Balthazar London

Name: Balthazar London
Address: 4-6 Russell Street, London, United Kingdom, WC2B 5HZ
Telephone: 020 3301 1155
Price range: £26 to £40
Rating: 4.3

4.3

4769 Reviews

£26 to £40

French

Top tags:

Balthazar is located in Covent Garden in the heart of Theatreland and a very short walk from the Royal Opera House. It offers a French brasserie-inspired menu with an abundance of fruits de mer as well as a wide selection of classical French brasserie and bistro dishes.

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No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

5 Dec 2023

19:00

Booked 250 times today

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£26 to £40
Cuisines
French, Contemporary French, International
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 11:30–22:45 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–16:00 Dinner Sat 16:00–22:45 Sun 16:00–21:45
Phone number
020 3301 1155
Website
https://balthazarlondon.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
As well as the beautiful surroundings of our restaurant and terrace, you can also enjoy our French brasserie classics and exclusive, specially crafted menus in one of our two elegant private dining rooms.
Private party contact
Sophie Laplante: 020 3301 8855

Location
4-6 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HZ
Area
Covent Garden
Parking Details
None
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 4,769 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.1Service
4.3Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

London
Most Booked
West End London
Most Booked

4,769 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall3food5service2ambience3
The service was very slow and inattentive. We struggled to get the attention of our waiter several times through the meal, from start the finish. Slow to take the order, slow to bring the drinks, slow to refill our empty bottles of water, slow to bring the bill. Finally had to stand up and pay at the till. The food was good, but the service compromised the experience.
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CD
ChanelD
Manchester
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal and service was so good. Staff couldn’t be friendlier and were so lovely with our little boy! Will definitely be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service from the start and whilst we had to wait for our table to become free we were offered a seat at the bar to wait. Once seated we were quickly offered drinks but given enough time to look at the menu. Food was outstanding and perfectly prepared, I would highly recommend the oysters and cote de beouf whilst the veal rib eye and the poached salmon on rye. Barman served a mean Old Fashioned and the house Fizz was also good value. Never rushed and well looked after…I highly recommend eating here.
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DC
DeniseC
London
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience4
Portion for lobster pasta at £35 was tiny, with hardly any lobster. We were charged more for our Kir Royals than listed on the menu, but didn't notice until later. We were about to order dessert, when a waiter asked us to leave in ten minutes - we'd been there 90 minutes and they wanted the table back. Disappointing.
2 people found this helpful
RC
RaphelleC
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great food and atmosphere but a slight wait on food
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VS
VinceS
London
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food5service4ambience5
Lovely food and atmosphere, a really busy place but experience spoilt by rushed service, apparently only 1.5 hours per table booking is allowed for so had to move to complete our meal. The staff were apologetic about having to move us but this appears to be a frequent occurrence. We weren't the only guests this happened to. Advising guests at the beginning when being seated would be a better way of managing expectations. We did have a good time and would return
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VD
VeeD
London
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food4service1ambience5
As usual the food was good and the ambience great, in particular in the run up to Christmas. However what completely spoiled the experience was the service. After 1 hour, whilst still enjoying our drinks, we were presented with the bill, that we had not yet asked for. The waiter then rudely came with the machine and said that we needed to pay. When we said that we weren’t ready yet he left. Then another waiter came and insisted we paid. We were still well within the allocated time limit but Balthazar had obviously decided that we were done. The head waiter then said that he was sorry if there had been a miscommunication. Obviously they are only catering to tourists now. As a Londoner I will not go back any time soon. The worst client service …
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great afternoon, always great service good food . Consistency is the key .
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k
kayp
Hertfordshire
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My 3rd visit to this buzzing restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden, and never disappoints, service excellent and food is delicious.
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TC
TC121
London
104 reviews
vip
5.0
104 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
Lovely restaurant with great menu and drinks lists. Will be looking forward to our next visit to Balthazar in the near future. Thank you!
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LD
LucyD
London
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall2food4service2ambience3
Long waits for items. It was busy. Completely forgot a drinks order. Reordered & then it was delivered and we were told we only had 15 mins left on table. Which is fine but not when we’ve been left waiting nearly 30 mins for drinks!
