How is the service rated at Bala Baya?

The service at Bala Baya is rated 9.1/10 by TheFork users.

How is the noise level rated at Bala Baya?

The noise level at Bala Baya is rated 6/10 by TheFork users.

How is the atmoshpere rated at Bala Baya?

The atmosphere at Bala Baya is rated 9/10 by TheFork users.

How is the waiting time rated at Bala Baya?

The waiting time at Bala Baya is rated 8.3/10 by TheFork users.

How is the quality of the cuisine rated at Bala Baya?

The quality of the food at Bala Baya is rated 9.4/10 by TheFork users.

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Reviews - Bala Baya

Name: Bala Baya
Address: Arch 25, Old Union Yard Arches, London, SE1 0LR, United Kingdom
Price range: £52 (Prices have been provided by the restaurant)
Rating: 9.2

Reviews

9.2
of 10

Excellent

1130 reviews

Ambience

9.0

Food

9.4

Service

9.1

Real experiences from real diners
Ratings and reviews can only be left by guests who have booked with TheFork.

How do we calculate ratings?

Avi M. • 1 review
12 March 2025
10/10
Incredible food, wonderful service!
Joy C. • 3 reviews
10 March 2025
10/10
The whole evening was absolutely wonderful. The food was sublime. The staff went above and beyond and we really enjoyed our visit.
Junior w. • 116 reviews
9 March 2025
10/10
We had an incredible innovative Lebanese brunch unlike anything I've ever had before. The presentation of this food is truly a work of art. The (Mini mess) which contained Blackened Aubergine,Oregano tahini,pomegranate molasses with lychee and the (smash shawara salmon) which contained Cured salmon on cornbread, smashed advocado with a poached egg were the stars of the show though I have many more dishes to experience. The menu is like selecting from a culinary magic box of delightful, delicious food bursting with incredible flavours. Last but not least a special thank you to the amazing Danny who guided us through the menu and offered outstanding service. We will no doubt will be back.
Magdalena W. • 15 reviews
9 March 2025
10/10
Food is amazing, staff is great and super friendly. We’ll be back again :)
Bilyana R. • 2 reviews
7 March 2025
6.5/10
We were a party of 5 and ordered a wide variety of plates. Overall, the food was OK, though expensive for the serves you get. The cabbage was badly burnt and the top of it was inedible. The wagyu was just bad. The aubergine plates were both great, as well as the chicken, salmon, cauliflower and beef plates. We had to wait quite a time for the drinks, though the food arrived maybe too promptly as most dishes are served cold. We had 50% off the food menu as part of the Fork festival but paid service charge on the original bill, so overall a 17% tip. To be honest, I wouldn’t go back as the experience did not feel good value for money.
Polina Z. • 2 reviews
1 March 2025
10/10
Amazing food - aubergine is to die for!
Erica Y. • 5 reviews
25 February 2025
8.5/10
Good food but very overpriced
Nilvanta N. • 14 reviews
25 February 2025
10/10
+3
Absolutely brilliant food - a taste sensation. Lots of natural light and green plants create a fresh outdoory atmosphere. Cocktails were well made, not too syrupy or diluted. Blown away with the food. As a vegetarian I was truly spoilt with choices. What we thought would be a simple carrot side was a spectacular layered and textured dish, colourful carrots cooked to perfection with crispy tofu and a lush sauce. Hot potato was cordion layered potatoes in a rich but not heavy sauce. Black forest is my favourite and dessert didn't disappoint. Light chocolate sponge drizzled in chocolate and deep cherry sauce. Service matched the quality of food. Cannot wait to return and try other dishes and brunch menu.
Amber S. • 14 reviews
17 February 2025
8.5/10
The flavours in the food were really tasty. Food portions are quite small though.
charlotte m. • 3 reviews
18 February 2025
9/10
The baba ganoush mess is just incredible!
Louis J. • 3 reviews
22 February 2025
7/10
Nice spin on middle eastern food, interesting versions of traditional food and far better than normal pitta. Also fair veggie options, but it didn't knock me out as mind blowing food. Music though horrible, was subdued which made it more acceptable, than suitable music played too loud. Staff were fine, nice even, but they had no enthusiasm for the job, and with the low pay of waiting staff these days, who could blame them. If the place wasn't half way across London I'd probably go again, but that far from our home, that wont happen.
Gabriele G. • 1 review
21 February 2025
9/10
