I've been wanting to come here dinner for a while now. Finally my bf and I got the opportunity and come here for my birthday dinner. When we got there there was a gentleman playing the bag pipes. When we got inside we were greeted by the owner and he seated us. The waitress came by, she was very knowledgeable with the drinks and food. She did inform us that food is made from scratch and can take longer. My bf and I started with the scotch egg, the sausage wrapped around the egg with very flavorful, perfectly crispy outside and a soft egg inside. I got the lamb shank and my bf got the rack of venison. The lamb so excellent so tender came right of the bone. The venison was delicious did not have a gamey taste. My bf said the venison could of been cooked a little bit more. Our meal came with 2 kinds of potatoes and vegetables. We will definitely be back. Though it was pricy it was worth it. read more

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Came here for a 4 course dinner on Mother's Day. We had all emailed our individual selections a week prior. When asked if they have a gluten free menu, they surprisingly responded by stating they can make anything on the menu gluten free! My main entree came with a side roll with egg in the middle. I asked if it was gluten free but was told it's not and there was no gluten free option of the roll. This was odd because even my toast for my appetizer was supposedly made gluten free. Besides the GF mishap, the food was amazing and we really enjoyed our time here. The dessert that half of our family chose was the strawberry meringue which was probably the least impressive item on the menu. I got a taste of my mom's choice which was the Scottish sticky toffee pudding, much better! read more

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Delicious food, authentic Scottish chef. The service is amazing and the atmosphere makes you feel as if you were in Scotland with actual bagpipers! read more

Amazing place to dine! Top 5 I've ever had! The service, food, and ambiance are top notch!

Balmoral is an amazing dining experience. Colin's team was hired to do an in home surprise party. They set up the entire event, provided the china, crystal, silver ware, and serving dishes. The food was amazing, the staff were exceptional!! Our chef had the food prepped and served to perfection!! From what I heard setting the party up was worry free and made easy by the staff of Balmoral. It was an incredible evening! I cannot say enough about this restaurant, the staff and the attention to detail paid by the owner Colin!! Thank you so very much for a fondly, memorable evening! Beth read more

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A really cool experience. Like going to your Grandma's on Sunday afternoon. They have a better whisky selection than my Grandma did though.

We had a great dinner! The place is so nice inside, and the bar area is awesome! We cannot wait to come back! The owner went table to table conversing and checking in on everyone's dinner. Cocktails were delish!!!! Appetizers through to dessert, all spectacular! read more

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We loved it! First time tried the basics, Fish and Chips, Bangor's and Mashed, Scotch Egg and Bread Pudding. They nailed it! We'll be going back to try more. The staff was awesome. They made us feel like we all were in a big party together. My husband is a Whiskey/Scotch guy and their selection could have kept us at the bar for a long time. Please try this place and keep them packed they deserve it! read more

Amazing experience. The moment we walked in and saw the decor of the bar, the hundreds of bottles of very rare Scotch and whiskey, and the table settings of imported English China I knew we were in for something special. Incredible food, exquisite service, and truly awesome ambiance. None of us had ever seen a venue like Balmoral. My wife had the salmon which she loved and I had the ribeye steak which was done to perfection and was delicious. The menu includes rabbit, venison, duck, trout, and we heard from the adjacent table, a very yummy Shepard's pie. It was my wife's birthday so a bag piper in full kilt played happy birthday on the pipes to the delight of all. What a night!!! read more

Balmoral Restaurant - Imported scotch on the Scottish themed table. - Scottish Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Just had a fabulous dinner with friends. The atmosphere was warm andIt felt like a special night out yet we were dressed casually and had fantastic comfort food. Bagpipes us upon arrival were great and the staff was so friendly. We will definitely go back. The bangers and mash were phenomenal and the dessert was amazing. read more

First time eating here. Best dining experience ever. The owner Colin was so personable. Great service! We will definitely be back. Highly recommend it. read more

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Please support this fine restaurant, it's owner and staff. I know they are struggling financially during this incredibly difficult time. My family would be very saddened if they had to close their doors. The food is top notch and they deserve everyone's patronage. We are not close to them but will get take out from them Colin is an incredible host and owner. More restaurant owners need to have the positive outlook like Colin read more

A wee bit pricey but worth it. We enjoyed our meal last night and we plan to go back soon. The staff were wonderful and the host pleasant, he was all over trying to make everyone welcome. The second best Scottish restaurant I've ever been to. The first is in Alexandria, Scotland and too far away to visit regularly. Try the trout! Actually try everything, it's all good. read more

