STEAK and Greek food might seem like a bizarre mixture, but judging how popular Colchester’s Bella Pais was, it clearly works.

We were lucky to get a table when we turned up having not booked – and that was at 9pm on a Wednesday, so hardly peak time. 

We were welcomed and shown a table quickly. The seating was a little packed in, but there was a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and so this didn’t impact on the meal at all. There were a couple of larger parties who were a little rowdy, but this didn’t detract either.

The restaurant is a bit of a Tardis. It is well furnished with a homely feel. 

The drinks menu was well presented and contained a good selection, including traditional beers.

We had the calamari Bella Pais and keftedhes to start. The keftedhes – Greek style meat balls – were delicious. The spicy sauce complemented them very well and they were juicy with lovely seasoning. The calamari was also a hit. There was a generous amount of squid in a rich sauce. Both portion sizes were plentiful.

For main courses, we enjoyed lamb kleftico and lamb tava. One of the best things about Greek food is the lamb – I expect it to be falling off the bone and moist. The kleftico at Bella Pais was one of the best I have eaten. It came with a choice of potatoes – I chose sautéed and there was a very generous portion of them. There was lots of lamb on the bone. Our waiter had said he would do us a Greek salad each with our mains – adding feta cheese and olives. This was a lovely addition, but I did think he was a bit cheeky to charge us an extra £2 per portion without informing us beforehand.

My boyfriend enjoyed the tava, having originally been tempted with the lamb kebabs. The waiter advised him to go with the tava as it was more traditional and nicer – I thought this was a nice gesture but my boyfriend put it down to the tava being several pounds more expensive. Either way, he didn’t regret making the change.

The portions were plentiful, with neither of us being able to finish the food. We were offered a dessert menu, but we had to decline sadly.

Overall, the food, service and atmosphere was brilliant. I would definitely visit again.

KIRSTY HOUGH

Bella Pais, St John's Street, Colchester

The bill:

Calamari Bella Pais – £6.90
Keftedhes – £6.80
Lamb kleftico – £18.50
Tava – £18.50
(Lamb kebabs – 15.90)

The verdict:

Atmosphere 5/5

Food 5/5

Decor 4/5

Value 4/5

Service 5/5

Disabled access? Yes