Gillies Grill in Ballymena

Food was ok. Nothing to write home about. Seafood gratin was bland but seabass was ok. Real issue was we prepaid for a 3 course set menu and after 3.5 hours from being seated (7.30-11pm) service had been so slow we still hadn't even received menus for desserts so we never got dessert, tea or coffee which we had paid for. They refused to refund anything at all or even take any money off the wine we drank. Their reason being 'we can't swap alcohol for food'. They offered us a round of shots which noone wanted (it was a 70th birthday meal) and also went against their excuse of not swapping food for alcohol. Final straw was when we refused the shots they said they could comp our teas and coffees which not only we never received but also were included in the price we originally paid. The restaurant was not full and the staff were not moving as if they were in any way rushed. I would have given 1 star but the second star recognises the fact that we had provided our own cake which they brought out so that did slow down service for about 15 minutes. However waiting with empty plates in front of us with no menu for the dessert being brought out for an hour is unacceptable. Charging for 3 courses and dragging out the first 2 for 3.5 hours until 11pm is unprofessional.

I ate at Gillies recently while staying at Galgorm and was quite disappointed by our meal. The fish cake to start was quite tasty and I would recommend the steak as a main as it was flavourful and cooked very nicely. However, the service was seriously lacking. It took a long time to order and we had long gaps between courses. We had a different server for literally every interaction so it was impossible to know who to even look for. I was at the Galgorm to celebrate a birthday celebration, I requested that the waiter bring out a dessert for the birthday and it never came. I was really unimpressed with this. Although the food was tasty enough for a hotel restaurant, had this meal not been included in our hotel package I would have been shocked at the prices. Fine dining prices for average hotel food. £11 for bread for the table is absurd. Gillies unfortunately lets down Galgorm as a resort, the service everywhere else in the hotel is impeccable.

Very nice food but ridiculously expensive which spoiled the experience. £21 for a burger and £5.50 for a side. £40 - £50 for a steak is just madness, therefore as long as those prices remain we will not be back.

The nightfall menu was in our spa village package. It had some nice options however the food was not of good standard and slightly sparse . Chips very overdone and the sweets while very well described on the menu were bland and definitely not made by hand . Disappointing food !

Overpriced, seriously lacking in quality! Vegetable soup tasted like a beef oxo cube. Bang bang chicken was smothered in a sickly sweet chilli sauce. Honestly expected far greater food than this for the price. My husband enjoyed his burger and the tempura prawns were lovely. The atmosphere was awful, tables are extremely close together. We didn’t feel comfortable at all.

Lovely Place Great staff and Best food about will definitely return

Two of us ate at Gillies while staying at the Galgorm & honestly wish we didn't. For starter I got the "Irish Goat's Cheese" which was nothing more than a few scattered pieces of tasteless goats cheese on a mountain of lettuce. For main I had dry, overcooked rib eye steak with a watery peppercorn sauce. The total bill for both of us was £120, even if you exclude the bottle of wine it was still over £90, but even if the food was free id still be disappointed.

Booked for the 4 of us to celebrate an 80th birthday. Ordered goats cheese to start and the presentation shocked me. 4 balls of goats cheese on top of ice berg lettuce with 2 thin strips of tomato , a bit of beetroot and dressings so sharp you couldn’t tolerate the taste. At £10.50, very disappointing!! When asked how the first course was, a member at our table said ‘it wasn’t the greatest’ and the server laughed. I’m unsure if he didn’t hear her or just didn’t know what to say. The mains were fine, nothing to write home about. Have eaten better in local Ballymena restaurants for a fraction of the price and the food has been much much better. There’s room for improvement when it comes to service. We did bring a cake but would have appreciated being offered the dessert menu. Instead, the cake was brought out and we couldn’t help feel it was to get the table back quicker. Very disappointing for such a well established hotel.

We had a beautiful meal during our stay at the Galgorm. We also really enjoyed the breakfast. During dinner we were served by Glenn who was fantastic, very attentive, funny and quick with the service! Will definitely visit again....

Went to gillies there a few weeks back and it was a disaster. The service was absolutely terrible the staff were all very young, quiet and did not help one bit. The manager working was asking all other tables except mine was everything OK. I dunno why this was, I think it might of been to do with the fact I was dressed in a tracksuit and had 2 black eyes from a boxing competition 2 days prior to be honest. The food was great as it always is but I asked for a glass of water and got a fly in my drink, the food took ages and there was then a hair in it. The service was the worst I've experienced in any restaurant never mind an expensive restaurant like this. They brought my brother out a birthday cupcake which was a nice touch but definitely didn't make up for all the mistakes made.

had lunch for two, food was generally taaty but steaks were not warm... expected better considering the price which was shocking, eg £19 for two drinks...!! won't be returning or recommending .. overpriced and under delivered ..

