Balista Cafe & Restaurant - Indian Pure Vegetarian - Ottawa

Their promotion of food items not accurate or confusing
Buy one get one free as advertised is inaccurate

Food: 3

Service: 2

Being their regular customer, I wanted to use restroom only but we were told to make purchase for them to allow us to use as per their OWNER he said, getting such treatment to loyal customers shows they are not interested doing business anymore

Not going back, plus telling 50 people I know in Ottawa too

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I visited Balista Bistro on July 12th and was very disappointed with both the food and service. Although the menu was quite extensive, only three items were actually available—tea, samosas, and a few wraps/rolls. We ordered the tea and samosas. The tea, which appeared to be from a machine, was just average. Unfortunately, the samosas were ice cold and still frozen inside.

We brought this to the attention of the lady at the front desk, and while she did replace them, the second batch was completely burnt and leaking oil. With such a limited selection, I expected the quality to be much better. We decided not to return this time.

The same staff member mentioned the restaurant would be shutting down soon. Honestly, based on this experience, I believe it should be closed sooner rather than continuing to serve food of such poor quality. I sincerely hope the management takes immediate action to address the issues at this underperforming location.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Just a regular Mc D style burger with no masala is totally waste of money. Better i go to A&W or McD. such a bland taste. A girl at the desk is one man army unable to multitask and misbehaves with customers just because she cant handle her work. Worst experience at Balista. Never visiting again.

Food: 1

Service: 1

I wish I can give zero. Worst experience at any food joint in ottawa so far. First of all hire some other person, the girl you have hired is so rude. She has no knowledge of the food you are selling. She doesn’t even know if your burger patties has soya in it not and telling me that I am alone in the kitchen and handling a big order when I asked her to melt the cheese inside the burger.I mean what I have to do with it. Explaining me rubbish working in the kitchen is too much work if you do too. If you can’t do your job leave it man. Don’t throw nonsense tantrums to your customers.

NOT RECOMMEND AT All.

Burger was 2/10
The girl working there and her service 0/10

The restaurant is currently managed by a single person and is awaiting sale. So not recommended.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Food was so delicious, the paneer wrap was not like a maida wrap homemade wheat wrap filled with veggies and lot of paneer cubes.

Spicy chipotle burger was totally felt authentic indian tikki burger…

All thanks to Purvesh Shah really nice
guy 🙏

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Paneer Wrap

Food is good just quantity is not worth according to price

Been there many times, some good burgers and pasta

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Should try their pasta…it’s so soft and creamy…..they maintain cleanliness and service is quite fast….recommended!!!!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Horrible place with pathetic behaviour by the arrogant and ill-mannered manager. Avoid wasting your valuable time at this place

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

This place is definitely slept on, of you're reading this review- stop the search and go here.

Purvesh made us some delicious food, we loved the peri peri fries, the steamed Momo's and a fabulous panini.

Will definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loved the peri peri fries!!! Thanks Purvesh :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

From the moment we walked in, we were barely acknowledged. No greeting, no smile—just a curt nod and a rushed gesture toward a table.
The food itself was decent, and the ambiance had potential, but service plays a huge role in the dining experience, and in this case, it overshadowed everything else.
I hope management takes this as constructive feedback and emphasizes the importance of hospitality training, because with a more welcoming team, this place could really shine.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

I'd posted positive review a few years ago but I'm changing it to one star now.
WORST EXPERIENCE. We had a very terrible experience at this place. The girl at the counter saw us coming and went in kitchen as soon as we entered the place. She made us wait. When we waited and called she started throwing tantrums, finally took our order. We paid as well as tipped in advance (still hoping for some fairness in service). When the food was served, there were no tissues and ketchup available. So we asked for that, she evidently showed irritation and reluctantly provided tissues and got a tiny pod of ketchup. Later we got our second order which was Dal Makhani with rice. Honestly the portion was TINY for the price and absolutely watered down but we decided 'not to complain' about it. But it has absolutely no salt in it so we had to ask for some salt. When we asked for salt, the girl started sarcastically laughing and brought us the salt. This was absolutely INSULTING. This place has gone from bad to worst. It used to be a 'okay' place, but it's transformed into a terrible place .. be it food quality or the quality of service offered by people working there. STAY AWAY from this place, honestly!