Balsamic Cafe - Ringwood Australia

Went here for some coffee, lunch and desert, not very busy on a weekday so service was excellent, ordered a flat white and a long black which were delivered quickly and were very nice but the cups seemed smaller than usual? Then we ordered a Nassi goring and a vegan polo (no polo) pasta dish for Mains. See photos. These were enjoyable and came in decent serving sizes. Next up 2 more coffees and vegan desserts to share, apple fritters and donuts filled with jam, a strawberry each and chocolate sauce to spoon over it all, very nice. To sum up a pleasant and enjoyable lunch with a relaxed atmosphere that was perhaps a bit over priced I feel at $80, I would come again and have just one coffee and no desserts next time and it would feel like better value perhaps.

Won't go back! Overpriced food for what it is. Rude staff the manager had a go at one of the staff right in front of us, very unprofessional!

Located on the top level of Eastland, near the cinemas, Balsamic adds a bit of flair to the large shopping complex that has taken over Ringwood, providing locals with a place to catch up with friends in a nice environment, away from the craziness of the shops below. With a full bar, and varied menu consisting of pizzas, pastas, smaller share dishes and desserts, Balsamic does a bit of everything. It comes at a price however, with this also being one of the most expensive places to eat in the area. I love the vegetarian calzone, and although it's big enough to share, I often tackle it alone, leaving no room for dessert afterwards. A good place to head for a bite before or after a film, Balsamic adds a touch of class if after a meal, however it can also serve as a casual drop in if just after a drink.

If I had the option, I would have given Balsamic 3.5 stars, just because it isn't quite a four star option, and service isn't what it once was here. The food is pricey, but of excellent quality. Think $26-$35 main meal prices, with decent servings. Personally, I'd want an entree or a dessert with my main just to be full, but the main meals are probably good for a lunch on their own. Some of the best coffees I've had have been from here. Service is really very ordinary now. Staff don't seem to care about their jobs and from the looks of things, it might be a managerial sort of issue, as these problems have only appeared since a change of management. I really hope these problems get sorted out, because otherwise it's a really, really good place.

We had been going to Balsamic almost weekly for about 2-3 years now. Always had been fantastic service, well priced and good food. In the last month it has absolutely gone downhill. Have you changed management or something? In our past 4 visits we have noticed the quality of food has gotten worse, with smaller meal sizes. Price however is on the steady incline. If Balsamic is wanting to go a bit higher-class, by all means go for it- but the food quality and portion size needs much review! Our past 4 visits have seen kids running around screaming, loud babies and overall a horrible dining experience. Balsamic has the prices of a nice inner-city restaurant with the food, service and dining experience of Daisey's in Ringwood. Clearly this business model isn't working as it is often near-empty. Take some notes from Pancake Parlour across the road. Excellent food, well-priced, student specials, nice environment (no rampant kids! and amazing service.