Balthazar Reviews

4.3

411 of 13,360 Restaurants in New York City


Reviews

Decent brunch

By James Simon |

Perfectly decent brunch. Both had the Eggs Norwegian, tasty but nothing special. Solid 7.5/10. Service was very good. Would return but not prioritise coming back

No mistake, a classic

By Agenda Black |

Tasty, classic! Reserve pq is quite full. I booked by the app resy. Stay in the middle of the soho. Unfriendly, great for a snack at lunch.

Continues French cuisine excellence

By EY_GlobeTrekker |

First off, it wasn’t perfect. So would have marked 4.5 stars but to be fair there aren’t many excellent French restaurants left, hence 5 stars. Immediately walking in, the ambiance with ornate red and gold reflected from the cracked hung mirrors brings one immediately to any movies in Paris dining scene. The pace was fast, many tourists and locals alike. Mostly Spanish speaking wait staff now. Pros: Service was standard average to good. Plates are removed immediately for the next. The French onion soup was perfect with nostalgia of warmth of home, regardless what month it is. The heirloom tomatoes with blueberries had right amount of acidic vinegar and natural sweetness. The profiteroles was nice ending that went well with cappuccino or espresso. Cons: Their pairing of frois gras with tasty sweet brioche and plums and fruits were off, and weirdly added unnecessary leaves solely for plating. The smooth delicious frois gras was muted by the brioche, even when adding the slightly sweetened fruits that was too hard that would have been better with homemade jam. In Paris, best pairings has always been such fruits like seared pears with sauce over a different kind of breading rather than brioche. Taking the time to serve with warm sauce would have enhanced the flavor. Their wine was worst than Two-buck-chuck merlot from TJs (if you’re not a tourist you’ll understand what I mean). Their waitstaff lacked training of a good sommelier that used to know these in good old days. But I do understand things are different now. Perhaps one day. It will be as usual. Hence, still earned 5-stars because I shall return again.

Great French restaurant in SoHo, NY!

By JRodriguez136 |

Great French restaurant in SoHo, NY. Amazing drinks, food, desserts. Very good staff and nice atmosphere. Been here 3 times and will eat here again.

Terrible, overpriced restaurant with rude waiters.

By Passport607273 |

Terrible, overpriced experience. Waiters were rude and inattentive, you had Ronda’s sorry for wanting to drink or eat something. Food was average and far too expensive for what it was. Overrated restaurant, so many other good restaurants in New York, would not go back.

Not to be missed from NY. All exquisite

By Lorena C |

It is a French restaurant in NY must-see, whenever I come to this city I make a reservation either with couple or friends! It's amazing of my favorites ❤️

Good, not Great

By Megan W |

The location and atmosphere were perfect for our Saturday morning brunch. Our table was ready for our reservation, no waiting. The service was also great. The food was somewhat mediocre, though, and definitely not worth the prices. The onion soup was fantastic, but the bread was uninspired. My burger, ordered medium, came out rare. When they "fixed" the burger, they left the fries under the salamander and they became overcooked and almost inedible. The eggs florentine were good, nothing special. They did bring out some ice cream with a candle for my husband's birthday.

Loud, raucous, and almost delicious.

By Opinionated Woman |

I’m not sure when the majority of French cuisine in New York transition from haute to bistro but it seems really hard these days to find authentic French food beyond the ubiquitous steak Frites, Moule frite and grilled paillard of chicken. In my mind, I pre-selected Balthazar‘s fillet of sole as my entrée choice from their online menu. I was disappointed to find that it had been eliminated and replaced with halibut which I love, but which is not typically adorned with the beautiful French sauces, that I really love. It all tasted very American. Good but not really French. We started with a pretty decent seafood “raw“ tower there were delicious clams and oysters, but the musselswere dry and the lobster tail and claw without much flavor. The ceviche was excellent. The specialty cocktails were expensive and underwhelming and specialness. My pomegranate martini was more sugary pomegranate than vodka or gin. I could’ve drunk four of them and woken up the next morning totally fine. We did enjoy a delicious steak freight with a luscious béarnaise on the side. The grilled chicken paillard with frise and slivers of Parmesan was rather bland and served. Not quite warm enough. We finished with an absolutely fabulous crème brûlée that was plenty for the three of us. The restaurant is busy and noisy with patrons from every walk of life. I did like the lively atmosphere service is quick and attentive without being terribly genial, but I realize it’s Saturday night at Baltazar is too busy to be anything other than that.

Quintessential SoHo Brasserie

By rufusTfirefly2016 |

This bustling brasserie serving traditional French fare ( breakfast through supper )is well worth a visit - though don't forget to book in advance. Massively popular, and rightly so, it's a fun experience, great to look at and for soaking in the New York brunch, lunch or dinner set. Cleverly crafted to look and feel a whole lot older than it is - the vibe is fun and boisterous and certainly feels authentic enough for Paris. Food is well prepared and consistent and the Patisserie next door should also be visited. Go.

Tara's sweet 18 in "Big Apple "

By PashadeCerigo0009 |

This legendary spot has been my fav. NY hangout ever since late 1999 . We celebrated many happy events there , always with excellent food, service and ambience . Sooooo when my late brother's grandchild decide to fly over the Atlantic and have her 18th b-day in New York..there was only one restaurant I had on my mind . BALTHAZAR . She was in heaven , her last day in new York she was treated like a princess by everybody . Special thank you to KEN at the reservations who manged to put this b-day dinner together without me in New York . Warmest regards to all from sunny California

Hectic Place delivered OK

By fullprime |

This place is manic, never seen such a busy restaurant, very noisy, very busy and seems to be disorganised, Whilst the initial impression was bad, the food we ate was not bad at all. The steak frites really nice albeit lacking enough sauce. The oysters again for NY very small and not too great. Service was good maybe a bit rushed, But note for Europeans the extra charges you face are eye watering here in NY. Firstly a sales tax of 16% and then present you with options of Tip starting at 18%! IN Europe we pay 10% normally, here the tip is very much forced on you as you see on the bill you receive. I am not into this style and just get the owners to pay you properly !!

Fav soho restaurant

By Leo L |

One of the most iconic restaurants in soho. I always love to spend time there and enjoying their burgers or stakes

Just awful

By dgregg69 |

This was a dreadful experience , reception is by the door but is so congested with no one knowing what’s going on , check in girl was so rude and the music blasting out Bob Marley at full blast in a French bistro didn’t help meaning you couldn’t have a conversation and we had to actually shout at the waiter to place our order , food was mediocre , service lacklustre and we were in and out in 30 minutes after just a main course as it was simply a terrible experience .. so many better places to go in New York don’t waste your time with this place

Birthday celebration

By mrswinendine |

This place was booked for us, for a birthday celebration. We sat outside in the containers meaning we could watch the world go by whilst not being impacted by the rain (torrential rain). Inside was very noisy, too noisy for us. I ordered a shrimp cocktail which was king prawns on ice and a tomato sauce. A separate plate of lettuce was delivered; a deconstructed shrimp cocktail, I thought, but no. An error with the ordering. The snails were delicious. Mains included duck and a cassoulet, both very good and we finished off with dessert. Good food, very expensive however. The service was outstanding, couldn’t fault it. Our next stop is London so we will likely visit there.

Noisy environment and excellent food

By Silvia L |

The food is excellent, but the environment is very noisy and the tables are narrow. The truth is that the quality of the food makes it worth the experience. Well-salted price. 600 bucks for 4 people.

