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5.0

Based on 203 opinions finded in 2 websites

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Nº 85 in 700 in Aberdeenshire

Nº 3 of 17 Other european cuisines in Aberdeenshire

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..cookedsoupfilletsmokedbeautifulcoffeelambsteak

comment_iconOpinions

This is a fabulous hotel with great service and fantastic views. We had the room at the top of the house and the view was stunning. Dinner was exceptional and delicious. The whole house has been renovated to a very high standard. We would thoroughly recommend it if you are looking for somewhere to stay in the area.

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michael borrell . 2024-10-25

MORE AT Google

We had dinner here with our family the night before our wedding and it was really beautiful. The dining room was just gorgeous, the food was absolutely delicious (oh my gosh the crispy shin was amazing), and they make an incredible aperol spritz to boot! The service was professional and timely. Every member of staff we interacted with was incredibly kind. Everything was very clean and the decor was so cosy and stunning. I felt like I was walking into a magazine! Planning the dinner via email was also very easy. They responded quickly and even sent us the menu to look over in advance. The whole experience was lovely, we highly recommend them and hope to be back!

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Georgia Sallie Albritton . 2024-10-01

MORE AT Google

We had a fabulous stay at the Darroch Learg. We had a spacious room with a comfy bed and large bathroom - the nicest one we had on our 12 day trip to Scotland. The breakfasts were quite good as was the one dinner we ate there. The hosts/owners were gracious and welcoming. I highly recommend!!

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Susan Brock . 2024-05-11

MORE AT Google

We went for dinner and the food was truly delicious. Made with local ingredients and so much love. Highly recommend.

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Catherine Beauvais . 2024-05-04

MORE AT Google

Amazing location. Attentive management, so comfortable and clean accommodation. Delicious food. David Mutter excels with seasonal local produce beautifully prepared and presented

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warren bader . 2024-04-05

MORE AT Google

I would highly recommend this hotel. We had the most perfect 3 night stay with a warm welcome ,friendly staff , and superb food. It was quiet and our rooms were upgraded without asking. Rooms are very good with superb showers. Heating is easily controlled. We would love to go back

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Tim Colebrook . 2024-03-13

MORE AT Google

A great place to stay at New Year. Rooms are cosy with quality fittings. Food, locally sourced is presented well and very tasty, although lacks colour. Tried and enjoyed unfamiliar dishes. Breakfast very good. Good choice of wines and spirits. Excellent common rooms for relaxing and oodles of books to discover. Wonderful views of surrounding area and a relatively short walk to the town centre. Good parking. Very pleasant and helpful staff.

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paul anderson . 2024-01-09

MORE AT Google

Booked for dinner on January 2nd as a New Year treat on the recommendation of a friend. Stunning location. We were very warmly greeted and shown to our tables. It was very elegant and smart inside. We ate in the conservatory. It was a festive set menu and each course was absolutely mouth watering. 10/10

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Laura . 2024-01-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We have lived in Ballater for 18 months, and although this was our first visit, it won’t be our last. We had special friends staying with us so decided to push the boat out. This is not my normal type of food at all. I adore Indian food and that is my default. Having said that the food served here is seasonal, local, beautifully cooked, and the different components in the dish, however unusual, work beautifully together. 3 of us had main courses of confit partridge breast with pear, haggis and wild mushrooms. It was brilliant. I have had partridge before and found it bland. Not here. The 4th main course was bass which was cooked perfectly. The service was so friendly, and welcoming. It may appear a bit pretentious and forbidding, but it really is just the opposite. Not cheap, but for a very special meal out, it was fabulous.

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Tioramshug . 2023-09-27

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Thorough enjoyable experience. The dining room is lovely, not too formal so you can relax and enjoy the cooking wine and service. We started with rare breed presse and seafood bisque. Both lovely. Standout main course was my lamb with Toulouse sausage lentils and black pudding. A deconstructed cassoulet? Not sure but it was simply one of the best plates of food that I have eaten anywhere. The desert was of an equally high standard.

