Great service, great food, great prices in an otherwise touristy area. Balans appears to be based in the UK and the menu shows---curry chicken salad, Bangers and mash, lots of indian food. The menu is a complete hodge podge of US, UK, Indian, Asian, but it works. The prices are abolustely fabulous for Miami and it was a nice experience. Would definitely go back.

Checked out this restaurant for a light dinner meal on December 15, 2005 after reading a good review in a travel guide book of Miami. Since we were not that hungry, we decided to split the entree. They were out of the appetizer that we wanted. The service became very slow after that, although it was not crowded. When the waiter finally brought our dish, he couldn't even be bothered to put the plate down in front of us, instead dropping it off on the opposite side of our table. His hands were full of other dishes and he said "sorry, that's the best I can do". Since a 15% tip was automatically added to the bill, I guess he felt he didn't need to try too hard. Usually we will overtip when we split a meal so as not to slight the waiter, so it was his loss. The dish (stir-fry chicken) was okay, but nothing exceptional. We will not be returning.

What a great find! After walking the Lincoln Mall promenade and seeing several of the other places, we couldn't resist the understated elegance of this place. It was obvious that there were more locals than tourists, which is always a good sign, and they had no need for the carnival-style "hawkers" standing in front of the restaurant trying to bother you and convince you to come in. It was clear that they were more than aware that they had an excellent product and had no need to cheese it up.

The reception was warm and friendly (a rarity in South Beach, to be sure!) There were both patio tables and a simply lovely interior section. The restaurant is located nearly at the end of the mall, so the patio tables were much nicer and a bit more private than those in the middle of the lane. Still great for people watching though. And quite a bit more romantic than most of the carnival atmosphere places.

Our server, Serge, was knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. He made some great recommendations. The shrimp wonton appetizer was superb! My husband's filet was tender and delicious with an incredible balsamic/onion reduction that was a terrific accent to the meat. My ravioli was an absolute delight and dessert....well, let's just say it was hard to pick between all the great items. Our homemade apple tart was a perfect end to the meal.

Do get a mojito here - it was hands down, BY FAR the BEST MOJITO we had in the entire city! Perfect blend of sweet and minty and tart. Just fantastic!

We just stumbled luckily upon this great place and selected it by instinct. It was by far the single best meal we had in all of Miami and Miami Beach over the course of one week. Did I mention the bill? About $120 for two, with tax and tip, shared appetizer, shared salad, two main courses, one dessert, 4 cocktails and two coffees. Excellent price! Especially for the quality - I couldn't believe it!

I also heard they have a phenomenal breakfast here. Whatever you do you MUST visit Balans! I am in the restaurant and hotel industry and I have visited many of the best restaurants in the world. This was a top pick for me and a number one pick in Miami Beach!

Thanks to the management and staff at Balans for salvaging what was up to that point a culinary disappointment in SoBe. Cheers!

This place was a very good pick in South Beach. Located on the pedestrian plaza of Lincoln Road, this cooly decorated spot offers awesome service, interesting food choices, and affordable prices. We had the lamb curry, it was superb. There is an outdoor seating area, but the inside was so nice we couldn't resist.