Excellent British cuisine has arrived in Illinois, finally! (And they have Irn-Bru!) Every bite sent me back to the years I lived in Britain. The restaurant is very European, including the serving sizes. This is a place to have an experience, not just a meal. My wife and I dined on a partial menu and divulged in three well paced courses. Appetizer - Scotch egg; Fantastic. Egg was perfectly cooked and the sausage shell well balanced. Halved over a crisp potato nest and complimented with HP brown sauce. Those who don't know what HP Brown sauce is, treat yourself. Appetizer - Chicken and leek soup; great flavor. Not much to say here, perfectly balanced with a wealth of flavor. Main Course - Haggis, neeps and potatoes; stellar. Not since I was in Edinburgh have I had this kind of flavor. Cannot overstate how much I enjoyed this. Give it a try. Main Course - Pork cutlet; My wife ended up asking for additional mint sauce, it was that good. The bites I had surprised me. I generally find pork to be dry and lacking in flavor. Balmoral changed my mind. Dessert - Cranachan; Unbelievable. One of my favorite desserts when I lived in England. All I can say is you've never tried anything with this flavor and you would have to travel to Scotland to find another that competes. Cannot wait to go back. read more

Learned about this restaurant on social media, so my husband and I decided to give it a try during the Covid-19 era. We are currently choosing not to eat indoors, so we did pick up. Our order was taken very easily over the phone, and the individual taking our order had some great suggestions. We decided to do the deviled eggs, beef wellington, and the ye auld sticky toffee pudding. Everything was absolutely delicious and we will certainly be back as there are so many menu items we want to try. They are currently doing cocktails to go as well, though we opted to try a couple of bottled beers they have available that we haven't tried before. I was impressed at the level to which they are following the Covid-19 protocols, constantly adapting to keep their patrons safe. They have recently added some outdoor dining bubbles for those who would still like to go to the restaurant. We don't live very close to the restaurant- but we will absolutely be back in the future! read more

Balmoral Restaurant in Wasco (on IL Rt 64 at Burlington/La Fox Rd.) opened today after 2-1/2 years under construction. I was their first customer. When you see the room you will understand part of why it took so long to open. The oak ceiling alone took a lot of time. But it is about the food. And the food is both traditional and marvelous. The menu is extensive. A bit intimidatingly extensive. A dozen appetizers, four soups, salads, sandwiches, 36 main course entrees and about a dozen dessert choices. There are currently about 125 selections of Scotch whisky, and about a dozen ales and lagers imported from Scotland and Ireland. Everything on the menu is fresh, prepared daily. They make a few of each item each day, and when they run out they are out. Sunday's promise the full menu plus a wide selection of roast meats. Main courses include wild boar, game birds, various fresh fish, beef, lamb, rabbit, squab, and a host of other choices. The preparations are all traditionally Scottish. Don't look for an American hamburger or fried cheese sticks. This menu is about Scotland. I had: - Scottish Egg - Cullen Skink - Haggis with neeps and tatties and a taste of the - Sticky Toffee Pudding with Custard. (Had to taste it despite violating my dietary restrictions.) Everything was brilliantly prepared. My meal was well seasoned, properly cooked, a straightforward yet careful presentation of quality ingredients. This Scottish Egg was perfectly cooked, made to order, still having a slightly runny yolk. The sausage was made in-house, and well seasoned. (Most places use frozen, the sausage is dried out and the yolk rock hard.) Cullen skink is a thick Scottish soup made of finnian haddie (smoked haddock,) potatoes and onions. It is essentially a precursor to New England Clam Chowder, with lightly smoked haddock instead of clams. This version was creamy. And chock full of mild haddock with the slightest hint of smoke. Haggis is a classic Scottish sausage. I have had it dozens of times. This version from a two-hundred-year-old family recipe is among the best I have had. Mild flavor, juicy, a pleasant texture of finely minced meat, with no surprises of cartilage or other odd stuff, and a bit of gentle texture from the cut oats. For western palates unaccustomed to organ meats, this is an easily accessibly version. There is only the slightest hint it contains any organ meat, the flavor is so mild. Paired with neeps (mashed, naturally sweet turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes) this is a Scottish classic. Haggis, neeps, and tatties are supposed to be mixed on your fork, so each bite includes a bit of each. If you have been curious about trying haggis, this is the version to try first. It sets a good standard. All I can say about the Sticky Toffee Pudding is OMG! Colin Smith, the owner, and I chatted for almost 45 minutes. He has been in the food industry in Scotland and Great Britain for almost 50 years. He owned and operated over a dozen fine-dining restaurants and three hotels across the UK. He has sold all of those, and this is the first of five restaurants he is opening in the western suburbs of Chicago. Wheaton, Naperville, and Bartlett are the next three he is planning. Colin let me tour the kitchen and meet the chefs. The kitchen staff has a ton of training. Also, the table settings are pretty amazing. Main courses start about $25 and go up, averaging about $31. Appetizers start around $9 and go up, averaging about $12. Desserts are about $10-14. This place is well worth trying several times, because it will take a bunch of visits to try all the things on the menu which will excite you. read more

