Metropolitan Bar and Restaurant
Burgers to suit all tastes
The modern hamburger has become associated with fast food and an unhealthy diet. But, health-conscious diners can visit the Metropolitan Bar and Restaurant – on the Larnaca-Dhekelia Road opposite the Beau Rivage Hotel – and indulge in burgers made with “no cereals, no gunge” and “real meat” to enjoy this most satisfying of foods with no qualms.
Burgers have been a part of our diet since the days of the ancient Romans, where the concept of ‘going out for a burger’ has its origins. A home-made burger is always appealing and there is something intrinsically pleasurable about eating with one’s hands.
The Metropolitan exudes a cosmopolitan feel with a relaxed style and an air of simplicity and cleanliness. Wooden tables and painted chairs contribute to a homely yet modern eatery. Smooth, cappuccino-coloured walls are juxtaposed with decorative stone and warm tones. Subtle lighting and striped or rainbow-chequered upholstery in soft hues, with clear and frosted glass displaying the Metropolitan logo, all convey a restful but contemporary look. You could expect a restaurant such as this in a busy city, but here it is a mere stone’s throw from the sea.
A bubbly, helpful waitress saw to our every whim – from the ordering of food to making sure we were warm and comfortable.
We could have started with Today’s Soup, Garlic Bread with or without cheese, or Tomato and Feta Bruschetta (£1.95 each) but chose the Garlic Mushrooms (£2.95), and Lamb Kofta (£3.55) – both were flavoursome and well presented. We were impressed with the (S) sign displayed alongside many of the entries on the main menu meaning unlimited salad. The big, white bowls beckoned and we visited the salad bar, impressed with the fresh selections on offer. Reverse psychology works, as instead of filling your salad bowl to the brim, here you put in only what you really feel you can eat knowing that you can return at any time – well it worked for me!
My eyes whizzed through some of the main menu selections… Spaghetti Carbonara, Bolognaise, Tagliatelle with vegetables and Mozzarella, Ravioli Napolitana; a Main Salad from the salad bar (unlimited), Tuna Nicoise, Seafood Salad, Chicken and Smoked Bacon Caesar, Grilled Marinated Chicken Salad – breast of chicken “grilled to perfection” accompanied by marinated red peppers, pine nuts and feta tossed in balsamic dressing; Salmon Cajun Salad – spicy southern-style salmon steak for those who like things hot, and of course, the burgers.
“Only prime meat is used to make these giant home-made, mouth-watering burgers,” the menu states. Choices include the Metropolitan Classic; Mexican 100% prime beef burger, topped with guacamole, Jalapeno peppers, tomato salsa, and soured cream; Pork Burger with Apple Chutney, succulent pork with a generous helping of special apple chutney; tender cuts of lamb, marinated in rosemary, then minced to create a Lamb Burger; Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Burger, whole chicken breast marinated in herbs of the Med, with or without halloumi; and for vegetarians a Spicy Bean Burger claiming to “tempt even meat eaters to try this tasty meal”.
Evidently, an impressive selection of food was on offer. Metropolitan is proud of its “healthy” burgers and my partner’s 50 per cent Irish genes screamed out when they saw “The Irish” – made with succulent pork, black pudding and bacon. His burger was juicy and meaty, served in a soft bread bun – with chips, of course.
The menu’s clarity and honesty was commendable with imported ingredients in the fish section revealed by an asterisk, such as the Grilled Salmon, with white wine and orange sauce. Except burgers and specials, anything on the main menu can also be ordered as a half portion/half price for kids, while a good, basic selection of wines, local and imported, is available. They also do an all-day Sunday roast starting from midday.
I had to have the Cajun Chicken (£6.95), served on a bed of couscous with a yoghurty-garlicky sauce and even though I mistakenly expected a burger to arrive I was not disappointed – it was a wonderful meal which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Our meal reached a praise-worthy finale with home-made Hot Apple Pie (£2.20), and a steaming Chocolate Volcano (£3.50), both served alongside smooth vanilla ice cream. A fitting end to a delicious meal.
VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALITY Home-made burgers
WHERE 1 Spartis Street, Dhekelia Road, Pyla
CONTACT 24646262
PRICE 3-course dinner for two with wine from £25