Wife is a foody. She loved it, as did I. Good classic French and wine list. Service was wonderful.

By Bruce B |

Wife is a foody and loved it as did I! Good classic French and super wine list. Sancerre wine options are great, but a bit pricey. Service was super great.

Very busy because it’s VERY good

By summitsvs |

We randomly walked by and decided to have lunch here and what a great meal! The place is noisy and busy, busy, busy but the food hits the mark. We had the Balthazar salad, foie gras terrain, the goat cheese and onion tart, and the toasted French ham and Gruyère sandwich. All were delicious, but the goat cheese tart was above and beyond! Great service in a nice older building. Full bar. I will definitely be back here.

Great dinner

By KrisSteve06 |

Beautiful dinner. Wonderful service from Nasser, excellent food. I had the escargot and the beef short rib. Both excellent. I also had a pomegranate martini, which was great. Highly recommend.

Midweek lunch

By Gy82 |

Had a pleasant midweek lunch. Sat on outside table with no need for a reservation. Pleasant and attentive service. Good food.

Exquisite

By Mario M |

The exquisite food, the excellent attention and the best service upon receiving us, and thank you very much for your attention and recommendations Valeria, you are the Best!!!

The perfect breakfast spot

By claudia |

Perfect spot for a fabulous weekend breakfast - and to make it even more enjoyable, as a solo diner I was also given a complimentary glass of champagne which was well received! I had the Croque Madame which was delicious. It’s a busy spot so would recommend booking a table if there are a few of you. But despite how busy it was, the service was fantastic and didn’t make me feel at all rushed, in fact they offered top ups on coffee and water even after I’d finished eating and made the whole experience very relaxing and enjoyable.

The best! Better than expected!

By Shauna S |

To say this restaurant lives up to the hype is a true understatement. Food superb! Service outstanding. Highly recommend for all occasions or just a dinner out in SoHo!

Great lunch option in Soho NY!

By NickB42021 |

Really enjoyed Balthazar, great time, atmosphere and food. Definitely would recommend going if in NY, it gets busy so make a reservation if you can. Dish I'd recommend is the Grilled Chicken Paillard!! SO delicious, fresh and light at the same time

Balthazar did not disappoint.

By Luis |

Everything was as advertised. The decor, the service, the great food options whether if be, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Everything we had was great there was nothing that we did not enjoy. The almond croissant is to die for....

Memorable Evening

By Mick V |

Was there for an anniversary dinner and it was better than expected. Table ready when we arrived. Service impeccable. Food so good that we will have lifetime memories of most of the dishes. Fun and exciting atmosphere. Can't wait to go again next time we're in NYC.

Dissapointed

By Danièlle C |

Food was average and prices overrated. A noisy ambiance and after one meal was returned the waitress simped pissed off that we didn’t gave her the “suggested” tip of 18,5%!! Still she did receive a good amount but didn’t even say thank you or goodbye. We will never return.

French bistro!

By Mick B |

Great french restaurant with great menu options. Prices are fair to high, food is decent. Service was oke. Great bistro restaurant dor night out.

Balthazar offers a dining experience that goes beyond the usual.

By Sacha D |

Balthazar is a must-visit for any travel enthusiast seeking a taste of Paris in the heart of New York City. My recent visit to Balthazar was unforgettable. The restaurant's cozy Parisian ambiance, with its warm decor and dim lighting, creates a perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a lively celebration with friends.

Fits the bill!

By PeterHSweden |

Lovely, typically French environment. Loud, lots of people, full speed. We ate all of their Steak and really recommend that you choose the NY Strip Steak. 10 dollars more expensive vs Steak Frites but definitely worth it as the quality of the meat is much more tender and better. Really good service. Recommend a visit.

Extraordinary

By Cheryl P |

For an exceptional breakfast experience, head to Balthazar. It can be loud but the food always comes first and the food here is extraordinary.

So busy!

By Welshrarebit26 |

A very large restaurant and tables very close together. It was so busy and noisy. Food was very good and we enjoyed our meal. With the tips and taxes it turned into a very expensive meal.

More hype than quality. Really disappointed.

By Dragon Song Pro... M |

We had heard such great things about this patisserie and we were very excited to try it on our first morning in New York. The service was exceptional and the building was charming but there was a great lack of truly remarkable food. It was very average. We thought perhaps it was just a bad choice on our part on the menu, but when we returned to do a takeaway from the patisserie counter we were really disappointed to find that the cinnamon roll and fruit scone were both stale and have been made the day before. Not what you’d expect or hope for. Really disappointed.

This place never changes great to meet friends

By RebeccaBH9047OE |

Always love NYC Balthazar great location for brunch with friends. It has a wonderful buzz about the place - brunch is good Cocktails are also good here

By Wayne S |

I have been a long time fan of this restaurant. Tonight just did not live up to my past experiences. The meals were bland at best. The service was good, though. We were disappointed overall. Maybe they were just having a bad night.

Charm and good food.

By garomano |

Very charming place without a doubt, perhaps too much so, given that it was so confusing that it was almost impossible to talk to each other. I ate an extraordinary risotto with porcini mushrooms while drinking a draft beer. Prices as high as everything in Manhattan

Disappointed

By mrpric02 |

Made lunch reservations here with a family of seven. Got a push notification about our reservation, and noticed that it said for three persons. I immediately called the restaurant, trying to resolve the issue. Could not have been more disappointed in the way the mature d handled the situation. Basically told us that it was our fault, they could not accommodate, and we would have to find another place for lunch. Ended up working out great, as we called ABC kitchen, who was able to accommodate us at the same time. Even better food! Definitely better service and .

Great night

By Frederik V |

Very tasty food, friendly waiter. You are in Paris when you enter. Quite noisy, but the food makes up for it.

Lovely french meal

By SwimMom2001 |

Excellent dinner! We enjoyed the escargot (some of the best outside of Paris), steak tartare, duck confit and the Bouillabaisse. The service was excellent. Highly recommend

Scam

By reto D |

Very French restaurant, a little noisy, nice, but be careful they charge your credit card and claim to reimburse you, no, it's like theft. I am very surprised, and find it quite dishonest.

A taste of France

By Robin H |

A real taste of France, everything felt authentic and well cooked. I had a cheeseburger that were almost identical to the one I was served in Paris a few months ago. The prices are reasonable, and the service were good - despite a full resturant. The dining room do get a it noisy though - so I would recommend the outdoor seating if thats not your thing.

Noisy but good food

By Cihan1 |

A true tradesmen's restaurant in America where you can eat European food, where people from all walks of life sit and eat in large numbers, incredibly noisy, classic European cuisine with delicious food. Their meat is very good. Salmon is delicious, but the sweetness of the sub and side sauces is a matter of taste. Profiterole presentation and interpretation are nice. Perfect for dark chocolate lovers. But I repeat, unfortunately it has a very noisy cafeteria-like environment :)

BEST “Benedict Eggs” ever!

By Ana Julia |

Typical Soho restaurant. There is always a risk of having a queue at the door as it is a great option. I opted for brunch: “eggs benedict” and they were great! Attentive waiters! Wonderful environment. Even though it was very cold, I sat outside because of the heating.

The Steak Tartare fantastic!!

By Jacqueline G |

Delicious after many years I returned and it is still one of my favorites! The mussels too and the French atmosphere in N.Y. I love it!

Hostess Busy Talking and Not Seating Guests

By Den |

The spot is great for people watching and ambiance. The reason for the poor review was the hostess was busy talking to friends and not mindful of the number of people waiting.

