Amazing real authentic Hungarian food. No shortcuts, great owners cozy. they've been in business since the 80s on Buckeye Road and Shaker Square. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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Old time feel in a new space. We had gone to this standby classic for years in their previous space in Shaker Heights. Same quality foods and top notch service. Outside seating is an option in the good weather months and that would make a lovely evening better. Schnitzel and spaetzle are the OG choice and are still amazing. Tried a few new items that also hit the spot. Head in for good comfort food in a relaxing space. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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

Balaton Restaurant - Hungarian Near Me - Chagrin Falls, Ohio

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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! read more

Balaton Restaurant - Hungarian Sample Platter - Feeds 2 - Hungarian Near Me - Chagrin Falls, Ohio

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Bread and salad were excellent. Had veal paprikash and potato both of which were very large portions however very very salty. satisfactory and told the waitress about the salty of the food which we was going to convey to the or chef but never got back to us. Ambience was very pleasant did not have room for dessert. read more

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. read more

Balaton Restaurant - Hungarian platter-mashed potatoes, paprikash, cabbage rolls, schnitzel - Hungarian Near Me - Chagrin Falls, Ohio

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. read more

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

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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? read more

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. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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!! read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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 read 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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

Balaton Restaurant - Some of the cookies we enjoyed later after dinner - Hungarian Near Me - Chagrin Falls, Ohio

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! read more

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. read more

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

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. read more

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 read more

Balaton Restaurant - House salad, beef goulash, chicken noodle soup - Hungarian Near Me - Chagrin Falls, Ohio

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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. read more

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. . read more

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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. read more

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

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! read more

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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 read more

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 read more

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! read more

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