What made our visit memorable was the food, out of this world, absolutely wonderful. I rated the ambience a bit lower because I found the background music too loud, but this did not detract from the enjoyment. The service was helpful, attentive and skillfull, great restaurant.
Mariia M. • 2 reviews
20 February 2025
10/10
Great food, lovely atmosphere, friendly service, will be back soon!!
Sonal S. • 2 reviews
19 February 2025
10/10
The service was great and the food recommendations were delicious. They allowed us to stay and checked with us multiple times.
Gordon N. • 7 reviews
20 February 2025
9.5/10
Food is good & services are brilliant
Peng Yong S. • 1 review
18 February 2025
10/10
Great food and service
Darsi D. • 21 reviews
9 February 2025
10/10
Absolutely fantastic food. Great service. Great michelin star food at affordable prices
Fabrizio M. • 2 reviews
2 February 2025
10/10
Lovely food as usual and a great place to celebrate my birthday
Carolina E. • 30 reviews
25 January 2025
10/10
amazing food and service
Clara D. • 563 reviews
23 January 2025
8/10
Food was delicious, especially the sauces. Many vegan options clearly labeled. Service was a bit slow, the dishes would take quite a long time to arrive. But worth it and it’s great to be able to pay with Yums from TheFork!
Chris W. • 4 reviews
20 January 2025
10/10
Food was very tasty, everything had really punchy flavours. Nice environment to dine in with good music and friendly staff.
Melanie L. • 2 reviews
7 January 2025
9/10
Really interesting food which is delicious.
Tony Z. • 120 reviews
11 January 2025
10/10
Second time visiting and it was even better than the first. Everything we ordered - six dishes - were delicious and truly innovative. Our waitress (and also, I think, maîtresse d’), whose name we unfortunately did not catch, was simply tremendous. So kind and generous with our allergy requests and patient with explaining the menu. Very happy with the whole dining experience!
Nunzia P. • 18 reviews
10 January 2025
9.5/10
Food toooooooooo delicious!!!!!!!!
Bec C. • 1 review
7 January 2025
10/10
I found out about this place a week ago, and today was already my second visit. The food is so incredible and the service is excellent!
Ruth A. • 11 reviews
16 December 2024
10/10
Food is so tasty and different served in a lovely atmosphere
Barbara J. • 5 reviews
13 December 2024
4.5/10
Food portions were small and drenched with sauce. Drinks were watery and sugary. Not sure what the Michelin came from? It was difficult to get service throughout the meal and you get a QR code to pay the bill, which includes a 12.5% service charge.
Sonia G. • 9 reviews
10 December 2024
8/10
Great food. Really good flavours and beautifully presented
George L. • 38 reviews
30 November 2024
9/10
Food was great as always, however the dessert included in the Festive menu was underwhelming, a dry piece of cake. Hopefully, it will be something different next time
Anna R. • 3 reviews
23 November 2024
9/10
very friendly waitress, but some parts of the dish were cold. Also one of my friend's food arrived much earlier than the rest of us and he had to eat alone.
Doug E. • 1 review
22 November 2024
10/10
Amazing. Just never go with my other half. She will find a way to ruin it.
Felix S. • 84 reviews
14 November 2024
7.5/10
Bala Baya never disappoints
Amy O. • 1 review
19 November 2024
10/10
The food was fantastic, so many interesting flavours and dishes. We informed the team we had a theatre booking and they were super helpful and attentive, making sure the food was super speedy. The ambiance was perfect.
Jeff H. • 7 reviews
17 November 2024
10/10
The best in London. Especially the dumplings.
Beth D. • 27 reviews
15 November 2024
8/10
Delicious food. Rude waiter.
Meirion A. • 1 review
13 November 2024
9/10
What a great find. Really good for a lunch. Not too busy and with excellent food.
Liyi Z. • 13 reviews
9 November 2024
10/10
Wonderful food and impeccable service, overall fantastic experience.
Jane H. • 1 review
9 November 2024
9/10
The beef brisket hummus was phenomenal - best dish - and a new discovery to me. I personally think there were some acidic elements overlapping between dishes, i.e. most dishes we ordered came with a a lot of lemon juice, sometimes very sour & overpowering other ingredients. Beautiful ambience and great service, would come back for a new seasonal menu.
Antony R. • 13 reviews
9 November 2024
10/10
Great food and vibe
Kefei H. • 3 reviews
10 November 2024
10/10
The brunch was amazing! Flavour of all the dishes were rich and well-balanced with great presentation. The service was very friendly and thoughtful. Since a friend of ours has gluten allergy and doesn't like eggs, the waiter carefully labelled all the gluten-free and egg-free options on the menu. We will definitely come back!