Luna is one of our favourite Ballyhack bistros, which opened on the Upper Newtownards Road last October, and we were delighted to have been invited along to try dishes from the new menu, and also to experience the upstairs Luna Lounge, serving excellent cocktails, small plates and pinchos.
Luna champions the finest local produce, the menus are seasonal, and the dishes are contemporary in style, or with unique twists on traditional favourites.
We started our evening upstairs in Luna Lounge, enjoying beautifully fresh Carlingford Oysters, Beef Tartare Tartlets, & Pea Arancini to accompany a glass of Crémant or the ultimate aperitif, a Dry Martini. This cosy cocktail bar is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a post prandial night-cap!
We then descended to the dining room where we were served “Five Little Plates” from the fabulous new menu including Pan Seared King Scallop with hints of saffron & cauliflower, Beetroot Carpaccio with blood orange sprinkled with Toonsbridge Goats Cheese & walnut brittle, and a Pan Roasted Halibut with crushed potato & a zingy, citrus crème fraiche.
To follow, a perfectly pink Roast Duck Breast with rosemary potatoes, rhubarb, peas, & a red wine jus, or for pescatarians (the fish dishes at Luna are first rate) a beautifully cooked Fillet of Coley with a golden potato terrine.
And finally, a richly indulgent Chocolate Crèmeux with toffee popcorn, a chocolate shard, salted caramel, & a drizzle of olive oil, followed by a “Luna Surprise”, the cheese course: Manchego, Honey, Apple, Crackers and……Ground Coffee! This was a unique and utterly addictive way to enjoy this Spanish sheep’s milk cheese. The sweetness of the honey and the bitterness of the coffee beans paired perfectly with the slightly salty cheese. Sensational, especially when accompanied by a shot of blood orange “Lunacello”!
With flawless service, a superb tasting menu, and excellent wines sponsored by Spiritly Belfast, Luna’s passion for great hospitality is abundantly evident, and the team is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience in East Belfast.
Restaurant website HERE
