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Balzem
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Balzem
7.9
Balzem, a Mediterranean wine bar that opened in Nolita in 2014, focuses on shareable tapas, flatbreads, and dips alongside an approachable European-leaning wine list. Reviews consistently call out its cozy, brick-lined room, sidewalk seating, and popular bottomless brunch as reasons it stays busy with neighborhood regulars and weekend visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb chops, Hummus Balzem, Zucchini pancakes
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Cozy Mediterranean wine bar with tapas, bottomless brunch, and patio.
Who should go: Couples and friends sharing small plates over wine or cocktails.
When to visit: Happy hour or weekend brunch for lively, crowded neighborhood energy.
What to order: Lamb chops, hummus Balzem, and zucchini pancakes with yogurt.
Insider tip: Reserve outdoor tables in good weather; inside gets loud quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nolita, especially after 6pm; rely on nearby paid garages on Mott or Bowery if driving.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean slightly dressy for wine-bar vibes, but jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is doable but can require raised voices indoors.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak brunch weekends.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially for indoor tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of mezze, salads, and flatbreads suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—expect a few dips, salads, and vegetable plates; confirm dressings.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free tapas and dips; flatbreads are not GF, and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, wine-focused service, and shareable small plates create an easy conversational flow. Indoors can be loud, so choose outdoor seating for a more relaxed first-date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, but weekends fill quickly. For brunch or peak dinner hours, walk-ins may face a wait; outdoor tables book up fastest in good weather.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it's designed more for adults, wine bar crowds, and social gatherings. Older teens may be fine, but families with young children may find the space too tight and noisy.
Best For
Better for: Better than nearby Mediterranean spots for wine-centric grazing, cozy date-night ambiance, and a strong bottomless brunch draw.
Skip if: Skip if you want extensive entrées, very quiet dining, or strict dietary controls such as fully vegan or gluten-free–dedicated kitchens.
Balzem
8.3
Balzem is a compact Nolita Mediterranean wine bar whose menu leans into Aegean flavors inspired by Greece and Turkey, with mezze, grilled skewers, and a sizable wine list. Its brick-lined room, sidewalk seating, and everyday price point make it a go-to for casual dates, happy hour snacks, and informal group catchups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze taster platter, Grilled lamb brochette, Seared octopus
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Greek- and Turkish-leaning Mediterranean wine bar with cozy Nolita energy.
Who should go: Couples and friends sharing mezze, wine, and light grilled plates.
When to visit: Evenings for happy hour into dinner, especially weekdays.
What to order: Mezze taster, grilled lamb brochette, seared octopus.
Insider tip: Aim for a sidewalk table in nice weather for best vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nolita; expect difficulty after 6pm. Nearest paid garages are within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly dressy for dates and drinks.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still possible to hold a conversation at small tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for walk-ins; reservations recommended for groups.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service typically; early evening walk-ins usually see minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several mezze, salads, and flatbreads work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 mezze items can be made vegan, but mains skew toward dairy and seafood.
Gluten-free options: A handful of naturally gluten-free mezze and proteins; confirm with staff as bread-based dishes dominate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the dim lighting, compact room, and shareable mezze create an easy, intimate atmosphere without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, especially on weekdays. On weekends, bar and sidewalk seats fill early, so walk-ins should arrive before 6:30pm for best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens are fine, but the small space, wine-bar focus, and tight tables make it less suitable for young children or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Cozy wine-centric dates, small mezze spreads, and casual catchups at a lower price point than nearby Mediterranean hotspots.
Skip if: You want large-format entrées, ultra-quiet dining, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.