Royal Oak Hotel

The Royal Oak is one of my favourites in the Balmain Peninsular. Food is fantastic, and its still one of the few pubs with VB on tap! We recently went here for lunch and although the restaurant section was full, easily got a table in the bar area. A real winner

This is another of those nice little pubs hidden away in one of the side streets, this one being just off the main shopping strip in Balmain. The first thing that caught my eye as I approached it was the painting of the ship over the sign, which gave the impression of one of those old English Pubs. Mind you, they don't bill themselves as an English style tavern, which is something that I quite liked about it because I find that these English pubs can be a little over the top at times. They have this lovely smokers area out the back, which gave it a lot more character than some of the smokers cages that you see around the place. Also, the upstairs bar had a really nice feel about it as well. This is certainly a pub that I would not hesitate visiting again, especially since, at least when I was there, it wasn't hugely crowded.

A hidden gem off the Darling Street drag where you can actually find free 2 hour parking in some of the side streets (otherwise make sure you use the parking meters or you may cop a ticket, even at 9pm). Just up from the former Mort Bay docks, it's a nice historical pub with a good atmosphere and a decent restaurant. Locals love this place.

PUB: Small-ish and welcoming with a good atmosphere, particularly during sporting events. Prices and range are standard for the area. ...read more

Good food, but a little pricey. Family friendly too, kids also love all the crazy decor including the all the brass maritime paraphernalia.

We live nearby so have eaten here over a dozen times.
Nice pub environment, but the food could be better.
Their 'new menu' is almost identical to the old menu...