Balaton Restaurant

The food was so flavorful and delicious. I got the Fuzzy Chicken and I could dream about this meal the rest of my life. The service was absolutely amazing- thank you for such a great experience! We will absolutely be back!

The food was a 10/10. Every bite was a complete flavor explosion. You can immediately taste how fresh everything is, and it’s so clear that everything is made in-house with so much intention down to the applesauce. Nothing felt rushed or generic. It felt crafted. The details were absolutely on point. It was Valentine’s Day weekend and the napkins were folded into little love letters, with a gourmet chocolate at each place setting. It was thoughtful, charming, and elevated without feeling overdone. But what truly blew me away was the service. We mentioned to the staff that we’re ironically heading to Hungary in two months, and the family put together a detailed list for our travels. It made us feel like we were part of their family. That kind of warmth is rare. I am so, so blown away by this place the food, the experience, the heart behind it all. I will 100% be back OFTEN, and I will absolutely be telling everyone I know to try it.

This Hungarian restaurant offers a unique dining experience, even if the online menu prices on google are double what you'll actually find in person. We walked in on Father's Day weekend and were able to snag a patio table, though reservations are definitely necessary. Be prepared for a bit of a wait to get your food. The strawberry juice is a unique and refreshing highlight. The goulash soup was absolutely delicious. The Hungarian Platter had everything you'd need to taste the ethnic dishes. It's worth a visit for a taste of authentic Hungarian cuisine.

Balaton is the best Hungarian restaurant, period. It is still Grandma's authentic Hungarian recipes just like when they started the restaurant on Buckeye many, many years ago. (I used to go when I was a kid. I'm 56 now.) Every meal is cooked to perfection by her granddaughter (still the same family-owned), who makes everything from scratch and to order (so plan on spending some time for a wonderful, relaxing meal). Oh, and be sure to leave room for dessert. She trained at the renowned Café Gerbaud in Budapest. You will not be sorry!

We were visiting the area for the weekend from the Toronto area and had heard amazing things about this Hungarian restaurant — and it absolutely lived up to the hype! The food was incredible, easily the best Hungarian cuisine we’ve ever had. The portions were generous, the flavours were authentic, and there was truly something on the menu for everyone. The staff were warm, friendly, and made the experience even better. We’re so glad we decided to stop in, and we’ll definitely be returning the next time we’re in the area. Highly recommend!

Tried ordering takeout today and have been a longtime customer since the days of Balaton on Buckeye. My order was being taken by one of the lovely ladies who has worked there forever, and then someone else intervened and told me that due to the fact they had multiple large to go orders and large parties, that they would not be able to fulfill my order until 7:45. I decided that this was too late and informed her of that. She continued to explain and I let her know that I have been trying to use a gift certificate and never seem to believe to order. She continued to explain and I let her know I was not interested in 7:45. She then continued to explain, when I let her know I heard her the first time and I wasn’t ordering. She then wanted to argue about me being rude and raising my voice. I let her know she could stop explaining I heard her the first time and I wouldn’t be ordering. She kept telling me that I didn’t need to raise my voice. Obviously she didn’t hear or understand the first 3 times I told her that would not work for me. Do better and get someone to answer your phones that can speak without repeatedly saying the same over and over. It sounds insincere and patronizing. When someone says they aren’t ordering let it go and move on.

We arrived for our 645 reservation and were walked to our table, which had gravy on it, and we were told to stand there and wait until they brought out new paper to line the table with. Upon sitting down our waitress told us she would be right back with some water and bread. About twenty minutes later, I asked for water, and she then brought out the water.And bread. When I asked for ice, I was told that their ice machine was broken, and that they didn't have any ice. Part of our group of 4 had been in the restaurant industry, and could not understand why they simply didn't send a staff member to grab a few bags of ice. However, we made due with drinks with no Ice for our dinner. During our 20 minute, wait for water, we could hear our waitress at the table behind us discussing her family heritage. We tried to keep a positive outlook and placed our orders. Roughly an hour and ten minutes after we ordered, our food arrived, or at least 2 of the dishes. Our guests sat and patiently waited. For the other two meals to be served which only took about five more minutes. During our meal, we could hear our waitress vivian complaining that she was tired and wanting a different staff member to take the next table. One of the older staff members happily obliged. As if this experience was not bad enough, we asked if we could order dessert to go. Vivian told us that they only had one order left of what we wanted, and asked if we could wait ten minutes while they prepared another. We said that would be fine and 30 minutes later she emerged from the kitchen with the second dessert. By now, I had had enough and expressed my displeasure to her to which she replied with a smart remark about how I had been calling her the wrong name And told us in a condescending way on our way out the door enjoy your night!! No apologies of any kind for her horrible attitude and service. The food was mediocre at best, and we will not be back. If you would like to experience a prime example of today's generation of spoiled, entitled young people, then, I suggest you go to balaton and ask for vivian. Just look at the other bad reviews they have gotten. And read her responses to them. It will give you a very good idea of what we experienced.

