Le Balata - L'AIGUILLON SUR VIE

Been here several times and always found the food exceptional,however went on Sunday and had a complete bad experience. The food is not good, most of the wine is unavailable and the price has been hiked up the reason the chef/owner has recently left. Really sad to give it a bad review.

We came to All Square, which looks as if it is the same building as Le Balata, for lunch, and it was the worst meal I have ever had, anywhere. I had andouillette parmentier, which looked unappetising but actually tasted OK, but my husband had steak, with the worst chips we have ever come across. They were soggy, sodden and looked quite repulsive, as if they had been re heated in a microwave. We sent them back, and the next lot were slightly better, but still the worst chips we have ever had, still slightly soggy and twisted, and with an odd 'off ' flavour. We should have just walked out. Absolutely terrible especially for a restaurant in the Michelin red guide. The only redeeming feature? A lovely waitress, who was charming and doing her best. She even came running after me when I left my raincoat behind. I can only repeat: this was the worst meal we have ever had, anywhere. And if Le Balata is a different establishment in the same building, I apologise. But they should dissociate themselves completely from All Square.

We have dined in this restaurant for several years because of the fresh local produce, the fantastic combinations of flavors, reasonable prices and the casual and easy atmosphere. We were fearful that when the original owner left that the standard might not be the same but his sister took over the restaurant and she is producing fantastic meals to the same if not higher standard than before. We dined on a busy Friday night when the restaurant was full. The menu is very easy to navigate and all four of us had completely different dishes and all were absolutely superb. Service was a little bit chaotic with the full restaurant, but nevertheless, friendly and efficient. This is probably the best restaurant for quality, ambiance and value for money in the region.

We love La Balata! Food and service is really excellent! Visited twice during our 1 week vacation and will definitely be returning.

Visited the Balata on Friday night. Slightly concerned about previous review. However was not disappointed. Great food was served, house wines delicious. And excellent service Top marks to the Balata Team