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pete t . 2023-09-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Went for a couple of days for our belated 40th anniversary (43). A lovely place with wonderful views from the terrace (we were in the terrace room) which we would thoroughly recommend. Food and hospitality are first class and nothing was too much trouble for owners Nigel and Fiona. Well stocked snug for pre and post dinner drinks. Hopefully back soon

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Edgar T . 2023-07-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Decided to treat ourselves while in Ballater to an evening meal here . Beautiful setting and wonderful service. About $80 per head but definitely worth it. Pre dinner drinks and the food was absolutely delicious. Trout appetizer, pork main and apple tarte tatin for desert. Just mouth watering and portion sizes were just perfect. Clean plates all around. Settle back into the lounge for coffee/port and handmade chocolates. Fiona was a most attentive host and made our dining experience very relaxing and enjoyable. Highly recommend.

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Ann S . 2023-07-12

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great stay at Darroch Learg Hotel. Stayed in Room 2 - spacious, calming decor, great views of Deeside. Very well run by long time owners Fiona and Nigel - their professionalism, passion and conscientiousness oozes. Great staff. Fabulous meal, highly recommend to go for a meal, even if not staying. Given all the issues the hospitality industry is facing, you would never know - great staff, great service. Hats off to the whole team - thank you and much appreciated.

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141LMB . 2023-07-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We booked this restaurant for myself, my wife and her aunt who is 87 and somewhat infirm. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our visit. We live in the south-east of England and often eat at highly-rated London restaurants; the food here was made from really good quality produce and cooked to just as high a standard as the best London restaurants; everything we ate was delicious! It is not cheap (we paid around £75 per head) but well worth the money.

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Bfr1961 . 2023-07-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

It was my wife's 60th birthday so we travelled from Aberdeen for a special birthday meal. It didn't disappoint, the setting is great (situated near the very pleasant village of Ballater - good for a wander), a small but very well put together menu and nice ambiance. Next step we'll return for an overnight stay so we can enjoy the attractive looking wine list.

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NorthEastHamish . 2023-06-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Smart but relaxed ambience. Friendly service. Very good food. Nice wines to go with that. Enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and will be back.

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SB2007 . 2023-06-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Magnifique restaurant gastronomique. Accueil hyper sympa, très belle décoration, mets délicieux. Superbe carte des vins. Un régal !

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denise m . 2023-06-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Fabulous three course menu- we had local mushroom risotto , lamb and Mille feuilee- we aren’t big eaters but portion size absolutely right and so delicious we ate every morsel. Lovely bar for pre drinks and dining room beautiful. Hosting excellent. Am sure the rooms are as good as the food. Highly recommend

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fussy . 2022-10-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

This is a family run restaurant – the interior embraces you in a homely way and the ambience is warm.The restaurant itself is in a conservatory which at this timewas surrounded by. Brightly and different coloured rhodedendrons providing a very magical setting. Both the smoked salmon starter and grilled salmon fillet with green leaves were simply prepared and presented but did not need any stage props so to speak Can only recommend this restaurant if you are in the region but you will need to book well in advance as it is primarily for in house guests

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petesaund . 2022-06-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Found this place thanks to trip advisor, thanks. Beautiful country house , made to feel very welcome and had pre dinner drinks in one of the lounges overlooking the surrounding area. This hotel has chargers for EV. Food was local and seasonal with limited choices but we were happy with the menu offered. Kedgeree was excellent and smoked salmon starters recommended. Would definitely recommend this restaurant within the hotel.

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Karen W . 2022-05-24

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Visited for lunch today with my wife, the owners greeted us warmly and after a brief look around the lounges we had a wonderful relaxing lunch in the Conservatory, such a lovely setting. The staff were sufficiently attentive and very efficient. The meal was superb both in succulence and presentation finishing with Tea/coffee in one of the Lounges. It was interesting to watch the Chefs at work in the open kitchen. We will be back.

