Cylla is the only restaurant in Birmingham that dares to be different, its Greek culinary odyssey a refreshing respite from the sea of bland chain restaurants that dominate the city's dining scene.
As you enter this beautifully designed eatery, your eyes are drawn to the gorgeous private booths at the front - a perfect spot for those seeking some peace and quiet amidst the bustle. The staff is warm, bright and commanding with an encyclopedic knowledge of Greek cuisine, making even the most skeptical diner feel at ease.
The 'Poseidon's Wrath' cocktail is an invigorating concoction that sets the tone for the meal to come - a delicious blend of vodka, vermouth, piney mastiha, seaweed and kalamata olive brine. For those seeking something sweeter, Aphrodite's Bloom is a lovely treat, reminiscent of the golden hour.
The prawn saganaki was excellent, with plump king prawns cooked to perfection in a well-balanced garlic and ouzo tomato sauce. A basket of warm homemade bread is an essential accompaniment to any Greek meal.
However, not all dishes are created equal - the lamb baklava was less impressive than expected, lacking a certain je ne sais quoi that sets great pastry apart from merely good.
It's the beef fat potatoes that truly set Cylla apart however. These majestic spuds boast an exterior crispy with beef fat and interior fluffy like mashed potato. It's an unadulterated masterpiece - maybe even the best potato side dish served in the UK today.
The Karidopita walnut dessert, though visually stunning, was a nice finale to an otherwise flawless meal.
As you enter this beautifully designed eatery, your eyes are drawn to the gorgeous private booths at the front - a perfect spot for those seeking some peace and quiet amidst the bustle. The staff is warm, bright and commanding with an encyclopedic knowledge of Greek cuisine, making even the most skeptical diner feel at ease.
The 'Poseidon's Wrath' cocktail is an invigorating concoction that sets the tone for the meal to come - a delicious blend of vodka, vermouth, piney mastiha, seaweed and kalamata olive brine. For those seeking something sweeter, Aphrodite's Bloom is a lovely treat, reminiscent of the golden hour.
The prawn saganaki was excellent, with plump king prawns cooked to perfection in a well-balanced garlic and ouzo tomato sauce. A basket of warm homemade bread is an essential accompaniment to any Greek meal.
However, not all dishes are created equal - the lamb baklava was less impressive than expected, lacking a certain je ne sais quoi that sets great pastry apart from merely good.
It's the beef fat potatoes that truly set Cylla apart however. These majestic spuds boast an exterior crispy with beef fat and interior fluffy like mashed potato. It's an unadulterated masterpiece - maybe even the best potato side dish served in the UK today.
The Karidopita walnut dessert, though visually stunning, was a nice finale to an otherwise flawless meal.
The way they balance all those Greek flavors is on point. I mean, who knew seaweed and kalamata olive brine could be so good together? 
And that beef fat potatoes... game. changer. Like, what's their secret ingredient? 
Those king prawns saganaki were cooked to perfection too! But, yeah, the lamb baklava was a bit of a letdown - needs more love 
Still, the atmosphere and service are top notch 
Can't wait to go back and try more of their creative dishes 
They're really pushing the boundaries of traditional Greek cuisine and adding their own twist to it. I mean, who wouldn't want to try a beef fat potato dish? 
I'm definitely gonna have to check this place out ASAP. 
! Their private booths are so elegant and comfy, it's like you're in a little Greek paradise 
! And the prawn saganaki? To die for 
. But, gotta say, those beef fat potatoes are LIFE.CHANGING 
. Still, an incredible meal overall and def worth the visit 
still 10/10 from me tho 
. Anyway, Cylla's got me curious to try it out and see if I can become a fan of Greek cuisine too! 
. And don't even get me started on the lamb baklava, it was just meh 
. But those beef fat potatoes tho? 
. Still, it was definitely worth the trip. 9/10 would go back
i need to try them ASAP! how do they make them so fluffy on the inside? is it like, a special recipe or something? 
but have you seen the prices?! It's like they're charging customers per Instagram post 
! I mean, who can afford £20 for a side dish?! That's just unfair to the average Joe. And what about the inequality in wages? The staff seems well-trained, but are they getting a fair share of the profits?! It raises questions about corporate social responsibility and how it affects local communities. Not to mention, it makes me wonder if this is just a gentrification attempt by the city's elite...