless. Is it really chicken? Turkey or pigeon I think, well at least it's some bird flesh from what I can tell by looks. Sauce is flat and lacks flavor. No thrills about a bowl with a little rice and a large portion of meat. No garnish nothing. Brought it home and fed it to my dog. She enjoyed it. I want be returning and I'm disappointed that all of you think it's so great, the place doesn't even have atmosphere to like. read more

I just recently moved up here to Phoenix and was looking for something good to eat. I started looking through things on Yelp and found this place. it took me forever to find it and I called and the lady helped me find it. Well I definitely found it. I went and the lady working was so friendly and helped me pick out what to eat. And the found was delicious!!!! I had the number 1. I definitely recommended it to anyone. read more

Cute little place with both outdoor (with misters) and indoor seating. Excellent teriyaki and salad. Very attentive owner and staff. Large portions and great prices $5.49 & we could easily have split one. Next time, we will, and we'll try some of the super inexpensive appetizers...pot stickers, egg rolls. A fresh healthy meal. read more

Been living in Willow for almost 20 years. An old girl friend told me how lucky I'd be to live so close to Blue Fin. Personally I prefer the Tonkatsu, fish or chicken, with brown rice. I prefer to take it home or eat at the park next to the library. read more

Visited for lunch we ordered chicken teriyaki w/veggies and beef Yakisoba. The food was okay, it wasn't the worst I've ever had but it wasn't the best. Good place for a fresh quick lunch. The service staff was friendly. They have an outdoor space to eat so you can see the action on Central. read more

Friendly quick service, veggie options, accommodating to any requests, great food, reasonable prices. My new fav place downtown.

This place is small with an large patio area. They have some ok teriyaki white chicken(needs more sauce kind of dry) and terribly flavorless chicken fried rice. The service was quick and nice but I wouldn't recommend dining there as it seems to be heavy traffic for drunks and homeless people (unless people watching of sadness is your thing)so you would be best to pick up instead. I doubt I go back since the place is only so so at best for two of my favorite things. The crab puffs were nice though. read more

Ok, I don't usually go too deep into my personal life but this place brings back good memories. My fiancee at the time (whom I've been married to for 15 years now) took me to this place one afternoon. He worked in the downtown area so he was familiar with all the good eats. Surprisingly our food was great. As the years roll by, I take our kids and we sit at the same spot that my husband and I sat during our date 15 years ago. We order the same entree too, lol. This place has several entrees to choose from. My favorite is the Teriyaki Chicken. I know it sounds plain but don't judge a book by it's cover. It's a small hole in the wall but it's clean and not run down. The owners have maintained the business very well. Go to their website for a complete listing of their entrees. By the way, try the Mochi dessert. I don't know whats in it but I LIKE IT ALOT... read more

I was super excited to try this place ... They do have Cheap eats for lunch and free refills on their large drinks. And there was not a long wait for the food. We ordered Katsu pork plate and chicken teriyaki. Both lacked flavor and the Katsu looked like puke on a plate and had no rice or breaking on the pork. The teriyaki chicken was very rubbery and had little to no sauce. I'm super disappointed that this place was a bust because it has so many good reviews. read more