The Alliance MLA was speaking after two threatened staff at the restaurant in Ballyhackamore just before 9am. They made off with a sum of money in a blue Ford Kuga driven by a third man.
East Belfast MLA Mrs Cochrane said: “To threaten anyone in this manner is disgraceful. Those who carried out this robbery offer nothing to our society. It is a worrying development, especially following a number of recent break-ins in the area.
“Ballyhackamore has a thriving business community and I hope this robbery does not dissuade more retailers from investing there in future.
“I am thankful no-one was hurt during this incident and hope the members of staff threatened are able to get over what must have been a traumatic experience. I would urge anyone with information on this to contact police immediately.