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    Balaton Restaurant

    4.5 (59 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Balaton Restaurant Photos

    BALATON RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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    Dessert
    Doni F.

    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.

    Chestnut Puree
    Keith M.

    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.

    Strawberry wine
    Michelle O.

    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!

    Tossed salad. Still have their delicious dressing
    Renee B.

    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.

    Mike D.

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

    Hungarian Sample Platter - Feeds 2
    Katie B.

    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!

    Hungarian platter-mashed potatoes, paprikash, cabbage rolls, schnitzel

    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.

    Chicken Paprikash
    Jessica C.

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

    Töltött káposzta
    Nikita A.

    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!

    Weiner snitzle

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    3 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

    Excellent food, huge portions, highly recommend! Make reservations-smaller than previous location on Shaker Square

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Balaton Restaurant

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    Cafe Europa and Bistro

    Cafe Europa and Bistro

    3.4(78 reviews)
    14.6 mi
    $

    I wasn't sure where I wanted to go to breakfast this morning because the City of Willoughby (in…read moretheir infinite wisdom) decided to block off the entirety of downtown for a festival. So no one could reach the downtown businesses. So on my way home I came across "Cafe Europa and Bistro" in the Pineridge shopping plaza. It's a small storefront in the middle of the plaza, run by a European family - husband, wife, and son. When I walked in I was a bit surprised that the place was entirely empty because the parking lot was nearly full. The son greeted me warmly and told me to choose any table. He brought me water (spring water) and a menu. We chatted a little. I read the short, very to the point, breakfast menu. And settled on the "Healthy Breakfast". The young man was exceedingly friendly and kept up a running conversation the entire time. His mother was in the kitchen preparing my breakfast. And the entire thing took on a surreal feeling as if I was in the kitchen of their home as a guest. A marvelously fresh breakfast appeared very shortly thereafter and I began my breakfast, as the running conversation (admittedly a bit one sided) continued. An oversized mug of excellent coffee appeared quickly that really was excellent. Time flew by and before I knew it I was reading to leave. The young man asked if I would like a ginger shot, on the house before I left. I thanked him but said no. I paid my $16 bill and after a few pleasantries, departed. All in all it was an unusual experience. Excellent food, good service, nice people... but maybe a little too personal... maybe? I don't know. It was just different. I guess I would just say you should give it a try and see what you think.

    Awesome family restaurant. Authentic. Delicious. Satisfying portions. Great service. Even claim…read moreingredients are sourced well. They have a little marketplace of beer and wine and a big dessert case. Pretty decor with a Midwestern diner vibe. Had a great calm breakfast there with the family- will be back for sure! We drove 30 minutes for this place from Cleveland and it was well worth it.

    Photos
    Cafe Europa and Bistro
    Cafe Europa and Bistro
    Cafe Europa and Bistro

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    European's Best Restaurant & Bakery

    European's Best Restaurant & Bakery

    4.4(85 reviews)
    25.1 mi
    $$

    How nice to have a European pastry bakery AND a European restaurant all in one! I had a late…read morebreakfast and was seated immediately in a two-top booth. The staff are very friendly and help create a homey atmosphere. It was hard to choose what to eat, as the menu items all looked amazing, but I went with the pork schnitzel with paprikas sauce, two eggs, home fries, and toast and a side of smoked Slovenian sausage. I wanted to try the crêpes, but was too full. The portions are hearty and very reasonably priced. Everything was delicious. The pork schnitzel was tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The paprikas sauce was a nice accompaniment. The home fries are homemade and come fried on the griddle so the outside is crispy and the inside light and fluffy. The coffee was delicious. Very rich, mellow flavor. I'll definitely be back. Those European pastries beckon!

    Found this as a recommendation from the Yelp community when searching for lunch near Brunswick…read more Met my daughter and fiancé and future son in laws mom here for lunch. Do not let the strip mall location deter you. This homestyle restaurant and bakery was a great place to meet. Melissa, our server was very friendly and helpful. We all ordered food that we enjoyed. Only two boxes, but mostly, because we wanted to save room for dessert. I had the Hungarian sampler plate with cabbage and noodles, chicken paprikas, stuffed cabbage and cucumber salad as a side. Every part of it was delicious. My husband ordered the polish sampler with pierogis, Slovenian sausage and cabbage and noodles, he also liked it very much much. We bought a cheese strudel to go that we will have for Mother's Day breakfast with coffee at home. Definitely recommend! Would like to go back if I'm in this part of town again! PS- they only take cash or check. Plan ahead.

