Located on one of the gayest streets in London, Old Compton Street, Balans is the best-known gay restaurant in London, and has been since its inauguration in 1993. Some of its diehard fans take all their meals here. Its extensive hours of service are almost without equal in London. Although the food is deemed "British," it is an eclectic cuisine, borrowing freely from whatever kitchen the chef chooses, from the Far East to America. You can fill up on one of the succulent pastas, especially the black-ink tortellini studded with scallops. Grilled dishes delight the mostly male patrons, especially the tuna teriyaki or the charred roast chicken. Balans has a party pub atmosphere and is a good place to meet people.