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Balade

4.7
4.7
916 Reviews
$30 and under
Mediterranean
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 experience.

Voted Best Middle Eastern on Zagat 2015-2016

Dinners Choice Winner Open table 2013- 2014 - 2015

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Mediterranean, Lebanese, Middle Eastern

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Lunch and Dinner Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (212) 529-6868

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Micheline Wakim

  • Catering

    For all your inquiries, Please email us at Catering@baladerestaurants.com

  • Private party facilities

    for all your inquiries, Please email us at specialevents@baladenyc.com

  • Private party contact

    Roland Semaan: (212) 529-6868 ext. 3

  • Neighborhood

    East Village

  • Cross street

    Between 12th and 13th Streets

  • Parking details

    Parking Lot: 11th Street Between 1st & 2nd Avenue

  • Public transit

    4,6, L, N,Q 5, R to Union Square<br /><br />L train to 1st Avenue

  • Entertainment

    Live Music: Oud with Violinist every thursday night!

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Delivery, Entertainment, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 916 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York / Tri-State Area

    Healthy

  • Manhattan

    Healthy

  • Manhattan

    Mediterranean

Sort by

Filters

  1. A

    Alt2

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall2food3service1ambience1
    The staff was not very kind and rushed us out. Also the music was extremely loud.
  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very delicious food! It was amazing
  3. AL

    AmandaL

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always delicious and the hospitality is always top-notch. Highly recommend.
  4. N

    Nanny

    New York Area

    38 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Lovely restaurant with good reviews, but I found the food to be disappointing and expensive. $44 for 4 small and dry lamb chops that came with really nothing but a bunch of peppers laid on top and rice. The beef shawarma was really salty and almost inedible. The staff is very nice, and it has a nice lighting and vibe. I guess it is a good place if you are not too familiar with Mediterranean food.
  5. JS

    JacobS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal. Had a wonderful time with my big group. A wide variety of great dishes, plus good vibes, makes this place a winner
  6. b

    babybunny62

    New York Area

    66 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    66 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We loved it here! Quality of the food was excellent… tasted and looked fresh and homemade. Cozy decor and good looking customers
  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious!! Will definitely be back!!
  8. b

    brovarg

    New York Area

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. The place was incredibly busy yet the staff made sure we were attended too. I will definitely return. Great outdoor seating
  9. a

    adcap

    Atlanta

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food is amazing, with very generous portions. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the dishes. Only complaint is they seemed to forget my drink and I couldn’t get any water. We sat outside and the weather was pleasant with very relaxing music. I can’t wait to go again and highly recommend.
  10. KB

    KBog

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is as authentic as it gets! The staff is very friendly and attentive. The restaurant’s vibe and decor are great, give off a cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend this spot!
  11. A

    Alice

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2022

    overall3food4service5ambience1
    Went for birthday reserved outdoor but large party in outdoor area and only tables were squeezed into corner or outside parklet. Construction noise and cars honking really loudly. Food was good but not pleasant dining.
  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super Positive Experience. Noor helped us select super delicious options…. Drink, dinner, desert all was lovely and delicious. Definitely will go back and highly recommend!!
  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Gradevole e di buona qualità, servizio simpatico ed efficiente
  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The food was amazing. We have the baba ganouj and fatayir Mezze and the cod entree. We sat outside, and despite being near the sidewalk, it felt intimate and quiet. We’ll go again.
  15. S

    Safsoufa

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service ! Food was delicious. Will be back here again
  16. s

    sunofnothing

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Absolutely delicious food! Got way more than I expected. Price was very reasonable for New York, the service was excellent, and the overall experience was authentically Lebanese. Will happy and gladly return to this restaurant
  17. AT

    AnitaT

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food and service was amazing! The manager and service workers were very kind and helpful. The portion sizes are huge! But the AC was not working and we felt that we were in a sauna which was not comfortable during dinner.
  18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food good Food good Food good
  19. F

    Fran

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    A little bit too loud but the food was really good
  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience2
    Delicious food and great service. Lots of unwelcome visitors from the street coming over to our table
  21. a

    anjumc

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and top notch service!! Fun and lively atmosphere.
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall2food4service2ambience1
    The restaurant was out of almost all of their drinks on the menu except wine - no cocktails. They also do not have AC or fans to cool off, especially in their enclosed area outside. We had been at the restaurant for less than an hour, and our waiter told us they needed the table so we had to leave. The food was pretty good, but would not come back.
  23. TP

    ThomasP

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Server was great
  24. J

    Joseph

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Lebanese restaurant, authentic food, great service, and nice atmosphere
  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always great at Balade! I leave the restaurant full and satisfied Highly recommend this Restaurant!
  26. UB

