Sometimes the picture you have in your head of a restaurant just doesn’t end up tallying with the real deal.
For some reason, admittedly through a lack of research and probably due to the name, when I decided to pop in to Deli on the Green in Dungannon for a quick lunch and review what was on offer, I had in my head that it was something similar to a sandwich shop cafe.
That’s why I was really surprised when I walked in to see a really modern, trendy look that could easily be mistaken for an upmarket cocktail bar in Dublin or London.
And I have to say - I enjoyed it as it’s not the type of setting you typically find across many eateries in Co Tyrone.
The lunch menu was fairly extensive, lots of what could be described as pub grub classics like burgers, fish and chips as well as curry and noodle dishes as well.
So while the decor might have you feeling like you’re in Manhattan, the food is a lot of home comforts done well.
I went for a large portion of salted chilli chicken, which came with chips and a napa slaw and spicy mayo.
Sometimes with a salted chilli chicken it can be too salty or greasy, but this one was right on the money and went really well with the slaw and the mayo.
It was maybe a little more expensive than your average lunch, but the portion size was generous and as my wallet has heard plenty in recent weeks - sure it’s Christmas!
I have to mention the staff as well - while the Covid-19 vaccine passport system for hospitality had not yet become enforceable, they were getting ahead of the game.
I was asked to produce my CovidCertNI app upon entry and as far as I could see so was everyone else, and they did so with no disruption or fuss at all.
The service in general was very professional, even though things were busy. It was lunchtime on a Thursday and I was fortunate enough to get the last table available.
All in all I was pretty impressed and pleasantly surprised by Deli on the Green, and I’ll be sure to make a return visit in the near future!
