Gattos — Restaurant in Northern Ireland

Well now, what do we have here? A little slice of Italy has swaggered into Ballymena, donned its fanciest apron, poured itself a cocktail, and promptly stolen my heart. Gatto’s, you seductive little minx, where have you been all my life?

Let’s start with the opening act: the Carne Platter — a carnivorous symphony of sizzling, seasoned magnificence that hit the table like a meat-based fanfare. Chargrilled, marinated, and unapologetically meaty, it set the tone for what would be an evening of gluttonous delight. Each bite was a hug from Nonna, if Nonna had a penchant for fire-grilled finesse and a cheeky wink.

Then came the main event: the Pollo Alla Veronese — a dish that deserves to be serenaded by a gondolier while fireworks explode tastefully in the background. Tender chicken, cloaked in a rich, dreamy sauce, with flavour notes so intricate they could compose an opera. Every bite was a flirtation with perfection. My taste buds? Positively scandalised and begging for more.

Around the table, my fellow diners were deep in gastronomic romance with their own dishes. Pizzas that were crisp yet chewy with toppings as bold as an Italian soap opera. And those sirloin steaks cooked so well they nearly applied for citizenship. Searing on the outside, blushing pink within — the sort of steak that makes you want to write poetry and take up woodcarving.

To wash it all down? A few cocktails that danced their way across the palate, charming and boozy in all the right ways. A few pints of Madri added that continental edge — and gave the illusion we were somewhere warmer than Ballymena, at least until someone opened the door.

And the bill? Surprisingly reasonable. The kind of total that makes you double check it, nod slowly, and feel vaguely smug about the whole affair. Gatto’s isn’t just great food — it’s a culinary cuddle with a handshake from value-for-money.

This was my first visit, and I can confirm with absolute certainty: it won't be my last.

Bravo,...

The 3stars I am only given only for the very good food. No complaints about it at all.

However the rest of our dinner was a shambles tonight. We arrived, got seated and no one asked for drinks, we asked a waiter for drinks but once one person gave his order he just left. Not asking the rest if the table if they wanted a drink. We had to ask again when they returned.

We ordered our food, was quite busy so we understood may have been a little wait. While food was being brought down 2 of the burgers fell on the floor. So obviously these had to be brought back and my pizza was stone cold. I asked for this to be reheated. Which it was reluctantly.

Got one strained apology by the waiter, and while we where eating in stages waiting on food not one person came to check on us.

Now after all this we where charged the full amount, now we didn't want something for nothing, but even a free drink or 10% off the bill. Just disappointed we tried to be nice and understanding but for not even a goodwill gesture was not good. I have worked in hospitality for years and would never have expected a table with all that happened to leave with out a...

Dreadful service, I attempted to dine at Gattos tonight, firstly we were given water when seated waited a while then the waiter (I think was the manager) came to take a food order, we weren't even offered drinks. I ordered a starter combo and my partner ordered a pasta and we ordered 2 sides. Before I was even finished talking he was away. I had an incline something was to go wrong. Food came and it was just fritters. I stated that it was supposed to be the combo starter and before I could finish saying that we wanted all the food together, he was away again. The starter came. BY ITSELF AGAIN. My partner went up to the bar to ask if we could have the rest of the food out, as that Is what we intended. To be rudely told NO. Huh? I had enough and we both quickly left the premises and will not be returning again. ABSOLUTELY...