Not worth it beware of being ripped off

By Quest27253913299 |

Be aware they rip off tourists. Went with wife and 2 children and got served branded still water at 11 dollars while locals got tap bottled water cheaper/free. No wifi no children’s menu offered. Spagetti lobster portion size very small. Atmosphere good nut left a bad taste.

Really Disappointing

By saranne1954 |

Visiting from London, we were really looking forward to visiting Balthazar, New York, however our experience was marred by our waitress, who could not hide her irritation over our asking questions about the menu, firstly telling us us she’ll leave us to look at the menu longer, when she eventually returned and we still had questions, she literally gritted her teeth, when I asked her regarding the size portion of the fresh orange, she rolled her eyes and said‘It’s a GLASS!’ I very uncomfortably had to ask what size glass is it served in, a small glass a large glass? My stomach cannot take too much acid and I don’t like to waste it. We sat for ages waiting for the promised Balthazar Bread, the waiter assisting, thoughtful she had told him no bread for our table, we sat there for ages again waiting for our food, even the waitress noticed we had not been served, it finally arrived ceremoniously barely warm, when letting her know, the only offer was to reheat. The food was nothings special and the reheated food returned over done. We asked about the Cinnamon Buns and she told us we could go next door to their bakery, we felt she just wanted us to go, we went next door to her bakery, asked for the buns and was abruptly informed by another moody Balthazar employee, Sold Out, asking questions regarding availability was also unwelcome with one word answers. You go on a trip to enjoy yourself places like these with moody entitled employees just spoil the experience. We will be returning to New York but NOT to Balthazar or their bakery and do not recommend anyone else to go there to be made to feel they’re a nuisance.

Fabulous food!

By BasketballMama |

Great people watching! Be sure to make a reservation or you’ll be waiting. Ambiance- clubby, red leather booths, very French bistro. Service was great - waiter was attentive. Started with a frose- excellent! Steak frites was good, although the steak was a little over cooked and not sure the type of cut..the Balthazar salad was excellent-

Overpriced

By Rafael_Rio_37 |

Maybe the dishes I chose weren't the flagship dishes, but of the 4 we ordered, only one was good. Prices in NY are always very high, but taking into account some experiences I've had at similar prices, this restaurant is very disappointing. In my opinion, it's not worth the visit.

Going away, the wrong way

By Oliver S |

Balthazar was a famous pirate if you know your history. Balthazar is the fabulous creation of British restaurateur Keith McNally, if you know your New York. This morning I found the latter going away, the wrong way. No more “Belle Epoque” French, where gilded mirrors, tiles, tall ceilings, French speaking waiters and excellent food and service were the norm. It’s now Russian receptionist with manners from the Cold War, Easter European servers wearing baseball caps (a sacrilege in a French restaurant), Oriental help who don’t speak English and rushed (at best) service. Food is still good, but severely overpriced for what it is and the wine list is just ridiculous. So sad. **

Another NYC has-been

By NYC2007 |

This used to be our favourite brunch place when we lived in New York. But like so much else in NYC in past few years, the quality of their food has significantly declined. Everything today was very small, super basic, and without any special flavours. No reason to go back anymore.

Still the best French Bistro in NYC

By David Perry |

What more can be said of Balthazar? It is THE French bistro in NYC, where it's all about the atmosphere and the service. We had a great dinner with a delicious bottle of champagne and extraordinarily attentive service early on a Saturday evening in July before our theater date. Staff were unobtrusive but kept all glasses filled and plates moving. We greatly enjoyed ourselves!

Be prepared to wait a while for service

By cubandido |

This French resto has a great vibe. Packed to the hilt. Busy bee, smartly dressed waiters & waitresses. Floor to ceiling yakity-yak. Great general ambiance. We did not have a reservation so we waited 35 minutes to be seated, 15 minutes for drink service & a full 35 minutes for our lunch sandwiches to arrive- that's after we sent a reminder. The food was very good. The $20+ cocktails were passable [Ive definitely had way better]. The place is always packed so you have to speak loudly just to be heard by your table-mates.

Celebration time!!

By drclairew |

Fabulous birthday celebration dinner! Every morsel was delicious & the service was absolutely great! We had one guest with severe food allergies & they catered to her needs perfectly! The attention to detail was well above & beyond! Highly recommend…Thank you!!!!

Don‘t go

By Nida |

Toooo expensive! 2 mini eggs with a very very small and thin bread for 30dollars plus Tip. Tea for 7 Dollars, guys this is just hot water! Complete rip-off. Glad to live in Europe!

NYC vibe in a French setting

By culturaDJ |

Is it pricey? Yes. Is the food actually worth it? Questionable. So why 5 bubbles? Cause this is a must visit and must experience restaurant. The staff alone is worth the visit. Without exception they are not your regular work students, but seasoned and attentive extremely professionals. The whole atmosphere, vibe so you will, is stunning. You’re in the thick of it, close to other tables, it’s noisy and it’s a bucketload of fun. The food is very good, but yes, probably a bit too expensive for what it is. The wine is, of course, formidable. If you want a great night out, want to feel the real New York in a French setting, look no further.

Disappointing

By jamesk1983 |

Only reason for 1 star is cos there’s no option for 0 stars. Not worth any service let alone 20 - 25 %. Pathetic excuse for a Bloody Mary, it’s fine to charge a fortune for stuff because of your location and your relying on your iconic name. But don’t take 20 minutes to make it, and if you do make sure it’s good. Staff all seem to stand around laughing and joking with each other rather than serve the customers. Avoid this place like the plague. Staff are rude and uninterested.

Doing It Right For Many Years

By Tom L |

We typically have a visit to Balthazar during each visit to New York. Suffice to say, they know how to deliver in spades. * The lighting is flattering * The sound track is spot on * Service is impeccable * The crowd is animated & enjoying themselves * Food is prepared with care & bistro food is soooo comforting We enjoyed a kir, rose wine with frisee lardsons to start & finished that up with chestnut ravioli, moules frites & a bottle of Chablis. We enjoyed everything immensely. Caring & knowledgable service throughout by Olivia.

Like Breakfast in Paris

By Casey C |

One of the highlights for a trendy NYC spot. The Balthazar hit the spot with its french cuisine - delicious baked goods and coffee. I would highly recommend this spot if you need to find a trendy spot that reeks NYC. Definitely make a reservation, and try the croissants - delicious.

Horrible

By Gustavo M |

We went to eat at Balthazar and there was a queue of approximately 1:00! When we were waiting, a man arrived, asked about the line and paid 50 dollars to the hoster, who seated us immediately!

Still excellent in every way

By hopesprings12345 |

Haven’t been here for a decade and lots has changed in NYC, but the quality of food and service at Balthasar hasn’t. It has the slightly hectic, happening vibe of somewhere everyone wants to be, with a menu for all tastes, excellently executed with great, attentive service. Our party ate oysters, steak, goats cheese tart, duck, onion soup, bouillabaisse and two desserts - all excellent. In a city where it’s hard to find decent food, treat yourself here.

Tourist trap with terrible food

By Caitlin M |

I have been to Bathazar quite a few times over many years. Today the food was practically inedible. The Steak Frites steak was hard to cut and full of fat (not the good kind). The Chicken club was honestly worse than a sandwich at my local bodega. The service was fine and quick but for a restaurant with such a history, it's a shame they think it's ok to serve this quality of food. I won't be going back or recommending it to friends.

