Ballard’S

Unclaimed

Okay, I've seen this place for a while and have never tried it. Booked it spontaneously for date night - we left the finicky teens at home. When I told my partner I booked Ballard's, she told her workmates, and they said the chef on their insta is unhinged. I checked the feed and can confirm. The chefs online personality is weirdly reminiscent of the book shop owner from Black Books. Now, I was truly intrigued and maybe a little trepidatious - what was I getting us into? Well, not to worry, all that wild creative energy went into the creation of some truly outstanding works of culinary art. We opted for the "just feed me" option as everything looked great. Let me tell you, we were very well fed. I'm writing this the day after, and I don't remember the names of the dishes, but I'll give a brief description: Crispy focaccia with smoked eggplant dip (no ordinary bread and dip) Rehydrated carrot - I really wish I had a photo - it looked amazing Corned turnip croquette There may have been one more... look, it was all good. The other 4 are in the photos - all excellent. All of the sauces and creams were particularly amazing. Let me finish by saying that I'm a fairly good cook, so restaurants don't usually impress me. This one did. I even think my teenagers would have loved it. We will be back.

Ballards is seriously underrated, it is a gem of a place. Plant based food made deliciously fantastic. Every dish is just amazing! Definitely worth going. Also follow their Instagram page- it’s seriously funny with lots of attitude.

The most incredible place with such a sweet FOH and management. I was organising a very special occasion for my partner and the management were so helpful. The food is on another planet. Will keep coming back for more. Wow

Every time I visit this quaint and quirky spot I am blown away by the dishes! You won't find fake meat here, just vegetables being celebrated through thoughtful and artful preparation in the kitchen. The menu is regularly changing to whatever the chef is experimenting with, from turnip croquettes with baked beans mayonnaise, to a 6-hour braised bourguignon cabbage, everything just drenched with luscious flavours abound! Check the social media for menu updates. They play with smoking, pickling, charring and infusing all sorts of foods so maximise the palate and every time I'm wowed with a new dish! Although I always get the Burnt Eggplant dip with fresh focaccia; I can't get past the smoked tomato oil they drizzle on the dip, scrumptious! The atmosphere is wonderful with eccentric decor but cosy warm lighting, the cutlery appears to be supplied from an op shop which makes me think of sustainability and adds to the charm, and the down to earth staff are always making a friendly effort to look after you swiftly, it's a great environment for an intimate night out, whether a date or a catch up with a friend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

love this place so much! perfect balance of elevated food and calm atmosphere. the dishes on the menu change pretty frequently and the feed me option is insane. each dish is harmonious but also distinct in its flavour, and the price is so good for the amount + quakity of food you get. this is a must visit for any vegan in melbourne! also their instagram presence is incredible and definitely adds to the experience