1 person found this helpful
CT
CathT
Exclusive
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always love Balthazar. It gives that wonderful feeling of West End hospitality, shiney glamour, alongside wonderful service, and delicious food. One of my absolute favs, a reliable and Joyous destination
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SB
SharonB
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 26 November 2023
overall4food3service4ambience3
We had the lamb, I know the French under cook meat but it was tough and fatty, I love lamb but did not enjoy this dish
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PG
PhillipaG
London
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on 25 November 2023
overall2food3service2ambience1
Busy Saturday at 6pm. Staff all over the place. They tried to be helpful, but seemed overwhelmed. Starters came up before our pre dinner drinks. Food was fine, but the noise level ear shattering rather then lively. Not sure I'd return.
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MG
MichaelG
London
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 25 November 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great fun and lively. Efficient, faultless service - good wine list, well cooked steaks and seafood.
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TB
TraceyB
London
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on 24 November 2023
overall4food2service4ambience3
I'd booked a table for 11am thinking we could have brunch but was not made aware that brunch is not served during the week, only served at weekends so had to have two very expensive starters and not very filling.
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w
wendyanne
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
great service and good food. We weren't rushed and there was a friendly buzzy ambiance
Balthazar LondonResponded on 24 November 2023
Hello Wendyanne, thank you; we appreciate your feedback! We hope to be of service to you again in the future. Best wishes, Balthazar
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SV
SimonaV
London
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 19 November 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
The food was good but the service average. The server barely engaging with us, more like a robotic service, just taking the order, bringing it and that was it. No one did the check back for the food or asked us if we need something else. Not to mention the experience when we tried to pay the check and their machine wasn't working. The girl who took the payment seemed disturbed,like the problem is with us. We asked her to bring a different PDQ machine and the payment went through but only after a several times and the message on the display was keep showing connection error. The service didn't deserved 13.5% added to the check.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 24 November 2023
Simonav, thank you for leaving us feedback. We are disappointed to hear that your experience was not a positive one. If you have any further questions, please give us a call. We're always happy to help!
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H
Henriette
East Sussex
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 18 November 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
A very tasty steak-frites and bottle of house red. Efficient service, lively environment.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 22 November 2023
Hello Henriette, we appreciate you taking the time to leave us this feedback. We hope to see you soon!
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LF
LyndaF
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely afternoon, great place and not to expensive.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 20 November 2023
Lyndaf, we're glad you had such a wonderful experience with us! Thanks again for the recommendation, and have an amazing day!
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LH
LouiseH13
Dublin
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
A great place to eat, food very tasty and always a great ambience
Balthazar LondonResponded on 24 November 2023
Louiseh13, we are very happy we could provide you with a positive experience! We hope to be of service to you again in the future. Best wishes, Balthazar
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DC
DCfoodie18
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful place for a French holiday meal in London! Enjoyed the decor and ambience and we were pleasantly surprised by the food. Tasty salmon tartare and really delicious steak frites of course! Would go again - lovely spot in Covent Garden. Definitely get the French 75 too!
Balthazar LondonResponded on 22 November 2023
Dcfoodie18, thank you for sharing your positive experience! We always strive to provide top quality service to every guest, and are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience here at Balthazar!
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P
Patricia
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant would definitely recommend it! Very nice and helpful staff.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 19 November 2023
Hello Patricia, thank you; we appreciate your feedback! We sincerely thank you for the positive review, and look forward to seeing you again soon!
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DW
DavidW
Norfolk/Suffolk
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
