Ballaboosta — Restaurant in Adelaide

Went to Ballaboosta on Halifax Street tonight a Thursday night thinking it would be a casual night. Turned into a nightmare. Stay clear if you like being over charged and lied to. Arrived really excited to try some beautiful Lebanese food, well that turned out to be an extremely disappointing night in the end. Order of food was taken quite quickly which was lovely. Had wine and water. That was awesome. Atmosphere was awesome. Waiter comes to take our food order we asked for dips and bread for entree and Lamb Koftas with Halloumi, and lamb chops for mains with potato for mains. Not hard right. Well we get served dips and bread about 20 minutes in. That’s fine. Next minute before dips were finished, our main dish of halloumi and potatoes arrive. We are like great okay, mains are on their way. Well half hour went by, and next minute the business manager comes over to tell us that the lamb chops we ordered weren’t a full sized dish so we will give you chicken instead. We are like yep let’s do it at this point. Because one hour into service and we’ve only been served entrees we are ready to walk. Potatoes and halloumi with dips is all we have had at this point and basically at this point, halloumi is dry and cold and so is the potatoes. A bowl of potatoes served and then no protein is ridiculous. Then just when we were prepared to get up which we should have just walked at 1.5 hours of virtually nothing at this point. We get served Koftas with part of a salad and bread and a sauce for two people, and then the chicken skewers. The business manager comes over to ask how the Chicken skewers were, we hadn’t tried at that point. We ate our food and went to pay the bill all to find that they had charged us for a dish they changed us to. When I brought it up with the lady at the desk she blankly lied to my face and told me that she took it off. I said it’s right there still on the screen. She gave me a dirty look and flops out the eftpos machine and said to me oh no I’ve taken it off. Clearly by this receipt I asked for, suggests she never took it off. Don’t lie to customers, don’t offer dishes you can’t provide, and accept your mistakes. You’ve ruined Ballaboosta completely for us. I am not okay with being lied to my face. Unacceptable from any business. On another note, as we sat there we heard so many wrong orders and wrong items, we watched several orders on a Thursday night be returned for an incorrect item. Appalling! This is why Byblos on O’Connell Street and Zayt and Zaatar do so...

Lunch at Ballaboosta – 289 Halifax Street, Adelaide

With my long-term favourite in Adelaide now closed, I recently had the opportunity to explore a new eatery. Trusting the recommendation of a local legend, we decided to catch up for lunch at Ballaboosta’s city restaurant on Halifax Street.

First Impressions

As we approached Ballaboosta, the tantalising aroma of spices drifted down the street, hinting at the culinary delights awaiting inside. The inviting scent immediately set high expectations for our meal.

Dining Style and Menu

Ballaboosta’s menu is thoughtfully designed for sharing, making it ideal for enjoying a variety of dishes with friends. We decided to indulge in a communal feast, sampling several of their signature offerings.

The Feast

Our meal began with spinach and feta triangles, generously filled with spinach, tomatoes, onion, feta, lemon and mixed spices. This starter was the perfect way to whet our appetites.

Next, we savoured spiced rice vine leaves—rice rolls wrapped in marinated grape leaves with tomato and parsley, served alongside tangy yoghurt and warm wood-fired pita. These were among the most flavoursome I have ever had.

The Mediterranean Cauliflower was a highlight: chargrilled cauliflower florets topped with tahini, lemon and chilli sauce. The cauliflower was cooked to perfection, with a lovely balance of smokiness and spice.

We also enjoyed pan-seared Cyprian haloumi, served on a fresh bed of roquette and tomatoes with a squeeze of lemon. The haloumi added a pleasing change in texture and was tasty.

No Mediterranean meal would be complete without falafel, and Ballaboosta’s version did not disappoint. Made from broad beans, chickpeas, onion, parsley, garlic and traditional spices, the falafel was served with lemon tahini sauce and classic pickles. This dish was a personal favourite—I have always loved falafel.

The standout dish was the Fattoush Salad, featuring seasonal greens, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onion, Lebanese cucumber, toasted pita crisps and a homemade mint, lemon and sumac dressing. The zesty dressing brought out the freshness of the vegetables and made the salad especially memorable.

Atmosphere and Service The service at Ballaboosta was excellent, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. The setting was charming, and we enjoyed our lunch in great company on a perfectly sunny afternoon. It was a delightful dining experience—what more could you ask for? I believe we may have found a new...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ballaboosta Pizza on Hutt Street in Adelaide, and I must say, it was an absolute delight! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and a cozy atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – their breakfast pizza. It's not every day that you come across a pizza joint that offers a dedicated breakfast menu, and Ballaboosta Pizza has truly nailed it. The breakfast pizza I ordered was a revelation. The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside yet wonderfully soft on the inside, and it was topped with a harmonious blend of ingredients that created a symphony of flavors. From the creamy eggs to the savory bacon and the fresh veggies, every bite was a burst of morning happiness.

What impressed me even more was the attention to detail. The ingredients were clearly of high quality, and you could taste the freshness in every bite. The portion size was generous without being overwhelming, and it left me feeling satisfied and ready to take on the day.

The breakfast pizza wasn't just delicious; it was also beautifully presented. It was evident that the chefs at Ballaboosta Pizza take pride in their craft, and it shows in the care they put into each dish.

The service was top-notch as well. The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. They were more than happy to answer any questions I had and offered excellent recommendations.

Ballaboosta Pizza's ambiance added to the overall experience. The cozy and inviting interior, along with the aroma of freshly baked pizza, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy a fantastic meal, and linger over good conversation.

In addition to their breakfast pizza, they offer a wide variety of other pizza options, and I can't wait to return to try more of their offerings. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or just looking for a unique and delicious breakfast experience, Ballaboosta Pizza on Hutt Street is an absolute must-visit.

In conclusion, Ballaboosta Pizza's breakfast pizza is a hidden gem in Adelaide, and the entire dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. With its delicious food, attentive service, and cozy ambiance, this restaurant has earned its place as one of my favorite breakfast spots in the city. I can't...