Nicosia has added a great new choice to unwind after a busy working day. Bagatelle Gardens, set in open-air and tranquil surroundings right in the heart of the capital, is perfect for a coffee, long cool drink, or a meal.The tropical island ambiance found at the Ayios Omoloyites eatery offers the perfect escape every day of the week. At the launch, the venue’s owner Michalis Ioannides, declared this is an ideal place for wining and dining in comfort throughout the summer months. By the end of the evening it was hard to disagree with him.
Bagatelle offers beautifully presented Greek and international dishes with bold flavours that are sure to satisfy the palate while the aromatic coffees and refreshing cocktails simply demand to be savoured with friends.
The menu was overseen by George Daminou, head of the Olympic chefs’ team, and prepared by Stelios Mouzakis. There is also a vast selection of local and international wines and beers.
For appetisers our table opted for the smoked salmon, buffalo mozzarella salad, avocado prawn and Bruschetta and all were divine. However, the seafood linguine, the quail and mushroom risotto and Tempura that the table next to us ordered looked very tempting.
We also shared a refreshing rocket salad with blue cheese dressing which was simply delicious.
Moving on to the main course we opted for grilled and pan-seared salmon steak served with mashed potato and grilled legumes, as well as Bagatelle Combon which is a delicious mix of seafood. The chicken souvlaki with Tandoori marinade was a delectable variation and the fact that there was nothing left on my plate of the grilled baby lamb chops served with legumes and fried potatoes tells you everything you need to know.
We tried to convince ourselves to be good and skip dessert but that plan went up in smoke when we spotted some of the dishes making their way to the other tables. How can you deny yourself panacotta with mastic, chocolate mousse, chocolate lava cake or raspberry cheesecake? Especially when you can try a piece from everyone else.
Throughout the evening the service was prompt and the highly trained and attentive staff made every effort to ensure we left content. And they succeeded.
16, Kyriakou Matsi Avenue, Nicosia.Tel 22 317870 www.bagatellegardens.com
Why go there?The food and service are excellent and the unique outdoor facilities are the perfect spot for long, hot, summer nights.
What should I wear?Comfortable and casual.
Extra tipGet the evening off to a great start with an aperitif at the bar (a converted boat).By Demetra Molyva