No 7 Balmac — Restaurant in South Island

Went for a Saturday lunch and was pleased (and perhaps lucky) to get a table without a booking. Our cabinet food and coffees came quickly enough but the brunch food took a very long time to come. Oddly the table next to us (who arrived after we ordered) got their food before ours, although they sent theirs back!

The eggs benedict was OK. Hollandaise was lovely, eggs were perfect. The bread was a disappointment, supposedly ciabatta, but dry and boring - I have no idea why they aren't serving eggs benedict on English muffins, that's kinda the point. I added bacon to the benedict which cost $7 and ended up being a single piece of streaky which was nothing special, absolute daylight robbery.

The beef burger was a disappointment, the patty was dry and completely bland, the bread was dry, there seemed to be little sauce, the only decent part in it were the spiced gherkins.

The cabinet food (slices and cakes) were all fantastic, and the coffee was good. The strawberry soda was great too.

Service was okay, the servers came to check 'if everything is alright', yet didn't think to offer to replace our empty water bottle.

My advice, if you're on the run and want a decent morning tea snack, they are great, but as far as lunch goes, they carry an upmarket price tag but don't really offer the...

Was not a good experience. $79 pp for a three course meal, our table had 16ish people on it and the meals we were served were sub par. Every single one of us at the table agreed that it was not good nor tasty and wish we had gone elsewhere. When the booking was made, a man called me up to confirm booking and ask if we would like bubbles on the table. I clearly asked how much this would cost. Because if it was too much than I don't want them. He clearly stated that the bubbles were half price. I confirmed this by asking exactly how much it would cost and he said that half price for an 80 bottle would be 40 per bottle. Convincing me to get three for the table. I re confirmed that it was half price bottles, just to make extra sure and he confirmed yes. On the night he changed his mind, said the bottles were full price and because we were originally under the impression of half price bottles, we ordered one more on top at full price. So, we were scammed and every single person on that table agreed that they probably would not come back nor recommend. Plus, the atmosphere is rather snobby. Including the staff. Over a couple grand spent that night, and it was definitely not well spent. 0/10 would...

Update April 2025. A bit patchy this time. Tuna starter was delicate and refreshing. Pork chop main was very dry, a real disappointment with the green beans a highlight on the plate which is a fail in my opinion. Baked Alaska was fine with the base dominating this refreshing and normally delightful dessert unfortunately. My wife's chocolate dessert was a revelation (can't recall its name but it came with vanilla bean ice cream and was very good). Service was ok, an experience below the premium price paid and certainly not worth the requested tip on the EFTPOS machine (what is this, america? Go away with this stupid question). A real step down from the last time. I don't think I'll be back any time soon, the tip question was the nail on the coffin, a real disappointment. Earlier review follows: Good. A well thought out menu in a busy establishment. Friendly professional staff in a welcoming environment. Would dine again, look to also be a good place for coffee and cake. The kitchen has their own herb garden on site. Apple wood cooked items...