Popular eatery has top quality food at great price
THE TASTE TEAM CHECKS OUT THE TROY MEZE BAR
IT’S never a bad sign to be sat in a restaurant early on a Friday night, listening to the owner having to turn away dozens of people because it’s full.
But that’s exactly what happened to us when we visited Troy Meze Bar on Wellfield Road in Cardiff one wet and miserable evening.
Having been a firm favourite, slap bang in the middle of one of the city’s busiest roads, the eatery had made the big decision to move less than a mile around the corner, from City Road to Wellfield Road in Roath.
After 13 years in its old location, it’s now based in the foodie capital of the area, littered with highly-rated restaurants, with everything on offer, from Italian at Anantoni’s Pizzeria to Japanese food at Sushi Life.
We sat opposite the open grill, brought over from the former restaurant.
Adorned with pictures and Kurdish decor, topped off with a mural made of tiles spelling out Troy, the restaurant felt like home – albeit a little bit sharper and smarter in appearance to the last restaurant.
We settled down with a glass of rose wine, at £3.95, and Efes beer, at £3.10. Part of the reason Troy had moved was so they could serve alcohol and increase sales.
After looking at all the dishes on offer, we opted for the hot mezze starter for two – a perfect way to try a little bit of a lot that was on offer – for £8.50.
As well as fresh hummus, we were also treated to two Muska Boregipastry filled with feta cheese and parsley, two falafel, two slices of halloumi and two vegetable rolls.
We also were given fresh, hot bread with two dips – one creamy sauce with a hint of garlic, and a more tomato based sauce with a fiery kick to it – as well as a bowl of fresh olives.
Not only was it incredible value, but the food was stunning.
The hummus was smooth, fresh and light, the vegetable rolls had a crisp to them, and a kick at the end. The hallumi was light, flavourful but also rich and the pastries were delightful.
The starter was an absolute dream and it’s a plate of food I could eat time and time again.
After the success of the starter, it was onto the mains. I opted for the mixed shish, consisting of one chicken kebab and one lamb kebab served with rice and a salad – for £9.95.
My partner went for the mixed grill, which came with a lamb beyti, lamb chops, half a skewer of chicken shish and two chicken wings, for £12.50.
After watching the meat cooked on the open-top grill next to us, the plates arrived quickly after we finished eating our starters and bread, but we didn’t feel rushed.
Although it may not have been presented in the most stylish way, the taste of the food on the dish was nothing short of incredible.
The chicken, which can be dry and hard to cook on a grill without drying it out, was moist. The lamb, too, was full of flavour. The rice was far from bland, with the fresh and crisp salad offering a welcome retreat from the meat and carbs on the plate.
At first hesitant perhaps to have dessert, we saw the two offerings on the menu and decided we just had to try them.
We went for the baklava and the Greek yogurt with honey and nuts, both at £4.50 each.
The Greek yogurt was a fresh dish after a relatively heavy starter and main. Light as anything, and sweet as it should be, it was an absolute treat.
Soaked in syrup, the baklava’s pastry was not heavy or stodgy, but light and flavourful.
Washed down with an apple tea, at £1 a glass, it was the perfect end to a perfect evening.
Our bill came to £47.05 – an absolute bargain for the amount of food and drink we consumed. We were even given some Turkish delight when we paid.
Troy Meze Bar may have moved, but it hasn’t lost its charm at all.
Full of character, serving stunning dishes and with top-notch customer service, it’s a welcome addition to Wellfield Road.
No wonder people were queuing at the door.
Just make sure you book...
■ Troy Meze Bar, 15 Wellfield Road, Cardiff CF24 3NZ. Tel: 029 2049 9339