The lack of good quality Mediterranean food was something restauranteurs have finally clocked onto here in Cayman, and as such Aria is yet another new eatery looking to fill a gap in the market. Was it any good? Time to find out...
Ideal for:
Those traditional Med appetizers that go down a treat.
When you want a nice setting for lunch or dinner.
Large friends or family gatherings.
Ambience & Décor
Aria was a large space both inside and out, making it perfect for social gatherings. The décor was reminiscent of the Greek Islands, especially Santorini, with the white, cream, and blue trifecta. This décor made Aria look and feel bright and vibrant. There were Greek tiles plastered around the venue to add to the authenticity. The large space created a good vibe for a weekend lunch.
Service
I thought the service was punctual at the start, but they lost their efficiency by the end. Our waiter was delightful, and really tried, but I felt he was overawed.
Food
Decided to try a selection of small plates to ensure the most complete review. The Iberico Croquetas (see above) was a delicious start. The gooey rich bechamel paired perfectly with the salty ham and tangy salsa. The portion of Spanakopita (see above) was plentiful, but the phyllo casing was too greasy, and I could not taste the spinach & feta filling. The roasted pepper yoghurt sauce was the highlight. The Lamb Kebab (see left) was perfectly cooked, flavoured, and juicy. The smokiness from the charcoal really gave the kebab an edge and the harissa accompaniment were spot on – really brought the heat. For carbs, the Mediterranean Potatoes (see above) were scrumptious – plenty of strong flavours from the garlic and rosemary. Crispy on the outside, and fluffy within. The Horiatiki (see above) salad (which was effectively a Greek Salad with bell peppers) was a lovely light fresh finale to this Mediterranean feast. Aria was the most authentic Mediterranean restaurant I have tried in Cayman. The food was good quality but quite expensive for the portion – something had to give for such an upmarket décor. As such, Aria gets a B rating.
Photos of Aria Cayman and more can be found on Instagram here.
Final grade: B
Final comment: A good quality authentic meal that you certainly pay for.
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