Good time in good place

By Tony M |

The best restaurant in New York. And good atmosphere and the service is very nice and you feel a positive vibe, The food is unique

Great place.

By jzimmer499 |

What a great restaurant! Atmosphere, service and food were all 1st rate and, even though on the loud side, you could easily have a conversation with your table or the one next to you. A very comfortable environment.

Not worth the wait and your money

By Einat Schiffer |

The place is overrated, outdated and not innovative, neither in design nor in dishes. There are much better new places in New York!

Not what it used to be and, certainly, not what it purports to be now.

By Steve Ewing |

We came from the UK for a special trip to NYC. My then partner and I had been to Balthazar 10-15 years before and loved it which is why we booked it again for this special trip. My now husband and I were approaching our 1st wedding anniversary and it was my sister and brother in laws first time in the US. So, we ate this time on the evening of the 11th October, a mild evening, an outside table thank god because the inside was rammed and unbearably loud. Service was great but that’s where it started and stopped. The food was very average. My husband said his salmon was insipid. The drinks, oh my god, the drinks. My vodka martini, extra dry, straight up with a twist was watery. My sister’s cider was served in a wine glass and was barely 150ml for $13 - see pic, that was it before she sipped it! The rest of the meal was so average - my steak was dry and the frites same - and then there’s the kicker, the bill. I forget the actual amount but for what little we had, it was about $450. Don’t! Just don’t! There’s a whole swathe of better, newer places in that area and Balthazar, whatever it once was, it’s not that anymore. Walk on by!

Like having breakfast in Paris

By MtlTrvlr |

Went for breakfast before heading to Brooklyn to walk around. This gave us the energy to get through the day. The food was amazing and the restaurant has that Paris charm we were expecting. The pastry basket is a must. This way you get to try a bit of everything. We plan to try it for dinner next time.

French cuisine

By Lumdsen |

Dining at this French-style restaurant in New York is an experience worth planning: you have to book in advance if you don’t want to risk running out of tables. Once punctual, the service was immediate and very attentive, starting with the water served while choosing the menu. The elegant yet welcoming atmosphere perfectly accompanies a cuisine that stands out for its diversity and quality. The menu we tested was simply exquisite. The starter Balthasar salad, with green beans, asparagus, fennel, avocado, ricotta salata and truffle vinaigrette, was a festival of fresh and well-balanced textures and flavors. The seafood spaghetti, at its exact point of cooking, came to the table with a generous and tasty combination of seafood. Finally, the profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate put the sweet touch to a memorable evening. The service, impeccable at all times, and the quality of the ingredients make this place a must stop for lovers of French cuisine in the city. A refined and unforgettable culinary experience.

Anniversary dinner

By Cioaman |

We started with the croquettes. Highly recommend. We had the steak frites and the halibut. Both were very good. For dessert we ordered the warm chocolate cake and it was delicious. We’ll be back. Service was outstanding.

See you soon hopefully!

By Teddy V |

Friend and I decided to go to Balthazar for brunch. Great way to wake up and start the day. The food was absolute delicious. Staff was friendly and fast. Atmosphere great. Got plenty refills on the coffee. Definitely will come back.

Excellent service will definitely go back

By Stephanie s |

Food was very delicious!! Sevice was great… waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. I had the French onion soup and it was the best I had ever had!!

It is an experience not to be missed

By McLeangirl |

I loved the decor and the atmosphere. It was really unique and the furnishings are exceptional. I highly recommend the escargot and the Tuna Crudo. The escargot in particular was very well done and was served with a delicious bread. I wanted to try the Burrata as it also looked amazing! The only downside was the service. I feel like since we decided to share a dinner due to too many appetizers our server was annoyed. He kept disappearing on us - and at one point I had to go find him.

Amazing French cuisine

By Sixten Ö |

Very nice. We ate the Bœuf for two and it was amazing. Really nice, but loud atmosphere which just adds to the vibe. But could be a negative for some.

What happened to Balthazar

By Journey304708 |

I’m sad to say after decades of eating here as a NYC native and after for many vacations that Balthazar is just awful now. My last meal was brunch. Food: Eggs over cooked, toast burnt and potatoes dry. Service: completely ignored we could have easily walked out without paying without notice.

The food isn’t the same here anymore. It’s terrible now

By BENJAMIN S |

The food is absolutely awful. It used to be good a few years ago but is complete trash these days. Trust me, don’t come here anymore.

Not to miss when in NYC

By 52CBB |

We always have a great experience here. Great food, service,and ambiance. They even gave us a complimentary glass of prosecco because we were celebrating our anniversary. We always stop here when we're in NYC.

Perfect Place to People Watch!

By Johnathan E |

Absolutely fantastic experience! I follow someone on Instagram who recommended this place and it did not disappoint. The size of the restaurant is great and the menu selection looks delicious. I had the cheeseburger and it was fantastic. And the martinis were strong! I am so thankful for the service and the people watching.

Salad drenched in tasteless dressing: aberration

By Linda B |

Live in soho consider this a go to place Had salade nicoise today: she tuna was fine but truly meagre. The salad itself was drenched in tasteless dressing. Friend had starter house salad supposed to have asparagus, did not. will not order those again. Seafood generally good, Friday bouillibase excellent. Burgers great deserts great.

Consistent quality and service

By Biju Alex |

Exceptional food and service every single time. Can never go wrong with anything on the menu. The business lunch is always a great way to explore the menu. Escargots is a must have and so are their fries! This is our go to place each time we are in SOHO for shopping for our girls!

Very Good Very Busy

By DawnousAtl |

Popped in for lunch and were seated right away despite the bustling busyness. Very loud brasserie atmosphere. Food good, nicely flavored classic food, well-prepared. The trout salad came with 2!!! Trout filets. Lamb in the sandwich as delicate as good pastrami. Bread, of course, lovely. Nice wines by the glass. Service professional and friendly though not attentive.

Gotta go!

By skd22 |

We were on a last minute trip and tried to make reservations on Thursday afternoon for a Friday dinner. We had hoped that for 2 people it may be possible. We weren't interested in the 5:00 pm seating so we made a reservation for lunch. We were seated in the corner with an amazing view of the entire restaurant! They were packed and we felt very fortunate to get the table that we did. The wine was a recommendation from our waitress and it was delicious. The bread was delicious. I'm not a seafood lover, so I ordered the Chicken Paillard. I'd pick something else next time. My husband had the King Salmon and thought it was fantastic. I asked for a chocolate dessert recommendation from the waitress (should have asked for an entree rec) and she recommended the Profiterole...to die for! My husband had the apple something and thought it was delicious. The experience of the restaurant was delightful. The people watching was entertaining. My husband had eaten here before and wanted to share it with me. I would recommend it. It wasn't cheap, lunch for 2 was $200 plus, but a treat.

