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Balade Reviews List
Balade
An Eastern Mediterranean restaurant that is a genuine addition to New York City’s diverse International cuisines. Specializing in Lebanese cuisine, Balade is a quaint neighborhood destination in the East Village with a warm and hospitable setting. Owned and operated by Roland Semaan (Hilton Hotels, NYC; B.R. Guest Restaurant Group, NYC) – Balade, which means Local, when describing produce of high quality in Lebanese, is the true culmination of his heritage and impressive hospitality background and experiences.
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63 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 63 reviews
5 stars
(11)
4 stars
(36)
3 stars
(14)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(37)
- fit for foodies(33)
- good for groups(14)
- romantic(11)
- great for lunch(7)
- late-night find(5)
Balade Reviews List
Review 1 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Humus
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful establishment which is the homew of the very best humus that we've ever had. Fantastic!!! Attentive staff full of recommendations for the daring as well as the not so daring :-))"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 2 for Balade
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is the second time we've been there. It was very loud this time because there was a large party and our food was a little over-cooked. However, the service was excellent. Will probably go back."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was high quality and delicious"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 4 for Balade
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The ambiance is wonderful. Food was good. Could have been spicier. Would return."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 5 for Balade
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was okay. the Lebanese
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was okay. the Lebanese sauvignon blanc was excellent."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2008
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Review 6 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Authentic Lebanese At It's Best!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A group of give of us went on a Friday evening in this bustling part if she East Side in NYC. Our dinner reservation was honored immediately and we were seated at a comfy table with plush pillows. The Lebanese food was as authentic and as good as you can get!! This was definitely a stand-out restaurant in a city with so many choices!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Authentic, great flavors,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Authentic, great flavors, and fresh!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lovely
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was a cozy little place with ambiance and romance to it. We loved the food and loved the atmosphere. Good NYC find!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 9 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Was looking for a good place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was looking for a good place in the area for per movie. The food was very good. The service was friendly but a little slow. Would definitely go back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
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Review 10 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great food at reasonable price.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"great food at reasonable price."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Balade
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Appetizers were good but the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Appetizers were good but the entrees were terrible. Avoid ordering meat as it was really low quality."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2007
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Review 12 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was absolutely delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was absolutely delicious and the service was very good as well. Friendly and accommodating service."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Whatever I order, it's always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Whatever I order, it's always deliciouss! Order a bunch if small plates and share, it's the best way to go! But whatever you do, order the labneh."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 14 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Mediterranean dishes.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious Mediterranean dishes. Everything was very tasty. We would definitely go back."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Must Try!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was really great, especially the shankleesh and Malak el Falafel pizza. The atmosphere is very cozy, and the service was good. I can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 03/04/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 16 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not only was the food fantastic,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Not only was the food fantastic, the manager was overly nice and professional in serving my group. I had an amazing experience and highly recommend!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Balade
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Very disappointing meal. Food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very disappointing meal. Food was cold, and dry. The prix fix menu was limiting, and the wine that came with it was undrinkable."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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Review 18 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
If you like interesting Lebanese
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you like interesting Lebanese Mediterranean cuisine, this is a little gem in the East Village. Everything we have there from eggs to mezzes to fish was superb. The service was equal to the quality of the food. My wife and I will definitely be going back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mike and his team are awesome.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mike and his team are awesome. Great food and great staff. They are honest and know exactly what to recommend to you."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food to share. Small
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food to share. Small place so perhaps not so good for larger groups. Would definitely go back again."
Dined on 01/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Balade
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was delicious and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was delicious and the appetizers and side salads (hummus, tabbouleh) were pretty big portions that were easily shared amongst our table of 3. The pita pizzas were the big hit; unique and flavorful!
Service was less than impressive, as they forgot one of our items and didn't come back to check on us after dropping the food. However, the tasty food was worth the frustrating service"
Dined on 02/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love Balade! We went there
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We love Balade! We went there for a quiet dinner after our wedding and have returned for our anniversary dinner."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Four friends had wonderful
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Four friends had wonderful dinners and a great waiter. The appetizer meat pies were outstanding."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved the freshly-baked bread
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved the freshly-baked bread and spinach pie appetizer. I only had a grilled chicken salad for dinner but that was delicious too. What I thought was special was how incredibly fresh and tasty the food was. This was my first Lebanese meal ever and I will certainly return!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2007
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Review 25 for Balade
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lebanon in the LES
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I loved everything that we ordered. My husband had the mixed grill and that was the best. We had our meal with a bottle of Massaya Classic Blanc, a perfect combination with the vegetarian small plate we ordered. As for the service, it seemed the staff had a touch of ADD. I mentioned that we were a party of 3 with one arriving later. So they took away the third place setting. We ordered the Massaya Classic Blanc, and our waiter produced a bottle of red. When my son arrived, they laid out a place setting for him but when the wine arrived, our waiter brought two glasses. Good thing they had delicious food. I intend to go back and chalk up the bad service to a an off night for the staff."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 26 for Balade
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was really fantastic.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was really fantastic. I was there with a large group of friends and everyone was happy with what they ordered. Even the wine was fantastic."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for Balade
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
If you like waiting for an
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"If you like waiting for an hour for a table to open up, Balade is for you. Seriously. We had a large group, so we made a reservation for 9 p.m. We didn't get seated till 10 p.m. This was after someone on the waitstaff made us move to the back of the restaurant to wait for our table, without ever asking us for a drink order. When we were finally seated, we had to ask for menus. The service was incredibly slow the entire meal. It took us two hours to get our food and finish our meal. So, after three hours of agony, the waitress tried to charge us for some food or drinks that we didn't even order. They also taxed our drinks and added 18% tip based on post-tax total. It was ridiculous. This was the worst service I have had in NYC."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Balade
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic