What a fantastic place! A blast of Scottish Highlands in the states. The menu is quite large with authentic Scottish & English dishes. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Then we were entertained by a bloke playing the bagpipes! We ordered the pork chop with boiled potatoes & garlic strong beans and the Beef Wellington with mashed taters & carrots.
Overview
Located at 40W099 IL-64, St. Charles, IL 60175, the Balmoral Restaurant is an outstanding dining destination that stands out for its rich blend of traditional flavors and contemporary flair. Known for its inviting atmosphere, the restaurant offers an exceptional experience, whether you're stopping by for a casual dinner or celebrating a special occasion.
The moment you step inside Balmoral Restaurant, you’re greeted with warm, rustic decor that perfectly complements the relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. The lighting is soft, and the seating arrangement is both comfortable and intimate, ideal for enjoying a meal with friends or family. The restaurant exudes a welcoming vibe, making you feel at home from the moment you walk in.
One of the standout features of Balmoral Restaurant is its extensive and thoughtfully curated menu. The offerings include a range of appetizers, entrées, and desserts that cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, hearty steaks, or vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. For instance, the pan-seared salmon, with its perfect balance of flavors, is a crowd favorite. Each dish is carefully prepared using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every bite is both fresh and flavorful.
The staff at Balmoral Restaurant is another major draw. Friendly and attentive, they make sure your dining experience is nothing short of excellent. The service is prompt, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu, often offering recommendations based on your preferences. It’s clear that they take pride in providing not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience.
The wine list at Balmoral Restaurant deserves special mention as well. It features a carefully selected variety of wines, both local and international, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. From light whites to bold reds, the restaurant’s wine list ensures that every dish is complemented beautifully. For those who prefer cocktails, the bar area serves up a selection of expertly crafted drinks.
Guests often praise the restaurant’s consistency in delivering top-notch meals. The commitment to high-quality ingredients and expert preparation shines through in every dish. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the experience at Balmoral Restaurant is always enjoyable.
One of the unique aspects of this restaurant is its ability to cater to a variety of dietary preferences. If you're following a gluten-free or vegetarian diet, you’ll find plenty of choices that don’t sacrifice flavor. The chefs are also happy to accommodate any special requests, ensuring that your meal is tailored to your needs.
The restaurant’s location in St. Charles is also a major plus. Nestled in a charming area, Balmoral Restaurant is a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike. Its proximity to local attractions and scenic areas makes it a great choice for a meal after exploring the town. Whether you’re attending an event nearby or just looking for a pleasant place to dine, the restaurant’s location is ideal.
The atmosphere at Balmoral Restaurant is complemented by a diverse range of patrons, from families enjoying a weekend meal to couples celebrating special moments. This versatility is one of the reasons the restaurant is so beloved by the local community. The intimate yet vibrant setting makes it an ideal spot for any occasion.
Regular patrons and newcomers alike often leave glowing reviews of their experiences at Balmoral Restaurant. Many appreciate the restaurant’s consistency, highlighting the quality of the food and the attentive service. The restaurant’s reputation for offering a relaxed yet elegant dining environment has made it a go-to choice for those looking for a top-tier meal in St. Charles.
