So like all disappointing experiences, it started with good intentions. My wife needed some humour in her life, apparently I’m what’s left over after a black hole sucks the life out of a terd, so she booked for us to go see Mark Lottering at Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay. Side note: show was fantastic, highly recommend. We decide to try something new close to the theatre and ended up going to Balboa, which is described as Mediterranean seafood. I can see how this must be a happening place in summer: theme song of Rocky playing in the background, views of the ocean from the open balcony, bar on the side serving cocktails... you can just imagine the cougars taking candy from the kids. But it winter, it’s dark outside, it’s cold inside and the Grinch just walked in. Credit: the service was excellent all the way through, but bless his heart, he hands me the wine list and that’s where the kak started. Now for those that have seen some of my reviews, you know I don’t mind selling a child or two into slave labour for a decent meal. But when I see all the wine prices at more than 3x the cellar price when the markup is typically 2x, I just get annoyed. The menu is succinct, which is a good thing in my books, but again the prices are really high. I don’t mind paying, but then they need to put up. There was nothing wrong with the food, but it wasn’t OMG. Against what we paid, I left feeling ripped off. Later that night, making myself a slice of toast and nursing a case of the man flu I grumble to my wife that we should have gone to Ocean Basket where the food is good and the value is great.

Excellent as a table full of hungry people were fed instantly plus the sunset view wasn’t bad either.

Great setting, views and modern ambience. Service was really good when we visited on a quiet night.

Excellent experience. Well assorted menu, and after our waiter checked with the chef we were able to combine a starter from the 3-course menu with a main course from the a la carte menu. The music was nice but at times made conversation challenging.