Rio Bravo has long been a dining staple in Limassol; if you aren’t aware of it yet, you should be. It is one of the few places there that offers Mexican cuisine, and its many years of operation means it has carved itself a niche in the market.

Priding itself on being a ‘Western Saloon’, visiting does feel like stepping out of your beautiful seaside island and into the southern ‘west’, aided by the use of wood and wooden structures which are blended with the surrounding trees. It is a great mix of the wild west and Mexican effects. Decorated with Indian figurines and dream catchers, the saloon feels homely and cosy.

As a customer at the restaurant margaritas become the core of the Rio Bravo experience. A staple accompaniment to any meal, if you are thinking of skipping it you shouldn’t. With the option of also getting them in litre and two litre jugs, there’s plenty of opportunity to overindulge.

Another favourite of mine is the dips before the meal. Why? For cheese lovers this is the only place that serves creamy cheese sauce with the nachos, as well as chilli con carne (I have visited just to get a taste of these two), rather than just sticking to the standards. Dips, served with tortilla chips, are the ideal beginning to the meal and a tasty one at that, without filling you up before the main course.

Mains are not only extremely affordable but also quite good. Being a repeat customer, I can vouch for the quality of the food remaining consistent, a key decider for frequent customers. However this is not a Cyprus restaurant that overwhelms with portion size. Tortillas, tacos and burritos consist of one serving, and while the fact they are prepared by the kitchen takes away the messiness of eating they may not be enough for those with a large appetite. My favourite is the seven-layer burrito (€5.90), from a generous range on the menu, stuffed with as many ingredients as possible, or more specifically ground beef, rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and cheese, tickling all my taste buds simultaneously.

My biggest qualm with Rio Bravo used to be its somewhat erratic service but having improved on that, it has become one of the best options in Limassol for consistently good quality food, served within a warm and comfy atmosphere. If you have yet to discover it, make sure it goes on your to do list this year.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Mexican
WHERE Rio Bravo, 5 Ariadnis Street, Moutagiaka, Limassol
CONTACT 25 310362
PRICE Burritos from €5.90, grills from €10.90

After a long day at work, sometimes all you need is the relaxed feel of a pub, a little taste of England to wash down the stress of your daily routine. This is where Shakespeare comes in. In addition, with its open embrace on football season, it’s the prime place to visit in this time of year.

The décor screams pub, it’s minimal, unphased by posed fancies allowing one to relax. The wood décor and earthy tones really bring a cosy atmosphere to life. Nevertheless being chock full of TVs it appeals to all sports lovers that just want a nice place to kick back and watch that days sporting event – whatever it may be. Its open porch deck is ideal for these upcoming months when the heat recedes but it’s still too hot to stay inside.

Drink wise there is nothing there that you would not expect from an English pub in Cyprus. It’s beer galore, without them being too outside of the box. They offer all the typical beers – from the local to the foreign. The most important aspect of the beer though is not which beer, it is that the ice cold beer never fails to please.

As far as cocktails are concerned, they once more tick all the expected boxes. Sometimes its just nice visiting and having a throwback cocktail like a Bucks Fizz, which to us in Cyprus is as British as one can get. Once more there is nothing groundbreaking to it, but it doesn’t aim at that. This is a pub of no frills, no pretenses and this is what is great about it and why customers keep going back to it.

With a rich and tasty menu to accompany your drinks, there is no better recipe for a day which calls for drinks. Shakespeare is not the fanciest, but it certainly is the most comfortable and a place where you can be yourself – and at the end of the day is there anything better than that?

Shakespeare Pub

Where: George A Str P. Yermasoyias, near Londa Hotel, Limassol

Contact: 99 615372

By Sarah Coyne

It is that time of year again when the tourist numbers start to decrease and we local residents venture back to the harbour area in Paphos. Availability of parking spaces and tables at restaurants suddenly makes it an option and for a couple of hours it is nice to feel that one is ‘on holiday’ as we mingle with the autumnal tourists. Walking along the sea front we happened on a restaurant called Grill Garage positioned among the many eating places.

Originally opened eight years ago, the restaurant is run by the charming mother and son duo of Georgia Binos and Jesse Van Rijn. Georgia’s parents were both originally from Cyprus and she returned to the island from South Africa bringing with her a South African influence on the food, and a family history in restaurants. She grew up with a love of cooking and people. Her main objective when she came to Cyprus “was to get into the market of a foreign country by offering something which was really different as a restaurant”.

This she has done at Grill Garage by offering a variety of grilled meats and dishes. The restaurant itself has a feeling of an American diner with the decor showing menus on the walls and a brightly coloured interior. There are tables inside and out. Outside they are arranged around a fountain, making the most of the view of the sea. Grill Garage is best known for the sharing platters of grilled meats which can be combined with prawns to offer a classic surf and turf. The South African effect can be seen in one of their most popular starters, the Boerewors Sausage. Another favourite starter is the fried chicken livers, which are served with onions.

On the night we dined there, the restaurant was full and we could see that by far the most popular main course dish was the sharing platter of surf and turf. So we decided to follow suit. The platter arrived with a very generous kilo of spare ribs smothered in Georgia’s special BBQ sauce (a secret family recipe) placed on a pile of freshly cooked French fries, four king prawns, chicken wings and a bowl of side salad. Napkins and finger bowls at the ready, we dived in.

My partner headed straight for the ribs and he was soon covered in delicious sauce. They were succulent and smoky, having come straight off the BBQ, and for once, had a good amount of meat on them. I headed for the prawns which were very tasty. The French fries were plentiful and hot and the salad made a good counterpoint to all the meat on offer.

All main courses are served with complimentary pitta bread and tzatziki. The meat eater at the table declared he was in food heaven! Our friend who joined us for the evening is a vegetarian and she was delighted with her dish of grilled vegetables. Vegetarians are actually well catered for in among this meat fest as there are many dishes on the menu.

