The summer season has officially drawn to a close and while the weather might not be as bright as it was a month ago, the location of the Meeting Pub in Larnaca may just be enough to lighten your mood while you are enjoying some good traditional pub food.

Sitting directly opposite the Phinikoudes beach, the old-fashioned English-style pub has been the cornerstone of the street for decades where, as its name suggests, is a hugely popular destination for friends to get together for a drink and a bite to eat.

Walking into the establishment, there is a vast space to choose where to sit, with both a lower level area closer to the beach or the cozier option on the slightly elevated part next to the main bar. Either way, service arrives rapidly to collect our drink orders. Though primarily a pub, the location boasts a menu that most restaurants would envy.

Being owned by a London-Cypriot family, there is a nice mix of traditional English food as well as more common local dishes not forgetting the international bar food.

And that is what our table looked like by the end of it, with a plate of fish and chips, an English breakfast, souvlaki and a traditional salad, as well as a club sandwich. The food is rather simplistic and therefore judging against other niche restaurants would not be possible but what is guaranteed is a fulfilling dish with great taste.

It is hard to find a place these days that does not try to go easy on the portions but, for as long as I can remember, the Meeting Pub always delivers value for money. Bar a few minor disgruntlements, the taste of the food is excellent too and well worth the price you pay.

Those with a British background will feel a sense of nostalgia both due to the quality of the food but also due to the homely service provided by the couple that run the place, always being conscientious about how everyone is doing and, after several visits, will begin to remember you by name.
When it comes to drinks, more than 15 types of local and imported beers are on offer, as well as a vast variety of spirits. And due to the fact that it is a down to earth pub as opposed to a glamorous bar, the prices are modest too.

The majority of customers are British expats along with visiting tourists, yet it also attracts a number of locals too. The age range is predominantly over 40s but a younger crowd tends to gather for sporting events. The pub is equipped with all the necessary foreign satellites which broadcast English football matches each weekend as well as European games, making it one of the most reliable establishments for sports fans.

The furniture is neither the most extravagant nor classy but then again, why should it be? There are plenty of seating options and you will always have a view of one of their various plasma TV screens.

While the current economic climate has led to most establishments jacking up the prices, the Meeting Pub has remained consistent and is certainly value for money when it comes to food and drink.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALITY The English Breakfast
WHERE 90 Athene Avenue, Phinikoudes, Larnaca
CONTACT 24 656893
PRICE €12 food & drink (Average)

It is amazing the rate at which new bars pop up in Nicosia. Take a long weekend away and on your return you’ll find one venue has closed down and a new bar opened in its place.

In May 2016 Banco Kitchen Bar opened up on the busy corner of Stasandrou and Mboumboulinas. Like other popular bars, Banco’s views encapsulate passing traffic. It also follows the modern trend of blurring the distinction between a restaurant and a bar. This means a kitchen bar where good food meets great cocktails and smashing hospitality.

The loud music definitely feeds into the drinking vibe and the fanciful long bar spreading across the rear of the venue, is a nice spot to sit and enjoy a beverage while appreciating the plant display above the bar.

Banco is an attractive space; it’s much nicer once you step in than what one may experience by simply driving past it. With an urban chic, almost eco feel to it, it impresses with living greenery decorating both the inside and outside areas and trees growing comfortably inside the bar too. Its wooden tables, and leather looking chairs give it a grounded feel and the large glass sliding doors separate the inside to outside space effortlessly.

Open seven days a week, Wednesday nights employ the talents of a saxophonist, whereas Friday and Saturday nights sport DJs usually mixing Tropical House on Fridays and Funk on Saturdays.

I visited the bar at 6pm on Wednesday, and although it was empty was already fully booked for the evening. It approximately 100 during winter and 150 in summer when tables and chairs sprawl outside onto the pavements.

There are 15 signature cocktails and Banco, is currently in the process of switching to a winter cocktail menu which will see many of the drinks using Whisky, Bourbon and Gin as their base. I opted for a Jack the Ripper, one of their most popular cocktails and which will continue into the winter season’s menu too. A real bitter sweet drink with notes of homemade velvety vanilla syrup running through it, working well with the Jack Daniels base and Aperol, and fresh lime to give a well needed kick. It’s a delicious drink that seamlessly transits between summer and winter and at €8.50 it’s reasonably priced. If not up for a cocktail, there are between 15 and 17 different types of red wines, 12 whites, and couple of different rose, Champagnes, sparkling wines and beers.

It’s advised that tables are reserved for eating or for large groups of drinkers on popular nights, else, its first come first seated at the bar area.

Banco Kitchen Bar
Where: Stasandrou and Mboumboulinas, Nicosia
Contact: Tel: 22 760100, facebook.com/bancokitchenbar/
When: Daily 6pm-2am
Price: cocktails €7-8.50, wines €19.90

It’s the same case each year, for me anyway, as the temperature goes down cravings for comfort food are on the rise. I can say no to a good burger in the summer, it’s too hot to bother. But now, I almost always find myself digging in at every opportunity.

The Classic Burger Joint does exactly what it says on the tin: sells burgers exclusively. If your cravings are for something else, I would suggest to look elsewhere. The joint – not exactly a restaurant in the strictest sense but comfortable and enjoyable enough to dine in – is located near Saripolou square. Those who live in Limassol know well where that is, and how is seems to attract a lot of customers throughout the week. If you are looking for a quiet place to eat, this might not be the best option. Nevertheless, you cannot miss it passing by as its screaming retro yellow décor further infuses the laid-back, no pretense attitude the place has. Almost making it seem like it jumped out of the streets of New York for some reason and into our Limassolian streets.