Balaton has it going on. The best Paprikash I’ve had anywhere. The Lángos, Beet Salad, beers and dessert here are top of the mountain. My only regret is waiting so long to make it here. Go here and you’ll see why I’m giving them high praise. Nagyon köszönöm!

I guess it's time to give you an update on "Balaton's" Hungarian restaurant. We were all in the mood for some fantastic Hungarian comfort food, and what better place than "Balaton's"? Well the answer is easy. There is no better place than "Balaton's". We made our reservation well in advance, as is always recommended. This is a small restaurant with a giant following. You will never get in without one. We were greeted by a pleasant young lady and provided a comfortable table where we were immediately met by another wonderful young lady that was our server for the evening. She was very attentive throughout our visit even though she had many other customers to take care of at the same time. Everything on the menu is exceptional. We started with an appetizer of "Stuffed Cabbage" rolls made of fresh ground beef, pork and rice, over sauerkraut. They were extraordinary! I do not hesitate when I say these are absolutely the best I have ever tasted made by anyone, anywhere in my life. And they were just the opening salvo of a fantastic evening. We also ordered the "Homemade Potato Pancake" which were to die for. Every dinner is accompanied by a simple but wonderful fresh salad. I optioned for the cucumber salad. It was great. Two of our group ordered "Wiener Schnitzel" as their main course. They are famous for this dish. A generous veal-cutlet for a hearty appetite, in traditional batter and fried to a golden brown, served with applesauce, and spaetzles. The other two chose the "Hungarian Platter". A combination of stuffed cabbage, chicken or veal paprikash, and wiener schnitzel, it comes with choice of side dish. I chose the veal paprikash option and spaetzles as my side dish. There are no words to describe how fantastic every forkful of this meal was. The servings are so generous you will be amazed when you see the picture of the leftovers we took home. The following days meals were just as wonderful. We followed dinner with a nice cup of coffee but it was just impossible to order any dessert... we were stuffed. I will tell you, I saw the desserts as they went by to other tables. They looked just as phenomenal as everything else. You will not believe how great this food is until you try it for yourself.

It is not the same We recently checked out Balaton's new location, which is much closer to home! Just a heads up: reservations are a must since seating is limited and the tables are quite small--don't expect much elbow room or privacy. I had to keep my handbag on my lap because the rounded chairs didn't support it well. The dark ambiance features white linens, and there's a casual, cafeteria-like vibe that I found off-putting. The well-trained staff were friendly but seemed overwhelmed. We ordered the fried bread, which was delicious, but there was nowhere to set it once our meals arrived. I didn't enjoy the chicken schnitzel; it lacked the proper texture and crispiness. My spouse tried the paprikash, but it was bland--good enough for most, but not what we expected. On a positive note, the Hungarian apple strudel dessert was fantastic! Overall, it was a mixed bag. I think I spotted an outdoor patio, so we might return to explore more of the menu.

First experience at Balaton. Visited on a Thursday evening....had reservations. Seated immediately. This is a very small (maybe 10-12 tables) and reservations are a must. They have a very loyal and strong following so just walking in and getting a table is not likely. Had the Wiener schnitzel (small portion) and it was more than enough. Came with nice dinner salad, a choice of side and applesauce. I am no expert on Hungarian food but this was excellent. Light, crispy and tender. Also has a couple of Hungarian wines and Beer available. I had a Ukrainian beer that was very good. Service was good, seems like a family business that took good care of all the patrons. If there is one issue...because the restaurant is so small, table are really close together so just be aware. All in all a solid experience that satisfies on all counts.