James Corden smh

By Johnny Novo |

James Corden must be a real weenie to get banned from this place ahahahahaaha. I came here after I had just been rejected from another job after a few rounds of interviews, so a celebration was in order. I've heard about this burger for years so thought this was the time to go drop 30 hots for one. I came in alone, with a book but without a res, and was quickly seated outside. Hell yeah. I love sitting outside as long as it's not frigid. I sit down and the waiter, Nasser, walks up and shoots me an effervescent grin and asks what I want. I told him what I'm here for. "Fantastic choice, no cheese though?" This may be a hot take, well this is a hot take, but I just truly feel cheese ruins the integrity of a good burger. It masks the true flavors. What are you hiding with all that cheese? As I am reading the lines of my book but thinking about how cheese doesn't belong on a burger, Nasser puts down a glass of champagne on the table. "Compliments of the restaurant" he says. Idk if my energy was off or it was because I was eating alone and he felt bad for me, but that was a great touch. Thanks Nasser, I needed that. The burger was fantastic. I know you're wondering, was it worth $30? I've never had, and never will have, a burger worth $30 but you are paying for the experience. The experience was easily worth it. Once I get my bread up I will be eating here all the time!!! IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

Good

By Dena R |

The place is very elegant and the menu is short. Food is good but overpriced. Service was good.Wr had the escargot, the burger and the steak frites.

Avoid!

By Aurore G |

The place is extremely noisy and a tourist trap! You pay a fortune compared to other NY addresses and you have rations that are smaller than entries. Address to avoid!!

You should definitely go

By Luisa B |

Just wow, the food was so delicious. I had the duck confit, and the oysters, definitely a memorable dinner, I would definitely go back. The service was good as well, the place is a little loud but well worth the experience

Paris to NYC

By Simone |

A Parisian brasserie in the heart of Soho. Beautiful place, great service and very attentive. A great dinner. Recommended.

Excellent French cuisine in SOHO

By blacknighthawk |

Had dinner last night with friends in Balthazar. Good thing we did a reservation for us earlier. Place tends to be very busy for dinner. What I can say about the food is that it’s extremely authentic French cuisine at its best in New York. Ambience is very nice, staff are friendly. A must have is the steak and frites, escargot , pasta with lobster to name a few. Worth the wait and its value for money

LOUSY.

By Ivette B |

Very bad experience. Late service. It was breakfast and they bring you a basket of many sweetbreads THAT CHARGE YOU even if you do not want and if you ask to change one you CAN NOT. The bacon arrived burned, the scrambled egg dish with bacon had nothing of presentation. They brought him in like he was a VIP. More expensive than in Le Grande Boucherie where everything is perfect. If you want a cuter French option in NYC I recommend La Grande Boucherie. lovely, good price, impeccable service, beautiful dishes. BALTHAZAR is just fame, it is overrated.

NewYorks finest

By jerpoint |

Having waited to visit this establishment for years I finally visited for my daughters 30th birthday and it didn’t disappoint Food was excellent and atmosphere was buzzing yet relaxed Great service and plush decor made for a very enjoyable experience

Nice setting.

By BB |

A very nice setting for this typical French restaurant / brasserie, I had been there a few years ago and I found the quality down, crunch very hard sir practically inedible.

Always great

By OneLovesTravel |

We ate mid-week dinner here, calmer than on weekends and atmosphere still great. Service efficient and food delicious. I keep coming back each time I’m in NY!

Amazing!

By Alexia K |

Amazing place! Food was excellent, the goats cheese tart is highly recommended, drinks were really good and service was excellent as well.

We have to go and taste the cakes.

By Miguel222 |

Iconic place in New York City Soho to take anything. In our case, they were some coffees with impressive cakes paulova and chocolote, of the best tasted in the city. The Very Good Mood. Price level similar to other sites in the area, i.e. nothing cheap. Every slice of cake, about $16.

Lively Bistro

By Viki C |

This is a noisy, lively restaurant so keep that in mind; if you want a quiet dinner this is not the place. We were seated in the outside dining which was a completely different experience and very quiet. Our server was excellent as was the food. Have been here before and this experience was just as good as the first.

You can’t make this up.. unpleasant

By Gemma S |

I couldn't believe the bizarre experience we had at this restaurant. The owner, Keith, sat alone at the table next to us, exuding an unfriendly vibe that made the atmosphere incredibly unpleasant. The staff seemed visibly afraid by him; one server's hands were trembling as they served him. To add to the oddity, Keith controlled the restaurant's music from his phone, repeatedly blasting it loudly and then abruptly lowering the volume, creating a disruptive and uncomfortable environment.

Great Meal!

By Curious793808 |

Balthazar was great. We enjoyed our meal after a long day of exploring the city. Stacy was our waitress, and she was fun and energetic, adding to the overall atmosphere and experience. We can’t wait to go back!

First rate

By Ken D |

Went here for an early dinner the Saturday before Christmas, ahead of going to the Comedy Cellar that evening: I had apologies in advance because the ordering system had failed but the service was first rate and everything that I ate was top notch: highly recommended if you’re in downtown Manhattan (although it is mighty similar to the London Balthazar if you’ve already been to that, but this is the original so worth checking out)

Spotty food quality, but fun loud atmosphere

By 2020worldtraveler2020 |

Still hopping with activity but be prepared for a loud night and slow-ish service, as well as spotty food quality. Beet salad and steak tartare appetizers were excellent. The moules frites was a huge disappointment with rubbery and overcooked mussels. Ice cream (vanilla and pistachio) was also disappointing.

Paris in New York

By TravellerMTL |

Typical French brasserie. Good food. Efficient service. We especially enjoy brunch at Balthazar and we have been on several occasions. Unfortunately, every time, we notice how the restrooms do not get cleaned regularly. They are filthy with paper all over the floor.

Good meat, good service, lots of noise

By José Pedro D |

Dinner with family. Recommended by acquaintances of the city. Good meat, well made without being exceptional but above average. Good service. I may have been unlucky the night we went but it was very noisy, several tables with very noisy groups. Without it, it would have been a great experience. Still positive balance for food quality

Not worth the hype

By Jennie V |

The Balthazar restaurante was definitely not what we expected. The whole restaurante gave off Hard Rock Cafe, not that that’s any bad but it was also very overpriced. The service was great but the food was okay but not for that price🥲 The dessert looked better than what it tasted😇 We all had the Balthazar burger and none of us were impressed, and were disappointed by the reviews we had seen and heard.

Incredible French food ESP the French Onion Soup

By LMA2214 |

Great and busy atmosphere and a perfect lunch spot. Very French and loved the food and the service was great. We ordered the Chicken Paillard (above average but not incredible) The French Onion Soup (which was the best we have ever had and the Carmelized Goat Cheese App which also was incredible.

A Bistro on Broadway

By Bruno V. |

A place full of charm, a stone's throw from Broadway. Even though we hadn't booked, it was a busy time on Sunday, they quickly found us a table. A very French bistro menu but with extremely high quality food. The tartare is really excellent. A pleasant half of Chateauneuf du Pape washed everything down. Quick and professional service. To try

ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN NEW YORK WE HAVE BEEN TWICE AND WOULD REFUSE WITHOUT A DOUBT

By espy r |

THE ONION SOUP IS FANTASTIC!!! THE DELICIOUS ECARGOTS, THE FIRST STEAK AND THE AMAZING ATMOSPHERE AND SERVICE... I WOULD COME BACK WITHOUT ENDLESS... IT'S A MUST-SEE CLASSIC

Bad expensive food

By Howard Stevens |

The worst salad Nicole I have had very expensive and the staff couldn’t get you out fast enough. We had 2 salad Nico’s and a bottle of water a single glass of wine and the bill came to $120 Tje salad was slimy and the radishes tasted of stale fish. A complete tourist trap best avoided

Good, but not good enough

By MHLorenz |

To avoid any misunderstandings: we had a delicious meal! But neither the price-performance ratio nor the Michelin rating are appropriate. Paying $306 for two starters, two main courses, a dessert and a few drinks is just too much. Every course was delicious, but every restaurant in my hometown that runs a serious restaurant can do the same and then only charges a third of the price. Great waiter. Make sure to reserve a table inside - outside you can sometimes barely hear yourself because of the passing traffic.

