I loved this place as a kid. I came here regularly in the late 90's-early 2000's. Since then, management and ownership definitely changed it up. It's now a pretty timid and casual Japanese restaurant, no funny business, just easy eating. I would say that in recent times, the food has been okay. I've read some other reviews, and like others have mentioned: Buko does not give enough food for the amount of money paid. I think I agree with this statement. The portions get smaller and smaller each time I visit. Is the quality/taste worth mentioning? Yes, this isn't a subpar roadside Japanese restaurant. They truthfully care in the kitchen. I just want extra meat! lol Of course, I stop by every now and then for memory's sake. It holds a strong place in my heart as a childhood restaurant and I'd love to see it succeed. Inflation sucks.
Biggy H.
I think the food is good, suishi is good.I just think they don't give enough for the price... that's why I gave 3 stars...
Hayk P.
bad atmosphere .terrible staff and owner. I had a stomach ache after their sushi. I don't recommend
Frances L.
Food is always good. My husband likes the sashimi deluxe platter. And I love the two-item dinner special with saba and beef short ribs. The grilled saba is juicy and full of flavor, better than my home made broiled saba. And the Japanese salad dressing is probably more authentic than those in other restaurants. Have been here a few years. Both service and food have been consistent and good quality.
Vhel D.
Good ambience. Food is great! Costumer service is thumbs up!! Their combo is pretty good and price is reasonable. It is one of my favorite spot to go to..
Jonelle C.
My favorite Japanese spot in Glendale, Ca since I was a kid. New owners are very kind and service is great! I eat here at least 3 times a month.
Ben B.
Excellent local family owned restaurant has served this neighborhood for 30? years. Busy on the weekend, but great weekday happy hour!
Minh Nguyen
Langostino roll was really good (they called it popcorn lobster but it's really langostino). Tempura avocado was ok, but it tasted better with the lemon I had to ask for separately. The ramen was overcooked and broth underseasoned. Even after adding a lot of salt it still was mediocre.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Hana C
An unexpected discovery of a quaint no nonesense but delicious Japanese Restaurant. Everything I tried was delicious!
Omg this place is awesome! It is a perfect blend of simplicity, flavors and service. There's only one other place that I can remember, the tonkostu ramen being so rich and creamy not salty and that was in Washington DC. We also get the spicy crunchy tuna roll and that was excellent. I think the best restaurants make you want to make the trip back to enjoy them again, I'm coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen
Laura LaPiana
The food was fresh and delicious. The setting leaves a little to he desired. Great staff.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kathryn T.
Good hole in the wall sushi. Service is legit. Food is delicious. Good spot for locals too.
P RB
Service it's mediocre at best, the server seemed not to care at all when taking order or taking it correct. She was so unfriendly even though that's a must for a job such as this. Customer service is one of the worst things here. The food was delivered wrong and had to keep waving to get the server's attention while they were just chatting with each other. No wonder the restaurant is empty.Hopefully they hire people who know and what to be there doing the work properly.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Joey Hayashi
1st time visit, food was excellent, service was just as fantastic. Wonderful dinner for a group of 6.Vegetarian options: Wonderful choices for veggie dishes
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Complementary House Salad and Miso Soup, Spider Roll, Mochi, Beef Teriyaki and Shrimp Tempura, Tonkotsu Ramen, Veggie Tempura, Chicken Katsu Curry, Special Dinner Plate
I loved this place as a kid. I came here regularly in the late 90's-early 2000's. Since then, management and ownership definitely changed it up. It's now a pretty timid and casual Japanese restaurant, no funny business, just easy eating. I would say that in recent times, the food has been okay. I've read some other reviews, and like others have mentioned: Buko does not give enough food for the amount of money paid. I think I agree with this statement. The portions get smaller and smaller each time I visit. Is the quality/taste worth mentioning? Yes, this isn't a subpar roadside Japanese restaurant. They truthfully care in the kitchen. I just want extra meat! lol Of course, I stop by every now and then for memory's sake. It holds a strong place in my heart as a childhood restaurant and I'd love to see it succeed. Inflation sucks.
I think the food is good, suishi is good.I just think they don't give enough for the price... that's why I gave 3 stars...
bad atmosphere .terrible staff and owner. I had a stomach ache after their sushi. I don't recommend
Food is always good. My husband likes the sashimi deluxe platter. And I love the two-item dinner special with saba and beef short ribs. The grilled saba is juicy and full of flavor, better than my home made broiled saba. And the Japanese salad dressing is probably more authentic than those in other restaurants. Have been here a few years. Both service and food have been consistent and good quality.
Good ambience. Food is great! Costumer service is thumbs up!! Their combo is pretty good and price is reasonable. It is one of my favorite spot to go to..
My favorite Japanese spot in Glendale, Ca since I was a kid. New owners are very kind and service is great! I eat here at least 3 times a month.
Excellent local family owned restaurant has served this neighborhood for 30? years. Busy on the weekend, but great weekday happy hour!
Langostino roll was really good (they called it popcorn lobster but it's really langostino). Tempura avocado was ok, but it tasted better with the lemon I had to ask for separately. The ramen was overcooked and broth underseasoned. Even after adding a lot of salt it still was mediocre.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
An unexpected discovery of a quaint no nonesense but delicious Japanese Restaurant. Everything I tried was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Meat is half cooked and half bloody raw.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Omg this place is awesome! It is a perfect blend of simplicity, flavors and service. There's only one other place that I can remember, the tonkostu ramen being so rich and creamy not salty and that was in Washington DC. We also get the spicy crunchy tuna roll and that was excellent. I think the best restaurants make you want to make the trip back to enjoy them again, I'm coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen
The food was fresh and delicious. The setting leaves a little to he desired. Great staff.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good hole in the wall sushi. Service is legit. Food is delicious. Good spot for locals too.
Service it's mediocre at best, the server seemed not to care at all when taking order or taking it correct. She was so unfriendly even though that's a must for a job such as this. Customer service is one of the worst things here. The food was delivered wrong and had to keep waving to get the server's attention while they were just chatting with each other. No wonder the restaurant is empty.Hopefully they hire people who know and what to be there doing the work properly.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
1st time visit, food was excellent, service was just as fantastic. Wonderful dinner for a group of 6.Vegetarian options: Wonderful choices for veggie dishes
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Complementary House Salad and Miso Soup, Spider Roll, Mochi, Beef Teriyaki and Shrimp Tempura, Tonkotsu Ramen, Veggie Tempura, Chicken Katsu Curry, Special Dinner Plate