First off. You have to make reservations way ahead of time. You can't just show up and eat. It doesn't work that way. I called a few weeks ago to get the reservation for tonite. I was slightly put off by this whole procedure but it's a very small place and they try snd make the most of the space they have. We arrived and sat right away. Server brought homemade bread and whipped butter with herbs. Very good. We ordered the 2 drink specials. Strawberry wine and a warm mulled wine. Both were very good. The menu is all Eastern Europe. We heard about the chicken paprikash and that's what we wanted. Though many other items on the menu sounded delicious. Next time we will try something different. We ordered the paprikash and got a salad with it. Dressing was really light and good. We opted for no appetizer so we could get a dessert. The paprikash arrived and it looked incredible! And it tasted even better. Chicken was moist and falling apart. The spatzels were light and perfect. The gravy was very good as well to tie it all together. I've had chicken paprikash around town. Clubhouse was the best and now these guys are. As we were sitting we kept seeing other dishes coming out and drooling. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their meals. We noticed the desserts. And opted for the napoleon. It came more than enough to share. And it was hands down one of the best desserts I've ever had. Filo, vanilla custard, whipped cream, strawberries and a heart macaron. So good. We did take the rest of the paprikash home. Could eat that and the Giant dessert even if we weee splitting it. Staff was nice. Space is small so be ready to sit close with other people. But it's so good that we don't care and we will be back!

Perhaps our memories are faded but when compared to their Shaker Square location we were hugely disappointed. We both order weiner schnitzel platters. The schnitzel breading wasn't as light and bubbly as we recall and our portions of potatoes and dumplings were meager. For dessert we ordered palacsinta and it was very good, but we wanted to enjoy it was espresso and learned their espresso machine wasn't working. It has lost its charm in the new location. For us it's just not worth the drive.

Service...top notch Food...Incredible Atmosphere..sooo friendly/family oriented. Would recommend highly !!!

Always authentic - always amazing! I grew up eating all these dishes and it always feels like home here. I recommend getting there early or calling ahead to secure your spot. Cute little resturant and friendly service!

Dining at Balaton feels less like eating out and more like stepping into someone's home for a lovingly prepared meal. From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere sets the tone--there's a sense of comfort and familiarity, like being welcomed by family. Each dish is made with clear attention to tradition and detail, from hearty goulash to tender chicken paprikash, with flavors that are rich, layered, and deeply satisfying. Portions are generous, and the presentation is homestyle rather than fussy, which only adds to the charm. If you're craving authentic Hungarian comfort food served with heart, Balaton is the place to go.

We had both the chicken and the veal schnitzel with Spätzle, both were outstanding. The cherry strudel to top it off. You get your money's worth and it's start from scratch meal preparation. Same family operates it that did when it was in Shaker Square.

Food was very expensive and lacked any flavor. $28. for small Weinerschnitzel. Interestingly it is listed ad $16.95 on line. Waitress never checked on us or refilled our water glasses but was quick to get our check to the table.

Our sever, Susy, was fantastic! She gave great recommendations! We had the chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbages, and tiramisu!

Sorry Grandma, but THIS is the best chicken paprikash! The service is wonderful. The menu is so authentic. The portions are HUGE. The quality is frankly the best comfort Hungarian food I can remember having. Perfect seasoning. We were here as a couple but definitely ok for families too. A definite recommendation.

Great food, very large portions. Very busy so you know they're doing everything right. I got the stuffed cabbage and spaetzle. Super delicious. My hubby got the fuzzy chicken, which means it's breaded with potato pancake batter. The homemade applesauce is wonderful too. One of our party also got the chicken noodle soup which he stated was so close to his Jewish grandmothers! Weiner snitzle was superb! Def be back!!

A little pricey, but worth it. Everyone else got the Paprikas which was good, until they tried my Hungarian Goulash. It was the best I've ever had, the meat was tender and flavorful, no potatoes, and one half carrot and only one ring of onion. Served with Spatzel. The bread was good, but trumped by the specialty bread, rolled out about two inches thick and baked without rising, served with cream, grated cheese, and olive oil with garlic. The cucumber salad was good. For dessert the Key Lime Cheesecake topped off the meal. The service was exemplary. And the ambiance was interesting, although we did not have to wait forever to get served. Definitely a favorite of mine. My wife ordered the Veal Paprikas which on the menu came with a mushroom paprikas, but no mushrooms?

Authentic Hungarian food! A lovely Hungarian restaurant ran by wonderful Hungarian people. I am so happy we stopped by to eat here. I felt right at home with the poka dot table cloths, the red bowls for the soups and it just felt warm and cozy. Even the customers were fun, we were all talking about our experiences from Hungary. Köszönöm!

Service was wonderful and very friendly place. I had the mushroom paprikas and my husband had the stuffed cabbage. Both were excellent. If you like Hungarian food, or just good food, I recommend this place.

