Balagio in Mokena — Restaurant in Mokena

My family and I have been going to Balagio’s for years. Of all the restaurants in the area, they are the best at consistent, gourmet food. Whenever you go, you are guaranteed a good meal. We cater from Balagio’s regularly – we’re fairly critical when it comes to catered food, and they have somehow perfected catering so the food tastes as good as it does in the restaurant.

All that pales in comparison to the service. Pam at the front desk is phenomenal and treats you like family. And if you are so lucky as to get Dan as your server, you know you’re in for an amazing evening. I half-selfishly don’t want to write this review about Dan, because he is already the most requested server at Balagio’s and I would hate to go and not have him serving our table.

From the start, Dan introduces himself and takes immediate note of what everyone needs. From making sure drinks arrive quickly and going so far as to help customers cut their food if they’re unable. It’s a level of service that just doesn’t exist, and always with smiles and laughter. Balagio’s would not be the same without him there, and I hope this doesn’t raise his popularity even more to the point we won’t be able to request him.

Although the menu is comprehensive, if you have particular needs or want to make small adjustments, they’re happy to accommodate. You feel more at home at Balagio’s, able to relax and get the delicious food and amazing service (again – forget the name Dan, you don’t know about Dan!) you want when you go out for a nice dinner.

As for specific meals, the seafood pasta is my favorite, others love the Country Rigatoni, the Arrabbiata, the chicken is supposedly outstanding, and the white fish is lovely.

I hope management doesn’t change a thing about the restaurant. Balagio’s is a Mokena staple and so long as you all don’t fill-up Dan’s dance card and we can continue to request him, we’re happy...

5 OUT OF 5 WOULD RECOMMEND!!!!! I had the most wonderful dining experience at the Balagio this evening. Jessica Galloway took my reservation for 7pm. I called around 6:30pm and asked if I could come 15 min late (mom life). They said no problem. I arrive, everyone is wearing masks. The vibe is clean & cool. I check in right away & saw they changed my time to their sheet to 7:15pm. Perfect. Get seated right away. Oger was our server. He greeted us right away & with such elegance. I asked about the red blend bourbon barrel wine... He warned me it wasn't bad, but different... I tried it and WOW! You really taste the bourbon! He described it perfect. Was cool to try but not enough for multiple glasses. I had a Pinot Nior for the rest of the evening. We had the Scallops on Cauliflower puree with some herb (sorry I'm killin the menu) for an appetizer. The. Scallops. Were. Amazing. One very meticulous thing I noticed was how the server (OGER) not only gave wonderful menu explanations & suggestions... He also paid very close attention to our eating acceleration and let us enjoy and finish our appetizer before shoving an entree in our face! We finished the appetizer & enjoyed a drink. The entree came out perfectly steaming hot off the grill, on a room temp plate. (ROOM TEMP PLATE, LEMME EXPLAIN) This food was clearly super fresh right off the grill and directly put on the plate and served to me. it did not sit under a heat lamp waiting for a bell! I had the Salmon with potatoes & veggies. OMG. Restrooms were clean & tidy. Staff all around was super friendly & followed all the crazy covid laws. This was my first night out since Valentine's Day, before Covid, so this experience really meant a lot to me. It couldn't have been more perfect! Thank you Balagio's and thank you Oger for your amazing service! Compliments...

I visited Bellagio’s on Saturday night for my father’s birthday. I came in from out of town, and we were looking forward to a relaxing dinner experience together — nothing over the top, just a nice evening out. Unfortunately, the service fell far below expectations.

Our server never introduced himself and immediately asked if we wanted drinks before we were even seated or settled. After finally placing an order for tea and calamari, that was the last time we saw him at our table for quite some time. He spent most of the evening sitting and chatting with the table next to us, taking their detailed drink and dinner orders while completely overlooking our table.

Our appetizers were cleared by the busboys — who, I must say, were polite and attentive — but our food order had still not been taken. I eventually had to speak with the manager, who seemed unsure of how to handle the situation. Once she confirmed that the server was, in fact, still sitting with the other table, he finally came over to us. Instead of taking responsibility, he offered a half-hearted apology mixed with defensive remarks, loud enough for other guests to hear.

We requested a new server, and though the replacement handled things courteously, the experience had already been overshadowed by poor service and lack of accountability.

It’s a shame because the food was excellent and the atmosphere warm and cozy — exactly what we had hoped for. But the lack of attentiveness, professionalism, and ownership from our original server left a lasting negative impression.

I hope management takes this as constructive feedback. Bellagio’s clearly has great potential, but consistent, respectful service is what will truly keep guests...