As I mentioned before, don’t go looking for anything else other than delicious, juicy burgers or you will be disappointed. Moreover, don’t scour the menu for a bountiful and unique selection of burgers either. This is simply put a no frills burger joint, it has few burgers but does those burgers quite well.
To be honest, I always perceive a huge menu with some inhibition as to how good or how fresh all the items on the menu may be, so I don’t mind its small selection. While there I went for the conventional and something slightly out of the norm and that is the Classic Burger and swiss’n’mushroom burger which is made with melted swiss cheese, fresh mushrooms and covered in mushroom sauce.

As soon as both burgers arrived they did not disappoint, they made me feel full just by looking and I could not wait to dig in. The burger itself is decent sized and could satiate most appetites. Paired with their fresh, homemade French fries – you gotta love it when they are served like that – it is the best, comfort meal you can hope for.

With the first bite, the burst of flavours from all the combined ingredients was undeniable and within minutes both portions had safely disappeared from our plates. The swiss’n’mushroom burger though is a tougher customer on the taste level as it sits quite heavily, but if that is what you like then don’t miss out trying it.

The Classic Burger Joint servers great burgers but are they the best? Tough to say as the art of a good burger lies in the personal taste buds of each person trying. However what I do know is that it is unlikely to disappoint completely.

VITAL STATISTICS
WHERE: Classic Burger Joint, Kanari street, Sariopoulou Square, Limassol
SPECIALTY Burgers
PRICE About €15 for a full meal
CONTACT 70000405

Eight months or so ago a new venue opened in Chlorakas, Paphos and even if you don’t live close by it’s well worth a visit.

Heading up Saint Georges Hill, Oulas café diner can be found on the left hand side. In the past, a number of eateries have occupied the premises, seeming to struggle to sustain custom. Hopefully Oulas, run by Denise and chef Costas, will buck the trend.

It offers a warm, friendly welcome and prices for both drinks and food are reasonable.
This is not a swish venue, but a very good quality café and service, although casual, is professional and efficient.

If you are a resident of Paphos, and have no time to squeeze in a meal here, pop in to either savour a drink and watch the world go by, or enjoy a coffee and cake when running errands or between meetings.

Cocktails priced at €3.95 include Pimms, Bloody Mary, Pina Colada and Brandy Sours. Cider and alcopops cost €2.50 and a glass of drinkable house wine is €2.30. Beer, Prosecco and a couple of local wineries also feature on the beverage list and soft drinks are a reasonable €1.50. A selection of coffees and teas are €2, a good accompaniment to a delicious dessert.

Hot meals are served throughout the day and at dinner time, and if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a good Sunday roast, Oulas hits the spot.
The simple interior is minimal and uncluttered and a number of well-known phrases related to food and drink are carefully placed on the wall. Ample seating is also available outside (where smoking is permitted) at the front, with most of it under cover to protect customers from the elements.
Trees and plants in pots brighten the exterior and café entrance, and wooden and metal seating is tidy, clean and comfortable.

Tables are spaced well apart and not crammed close together, which is pleasant and also makes it easier for staff to manoeuvre with ease (plates are large) when delivering food to tables.

Most of the customers are British expats, and have heard of the venue, as I did, via word of mouth recommendations.

Oulas café diner
Where: Griva Digeni, Chlorakas, Paphos
When: daily from 11 am until around 9.30pm, closed on Mondays
Contact: 99 616908
Price: house wine €2.30 a glass, beer €2.20, soft drinks €2, teas and coffees €2

Finding a cozy place for a relaxing drink is high on my priority list these days; nothing beats a nice drink within a warm and comfy environment. For me Rio Bravo is not only a great place to dine but a great option for just a drink as well.

Rio Bravo is well known for its ‘Wild West’ ambiance, with its wood décor suggesting the feeling of being in a log cabin. And let’s be honest, nothing is cozier than sitting in a log cabin by the fireside and enjoying the overall ambiance. The fact that fireplaces warm the place up make it the ultimate winter retreat for anyone looking for refuge from the cold.

The drinks menu is simple at best, reflecting the overall simplicity of the saloon-type premise. You can get a wide variety of drinks with mixers but what many retreat to while there are the margaritas. Maybe not the best you will have in your life, but the fact that they come in a pitcher makes them ideal when not drinking alone. Pitchers are the best way to share and spend time with a group at great price. You can choose between lemon and strawberry margaritas that are chilled and waiters will keep them coming for as long as you ask for them. The appeal is irresistible.

Others though tend to go with the whole Mexican/Wild West feel and opt for a whiskey or Corona beer.

Either way, the great thing about Rio Bravo is that you can also wash everything down with a delightful selection of dips and platters. Offering a warm cheese dip – which really can’t be found anywhere in Limassol – it is a fantastic option to cheese lovers. But you also have the usual sour cream, guacamole and salsa to complement your drinks too. Dips or platters – like the meat platter – are great value and are a great option for your night out.

With affordable prices, warming and relaxing atmosphere and wonderful snacks, Rio Bravo is a great night time retreat, either for a full on meal or just a chilled out getaway. The only thing that might, and does, put a damper on things is the sub-par service. If service though is not a deal breaker for you then this is a place you have to visit!

Rio Bravo
Where: Ariadnis, Mouttagiaka, Limassol
Contact: 25 310362

It takes enormous amounts of hard work to seem effortless; artists of all sorts practice and practice again so that when the moment comes they are able to deliver the goods with consummate ease. At Tweedies restaurant in Kissonerga, Paphos there is a lot of that effortlessness in action and it’s all down to a great partnership of Craig in the kitchen and Hilary front of house, both blessed with good taste and a sense of what matters when it comes to being hosts.

This renovated village house is small with an inside dining area that can cope with maybe 30 covers. There is also a rather sweet garden area for those who wish to dine alfresco in this straightforward no-nonsense offering. There is a gastro pub feel about the menu and that’s no bad thing as I would compare Tweedies to a quality French Bistro, a place of safety, somewhere one can relax and eat well.