Traditional and very good

By Thiago |

Traditional and very good restaurant. Good wine list, good service and good food. We ordered starters, main course and dessert. Highlight for the onion soup!

Yum but a tad snotty

By Skoolrunmum |

Full of tourists. Snotty waiter. Having live in France for so long I found it hilarious to be treated so badly by a twerp of a waiter who admitted he had never been to France and spoke no Frenchb. However we had a lovely meal. Delicious oysters and steak. All good!

I didnt listen...the food was BAD afterall

By D10036 |

I'm suspicious of the positive reviews. Is it me or do many seem to be written in a similar style? I read all the bad reviews for the food, but really wanted to see for myself. Some diners I've been to have better steak than this famous bistro. The halibut had a strange taste that I could not identify. It was not good. I've eaten $45 halibut in several other places that was delicious, and Balthazar is not one of them. The dessert wasn't terrible. The Boucherie restaurants in the city are much better. I looked around the restaurant, bustling with people who don't seem to care that the food is mediocre. They must be there for the name and the busy atmosphere.

A greatplace to dine

By torontotraveller939 |

My wife and I have not travelled to New York for a while but when we do we like to dine at our favorite restaurants, Balthazar being one of them. My wife had Escargots and Steak Frites and I had Onion Soup and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. The food and presentation were excellent as was the service. We have previously gone to Balthazar for brunch but the dinner experience was just as good.

Our go-to-place

By Birgitta-Kenneth |

Over the years this restaurant have evolved to be one of our favorite restaurants in NYC and it did not let us down this time as well. Very good food and staff that are most professional in the way they carry themselves.

Close to being in France

By SteakEmAll |

The onion soup was by far one of the best onion soups we’ve had in the US! We came here for everything French. Snails and onion soup was our favorites. The tender beef with pasta, truffle macaroni, mussels, and the eggs Benedict was all spot on. Service was good and the atmosphere reminds us of Paris.

Okay, not great

By Icancook2 |

Went to Balthazar after a lot of research, primarily for breakfast/brunch. Mind you, breakfast is breakfast in general terms, but we were underwhelmed. Portion size below average. Cool place, busy, nice vibe, attentive staff, just nothing "special" if that's the goal.

Delicious lunch

By Giada |

I absolutely loved this restaurant!! Great food, amazing wine, delicious desserts and perfect atmosphere!!! 100% recommended

Always a big hit

By Jeff |

Another amazing visit. We have had the pleasure of eating at Balthazar many times. Always a lovely time. Julian the waiter made the meal so enjoyable. The food was great. The vibe was awesome. The service was perfect. Can’t wait to return

Always a Food and Ambience Gem; Service One Never Knows

By globaltravelkid |

Service: always great, although attitude at the bar shouldn't really have to start with "I can't recommend anything because I don't drink" BAM! THat's shutting a door: start with "most guests say," or "let's get my colleague involved" etc.... why be nasty? Food: always consistently superb Service: serious, deft, and rushed; lingering over wine after dessert isn't a thing anymore; unfortunately the pens STILL don't say BALTHAZAR but "Bic" which is ridiculous and the WATER comes from ITALY (Pellegrino) instead of somewhere from France; keep a theme. God is in the details and Balthazar should adorn its lovely post cards with proper pens instead of this plastic non-branded nonsense.

By Lila |

Super loud and busy inside with tightly packed tables, but the ambiance makes it feel authentic. My service was just OK. Forgot one of our drinks and looked vaguely inattentive while taking our order. The food was very good though! We tried the Buratta appetizer which had insanely flavorful tomatoes with it. Escargot came in a yummy garlic butter good for dipping the bread in. I had the Balthazar burger which was cooked very well, although I wish it came with some type of sauce/ grilled onions/ something to add more flavor than the basic LOT. The Lobster spaghetti was a bit too fishy tasting for me. The profiteroles for desert were solid but nothing crazy unique. I would say come here for the experience and the vibe, good drinks, and good food, but the food could have been from many different restaurants.

NY classic

By Henrique L |

I went in 2017 and didn't think it was anything special. I returned now at my brother's insistence and found everything excellent, an even better experience, the steak frites were perfect, dessert and wonderful wines!

A most memorable treat

By Alvaro L |

Balthazar is a timeless treasure in New York City's dining scene, whisking patrons away to an era of grandeur with its high ceilings and majestic mirrors. This enchanting setting serves as the perfect backdrop for a magical, French-inspired meal. Each dish from the kitchen was a symphony of flavors, transporting us straight to the heart of France. The Mushroom Ravioli, undoubtedly the star of the show, stole our hearts as the best dish of the entire trip. The Steak Frites also deserves praise, featuring succulent steak cooked to perfection, delightfully crispy fries, and a rich béarnaise sauce that brought the dish together harmoniously. Two exquisite wines from Haut Brion further enhanced our classically French experience. The Profiteroles, while enjoyable, didn't quite reach the same level of excellence as the rest of the meal. The Tarte Tatin, on the other hand, was a mouthwatering, gooey treat. Despite the large crowds, which occasionally led to less attentive service, our overall experience at Balthazar was truly memorable.

Very Slow and without information

By Marc C |

I have been to Balthazar many times. They were always fast serving the food. This time it took more that 1 hour since we sat down and our waitress never informed us that there was going to be a delay or there was a problem at the kitchen. Having your clients sat down for 1 hour without food or explanations is terrible service.

Loved it here!!!!

By Colette |

Absolutely loved it here! We’ve wanted to try this spot for awhile; I’m so glad we were able to come for dinner. We didn’t have reservations, showed up at 4:40 and they told us to come back at 5:00 pm, because that’s when they begin seating for dinner. I ordered an iced tea, steak frites, mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Everything was delicious and very fresh. There was plenty to share and the sides we ordered were for the table. I’ll definitely be back again soon to order the steak again. It was the best steak I’ve gotten in the city; it was juicy and hot. I loved it. We want to come back for brunch too; their breakfast options looked great too. There is also a pastry shop next door where you can order drinks and snacks. There was plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. I’ll definitely be back again soon.

DO NOT GO HERE

By takethecannoli |

utter garbage. do not waste your time here. the food is slop. the atmosphere is grim. the staff is miserable. the owner is obviously incompetent

Disappointing at Best

By Camille S |

It's been on my list: Bouillabaisse at Balthazar. I just had to get there on a Friday. Reservations a must, we walked in on a madhouse of noise so loud I almost left. But I wanted that fish dish. so we stayed. We were seated on time in a corner booth in the middle of the room. I ordered and asked what color was the bouillabaisse? Red, the waitress says. My husband ordered a burger, and it was really good. My dish was beige, tasteless, and very sparse. Three clams, two small shrimp, a langoustine, a piece of potato and a piece of fennel bulb. It wasn't even hot. But it was $49 I was so disappointed. I was so looking forward to this lunch. I couldn't wait to get out of there for the roar and the din. Not for me. Too bad.

Good food and lovely ambience

By AnnabelleTh |

Thank you for squeezing us in for a last minute breakfast, ambience was great and service was friendly and efficient. The food was all good quality and we will definitely be back.

