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Welcome to Balkan Restaurant

At Balkan Restaurant, every dish tells a story, steeped in the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. Located in Richmond, VA, this cozy eatery offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests feel like family. Known for its generous portions and vibrant flavors, the menu features delights such as hand-stretched burek and addictive Balkan potatoes. Diners rave about the fried cheese and savory mixed grill platters, perfectly paired with imported Eastern European wines. With a commitment to exceptional service and fresh ingredients, Balkan Restaurant promises an authentic dining experience that leaves guests yearning for more, making it a cherished local favorite.

Balkan Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Steve G.
Steve G.

We had a wonderful lunch today, and everything we ordered was perfectly prepared and flavored. Each of the servers made us feel welcome with a friendly smile. Visnja took care of us today and was so kind and helpful to us and with our order. What a pleasure to have such a enjoyable place to visit for an excellent experience.

Cory S.
Cory S.

Officially my favorite meal in RVA for over 10 years! Mixed Grill Platter with steak, chicken, veal, ćevapi sausages & fresh veggies along with their utterly addictive Balkan Potatoes... which will change your life! Must be paired with their homemade bread and various imported Eastern-European wines you can't get anywhere else in the city! Such a cozy and welcoming vibe and they always treat you like family. Do yourself a favor and don't walk... RUN to check them out and all of their unique and delicious offerings!

Monica L.
Monica L.

We checked out Balkan after reading about them in the new 2025 Style edition, and we're so glad we did! The pita sourdough bread is absolutely incredible--soft, chewy, and full of flavor. We ordered the fried cheese, gyro burger, börek, and Turkish coffee, and everything was outstanding. The gyro burger was great - yellow onions and lettuce and perfectly seasoned, the börek was crispy and packed with flavor, and the fried cheese had the perfect golden crust with a melty center. To top it off, the Turkish coffee was rich, bold, and the perfect way to round out the meal. The service was warm and welcoming, making for a fantastic dining experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

Luana R.
Luana R.

Starting with the appetizers, they are so large you will need to share. The texture and taste of their dishes is exceptional. Even the potato fries are tender with an exceptional taste; no overuse of salt or coverage. Many of their meals are to go so it's a bit small for large groups. It's wise to make a reservation during busy times if you plan to dine in.

Kay L.
Kay L.

Loved this little restaurant! Food came out fresh and hot and beautifully arranged. Our hostess/server was super friendly and engaging. Couldn't have wanted a more sincere and warm welcoming experience. Ate so much and decided to take home two orders of their Spartak Torte. Everything was delicious!

Josiah E.
Josiah E.

Don't let this small shop full you, inside is an amazing place with warm and welcoming people. I ordered the veal with roasted vegetables (8.6), potatoes in a cream sauce (8.8) and fresh baked warm and fluffy bread (8.3). Overall, an 8.5 experience. Highly recommend!!!

Manny N.
Manny N.

First time here and we ordered the grilled platter with grilled veggies and Balkan potatoes. It was amazing. I don't eat veal, but this was great. The grilled chicken is delicious - it is chicken breast but moist and flavorful. The potatoes were like scalloped potatoes but are a must try if it's your first visit. Get some warm bread to dip in that sauce as well. You're welcome. We'll definitely order the platter again. Service was a little slow because there was only one server but very friendly and accommodating. Turkish coffee was good but wasn't a fan of the baklava because it is soaked/wet and not crispy. Will for sure be back though.

Amanda E.
Amanda E.

OHHH MY GOODNESS - this restaurant is DELICIOUS! I'm so mad it took four years of me living in Richmond to find this place. It is true, authentic Balkan cuisine that you can tell is made with love and homemade fresh ingredients. The server was super friendly and personable. He made sure all tables were attended to in a timely manner. We ordered the Urnebes appetizer which is a cold dip of feta cheese and red peppers. Their homemade bread is TO DIE FOR, it may have been my favorite part of the meal. I ordered the gyro and my partner got the Schnitzel, both were incredible. We will absolutely be back to try more Balkan dishes!

Diane M.
Diane M.