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K4842WUdough . 2022-05-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

What a great spot! Hotel room was very pleasant, bright, clean and homely feeling and dinner was delicious. There is a tasting menu with some subs available. It wasn't very clear what is the sub for what similarly with breakfast menu which was confusing for other tables too and it seemed like the staff were not entirely sure themselves however they kindly gave us everything we asked for. Especially memorable for us was the truffled mac n cheese starter, fish soup and homemade lemon flavoured bread (which they kept coming! - hungry bf into happy bf). I loved the dining room with glass all around and above and fantastic views out. Also our tea pots came with these super cute covers so we wouldn't burn ourselves. Service was indeed beyond expectation during whole our stay. Many thanks and hope to visit you again

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Anya P . 2022-02-16

MORE AT Google

We recently visited the Darroch Learg while travelling, we booked the restaurant based on a recommendation from a friend and we were certainly not disappointed. We were made to feel very welcome by the staff attending to us and the meal was amazing. We enjoyed...

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Juliekk22 . 2021-12-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Recently my partner & I dined at Darroch Learg and it was superb. We were greeted warmly by the owners, made comfortable in the lounge area in front of the fire. While we browsed the menu we were treated to some nibbles with our drinks. The food we were served was fantastic, the Inverurie Lamb main course was a highlight, my partner raved about his mushroom risotto starter and his Fillet steak for main course. The fish soup we both had was very good! We both had Apple & pear crumble with ice cream for dessert which was perfect! Food, ambience, service and value all 10/10, we will be back!

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Denissek09 . 2021-12-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We recently visited the Darroch Learg while travelling, through Aberdeenshire with friends. We had heard good things about the restaurant and I am pleased to say it lived up to expectations. Both the hotel and staff were warm and welcoming and we were made to...

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CharlotteCC218 . 2021-12-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Beautiful building with wonderfully friendly host & hostess, Fiona & Nigel. Food was sublime, tasty with courses to complement each other. My disability was acknowledged and I was helped where needed. Thoroughly enjoyable evening. Thank you

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Sue Pigott . 2021-11-21

MORE AT Google

Service is excellent. Place is very nice. Food is okay. The £55 fixed menu (drinks excluded) should be known in advance. And, please, drop that pasta salad and serve a proper steak...

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P. R. . 2021-11-02

MORE AT Google

Great ambience but regrettably the food (and in particular the main courses) was disappointing and certainly not worth the fixed price of £55. Having to pay an extra £10 for a steak on top of that brings into question the budget for the other main...

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Morven214 . 2021-10-31

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Super little hotel perched above the glen with nicely refurbished rooms, bar, lounges and a conservatory restaurant. Very clean and welcoming (helped by being pet free no doubt!) Dinner and breakfast both superb - Go on treat yourself!

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Mike Churchill . 2021-10-28

MORE AT Google

Friendly and attentive staff, excellent food. Highly recommended!

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Omar Khan . 2021-10-21

MORE AT Google

Beautiful location & very friendly staff make this our ideal getaway. We look forward to coming back in the years to come. Would highly recommend 👍

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John Dawson . 2021-10-20

MORE AT Google

Loveky food, great location and wonderful service :)

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Claire Ritchie . 2021-10-10

MORE AT Google

A classy and very well run establishment with lovely views from the restaurant. We had an excellent Sunday lunch there and everything was very tasty and nicely presented. Not cheap but good VFM.

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Robert W . 2021-10-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Fine dining at its best! Lovely evening from start to end. Relaxed welcome, drinks in the lounge while we looked at the Menu. Four courses £55, not a massive choice of dishes, which didn't worry us, but may be worth checking options when booking? Attentive service but with no interruptions whilst eating! Wine a little pricey, but good selection. Superb food throughout with good size portions, I would have preferred some seasonal vegetables as opposed to the side salad but it didn't distract from an excellent meal. Will definitely be back.

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Helen Phillips . 2021-10-05

MORE AT Google

We were guests at the hotel and ate both breakfast and dinner there. The food was amazing with a varied selection. Wonderful service and a nice wine list. Highly recommend!

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lonestartravels . 2021-09-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great location, food and atmosphere.

