Bala Baya Restaurant Bankside
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Quick info
About Bala Baya Restaurant Bankside
Bala Baya Restaurant Bankside occupies two floors of converted railway arches on Arch 25, with sharing plates and larger dishes served tapas style. The menu changes seasonally, though recurring items include aubergine mess, cauliflower steak and hummus variations such as short rib hummus. Cocktails like CRAN-BUBBLES and TEQUILA ME SOFTLY sit alongside Israeli wine, and dishes such as TWISTED BAGEL and BALA BAYA PITA round out a 27-item menu. Table service runs throughout, with a 12.5% service charge added to the bill. A step-free entrance welcomes visitors with mobility needs, and high chairs suit families with young children. Dogs are welcome, and a covered outdoor terrace allows for outdoor dining. A private dining room is available for groups, and free Wi-Fi runs through the space. Reservations are recommended, and the restaurant opens daily.
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Menu & Prices
27 dishes · mains £4–45- CRAN-BUBBLES£12.00
- TEQUILA ME SOFTLY£14.00
- HONEY, IM HOME!£15.00
- ROSEMARY'S RAM£16.00
- TWISTED BAGEL£5.50
- BALA BAYA PITA£3.50
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention aubergine dish, cauliflower dish, sharing plates and cocktails.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention aubergine dish, cauliflower dish, sharing plates and cocktails.
Customer Review Summary
The aubergine dish draws the most consistent praise, showing up across multiple visits as a standout, often called outstanding or full of flavour and balance. Close behind, reviewers repeatedly highlight the sharing plates format, naming the fried cauliflower or cauliflower steak, short rib hummus, and prawn baklava, along with the cocktails and house-made sodas like the mango and coconut version. Several describe the service as attentive and note one occasion where staff quickly corrected a mistake and insisted on compensating a diner. Complaints recur around pricing, with some calling dishes overpriced or the cocktails average, and one reviewer's chicken dish was reportedly so overbattered that the waiter agreed it should come off the menu. One reviewer also reports being served coffee they believed was instant rather than espresso, along with a billing discrepancy and an automatic 12.5% service charge, though most others don't raise this. A few mention dim lighting making the food hard to see, and one notes the menu lacks allergen or dietary markers. Diners often return for extra portions of the mini pitas and multiple small plates per person.
Customer Review Summary
The aubergine dish draws the most consistent praise, showing up across multiple visits as a standout, often called outstanding or full of flavour and balance. Close behind, reviewers repeatedly highlight the sharing plates format, naming the fried cauliflower or cauliflower steak, short rib hummus, and prawn baklava, along with the cocktails and house-made sodas like the mango and coconut version. Several describe the service as attentive and note one occasion where staff quickly corrected a mistake and insisted on compensating a diner. Complaints recur around pricing, with some calling dishes overpriced or the cocktails average, and one reviewer's chicken dish was reportedly so overbattered that the waiter agreed it should come off the menu. One reviewer also reports being served coffee they believed was instant rather than espresso, along with a billing discrepancy and an automatic 12.5% service charge, though most others don't raise this. A few mention dim lighting making the food hard to see, and one notes the menu lacks allergen or dietary markers. Diners often return for extra portions of the mini pitas and multiple small plates per person.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“The food was as incredible as the service!!! Came here after many years not being and was blown away by both! The special mentions: hummus (recommended by the host) and the baharat pecan tart (who was the genius that decided to put baharat on dessert 🤯). Can't wait to go back!!! (Also the gazoz is freaking amazing 😍)”
- Leslie
“Omg I could devour the entire menu if it weren’t so filling and satisfying - so now I just have to return to eat every offering !”
- Google user
“Delicious food, great service. We sat outside on the covered terrace which was lovely in summer (I understand it’s heated in winter as well) so just an all-round perfect spot for brunch. The must-haves from our list were the short rib hummus and aubergine mess - so much flavour and balance. The pitas are mini versions so you might need to order extra! We also had the prawn baklava (great texture) and the lamb kofta shakshuka. You need about two dishes per person. We’ll be back to try some of the other things!”
- Google user
“I don’t want to leave this review, because we want this delightful gem to remain just ours. But of course, you have to come here. The food is ASTOUNDING. The wine is exotic and different. The cocktail was the BEST sour I’ve ever enjoyed. The service was delightful. This is our new favourite spot. But don’t come here.”
- Google user
“Everything was perfect from the start to the very end of the meal. The food was so refined and flavorful. Congrats to chef Eran Tibi and his wonderful team. Can’t wait to try Kapara in SoHo”
Hours
- Monday
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- Tuesday
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- Wednesday
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- Friday
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- Sunday
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Good to know
“Experience a culinary journey at Bala Baya, an authentic Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in London. From delightful lunches to memorable dinners, our expert chefs craft flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. Located near Nelson Square, Mint Street, Borough High Street, and Great Suffolk Street, Bala Baya offers a diverse menu inspired by Chef Eran's journey through his food philosophy. Indulge in our delectable dishes, prepared with the finest ingredients. Our cosy restaurant provides a warm ambiance, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends and family. Let Bala Baya transport you to the captivating flavours and exceptional service he's bringing to this hidden gem. With lunch, brunch and private hire options, we have you covered.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, seating
Amenities
- Has Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Serves vegan dishes
- Has bar on site
- Has gender-neutral toilets
- Serves beer
Show more amenities
- Serves coffee
- Has free water refills
- Serves late-night food
- Has private dining room
- Serves spirits
- Serves great dessert
- Facilities· 10
- Has toilet
- Serves alcohol
- Serves cocktails
- Serves healthy options
- Serves organic dishes
- Serves small plates
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Serves wine
- Serves great cocktails
- Has great wine list
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Mediterranean restaurants near Bala Baya Restaurant Bankside
- Coppa Club Tower Bridge4.210,9461 mi
glass igloos, salt & pepper squid, tower bridge views
- Coco Grill & Lounge4.79,8821.3 mi
korean spicy chicken wings, dynamite prawns, coco salmon
- Luca Dsq.4.33841.3 mi£30–40
dips with bread, ravioli, risotto
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bala Baya Restaurant Bankside | 4.64,185 | — | £30–80 | aubergine dish, cauliflower dish, sharing plates |
| Coppa Club Tower Bridge | 4.210,946 | 1 mi | — | glass igloos, salt & pepper squid, tower bridge views |
| Coco Grill & Lounge | 4.79,882 | 1.3 mi | — | korean spicy chicken wings, dynamite prawns, coco salmon |
| Luca Dsq. | 4.3384 | 1.3 mi | £30–40 | dips with bread, ravioli, risotto |
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