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ince its inception in 2016, Top Blade Steakhouse has emerged as a premier culinary destination in Northern Ireland, with resturants in Belfast and Portadown.

A true haven for meat lovers, it offers an exceptional dining experience with an impressive selection of locally sourced prime cuts. Top Blade Belfast has welcomed numerous celebrities, including Hollywood actor Luke Evans, the band Busted and former Manchester United star Patrice Evra, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit eatery.

Upon arrival, diners are greeted with a menu bursting with flavour and options. Signature steaks include the luxurious Flat Iron, hearty Rump, regal T-bone, and tender Fillet. For those looking to share, the restaurant’s Chateaubriand and Tomahawk cuts are both visually stunning and a delight to the palate.

Beyond their remarkable steaks, they offer a diverse array of sides and sauces, including creamy buttery champ, skin-on fries, and crunchy tobacco onions. Diners can also savour crispy sweet potato fries, fresh green beans wrapped in savoury bacon, and charred broccoli, ensuring that each visit is a unique culinary adventure. Top Blade’s acclaimed sauces deliver a dynamic explosion of taste, enhancing every dish. The flambéed butter ignited at the table adds an exhilarating touch of theatrical flair to the dining experience.

Inclusivity is central to Top Blade’s ethos, with thoughtful options for vegan and vegetarian diners. The Portadown restaurant has been rebranded as Top Blade Gastro. This transformation is in response to the evolving tastes of diners in the Craigavon area, offering a wider variety of options. The new gastro menu features dishes ranging from delectable pastas to fresh fish, along with vegetarian options, while still providing the complete steak menu. The original Top Blade restaurant in St Anne’s Square, Belfast, remains unchanged, serving the largest selection of steaks in the country.

Both restaurants have an impressive curated drinks menu to complement your food. From bespoke cocktails to a carefully selected wine list and tailored selection of beers and spirits. Both restaurants also offer fantastic value with a three-course meal for just £32.95 throughout the week, along with a tempting two-cocktail deal for £16 from Monday to Thursday.

Interestingly, all the meat served at Top Blade is sourced from locally reared cattle including the Wagyu gourmet cuts which are cultivated right here in Northern Ireland, adding a local twist to global luxury.

During our visit to Top Blade, we indulged in the three-course £32.95 deal, which included a light bite, Flat Iron steak, a side, and a choice of sauce or butter, along with a selection of desserts. Not limited to steak lovers, patrons can swap the Flat Iron for a steak burger at no additional charge or upgrade to a different cut of steak for a supplementary fee.

For “lite bites,” We ordered halloumi fries and garlic mushrooms, beautifully served with a balsamic drizzle and leafy garnish. The halloumi fries were perfectly cooked, super tasty and free of the notorious rubbery texture—while the garlic mushrooms were flavourful without being overwhelmingly garlicky.

For mains, we upgraded to sirloin and fillet steaks. When our steaks arrived, they were a sensory spectacle, artfully presented on rustic wooden boards. Choosing medium rare without blood (something new for us) was an epiphany, as the steaks were expertly cooked, tender, and full of juicy flavour. My dining companion’s creamy peppercorn sauce was velvety and nuanced, while my flamed black garlic butter, torched to perfection before our eyes, infused the fillet with an irresistible charred taste.

Dessert is essential for those with a sweet tooth like me. I chose the biscoff-topped sundae, while my guest opted for sticky toffee pudding. Both desserts were indulgent finales to our feast, leaving us satisfyingly full yet eagerly anticipating our return.

With personable staff and a relaxed atmosphere, combined with convenient parking, Top Blade

Steakhouse is more than just a restaurant; it’s a delightful journey for the senses. After this exceptional experience, we look forward to our next visit with great excitement.

Top Blade Belfast Unit 5, St.Anne’s Square, Belfast, BT1 2LD belfast@topblade.co.uk 07754 476562

8 Mandeville Street, Portadown, BT62 3NZ portadown@topblade.co.uk 07354 838595

New Location Coming Soon!

A new restaurant location will be opening later this year. Keep an eye out for more details!

Review by Gary Campion