The menu is short with eight starters and mains to choose from. We kicked off with hot smoked trout with white asparagus spears partnered by a perfectly cooked breaded hen’s egg sporting a lovely texture with a buttery yolk with nearly the texture of pudding. Add to that a light crunchy shell and a touch of Béarnaise sauce that had me sweeping around the plate with the combined resources at hand of delicious homemade bread plus the edge of my fork.

My companions delighted in proper, and I mean proper, creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms, white truffle oil, wild rocket and a parmesan crisp, and the steamed blue crab dumplings in white wine, saffron and tomato and chive. Then there was envious looks and forks hovered when another was presented with her grilled langoustines. We then followed with fresh whole grilled rainbow trout, pan roasted loin of monkfish wrapped in pancetta with a cheesy leek fondue and as a nod to chef’s Scottish roots we all had a try at his veggie haggis packed into a delicious filo pastry and generously doused with whisky set in a mushroom cream.

The a la carte men also offers on a Sunday a roast top side of Black Angus beef with the usual trimmings of Yorkshire pudding and roasted potatoes. Although we as a group went more for fish and vegetarian dishes the menu also offers pan seared calf’s liver, plus a slow roasted spicy lamb shank with creamy polenta in addition to a breast of chicken that has been generously stuffed with buffalo mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

The restaurant has over the years attracted a solid expat customer base and Helen assured me that although the array of bobbing ‘snow heads’ was dominant in the dining room the word has got out to a younger set so they are now beginning to fill the chairs.

When the pudding menu was being pondered over and decisions were trying to be made our Cypriot friend announced that he had never tasted a ’crumble’ and duly cleared his plate of every scrap of apple and blackberry crumble with custard, another went for the Thai style rice pudding with coconut milk, lemon grass and mango although this one dish we felt could have had a bit of a bigger punch flavour wise, another plumped for the comfort of warm banana and butterscotch crepes with vanilla ice cream.

I mention ‘punchy’ flavours because there is a tendency to perhaps lower the ‘punch’ appeal for older palates or for those who continually sing the old refrain ‘it’s not too spicy is it’ whenever they encounter an ingredient they are unfamiliar with. Either way, we sometimes got the feeling that Chef may well have held back a bit when reaching out for the seasonings. That said we thoroughly enjoyed the meal, and one could tell our fellow diners were also satisfied as there was a definite overall purr of happy people emanating from the tables. I will definitely return, probably often.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY International
WHERE Tweedies, Kissonerga, Paphos
WHEN Thursday to Monday from 6pm. Booking essential. Cash only
CONTACT 99 126590, www.tweedies.com

Two of the restaurants I approached this week told me there was no room at the inn – what luck for this led me to Barrique. I travel Menandrou Street at least thrice a week and have never noticed it before. But even here the maitre had to be persuaded that we would not remain on site for more than two hours as he was expecting a full house that night.

If I had spotted the establishment it would be as a bar, albeit a very upmarket venue: it boasts a deli stocked by Europe’s finest. Barrique is certainly dominated by a bar – and judging by the menu containing nine pages of beverages, it is very popular – but it also offers 120 covers for the discerning diner. We are settled in place by Yiannis who provides the menu and leaves us to tackle it; there is no rush even though he knows our time is limited.

The first page listing food is occupied by the 20 cheeses and 15 charcuterie items that the diner may select to occupy the platters that form the first entry on the card, which is divided into eight sections. We skip past the Bruschetta and Sandwich entries – the latter including a steak fillet sandwich – and pass to the Pate, Terrrines and Foie Gras; the first entry is pate de canard with figs served with toasted bread and strawberry balsamic jam; I look no further. Madam the companion selects smoked salmon rolls layered with creamy goat’s cheese, rosemary and figs served with a dressing of carob-honey from the three entries on the starter list. A shrewd move by the proprietors is they sell wine by the glass which enables the diners to be more flexible and adventurous with their eating. Prices per glass start at 4 euros and the contents are very generous. This enables us to sample the Pinot Grigio and the Chateau St Cosme with our starters.

The starter dishes are beautifully presented and much larger than expected. My pate was served in a mini-kilner style jar with the jam in the lid that made for ease of spreading and the salmon and goat’s cheese was a work of art. Efi, who served the dishes, ensured that we had an adequate supply of bread and toast.

Both dishes were memorable and delicious.

There were five entries on the main section starting with grilled salmon with pumpkin puree; prawns cooked with aromatic herbs on a bed of wild rice with baby carrots and wild broccoli; chicken Italiano; leg of lamb, slow cooked with red wine, prunes, apricots and potato puree; last dish is a beef fillet with gnocci. The companion chose the lamb and I had the prawns. Efi suggested the companion selected a Malbec with the lamb, and when she hesitated, a sample glass appeared which sealed the deal.

Both dishes were excellent. The lamb tumbled from the bone and my prawns were perfect. This was one of the best meals we have eaten in an age. Marios in the kitchen, and Savvas, one of the owners, fully deserve to have full houses all week. The service was seamless, the food first rate, and the ambience just right. My only complaint would be that for a cold night in December Savvas needs to turn up the heating.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY International cuisine
WHERE 4, Menandrou St, Nicosia
CONTACT 70087080, Booking essential
PRICE Mid-range

Located on the Piale Pasha street between Phinikoudes and Makenzy is a newly-opened extremely versatile lounge bar that caters to a variety of different interests.

We may be in a period of the year which might not be considered as ideal for beachside cafes, but such is the flexibility of Sea Joy all day lounge that it is adaptable to any weather or season.

It is a part of town that has gained a lot of momentum in recent months and Sea Joy is further proof of the region’s ability to become an integral part of Larnaca’s nightlife.

The warm and open colours of the establishment correspond to its vibrant atmosphere – it has a vast array of seating options, with conventional wooden chairs for those simply there to consume a quick caffeine boost, comfy couches outside for anyone wanting to take in the relaxing views or round tables with soft sturdy armchairs for a casual work meeting.