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Had a phenomenal meal here. Ordered takeout and the Beef Wellington and Shepherds Pie was awesome! The best Shepherds Pie I've ever had. Thank you for a great meal Balmoral! read more

This place was absolutely fantastic. Every dish I ate was delicious. Drinks were prepared spectacularly. Huge whiskey menu. This is a new favorite place for me. read more

Balmoral Restaurant - Scottish Near Me - St Charles, Illinois

Wonderful service and delicious fare! Had the split pea soup and the Chili and Honey Grilled Salmon! Amazing!

This place does everything right. From customer service to the scotch eggs to just everything. The details they get right will take them far. Can't wait to come back read more

What a special treat this place was! We had heard great things but rarely get out of the tri-cities downtown areas, and this is a ways out there but well worth it. Some interesting menu items but all seem true to the Scottish theme. We started with the Scotch eggs plus split pea and ham soup. She got the Loch Ness Monster Shrimp which tasted about as good as lobster, I got the rabbit which was also delicious. They had Scottish bagpipes throughout the evening and did special wedding anniversary celebrations for some tables. Decor and atmosphere was like nothing else around and we will be back! read more

Not trendy, hearthy welcoming Scottish decor, felt authentic. Try the haggis, trust me. Stopped for apps and and tasty beverages on a Saturday afternoon with no wait. Enjoyed the eggs four ways, Scotch eggs and haggis with toast points. Loved each one. Excellent service from Morgan and Earl at the bar. Pricey however HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Can't wait to return. read more

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Great food, atmosphere and Whisky selection. Colin, the owner created an authentic warm atmosphere, with fresh, delicious Scottish dishes. Do not miss the Ben Nevis salmon. My husband loves the steak. And order their potato puffs as an appetizer if you want pure heaven. The bar is cozy too. Great date night spot. And Colin does much for the local community, including a free senior night, and discounts for first responders and nurses. HIGHLY recommend! read more

Great food, authentic ambience. Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu in future visits.

We did restaurant week. Fixed menu. Food was very good but we had leftovers. Bread was outstanding.

Wow-First time here and loved it! The space is beautifully decorated with attention to detail - the wood coffered ceiling, stone fireplace, plaid carpets, big leather bar stools, cut glass stemware and china - we even had a little china bell on our table that my husband had to resist the temptation to ring! We started our evening at the bar which is so warm and cozy with a couple of tables and about 10 bar stools. They have an extensive drink menu and the drinks are generous and everything is served in beautiful cut stemware. We moved to the dining room for dinner and they start you out with a little bread basket with three kinds of home baked bread that were all delicious. Since it was Friday night I had the traditional Scottish Fish n Chips which was made with haddock and the chips were the best fries I think I've ever had - hand cut and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. My husband had the Beef and Suet pudding which was a beef and onion/mushroom stew in a pastry that is brushed with beef fat instead of butter and steamed instead of baked which he also said was delicious. read more

One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. The place is wonderful, the food exceptional, and the service was great. You have got to try this place. read more

Went to Balmoral for my birthday and I am glad that they knew it was my birthday ;) I highly recommend the afternoon tea and the stuffed pepper. The atmosphere was great and food was absolutely delicious. The wait staff was amable. Will go back soon! read more

Very expensive but for that special occasion, it is perfect from the red carpet entry to the bagpiper and excellent food!

We've been here a number of times now and each dinner was wonderful! I've even gone once to sit at the bar --they have a great selection of Scotch and Bourbon only bested by a great bartender who's always willing to give you a libation to your liking. Our server was Kiley and she added to the experience --attentive, professional and personable. She was also very knowledgeable regarding the menu and gave suggestions. Try the Beef Wellington as this was probably the best version I've had. Just keep in mind that one could probably fill up on the side dishes alone. Adding to the experience was the bagpiper and the owner --another personable and nice person that will make you feel welcomed. (Makes me want to move to Scotland ) If you've never been to a Scottish restaurant --Balmoral is the place to go and it's so worth the drive! read more

