Dining alfresco at Cyprus Avenue
Saturday, May 1, 2021
First meal out after lockdown was to Cyprus Avenue in East Belfast. Fabulous food, service and atmosphere with a fantastic range of local produce featured in the menu.
Such a treat to be dining out again in Cyprus Avenue, one of my favourite spots! The perfect place for a much needed fun outing with good friends after a long period of lockdown!
Normally, I love the atmosphere inside the restaurant. I have visited many times and for many different occasions- sedate family Sunday lunches, birthday meals, cocktail fuelled catch ups with friends and many more. Obviously with current restrictions, we are limited to outside dining but the team at Cyprus Avenue have very successfully made the outside area comfortable, inviting and as warm as possible.
Happily the sun was shining on us as we indulged in Prosecco and perused the menu and enjoyed a long overdue laugh and catchup! A sharing plate of breads, hop butter and tapenade (£5.00) just kept the hunger at bay!
After some consideration, I chose the Crispy duck pancakes with mandarin & Burren Balsamic marmalade (£7.00) to start and I have to say, it was delicious and a very generous portion. I loved every bite.
For my main, I decided to go veggie, as I often do. The root vegetable salad with jumbo cous cous, grilled haloumi, falafel and pomegranate dressing (£13.00) just jumped off the menu at me and I had to try it. It really didn’t disappoint. The flavours and textures just worked together beautifully. Anything with haloumi is a total winner for me!
I’m normally a food sharer and love nothing more than splitting dishes. During a global pandemic, this just isn’t appropriate, so I just had to admire everyone else’s dishes at an appropriate distance. You can see the whole menu here.
We also enjoyed a cocktail jug aptly named “The Pain Killer”. Pineapple, orange, white rum, coconut & bitters, totally delicious. This should come with a warning- it’s so easy to drink, you will definitely want more!
This was a perfect way to come out of lockdown. Great food, good company, a warm welcome and excellent service. I can’t wait for my next visit (I’ve already booked a table)!
About Cyprus Avenue
Owner, Richard McCracken opened the doors of Cyprus Avenue in 2016 in a renovated derelict building nestled amongst the tree lined streets of Ballyhackamore village. Within a year, the restaurant proved so popular that they expanded into the adjoining building.
Open 7 days a week from 9am till late Cyprus Avenue is a venue for all occasions. Spilling out on the Upper Newtownards Road with a fully covered heated terrace it makes for the perfect destination whether you’re in the mood for 3 courses or a morning coffee whilst people watching.
The menu is dictated by the seasons and portraits of the local suppliers who furnish the restaurant with their produce adorn the walls. The food is very much eclectic, drawing on the travels and influences of the staff allowing for a constantly evolving varied menu with something to please everyone.
Supporting local producers
One of the things I love most about Cyprus Avenue is their passionate support of local food producers. During lockdown, they even opened a corner shop to sell their products alongside pizzas and cook at home meals.
Producers that feature in their dishes and shop include some of my favourites alongside a wide range of top quality local produce:
Long Meadow Cider Read about my visit to Long Meadow Cider here.
Burren Balsamics Check out my recipe for sticky honey, soy & Burren Balsamic shallots here.
Abernethy Butter Read about my homemade wheaten bread topped with Abernethy Butter here.
Freebird Tea I met Freebird Tea at a series of events in London, showcasing the food and drink of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Council area. Read more here.
Broighter Gold Oils Check out my Feta & Pomegranate salad made with Broighter Gold oil here.
Clandeboye Yoghurt Read about my visit to Clandeboye Yoghurt here.
Mikes Fancy Cheese MFC was one of the local producers showcased at the Moira Speciality Food Fair- read more here.
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That food looks gorgeous
Thanks for the comment Elaine- it was gorgeous!
looks fab- must try this next time I am in Belfast
Hi Sharon- I can recommend it fully
I love Cyprus Avenue- cant wait to go back
Hi Sarah- I agree- its a great spot!