Good Eats Boston features a number of restaurants in and around Boston. Waltham, specifically the Moody Street area, also has a varied collection of restaurants serving delicious foods. With so many restaurants on one street there is literally all the cuisines you could think of including Tapas, Sushi, Mexican, Thai and good old American fare. If you crave it, its probably on Moody street. Recently I decided to venture to the popular street to sample the delicious dishes served up by Balani restaurant.
The moment you enter Balani, you are welcomed by a very friendly host and the eclectic decor immediately catches the eye. With unique artwork, warm tones and a comfy lounge area Balani certainly has character and is very inviting.
I ordered the stir fried Chinese broccoli succotash which includes baby corn, edamame, shiitake with a creamy curry sauce. My husband, who loves seafood, ordered the grilled octopus with chopped salad, ginger soy dressing and crispy fava beans. We both enjoyed our appetizers, however, If we knew the portions were so large, we probably would have shared an appetizer.
Since I was on my cheat day I knew I had to go all out for the main course. I ordered the highly rated Balani Burger made with smashed prime chuck, crispy pork belly, cheddar, house dill pickles, awesome sauce, potato roll and fries. To say the burger is good is an understatement; it’s awesome! My husband ordered the roasted Chinese eggplant with short rib and he loved it. His dish was made with a sweet and spicy soy glaze, jasmine rice, chopped salad, ginger vinaigrette and very tender short rib. The plate was cleared when he was done with it.
You would think after all that food we couldn’t possible eat anything else but there’s always room for dessert. We ordered the date cake, which was easily the best dessert I have had in a long time. I told my husband I would drive back to Waltham just to have the date cake. I am not sure what the cake is made from exactly but you can definitely taste the dates, vanilla and toffee.
If you are in the Waltham area or looking to try a new restaurant for your next date night, I highly recommend Balani. This restaurant impressed me in so many ways from the amazing service to delicious food and a fab environment. Definitely worth putting on your to go list.
469 Moody Street
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: 781.472.2805
The restaurant is mainly known for its seafood boil where seafood such as crab, crawfish, or shrimp is boiled in seasoned broth. Other ingredients such as potatoes, corn, eggs and sausages can also be added. They serve it in plastic bags as they do in New Orleans which I love. You also get gloves and a bib to eat the meal which really creates a fun and authentic eating experience. 
If you love seafood, Cajun food or want an amazing eating experience filled with great flavors I highly recommend Hook & Reel. With locations in Massachusetts, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and many more locations to come, you know they are doing something right and are here to stay.