Great French in Soho

By FCarletto |

Great French restaurant in Soho with nice atmosphere and good service. The escargot was delicious, as were fois gras and tartin. I recommend!

very good

By Camilla S |

despite the chaos .. as it was stra full of people .. the food is very good .. different from usual . very good fish and great onion soup

Excellent

By Natalia Z @paraisoglam |

I was super recommended. Luckily I was able to get a reservation. We went to the bar first and were very well served. Then we went to our table and had a very friendly waitress. All delicious. The beautiful place. A beautiful little gem in Soho. Don't miss it.

Balthazar NY

By ogjohnkim |

The most busiest of The Mcnally bros restaurants empire. Not sure if the bros are actually still working together but that’s what we’ve been calling them for decades. These guys ran NYC restaurant scene forever. They had a spot in every neighborhood up and down Manhattan. Some have gone and some stayed running for decades but Balthazar is for sure their reigning champ. Most of their restaurants feel like a French Bistro and they’re pioneers of doing that. They all have patina and authentic feel. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 is because it’s really busy there. You feel a little bit like your part of a herd. But they probably do over $100k a day in sales so I can understand.

A proper French bistro

By Hanne HLM |

An authentic French bistro in Soho. The food is lovely, the service is good and it is a little experience to just sit and observe others inside. You will not regret a visit there!

Overrated and overpriced, though beautiful.

By Deb R |

It is a beautiful place, but the food is very high-priced, mediocre, and poor value. The portions are small, and in our group of 12, half had very disappointing meals, 2 of which had to be sent back and replaced. This a tourist trap to avoid.

An unmissable

By JoshDegel74 |

What I love about Balthazar is that it transports me, even though I am from NYC, to a classic old French restaurant, everything from furniture and light, decoration and aged mirrors, its staff is attentive and pleasant in its point, and the food is still at a pretty high level! My favorites that I promise to order something different next time but I can't help eating: the escargots, the oysters, and the NYStrip! And that is if my dessert fav Pavlova exquisite level that just thinking about it makes me salivate ♥️

Cool restaurant

By IVAN M |

Great place, nice locatiob, after shopping in greene street I cama here to rest, have a drink and nice food, really recommend this restaurant

Truly AWFUL

By DJKTraveler |

Anyone who compliments this sub-par establishment as "French" has never been to France, that is for certain. Food was mediocre, at best, not at all authentic, and the service was terribly inattentive. It was if the staff thought we should be grateful to even be there. This place is perfect only if you're accustomed to Bic Macs and KFC, but otherwise it's a must to avoid. Don't bother. PS The noise level was outrageous, bu that's consistent with the noisy clientele of this tourist trap.

Overhyped. Not good at all.

By Erez A |

The food was really bad. Overhyped restaurant. We went with a couple of tourists and thought it would be a good place. The service was bad, to took them hours. The food was mediocre. I would recommend to go There.

Balthazar in SOHO

By John W |

Big group that was well managed and well served by a server from Marseille. Food was delicious from a limited menu. But what was made , was well made!!! Service impeccable…. Production awesome. My first 5 star review.

Famous SoHo fine dining restaurant

By Anwar |

Had dinner at this famous NY restaurant. Ordered oysters and steak frites. The Oysters were good value (4 for $16). The steak was also very good. One criticism was they use shoestring fries. Free glass. Of champagne for solo diners also a bonus.

Still fun after all these years!

By jw6969 |

We like the Keith McNally restaurants - they are fun and buzzy. The menu is entirely predictable but I quite like that. Service is fantastic with almost too many staff! They are all well trained and friendly. Bread and butter came to the table promptly - delicious, 10/10. My pate starter was 10/10. Steak/frites was ok - no mention of what type of steak it was and frankly it was quite tough. The wine list is decent, although my Gevry was flat and lifeless. Still we had a tremendous time. The atmosphere is great. The cost was ok considering we had quite a lot of booze.

Balthazar

By Barabbas_10 |

Food was delicious. Really, really tasty. We made a reservation prior to our visit and didnt wait at all. In case you dont have a reservation there is a line to wait. During our lunch it was extremely busy. Service from everyone was really friendly and professional. The wine list its great for these type of places. Maybe because now its so famous and everyone wants to try it its kind of more mainstream type of restaurant. Dont get me wrong its still great place and we had nice time, but its so busy, so loud that its more like a lets get our meal and leave :-). In any case on our next trip to NYC we would try coming for late dinner.

A walk-in at Balthazar’s dinner service! Give it a try.

By Susie B |

It’s common knowledge that Balthazar requires reservations for dinner, usually well in advance. But a friend from outside NYC was visiting and I phoned them on the chance there was an opening. Good news! It turns out Balthazar also accepts walk ins (with only brief wait, if at all) in its “cafe” section. The “cafe” section is in a section of the main dining room and has the same menu and same good table service as the rest of the place. The tables are jammed together and located next to the stairway door leading down to the restrooms and cloak room in the basement. But who cares?! We were seated right away. We had a delicious meal and were delighted with the friendly service.

Bad service and mediocre food

By Christian G |

We have cold bread to start then rubbery snails and too much acidic garlic butter why lemon juice in butter??? Then we wait for main course order when we start finally the waitress never give the order in kitchen!! Was two waitress outside patio but was more busy talking each other not giving good service the manager should check was going on also outside the halibut was dry and overcooked served with Swiss chard blend and single small piece of blend fennel also the champagne was not cold enough and no more bubbles

Balthazar has turned into a mere Denny's with aspirational and pretentious touches. The restaurant is OUT.

By isaaacp |

Every time I visit NY, I like to have dinner or lunch at Balthazar. Unfortunately, my experience last Sunday was disastrous and forgettable. The service was abysmal. The server was rude, pushy, discourteous, and impulsive. She served the water and wine with a violent, careless attitude. The quality of the food has dropped significantly. And the worst part was the ambient noise. Suddenly, they started playing music at an unbearable volume, making conversation nearly impossible. My iWatch even alerted me to how harmful the noise level was for my ears. We complained to the manager, who politely agreed to lower the volume but warned us that it might rise again, as the owner was present that night, and we were subject to his whims. Sure enough, throughout the dinner, the volume fluctuated constantly. The result? A horrible, forgettable experience. Balthazar has turned into a mere Denny's with aspirational and pretentious touches. The restaurant is OUT.

Don’t bother

By Rocky S |

Terrible food. Terrible people. Don’t give them your business. The food is second rate. Chicken small. Served with an attitude.

Not as good as it used to be but still fun

By Elise M |

We live in the neighborhood and have been coming for decades. It’s still fun but not as special as it used to be. The roast chicken for 2 is still delicious and the steak frites satisfies. Other dishes are a bit pedestrian but the place still has a fun vibe

🤢🤢this place is awful

By Andrea C |

This place is laughable, absolutely terrible. If you have ever been to Paris or even Canada you will realize this place is absolutely a joke. I’m embarrassed I feel for the marketing scheme that it is.

LIKE A GREAT RESTAURANT IN PARIS

By delospoppy |

Absolutely wonderful food. Pric-ey but worth it. We shared some starters, goat cheese tart, shrimp cocktail, salad. Nice wine selection. My halibut was just wonderful and so fresh, the steaks were loved by our friends. the food was so good. Very Parisian atmosphere. Just love it.

A classic Brunch

By Sandip G |

The iconic Balthazar is one of the finest Brunch experience one can have in New York City - with mesmerising cocktails and delectable assortments of seafood, salads and steaks. Sea Food lovers don’t miss the Escargots An experience not to be missed.

Bad Experience.....

