Ballard Inn Restaurant
Ballard, CA 93463
Phone: (805) 688-7770
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Alamo Pintado Road
- Hours:
- Wed-Sun 5:30pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Ballard Inn Restaurant – by Tara de Lis
In Short
Located off the lobby of the adjoining bed and breakfast, low level lighting, latte-colored wallls and a wood-burning fireplace lend a romantic vibe to this quaint 40-seat eatery. Touches of brass, wood and white-linen tablecloths lend to the atmosphere. Hotel guests completing the splurge, special occasion-celebrating locals and other adventurous eaters kick up the casual local dress code a notch. Menus change frequently but may include dishes like truffled turnip soup, tamarind-glazed quail, herb-crusted tuna and seasonal sorbets.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You goBecause the restaurant is small and guests tend to eat here at least once during their stay, it books up fast. Make reservations in advance.
Look GoodTasting menus are often available, and the chef is flexible in terms of courses, budget and dietary restrictions. Considering adding on wine pairings as well. It's suggested that you put in your requests ahead of time--late reservations on busy weekends may not be accomodated.
What to DrinkThe wine list is approachable and predominantly local, with nearly 20 offered by-the-glass. Corkage is $10 per bottle.
User Reviews for Ballard Inn Restaurant
08/30/2007 Posted by svantico
Not surprisingly, the Ballard Inn Restaurant is located inside the Ballard Inn. For breakfast, it serves B&B guests only. At night it opens as a public restaurant. I've stayed at the Ballard a handful of times and will be there next month for another visit and I'm booking a dinner reservation today to make sure we get a table. The food is exquisite and very unusual. Last time I had duck and it was unbelievably good. It's hard to guess what will be on the menu but you can always be assured it will be unique and delicious. Given the restaurant's proximity to the Los Olivos wine country, you're sure to be offered nice wine pairings. The restaurant itself is tiny. There are less than 20 tables and the most prominent feature is the gigantic open fireplace which separates the restaurant from the Inn's lobby. You don't have to dress up to eat at the Ballard, but make no mistake: you'll be treated to a fine dining experience. Book a reservation early and know where you're going. The Ballard Inn is in the middle of tiny Ballard and it's dark. Bring your bankroll too; it won't be a cheap meal either.
Pros: Fine Dining, Unique Menu, Exquisite Food
Cons: Pricy