I had high expectations for Balmoral...Reviews were great, Impressive menu. I knew it was not going to be easy on the pocket but I am always happy to pay top dollar for a good experience and good food. The greeting by the bag piper, as we walked in, was a nice touch.. The restaurant is cozy but dated....from carpets to chairs, it needs some work. We ordered cocktails which were pricey but nice then were handed food menus by the wonderful waitress... As a starter, we ordered the Scotch Egg for two...which is really a Scotch Egg for one split in half...I liked it. My wife though it was "lukewarm"... For the main course I ordered the Beef Wellington....I had never had it before..My wife ordered the duck breast. Both dishes arrived lukewarm, tepid... The pastry on the Wellington was soggy, the duck was uneventful and the vegetables were pitiful...and we also ordered a bottle of bad Chardonnay..... 229 dollars (with tIp and taxes) later, we left Balmoral disappointed and hungry. Poorly executed and overpriced food. read more

These reviews are spot on. From the minute you walk up to the establishment and the bag pipes.are playing, until paying the check...top notch. Excellent customer service all the way around - hostess, servers + bartender. All very knowledgeable about the vast food options. The adult beverage selection is top shelf. We'll def be back! Love seeing this gem survive out in Campton Hills. read more

The best restaurant for a truly great date night or special occasion. Food, service, drinks, ambiance...they have it all. I recommend it to everyone and always take my out of town guests here too. read more

Balmoral is one of the top 100 restaurants in the country is laughable. If you like bagpipes in your face every 15 minutes, maybe you will disagree. Very annoying and the food is average. The bartender, Earl is a snob with no personality. The ambience is Gaudy. Top 100 best restaurants in Kane county is much more accurate. read more

One of the finest restaurants I have enjoyed in years! Ambiance check! Service - check! Food- check! From the chicken liver pate to a great salad finishing with the finest beef Wellington ever this meal was truly a great experience on all points. read more

The Balmoral is a wonderful restaurant. A warm and friendly atmosphere matched with traditional foods cooked with care and attention to detail. The prices are on the high side and although our server was as polite and professional as any I've experienced you could tell he was a bit stressed. They could use an additional server or two but what restaurant isn't in the same boat. I give the server five stars for trying to not let us notice. This is a Scottish restaurant through an through. The menu is expansive and offers a true representation of Scottish cuisine. The food is exceptionally well prepared and nicely presented. We had the shrimp and watermelon starter which was a surprising delight. I had a cup of the skink, a chowder made with smoked haddock. It was sublime. For our entrees I had the venison and my wife had the shepherd's pie. Both were exemplary. We finished the meal with the toffee pudding, so good. Not to be missed however is the liquor menu. The house cocktails are very good but what really shines is their list of scotch whiskeys. I had a 15 year old Lophraig Distillers Art, amazing. I would be hard pressed to find a comparable selection of scotches any where else in Illinois. Yes many choices are pricey but if you love scotch they are worth the cost. Be warned that this authenticity comes with a fairly high price but truth be told I felt the price was in line with the quality of the food. I will become a regular here. Oh, please don't forget to tip the bag piper. read more

We went there on a Wednesday night at 5:00. There were no more than six other tables of customers. We ordered the restaurant week special of three courses for $40. First of all, we were told that we could not choose our side dishes with that menu. This seemed odd since we could have chosen our sides had we ordered the same dish from the regular menu. As a result, we got Brussel sprouts instead of the carrots we prefer. When my wife said she she preferred butter lemon sauce on her salmon instead of chile sauce, the waiter did not offer to substitute. I asked for extra salad dressing and was shocked to see that I was charged an extra $3 for what amounted to two tablespoons of extra dressing. But the biggest disappointment was that fact that it took over an hour and fifteen minutes to get out entries and there was no apology or explanation for the excessive wait. It was disappointing since this is one of our favorite restaurants! read more

First time visiting this Restaurant. The build out is very nice. Meet the owner as he was getting into his rather nice Jaguar exchanged a few words. The waiter was very nice that took care of us. I think the menu had to many choices it was like reading a book! I had the salmon our friend had the trout my son the steak. My salmon should have been cooked a little longer my sons steak was cooked to temperature but had a lot of fat and gristle in it. Our friend enjoyed his trout. Photos and veggies are extra. We had dessert. I wish this restaurant great success! read more

Best food, best service, best staff. Hands down my favorite restaurant in the area!! Fish and chips--amazing. Salmon---incredible. Afternoon tea-- fabulous. Our family has been to Balmoral several times and absolutely love everything about it!! read more

A dining experience like no other, we LOVE the Balmoral and all of its staff! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!!