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Stewart Graham . 2021-08-06

MORE AT Google

Great food, attentively served with friendly attention to detail. Quietly sophisticated but welcoming decor and excellent Covid precautions throughout.

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Dorothy M . 2021-07-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Excellent food and service and a superb wine list in beautiful surroundings. Consistent quality always, we've been here before and it is just as good today as it has been in the past.

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Ahmet Satrettin . 2021-07-22

MORE AT Google

First class. Owner, food, and room, all delightful. Thank you for letting us stay.

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Mrs S Gibbens . 2021-07-22

MORE AT Google

The Darroch Learg Hotel is located on the edge of Ballater in Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This lovely family run hotel and restaurant, standing in wooded grounds on the slopes of Craigendarroch, has ten bedrooms, bar with a good range of spirits, including local whiskey and gins, comfortable and stylish sitting rooms and lovely views from the many large windows. Following recommendations from local residents, we booked an evening meal and found the service from all staff to be very friendly and first class. Meals are served in the large and sunny conservatory, with views of the surrounding colourful gardens. The fixed menu of 4 courses plus coffee included delicious homemade bread and alternative courses were available if any were not to your liking. There was also a full vegetarian menu available. The food was incredible, a real tribute to the masterful chefs and showed why the hotel has been accredited so many culinary awards. There was never a feeling of being rushed and coffee could be enjoyed in the lounge afterwards. This was true Highland hospitality and is highly recommended.

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Braemar Media . 2021-06-13

MORE AT Google

Food was excellent, local ingredients with a knowledgeable chef and the owner was a delight to talk to. Enjoyed sitting on the terrace

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Darren Greenway . 2021-06-06

MORE AT Google

Excellent standard of cuisine and hospitality. Visited for Sunday lunch. Good menu choice and very well presented. Highly recommended - have eaten here before any never disappointed

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Y0rktraveller . 2021-05-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The hotel has been lovingly restored to its former glory following a devastating fire. Dinner served in the Conservatory with views over The Dee River. Superb food and friendly and attentive service. A special evening and we look forward to returning.

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MandarinBlairgowrie . 2021-05-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Warm welcome I look forward to returning comfortable hotel with excellent cuisine.

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caroline davidson . 2020-11-28

MORE AT Google

This restaurant is a must if your are visiting the area. From the moment we arrived we enjoyed the relaxed hospitality of the owners and the waitress. Our food was first class, all freshly prepared including the delicious bread. Worth every penny. Everyone was so...

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Midhill . 2020-11-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Anniversary dinner last night. Very warm and welcoming. Food was fabulous. Perfect

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Jo Huntrt . 2020-11-03

MORE AT Google

This hotel is first class warm and welcoming conservatory dining room with great service we started with absolutely gorgeous bread off the set menu again another sign of quality the food was an excellent standard fantastic fish pie to start and the best beef we’ve...

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30gourmet1972 . 2020-10-26

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Wow! What a find. This was meant to be our “second choice” for dinner during our stay up here - it blew us away. Super food, really relaxed and friendly service. We both felt so comfortable especially given the current restrictions. Could have stayed all...

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AshT699 . 2020-10-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

It was OK. The hosts were lovely, setting was beautiful, lounge and hotel is lovely. Food was average. Service though didn't match the price tag of the meal. May sound picky but.....we arrived early to go to the bar. When waiting we were asked to choose from the menu. 30 minutes before we were due to eat we were asked to go to our table for the starter. Our wine wasn't filled up at any time, the actress thought I was trying to catch her out when I asked what cheeses there was (she seemed a bit offended that I asked), when served our tea\coffee at the end, we hadn't even finished our drinks. The meal, wine and beer was a pricy for something average but what saved it and got it 4 starts was location.

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Alec Collie . 2020-09-14

MORE AT Google

We had dinner one evening in the restaurant. It was an absolute find – top quality and tasty food, cooked and presented very well, and served with an understated, relaxed, but very professional approach. Highly recommended.

