Dining at Balthazar Restaurant was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment I stepped inside, I was immediately transported into the classic, elegant Parisian-inspired atmosphere that Balthazar is so well-known for. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. The space is buzzing with energy but still manages to maintain a cozy, intimate vibe thanks to its rustic charm, dim lighting, and iconic red leather banquettes. It’s the kind of place that feels both timeless and contemporary at the same time.
The service at Balthazar is top-tier. Our waiter, Mark, was incredibly professional and attentive, offering great suggestions from the menu and being more than willing to answer any questions we had about the wine list. He had a genuine warmth about him that made us feel welcome and valued throughout our entire meal. It’s clear that the staff at Balthazar are highly trained and dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels like a VIP.
Now, let’s talk about the food. Simply put, it’s some of the best I’ve had in a long time. We started with the fresh oysters, which were perfectly chilled and served with a delicious mignonette sauce that had just the right amount of tang. For the main course, I opted for the steak frites, which is a true classic and something that Balthazar does impeccably. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and rich in flavor, paired with crispy, golden fries that were the perfect accompaniment. My partner had the roast chicken, which was divine. The skin was crispy and flavorful, while the meat was incredibly juicy and tender. It came with a simple yet delicious pan sauce and roasted vegetables, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and refined French technique.
We also shared a side of the creamy mashed potatoes, which were heavenly—smooth, buttery, and absolutely indulgent. For dessert, we couldn’t resist the tarte Tatin, a classic French apple tart that was perfectly caramelized and served with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. It was the ideal sweet ending to a truly memorable meal.
What really sets Balthazar apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. Every dish, from appetizers to dessert, was executed flawlessly. The ingredients are clearly top-notch, and the flavors are balanced, with each bite leaving you wanting more.
The wine list is another highlight. It’s extensive, with a fantastic selection of both French and international wines that pair wonderfully with the menu. Our server was more than happy to guide us through the options, helping us find a bottle that complemented our meal perfectly. It’s this kind of attention to detail that makes dining at Balthazar feel special.
Overall, Balthazar Restaurant is a true gem. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic dinner, or just in the mood for an outstanding meal, Balthazar delivers on every level. The combination of exceptional food, impeccable service, and an unforgettable atmosphere makes it one of my favorite spots in the city. I can’t recommend it highly enough, and I will definitely be returning for another memorable dining...
Read moreWe used to love Balthazar. We had been regulars, and it was our 'go to' up until a bad experience put us off a few years ago, and hadn't been back since, but after reading more recent reviews we thought we'd go there for our anniversary. It was an early evening session, and a tight table in a corner, with the blind open the opposite way to all the others, and directly in my face. Not romantic at all, and I wish I'd have brought my sunglasses. Definitely didn’t need the candle lit at all. To cut to the chase, entrees were underwhelming, but it was the main that completely floored me, along with how the staff dealt with it. I ordered the wagyu striploin that was $89, plus adding some sides etc. My best guess was 140-150 grams max, and the quality of the steak was extremely poor. It was full of cartilage, and not even fat that could have been rendered. It was chewy and I got to a point where I'd cut parts into it that were edible (mix of fat and steak), and left what was pure gristle, probably 40grams (see photo). Do I think that was good value….definitely not. I have had better steaks at The Breakwater $15m steak night (and that's saying something). I do love a good steak, and been blessed to eat at some very renowned steak houses worldwide. I'm no expert though, so I asked politely could they check with the chef. The response was, that's just the way he cooks it, and you're not guaranteed what quality the steak will be. I'm floored by that response. The next interaction is with the waitress asking would we like dessert. I am still hungry at this point, and I'm a dessert person, but I said, no sorry we're just going to leave it there and leave, and could we have the bill please. She can see I'm not happy, so I provide feedback. I waited 10 minutes for the bill, had to ask again, then it turns up with a glass of dessert wine???? I even had to ask was that for us. Turn out it was a freebie because of the steak. Neither of us were drinking wine, not a fan of sweet wine, and we were leaving, so why bother. It just typified the lack of reading the situation, and if anything was more of an insult.
I would say hand on heart that was up there as one of the worst food experiences relative to spending that amount of money. ($390)
I should have left this review months ago, so apologies if others had the same issue. I did provide feedback, but didn’t realise it wasn’t publicly available feedback as they request feedback via email. However it just goes to the restaurant. With no response from them, I just assumed they really don't care. I am truly regretting giving them another chance, and would not return even if they promised free dining for life. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...
Read moreMy girlfriend and I dined at Balthazar on Friday, 21st Feb, after a recommendation from a mutual friend. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, with dim lighting and tasteful decor setting the tone. We were greeted by a friendly hostess at the bar, who gave us the option of immediate seating or waiting for a better table. We chose to wait and were glad we did—the table we got was perfect, and the wait was short.
Our server was exceptional—polite, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive. The drinks menu was extensive, featuring a range of wines and cocktails at various price points. Offering budget-friendly or higher-end wines sourced locally and from international vineyards. We opted for a bottle of Arras Brut Elite from Tasmania, a crisp sparkling that complemented our meal beautifully. TAS is my eyes’ produce some of the best sparklings in the market. Priced at $130, it came with a $70 restaurant markup which we understand is needed to cover the expenses.
The food menu struck a great balance, offering a variety of proteins, including duck, kangaroo, and seafood. We started with olives and two oysters with peach and prosecco granita. The oysters were fresh and flavorful, with the granita adding a nice touch. At $6.50 each, they were well worth it.
For mains, we both chose the beef fillet with potato puree, spinach, and jus—one medium-rare, the other medium-well—along with charred broccolini and duck fat potatoes as sides. The fillets were perfectly cooked, the puree was silky smooth, and the jus was rich and flavorful. The duck fat potatoes were crisp and well-seasoned, while the broccolini, though delicious, might have been better left less chopped up. The portion sizes were generous, and the quality rivaled other high-end steakhouses in Perth.
Our meal, including entrees, mains, and sides, totaled $177, which was excellent value for the quality. Compared to 6HEAD, where fillets start at $73, Balthazar offered a comparable, if not better, experience with shorter wait times. Instead of dessert, we opted for cocktails—an Elderflower Kir and a Sunrise Sour—both expertly crafted and well-balanced.
Overall, Balthazar delivered on all fronts: service, food, and atmosphere. The total bill came to $360+, similar to other fine dining experiences in Perth, such as Petition, Meat & Wine Co., and Wildflower. The clientele was mostly couples on anniversary dinners or business diners, making the setting more formal. As two 20-somethings exploring Perth’s fine dining scene, we were thrilled with our experience and look forward to returning to try more of the menu. Perth’s food scene is diverse, and Balthazar is a standout with a...
Read more