Cedar Restaurant — Restaurant in Northern Ireland

Eaten at Cedar a few times and have never been disappointed. So I booked this restaurant for a private party on one of their closed Sundays and we had the whole place to ourselves.

The owners were visiting family in Lebanon when I enquired by text but Berna could not have been more helpful. Menu choices were decided, costs were discussed and numbers were finalised quickly and easily so the party could go ahead on their return.

The night itself was the most incredible event. At my request a family style meza was provided to the whole table allowing us to sample a wide range of hot and cold dishes as a group and to simply spend our time chatting and laughing whilst dipping and sharing a food experience. Everyone agreed the food was plentiful and delicious and the serving staff were proactive and courteous. There was nothing too much trouble throughout.

In celebration of the occasion I was provided with the princess headwear and other guests were encouraged to don hats and robes for a truly Lebanese atmosphere. There was traditional music and the invite to dance with waiter Ahmed, a truly lively and vibrant guy, who created a very fun participation without intimidating or embarrassing any of the guests. People laughed and clapped and got involved in a way that was very authentic to Middle Eastern culture of family celebrations. Kitchen staff came out to join the dancing and it was such a delight to see the genuine enjoyment.

As the host I loved every minute. The food was phenomenal, the restaurant looked inviting, warm and really classy. My guests were all in fine fettle and it was outstanding night. Forever memorable. Thank you...

The online menu, which I had perused prior to my arrival, could only be described as underwhelming, with options so limited they seemed more akin to a snack menu than a proper dining experience.

The starters, in particular, were daylight robbery. Not only were they lacking in flavor, but their presentation was equally uninspiring. Take, for instance, the Taboula, which, according to tradition, should have featured finely chopped parsley. Instead, what I received could be best described as a handful of parsley "clips" thrown haphazardly into a miniature bowl, for the princely sum of £5.99. The spinach fatayer, a mere pair for £6.99, was equally disappointing in taste and filling.

As for the main courses, they veered toward the side of overpricing, though the taste did manage to salvage some degree of satisfaction.

Authentic Lebanese cuisine, however, is a label that Ceder should steer clear of. It appears they may be attempting to cater to local palates, but authenticity is a distant memory here.

The restaurant's atmosphere didn't do much to improve matters, as the closely packed tables left diners with just enough space to squeeze between them, leaving no room for privacy. A rather claustrophobic experience, to say the least.

In sum, my time at Ceder felt like a brazen daylight heist, and I would be hard-pressed to recommend it to anyone seeking an "authentic" Lebanese culinary adventure. Authenticity, it seems, has gone on an extended...

We visited Fri 13th Sept. We'd been meaning to try here for so long but never got around to it. Booked via WhatsApp which was very handy and responses prompt.

Upon entry we were greeted with a very warm welcome from the Hostess. The setting/decor is lovely. The music was fitting. We felt they have achieved the goal of transporting you to another country with the overall vibe.

The Share starters were very tasty and a great way to try a variety of options rather than committing to one dish. We also enjoyed our Mains. Tasty, new flavours and worth noting everything felt light and healthy, with the absence of rich sauces etc, which was refreshing for us as part of a new dining experience.

They dont serve alcohol but you can bring your own with a very reasonable corkage fee and your drinks are conveniently placed by your table in an ice bucket to open at your leisure.

We would definitely recommend Ceder if you fancy something new and are willing to break your comfort zone from the usual local style of Bistro food.

The service was absolutely fantastic and the owners interacting briefly with the customers is a lovely touch, although not...