As always, Balthazar was doing a roaring trade mainly with pre and post theatre diners. The menu is interesting and covers most tastes. as we were there for a lighter supper we opted for the Prix Fixe menu which was fine and all our dishes were perfectly acceptable although the sauce with the turkey ballotine was very watery and lacked substance. Also a little too salty. Drinks were fine too and our only concern was a mysterious addition of £3 to the bill per person for the third course which, according to the menu, should have been included. London prices are what they are and so £126 for the two of seemed not unreasonable as it included a hefty 13.5% service charge. The service was efficient without being hurried. We will return!
Balthazar LondonResponded on 19 November 2023
Davidw, thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're looking forward to your next visit with us!
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g
gina
Adelaide
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 13 November 2023
overall4food5service2ambience4
The food and location here saves the rather Fawlty Towers service. Steak tartare was excellent, onion soup good, lamb with couscous and green beans delicious. A very good Paris Brest and special orange/cointreau baba also lovely although had to ask for the hot chocolate and cointreau sauce described on menu but failed to turn up. Drinks dreadfully haphazard coming out at vastly different times, run out of all cider. Seem to be reasonable number of staff but in need of a decent maitre d.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 15 November 2023
Gina, we really appreciate your feedback! Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything additional we can do for you.
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EO
EllieO
London
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
My salmon was super dry and overcooked. We took the three course menu but when we came to the dessert our “time” was apparently up!?!? They wanted us to leave the table before we had the dessert. We complained and had almost a heated argument, so they let us finish our dinner.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 13 November 2023
Hi Ellieo, thank you for taking the time to let us know about your recent experience. We are disappointed to hear that you are not satisfied with your visit. Thank you for leaving feedback. Please reach out to us so we may identify ways to improve your experience.
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JP
JPC1010
Toronto
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely table and excellent service. No pressure to leave at any point. Food was excellent. Thank you.
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RS
RayS
London
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 9 November 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
The meat (veal steak) was served up luke warm at best, other than this everything else was good.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 11 November 2023
Rays, thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We regret that you had a negative experience, and will use this as an opportunity to improve. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything additional we can do for you.
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D
Daniel
London
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on 7 November 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Wondeful ambience The haloumi main was delicous. Crab starter has too much mayonnaise. The service was good but very slow Wine list is extensive Highly recommend
Balthazar LondonResponded on 11 November 2023
Daniel, thank you so much for your high rating! We always strive to provide top quality service to every guest, and are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience here at Balthazar!
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M
Margo
Buckinghamshire
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 4 November 2023
overall3food2service3ambience3
food average gougons overcooked oysters small chips average dessert good glass of wine white £9>50 overpriced
Balthazar LondonResponded on 6 November 2023
Margo, thank you for leaving us feedback. We are disappointed to hear that your experience was not a positive one. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything additional we can do for you.
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SS
ScottSX
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 1 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and great food in an amazing setting as always. Jazz and the tonic band was just perfect dining entertainment. A great night / experience had by all .
Balthazar LondonResponded on 3 November 2023
Scottsx, reviews like this give us motivation and help us ensure we provide high-quality care. We hope to be of service to you again in the future. Best wishes, Balthazar
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R
Rose
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 31 October 2023
overall4food5service1ambience5
Food and atmosphere is great, and great value for money. Service was not great this time round as compared to previous visits.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 3 November 2023
Hello Rose, thank you; we appreciate your feedback! Thanks again for taking the time to leave us this information about your recent visit. Take care!
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CL
CarolineL
London
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 28 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Incredible service throughout coordinated by Erwan (restaurant manager). Decided to go there for my birthday dinner - food didn’t disappoint, attentive staff and even got a lovely profiterole to celebrate the date. Wouldn’t hesitate to come back - 4 stars for the ambience as the restaurant was a little loud to our liking but this is really criticism on a high level. Thank you team for a lovely birthday meal!
Balthazar LondonResponded on 30 October 2023
Hi Carolinel, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us at Balthazar. We're happy we could meet your expectations! We hope to see you soon!
