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I, too, am surprised by the complaints that the small plates are small. They aren't cheap, but they ARE delicious. Don't people check the menu or read reviews before they stumble into places? Yes, Balaboosta is pricier than a lot of downtown places. But it's inventive, superb cuisine. If you don't really care what you eat, but don't want to spend much while getting full--fine. But don't denigrate an excellent, unusual restaurant because you didn't know what you were doing when you stumbled in.

I go out a lot and to the latest and greatest and cannot remember having such inventive and tasty food in such a long time. Room needs some work and some sound proofing but food is deelish!

something different than the same old Italian and Bistro - finally!! Nice space - not cramped - Nice reception, interesting menu - lots to choose from - good for sharing! Food delicious - fresh. Server was cute - eager to please. What's the problem? NO PROBLEM!! Looking forward to next time!

with strong love for taim, i went here with my mom and husband, and we all thought it was outstanding. first of all, i don't understand the bitching about the portions. maybe they've changed it since they first opened, but the portions were not that small on either the steak, chicken, or whole fish entrees. the small plates were small, but small is in the title of those, and they were priced appropriately as such. fearing we'd leave hungry, we ordered 3 starters (small plates), 1 appetizer (the pizza, which is small but akin to ordering a plate of 4 bruschetta for the table), 3 entrees, and 1 dessert for 3 people and were totally (over)stuffed, hungry husband and solid-eater me included. despite the yumminess of the food, we couldn't bring ourselves to finish everything. as far as menu choices, the fried olives are a must. a MUST. they are awesome. also the cauliflower is fantastic. the pickles i think could be skipped as there was no real variety in flavor across the plate. the pizza was tasty and unusual in a good way. the steak was my favorite of the entrees, but all 3 were really good. someone at a nearby table had the lamb, and that looked amazing as well. we had the apple dessert with ricotta ice cream--also yum. on top of the great food, we enjoyed the warmly elegant atmosphere and noticeably pleasant service. girls-night-friendly spot for sure--probably 70% of diners were female on our trip. i don't often repeat fancy restaurants, but i do plan on coming back here.

Heard about the place but very disappointed. 1) the food is not good. 2) Portions are very small. 3) Service...i don't even want to tell you how bad it is...see for yourself and you'll leave your own bad comment which I will keep to myself. Bottom Line....Not recommended...there are much better places in the city for your money.

I went this past weekend for brunch with a friend. I got the green organic eggs which were great (and served with a hashbrown like thing and a mixed green salad). My friend ordered the breakfast pizza which was about the circumference of a bagel. It really should have also included a side salad. It looked very lonely on the cutting board it was served on, though my friend said the chorizo made it great. The food was good, the ambience was nice, so i guess I will take the good with the not as good.

everything was great! meatballs could of had more meat and less batter, but overall great and nice atmosphere.