Balzem

Review summary

1. S

   Serafim

   New York City

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   2nd time eating here, and will not be the last. Some of the best Mediterranean cuisine in the city, hands down. The grilled Shrimp Skewer and the octopus salad is to die for. 10/10 recommend
   

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2. M

   Michelle

   New York City

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing food !!! A gem in nyc ! Will definitely go back !
   

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3. M

   Michael

   New York City

   17 reviews

   4.0

   17 reviews

   Dined on January 26, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Food, service, ambience were great, no complaints about them. The mandatory 25% tip for groups of 6 or more (we were 7) left a really nasty taste in our mouths. We didn't know it was mandatory, usually we leave the standard: 18%. But we had no choice, it was mandatory.
   

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4. M

   Michael

   VIP

   New York City

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 25, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 4

   Dining at Balzem was unfortunately marred by an unexpectedly aggressive approach to table management that significantly detracted from our evening. While the restaurant boasts a pleasant atmosphere and decent food, the management's premature and repeated interruptions about our table's time limit created an uncomfortable dining experience. Approximately 45 minutes into our reservation, staff began repeatedly emphasizing our 90-minute time slot, which disrupted conversation and overall enjoyment. Despite being on pace with our meal and fully intending to conclude within the allocated time, we were made to feel rushed and unwelcome. The situation escalated when the manager refused to allow an additional wine order, even after we had already ordered dessert and with ample time remaining. His demeanor was notably brusque and seemed more focused on expediting our departure than ensuring customer satisfaction. Given the abundance of excellent dining options in the neighborhood – with standout restaurants like Emporio and Boni & Mott nearby – Balzem will not be on our future dining rotation. While the food was serviceable and the space attractive, the management's approach to hospitality leaves much to be desired.
   

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5. J

   Julia

   Orlando

   8 reviews

   4.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on January 19, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Octopus was good, babaganoush ok, no fish for entree for lunch so offered an appetizer size seared tuna that was mediocre. 4 max
   

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6. O

   Olgerta

   New York City

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Had a birthday dinner here with friends! I love it here and so did they. Get the mussels and the mezze taster :) 10/10
   

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7. K

   Keith

   VIP

   New York City

   50 reviews

   5.0

   50 reviews

   Dined on January 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great food, amazing staff and warm hospitality. Thanks for helping us create a great night out!!!
   

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8. G

   Grace

   Greater Boston

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 11, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Great experience and our group did not feel rushed out which was really nice
   

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9. J

   Jacqueline

   New York City

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 5, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Tasty and fresh food and loved the ambiance. Would come back.
   

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10. C

    Christopher

    New York City

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1

    This experience during New Year’s Eve was unpleasant and we felt very unwelcome. At first I was approached about my reservation and was even questioned if I even made a reservation or not, first strike. The seating arrangement was atrocious and I had to ask guests who were eating to get up so I could go to my seat because there wasn’t enough adequate space, second strike. Not to mention they charged me for a drink twice when I only had 1 drink and he insisted that I paid for another when I never asked for a second. We felt like we were being rushed to eat but even the food for a tavern chicken took about an hour to get to my table, strike three. Felt we were being rushed to eat and drink and was kept being bothered about the time limit by management which made this experience unpleasant. I guess this is how you treat customers who want to eat and pay a lot of money at your restaurant. 1/10, would not even step foot in this place again.
    

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