Balthazar is a sophisticated and intimate restaurant located in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. Known for its elegant ambiance and Euro-inspired wine bar, this dining venue is situated in the basement of an Art Deco building. It offers a well-curated menu focusing on local produce, paired with an extensive selection of boutique wines from around the world.
Official Website & Reserviations: Balthazar
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Google Reviews
Average Rating: 4.6/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Positive Points:
Exceptional Wine Selection: Many diners praised the wine list, calling it one of the best in Perth. The range of local and international wines is impressive.
Outstanding Service: Numerous patrons mentioned the attentive and knowledgeable staff, particularly their expertise in wine pairing.
Elegant Atmosphere: The intimate, dim-lit setting was a highlight for many, making it perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: The use of fresh, local produce in every dish was a consistent point of praise.
Delicious and Refined Dishes: Many diners raved about the quality and creativity of the dishes, especially the seafood options like the scallops and oysters, steaks.
Perfect for Wine Lovers: Guests who enjoy fine wines were thrilled with the sommelier's recommendations and the diversity of the wine cellar.
Attention to Detail: Small touches like the handmade bread and house-made butter left a lasting impression on guests.
Personalized Experience: Several reviews mentioned that the staff went out of their way to make special occasions, like anniversaries or birthdays, memorable.
Well-Designed Menu: The seasonal menu was praised for its balance, with options suitable for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Private Dining Option: The availability of private dining rooms made Balthazar a popular choice for business dinners and intimate gatherings.
Negative Points:
"Unfortunately, I can't give it more than 3 stars. The flavors were non-existent, and the seasoning was problematic, sometimes even unbearable. The fish was overcooked, and the snapper paired with pumpkin just didn’t work (guys, please don't serve every fish with the same garnish and plating). The duck was tough and hard to cut, and when it was reheated, it was overdone. The best part of the dinner was the lemon tea :) 😅. The food is mediocre, though the ambiance and service were good. There is much room for improvement in both taste and presentation. It makes me wonder if Perth's dining scene just doesn’t measure up to that of other cities."
"Don't waste your time or money. My partner had made a reservation for 9 PM, and after checking in with the staff, we were asked to wait for 2-3 minutes while they found our table. We were left standing at the entrance and had to ask twice about our table, and the staff seemed confused. After 30 minutes, we were finally seated. The food is extremely overpriced. The beautiful Fremantle swordfish tartare was ruined by too much sauce, either yogurt or tahini. The fish was cut too thick and tasted nothing like anything marinated. The oysters were fresh and paired well with granita. For mains, we had the pork belly and kangaroo. The pork belly was barely edible, with a skin that wasn’t crispy at all, and I have no idea why they used a bean sauce. My partner’s kangaroo was just average at best. As a side, we ordered the charred broccoli—don't order it. It was too soft, cut into small pieces, and felt like eating baby food. There are better restaurants with tastier food and more reasonable prices. This used to be a favorite restaurant... but I wouldn’t recommend it or return again."
Pricey: Some patrons felt that the prices were on the higher side, especially with the addition of wine.
Slow Service: There were occasional complaints about slow service during busy periods.
"The service was extremely disappointing. Despite booking a table weeks in advance and being promised one of the best seats, we were seated at a shared table upon arrival. One side already had six people, and we were asked to squeeze in on the other side, which was inconvenient for both us and the other party, as they had to stand up to let us through. We decided not to accept the shared seating arrangement and chose to leave the restaurant instead."
Recommended Dishes:
Oysters Rockefeller
Seafood Pasta
Beef Tartare
Seafood
Scallop Crudo
Duck Fat Potatoes
Beef Fillet
Duck Breast
Overall Analysis:
Per Capita Spending: Average Spend: Approximately AUD 80 - 120 per person (without drinks).
These reviews highlight some recurring issues when it comes to the flavor and preparation of certain dishes. In both cases, overcooking and poor combinations of ingredients were noted. The service also received criticism for inefficiency, especially in handling reservations and seating. Although some elements like the ambiance and the freshness of oysters were appreciated, the overall value for money was questioned, with some suggesting that other Perth dining options might offer a better experience at a lower cost.
While Balthazar remains a popular choice for its wine selection and intimate setting, there are significant concerns about the consistency of the food and service quality, especially when compared to its premium pricing.
Is it worth visiting?
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, Balthazar is highly recommended for those seeking a fine dining experience in Perth. While the prices are on the higher side, the quality of the food, wine selection, and overall dining experience make it a worthwhile destination for special occasions or those looking to indulge in a refined meal. The restaurant’s focus on local produce and accommodating service ensures a memorable experience, especially for wine lovers.
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