Lovely restaurant and exceptional service. The food is amazing! We loved it so much we booked and came back for a second time. The salted chilli chicken is the best I have ever had and the sauce makes it even better. My husband loved his food too & especially the steak. We both thought the creme eggs included were a very thoughtful surprise. It feels like It has been quite a while since I have been in this type of restaurant before our stay at Galgorm for my husbands birthday. I am autistic & I can be quite worried of missing social cues, not processing information etc. My husband has hearing problems and together communicating can be quite challenging in a restaurant setting but the waitress who served us both nights was very clear with communication and really friendly and everyone and everything was amazing. Thank you

It was just ok. I'm not sure if I would go back. I asked for 1 of my groups starters to come with zero heat/chilli. I checked with our 1st server if this is possible. She said yes. Our 2nd server that took the order for our meal didn't understand and i dont think the message was passed to the chef in result of this, and the food arrived out covered in sararacha mayo and the salad had chilli flakes in the bowl. The main meals that arrived out with 1 single thin carrot isn't enough for a roast dinner. A overly well done Yorkshire pudding it was hard to cut. The potatoes and gravy were nice. I'm still astonished with how little vegetables we received for the price of our meal. £35. The steak 1 was supposed to be pinky, and the other was supposed to be well done, and they looked exactly the same. The puddings were delightful.

Celebrating a friend's 60th birthday, there were eight of us dining. The meal itself was good with no complaints from any of us regarding flavour and quantity. What was disappointing was the service. After ordering our food, it took almost an hour to arrive. One of our party had ordered a cup of tea at the start as she had come straight from work in Belfast. It took 30 minutes for the tea to arrive and we had to ask for it 3 times. A glass of wine that was ordered during the main meal didn't arrive until after dessert. Again staff had to be reminded. The staff themselves were really pleasant and we had no issues with any individual, but there is definitely an organisational problem. I have eaten here many times but I am not eager to return anytime soon. Adding a 10% service charge to the bill was an insult. There is ample parking although the lighting is poor for winter nights and signposting is inadequate.

Excellent staff, awful food. Second time in Gillies second time disappointed. It's like airport food. Very expensive, very bland. No presentation, quantity over quality.

Food was average. Expensive for what it is. Like the other comments say, better to go elsewhere (but not the Castle). Service was great

We had a lovely meal. The food was really tasty and the service was top class from the team on duty.

Usually no complaints about here but this time it was very bust the staff seemed rushed and little knowledge of the food being served. Potted smoked salmon on the menu, I asked was it salmon moose, was ensured it was NOT, it came and it was moose. Was horrible, tasted like vinegar. Featherblade of beef was fatty or had a jelly substance thru it. Not the usual standard for this place. Breakfast was lovely, had a great selection and a lovely calm atmosphere, that's the reason I gave 4 stars

I would give below 1 star if I could. Avoid this restaurant when visiting the Galgorm. Food is over priced for what it is. Service is poor and staff are not helpful. Took sick after eating food from this restaurant twice on different occasions. Won’t be back This bad experience ruins the ambiance of the beautiful hotel and spa.

Average Christmas experience. The staff are very helpful and polite however overly attentive, we were constantly prompted regarding drinks, each course and then payment - all in all it felt rushed. The restaurant was extremely quiet yet we were asked to leave as they needed the table back. With regards to the food, the quality has decreased and prices increased. There are much better restaurants offering better Christmas lunch/dinner options.

Christmas menu was delicious. Staff were very pleasant and there was no long wait between courses. Lovely atmosphere

Sadly nothing exciting about the food

First time ever in years that I left disappointed with the experience. Really needs to be a better understanding with staff when ordering.

Beautiful food, excellent service.

Great good and friendly staff. This is on location for Galgorm spa. If your staying at the resort be sure to pre-book a 4 course meal.

The food was absolutely amazing the steak was cooked to are preference. The staff made you very welcome. The restaurant is a pleasure to have dined in.

Food was excellent, especially our steaks.cooked as we asked.

We came to the restaurant after a long late drive and we were very hungry and they took us in even as it was about to close. And a very nice waitress served us. Her name was Joana and also the food was amazing. Friendly atmosphere and a very nice location. I would like to thank Joana for all the help.