All desserts are homemade and I was amazed when my partner, having demolished the best part of a kilo of ribs, found room for more. He selected the sticky toffee pudding which came with copious amounts of ice cream and toffee sauce which he quickly polished off. The Grill Garage offers a large menu and even the fussiest eater would find it hard not to find something they enjoyed. As the tourist numbers dwindle over the winter months it is worth remembering this area of Kato Paphos with its extensive selection of restaurants from all over the world.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Grills

WHERE Grill Garage, Poseidonos Avenue (opposite Pizza Hut), Kato Paphos

PRICES mains from €9.90

WHEN 7 days a week from 11am to 11pm

CONTACT 26 960179

The Makenzy area has for a long time been a place where people flock, be it for a day at the beach, somewhere to eat or simply for a drink. Over the years different bars have come and gone so the strip is frequently getting a face lift. One bar however, has proved that they are not punching above their weight and look like they may be a mainstay in the area is Re.buke.

Re.buke is the first bar along the Makenzy strip. As you turn in to the car park, it’s not long before you are greeted by their unmissable wooden letters making a bold statement to let you know where they are. The fact that these letters are carved from wood immediately gives the impression of a classy place. Whether the wooden carving is related to the origins of the word meaning ‘to chop wood’ or is just a coincidence, it’s pretty impressive.

The inside looks like a stylish wine bar. Keeping with the theme of wood (perhaps it isn’t such a coincidence), the tables, chairs and even the bar have a soothing, dark oak colour to them that makes you feel at ease. There is the odd couch and antique looking armchair just adding to the class.

Re.buke has a very extensive menu for both food and drink. Looking around you can see cabinets with shelves full of spirits and wines all placed with precision. The menu has the classics such as mojitos and margaritas but also some of their own creations. One in particular that caught my eye as it was being carried off to another table was served up in what looks like a large, rusty orange, coffee mug with a sprig of mint popping out of the top. Very intriguing!

Re.buke frequently have live performers and events attracting a lot of people from all over the island. Keep up to date with events taking place on their social media sites.

Aside from the friendly staff we encountered we also realised that re.buke is, as far as I know, the only bar on the Makenzy strip to have nargile. A bonus if you enjoy a little hookah while relaxing by the sea.

It is no coincidence that re.buke bar and lounge has earnt its status as one of the top bars in Makenzy.

Re.buke
Where: Makenzy beach, Larnaca
When: every day 9am till 2am
How much: signature cocktails from €9, beers from €4
Contact: 24 626212

Four years ago this establishment had the reputation of being ‘Not for the likes of us’. Allegedly it was owned by a coterie of plutocratic lawyers that wanted somewhere to take their wealthy clients and give the impression that Nicosia was populated only by the rich and even richer. I recall being rejected when the very haughty controller gave my corduroys (slightly worn) the once over, and claimed she was fully booked for the next year, probably longer. She followed me out to ensure I didn’t grab a canape, and I made a note to gloat after they went under.

However, my friend, a Belgian gourmet who knows his onions, suggests I try it. Well, it’s Wednesday, easy parking. The companion is preparing for something fishy and we are greeted and seated at a table for two covered with linen so bright and white it would have graced an angel. The tables are well spaced as one would expect in a restaurant owned by officers of the court. It is early and not very busy. Our waiter informs us his name is Kat, which is short for Katolin, he is Romanian and has played rugby. All very Julian: the night conspires to interest.

The menus are in Greek, English and Russian. We order a small a bottle of ouzo, always a good palate tempter for a fish course. The companion demurred over the fish meze, which consisted of the usual accompanying dishes and ten different marine dwellers; we gave the risotto and pasta a pass and the fresh fish sold by the kilo: I buy by weight from my fishmonger. The starter list is interesting and reasonable. Beginning with Fish soup – not Bouillabaisse – with herbs, vegetables and croutons; baby octopus in balsamic with chopped peppers and oregano; Greek spreads at €1.70 each, including a home made taramosalata; Smoked salmon and some other simple dishes. The chef that has the courage to offer fish soup has to be supported, and the companion likes baby octopus, although we had agreed earlier not to eat this formidably intelligent invertebrate, but this one is so small it won’t be missed – they don’t have many in Piedmonte. There are four salads; the seafood variety contains mussels, prawns, squid, octopus with cherry tomatoes, greens, and quinoa with aromatic dressing.

I order a dish of sautee’d mussels in an ouzo and cream sauce with a plate of grilled cuttlefish, but I only want a half dish of each: ‘no problem’ said the scrum-half. In addition, because we have a lot of bread on the table, I want to try the taramosalata. The deep fried squid suited the companion. If the ingredients have been frozen the management mark the dish with a star.

The service was first rate. The meals arrived in perfect order, none of that traffic jam one may encounter in less well regulated establishments.

Those diners with a deep wallet might celebrate the occasion with Chablis, but would you believe, the management want us to try ‘Oinou Gi’ a very dry Xynisteri produced on their own vineyard in Omodos. ‘It cannot be purchased outside the restaurant’ and is five euros cheaper than any of our popular dry whites. What a pleasure. When I eat any of the sweet fish sauces I prefer a sharp visitor to the palate.

An excellent evening, no sign of the termagant. Good food, ambiance, service and management. Thank you Andreas. The chairs are very comfortable, an important feature for the older diner.

If you go there mid-week you will discover why it is so popular.

VITAL STATISTICS.

SPECIALTY Fish and crustaceae

WHERE 11 Diagorou Street, Nicosia. Along from TGI’s

CONTACT 22 665577, 99 220470

PRICE Not unreasonable

My friend and I had enjoyable, albeit pricey, Sunday evening drinks at Bottega Amaro – an Italian themed bar in Pindarou street, downtown Nicosia.

As soon as we entered the establishment, we realised it would probably have been a good idea to reserve a table before going as the best places to sit are outside. But some tables were available close to the outside area, giving us access to some of the night’s breeze.

The atmosphere of the bar was great – the lighting felt just right and the music was some form of downtempo electronic jazz, which is definitely to my taste and was not too loud. What really stands out is its semi-circular bar and the stylish, low-hanging lights.

