The Royal Oak

I watched the owner’s friends of this bar attack a table for talking at low volume on the patio. The friends got violent and threw a chair at the two people minding their own business. Instead of dealing with the problem, the owners allowed it to happen and instead asked the two people who were enjoying their meal and not harming anyone to leave. The food was good but mediocre and the experience made me question my own safety and made me not want to spend my hard earned money there ever again. Find another pub cause this one is not where it’s at.

I booked a specific table in ahead, and arrived just after 17:40 pm before venue gets busier. I got a different table next to a loud family member. When I have requested if I can swap the table after sitting for 5 minutes, a senior tall, short blonde hair lady I haven’t seen her before replied that today is busy and I should expect very noise venue, and all other tables were booked to a specific another costumer request. It was non negotiable manner. There were 3 other tables with NO glasses ( not booked) away from that noise table. I saw other families arriving with NO booking getting that table. I hardly could hear for what my own family was talking. It supposed to be a nice Saturday dinner out. We finished our meal and left as soon as possible, it was 18:20pm. The dining area was still half empty. The venue owner Maureen is a lovely lady, but it seems that staff have changed and some of them really don’t care. There are lots other nice restaurants and pubs in Balmain with a similar menu and price. I guess it is the time for us to change the venue.

Sometimes when a pub is on your doorstep and you go there a-lot, you forget to share the love. Big shout out for the Royal Oak. It's our local and being Poms, we love a good pub. Out last visit was a Monday night; it was quiet but still buzzy. The food was outstanding, as always. Thank you Maureen and team. xx

Easter Monday lunch with hubby . Staff very attentive as not busy at 12 noon . Both our meals were delightful Hubby highly recommends the corned beef for a blast from the past - just like grandma makes !!! Glass atrium dining is superb

We had lunch here on Friday 27/3/26 (a group of 4). We were welcomed and greeted (as soon as we walked in) by a young gentleman at the bar, who showed us to our table, gave us our menus and took our drinks order. Unfortunately I didn’t get his name, but he was cheerful and professional—well done, a great start. The waitress that served us was lovely too; professional and engaging. She put up with our banter and held her own as well. Service, food and atmosphere were excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our time and our meals and highly recommend it. We ordered for starters; Baked Figs and Szechuan Fried Squid. Mains; Snapper Pie ; Sticky Pork Ribs ; NY Sirloin x 2 Dessert ; Crème Brûlée; Tiramisu Gelato All delicious and of a generous size. Thanks for an enjoyable lunch and keep up the good work. It is noticed and appreciated.