
Flax Steakhouse
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Quick info
About Flax Steakhouse
Flax Steakhouse is a family run steak house at 3 Raceview Rd in Ballymena, based in Raceview Mill. Steak leads the menu, with rib eye, sirloin and porthouse cooked to the diner's preference. The kitchen also serves grilled chicken, roasted cod and a turkey and ham roast, so the menu extends beyond beef. A cocktail and drinks list runs alongside the food. Dinner is by table booking. The restaurant opens Wednesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Flax Coffee, a sister venue in the same mill, serves breakfast.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention steak, rib eye, roasted cod fillet and olive and garlic bread.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention steak, rib eye, roasted cod fillet and olive and garlic bread.
Customer Review Summary
Steak draws the most praise at Flax Steakhouse, with diners calling the porthouse and other cuts delicious and cooked to perfection, and one comparing it favourably to a Michelin-starred restaurant's. Close behind is the service, where waitresses are described as friendly, helpful in explaining dishes, and quick to bring food, even on a busy Easter Sunday. Others single out the roasted cod with lobster croquette and dill gnocchi, the olive and garlic spread with the bread starter, turkey and ham, and the poached pear dessert. The outdoor area is noted as dog friendly. The main complaint is toughness: two reviewers found their rib eye stringy, gristly, and very hard to cut, with one calling it the worst they had eaten, though both praised its flavour. A few mention noise in the main dining area, average cocktails, and a rather expensive bill. One reviewer who found the barbecue ribs tender but under-flavoured still planned to return, hoping the gristly rib eye was a one-off bad cut, while another said they would take home extra olive and garlic spread.
Customer Review Summary
Steak draws the most praise at Flax Steakhouse, with diners calling the porthouse and other cuts delicious and cooked to perfection, and one comparing it favourably to a Michelin-starred restaurant's. Close behind is the service, where waitresses are described as friendly, helpful in explaining dishes, and quick to bring food, even on a busy Easter Sunday. Others single out the roasted cod with lobster croquette and dill gnocchi, the olive and garlic spread with the bread starter, turkey and ham, and the poached pear dessert. The outdoor area is noted as dog friendly. The main complaint is toughness: two reviewers found their rib eye stringy, gristly, and very hard to cut, with one calling it the worst they had eaten, though both praised its flavour. A few mention noise in the main dining area, average cocktails, and a rather expensive bill. One reviewer who found the barbecue ribs tender but under-flavoured still planned to return, hoping the gristly rib eye was a one-off bad cut, while another said they would take home extra olive and garlic spread.
Featured reviews
- Emma Duggan
“We cannot recommend Flax Steakhouse and Flax Coffee highly enough. They played such a special part in our wedding celebrations, both the night before and the morning after, and helped make the entire experience unforgettable. From the moment we booked, the communication was fantastic. The team were friendly, accommodating, and genuinely excited to celebrate alongside us. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble, and they went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. The evening before our wedding, my partner and I had barely eaten all day because we were so nervous. We had dinner booked at Flax Steakhouse and, despite our nerves, had absolutely no trouble finishing every bite. The food was incredible. The steak was genuinely one of the best we've had in a very long time, cooked perfectly and packed with flavour. The menu also offers much more than just steak, which was ideal for members of our bridal party with different tastes. Throughout the evening, drinks were kept topped up and the service was attentive without ever feeling intrusive. The morning after the wedding, we gathered with our family and friends at Flax Coffee for breakfast and a chance to relive the celebrations. The team kindly provided us with a private room, which made it feel even more special. It was the perfect setting to enjoy breakfast together, share stories from the day before, and have a proper wedding debrief with the people we love most. What really stands out about both venues is the people. Every member of staff we encountered was warm, welcoming, and committed to ensuring we had the best possible experience. If you're staying at Raceview Mill, getting married at The Wool Tower, or simply looking for fantastic food and exceptional service, Flax Steakhouse and Flax Coffee are absolute must-visits. Thank you for helping make our wedding celebrations so memorable.”
- Darren Lavery
“Well I heard alot of good reports about FLAX Steakhouse in Broughshane, so I had to give it a try. We booked a table for Sunday 6.30 for five people. The atmosphere was a little noisy, but you could easily have a conversation without raised voices. The place was buzzing, so if you want to watch here... book early. The food arrived quite fast after ordering. It was hot and presented well. I had the porthouse steak cooked Medium. I can honestly say it rates in My top 5 steaks I've had in the world and Number 1 in Northern Ireland. This steak i had in fLAX beat a UK Michelin Star Restaurant's steak. I'd honestly recommend a visit. All plates were presented well and no complaints.”
- Nancy Quinn
“Visited on Easter Sunday for lunch.The restaurant was really busy .We were promptly seated at our table and drinks order was taken .It didn't take long for the waitress to take our food order and she was very friendly .My turkey and ham was delicious. Lovely roast potatoes and gravy. I recommend you try the poached pear desert.Food and service fantastic especially for such a busy day All staff looked happy to help and it sets a very welcoming cosy feeling in the restaurant”
- Kim Harrison
“Highly recommend here! Steak was delicious and cooked to perfection! Desserts were perfect as well! Our waitress, who sadly I didn't catch her name was lovely! We will definitely be back!”
- AdyG
“Went here Sat evening 31/1/26. 1st time here and had been highly recommended by several friends. I had Barbecue ribs as starter- Meat fell off the bone and good and tender but flavour was below average (4/10)I had a Guinness with my meal and not a good head but not the worst ive had and was relatively creamy(5/10). Now for mains my wife had 8 oz sirlion with garlic potatoes and pepper sauce. Was absolutely lovely *her words*(9/10) . I had the Rib eye with garlic fries and pepper sauce and if I had been reviewing it after the first bite I would have give it 9/10. It all went downhill after the 1 st bite. The flavour was absolutely perfect but the ribeye was the worst ive ever tried to eat. I expect a bit of marble/fat but not a stringy hard gristle with nearly every bite that was impossible to eat(2/10). I know I should have said to the waitress when lifting our plate but if they seen what was left then they would clearly know someting wasnt right. Hopefully this was a one off bad cut of ribeye as it can happen so I will try again in a few weeks.”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“A Fantastic Family run Business with the Best Steaks served to your Liking. Great Cocktails and Drinks.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
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