We were greeted by an enthusiastic waiter, who presented us with the menu although we were just there for the drinks, but the menu did look tempting and includes dishes of the day. We were talked into a couple of starters – Sea Bass Carpaccio and an Italian cheese burrata. Both were well presented and it was obvious someone had put some thought into what the plates looked like.

The drinks menu consists of a variety of red, white and rosé wines as well as some specialty cocktails, vermouths and aperitivos. The specialty cocktails are: the Milano Torino – a Campari from Milan mixed with a sweet vermouth from Turin; the Garibaldi – fresh orange juice with Campari; the Amaros Smash – an after-meal drink which is a blend of Amaros; and the Bitter Guiseppe – a mix of amaro and bourbon. If you want a more interesting option, the bar offers the Affogato Concept, which is a combination of sorbet or ice cream doused in a shot of Amaro. One can choose between lemon, dark chocolate, vanilla and pistachio – all offered with a different type of amaro. We chose to keep it simple – he chose a gin cocktail with elderflower and I had a vodka with lime.

The drinks were good and prepared exactly to our liking. When I go out I tend to find most vodka-lime preparations unnecessarily sweet, and was happy to find that the bartender used only natural ingredients; actual lime juice instead of cordial!

Overall, I would definitely visit again. Is it pricey? It is, but I would argue that you get what you pay for. It is pretty evident that this bar uses high quality ingredients – both in their food and in their cocktails, something that is reflected in the price. The service was great – dishes come out quickly and the waiter’s recommendations make evenings a little more memorable.

Bottega Amaro
Where: Pindarou 14, Nicosia
When: 9am – midnight
Contact: 22 777270

New on the dining scene in Larnaca is Holy Cow neocanteen. Located in the backstreets not too far from the port roundabout, it is not a place you would stumble across while having a stroll in town.

Holy Cow’s stylish yet simple exterior makes it stand out from the rest of the buildings on the street. Walking in, the simple tables and wooden chairs give the feeling of being in a canteen. On closer inspection, you’ll notice the wooden walls and plenty of greenery combined with high ceilings and long, low hanging lights, which give it a modern and trendy feel.

Luckily, we had booked a table as the place was heaving. All tables were filled with people tucking into their food. We were shown to our table and promptly offered menus. The waiter was very polite and informed us he would be available to answer any questions.

The name Holy Cow gave me the impression that it would be a heavily beef oriented menu. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Holy Cow caters for all tastes and preferences. There is a massive variety of food to choose from including dishes such as duck in berry yuzu sauce, honey soy chicken stir fry, various pork dishes and salads to name but a few. There is even a breakfast menu boasting an array of favourites.

The waiter came to take our order and we did indeed have a question! One of my fellow diners asked what the duck was like. He assured us it was excellent and that it is pink. The person asking was not keen on the idea of their duck being pink yet he did not offer to have it cooked a little more. We all ended up ordering burgers. It seemed like a good idea as people on all tables were eating burgers! We also ordered our drinks with our food but they took a longer time to arrive than would be expected.

It seemed as though Holy Cow was a little understaffed and not able to fully cope with a packed restaurant as even though all other tables seemed to be eating as we arrived, our food still took a long time to come. But it was a meal worth waiting for! The burger was cooked and seasoned to perfection. All burgers are high quality Black Angus beef cooked medium to well, unless asked otherwise. I ordered the ‘Drunken’ which is beef patty, bourbon bbq sauce (on the side), double back bacon and cheddar cheese served with a small portion of fries and small side salad. Others on the table were equally as pleased. Being so impressed they couldn’t wait to completely empty their mouth to say ‘best burger I’ve had!’

One thing I would comment on though was the bun. It was unable to last the duration of the meal and disintegrated as it absorbed all the juices and sauce. It became a little messy but you don’t order a burger and not expect to get your hands a little bit sticky (especially with a bourbon bbq sauce!)

Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our food and left happy and talking about what we would order the next time we visited! If you have not yet discovered Holy Cow, I highly recommend a visit!

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY International
WHERE Holy Cow, Nigritas Street, Larnaca
CONTACT 24 650114
PRICE Burgers around €12

It’s all about the view at The English Rose snack bar and café. Set on the seafront on a busy corner in Kato Paphos, this venue is a great place to people watch and soak up the view of the harbour, castle and the sea.

If you’re strolling around the harbour, taking visitors sightseeing in the area or fancy whetting your whistle, English Rose is a good place to stop.

Alcoholic drinks, soft beverages and teas, coffees and smoothies are all reasonably priced, as is the food which is basic. Portions are generous and generally service is good, although it can be slow during busier times.

A covered outdoor seating area to the front is often packed during summer months and is popular with tourists popping in for a quick snack and a drink. Try to grab a ‘front line’ table, as they have the best view.

The tables and chairs are modern and comfortable.

If you feel like a coffee and cake, try the apple pie, the cocktails are good too.

The atmosphere is laid back, as befits the location, and making the most of the outdoors, patio heaters are placed on the terrace to warm customers during the cooler months.

Often, Poseidonio avenue (on which it sits) is closed to traffic and the area is awash with pedestrians, although there is usually ample parking to be found at the public car park opposite. It is also very close to the bus station in Kato Paphos, which is handy.

This venue tends to be busier during lunchtime than in the evening and is also a prime spot to watch the winter waves crash against the sea wall.

This is not a particularly ‘Cypriot’ venue – neither the staff or the food – but if you’re looking for a cafe style menu with a superb view and have a fascination for people watching, then pay English Rose a visit.

The English Rose

Where: Poseidonas Ave, Kato Paphos

Contact: 99 603606

When: 9am-midnight 7 days a week

It is easy to associate seafood with high restaurant prices but that is not always the case, especially at Jimmy’s Killer Prawns.