By aghanes a |

Is the second time in a months I came and ate at the bar with European friend both time was a bad experience. After the appetizers we ordered a Steak it was over cooked, looks sad on the plate and unfortunately it was the same for the burger overcooked and sad as well. On top of that the service was not as expected and took a very very long time to received food...The barthender gave us a poor explanation on the delay. I'm sorry but for the Balthazar I know for years this is unacceptable.......BAD EXPERIENCE. Hope this will help to improve.

Great Vibe at this Bustling SoHo Brunch Spot

By NYCenteroftheUniverse |

Balthazar This VERY crowded, super bustling, Spring Street hot spot was a fun and lively choice for brunch. (MAKE A RESERVATION FOLKS). The brunch menu options are varied and appealing, with both savory, sweet and healthy choices. The food and drinks were quite good and the service was attentive. We have enjoyed the chicken Paillard salad, puff pastry scrambled eggs with asparagus and mushrooms, hash and poached eggs and the Balthazar burger with fries. All have been tasty. Their cocktails are good and the oat or almond milk Cappucinos were also well done. We are fans of Minetta Tavern for a casual dinner (we dream about the Black Label burger), and are now fans of Balthazar for brunch. The bustling French bistro environment and great location make Balthazar an easy choice for brunch before shopping in SOHO.

A unique experience, a place to return several times.

By Luiz Henrique M |

An incredible experience. Fantastic atmosphere of a classic sophisticated French bistro. Sofas in burgundy leather with brass details. Shellfish bar with several oyster options. Beautiful zinc bar with wood carvings. Impeccable service. Several options of good wines by the glass and quality draft beers. Worth every penny, place to return again and again.

Wonderful as always

By Edna V |

This traditional New York restaurant, located in Soho, maintains its excellent quality standards and now has outdoor tables for those who prefer.

It is a no to Balthasar.

By hester2018 |

Balthazar might have a name, but first of all the staff was very rude, we were not sure how many people were joining us for breakfast and even the manager had to come to our table and tells us our table could not seat more than 6. The food was good, but the portions are okayish but not worth the enormous prices they charge. Avo toast with two small eggs 26 dollar, a green juice 13 dollars, in a small glass and with an icecube!!!! Never again, so many nice places around where you are appreciated and do not have to pay trough the nose. Do better Balthazar!

Good food, fun and lovely atmosphere…staff needs some work.

By Moeydevil |

Went here for our 25th wedding anniversary. We were seated in a nice booth. They gave us a complementary glass of champagne which was a great touch! Atmosphere was fun and lively. Had two French 75s after that. Both were ok but not cold. I ordered the ny strata I poivre. Good but thin and slightly over cooked. Agliotti pasta was very good. Our server disappeared for a while. The head of the buss boys stepped in a few times to pour water for us while our waitress was flirting with the bartender and our buss boy wandered past our table. Overall, a fun experience and good meal but the wait staff could use some coaching.

Terrible food at Baltazar

By Ansedonia411 |

The food was atrocious on this visit. I have been to Baltazar at least 20 times but the food this time was so bad this time that I will probably never return to take a chance. The New York strip with pepper sauce at $61 was worse than a six dollar steak from a low end supermarket: tough, cold and very chewy. The spinach was cold while the fries were excellent. My wife’s and another dinner’s $31 hamburgers tasted as if they were made from pre-made patties. The string beans were in a soup of butter and hot water. The food and wine service were excellent. After dinner, I mentioned it to the manager on duty who duly apologized and gave us some sweets to take home; but it hardly made up for a $600 dinner for four people.

Eating well in style

By Giorgio |

Very characteristic restaurant and very helpful and kind staff. Great food for those who want to spend more in one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of the city. The only flaw of the room and the sometimes excessive noise inside the room.

Why oh why…

By Relax691194 |

Why oh why would anyone throw their hard earned money away at this overpriced pretentious food factory. Service poor and only outshined by the lackluster taste of their ridiculous food.

Not sure for next time

By Gen |

It has its flair and have been coming for years. But this time and a time before, consistency of food quality is an opportunity. I guess as busy as they get something suffers. This time our experience was more like French-American fast food. Service, though was excellent.

Absolutely wonderful!

By Cindy L |

My very first time eating at Balthazar. I had a friend who raved about it and this time in NYC, I went. Service, food, drinks, dessert - absolutely wonderful. I am already planning my next trip there when I am in NYC.

Amazing food, service and ambiance

By chippaul |

Went here on a whim during a shopping day visit to Soho with a group of friends. Beautiful outdoor patio. We were a big group of 9 and the restaurant was able to quickly set a long table for us inside by the window. Food was all amazing. They give delicious bread baskets with gorgeous sourdough. Wonderful ambiance and our waiter was bilingual English/French. Drinks were great. Service was fast and they even split our bills, which made payment very easy. A lovely place, fun and even a bit romantic. What a gem.

Good Food and service.

By ianjrose1 |

The service was excellent and the portions normal not over large, vegetarian options very good and deserts good with good wine list.

Gone Downhill

By Ed V |

We have been to Balthazar many times over the years. It is has really gone downhill. Tonight’s food was really bad. The escargot was horrible and we did not even finish it as it tasted like a rubber shoe and not fresh. The lobster spaghetti was lousy as well. The lobster did not taste fresh and the spaghetti was as if it came out of a can. We also had the grilled marinated chicken. It arrived cold and over cooked. It appears they made it in advance and forgot to warm it up. It is so sad to see the once wonderful restaurant go downhill.

Top-class brunch

By LeonaNick |

This was the second time I've been to Balthazar for brunch/breakfast. The food is simply top-notch and the atmosphere is fantastic. I'll be back a third time when I'm in Manhattan.

Buzzing, with delicious food!

By Ros_Sydney1234 |

Quintessentially Soho! Loved the service, the decor, the food… full of character and atmosphere. Thank you!

Terrible service, terrible food, and a terrible experience.

By sebastian l |

I went to the restaurant recently and left completely disappointed. I waited forever for my order, and when it finally arrived... it was the worst salad I've ever had in my entire life. It looked like something old, not a fresh salad, and not to mention the smell of old fish coming from the salad. I strongly do not recommend this place. Terrible service, terrible food, and a terrible experience.

Great Breakfast and fantastic service

By shaneshugsmith |

Oh my goodness, if you're in New York City and looking for a delicious breakfast spot, Balthazar is an absolute MUST! 🍳I stopped in for their English breakfast and it did not disappoint. The eggs were cooked to perfection 🍳, the bacon was crispy and not too greasy 🥓, and the bread was toasted just right 🍞. The best partof it all, though, were the mimosas! 🍾🍊 The orange juice was freshly squeezed and the champagne was cold and bubbly. It was the perfect complement to the savory breakfast. 🥂 Plus, the ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and inviting. 🏠 It feels like you're in a French cafe, complete with vintage decor and a bustling atmosphere. The servers are friendly and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. 👩‍🍳 Overall, Balthazar is a must-try for anyone in the city and I can't wait to go back and try more of their menu! 🤤👍

Great Vibe

By Benhur05 |

We went here for dinner on the recommendation of a good friend. Absolutely loved it. Great vibe, great food and service. We started with oysters which were delicious, followed by the mushroom ravioli and the lobster pasta. Both cooked to perfection.

Best breakfast in NYC

By pedrde |

Forget the chains you see at every street corner in downtown New York. If you want a really fine breakfast, go to Balthazar, where they serve the best viennoiseries we've eaten in New York in a fabulous setting.