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RoamingScot . 2020-08-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Darroch Learg gave us the most wonderful welcome and a lovely dining experience in this new reality that we now live in. The food was fabulous and service first class.

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ChrisDAberdeen . 2020-08-19

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Every single course was excellent. The service was first class and the owners were warm and friendly.I remember reading an article a number of years ago in a Sunday newspaper which gave it a very good review which highlighted the fact that the owner limited the mark up on wine very significantly. My understanding is that the same practice is still being applied and in my view this is both commendable and something other " quality " hotels and restaurants should consider.

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Richard Brodie Whyte . 2020-03-05

MORE AT Google

If you enjoy the warmest of welcomes, superb yet unpretentious food, a setting on Royal Deeside that is without equal, and a truly special yet understated ambience which has been lovingly created thanks to the impeccable taste of the owners, then if you're like us, a visit to Darroch Learg will leave a lasting impression - making you want to return again and again.

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Alan Mearns . 2020-01-16

MORE AT Google

Food is delicious and the menu will suit very taste. If you are not resident at the hotel it's advisable to book in advance. Easily the best food in the area

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Ian S . 2019-12-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great hotel with Fiona and Nigel as your hosts. The food is superb and now that the refurbishment has been carried out the decor is first class. It is a superb evening out and should not be missed. Sunday Lunch is also very good.

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Modorator . 2019-11-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I was delighted to hear that Darroch Learg has finally reopened after the terrible fire and eagerly waited for my next trip to Ballater- I was thrilled to be invited for dinner there. I had heard very good reports and I now know why. Fiona, the owner, greeted us with a very warm welcome and we were shown to the lounge for drinks in front of the fire on a cold October night. The decor was impeccable and very stylish. The warm & very tasty amuse bouche arrived not long after our drinks. The menu was excellent and I struggled to decide as there were so many dishes I wanted to enjoy! From venison, lemon sole, lamb rack, hake, chicken, steak etc etc! I decided on duck for my starter, my friends both chose goats cheese mousse and beetroot. Both were beautifully presented and tasted delicious. I chose the rack of lamb for my main course which was superb! Good quality meat cooked to perfection that melted in the mouth. My friends had chicken with mushrooms which they enjoyed, and hake with a herb crust lid. Both looked great and I gather tasted excellent. The vegetables were cooked to perfection. For desert I ordered a pannacotta with berries and an unusual basil ice cream. It was also beautifully presented - smooth with the vanilla seed distributed through the pannacotta perfectly! To finish we had a portion of Scottish cheeses which were delicious served with quince jelly, biscuits and some fruits. We had an excellent Chablis so all in all a tremendous meal and I can’t wait to go back again when we are in Ballater for the beginning of December. Darroch Learg has always been good but the current chefs (who you can see working through a cooking a glass window in the immaculate kitchen) and staff are tip top. I eat out too much in London, all over the country and abroad but this meal was one of the best ever. Thrilled to see Nigel and Fiona looking relaxed but working so hard to make sure everything was perfect for us without any drama or issue. I wish them and their team well on the newly and beautifully decorated hotel and congratulations to the fantastic chefs in the kitchen. I loved every minute and can not recommend this highly enough for quality Scottish food served perfectly.

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sallythomson . 2019-10-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Had a first class meal here which was just around the corner from where we were staying at the edge of town. Starters mains and desserts were all delicious and beautifully presented. The service was faultless provided by our convivial hosts. An extensive wine list is also on offer. Hope to visit again in the not too distant future.

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Camper777945 . 2019-10-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Wonderful to be back in the restaurant, which since the changes has retained an even more impressive ambience and yet warmth. Superb in every respect, cuisine, attention to detail, service and just everything. Wonderful to see the Owners on hand and involved with an obvious happy team of staff. Kitchen arrangements very impressive, just congratulations all round ! Thank you Nigel and Fiona a total credit to your very hard work.