The name says it all; if you are a prawn fan, the prawns are ‘killer’ and here it is prawns galore. The prawn dishes are varied, and essentially accommodate every taste – and size. You can go from a regular serving to a 36 prawn serving. One of the best dishes for me is the Drunken Ouzo Queens – prawns flambeed in ouzo.

The sweetness seeped in from the ouzo creating an unmatchable taste. Yet, the unique dishes don’t stop there, as they also include curry sauces to topped with feta cheese. There is something unique for every prawn lover here.

Jimmy’s Killer Prawns is a franchise from South Africa that first opened there in 1991 and has spread through the Gulf, also reaching Cyprus and the UK. The straightforward décor – in Limassol included – with its highlights of red mean the focus is on the food from the minute you walk through the door.

Despite being the star of the show, prawns are not the only option on the menu. I went for the calamari – one of my personal favourites – and was not disappointed. The calamari was fresh and so soft, each bite begged for another. Although I did find it hard to resist my partner’s choice of seared tuna, with the toping of Cajun that just screamed ‘have a bite’.

If you are in a larger group, Jimmy’s Killer Prawns is probably best enjoyed via one of their variety of platters (you could even have one for one if you are especially hungry and want a taste of everything). My favourite, and the one I choose each time, is the Oceania platter that consists of nine queen prawns, 12 medium prawns, fried calamari, garlic mussels and fish filet – giving you a little taste of everything.

Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that Jimmy’s Killer Prawns is not just seafood as their grill making skills are quite impressive as well. The simplicity in the cooking and presentation of their rump steak or lamb chops allow every flavour to come out on its own from the way it is cooked.

And if all this is not enough, sushi and seafood pasta are also available. Therefore once you go one thing is obvious, you’ll not be wanting for options – there are so many appetising dishes that you’ll be coming back again and again. I think the place’s only downside is its location. In Limassol, we’re spoiled with beautiful and idyllic views of the sea. Jimmy’s Killer Prawns though is in the heart of the busy city landscape. Does it have the best view or surroundings? No – but it does have of the best seafood at the best prices in Limassol.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Seafood
WHERE Griva Digeni 12, Limassol
WHEN 11am-11pm daily
CONTACT 25 212921

I have driven past Ta Perix numerous times over the years when taking a short cut to Paphos old town and meant to stop off for dinner. I finally did so and found a place where you can order items individually to create your own meze.

On a Friday night feeling hungry and in need of sustenance, we dropped in. Although it was early, around 7pm, many of the tables were already occupied and we were lucky to be seated as most tables are booked ahead. The customers were mostly Cypriots, a good sign I hoped.

Ta Perix might not be an obvious choice for al fresco dining as its squashed between two busy back street roads, and from outside the one-storey building isn’t all that appealing (diners move inside during the winter months) but on entering the terrace to the rear diners are treated to a delightful lush, green screen, created by all sorts of trees, including fig, dotted with colourful plants and outdoor lighting. The noise of passing traffic is barely noticeable and it’s easy to forget the world outside.

Tables are well spaced and chairs quickly filled up with couples and larges parties, all enjoying the ambience. Many of my friends have raved about the food here and not knowing what to expect, we were seated at a table for two and handed a piece of paper and pen with which to fill in our own order for the meze dishes we would like.

The down side to this is that if you wish to eat different things, there may be some food left over as portions come mostly as two or four pieces. This wasn’t a problem for us, as my companion enjoyed polishing off the remainder of my dishes as well as his own.

All the usual meze starters such as Greek Salad (lovely and fresh), tahini and tzatziki are available, but as I glanced down the list, my interest was aroused by a wonderful collection of mouth-watering dishes including zucchini flowers, courgette balls, baked aubergine, pickled quails eggs and salted sardines – all sounded delectable.

The menu has a good array of dishes, some of which appealed more than others and include: bacon in red wine, sheep’s head, snails, kebabs and sheftalia.

Although prices are reasonable for individual dishes, the amount can quickly tot up, so be cautious as it’s easy to get carried away with ordering as it all sounds delicious.

After careful deliberation, we ordered salad, dips, grilled halloumi, pastourmas, sausage, mudrooms, lamb chops, baby pigeon (slightly too salty), aubergine, chicken and beef liver. Vegetable dishes include spinach, rocket or courgette with egg and home made chips, which were moreish.

Rather peculiarly there isn’t a wine list available and we were gruffly asked by the owner if we wanted red or white before he went to serve another table. A waitress then explained that the customers know the wine. I pointed out, as ‘newbies’ we did not. All I could ascertain is that the wine is local (apart from a ‘rather nice’ French wine, but the owner said this is only for special customers, which clearly we were not.)

Managing to calm my companion and order a bottle of white wine (red is Ayios Onoufrios, a good local wine from Vasilikon winery in Kathikas) our sheet was whisked away and shortly afterwards the dishes started to arrive at the table.

They were hot and tasty overall, although the aubergine stuffed with halloumi and tomato was bland and disappointing. However, the beef liver was delicious and our ultimate favourite we decided.

The garden filled up as the evening progressed and staff although busy, were friendly. Coffee orders could not be made to round off the evening, we were told staff were too busy and there was no one available to make it, so rather flummoxed, we gathered our belongings and headed home.

If you don’t mind a hint of Basil Fawlty in the service and you would like to try good Cypriot cooking and drink either ‘red or white’ wine, then pay Ta Perix a visit. If nothing else you will leave satisfied with an experience to talk about with friends.

Personally, I have already been back again.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALITY Meze order your own

WHERE 20 Kubilay Street, Moutallos, Paphos

CONTACT 99 113218

PRICE Individual dishes from €2 to €12

With the weather slowly changing, it is now more bearable to go out for an afternoon stroll down town. After walking through Larnaca’s busy Phinikoudes we decided to sit for a drink but wanted some peace and quiet, not to be sat in one of the packed out cafés along the sea front.

Walking away from Phinikoudes towards St Lazarus church, my partner spotted a couple of endearing tables and chairs on the cobblestone pavement so we went to take a look. Despite a little noise from the traffic we decided to give ‘The Secret Garden’ a try.