Being an all day lounge as its name suggests, they do not focus on one particular type of beverage – the early risers have a long list of coffees to select from, yet the cocktail menu is even richer. There is a lot of care that goes into each one – namely the Washington Apple, a drink made up of either whiskey or rum with apple schnapps and cranberry juice, ideal for a sunny day, or an Italian Breeze which consists of Disaronno and white rum plus pineapple and cranberry juice.

As well as having a wide drinks selection, the food menu is also plentiful, from breakfast to dinner. In the mornings, they have a coffee and sandwich offer for just €3.50, while the menu contains a list of various burgers, salads, fish dishes, soups and much more.

By night, it becomes an upbeat bar ideal for groups of friends looking to have a good time until the early hours without being confined to a crammed, smoky nightclub. Important football matches are also screened which can be enjoyed along with shisha for those more in a chillout mood.

Sea Joy All Day Lounge
Where: Piale Pasha, Larnaca
When: 9am to 1am
Contact: 24 621222

If the saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’ was a truism for any establishment in the Larnaca region, it would probably have to be Cafe Aman. Situated quite far from the centre of town in the village of Anafotia, the restaurant looks like little more than a small house, but looks can be deceiving.

The claim of offering an ‘authentic’ traditional Cypriot experience is a phrase commonly used by restaurants across the island and choosing the right one can often be difficult among the vast selection, but this particular place kept popping up when discussing traditional Cypriot establishments, and for so many to recommend a place so out of the way meant that it had to be decent.

There is a small inside seating area while the majority prefer to be seated in the small square outside, across the narrow road from the establishment. You are instantly struck by a warm atmosphere as a mix of both locals and tourists gather around very basic wooden tables and plastic chairs.

We are greeted by the owner who is enthusiastic about informing us about the place, its history and its best dishes. They do not have menus here, Andreas simply tells you what is available and you choose on the spot – not a bad way of doing things when you are indecisive like me. Not keen to disagree with the person who was clearly passionate about the food his kitchen produced, we were quickly sold on the idea of a shared meze.

The dips of all varieties – taramasalata, tahini, tzatziki – all came out first along with pitta and olives. As a first impression, the dips did not quite hit the spot, the texture of the tahini was not quite right, and the flavour of the tarama was peculiar.

But thankfully, that was the worst of it. Some on the table were big meat lovers but by the time those dishes had arrived we were already spent. The highlights of the meze were the smaller dishes beforehand – fresh courgettes with egg, haloumi and a wholesome Greek salad. Other things like spinach with eggs and proper chunky chips were excellent.

Even better were the wild mushrooms which were to die for – big, chunky, charcoal-grilled mushrooms which had been picked from the nearby villages brought over in a lemon and olive sauce. Similarly, the asparagus was also homegrown and everything that was prepared had been cooked in fresh olive oil.

As you would imagine with a place without menus, drinks options were quite to the point as well, with KEO beer and a local red wine, plus soft drinks and water being the options.

For a big meze and drinks, the price was excellent with the total coming out to around €20 per head. There is a unique atmosphere in the restaurant’s courtyard, one that you struggle to find these days. If you are nostalgic about the ‘good old days’ of local taverns offering the best food and service as well as a traditional village setting you will not be disappointed when you visit Café Aman in Anafotia.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY: Meze
WHERE: Café Aman, Ayias Fotinis, Anafotia, Larnaca
CONTACT: 99 412650
PRICE: €15-20

New York glamour has come to Nicosia! Snazzy, top notch and exciting, Moon Cocktail Bar & Tapas has recently opened. This impressively designed bar would struggle to look out of place in a US or European capital with its effortless chic.

The bar has opened in what was Sabai, taking six and half months to renovate. Walls were knocked down, stripped and taken back to native bareness and now urban concrete works together with nature to produce a new drinking experience. The attention to detail is faultless; it’s clever, stylish and refreshingly different.

With its cascading plants on virtually every wall, corner and even ceiling, chandeliers hanging from some of the said shrubbery, padded faux leather bars, 33 disco balls, lion statues and a ‘moon photo booth’, stepping into Moon feels like you’ve stepped out into another space and time.
The idea was based on old buildings which have been overtaken by nature, using raw materials such as iron, marble and granite to decorate the space.

Although Moon is on a main road (Spyros Kyprianou), it is a far cry from the usual bars and is wonderfully private once inside. There is no outdoor area. A glass wall stretches across the venue and electric windows open to help ventilate the space, although the temperature and air control is pretty good as it is.

There are two bar areas; the main one is a classy large semi circle, cream cushioned space and a smaller one of a similar nature sits nearby. Mixed ages, group sizes and even solo drinkers/eaters will feel comfortable here. If the bar area is not one’s seat of choice, then there are many tables of varying shapes and sizes to choose from but do make reservations, especially for weekends. The venue can seat approximately 200 people, with many more standing.

Professional mixologists and wine sommeliers have been brought in to design the menus, which change with the seasons. I scoured the menu and to my surprise I tasted, or rather devoured, the best cocktail I believe I have ever drank; the Lemon Pie. Although it’s not yet on the menu (but will be soon), Lemon Pie is quite literally like sucking lemon meringue pie through a straw; sugary citrus heaven! Its base is vodka with lemon grass, bitter lemon, fresh limes, homemade syrups and the secret ingredient of lemon cream. Garnished with freeze dried lemon pieces and biscuits around the rim of the glass, it’s immensely pleasurable and decidedly ‘moreish.’ The Sweet Deal with the cardamom syrup and rock salt was also tasty, the spice was subtle and blended in with the other ingredients.

