Cyma… that name reminds me so much of a vacation in Boracay back in 2007… a vacation I was never able to make for some reason.
My good friends Joh and Mark told me to check out the place when I get the chance to go to Bora as when they went there a year earlier they had nothing but praises for the sumptuous food they had there. I was warned that it was quite pricey but it was so worth it (daw). THAT was to be my number one thing to do when I was supposed to take that trip that year.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans for me that weekend. Sigh, discounted plane tickets gone to waste. Bah!
Fast forward a year and a half later and voila, Cyma opens its third branch in the country in my home turf of Cebu.
The Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu is now turning out to be a culinary destination for discriminating food enthusiasts like myself (and of course, the other Pakalistas).
I mean, I’m no expert at describing and criticizing the food I eat but I do know how to recognize when my tongue touches something delectable and my senses feel all tingly because of something good that just went down to my stomach.
On the first day that Cyma had its (soft) opening to the public, my friends Joh and Mark immediately texted me to go to Ayala Cebu as they reserved us a table for 11:30 am. Yes, they are obviously die-hard fans of the place.
That morning, the three of us along with two more friends, Benson and Doris, experienced what I believe is top-notch Greek-infused culinary sensations for the sophisticated Pakalista (lol). Here’s what we had:
Sampler Appetizer
Lamb Gyros
Flaming Cheese
Salad
Seafood Pasta
Moussaka
Mahi-mahi
For the sampler appetizer, the Mezedes (bread) went well with the Tzatziki and Melitzanosalata dips in my opinion. The salad was also superb, unfortunately I couldn’t remember which one it was among those on the menu… all I know is its not the Horiatiki nor the Cyma Ceasar salad.
I’d also recommend the Hirine Brizola (Grilled Pork Chops), the Mahi-Mahi, and the Moussaka. Although I actually have no complaints with everything I’ve tried out at the place so far… the food is fantastic.
I had imagined a more restrictive, intimidating ambiance when J&M told me that the food was pricey but no, Cyma actually has a relaxed atmosphere. The food come in white plates and are served by waiters and waitresses who are very accommodating and who really know what they are serving. Order the flaming cheese and prepare to be startled with the crew’s “Opa!” haha. The service was excellent.
Average cost per person would be about P400 - P600 if you dine there. For someone who was on a tight budget last December (I’m talking about me), the whole experience made me ask myself if it was worth spending so much for one lunchtime meal. Believe it or not, I thought it certainly was. Loved the food! I highly recommend the place! In fact, I couldn’t wait to go back again.
Soon enough, two weeks later to be precise, I went back. But I’ll let expert reviewer Fedge deliver the review for that second round.
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January 22nd, 2009 at 3:24 am
yum yum! let’s go back there!
January 27th, 2009 at 12:27 am
errr… lami lagi ang seafood pasta sa picshyur… ighuman nimo kaon, buk-on sad nimo ang plato? OPA!!!
February 6th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I wish Cafe Mediterranean would open a restaurant in Cebu. Competition would be nice.
March 28th, 2009 at 1:07 am
how much does the moussaka and mahi mahi cost?
March 31st, 2009 at 9:45 am
(Just my opinion) Dli man appetizing tanawon ang food. hehe.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:04 am
Yumeee! I’ll be dining there soon… hehehe!
May 30th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
the moussaka costs Php 250.00 and the mahi-mahi fillet is sold at Php.230
May 30th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
no wonder that cyma greek estiatorio is one of the best restaurants in town! aside from serving delectable greek cuisine, only in this resto that i met wonderful servers. the foods are great and the service is awesome…With their big servings, this place is truly a place to visit.But there are few things i would like to suggest, they need a bigger space to cater all their guests. Gettin’ a table is really difficult especially during weekend..But over-all a big O for Cyma…OPA!
December 27th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
the pasta is the baby clams, its so good. i cant give a positive comment on their dips but their pita bread pales all other pita bread. you should have tasted their paidakia (lamp chop), nothing compares to it.
January 30th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
my family used to have weekend dinner to any restaurant of our choice and this time to Cyma. Surprisingly, it’s a Saturday night and there were only 6-7 tables that were occupied. Our food took too long, despite the fact that they had only very few guests to attend. I had the salmon plank which the waiter suggested. But to my disappointment, it was not cooked properly, that when i cut it, I could still touch the frozen part and the smell was truly disgusting.With this experience, never will we go back to CYMA.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:45 am
mao ba?good to know that!so, we will be warned.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
wow cno me ari ny cyma,ang sarap kaya lang mahal eh.wala bang pinoy food ha.gusto ko talaga lahat ng food eh
March 14th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
1 of my favorites in pi!