    Photos
    European's Best Restaurant & Bakery - The pastry case is hard to resist!

    The pastry case is hard to resist!

    European's Best Restaurant & Bakery
    European's Best Restaurant & Bakery

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    The Red Chimney - Stuffed cabbage

    The Red Chimney

    3.9(94 reviews)
    21.1 mi
    $

    Red Chimney has finally re-opened in Parma OH. The restaurant is totally re-modeled and looks…read morebrand new. We're all happy to see this iconic restaurant opening. I stopped in exactly at 4:00 pm on Thursday when they had the Grand Opening and was told they closed at 4:00 pm because they were so busy. I tried at lunchtime today, Friday, and found it very busy but got a seat at the counter so no wait. There are plenty of Servers and the Owners were welcoming everyone .. something you don't see much anymore. I ordered the stuffed cabbage which were filled with meat and rice and came with soup or salad. I had the chicken noodle soup that looked like Mrs Weiss soup but was not bad. The restaurant offers a large selection of ethnic food and there's something for everyone. Highly recommend!

    Went for breakfast on Sunday morning. I understand they just opened recently but I will give you my…read morehonest review. The restaurant is very nice inside and clean. The prices seem reasonable. The food we received, although the taste seemed acceptable, everything was cold. Not lukewarm, but cold. I wish I could say that service was friendly, but I cannot. The only friendly person we encountered was the young lady refilling coffee- which she did an excellent job doing. When a person came to remove our plates- which basically looked nearly as full when we received, she never questioned if everything was good. We told our server as she handed us our checks about the food and she really didn't have any response. Hope they improve.

    Photos
    The Red Chimney - Inside

    Inside

    The Red Chimney - Chicken noodle soup

    Chicken noodle soup

    The Red Chimney - Outside of restaurant (has parking lot on the side)

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    Outside of restaurant (has parking lot on the side)

    Das Schnitzel Haus

    Das Schnitzel Haus

    4.1(566 reviews)
    21.0 mi
    $$

    Just wanted to update my review how fantastic this place continues to be after all these years. I'm…read morenot even going to try to spell what I had but basically it's stuffed cabbage pictured here and it came with sauerkraut and then I chose speatzles as a side. I'm pretty sure I misspelled that, but I think you get the idea. It's those small little pieces of cooked dough which are wonderful in the stuffed cabbage sauce. Our waiter was quite nice as well as attentive. His name was Bohdan K. And he was very attentive and the place was busy on a Sunday

    Just happened to be in the area yesterday and saw this place on maps so figured we'd grab some…read moretakeout because I'm a sucker for German food. From looking at the menu, walking into to pick it up, eating it at home, this place did not disappoint. Let me start with the menu, everything looked and sounded amazing. Ordered some traditional pork schnitzel, a kase schnitzel and a wurst plate. Next, when I pulled up, pretty unassuming but loved the look of their enclosed patio. Once I walked in though, the ambiance, decor, smells...wow!!! Looking forward to eating in at some point and enjoying the gorgeous patio room! Now let's get to the good part, my drive home was filled with absolute mouth watering smells, my family was amazed I made it home without stopping and doing some taste testing. Everything was spectacular. I do need to specifically point out the kase schnitzel was the greatest meal by far, the creaminess, light hint of lemon... cooked to perfection. If this app would let me give more than 5 stars I'd just keep hitting them until another schnitzel showed up in front of me. Great restaurant. (The waitress who helped us when we got there also deserves 5 stars, super helpful, friendly and definitely had a great vibe)

    Photos
    Das Schnitzel Haus - Enclosed patio

    Enclosed patio

    Das Schnitzel Haus - Stuffed peppers were excellent.

    Stuffed peppers were excellent.

    Das Schnitzel Haus - Dining Room Wall Decor

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    Dining Room Wall Decor

    Balaton Restaurant - hungarian - Updated September 2026

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