Food was very good. Service was attentive and friendly. Treated the kids well too. The atmosphere is comfortable and pleasant.

Absolutely phenomenal food and service. You'll leave full and smiling. Didn't know they moved out here as it's a bit difficult to find buried in the corner of the shopping strip. Missed them when they moved from Shaker Square

Wow. I'm still here. 1st off reservations are encouraged. It was slow. But they didn't like that we didn't have a reservation. The chicken paprikash is delicious. But beef goulash was even better. It is on the more expensive side, but worth it. Can't wait to try some more.

Old world flavor with old world quality service by the third generation of this family restaurant. The warmth and smile greet you in a comfortable casual setting. We got in even though we didn't have a reservation, which is required so that they have enough to feed all guests. Its not what we are accustomed to, but we did not feel it was unreasonable since they are a small family-run restaurant serving very high quality food. This was our first visit since they moved from Shaker Square where our server's grandfather started the restaurant, and we will be sure to come back now that we have again found this gem!

The food was delicious and very authentic Hungarian... Just like Mom used to make. Service was prompt and attentive. Very friendly staff.... Small outside patio as well.

This is my fourth time dining here over the past years only as I live in Florida. So every trip I enjoy a delicious Hungarian meal. Was recently there on October 12th with two cousins that live nearby. I enjoyed the stuffed cabbage with spatzel as my side. They shared a platter of different meats and also enjoyed it. Don't forget to make reservations in advance as I did before I left Florida. You will have a delicious authentic Hungarian meal. I preordered the Kolacky cookies in advance and they were fresh out of the oven while we were eating. Tasted just like my mom and Hungarian grandmother used to make. You really have to stop yourself from eating the whole box they are that delicious. Can't wait to go up again and dine there and try different items.

This place is a treasure! From the homey ambience, to the Hungarian staff, to the amazing food, you can't go wrong. Because it is a very small, family-operated, made-from-scratch restaurant, you have to call ahead or stop in to reserve/order both dine/in and take-out, but it's well worth it! A special treat for us, to be sure!

We have eaten at Balaton several times through the years and the food is always excellent. Today we got take out and were disappointed at the amount of meat in the veal paprikash and the goulash although the schnitzel serving was generous. Everything was delicious we were just wanting more especially for the price.

So good! portion size was really good for the price you pay! I recommend the veal schnitzel!!!

Great food, home like atmosphere, outstanding service. It's a small restaurant so a bit tight on space, but you feel like you are with family

Food was excellent and the service was excellent. But we had a long wait for our check Behind the counter there was a holdup but it took over 25 minutes. But you can't beat the food.

Feels like you are going to Grandma's house. Food was delicious. My partner and I shared a sample of chicken paprikas, veal schnitzel, and a cabbage roll. We choose spetzel for our side. Everything was DELICIOUS. Had yummy strudel for dessert. We will return.

Food was incredible. Hungarian dishes and a vast menu. Desserts most obviously made from scratch and fresh. I had the Chicken Cordon Bleu and my husband had the veal paprikash. Fresh and so delicious. Our waitress was the owner's daughter. She was upbeat with a great sense of humor. Helped make the evening delightful. We sat outside on a beautiful Friday evening. Definitely going back.

Wonderful Hungarian food, huge serving sizes, and friendly family owners who care for their guests

Balaton is amazing. YOU NEED TO GIVE THIS PLACE A TRY. There's no place like this in all northeast Ohio. Balaton is amazing. The food is amazing. The people are amazing. They work day and night and everything is made from scratch. They are passionate about their heritage and you can taste it with every bite Rant: All the haters who gave this place 1 star are foolish and don't know good, quality, homemade food. These are the same people who say Olive Garden is real Italian. .

Phenomenal food! Service was very good also. Have to make a reservation but well worth it. The fried bread is one of the best items I've had

Delicious new, authentic Hungarian restaurant near Chagrin Falls! Everything we ate was absolutely amazing, from the flatbread appetizer, to the cabbage rolls, to their famous Veal Schnitzel. We highly recommend coming to try and we'll be back soon!

Great food and excellent service. I'm so glad they moved right around the corner from me.

