Ranko Despot, the original Balkan proprietor since '76, has been a part of the Oxford St restaurant scene for more than 35 years and has passionately called Australia his home.
Sydney-siders experienced the very first opening of the "Balkan Continental Restaurant" in 1976 and through public demand successfully progressed to opening the very first "Balkan Seafood Restaurant" in 1982. Soon, thousands of patrons, over the years, waited in queues to enter the establishment. A feat many long established Sydney restaurants have yet to experience.
A visionary restauranteur, Ranko not only served up the freshest and yummiest food but also served up his life's passion. Ranko has for many years been serving Darlinghurst residents, Sydney foodies, acclaimed critics and even the odd celebrity exactly what they wanted - the freshest of seafood and select meats chargrilled to perfection, seasonal ingredients, with a diverse, simply-prepared and above all, tasty menu.
This passion still remains for what is truly an Oxford St icon, with his trademark grillers at the restaurant's frontage, the Balkan Seafood still entices and excites and makes the fullest of passers-by suddenly develop an insatiable appetite.
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