Big Bear Pizza Shack

Millside

➤ 19A Church Rd, Gracehill, Ballymena BT42 2NL, UK, United Kingdom

Food • Steak • European • Point Of Interest

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"I had heard about this place a lot and we went for dinner. Being minded to save money we chose the 'early bird ' menu, and we were not alone in this as the place was packed. We had booked and got a table upstairs. We were, however, sort of squashed into the corner due to a very large group beside us, but at least a partition divider had been placed between them and us. It also seems there is not a great deal of ventilation in the place and although we were beside an open window, it had to be shut given the flies and – more annoyingly – wasps coming in that were hovering around us. So quite stifling. And I noted a number of flies buzzing around downstairs too. The staff were, however, very good and friendly as well as helpful. The early bird menu was good value and we chose well, I think. The steak strips in pepper sauce were not all that appealing to look at, and came more as a stew than anything else. But it tasted very good. The other dishes seemed to be pleasing and certainly worth the money."

Castle Kitchen

➤ 200 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom

Steak • Irish • Seafood • British

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"I have dined with family on a number of occasions at Castle Kitchen but this time around it wasn’t the best. Myself and 3 other family members went out to celebrate an early birthday by having dinner together. The ambiance and decor in the restaurant...is superb and the staff are very welcoming and friendly. I cannot fault them at all! Myself and one other family member ordered the Cod dish for our main. My cod had five pieces of bone inside of it whilst my fellow family members dish had none. I have left the picture below. The rest of the meals for the table where fabulous. I addressed the bone issue with the waiter and he immediately apologised and took it straight to the chefs for them to see. Again, I cannot fault the service. The waiter was more than generous and took my cod dish off the final bill. Afterwards, all four of us shared dessert, we ordered the Cherry and Tonka bean cheesecake. The presentation was good but the taste was extremely overpowering with the cherry sauce on top. In addition, the actual selection of desserts on the menu wasn’t good either. I personally found the meal a little pricey for the standard of food received. All in all I would be careful of what you order at Castle Kitchen!"

Caffe Tosca

➤ 62 Ballymoney Street, BT43 6AN, Ballymena, United Kingdom

Cafe • Cafés • Coffee • Vegetarian

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"Went to Cafe Tosca recently for lunch before going to watch the local football team in Ballymena and to be honest it was ok but I think improvements could be made to make it a bit better. First off the cafe is uniquely decorated with...an interior consisting of white walls and lots of pink chairs, so if you like pink this is the place to go. The Cornation Chicken, Pineapple Cheese toastie was very nice but I do feel a bit cheated as the side salad is very minimal considering your paying around £5 for only a sandwich and salad. I also think the cafe could look at what other cafes are doing by adding Tortilla Chips or even a big spoonful of Couscous. Overall it is around average for me but with a few more improvements I would consider it much better."

The River Room Conservatory

➤ Galgorm Resort And Spa 136 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom

Vegan • British • European • Vegetarian

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"My husband and I had the afternoon tea in the conservatory today. We usually aren’t the biggest of fans of afternoon tea but we gave this a chance in of our dining package and it was absolutely phenomenal. Every single part was delicious and so beautifully presented. The staff were lovely and the wonderfully talented man playing piano took it to another level with the amazing music. The conservatory itself is stunning and so beautifully decorated. I’m not usually a big tea fan but I tried mint tea and loved it and my husband loved his. I was especially delighted to see how much my husband enjoyed it, as we booked our stay for over the weekend for his birthday. I have never been to an afternoon tea that made me want to do it again at a later date but I can say I have been now. I recommend this to anyone"

Sanjha Indian

➤ 610 Cullybackey Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom

Asian • Balti • Indian • Seafood

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"As a family we have dined in and taken take season numerous occass ions and always without fail been extremely satisfied with the quality of food, attention to the customer and lovely atmosphere. This restaurant is the best in Co. Antrim if not N. Ireland. And not to be beaten in Dublin or Galway in our experience. Thanks for your lovely meals and please continue as you are doing everything so well."