We went for a drink last month. We’ve used Gillies plenty of times in the past and, with it being an hotel, you expect to pay more than you would in a local bar. The last time we were in a couple of months earlier, the place was buzzing - so much so that we were surprised where people were getting the money from during the economic downturn we’re all experiencing. This time however, the place was empty and I think I realise why now. 1 glass of white wine (not a large glass) and a normal sized glass of Coke came to £15.40! I couldn’t believe it but the server checked and confirmed that it was correct. Suffice to say, we finished our drinks and left. I certainly won’t be going again until the bar wakes up to these extortionate prices.

We ate here as part of our stay at the Galgorm. The food was delicious and the staff was really friendly and efficient. Really lovely evening :)

Great food... Great staff. Hard to come by nowadays.

Beautiful food, excellent service, and staff friendly and helpful.

Great selection of food friendly staff friendly atmosphere

Fantastic, nothing more needs said

Very friendly, professional staff, nice cosy and warm decor, and the food was delicious. Place is a gem.

Food, staff, service & ambiance just fab!

one of the best Asian food in town ,highly recommended to anyone looking for great food , a mouth watering grill foods with good chef skills and expertise that lift up the Asian cuisine( Philippines) to the next level. Good job guys

Very very expensive got.. 😫 Over £10 for 1 JD and coke 🥃🤮

Great food and friendly staff. Charming dining experience.

The service was shocking, worst we have ever had in a restaurant, from 2 different waitresses too. They made so many mistakes and were rude as if we were being difficult. Wrong drink twice, wrong meal, didn't tell us to order a side so our currys came without rice, and wrong deserts given. Offered a side to my mother who was having a large pasta dish. It ruined an expensive treat. Some things we wanted from the menu were not available. Instead of a GF chipatti to replace a normal one we got a slice of GF bread. We used to enjoy Gillies but we won't be back.

Lovely food, great service and a beautiful setting. Pricey but we'll be back again for special occasions like birthdays and wedding anniversary....someone did steal our umbrella though from the stand outside in the hallway....didn't expect that

Watched the Ireland vs England rugby football match in the adjoining pub, great crack but the drinks are a tad expensive

Food is good. Mussel & chorizo dish is too much sauce for me. I prefer basic mussel white wine. I like to taste mussels more than the sauce. Chicken wing is class. 👍🏻

Had a great time here staff were lovely and food was great atmosphere very good a quality experience parking was no problem will be back

Lovely food. Great service. No issues and a pleasure to dine there. Prawn linguine was the best dish

Atmosphere poor. Food nice ( what you'd expect for the price.) Drinks overpriced but all in all a lovely treat for a night out. Staff very helpful and friendly. Went to the bar after and they served me whiskey in a tall glass ....At the price I shouldn't have to ask for a whiskey glass.

Yea food was good but the service was 1st class.

Amazing food, sea bream with minestrone vegetables. Service so good.

Well run restaurant with excellent and friendly staff

Christmas dinner for 6 on Christmas Day ruined, turkey tasted very sour and off we had to spit it out, sent it back to be told the chef used to much sage but it wasn’t off, never tasted food so sour in my life, everyone’s Christmas Day ruined, especially for the amount of money spent per person we all ordered steak instead it was very dry but again ruined the Xmas day as we all wanted turkey. Had Xmas dinner last year there on Xmas day it was great, would never return for dinner in this restaurant again I felt terrible for everyone as I organised this and wasted everyone’s money. Staff stood around staring at us after this, couldn’t wait to leave.

Went to Gillies as part of the Santa Experience with the Galgorm. The staff were polite, welcoming and extremely helpful. The food was great and presented well.

Had Christmas Dinner at Gillies. Service and meal was First Class. There were 10 in our party and everyone really enjoyed it. I had Duck for main course and it was cooed as requested and was delicious. Christmas pudding was also First Class. Those who had the traditional Turkey and Ham were also well please

Lovely choice on menu we downloaded The Galgorm app which was helpful. Staff brilliant

Lovely food. Staff very attentive portion size is great.

Had the parmesan chicken - very bland, no flavour in the chicken itself, just a giant slab of chicken on a plate with cheese and tomato on top with a meagre salad.

May be just a bad choice - Prawn Cocktail - yes there were prawns in the sauce but the lettuce was completely wilted what there was of it! Little salad! Cod with cauliflower raisins and capers. Fish very dry and little flavour and as there are no extras with this meal completely overpriced. Having had a good meal 6 months ago, I am left feeling disappointed. Also asked to move after having been seated to another location in order for a large table to be set. No view, stuck in a corner with seats so low, making it difficult for dining.

Pork belly 'special' very disappointing as it was gelatinous and not crispy at all. Ridiculously expensive at £41 for a steak with only mushroom/onions, no carbohydrate side. Pub grub food not worth the price tag. Recommend to dine elsewhere if staying as a resident. Service disjointed and not to the level of competitors in the area.

