If there is one sure way to get me to try a restaurant, tell me it’s Mediterranean.
It doesn’t matter if it’s Greek, Moroccan, Turkish, Spanish or Italian – I want to try.
So when I discovered that there was a Mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar in Nottingham I knew I had to give it a try – not forgetting the cocktail menu available.
This might be the most beautiful bar I have ever seen in Nottingham, lit up through a collection of lamps and candles tucked into the side streets of Lace Market. Vibrant green plants have been placed next to the window to create a sense of privacy from the street, creating a the feel of intimacy in one of the cities busiest neighbourhoods.
We situated ourselves on one of the leather bound booths in the bar area, although they do have a vintage inspired restaurant for a more formal occasion.
Starting on the very exciting cocktail menu. Dino has an extensive collection to choose from (and they also have beer and wine), with cocktails being reasonably priced under £10.
These were dangerously good, with a sweet nostalgic flavour masking an alcohol flavour (although after two we certainly can confirm they do).
Then food arrived, thick cut cheesy garlic bread. Normally I am incredibly skeptical of garlic bread as it often feels overcooked and tough to eat but this portion had a crunch to the crust whilst maintaining a much needed softness in the centre.
The star of the show however, has to be the Eglefino con Rigatoni (Haddock and Tiger Prawns with Rigatoni in a cream sauce). A rich well seasoned sauce that balances against the lighter fishes of haddock and prawns. With a beautiful herb garnish to finish.
Followed up by the Sizzling Chicken Fajita’s (also available as a vegetarian version), this was a very reasonable serving size. Soft warm tortillas, chicken and peppers in a tomato sauce accompanied by cheese, guacamole, sour cream and salsa.
You get to assemble all of the components allowing for you to adjust the spice level to what you can handle. Once all of the layers had been assembled, the richer elements of tomatoes and sour cream were balanced against the fresher guacamole.
Then we tried the new cocktails, specials for March and April; Spring Spritz and New Be-gin-ings. As with all of the nights cocktails, they had a sweet nostalgic flavour.
The Spring Spritz was my favourite drink of the night, with its thicker lemony flavouring. I definitely felt that it would be perfect as the sun begins to come out through the spring.
New Be-gin-ings, my friend’s favourite, was a strawberry flavour, cut through with the slice of citrus fruit.
Overall both of us agreed after coming here we would want to return (especially for the cocktails).
Gifted