To investigate a little further we went inside. Upon entering, the first thing to notice is all the very neatly placed drinks behind the bar and a section filled with a selection of wines, enough to put a big smile on my partner’s face! The inside area is not a very large space but there is an upstairs lounge too. Venturing upstairs to have a peek, we saw an inviting couch by a window that has a fantastic view of the church opposite. We wanted to sit outside though so went back downstairs and we were guided by the welcoming owner to the secret garden! It was exactly what we were looking for.

While in town, the Bougainvillea-clad garden was tranquil. Any distant noise from the street was covered up by the relaxing sound of a small waterfall which has a statue of an angel overlooking it.

The menu has an array of drinks from a simple coffee to bottled beers, wines and cocktails. My partner went for a crisp glass of white wine while I had an amazing, perfectly-flavoured sangria. There was lots of different food to choose from as well if you want a snack with your drink. I was impressed to see that they have a good selection of vegan dishes as they can be hard to find.

If you have a sweet tooth, The Secret Garden also have options for you. The carrot cake was tempting but we resisted! In addition to all of this, The Secret Garden has events such as live music on a Thursday. The Secret Garden is also pet friendly which also seems difficult to find.

Some secrets are worth sharing and this is one of them. I highly recommend a visit to The Secret Garden.

The Secret Garden
Where: 28 Lazarus Street, Larnaca
When: 11.30am – 11pm
Contact: 24 103078
Price: Very reasonable

It was a Deja Vu moment. Called the restaurant on Tuesday to book a table for two at an establishment that opened three weeks ago and capable of seating 270 diners. Fully booked; no room. Suppose I arrive early, about 7.30? ‘You would have to agree to leave after an hour’. Damn. Not the companion’s idea of a pleasant evening. ‘What about tomorrow?’ I ask; same response. The intake of breath when a seat for lunch was mentioned, needed no further enquiry. Apparently there was some chance for Saturday if I confirmed the booking immediately. Blimey. I knew the company had moved from that hugely popular site behind the old stadium (now a carpark) and rumours of an alleged split in the management were spreading. But it was obviously no cause for distress.

Many years ago only membership of the political hierarchy would guarantee a seat at the Mignon table that occupied the site before Pantopoleio, which seems to be moving in the same direction, alas. It must be the location; opposite a hotel, overlooked by KYP our Secret Service headquarters – no secrets in Cyprus – same road as the American Embassy, a brisk walk from Parliament, the courts, and too many ministries.

Following day, madam, the Piedmontese companion, booked a table for two at lunch-time. Informing the reception that we will sit inside and arrive between 12.30 and 1pm: OK? ‘No problem madam’. Is it me?

No trouble with space, the tables afford privacy, but the interior has the personality of an airport lounge: the acoustics prevent conversation with another person unless they are sitting on your lap. Cacophony rules. Many recognisable faces beam across at each other, sign language is the lingua franca.

The staff are young, attractive and move at the speed of light – one needs to be very quick to gain their attention. We were settled with our drinks and the menu, a large single sheet, well designed, easy to follow. Salads, Starters, Pasta and Main Dishes on one side; drinks and sweets on the reverse. Five salads, seven main items, and eight starters. Then the dishes of the day that are described as specialties. Why? Who knows.

The companion wants a steak so orders a green salad that contains dill, shredded lettuce, purslane, scallions, oil and vinegar. Some of the starters are unusual: trahanas with halloumi and tomato jam; meatballs with vegetables, feta, mint and oregano and sour cheese. For myself, the white cod roe dressed with olive oil, lemon and onion. By this time we had a basket of an excellent crafted bread, a small bowl of olives and a pickled chilli.

The main lunch dishes had no surprises except Brizolakia tou Kampou: grilled bacon came with stewed vegetables, feta and herbs. The Rib-eye steak was served with fried potatoes.

The roe covered a large dish and was delicious, one eats it by spreading it over the crusty bread. From the ‘specials’ I ordered the casseroled loin of pork with the apricots served in a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, and rich in a heavy sauce.

However, the grilled steak was disappointing: it was a piece of Rib-eye Angus from Ireland, served rare – as requested – but dry and without sauce. The chips were fine. For the price it should have been fillet. My dish was unmemorable, pork loin will not be at its best when casseroled.

The sweets were as expected although I was surprised by the Halva, made from semolina.

This establishment has such a following it will run for years. If you want to impress, book early, don’t expect to walk in and be served.

Ilias is in the kitchen and will return it to the old ways given time. Costas knows what is needed in the main area, and sooner rather than the alternative.

VITAL STATISTICS.

SPECIALTY Traditional Hellenic

WHERE Methochiou St 38, Nicosia

WHEN Monday to Saturday. Lunch and Dinner. Booking essential.

CONTACT 22 675151

PRICE Not unreasonable

Strolling up Onasagorou, there are an abundance of restaurant and bar options, but I’m glad to have stopped at one in particular. Coffee and Wine Bar, tucked into a narrow spot, is where myself and a few friends decided to stop for an evening drink.

We selected a low table just inside the white-painted doors, which were thrown wide open to let in the pleasant nighttime breeze. The space is limited, but we didn’t find it crowded it or claustrophobic – though that might not be true on a busier night.

The menu features a range of wines, cocktails, beers and nonalcoholic beverages at moderate prices, as well as few things to snack on. Simple but tasteful decor and warm lighting makes it a cozy and inviting place to while away an hour or two while jazz music gently asserted its presence in the background.

A friendly bartender greeted us and gave us plenty of time to look over the menu before returning to our table to take our order. The specialty cocktails caught my eye, and, avoiding a drink with mastiha, I opted for the Afiales Rose, which blends citrusy grapefruit with rose and lychee flavours. My companions tested out the strawberry margarita, a classic old fashioned, and a red wine that the bartender helpfully suggested for a wine lover with a sweet tooth.

