Balter Bar & Kitchen — Restaurant in Wellington

After a few years away fromBalter Bar & Kitchen, I decided to try one of their well-promoted takeaway burger deals. I arrived at 4:00 PM, placed my order, paid, and politely asked if I could collect it at 5:30 PM. To my surprise, the person serving me—who I believe was the duty manager or possibly the owner—raised his voice and told me he couldn't guarantee the burger would be ready at that time, as he didn't know how busy they might be. I responded that it wasn’t a problem at all—I was flexible and could come anytime between 5:00 and 5:30 PM, whatever was most convenient for the kitchen. Again, to my surprise, he abruptly told me I could take the food now. As I wasn’t planning to eat that early, I declined and said I’d return later. I came back at around 5:10 PM, only to be told to return at exactly 5:30 PM. Again to my surprise I was not offered to wait at the bar - I could have spend some money there while waiting my order, but no- When I returned promptly at 5:30, I collected my meal, thanked him, and wished him a good evening. My politeness was met with silence—no acknowledgement, no courtesy. It’s really disappointing to experience this kind of attitude and poor customer service—especially in a small town where locals make an effort to support local businesses. A little respect and basic customer care can...

I need a thesaurus... Fantastic, amazing, epic, wonderful, flavour explosion, life changing experience.

I jest. But as they say, "there's truth in jest."

We go out of our way to go to balter, for good reason. Their menu has always been a well thought out collection of meals with twists, tweaks, concepts, and well-balanced flavours, carefully matched dancing on your plate like a staged performance.

I could tell you about the venison fillet with blackberry jus, being seared with a crispy caramelised outer but buttery soft center that really didn't even need the amazing jus. Or how it ballance perfectly with the potato mash, and parsnip mash. And how even the simple charred greens where cooked but crunchy and slightly smokey with a slight salted bite that enhanced their flavour.

But I won't. Instead, I'll tell you that after we finished, we looked up at each other and said... "so, the same again?"

And let me tell you, though we were joking, we most certainly would have kept ordering if we could. And the price is very good for the quality. The quality is $50 a plate, but they average...

The food is phenomenonal, really worth the trip. We had a party of 8, everyone was in stunned silence at the first mouthful, and then exclamations of OH WOW. My partner and I shared the Bang Bang Chicken and seasonal vegetables, the portions are generous. I just love those fenugreek potatoes halumi and fetta, so freaking tasty. The cocktails are awesome, pink Floyd, and a very good G&T. Desserts are next level, we had everything. The cheesecake was my favorite, smoking and deconstructed, brilliant and tasty. The birds nest lemon is spectacular, great treat for Easter. I can't wait for the Winter menu in a few weeks, aparantly the deserts will be even better, if that is even possible. If you haven't been to Balter, you are crazy, it's crazy good. And the...