Throughout the week there are three alternating DJs playing deep or funky house, 80s music, with mainstream tunes at the weekends and soon, Moon will introduce the concept of Five2Nine for after work visitors daily, where all drinks will be reduced by 20% from 5pm to 9pm.

Moon Cocktail Bar & Tapas
Where: Spyrou Kyprianou 9, Nicosia
When: Tuesday to Sunday 5pm-2am (Friday and Saturday open till 3)
How much: Cocktails €8.50-11, wines €24-145.
Contact: 96 900900, facebook.com/mooncocktailbar

One of the great things about Limassol is when you least expect it you find a culinary gem to brighten up the dreary weather. Yasemin has just opened, it has only been in operation for about a month, and it is sure to make a splash with its intricate yet delicious offerings.

It’s located in the epicenter of where old meets new; the Old Town of Limassol and more specifically on St Andrews street. The restaurant itself manages to capture the same atmosphere of the area it is in. Walking in, you are engulfed by a welcoming air created by the combination of old meeting new. This is where traditional Cypriot architecture, including some fantastic old tiles, and a minimalist colour pallet and décor create an elegant yet remarkably cozy ambiance for an intimate night for two or a night to share with friends or family.

Yet the most important part, the food certainly steals the show. The restaurant offers a fusion menu with heavy Middle Eastern influences, something new as far as variety is concerned. We went for the meze made up fully of Middle Eastern dishes and something that cannot be missed. It started off simply but with a bang: an assortment of freshly-made dips, including hummus and muhammara served with a freshly baked pitta, flatbread. Just from the taste of freshly baked bread, I knew I was in for a great experience.

These were followed by the favourite among Middle Eastern cuisine fans Tabbouleh and Fattoush salads. Both were great especially when paired with the delightful taste of the falafels and the spinach and cheese borek. What followed was koupa and lahmajoun, which instead of being on flatbread was served on filo pastry, which added a great twist. The fact that it was delicious and I wanted more servings goes to show that the twist was a great one.

To top the dinner off, we were served shish taouk and lamb kofta. The shish taouk was cooked to perfection, each bite of the succulent tender pieces a delight to the palate. The kofta which too was not overcooked, a tendency in Cyprus, retained all its natural flavours. By the end of this we were full, but not complaining. The meze option might not be the cheapest on the menu but it is certainly the one where you get a selection of the best the restaurant has to offer.

Nevertheless, not wanting to limit ourselves, we also ordered the smoked pork fillet, which when uncovered let out the most appealing smell. Immediately, I thought if this is how the dish smells, how could it taste? I was not disappointed, each bite offered the juiciest burst of flavour imaginable. Moreover, the desert selections that follow, will also close the night with a smile on your face. Top that off with an amazing cava and a wonderful wine selection and you have a night that is unforgettable.

The restaurant has it all. Impeccable service – not once did I have to scurry to find a waiter – all dishes presented were explained thoroughly and with a friendly smile, and my wine glass never seemed to empty before someone hurried to top it off. Fantastic food and an amazing atmosphere; it’s all that you could ask for, especially in the holidays!

SPECIALITY Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Mediterranean Restaurant
WHERE Yasemin, 287 Agiou Andreou Str, Limassol
WHEN From 6pm
CONTACT 25 222033

If you are looking for something a little different, a great place to enjoy a coffee while soaking up a creative vibe is Technopolis 20 in Paphos, which has established itself as a go to venue for all sorts of cultural and community events, and its kafeneio is a popular place for artists and members of the public to meet up, share ideas, chat and relax in a welcoming space.

Technopolis is found in a renovated house built in 1920, previously home to shops, offices, a nursery and most recently, a local TV station. There are five different rooms inside, one houses a grand piano. A now defunct soundproofed TV studio, in a separate building, is also utilised for screenings, lectures, and dance and theatrical performances.Centrally located, there is ample parking found opposite the centre and seating is available both inside and outside.

During the summer, the kafeneio GIARTino relocates to the rear garden, which is a haven of tranquillity in the centre of the town. Theme nights and live music often take place.For drinks the fresh lemonade is moreish, as are the homemade cakes. Cyprus beers and excellent coffee, soft drinks, as well as teas are also available. This is also a perfect venue to savour local Cypriot wines, accompanied by a variety of cheeses, charcuterie and fruits.

Every Wednesday, guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast/ brunch from 10am until 2pm, with live piano as an accompaniment.

Also, the café sells a number of Technopolis’ biological products – MaMa – which include jams, sweets, herbs and teas. Original artwork adorns the café walls.

This is a beautiful venue with a heart, run with dedication and supporting the arts; a great addition for Paphos.

Technopolis 20
Where: Nikolaou Nikolaidi Avenue, Paphos,
When: Monday to Friday 10am-2pm and during events
Contact: 70002420, info@technopolis20.com

I have over the years tried almost every fish restaurant within easy driving distance of my home and after countless forays into what I always hope will be a piscatorial wonderland, I invariably return home disillusioned. Then there is also the problem with the price of fish, it’s also a rule that one can charge stiffly for great sea food, and, given the issues around supply and sustainability it has no real claims on cheapness, but the whole dining experience must then really be spot on, and the Kingfisher gets it almost right in this regard.

Set on the Tomb of the Kings road, I first visited with Cypriot friends over 13 years ago and continued to dine there regularly until I moved away from the area. Returning was akin to walking back in time; very little had changed except the family had grown up and the next generation were now in charge, but they had been taught well by their elders and I can happily report that the Kingfisher is still a good value place to dine.

We started off with a fish soup which was both warming and welcoming on what turned out to be a cold rainy night, then a village salad to follow – I like here that there are also dishes available for those who may well be in the company and not great fans of fish who may prefer grilled halloumi to a plate of shrimps in garlic sauce or shrimps saganaki. From the fish display you can order up some decidedly different species including Crupper, hake, scorpaena and lobster along with the familiar swordfish, sea bass and bream. All are sold by the kilo so, for example, 300g of red mullet will cost you €18 and 400g of lobster around €30.