I usually don't write reviews... But PLEASE do YOURSELF a favor and dine at this restaurant.. I have been to many restaurants. From your local diner to High End... This place was absolutely AMAZING... The best restaurant meal, the 3 of is that went have had in many years... Its a Must Try

The best Hungarian food in the city is back! They moved out to Chagrin Falls and well worth the picturesque drive. We were great saddened when Balaton closed up shop in Shaker Square, but were delighted to hear they reopened and made a reservation. The new location is beautifully decorated, open and warmly inviting. The food is still amazingly delicious, perhaps better than when at Shaker Square if that is possible? Our family favorite it still Chicken Schnitzel, my family likes mashed potatoes while I prefer spaetzels. Their potato pancakes are grated potatoes and very flavorful, unlike some potato pancakes we have had that were just rehydrated, flavorless potato pearls. The salad dressing has always been awesome and the desserts will make you wish you had saved room! Their desserts are delicious and are wonderful to take home...we prefer Napoleon pastry and/or Hungarian strudel. Call ahead for reservations as they fill up quickly and bring your appetite!

I love the Balaton. Awesome food. I just found out they relocated. Too much of a drive for me. Will miss going there.

Very good Hungarian Restaurant. I lived in Budapest and find the food very authentic and the service is friendly and attentive.

Food was good but pricey. Fry bread was recommended as something new and exciting, it was fry bread.

I wanted to love this. The food was very bland and lukewarm. The sauces and dressings were watery. The prices were very high, even when taking into account inflation. The restaurant is cozy and clean with a nice atmosphere. Service was good. Portion size? 1 stuffed cabbage and a cup of spaetzel for $25? Can't recommend this.

I have visited three times hoping that Balaton would be as remembered but to no avail. Food acceptable, service horrendous, ambience zero. Tonight our appetizer arrived halfway through our main course, after a 20 minute wait for our dessert ( a Dobosh Torte) I canceled dessert and got my check. Have scratched this place off my list.

Best Hungarian food ever. It's the closest to my families recipes I've ever had. You can taste the homemade goodness in every dish! Large portions of yum. Oh, and the homemade desserts are to die for! Cute, clean, quaint! I hope someday they can find a larger venue because they are always super busy.

One of the best restaurants in NE Ohio! We both enjoyed their pure ethnic dinner of weinerschnitzel the 1st weekend in September, 2023. They have been constant with being a wonderful dining experience for decades. We have patronized their CLE & Shaker locations for those decades & always have the best in food taste & service. Their new location in Chagrin Falls, Ohio (Bainbridge Township) has an updated Hungarian atmosphere in decor, very comfortable & charming. Nancy our server was terrific with serving us their delicious foods, very friendly & very good in her attention to all her tables. The Balaton owner recognized us as longtime customers, & she took the time away from her dessert prep to have a friendly conversation with us. Go eat this best ever Hungarian food!

We lucked into a reservation. For a Saturday night. Our guest couple had to cancel. When we arrived and told the hostess, there was no problem. We were graciously shown to a table and tried the special spiced hot wine as it was a cold evening. So cozy! We decided to try the Hungarian platter for two. No disappointment! Generous portions of Chicken Paprikash in a luscious sauce (given a choice of chicken or veal), cabbage roll that had a lovely smoky flavor, maybe from the homemade sausage?, a bowl of spaetzle with gravy that was tender and delicious, and a large piece of Weinershnitzel so tender and juicy you wanted another. Servers were busy but attentive and the pace for Dining was relaxed. Other diners were friendly and the atmosphere was Old World friendly. Dessert was a chocolate Napoleon large enough to feed two and take some home. Light as a cloud mousse in a sky high slice between powdered sugar dusted phyllo pastry. Portions were large enough to satisfy without being stuffed. Prices were moderate and food and service were worth the $$.

Sketchy and Unprofessional. Food was Luke warm at best, and tasted old and rancid. 2/10. One of our dishes was ok, but not more than a 5/10. Went to their Shaker location a few years ago with our family and the family owners double-charged our credit card, which we never knew until our credit card statement came at the end of the next months billing cycle. We called and spoke to the manager and they said they couldn't do anything about it since too much time had passed. ---Patrons beware, and watch your credit card statement carefully!

Really enjoyed everything I eat. Look forward to returning. I needed to be wheeled out I was so stuffed. Lol

Make a reservation because they are very busy. Food is amazing!! Small seating inside. I think I have everyone at work going here now.

Food was delicious, generous portions, waitress great! We were very disappointed because the noise from the kitchen from pounding the veal, chicken was pretty loud and constant. It prevented us from conversing. Very annoying. We were sitting in the back.

The food is truly authentic and delicious. My father was of Hungarian decent and the flavors took me back to my childhood. Servers were very helpful and friendly. Just a great restaurant. Recommend the veal crepe (Hortobágyi Palacsinta). Everything made in house. Wonderful experience! Will be back.