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FO
FreddieO
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Excellent Oysters and moule frite. Shame they took away duck shepherd's pie from the menu.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 28 October 2023
Freddieo, thank you so much for the positive review! Thanks again for the recommendation, and have an amazing day!
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CL
ChrisL
London
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall3food3service4ambience2
Too noisy, too many tables crammed in, food Just ok, portion size pretty small. Steak on the small side but at least flavourful and correctly cooked. Wine list too restrictive by the glass / carafe. Not everyone wants a full bottle at lunchtime. The noise level was beyond belief. Loud chatter competing with loud music. I couldn’t hear myself think let alone have a conversation.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 25 October 2023
Chrisl, it is disappointing for us to hear that your experience was anything less than great. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything additional we can do for you.
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RD
RobertaD
Bath
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on 18 October 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
We arrived early for out table so the restaurant was quiet which was good. The food arrived very quickly but the macaroni cheese dish was not good....was too glupey!
Balthazar LondonResponded on 21 October 2023
Robertad, we regret to hear that you had this experience with us. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will use your comments to refine our efforts to ensure this issue does not happen again. Kind regards Adam Assistant Restaurant Manager
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M
Mystique
London
27 reviews
vip
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on 17 October 2023
overall3food2service3ambience3
Good value oyster plus champagne combination. Food and wine selection mediocre. Service attitude up to par. All in all courteous staff and pleasant environment.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 21 October 2023
Mystique, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service, so we are disappointed to hear that your visit with us was anything less than satisfactory. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything additional we can do for you.
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n
nicolac
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 14 October 2023
overall4food3service2ambience5
We were late and they thankfully accommodated us :) The food was good but unfortunately the service was very, very uneven. Over all is was a ok experience, would revisit when it’s less busy
Balthazar LondonResponded on 20 October 2023
Nicolac, thank you so much for the positive review! We hope to see you soon! Adam Assistant Restaurant Manager
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PC
PaulC
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 October 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Perfect birthday night… gorgeous food. They also made me my favourite cocktail which was not on the menu
Balthazar LondonResponded on 20 October 2023
Thank you again for taking the time to let us know how we did. We hope you have a great day! We are always more than happy to assist you if anything else comes up. Take care! Adam Assistant Restaurant Manager
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l
lizzie
Kent
223 reviews
vip
3.0
223 reviews
Dined on 14 October 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
We use Balthazar fairly often but this time was not a happy experience. What I did not like, is that you are able to use Open table to book, but you can not redeem your cheque there!!! The service was good and bad. We asked for along break between courses and said we would advise when ready. this did not happen!! the main course was brought up when they were ready. I ordered a whole seabass but it was pink. Totally the wrong colour. One other main course was not hot. The souffle however was wonderful. The bill was amended because of the issues, which was good but overall not a good evening. My husband does not want to go back there. I would maybe.
Balthazar LondonResponded on 20 October 2023
Lizzie, we regret to hear that you had this experience with us. We would like the opportunity to address your concerns. Please reach out to us directly when you have a chance. Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you. Adam Assistant Restaurant Manager
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FAQs

Balthazar London is rated 4.3 stars by 4769 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

5 Dec 2023

19:00

Booked 250 times today

4-6 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HZ

Dining areas

Additional information

Area
Covent Garden
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 11:30–22:45 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–16:00 Dinner Sat 16:00–22:45 Sun 16:00–21:45
Price
£26 to £40
Cuisines
French, Contemporary French, International
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://balthazarlondon.com/
Phone number
020 3301 1155
Private party facilities
As well as the beautiful surroundings of our restaurant and terrace, you can also enjoy our French brasserie classics and exclusive, specially crafted menus in one of our two elegant private dining rooms.
Private party contact
Sophie Laplante: 020 3301 8855

Balthazar London

Make a booking

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Popular dishes

Steak Tartare

Salmon Tartare

Steak Frites

Menu

What 4,769 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Balthazar London restaurant rated?

Is Balthazar London currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information