The Upanga quarter of Dar es Salaam is now home to one of the city’s newest ‘bistro’ restaurants. The atmosphere of the bistro-café in France is traditionally informal and relaxed. The Belvedere cleverly manages to achieve this laid-back atmosphere but in a stylish setting which has a spacious layout together with elegant décor. Patrons can choose between alfresco dining, sofa seating around dark-wood tables or a conventional table setting. (*Sep 2016: this business is presently closed)
The polite and helpful staff efficiently took our order from the a la carte menu that has an attractive selection of offerings. Don’t skip the first course as this place has a good choice of appetizers and soups. The burnt garlic and seafood soup had a sophisticated blend of flavours combined into a rich broth with whole prawns and calamari. This outstanding soup was packed with flavour and a great start to the evening. It was accompanied by a selection of freshly baked bread, creamy butter, olives and a chilli relish. Equally impressive was the generous dish of Moroccan lamb kebabs which were rich and indulgent. The flavour-packed patties of tender meat with raisins and pine nuts came with charred tomato and a mint relish.
The main course choice of Grilled Salmon Supreme was a fine fillet flavoured with lemon and cilantro (coriander leaves). The beautiful (and substantial) piece of fish was served with vegetables and spiced crispy potatoes. An extremely enjoyable and satisfying choice. The Oven-roasted Lamb Chops which were tender, well-seasoned and tasty were also triumphant. They came as a perfectly cooked rack with glazed broccoli, steamed carrots, parmesan and mashed potato. The menu also had a selection of salads, steaks, seafood, pasta offerings and South Asian dishes.
This is an opportune moment to highlight the extensive wine list, cleverly crafted by Nick Cloete, the manager, whose South African wine knowledge is reflected in some fine choices from his homeland. These include the Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block 2013 and Warwick Professor Black 2013. The wine list is dominated by South African offerings but the bubbly selection includes many familiar Old World champagne and cava labels. There are several very respectable House Wines, like the smooth Pierre Jean Cabernet/Merlot from France and the pleasant Spier Signature Chardonnay/Pinot Noir from South Africa. All come by the bottle or glass.
If you have a sweet tooth then you can select from several interesting desserts. These range from the Tuscany Panacotta and Peanut Popcorn to a selection of Gelatos.
The bar must be commended for its splendid choice of liquers to finish the evening. There are a range of blended and single malt whiskies but also some great brandies. As a treat we rounded off this memorable meal with a glass of Van Ryn’s 12 Year Old Distiller Reserve, a rich and velvety South African brandy that perfectly complemented a meal that was both sophisticated and thoroughly satisfying.
If you live in Upanga, you now have fine dining in a welcoming setting on your doorstep. For those further afield, make the effort to find this bistro and you will be rewarded with a thoroughly relaxed evening of great food in elegant surroundings.
Belvedere Bistro
Ground Floor, Vijana Tower
Fire Station Rd (Opposite Agakhan Mzizima Secondary School)
West Upanga, Dar es Salaam
Phone: +255 687 400/+255 687 400 213
www.belvedere-bistro.com