We didn’t wait long for the drinks to come out. They were presented with style, and fortunately didn’t compromise flavour for looks. The Afiales Rose, served in a wine glass on ice, was pleasantly fruity without the artificial, candy-like taste that often presents in sugary drinks. It did err on the sweet side, as, apparently, did the strawberry margarita, so if sweet is not to your liking, you might want to let the bartender know when you’re ordering.

We decided against testing out the food, but included with the drinks were the typical salty snacks – a small bowl of peanuts and another of potato chips.

Overall, the friendly treatment and excellent drinks make Afiales worth a second visit. I especially appreciated the reasonable pricing and relaxed yet intimate space. The service was great, and my friend confirmed that the bartender’s wine recommendation was just to her liking. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon coffee or an evening cocktail with a friend, Afiales is worth testing out.

Afiales Coffee and Wine Bar

Where: Onasagorou 16, Nicosia

When: Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm – 1am

Contact: 99 618650

Walking through the quaint streets of the village of Oroklini on the outskirts of Larnaca, you notice all the old style village houses that over the years have maintained their charm. Behind one of the doors of these houses is the restaurant Voreas. It is named after the God of wind because the house was known for having a wonderful breeze pass through, which was perfect for the hot summer months.

Old style village houses were built around a courtyard in the middle of the house. Andreas, who works at Voreas, explained that back in the day people did not want to show their wealth so the house was almost like a fort, just a small door so nobody that did not reveal what was behind it. One of the rooms now used as a dining area used to be where the animals were kept! Hanging on the wall in that room is a portrait of the original owner of the house from 150 years ago. The house has been kept in the family and passed down ever since.

The wooden, woven-seat chairs and wooden tables are pretty standard in a village taverna so came as no surprise. We half-heartedly looked through the menu which offered a variety of different options such as pork chop, various salads and fish dishes, but we all really knew that what we wanted a meze!

When the first round it was very impressive! The dips were served in a Sanidokoupa, a wooden, traditional bread-mould board. The salad was also in a large, traditional clay bowl. However, I stopped noticing the presentation when the Saganaki was put down in front of us. One of my all time favourites. Fried cheese! I was almost nervous as I put this little golden cube on to my plate because I so wanted it to be good. It was not good. It was fantastic! The right amount of crispness and a flavoursome cheese. Once I had regained all my senses, I noticed a dish that didn’t look like much at all; like the top half of a burger bun turned upside down and scored. This glorious, half roll had been marinated in olive oil and oregano, toasted and then sprinkled with sea salt. Something so simple but was so moreish!

Usually with meze, all the little dishes come out first and by the time the meat comes at the end everyone is full. At Voreas they didn’t stick to that same format and the meat came out early on. Starting with the very impressively presented chicken souvlakia. Still on the skewers, hanging from a mini rack, dangling above a bed of fried potatoes that had been topped off with parmesan. Not only was it great to look at, the meat was cooked very well.

All the dishes were very tasty. From the cheese covered baked vegetables in tomato sauce to the succulent cubes of souvlakia and the tender chops. With all this great food, needless to say we were well and truly full afterwards.

After the table had been cleared, the waiter offered us a coffee, which was brought with a little ‘Kattimeri’ cut in to triangles to share. Kattimeri is a flatbread, baked on a metal surface and covered with honey (sometimes also topped with cinnamon).

The environment at Voreas is so relaxing we sat at the table drinking our coffee and chatting away till dusk set upon us. If you think you’d like a delicious meal, in a relaxed environment, served by friendly and helpful staff then you should most definitely add Voreas to your list of places to try.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Meze

WHERE Voreas, Andrea Demetriou 3, Oroklini, Larnaca

CONTACT 24 647177

PRICE €18 for meze

A recently opened art, music and events bar in Tala square in Paphos is already creating quite a stir on the music scene by offering something unique in the area.

Opened by Dutch expat couple, well known artist Joep Klinkenbijl and his jewellery designer partner Johanna Alida Bey, Talalaland is slightly off the wall, as are it’s hugely likeable owners, who are both integral to the venue’s almost overnight success.

Opened around four months ago and facing the recently renovated and pedestrianised square in the heart of Tala Village, ample street and off road parking can be found nearby.

The building was previously used as an eatery and although Talalaland currently only offers one dish – a pork fillet satay with salad and prawn crackers priced at €9.50 – there are plans to bring in tapas style finger food next year, when the relevant license comes through.

However, this is a great venue to visit if you love art and music and want something a little different from the run of the mill bars and music venues on offer elsewhere.

All sorts of drinks are served including teas, coffees and soft drinks, as well as a small selection of cocktails – try the mojito – wines, beers and spirits. They are reasonably priced and service is warm and friendly.

Regular quiz nights are held every Wednesday and the venue is open six days a week Monday to Saturday from 1pm to around 10.30pm (Wednesdays it opens at 5pm).

Klinkenbijl and his partner also run the art gallery next door – and the chef, musician, radio presenter and DJ, has his art work and that of other popular artists, on display on the walls of the bar, much of it for sale.

This really is an art and music bar and many of the bespoke tables depict the faces of well-known musicians such as David Bowie and Prince. An area of the ceiling is covered with cleverly placed and now defunct vinyl singles.

The decoration is eclectic and designed so that all things music will get you in the mood for the regular live events, or Klinkenbijl’s regular ‘disco nights’ on a Friday and Saturday.

With indoor and terraced seating areas, this venue caters for both summer and winter customers.

The atmosphere here is party-time and fun and musicians are encouraged to get up on the ‘open stage’ and have a go on the instruments provided. Jam sessions are a regular occurrence and hugely popular with customers.

A number of live music events are slated to take place at the venue ahead of Christmas and it will also be open on New Year’s Day from 1pm-7pm. Further information is available on their Facebook page.

There is nothing quite like this venue in Paphos, which is determined to keep music alive for all to enjoy.