If you are worried about selecting a fish perhaps having no idea what they look like when not on a plate, ‘fear not’ is the motto here as staff at the Kingfisher are keen to have you return on a regular basis and are as helpful with your selection as possible. They have patience, plus the professionalism that allows you to relax as they recommend fish that will suit your palette so you feel quite safe in the capable hand of this family of fish experts.

Our dinner continued with a plate of Kalamari and chips washed down with a glass or two of white wine, what I consider as proper comfort food on a winter night. This was followed by a rather splendid taste sensation offered by a good sized plateful of snapper and red mullet, all cooked perfectly and by someone who obviously respects the fruits of the sea. There are also seafood platters for two on offer and they do represent good value for money as they range in price from €15 to €26 dependent upon the type of fish ordered, and the couple at the next table told us they come to the Kingfisher every week as both have been told by their doctors that they need to divert from their previous love found down the battered fish and chip route and go for fish that when ‘naked’ are then at least recognisable as proper fish.

I like the Kingfisher also because it isn’t a fancy raised pinkie finger sort of a place, it’s very much down to earth or should I say down to ‘sea’ and even more comforting is they also serve some of our very best quality Paphos made wines.
VITAL STATISTICS
WHERE Kingfisher Seafood restaurant, Tombs of the Kings Avenue, Paphos
CONTACT 26 949459
PRICE platters from €15, fish sold by weight

I think everyone’s main concern when it comes to picking a night out, especially with the cold weather upon us, is warmth, comfort and great drinks. And while there are many good options some stand out more than the rest, for me, one of these places is Frankie’s Social.

Located on Makarios Avenue, it is a cut above the rest. It is impossible not to notice how pleasantly out of place Frankie’s seems when faced with the hard, industrial feel of the city’s main avenue and the romantic feel the venue gives off with the leaf vines covering its main front. It is almost as if it were copied and pasted out of a tourist catalogue of a romantic capital and placed on the cold dreary avenue, make it seem even more welcoming. The inside is even more spectacular, reminiscent of a high-end New York whiskey club, with its toned down lighting and strong characteristic décor. Dark colours that permeate, become softened by the gentle lights creating an overall unmatched ambience.

You can choose to have the signature or classic cocktails. For example, the Frankie’s Mule is a great option for someone who is feeling up for something new and exciting. Made with ginger beer, mango purée, mango infused vodka and lime, it has a bitter sweet taste that wins over fans of these flavours. As far as the wine selection is concerned, there are local and imported all at reasonable prices. On occasion, and on the night we visited, the bar hosta a wine tasting night, with free tasting of the certain brand and a cheese platter.

On a negative though, without being able to resist, after a few cocktails, we ordered a bottle of Prosecco and to my great dismay the bottle was lukewarm, a feat a bar should never be able to get away with. To make matters worse, no care was taken in refilling glasses – we did it ourselves – or clearing plates after we were done. Although the waiters were exceedingly polite, given the price tag, affordable but not cheap, there is an expectancy for a higher level of quality and service.

On a more positive note, they have a great slider and bites menu that are great to order just to wash down that drink. Just don’t try ordering a side of fries like we did, to match the burger sliders, as you’ll end up paying more for those (€5) than the sliders themselves.
All in all, Frankie’s should be tried at least once.

Frankie’s Social
Where: 266 Arch. Makarious III Avenue, Limassol
Contact: 25 354101

In the days of yore it was the Phinikoudes strip in Larnaca that locals used to flock to for either a morning coffee or an evening drink, but those days seem long gone.

The Makenzie area now takes centre stage from spring right through to December but other pockets of town are fast becoming the new focal points during the remainder of the year. One of those to have seen a huge rise in cafés and bars is the square in the middle of the busy shopping area, where a number of establishments compete in a confined area but nevertheless all seem to be packed.

Dstrkt is the latest in a long line of bars that are having huge success there. Despite looking fairly similar from the outside, it has a vastly different aesthetic to its nearby competitors.

As is the case with the bars either side of Dstrkt, there are simple chairs and tables outside which is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a coffee and a chat in the open fresh air, and there are outdoor heaters so comfort remains optimum.

Inside however is where it really separates from the rest – rather than a cozy indoor space, there is a wide open area with a large bar right in the centre and comfortable seating arrangements around the perimetre.

There is contrast in atmosphere too, with the indoor area playing music fairly loudly right from the start of the day. And in the evenings, it becomes something between a bar and a club with DJ sets, performers and various other live displays.

The drinks menu is as vast as any, from teas and coffees to beers and cocktails while there is also a food menu which serves up some interesting brunch dishes beyond the regular ‘bar food’ such as the wholegrain bread topped with spinach, crispy bacon, fried egg and mozzarella as well as the large sea food salad.

Due to the increasing popularity of its events in the evenings, it is very rare that you will find a decent spot without making a reservation so it is highly recommended. The ambience inside during the day can be a little distracting due to the high volume, and therefore the outdoor seating area is far more ideal for coffee or a beer with friends.

Dstrkt
Where: Ermou, Larnaca
When: all day, all night
Contact: 99 274585

A friend suggested I try the new India India. It has moved from its old cramped site on Nikis Avenue and further along the same road to the former KFC corner premises. Much money was spent on the transaction, and it now occupies a gleaming arena with marble floors, comfortable chairs and well-spaced tables, Asian artefacts and a general feel of the sub-continent.

We arrive early on Tuesday night and take up a position where we can observe all that passes. Christina, our waitress, brings a heater to ensure our comfort. One is struck by how white everything is; walls, tables, floors, stairs, etc. The matter of drinks is settled with an Indian beer for the companion and an ouzo for me.

