The time had come for Chris to go off on his drumming adventures and so to keep me sweet and happy, he booked a treat for us – a table for 2 at Saphyre on the Lisburn Road.
This has been on my to-do list since we tried The Vestry a year or two back – see: https://tablefor2belfast.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/singing-the-vestrys-praises/
Both The Vestry and Saphyre are part of the same building and one looks into the other. It is based in a beautifully converted church off the Lisburn Road. The rest of this building is used as a real treat of an interior design store by Kris Turnbull – I always like to walk through this way into The Vestry just to dream about what my home could one day look like!
The beautiful interior design is carried through into both Saphyre and The Vestry – even when you go to the toilet you feel like you are being transported into a plush exotic land.
Saphyre is a little bit special and I did deliberate over my outfit for the evening, however when you get there, you will find there was no need to stress. The restaurant was filled with a real variety of people and styles – no strict dress code, everyone is welcome here, so feel free to go in nice jeans and a tidy top.
The service from start to finish was great. This is terrible for two people who love their food and eating out, but normally we are in and out of a restaurant in about an hour – having an average of two dishes each. It is a running joke for us.
In Saphyre however, it couldn’t have been more different. We were there for over two hours and it really didn’t feel like it. We had 2 courses each followed by a dessert to share and a few drinks. We werent rushed and the courses were perfectly spaced out, so we could chat in between and prepare for what was coming out next.
We didn’t feel overwhelmed by the waiters and waitresses but were closely kept an eye on by everyone, including the front of house.
The only fault I had with the whole evening was where we were sitting. If anyone knows the layout, we were sitting on the tables at the section just leading into The Vestry. I had my back to The Vestry so it didn’t matter as much to me, but for Chris , as they didn’t pull the curtain between the two venues, it meant his view was looking into an empty well lit cafe. When I asked the barman at the end why this was, he explained it was because they bring the food in from that area so by closing the curtain it was make this quite difficult for them.
I think if we were to return (actually, WHEN we return) I will ask for a seat in the main part of Saphyre.
So what about the food? With Dutch award winning chef, Joery Castel in charge, how can it go wrong! Beautifully presented and gorgeous flavours.
Now, this is a fine dining restaurant so don’t expect huge portions. Chris’s main was so delicious, he said he felt he could really do with more. This isn’t that kind of restaurant, so just prepare yourself for that.
There were thoughtful little extras – from the warm (delcious) breads, Amuse Bouche, the staff’s knowledge of everything on your plate – they talk through every little detail with , to how the waiter set each piece of cutlery carfully on the table.
The photos below will give you a bit of an idea of the quality but you really need to give this place a go to appreciate it.
Starter: Marinated Beetroot, Goats Cheese Mousse, Candied Walnuts, Truffle Honey £10 – Amazing!!
Starter: Pan Fried Chicken Rouleaux, Asparagus, Mushroom Tips, Ajo Verde £12 – not as nice as the Goats Cheese -I won!!
Main: Grilled Brill, Potato & Buttermilk Mousseline, Confit Potato, Asparagus, Irish Caviar, Spinach £21- SLIGHTLY disappointed with the lack of flavour – Chris won the main!!
Main: Himalayan Salt Chamber Dry Aged Fillet of Beef, Schezwan Butter, Beetroot & Onion Gel, Baked Beats, Red Wine Jus £28 – one of the nicest mains we have ever tasted- Chris wanted 2 more of these!
Overall we really really enjoyed our lengthy, leisurely meal at Saphyre. It wasn’t just dinner out for us, it was an evening out and we will definitely be back.
With a great mid week Pre Theatre offer on as well, this is a great opportunity to give it a try! 3 courses for £20! https://www.facebook.com/SaphyreRestaurant/
Check out their website too for full details and to book. You won’t regret it. http://www.saphyrerestaurant.com/
table for 2 belfast 