In summary, Balmoral Restaurant offers an outstanding dining experience that blends delicious food, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious steak or a refreshing salad, this restaurant delivers every time. With a menu that accommodates a variety of tastes and a team that is dedicated to providing top-notch service, Balmoral Restaurant continues to be a favorite dining destination in St. Charles.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fireplace ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
This has been on my list for quite some time. Originally, I wanted to do the tasting menu but it’s only limited to Mon-Thurs. I think it’s too busy on Fri-Sun and they don’t have enough staff if multiple people wanted the tasting menu. When you walk towards the restaurant, you are greeted with a bag piper. Shout out to Savanna P. She was our waitress. She was very kind and attentive. We ordered William Wallace’s deviled eggs 4 ways, Rosyth haggis drambuie, Young Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Beef Wellington, Manor house duck legs, creamy butter mashed potatoes, and ye auld sticky toffee pudding. Prices are very fair, Scottish food is not very common in Illinois. Portions are very sufficient, you’ll be full. Parking is easy. If you go on Fri-Sun, I recommend making a reservation. Just a note, the bread and butter was one of the highlights. If you know, you know, -deviled eggs 4 ways 5 - you have smoked salmon with egg roe, crispy bacon with red onion, spicy jalapeño, and traditional with mustard. They’re all pretty good if you like deviled eggs. My personal favorites are the traditional egg with mustard and the smoked salmon. -haggis drambuie 5 - first time trying haggis. Haggis is made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, lungs). It’s very savory and goes well with the crisp toast. I took the leftovers home and ate it with rice. -beef wellington 5 - it was prepared and cooked well. Great price for this. The pastry on the outer layer was flaky. Meat was a perfect medium rare. You don’t want to have it cooked longer otherwise it won’t be the same. -duck legs 5 - this was my personal favorite. I would rank above the wellington. Duck is super tender and juicy. That golden maple citrus glaze and the herbs made this dish very delectable. -butter mashed potatoes 5 - mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy and buttery. It has a nice texture. Honestly, I could eat a bowl of this alone. -sticky toffee pudding 5 - We thought it was going to be sweet but it wasn’t at all. Maybe just a hint but it’s a good dessert to finish the meal. The date cake is very moist. Definitely try to eat the date cake with the whisky custard and toffee sauce in every bite.
Wow, this place is PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!! I will most certainly bring my first born child here for their first meal. The kitchen knows what they are doing, everything was made to perfection. Wellington: YES….. Potatoes: YES….. Toffee Pudding: YES!!! Bar tender and staff were very professional, kind, attentive. Whether you are visiting from out of town, live in the area, or have to drive 500 miles to get here…… The Balmoral is a MUST TRY!!!!
Wanted to go to a fancy restaurant with a friend. This place exceeded all expectations. The menu was so unique. I told the server this but this restaurant is up to one of the best I have ever been to which includes my home state of St.Elmos. The price was worth it and the food was unbelievable with flavor. Will definitely go back again. Thank you for the amazing experience and food.
Unexpected and different! I am a fan of the old world decor and respectful salute to Scottish culture. Very cool! I have been to Scotland ages ago, so this was fun for me. I (of course) had the shepherds pie. Zero regrets. I enjoyed everything I ate. I will say, it is NOT a place you can dine in a rush. This place gives a disclaimer in their menu that all food takes a while to prepare, its all made fresh for you! I love this. I think in a group or visiting with loved ones this is perfect. You have time to enjoy some bread and a drink if you so choose and have a nice laugh around the table. I enjoyed the music in the background as well. (I did detect a Lord of the Rings song, we highly approved! Lol) Great place and truly unique! Definitely worth the adventure.
My boyfriend took me here for our 1 year anniversary, and it was incredibly lovely! The sound of bagpipes greeted us as we walked in the restaurant, which was a fun surprise. The decor and tableware were so beautiful, and the staff were very nice. We ordered the Scotch Egg appetizer, he ordered the Beef Wellington, and I ordered the Pork Chop with sweet potatoes and green beans. The pork chop was really the best I’ve ever had! It was so juicy and well seasoned. The sweet potatoes and green beans were amazing as well. Overall, it was such a delightful experience and I hope to come back soon!
My friend and I decided to try this Scottish-themed restaurant, and it was a memorable experience. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with a touch of elegance that made us feel special. We started with the mushrooms in creamy garlic sauce, a recommendation from other patrons, and it did not disappoint—rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. For the main course, I had the pan-seared scallops, which were tender and succulent, complemented by a delightful sauce. My friend opted for the vegetable salad with chickpeas, which was fresh and vibrant, offering a nice balance to the richness of the scallops. The service was attentive and friendly, enhancing our overall dining experience. While the prices were on the higher side, the quality of the food and the atmosphere made it worthwhile. We left feeling satisfied and eager to return.