Talalaland

Where: Tala square, Paphos

When: Monday-Saturday 1pm-10.30pm (Wednesday 5-10.30pm)

Contact: 99 202813, www.facebook.com/Talalaland-1036745343167637/

Price: Glass white wine €2, small beer €1.50, coffee €2, cocktails €5

Being immersed in the hustle and bustle of the city is great, especially as amazing and creative dining experiences await you in every corner. Nevertheless, sometimes you seek something different, something away from all the buzz, something that offers peace and relaxation, and it is when you are looking for these that you find that Agios Epiktitos Tavern.

The reason Agios Epiktitos may not be on your radar is probably because it is hidden away in the picturesque village of Armenochori. And, it comes with a breathtaking view. As a result, you are in the position of enjoying a meal while having the view of Limassol.

But, it’s not only the view that will appeal. The homely environment created by the restaurant owners makes you feel right at home. Emulating an old town house, the décor and environment are strictly traditional, and the management is adamant on that.

The service at the restaurant is impeccable. Being family run – father, mother, son and grandmother are owed congratulations on their hard work as it is this that comes through in the overall environment of the restaurant, not least the food.

The tavern has quite a few dining options: souvlaki, steak, shieftelies and other choices. Your best bet though is the meze. Being served at a reasonable price you are guaranteed your money’s worth as the portions served are more than enough for the average person. But what does it include? The meal starts with salad and olives, houmous and tzatziki dips along with traditional bread soaked in olive oil. Both dips are homemade and are absolutely delicious. This was then followed by the very Cypriot pourgouri (pilaf rice), zucchini with eggs, haloumi cheese, lounzta, village pasta and tavas. All are homemade and delicious. The tavas though is something that should be tried and enjoyed thoroughly, as it is not easily found.

All this was then followed by the ‘meat section’ of the meal. We were served lamb chops marinated in wine and grilled, chicken breast, souvlaki and shieftelies. I could sit here and rave for hours on how great the meat selection was but suffice to say we ate and enjoyed it all. All meats were cooked to perfection and were very satisfying. In addition to the meze as we were feeling adventurous we also ordered the steak, which came on a large platter, a portion more than enough for one person and it too was cooked to perfection.

All in all, Agios Epiktitos tavern is an establishment that strives to keep true to the traditional, making it even more special. It’s overwhelmed by very striking scenery; a thing that will make your experience there unforgettable. The meals are more than enough, and the prices are great. The only thing going against it is the drive, but if you are willing to undertake that, then this tavern is for you.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY traditional Cypriot cuisine

WHERE Agios Apiktitos tavern, Armenochori, Limassol

CONTACT 99 346529

By Sarah Coyne

We all have those places that we love to frequent and for me Labyrinth Wine Bar is one of them. Situated just off the municipal gardens in central Paphos, many people will have passed it and never known it was there because if you blink you will miss it. It is almost hidden from public view but the entrance is through a small pedestrian gate set in the old garden wall. The bar is situated in an old colonial style building dating from 1907 and has a terrace outside while indoors there are secluded seating areas and a gallery space. It looks tiny from the outside but inside it goes on and on – hence the name.

The bar is huge and has a vast selection of wines on show and scattered around are cupboard-like cellars of wine; no doubt in storage for future years to come. The selection of wine is very impressive and covers all budgets. There are over 60 local and international wines on the wine list and the owner certainly knows his stuff here. Bottles range in price from 16 to 136 euros. They have nine “House” wines – red, white and rosé to enjoy by the glass.

Labyrinth is in the middle of where many of our best eateries are in Paphos and makes an ideal place to enjoy an aperitif before dinner. But if you want to stay the whole evening they offer various platters consisting of meat, cheese, smoked salmon or salads. Various musicians perform live on a Saturday night which adds to the cool vibe of the place.

The gallery inside under the name Mitos Gallery is planning exciting regular exhibitions, which is a great addition to the space.

If you want to sit in a lovely environment, drinking wines and watching the trendy people of Paphos this is the place. With the onset of winter this makes a wonderful indoor venue to meet friends and try new wines from the list.

Labyrinth Wine Bar and Gallery
Where: Ayiou Theodorou 5, Paphos
When: 5.30pm – 1am. Closed Sunday
Contact: 99 425862
How much: Glass of wine from 5 euros, Platters from 7 euros

By Sarah Coyne

Paphos has a huge range of restaurants offering cuisine from all corners of the world and sometimes it is difficult to decide where to head but when four different friends recommend one in a short space of time you know you are onto a winner. Samisen Asian Cuisine is the latest edition to the Samisen family which started in Coral Bay, run by brothers Marios and Loukas Louka. While Samisen in Coral Bay offers Japanese cuisine alone, the new sister restaurant offers a wider range from Asia. This includes Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, Indian and Japanese cuisine. The restaurant opened in August and after starting with take away and delivery, a restaurant has been created with both outside and indoor seating.

The seating and decor are very London China Town but comfortable and spotlessly clean. The menu is vast and any fan of Asian cuisine will be spoilt for choice. We visited at lunchtime and the place was busy with locals. On exploring the menu, the best option and certainly offering value for money was the Chinese combination set meal. Although this was probably playing it safe considering the wonderful dishes that were on offer.

We kicked off with a selection of starters which included pork Shanghai rolls, steamed sea food dim sum and fried king prawns with sesame seeds. The dim sum is served with an incredible ginger/soy sauce in the traditional bamboo basket. The parcels of sea food were tasty, while the prawns and pork rolls were served with a different sauce for dipping and presented on a bed of very tasty prawn crackers. Authentic in that they actually tasted of prawns. The sesame king prawns were large, well cooked and very generous on the set menu of €24 for two.

Moving on to the main course, we selected chicken breast in a sweet chilli sauce served with the house fried rice. On tasting the fried rice my partner, who spent part of his childhood in the Far East, proclaimed he hadn’t tasted rice like this since being in Hong Kong. We both enjoyed the large dish of chicken which was both peppery and sweet. It was a nice touch and actually rarely seen these days when head chef Orlando came out to enquire if we were enjoying the food. It was nice to meet this young man and he explained he had 17 years of culinary experience and I must say they are very lucky to have him. He heads a team of many chefs in the kitchen.

