Orion Restaurant Review

10/10

Orion Restaurant Review

Faliraki, Rhodes, Greece
23 - 28 July 2012

Over the cource of the days I resided at the Orion Hotel in Faliraki, I ate several of my meals at this conveniently placed restaurant. One reason was that the restaurant offers a 10% discount if the Hotel key is presented, making it one of the less costly alternatives next to eating bread or snacks bought at one of the many small shops throughout the town. The second reason for dining at this restaurant was the ambience. The staff is always welcoming and pleasant, and often remember several details mentioned in passing about the returning guests. The final and most important reason I returned so often to this restaurant was the food, which is very good.

The Chicken Curry was well seasoned, and came with rice and chips.

The Soutzoukakia(don't ask me to pronounce it) had excellent texture, the meat balls crumbled in the mouth but not on the fork, and the spicy sauce was strong but not overpowering. it came with rice and steamed vegetables.

The Lamb Exohiko fell apart in the mouth, and the sauce made it water. The cheese covering it served to seal in the flavour. It was served with rice and steamed vegetables.

The Chicken Gyros was well prepeared with each ingredient placed separately on the plate, allowing for the exclusion of one or another. The bread was very good, and not too moist or dry. It came with salad, tzatziki and chips.

Orion Chicken must be one of the specialities of the restaurant, as it still makes my mouth water just thinking of it. The chicken fillet was grilled to perfection, then topped with onions and mushrooms, covered with cheese and warmed some more. The melted cheese lid sealed in the juices, leaving only one way for them to go; into the meat, mixing the flavours. It came with chips and steamed vegetables.

The Garlic Bread had a good crunch to it, and though it had a thin layer of cheese on top which seems to be a recurring ingredient in the meals, the garlic flavour came through without being overpowering.

The Chocolate Gateu was among the best puddings I have had the fortune of sampling, but has some peanut on it. If you have allergies then this is something you need to address or avoid. It came with either ice cream or whipped cream.

The Cheese Cake is without a doubt the best I have had. The pie crust on the bottom falls apart, but not before it leaves the fork. The creamy cheese maintains its form and rigidity until it enters the mouth, at which point it melts deliciously. Topping the cake is a layer of pitless cherries, and cherry syrup which is very literally the cherry on top. It comes with ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

There is overall a very decent selection, and even has a German translation of the menu. Preparation time was acceptable and hygiene appeared to be good.

At the end of the meal, the adults may be given a shot of a sweet alcohol complimentary with their bill.

As a general warning, I should inform you that there are several stray cats and dogs in the area who will try to beg for scraps through windows or balcony doors. If you wish to remain on friendly terms with the staff you should not feed the animals!

I know that when I return to this area, I will definitely eat at this restaurant again.