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JohnSeniorStern . 2019-10-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Enjoyed a lovely dinner with family. Service is excellent and both the dining room and lounges are comfortable and beautifully decorated in traditional style. Dinner was £40 for a 3 course meal. Steak was an additional £5 if selected. All our meals were delicious and beautifully presented. Wines were not particularly cheap but there was a good selection and their wine cellar is clearly something that the owners are very proud of.

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DiDiDaw . 2019-09-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Superb food and service in wonderful comfortable setting. It is the attention to detail and thoughtfulness that sets Nigel and Fiona's hotel and restaurant apart.

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Catherine Morrice . 2019-09-21

MORE AT Google

Most wonderful meal I've had in a long time

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Rob Bergman . 2019-09-21

MORE AT Google

Superb location, beautiful views up to Lochnagar. Delicious food and stay in a wonderful Scottish country house

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Simon Mearns . 2019-09-02

MORE AT Google

Great to find the Darroch Learg back in business and in top form, from pre-dinners and canapés in the drawing room to the excellent quality of the food which was enjoyed by my party of me plus four grandchildren (aged from eleven to 21). The owners are very much hands on, and have the knack of doing everything just right in a charming and unpretentious manner. Nothing was too much trouble and they catered most sympathetically to the needs of one of my grandchildren who was slightly under the weather. A second visit to mark the end of our holiday was equally well received by us all..

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AllyBee43 . 2019-08-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Recently while staying at a nearby hotel we had the pleasure of a truly delightful meal at the Darroch Learg. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the owner and escorted to a lounge for a pre meal cocktail. The hotel and restaurant were beautiful.

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clydetombaugh . 2019-08-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The owners show their love of their hotel & restaurant and make sure the guests feel very welcomed. Great views while eating delicious food.

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BruceHK88888 . 2019-07-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Food is amazing. I was here for my wedding anniversary, the service was first class and the food was to die for.

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Gareth Johnston . 2019-07-17

MORE AT Google

We were welcomed by Fiona for my Birthday meal with my family. We had drinks in the Drawing Room that was served small canapes were served making it very special. Lovely service and credit to the staff for making our evening so relaxed and enjoyable. The food was simply divine and all left feeling very happy. Looking forward to coming back to stay for a weekend soon! Thanks to Fiona and Nigel who were extremely lovely to us.

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Emily W . 2019-07-11

MORE AT TripAdvisor

First class dinner. The duck was beautifully presented and cooked. The ambiance wad just right and the furnishings were excellent

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B Luffman . 2019-07-03

MORE AT Google

Wonderfully relaxing and welcoming

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Jennifer Macmillan . 2019-06-06

MORE AT Google

Just spent a lovely weekend at the Darrick Learg Hotel. Our first stay but certainly not the last. Everything was just perfect from our welcome on arrival, our room ( No 4), and the food. Fiona and her husband went out of their way to make our stay special. So good we have already booked another weekend in September. Should be listed as 5 Star. Fantastic place.

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Allen Davis . 2019-06-03

MORE AT Google

Great food, well presented by attentive staff (the owners) and an interesting menu.

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JustinUrquhart . 2019-05-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We felt thoroughly welcome from arrival and throughout a five day stay in this charming hotel We had an immaculate and beautifully appointed room with great views The owners do everything to ensure one`s stay is as comfortable as possible Really delightful

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Michael R . 2019-05-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Delighted to report that the Darrick Learg is open once again - interior has been redone beautifully. New chef, excellent food. Have stayed here several times prior to the fire, and look forward to returning many more 😊

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Morag Stewart . 2019-02-17

MORE AT Google

Lovely place to stay , after renovation looks stunning

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virgilijus glodenis . 2018-07-27

MORE AT Google

Had a wonderful meal, food was excellent, our food sensitivities were catered for in brilliant style, service was friendly, efficient, professional.

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halcyon_times . 2014-12-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We stayed at the Hilton next door and dined there on the first night was disappointed and we dined here on our second night - we booked in advance prior to our trip based on the reviews and yummy looking menu. The restaurant certainly lived up to its reviews. The meal was perfect and perfectly cooked, full of depth of flavour and correctly seasoned. Excellent wine menu too. They deserve their food awards and as we are real foodies ourselves having our own establishment offering food and with our own award it was a real pleasure to be served a gorgeous meal on which we were unable to find fault. More pricey than the Hilton but worth it.

