Balaio Brazilian Grill - London

Tuesday night, completely dead empty. Wondered why, apparently they are only busy on weekends. Fine. Service was quite mediocre, server seemed super bored, lacking knowledge and enthusiasm. Food was ok but lacking a lot of flavours. Cheese bread doughs were nice and crunchy but very plain a touch of Parmesan or cheddar would make a difference. Mocotó broth was rich, good texture and quite filling, but lacking seasoning. Chicken dumplings, coxinha, were the nicest, crunchy, tasty and original. Spicy chicken thighs were crunchy and close to what it should be, but again, lacking seasoning. Lastly our steak, the Uruguayan rib eye was of poor quality and not worth the price. Overall interesting but they need to try harder. Most dishes were lacking spices and seasoning. 12.5% service charge in London is common, but at premium places and with far superior quality and service. Location doesn't help but most people wouldn't mind the 10min walk from Liverpool st for quality food and service.

The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing, but has a strong East End vibe. Unfortunately, neither of us enjoyed the food very much, and the wine was a major disappointment. The waitress recommended their special reserve wine, which was not listed on the menu. The most expensive wine on the menu is £19, but the special reserve wine cost us £78 for a bottle. Including the 12.5% service charge, our total bill came to £140. I was taken aback by the high cost, especially since the waitress made no mention of the price when recommending the wine. It was a shock to realize we could have enjoyed a much better meal at Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse just 100 meters away for a fraction of the cost. I accept responsibility for not inquiring about the price beforehand, but I still feel cheated. When I questioned the bill, the owner offered to make it right if I returned, but I have no intention of doing so.

Lovely feijoada and pao de queijo .. Nice friendly service. Gr3at start to our little excursion around the area.

I had been wanting to try Balaio for some time since it opened on Barking Road. The decor was inviting and the prices on the menu were very reasonable. When I finally had a meal there, I was not disappointed. The meats were excellent and the sides were also delicious. The service was outstanding and the staff were very friendly. We quickly told our local friends about the restaurant and will definitely be returning for another meal.

Only one other couple here a little after lunch time. Music is a bit loud, but not overwhelming. Food served fairly quickly. Peri Peri chicken good, rice average, salad, average. Slow cooked beef, not as tender as you would expect from a slow cooking. Sauce was semi sweet, sour, spicy. Tea was served in very small cup more appropriate for espresso, teabag left in which made it quite strong by the time it reached table. Small jug of milk accompanying but it was also hot, (steamed), so tea had strange taste. Overall, would not return but others may have better experience.