Great selection of vegan options. Well done guys.....you are raising the bar for the rest!

Lovely restaurant, staff were so friendly and steak cooked to perfection

Best meal I've had in a long time! Highly recommended! 👍🏻

The meal we had was lovely, and Paula our server was brilliant nothing was a bother to her.

Great experience as always, lovely food, excellent service

Food was beautiful .... room was spacious & bright staff were wonderful polite & very helpful .... food was fast service was 10/10 but over priced but really enjoyable

Waited a while for food but it was busy, worth the wait the food was delicious would definitely recommend.

A really good menu for vegans, good atmosphere and nice staff.

Beautiful breakfast well presented. Lots of choice too staff were helpful

Very clean and staff are very helpful and polite. Food was amazing

Compliments to the chef lovely food great service from staff

Food was excellent, lovely staff, nothing was too much trouble. Had both lunch and then breakfast the next day. One of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever had.

Lovely food, brilliant service, just a fantastic place in all 😊 would definitely recommend, would definitely go back

Beautiful surroundings, staff very friendly and helpful.

Perfect food, steak cooked to perfection

Food and service amazing!..Word of advice!..Main course enough...big portions.

Food was very poor . Breakfast served on cold plates

Absolutely amazing place. Staff are fantastic and definitely know their jobs. Food was stunning and delicious. Maybe just a bit on the expensive side but for a special occasion its worth it. *****

Had dinner here two consecutive nights and both times it was excellent. Steak on first night was cooked exactly as requested and Schnitzel was very good on the second. Other highlights were the ribs starter and the sticky toffee pudding. Also had breakfast here during our stay at the Galgorm and thoroughly enjoyed it.

We had a lovely meal. Thank you. This is one of 2 reviews I have ever left but it annoyed me that much I feel as if I have to let people know. I thought about it the whole way home, the sticky toffee pudding was so so bad it was one of the worst I have ever had and there was an orange flavour off it. Disgusting. They would be better getting the deluxe sticky toffee pudding out of lidel putting it in the microwave and serving that. Thank you. I hope this is a reasonable review. Other than that lovely meal.

Excellent food quick efficient service, great portions. Very nice staff regard to everyone

Service with a smile, beautiful food and stunning surroundings...enjoyed every minute in Gillies..

Absolutely fabulous place and the food was brilliant.

Excellent meal 👌and service highly recommend 👌

Great breakfast and also evening meals.

Love this place, every time I go, the food is always perfect, and the staff cannot do enough for you. From Breakfast to dinner, or even afternoon tea, you will not be dissapointed! Make sure to book well in advance, as I’ve noticed it’s getting harder to get a table. Have already booked to come back myself. Many thanks to all at the Galgorm

Had a birthday meal here recently. Restaurant who's theme is that of a hunting lodge, is an eclectic mix of influences, Scottish, African and Egyptian to name but 3. A wide selection on the menu seems to cover all bases. Staff were young but competent. Prices are highish which is par for the course in a place like the Galgorm Manor. Food and service was up to the expected standard.

Never have I had food quite like the food here. The staff go beyond. Highly recommend

Great food. Stefan went over and above to make it special

Absolutely beautiful meal. Great service. Great section of dishes. You won't be disappointed

Staff are very helpful and friendly. Food nice but I did expect more from it. It would be on line with nice bar food. Portions were big and vegetarian options limited. Sticky toffee pudding was very dry.

Kids birthday treat made their own pizzas Food fantastic

Lovely cosy atmosphere. Great staff, they make you feel special

We ate here as part of our stay in the galgorm Hotel and the food was amazing. Generous portions and good service . Couldn't ask for more.

A really lovely meal and great customer service. Recommended! 👍🏻

The food was fantastic but service was really disappointing. There was plenty of staff, but they did a great job of ignoring our table. Lots of time spent standing with backs to us???! It's quite pricey and I would have expected better.

Took my friend for her birthday. Food was just okay. I ordered skinny fries which were cold. My chicken schnitzel was tasteless. My friend had the chicken curry but she couldn't eat the chicken. Disappointing as I had been a few weeks before for lunch and it was very tasty!!

Staff were very helpful and friendly, but the restaurant was very cold, we had to eat with our coats on 🥶

Amazing nature. Very impressive!

Been many times yet to be let down Steak or salt n chilli chicken powerful

Great food on a very busy Wedding Fayre day!

Very enjoyable. Food and drink good, company even better.

Fantastic food and an atmosphere to match