    UmarB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everybody was super helpful and accommodating. Need a last minute place to get 10 ppl a place to eat + have a drink. Everyone really enjoyed it
  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful dinner! Food was very fresh, and portions plentiful. Serving staff was very engaging and helpful. We will definitely be back!
  28. KQ

    KieranQ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    So so med food. The interior of the restaurant seemed gloomy so we chose to done on the street. Proved crazy noisy.
  29. KC

    KathleenC

    New England

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was the best Lebanese food of my life, other than my grandmother’s! You can rarely find sfia on a menu, and this was a total highlight, spiced and cooked perfectly, from the baked dough to the beef mixed with pine nuts, to the touch of cinnamon and allspice (I think!) The tabbouleh was also perfection, heavy on tomatoes and parsley, very light on bulgur wheat. We loved the vegetarian grape leaves, the labneh with a delicate layer of olive oil on top, the hummus and the fattoush. Be sure to get the vegetarian sampler plate so that you can sample all these dishes. Our wonderful server, Edgar, recommended a dessert I had never had, ashta, a white pudding with pistachios, honey, and slices of fresh fruit, the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Our hats are off to the Lebanese owner and Jordanian chef, and an extra big thank you to our excellent server Edgar, who was so welcoming!
  30. S

    Shanester

    New York Area

    69 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience2
    Went last night for dinner. My friend had been many times in years past but not recently. She said they'd had really large portions. They don't anymore, but still pretty good value. We had a reservation for inside but fortunately, they were able to move us outside so we could enjoy the nice weather. We started with two cold appetizers: the classic hummus and one with cheese, tomatoes and cucumber. My friend liked the hummus more than I did: creamy but could have done with more flavour. The other dish was flavourful but needed more vegetables. My friend ordered the baby lamb chops and those were very good. I had the grilled tuna salad. The grilled tuna was pretty good: maybe a touch overcooked. Glad to have found a tasty Lebanese place in the East Village.
  31. BS

    BenjieSB

    Central Coast

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Food was mediocre at best Wines way overpriced. A bottle that costs $14 retail is sold for $72 Not great middle eastern food at all
  32. PM

    PeterM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific service and very tasty food! Restaurant staff were extremely accommodating towards our large party of 12 and helped make our birthday celebration extra festive with singing and a lovely cake presentation. I highly recommend Balade, especially for younger folks looking to celebrate special occasions.
  33. TH

    TomH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    I'd call it Lebanese comfort food. All fresh & tasty. Perfect falafel. Very friendly, attentive, fast service. Friendly atmosphere. I think our server was new.
  34. NJ

    NeilJ

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lady serving us was busy yet outstanding. Loved everything. Thanks
  35. LS

    LauraS

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Delicious food. We ate outside and would definitely describe it as more of a party/social atmosphere than a romantic dinner spot!
  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall4food4service1ambience3
    Great food, but service is lacking. We were rushed the by numerous servers the entire time and asked to leave within literal seconds of signing of our check. It was also overly loud- would not advise going if you want to talk to your dinner party.
  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    The food was terrible. Frozen appetizer. The manakeesh was bitter. Basically all zaatar. It was pretty disappointing
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I think this is the best Lebanese food I had so far. The food was ahhmazing. I went their for iftar. Ordered hummus with lamb, the lamb was scrumptious. Tried their Phyllo cheese rolls, the cheese literally melted in my mouth. For the main, I ordered mixed grill, the meat were juicy and not dry! The chicken cubes and the fries were the best thing on that plate! Ended our iftar with some coffee and kunefe! Recommend 10/10
  39. MM

    MarietteM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great lunch! Quaint room with amazing food! Will definitely go again. Love to get the mezzo plated and share them around. Some of the best tabouleh and baba ganoush around.
  40. RT

    RuchdiT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 3, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The Arabic food was delicious especially the Balade mix grill Also I loved the like homemade fresh pita bread and the spicy potato. hummus and kebe. I wished the place was a little bigger to accommodate some acceptable distance between tables. Overall experience was very good.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Balade does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Balade also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 529-6868.

Balade is rated 4.7 stars by 916 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today
Google Map for Balade

208 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Between 12th and 13th Streets

  • Neighborhood

    East Village

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Lunch and Dinner Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Mediterranean, Lebanese, Middle Eastern

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Parking Lot: 11th Street Between 1st & 2nd Avenue

  • Public transit

    4,6, L, N,Q 5, R to Union SquareL train to 1st Avenue

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Micheline Wakim

  • Entertainment

    Live Music: Oud with Violinist every thursday night!

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Delivery, Entertainment, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (212) 529-6868

  • Catering

    For all your inquiries, Please email us at Catering@baladerestaurants.com

  • Private party facilities

    for all your inquiries, Please email us at specialevents@baladenyc.com

  • Private party contact

    Roland Semaan: (212) 529-6868 ext. 3

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