The menu offers reasonably priced set meals for two or four people, including a vegetarian option. We choose to explore the card. There are eight starters beginning with papadums and including four pakoras – deep fried pieces of vegetable dressed in chickpea flour and spices – samosa, onion bhaji and tandoori chicken wings. I select the bhaji, always a good start, and the companion fancies the vegetable pakora. Two bhajis are served almost immediately on a bed of chopped cabbage. There are many methods of cooking bhajis and I prefer the raised crispy version, but these are quite acceptable in a flattened biscuit form though warm rather than hot. The pakora is served as a mound of hot mixed crispy battered pieces of vegetable and is enough for four people; we didn’t finish the dish, fearing it would blunt our appetite for the main course.

The central section includes four dishes from the tandoor: mixed grill with an assortment of kebabs such as chicken tikka and sheekh kebab or minced lamb with spices. There are fifteen different chicken courses ranging from buttered, tikka marsala, korma, rogan josh, dhansak, and all the other usual preparations: vindaloo, gumbi, palak etc. We give them a miss and pass to the lamb which offers eleven plates covering most of the previous methods. The companion selects the lamb korma, a familiar dish that originated in Persia, and requires slow cooked cubed lamb, with garlic, onions, cardamoms, cinnamom, cumin and a sauce made from cream and almonds. Naturally, the menu doesn’t mention all the ingredients – and the whole spices will be removed before serving – but we notice that the dish will be cooked in coconut milk, which is now a common feature of Asian cooking. The dish is eaten with basmati or naan. I explore the seafood section and select a prawn vindaloo that will be cooked in onion and tomato sauce. It is best eaten with pulao rice.

Christina serves us a small dish of sauces and the main courses arrive in small metal bowls. The korma is a disappointment. As fluid as a bowl of soup with the meat lurking at the bottom of the dish, it seems as though a tin of coconut milk has been poured over the lamb, and there is none of the viscosity one expects from the dish. My prawns are queen size and the rice is perfectly prepared, but the dish has none of the intense heat one requires of vindaloo; in fairness, the waitress asked me how hot I wanted it and I chose medium hot, but nevertheless, it didn’t raise a sweat.

The proprietor, Jack is one of the nicest men you will meet in the restaurant business, but I must have caught his kitchen on an off-night. Pity, I was really looking forward to an Indian evening.

VITAL STATISTICS
Specialty: Asian Cuisine.
Where: 5c, Nikis Avenue, Nicosia.
Contact: 22-490440. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday, only take-away lunchtime.
Cost: Very reasonable.

There are those restaurant goers who constantly seek to try the new or extravagant places in town while others find a select few favourites and stick to them. If it is consistency you are after, Marzano will certainly fall into the latter category.

The Italian restaurant is situated directly opposite Larnaca’s main police station in the heart of town. Despite being in the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest roads, pure bliss is realised on entering the establishment due to its sound proof windows and peaceful background music.

When entering, the only thing that will be heard is soft jazz as well as the occasional clatter of plates in the restaurant’s wide and open space, with high ceilings and old antique paintings and sculptures dotted around the area. Its dim blue lighting provides a serene setting at night time while the simple wooden furniture makes for a soothing feeling before tucking into a meal.

When it comes to the most important aspect of any restaurant, the food, there are more than enough options so as not to disappoint. The waiter came along with a wide smile to give us the menus as well as run us through a few of what he believed were standout dishes.

For starter, I had some garlic bread and Pomodoro and basil, just enough to whet the appetite. The tomatoes and basil were very fresh, as was the garlic bread, and neither too oily.

On to the main and I could not look beyond the pizza as the standout option, despite the lengthy menu. With the ability to make my own, I opted for mushrooms, red peppers, sundried tomatoes, black olives and artichokes. As noted with the starters, all of the contents were fresh and the texture of the pizza was perfect. It had just about everything you could wish for, with a soft base, thin crust, tasty ingredients and a good size.

In the drinks department, Marzano boasts a wide range of fine wines, both local and imported, and even has its own clear-door wine cellar on display upon entry to the establishment.

The restaurant’s service is one of the best I have experienced in town, with each waiter attentive without being overly invasive. Each one is genuinely concerned about whether the meal is to one’s satisfaction and is always keen to suggest a particular dish if you find decision making a bit complicated.

The space generally has a wonderful atmosphere, which as a result, sees a number of regulars popping back in at every possible opportunity. The key behind its success, I believe, is its consistency in both service of its staff and the quality of its products. There is plenty of variety on the menu, enough to keep you going back to try more.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY: ‘Make your own’ pizza
WHERE: Marzano, Makarios Ave.III with Kalogreon, Larnaca
CONTACT: 24 657000
PRICE: €20 average for three-courses with drink

Named after the utensil used for a measure, Jigger opened in November. It’s a small rectangular bar with a big city feel. Seating up to 60 people, its goal is to serve purely as a specialised cocktail bar. With only one bottle of red and white wine from Greece on the menu and a choice of beers between Peroni and Guinness, they’re already there!

The cocktails in question have been concocted using bases of gin, rum, whisky, bourbon, liqueur and wine. Most of the drinks on the menu are their own signature cocktails designed by mixologist Vakis Stavri who received the IBA (International Bar Association) for Best Bartender in Cyprus in 2016.

So on this cold winter’s Wednesday night, I opted for The Irish Bastard, partly for the name but mainly for the promised flavours. With Jameson whisky as a base, the drink produced tasty bitter sweet flavours with nodes of citrus (lime and Yuzu syrup), followed by a slight ginger beer kick as it went down. The pistachio and almond in it was extremely subtle but with the warmth of the whisky, it came together to give a refreshing drink which surprisingly was not out of place in winter; a large sprig of rosemary helped to root the warming effect.