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woodsidebandb . 2014-12-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

From the intial offer of the 'Gin Menu' through to the meal in the lovely restaurant, this was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The service was discrete yet attentive which made for a very comfortable evening. However it was the food that stood out. I love lamb chops but never thought I would rave about them. They were superb as was everything else that we had. Highly recommended and so glad we visit Ballater every September as we will return next year.

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Robin M . 2014-11-27

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Wonderful welcome. Cosy. Drinks by the fireside. Menu we think covers most tastes. Wine list excellent. The meal was superb .

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Bob S . 2014-11-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Having visited this area several times I cannot believe that I had never heard of this place before.

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LinlithgowTravelscot . 2014-10-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The food was amazing, always had a good variety to choose from, and they were extremely gracious in accomodating special dietary needs (e.g. gluten-free)

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Natasha H . 2014-10-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

If you are visiting the Highlands and are near Balmoral Castle, do yourself a favor and book a table at Darroch Learg. The food is EXCELLENT! Our party had beef that was beyond compare, wonderful sea trout, and beautifully prepared lamb racks. Plus the service is surperb. We began in the sitting room with Scotch and wine, then amuse bouche (haggis/salmon bites), beautiful salads and appetizers, entrees, and desert. It was all beautifully prepared and served. They wine list is very good and not at all expensive. The pre-fix price is very reasonable.

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714russellj . 2014-10-10

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We were staying in Ballater for a couple of days having attended a wedding in Aberdeen and using this as a chance to explore the Cairngorms. After a disappointing meal elsewhere on the first night we found the restaurant at Darroch Learg on trip advisor.

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PSMITH86 . 2014-10-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The night we visited the restaurant, we were the first to take our seats in the restaurant and we were shortly afterwards followed by an elderly couple who sat next to us and were lovely.

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LeighHappyGirl . 2014-10-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A small 80th Birthday Dinner for mum turned out to be a perfect occasion.

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367JonathanB . 2014-10-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

From the moment you walk in the atmosphere oozes class. We had a great dinner there on Monday evening. The ambience, the staff, the service and the food were perfect in every way. I cannot recommend this restaurant strongly enough.

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Stay809271 . 2014-10-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I hadn't heard of the hotel before, so on a trip to Ballater last weekend for a friends special birthday I wasn't sure what to expect. It's a traditional country hotel with conservatory. My goodness, from the canapés that were served with a pre dinner drink, followed by a taster lentil soup with pastry lid at our table and then the 3 course meal it was all superb. One of the best steaks I've ever tasted and cooked to perfection. All 5 of us were blown away. We had Chablis and it was very good. £45 for the meal and coffee and home made petit fours if you had room! Lovely staff

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KarenC769 . 2014-09-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Fantastic service, wonderful food and friendly hosts. We came here on our Anniversary and only just managed to get in after a cancellation, we are so glad that we did as we had a fabulous meal and a memorable evening, would highly recommend to anyone visiting Ballater.

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nigelh377 . 2014-09-20

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Lovely location,comfortable pre dinner lounge with good view followed by high quality meal.Excellent wine choice. All served with professional expertise.

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Michael I . 2014-09-05

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Recently went for dinner here and really enjoyed it. £45 a head for a three course meal and coffee which was of excellent quality. They had a lovely choice of dishes and the service was excellent as well. If you manage to eat while the sun is still up - the view is also lovely. Highly recommend!

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609alexandrap . 2014-08-27

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We have dined here on many occasions over the 25 years we had owned our time share next door at Craigendarroch and never once have we been disappointed in any aspect of dinning experience. The owners (Nigel and Fiona ) are very hospitable and always on hand to guide and recommend on both the food and wine. This is a very serious food venue and with a wine list to match, the dining room is very intimate and with pre dinner drinks and after dinner coffee being served in one of the two cosy lounges makes for a very relaxed and informal experience.

