Balata Restaurant, The Fairway Hotel

Great restaurant with very friendly staff. The staff took great care of us and made our anniversary special on the day. The restaurant was quiet and we basically had the place to ourselves. All the staff had masks on, menus were sanitised and everyone adheared quite strict to Covid protocol. Be sure to take a walk outside to see a really lovely view of the golf course during the evening.

Overall, a poor experience. The food was tasty, but unfortunately that does not compensate for the service. We had to repeatedly stand up and walk around the restaurant looking for a waiter. Example: we had been seated for 30 minutes before we were brought menus. We complained to the Maître D and things improved at that point, but considering the price and star rating of this restaurant I strongly feel that complaining several times shouldn’t have been necessary.

Beautiful setting looking over the golf course. Especially for sundowners. The restau4ant inside also has a nice atmosphere. But the service wasn't good. Manager was very helpful and friendly though. Steak was overcooked and tough. But the seafood linguine was very tasty with fresh seafood. Although they cut the linguine in pieces and served it with a knife and a fork ...Italians wouldnt be happy.

Very average. Nothing special. Staff not very friendly, battled to get someone to bring us coffee... No butter, had to ask and in a packed placed they bring 15 butters to the buffet.Food: 2/5

My wife and I booked for dinner at Balato on 20 November 2021. Our expectations were great as the website research suggested we were in for a classy meal. Our experience was diametrically opposite. The service from the waiter was poor. Our starter was good but we then waited more than 45 minutes for our mains to arrive. At no stage were we informed of any delay by out waiter. When I queried the delay with him he passed it off with a “it’s nearly ready” comment. As he then perceived my frustration, only then did he move to the kitchen to chase things up. The venue was painfully noisy as a big party of guests was celebrating a birthday in the venue. Young children were running around and playing noisily. We do not expect this of a four star hotel. Our mains then arrived but both were sub-standard. My wife’s fish Cod was bland and poorly done. My pasta was fair but nothing more. We called for the bill and left without having dessert. Our wine was good but the R430 charged for the red blend was exorbitant. We will never set foot there again. Throughout the evening there was no sign whatever of managerial supervision. That explains everything!

Food is Average, service is greatFood: 3/5

We went for a family dinner with a set menu, it was lovelyFood: 4/5

I had chosen to eat a fish dish as I don't eat meat, however the fish dish had pieces of meat on it and this was not disclosed on the menu...

OkFood: 5/5

GoodFood: 5/5