We didn’t try the sushi but on a neighbouring table one of the guests exclaimed they ate sushi every day due to a medical condition and after trying sushi everywhere and this was by far and away the best they had eaten.

We were served by one of the owners, the charming and very hospitable Lucas, who explained that everything at Samisen is homemade including all sauces and the desserts – chocolate paradise, banana island coffee brulee or Asian brulee with orange zest. We were too full after three starters and a very large main course but we will certainly return to Samisen Asian Cuisine to try them out. It is definitely our new favourite eating place to add to the list in this ever changing and improving area of Pano Paphos. Plus, it is opposite one of my favourite wine bars which makes it a nice combination for a night out. Samisen Asian Cuisine offers an extensive list of well priced local and international wines. Unfortunately we live in the hills outside Paphos but anyone in the catchment area (Anarita across Paphos to Tala) is very lucky to be able to pick up the phone and have anything they desire from the menu delivered to their front door. This is Asian cuisine at the highest level.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Asian Cuisine

WHERE Samisen Asian Cuisine, Neofytou Nicolaide 22, Paphos

WHEN Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 11pm

CONTACT 70070020

PRICE Main courses from €7.50, Chinese combination meal for two €24 – 3 starters, 1 main and 2 fried rice

A beautiful old house sits on a main street on the corner opposite the old GSZ stadium in Larnaca. The house, built in the 1930s, has been transformed in to a little gem that has something for everyone. Blue Pine has been operating since 1989 and has stood strong in its current location since 2004.

The experience is comforting. There’s something about going to an actual house that gives the feeling you are visiting an old friend. When entering, you realise you are at the house of the coolest friend you’ve ever known! It’s clear a lot of thought and effort has gone into the decoration of the place. The wooden furnishings, the piano in the corner and candlelight is calming and the perfect place to just chill out.

Before getting too far, the corner of my eye caught a glimpse of a little room so I went straight in to take a look. To my delight I had walked into The Jack Daniels Room! I was in Jack Daniels’ front room. The comfy couches, coffee table and cool décor (including a saxophone hung on the wall) was screaming at me to grab a seat before anyone else came in. So I did. The room has its own 42 inch TV, absolutely perfect for a reservation with friends to go and watch the football or just have a private little party.

As we made ourselves comfortable the friendly waiter brought us menus. Blue Pine also serves an array of home cooked meals that, from the menu sounded very appetising! However, I was more taken aback at the huge selection of beers and premium whiskeys. I thought to myself that it couldn’t be possible to have so many whiskeys behind the bar. After quizzing the waiter he assured me that whatever I ordered would be available. Being in the Jack Daniels room I felt like I had to have a Jack Daniels but I betrayed Jack and ordered a glass of 15yr Glenlivet. Don’t be fooled in to thinking that Blue Pine is a whiskey and beer bar as they also have a wide variety of cocktails, wines and other spirits.

Having a little look around the place later, it was more of the same. A fantastically decorated bar with care given to both the inside and outside areas. There are two projectors and seven big screens in total if you are a sports enthusiast and want to go watch a game.

Whether it’s for a cosy, chilled evening with friends by a fireplace, attending a live event or going to watch a match, The Blue Pine should definitely be a place that you visit at least once.

The Blue Pine
Where: 3 Louki Pierides, Larnaca
When 12pm-2am
Contact: 24 646553

If brevity and simplicity on the menu reflect the kitchen’s integrity – what you see is what you get – then this is ‘the place’. It’s decades since I dined here, and when my companions demanded traditional Cypriot cuisine that didn’t involve pizzas and burgers something different was required. I knew changes had been made: everything around Ayios Antonios has been furnished and burnished to a standard Antonios would not recognise. Coffee shops by the dozen, car parks with electronic barriers, interminable roadworks. yellow lines everywhere.

Our traditional tavernas, like coloured butterflies and honest politicians, are an endangered species, but the survivors are a hardy breed, and have not only retained the ancient dishes but have kept their patrons. I believe we should award them listed monument status and supply discerning tourists – possibly an oxymoron – with the addresses of the establishments so they know where the soul of our country resides: at the dinner table. Shouting and eating and wearing socks.

At lunchtime you have to be the chief of police or a cabinet minister to get a place at the trough, but early evening is easier. But remember to book.

Table for four, nicely dressed and well spaced. Sometimes the seasonal fare, recently shot, trapped or gathered will appear on an ‘A’ board, but none tonight.

Perhaps the liberals or newspapers have intimidated them. Speed is a feature of Stoa: each diner had a menu and an interpreter within minutes of entering; the more complex the English, the more exciting the dish. Item seven on the pork section; ‘beacon with wine saece’ was slightly testing, but no problem with ‘cattle fish’.

However, when I spotted three dishes as rare as an honest lawyer in Limassol, namely Rabbit Stew; Lamb’s liver; and the acme of Cypriot delight Lamb’s Head I knew all was right with our world.

All that you expect from the charcoal is there: pork in all its slices, lamb, inside and out, offal aplenty along with beef; excellent salads and kebabs.

The ladies want fish. Hot bread, tzantziki, pickles to tittilate the taste buds. At the last moment I spotted a platter of enormous snails travelling past and was sure my companions would enjoy them. A feature of H Stoa is their preparation of squid which I think they braise – quite delicious. Half a carafe of house wine to complement the Bass and Bream, a full bottle of Nemea for the kebabs, kalamari, souvlaki and lamb’s head – they strip it from the bone; I swear I’ve not had better, a little chilled Petritis with the snails that are served with the traditional dipping dish of wine vinegar. My Oxford-based companions have rarely eaten such a wealth of Cypriot delights. Haste ye back.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTIES Classic Cypriot cuisine
WHERE 28 Digenis Akritas, Ayios Antonios, Nicosia
CONTACT 22-343030
COST Very reasonable