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robert_salmond . 2014-08-24

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We spend a week in Ballater most years as we have a timeshare lodge at Hilton Craigendarroch. We never miss an opportunity to dine at Darroch Learg and have been doing this for a number of years now. Whilst the hotel has a sign at the bottom of the drive, it isn’t obvious that a fine dining restaurant resides within. The hotel is very traditional in style and the owners (Fiona & Nigel) are hands-on with service. Fiona works front-of-house and is very warm and welcoming. The food is the star attraction at Darroch Learg, the flavours and quality being second to none that we have discovered in the area. To give you an idea, on our most recent visit, we had Ravioli of Smoked Haddock and Pan Fried Scottish Scallops followed by Rack of Deeside Lamb and Fillet of Sea Trout followed by two lovely sweets. The four course dinner with coffee and handmade chocolates is £45 which is very good value for the quality of the food, service and establishment generally. Looking forward to next year already!!

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155derekb . 2014-08-11

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Thoroughly enjoyed everything about our family meal at the Darroch Learg last night. The service was very good, if a little humourless from the male member of staff, but very nicely timed and professionally executed. The food was sublime - the smoked haddock risotto was to die for, as was the fillet of beef, so tender, moist and flavoursome. The crime brûlée was the best I have ever tasted. The wines, a Pouilly Fume and a cotes du rhone were first class. The cost of £45 per head before wine was very acceptable for the standard of food and wonderful setting. Quite a formal setting so not for you if you want a very relaxed situation but we loved the formality. Can't recommend it highly enough.

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chocolateyAberdeen . 2014-08-10

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We loved the food, welcome, atmosphere and being part of such a lovely family home. We have told all our friends to go!

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Ashley D . 2014-08-09

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We enjoyed a wonderful evening with our friends at Darroch Learg. The food was excellent, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the location and view are spectacular. I would highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion!

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BrendaBreeze . 2014-08-05

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Ganz ganz gute Küche -- Service dazu stimmt -- toll !

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Mona031 . 2014-08-01

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Après être reçu au salon, vous serez invité à rejoindre la veranda. La décoration est typiquement écossaise et a un léger côté surrané. Les toilettes sont d'ailleurs aussi anciennes que le bâtiment et sont glaciales. Le restaurant offer un menu 3 services à 45 pounds. Mon mari a opté pour une terrine jambon et foie gras et malheureusement, la brioche est arrivée lorsqu'il avait fini son plat. Le serveur était inexpérimenté. Le vin blanc n'était pas gardé au frais et nous avons dû attendre avant d'en recevoir un verre tiède. Enfin, nous avons dû nous servir notre vin blanc nous-meme par manque d'attention ou d'expérience du serveur. Le plat principal était satisfaisant (agneau et polenta) mais le dessert fut décevant. Ma crème brulée est arrivée très froide au milieu et sortait tout droit du frigo. Nous n'y retournerons pas !

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Coco73Bruxelles . 2014-07-31

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We visited for my sisters special birthday on 12th July her husband wanted a special place to take her and he was not disappointed. We were taken to a traditional and comfortable pre dinner room for drinks with a view to die for, our host Nigel was a very friendly and most helpful man. My sister discussed the wine list with him as she knows a bit about wine. We were given dinky little aperitifs.

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alfoquia . 2014-07-16

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Pros: Great food, service, and setting. Very memorable. Cons: Parking is tight at the hotel. And you pay for what you get.

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mclpcm . 2014-07-01

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Personall service and wonderful food. Look forward to our visits here whether it is for Sunday lunch or dinner with overnight stay. The drive could do with upgrading but that's the only negative thing I would comment on!!

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Joan F . 2014-06-29

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my husband and I were taken here to celebrate our anniversary with 2 good friends. we had never been before but would certainly go back. The food and service was excellent and we were all treated very well. The food was 5 star and served perfectly and our glasses of wine and water were topped up without asking. I will definitely return more than once.

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Wendy515 . 2014-06-20

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