My husband and I tried the Balkan Restaurant on a whim, and are glad we did. Located in a nondescript strip mall in Henrico, the restaurant's stark exterior belies the cozy, inviting restaurant inside. The service was friendly and not rushed, and the food delicious, and generously portioned. The fried feta cheese and burek appetizers are outstanding. The feta is served with a lovely red pepper sauce and was light and crisp. We had never had burek before - light pastry with cheese and spinach. It was served room temperature, and we would have preferred it hot, but that didn't stop us from devouring it. We ordered the mixed grill platter for dinner. All the meat was tender and perfectly cooked, and the standouts were the veal cutlet and the cevapi. The platter was huge and we used the leftover the next day for salads at lunch. We are looking forward to a return visit.

Bobbi H.
Bobbi H.

Balkan is a hidden gem. I have to admit the strip mall they are located in made me question if all the 5 star reviews were wrong......the 5 star reviews are right! Specializing in homemade traditional food from the Balkan region, this spot is unique and delicious! We were greeted as soon as we walked in, and we were seated right away. Service was outstanding! Friendly, personable, and quick. They carefully explained the menu, answered all our questions, and gave us recommendations. Everything was tasty! Awesome homemade comfort food! Simple, yet clean interior. What we ate: Falafel:Deep fried chick peas and fava beans fritters served with homemade tzatziki sauce Cornbread: Balkan style corn bread served with feta cheese spread, roasted red pepper and eggplant sauce, kalamata olives, and feta cheese Balkan Steak and Cheese: Served with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, mayo, and house dressing Goulash: Tender pieces of beef cooked for hours with fresh vegetables and finished with a slight kick of paprika. Served with a side of mashed potatoes. Spartek Torte: Delicate Chocolate Cake is beyond delicious. It is made out of extra thin multilayers with a gentle balance of chocolate and cream. The texture of this cake is so soft and light that it will melt in your mouth in every bite. Made from a traditional Eastern European recipe. My rating rationale  +1 Service +1 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1 Presentation +1 Atmosphere/vibe +1 Value

Location

Welcome to Balkan Restaurant, an enchanting gem located at 8905 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23229. This Mediterranean sanctuary is a triumphant exploration of flavors that captivates your senses and transports you to the heart of the Balkans. Whether you're planning a leisurely lunch with friends or an intimate dinner with family, Balkan Restaurant offers a warm atmosphere where every meal feels like a celebration.

Here, culinary craftsmanship is evident in every dish. Start your journey with the Falafel, golden chickpea and fava bean balls that hit the spot, perfectly complemented by house-made Tzatziki sauce, or savor the savory goodness of Fried Cheese, light and crispy, paired harmoniously with roasted red peppers and eggplant sauce. To truly indulge, don’t miss the Burek, a hand-stretched puff pastry that embodies the essence of Balkan comfort food.

The diverse menu reflects an ethos of generosity, and the portions are substantial enough to encourage sharing — just the way communal dining should be! Don't be surprised if you find the Mixed Grill Platter becoming your new favorite; it’s a delightful assembly of steak, chicken, veal, and ćevapi sausages, all married with vibrant vegetables, and served alongside their irresistible Balkan Potatoes. Reviews from patrons, like Cory S., proclaim that these dishes can truly change your life.

Every meal at Balkan Restaurant is enhanced by their dedication to customer experience. With limited vegetarian options, the focus often leans towards meat-based dishes, yet the freshness and quality remain unmatched. The warm hospitality from the staff, as noted by diners such as Kay L. and Steve G., adds a special touch to your dining adventure. Expect friendly smiles and a host who treats you like family, ensuring that every visit is memorable.

And let’s not forget to recommend pairing your meal with something from their unique collection of imported Eastern-European wines or perhaps a cup of rich Turkish coffee to round off your culinary voyage.

If you're planning to visit, bear in mind that reservations are wise during peak times, given the popularity of this cozy spot. With its inviting atmosphere, outdoor seating, and delightful chatter echoing through the space, Balkan Restaurant stands ready to serve up an experience that tantalizes taste buds and warms hearts.

Don’t miss out: Whether you're a local or just passing through Richmond, Balkan Restaurant is a must-visit. Bring your appetite, and prepare for a memorable feast that highlights the best of Mediterranean flavors.