Byzance

To reach Byzance, one goes down a sandstone staircase flanked by wrought-iron balustrades and enter a reception area featuring a wine room. The wine racks are visible through ornate wrought-iron set between vertical columns.

 

Seating is set along the walls in primarily semi-circular alcoves with high-backed upholstered benches and tables in the middle. The alcoves each have a round, stain-glass porthole window; the wooden tables are matched to wrought-iron bases and chairs vary in styles, but are all period. The lounge area is laid out with contemporary and fully upholstered sofas, period chairs and two fireplaces. Four large wooden sliding doors open to a magical view of Lonehill Lake. On various levels, door open onto individual patios which overlook the lake making it truly magnificent place to dine, weather permitting. 

 

Food has an original Mediterranean feel to it. If dining in a group, one can order a variety of meze starters; favourites include Melidsana Aubergine with onion, pine nuts, coriander and yoghurt and Potato Gnocchi sautéed with tomato chutney and goats cheese, Dolmades (rice stuffed vine-leaves with pine nut and raison salsa) and Garlic Mushrooms, button and black mushrooms, garlic tomato and parsley or Salmon and Crab, layers of smoked salmon in a crab sauce with verte vermicelli.

 

Great pride is taken in the presentation of food – desserts arrive on a tray and include profiteroles, chocolate truffles and Greek shortcake, mini brûleé, fruit platter. Rizogallo is teamed rice pudding with baked pear and saffron syrup and the Fig Parfait is complimented with hazelnut liqueur, almond waffles and Mavrodaphne Anglaise. Each dish is as fresh and delicious as the next.