The decor is simple; the walls black with some parts covered in small square mosaics of gold and brown and the red neon Jigger sign against the black wall gives it a real ‘underground’ feel. My visit was early evening and it’s a great spot to visit after work for a quick drink or two to observe the world going by below (after work specials will also be on offer soon).

The lighting is dark and moody with reflections of gold and red. The décor is also minimal but effective in securing a sense of secrecy, yet the huge floor to wall windows overlooking the busy high street offer stray street lighting enhancing the slightly ‘film noir’ feel of the place.

The music overall is background mellow house with vocals. Alternating DJs play funk and electro swing etc in the booth on Fridays and Saturdays and Thursdays offer rock nights; from old rock to more modern sounds. It’s an interesting place with a unique view, where one can savour a variety of professional cocktails while watching the cars race by below as the tree tops flutter at eye level, freely enjoying the heart of a pulsing city.

Jigger
Where: 48 Makarios Avenue, Nicosia
When: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 5pm-1am, Friday and Saturday 7pm-2am
How much: Cocktails €7.50-10.00
Contact: 22 664848, www.facebook.com/jiggernicosia

If you’re looking for something off the beaten track set in an idyllic location and with superb views a visit to Searays café bar in Peyia, Paphos is a must.

Taken over by the current owners two years ago, Searays is found at the entrance to the Akamas Peninsula in Peyia and has got everything going for it.

The location is stunning and this is a wonderful place to watch the sunset, breathe in clear, fresh air and admire the Mediterranean from the outside seating area.

I had been meaning to visit for months after numerous word of mouth recommendations from friends and finally managed to visit on a sunny January day. I wasn’t disappointed.

Although not busy, a handful of customers were enjoying the peace and tranquillity while grabbing a bite to eat or savouring a beer or a coffee.

The welcome from one of the owners was warm and friendly and we chose to sit outside at a long picnic style table (other types of seating are also available) facing a beautiful view of the Akamas.

If you are venturing into the Akamas for a day out or a trip, this venue is ideally placed to provide all of the sustenance you will need and it bills itself as ‘the last watering hole before the Akamas.’

Searays are open every day from around midday, except Tuesdays, and generally close when the sun goes down.

A special winter menu offers a few dishes including a hearty cottage pie with hand cut chips for a reasonable €6.50. It was very good and all of the food is home cooked and tasty. A larger menu is available during the summer season.

However, this is also a really lovely place to come for a coffee or cocktail and gets busy during the summer months. There are a variety of beers and Guinness on draft available.

This café bar also offers different events which take place on a regular basis during the summer. These include live music, charity events, themed happenings and parties.

The venue’s live events for 2017 will get underway in a few weeks and will be announced on their Facebook page. Free Wi-Fi is available and key sporting events are also shown live.

At the rear, there is also a dedicated area used to play Boules. Dog owners are also catered for, as this is a dog friendly venue and water bowls are placed around the grounds.

The welcome at Sea Rays is warm, the service good and the location superb. Combine that with flavoursome food and reasonably priced drinks and it’s a winning combination.

Searays Café Bar, Paphos
Where: Lara Street (road to the Akamas), Peyia, Paphos
Contact: 99 617415, Sea Rays café bar on Facebook

New restaurants popping up while you are out and about in the town are always a delight, especially when they represent a cuisine that is underrepresented in Limassol. I’m talking about Beer & Beer, not necessarily a newcomer in the tourist area, but a newcomer to the city centre with the opening a new place in the heart of Saripolou square.

Beer & Beer offers the culinary delights of German cuisine, which not many restaurants are able to pull off. Situated in a prime spot and paired with décor that brings to mind a little Bavarian hut in the middle of Germany, albeit the touristy version of it, is a refreshing break from the overdone minimalism of the area.

The stone walls and wooden furniture create a cozy and warm atmosphere regardless that the weather outside might be 10 degrees or 35. What was also a nice touch were the picnic benches used for the outside seating area; the informality of it all made the atmosphere even friendlier. Going there is not about seriousness, it’s about a friendly meal with good food and having a nice time.

The menu is simple and, you guessed it, quite German. I have often professed my like for restaurants that do not list endless pages of food and that has come to mean a better and mostly ‘fresher’ quality to all the meals. There is one thing on Beer & Beer’s concise menu that you have to go for and that is the German sausages! Offered both as a starter and as a main, you can adjust your meal according to how hungry you are. The Beer & Beer meze starter is a great way to begin your meal if you want a taste of the sausages but don’t want to settle on them as a main. It includes a small selection of sausages, peppers and cheese, presented on a stacked platter that aims to please.

Yet, I was drawn to the Octoberfest platter. Simply put, a collection of German sausages with the accompanying mustard, that were all delicious to the very last bite. Cooked to perfection, you had the typical German sausage, one topped with cheese, a delightfully spicy one and more. They were incredible and left us wanting more. What I would have wished for though was that the server explained what was each sausage rather than each bite being a surprise; albeit a delightful one.

Another great option that cannot be missed? The pork schnitzel. There are many places that offer this; yet few offer a good-tasty-lip-smacking schnitzel, and it gives me great pleasure to say that Beer & Beer ticks this box quite successfully. The delicate taste of the perfectly breaded, crisp pork fillet delighted all the taste buds and the portion was so plentiful it could satisfy even the fussiest customers.

On the most pleasant note of all, especially for beer lovers, the name of the restaurant really does describe what is in the tin. The menu is beer galore, having so many beers you won’t be able to make a choice. The German cuisine has it right, sausages and a good, richly flavoured beer are the ultimate laid-back dining experience.

All in all, either you try the restaurant in Saripolou, or in the tourist area, the dining pleasures it offers can be enjoyed anywhere. My night there was a great way to spend a cold winter’s night and I’m sure it will be the same for you too.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY German food, especially sausages
WHERE Beer & Beer, Georgiou A, Yermasogia and Saripolou 66-68, Limassol
CONTACT 25 013164, 25 379800