The Advocate Balwyn
215 Reviews
- Tuesday4:30–11 pm
- Wednesday4:30–11 pm
- Thursday4:30–11 pm
- Friday4:30–11 pm
- Saturday4:30–11 pm
- SundayClosed
- MondayClosed
About the Business
The Advocate | Melbourne Cocktail Bar & Restaurant | The Advocate: Melbourne's best cocktail bar & restaurant, located in the heart of Balwyn. Experience live music, an innovative drinks list an internationally-inspired food menu from a renowned head chef.
Contacts
Website
Call Us
+61390413115
431B Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103
Hours
- Tuesday4:30–11 pm
- Wednesday4:30–11 pm
- Thursday4:30–11 pm
- Friday4:30–11 pm
- Saturday4:30–11 pm
- SundayClosed
- MondayClosed
Features
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
- Wi-Fi
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Mobile payments
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Spirits
- Wine
- Seating
- Groups
- Family friendly
- Identifies as women-owned
- Takeaway
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Cocktails
- Happy-hour drinks
- Cosy
- Accepts reservations
- Bar on site
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- High chairs
- Vegetarian options
- Catering
- Fireplace
- Happy-hour food
- Late-night food
- Reservations required
- Organic dishes
Recommended Reviews
Yinuo Chen
23.10.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
Yesterday was my birthday and it was a very memorable experience. At first I booked the library garden, but later I wanted to switch to the inside because the people next to me were talking too loudly, and the waitress served us very well. The food was delicious, the restaurant was beautiful and I took lots of great photos and shared them on Chinese social media sites. I went back to my original spot in the library garden when the candle lighting started and was really happy that the new guests gave me their blessing. The food was reasonably priced, the waitresses were all very friendly with a smile and it was a really good experience for me. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and also come back for more.
HK& Melbourne Wong
20.10.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
This is our first time have dinner in Advocate. Love the environment, very fancy design. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. The food are very yummy and looking forward if they can add more new dishes. I will recommend this restaurant to my friend and family.
Perry Telios
12.10.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
We recently had the pleasure of dining at The Advocate, and we must say that the experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment my partner and i stepped into this charming establishment, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism by the owner Jane and her attentive staff. The combination of an extensive cocktail menu, delectable food and exceptional service made this a truly remarkable experience, especially as it was my birthday.One of the highlights of the night was the chef's signature charred eggplant dip, dukkha and grilled bread. the moment the plate arrive to our table, we were captivated by the enticing aroma. The eggplant was symphony of smoky flavours and velvety textures, perfectly complimented by the aromatic dukkha seasoning. the grilled bread served alongside was s delightful accompaniment, providing a satisfying crunch. The dish was a standout and left us craving more.What truly set this establishment apart, however , was the exceptional service. Jane and her staff displayed genuine desire to ensure that every guest felt welcome and valued. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were treated with the utmost care and attention. The waitress and bar staff were attentive, knowledgeable and made it their priority to ensure our dining experience was nothing short of perfect.In addition to the outstanding service, the ambience of the wine bar and restaurant was inviting and warm. The well appointed decor and soft lighting created an intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a relaxing evening with friends and loved ones. A decor that we later found out from Jane that she was responsible for as she has her own interior design business.The Advocate - is a hidden gem that deserves high praise and a Wine bar & Restaurant that you should definitely experience.
Lucy Zhang
02.10.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
Never come to this restaurant. We ordered the banquet set ($69 pp). The portion were very tiny and the staff was not friendly.Please check how small the portion they serve as a 4 people meal. We got every each dishes in normal standard size and been told they are served for 4 to share. When we asking for size, we were told this is the “BANQUET” set which is not design to fulfill. The manager keep telling us “think about the price, it is only $69.” “ this is banquet, do you know what banquet is?”We were definitely offended. The lady was very arrogant. She delivered the message as “you only paid that much how can you expect anything?”First, we were not told by waiter that banquet set is not design for fulfill ppl who want to have a proper meal. Second, look at the price of the normal menu, I am pretty sure $69 is enough for one person to order food a la carte in this restaurant.The main thing is the food is below the average, plus the bad staff attitude, no wonder why the restaurant is empty on Thursday night:)
Jina Wijayaweera
28.09.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
As you enter the place, a magnificent setting, a delightful marriage of stunning candle wall and the detailed oriented modernised interior welcome you. Sitting at any table, you have a fantastic view of thestunning bar to see the mixologists working. For those who do not book a table and are waiting, there is a cosy lounge and a library garden at the back with fairy lights.The menu offers a wide variety of mouth-watering starters. All the products were fresh and the dishes had the warmth of homemade food. The chefs take great care in selecting the best quality ingredients and the staff were lovely. The price is very reasonable too for delicious cocktails. Thank you for a lovely evening “Advocate we will be back soon!"
Pianist Mo
04.09.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
Very disappointing experiencebooked in the 5:30pm session for valentine dinner. We arrived on 6:15pm which we did inform them prior the session starts. our late arrival was accepted. we been told that our session ends at 7:45pm, understandable.Order was placed around 6:25pm, 3 dishes. The first dish was served around 7:45pm. we waited the entire dinner time just for our first dish. Ironically its the kingfish sashimi. I have no idea why it took them 80mins to prepare a sashimi dish. the second dish came rather quickly after the sashimi. 15 mins later, 8 pm. we were told that they run out of strip loin couldnt serve our order. this is so sus consider they have a 8 oclock session right after our session. how is it possible for them to not prepare enough strip loin for the day, especially on valentine(they have a rather small menu, only a free dishes). this could be just an excuse to kick us out, and clear space for the 8 oclock session.we had 2 drink and 2 entre cost us 96 dollars. bascally, walk out with empty stomach.But I have the say the atmosphere of the restuarant was excellentI will give atmosphere a 5 star, but overall experience 1 star, especially on a valentine day.Attached pictures of the foods we had, taken before touching anything in the plate.
Ace Almario
08.08.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
Been to Advocate a couple of times and not once was I disappointed with the service. The courtyard/ garden area has such a lovely vibe especially in the evenings. Some food items may be smaller for the price but the flavour is great! And the prices for their cocktails are very reasonable as well for evening service.
Jeff Zheng
22.07.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
It has the taste of a fine restaurant, but without the constraint of a fine restaurant. Which means I’m so enjoy tonight. Nice food, nice service and nice environment. This is a good place for talking business and family party. It’s worth to recommend.
Babin Mahat
20.07.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
We went to celebrate burthday, had a nine course meal, and few drinks. Everything is amazing. We were halfway through our courses, and we forgot to mention we dont eat beef. Staff there were awesome, and the chef replaced the beef item with salmon.
Dan Rankin
09.07.2023
The Advocate Balwyn
Amazing food. We came in to try the new menu (heard there's a new head chef) and it was totally worth it. Will be back soon to try the full tasting menu. Drinks are great too, nice selection of wines & bartenders are very knowledgeable. We are locals and this is our new favourite spot!
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431B Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103
The Advocate Balwyn