The Koh-i- noor in Paphos is one Indian restaurant that for many years has enjoyed a constant and well-deserved reputation for serving up quality Indian dishes many of which happily guide us off the well-worn chicken Tikka masala route onto road testing some decidedly different and very tasty and deliciously different dishes. Importantly, Budge the Indian owner is also a trained chef and he has not made the mistake of moving away from what can be described as a domestic culinary tradition; as overseer in the kitchen he offers customers strident, full on food that actually offers a genuine taste of India.

I dined with two male friends both suffering from the onset of a (man) cold so after the usual commiserations regarding their deeply sick state the order of the day for both had to be dishes which would sweat out the bug. We started with nan breads the size of African elephants’ ears with one portion of plain the other steeped in garlic. You could opt for an onion Kulcha, a tandoori roti or deep fried Puri, so the bread department is well served and comes piping hot and perfectly cooked with those lovely crispy bubbles of smokey burnt dough that help give this bread its distinctive flavour.

Talking of being well served, any visiting vegetarians will truly believe they have died and gone to veggie heaven as there is a veritable host of options available from Biryani to Jalfrezi and a wide variety of genuinely tasty vegetable starters and side dishes, including my all-time favourite of Dahl Mackni for this is indeed a hymn in praise of the lowly lentil with black lentils that had been slow cooked in a delicious buttery gravy. We followed up the Nan-fest with a starter of meat and vegetable samosas accompanied by a platter of tasty dips, as we awaited the promised cold medication in the form of a very hot lamb Vindaloo and a chicken Madras listed as being ‘fairly’ hot.

I tested both dishes, one small forkful: the latter was truly spicy and at the same time not so overpowering that you didn’t get the flavour of mustard seeds and just that hint of tamarind. The vindaloo was indeed fiery hot but again, not so paralysing to either taste buds or one’s gall bladder. Only when both dishes were wiped clean (with yet another portion of nan breads) did both companions lean back in their chairs and announce that they were both ‘cured’ and feeling fantastic.

I had no such need of this special ‘medication’ so plumped for a milder dish in the exceedingly tasty form of a Bhuna, which is a spiced dry curry with onions tomatoes and coriander. All our dishes were partnered by pilau rice, though we could have chosen from a selection of eight different ones including a mushroom or Kashmiri Pilau. There is also on offer the option of selecting either chicken, lamb, prawn, or king prawns for your curried delight.

This was a very good and highly satisfying Indian dining experience and one we promised to return to and the added bonus is the value for money element, not forgetting another important asset and that is the employ of some of the nicest and very professional smiley waiting staff who seem to also have endless patience when it comes to describing to ‘curry virgins’ what each dish offers in level of ‘heat’. Of course chef will adapt any dish to suit your taste so if you want if hotter or milder the staff will make sure chef gets the message.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Indian
WHERE Koh-i-noor, 110 Tomb of the Kings Road, Paphos
PRICE around €20 for a two course meal with rice and dips etc.
CONTACT 26 965544 and for delivery and take away: www.koh-i-noor-cyprus.com

I have frequented this newcomer on the Limassol bar scene for the simple reason that it is something different. Though it is right in the middle of the city centre it has managed to escape the ‘minimalism’ meets traditional architecture overdone trope in the most unique way. It is based in a former mansion and walking in almost feels like walking into a stonewalled cave that is separated into rooms and arches.

To say there is nothing like it anywhere near it, is part of its appeal. Just by the looks of it for some, it is an enticing experience. Regardless of the permeating stone walls, the earthy tones and warm lighting make the customer feel welcome and at ease with the surroundings. Adding to that is the warm and friendly staff. To me it is the ideal post work place to kick back and have a nibble and a relaxing drink.

As far as drinks go, I kept my choices simple. I wasn’t blown away by the cocktail I had the first time I went so I stuck to beer and wine. Why? This place does not need a flashy cocktail to carry it; what it calls for is for your comfort drink to wash down all your woes and worries. And usually my go to comfort drink is a nice glass of white or red depending on the weather, therefore the adequate wine list really pleased me. There is a decent selection of Greek and Cypriot wines and some from Italy and France to cover everyone’s taste buds. Prices are not overly unaffordable, especially if you aim for the Cypriot gems of white or red.

At Algevra, the Greek music accompanying the buzz of people also helps create the perfect combination that is further complemented with the Greek based fusion edible selections. Whether it’s a meal, or a snack, the pairing guarantees a great night out. As far as the beer collection goes, it wasn’t groundbreaking. It offers the usual collection of local and exports.

All in all, the place is mostly about the place. It is something unique and its uniqueness allows you to take in your usual comforts in a different and original way. It is a bar that should be tried at least once just for the whole premise of it all. It’s also worth adding that until 9pm some nibbles are on the house!

Algevra
Where: Agiou Neophytou & Kitiou, Limassol
Contact: 25 828282

It seems as though a new place opens up every week in Larnaca, and at times it can become a tough job keeping up with them all. Fewer and fewer however, are deciding to set up shop on and around the famous Phinikoudes strip.

One bar aiming to reshape the trend is Rum Tree, a relatively new establishment in the area which has made a great early impression due to its attention to high quality rum concoctions and pleasant atmosphere.

Located very close to the start of the iconic strip, it enjoys an exclusive part of town which it is slowly reviving. Its outdoor patio provides an ideal setting for an evening drink with friends, with its low lighting, wooden interior and now, during the colder months, heating across the room.

The bar area has the appearance of an old beach shack – an all-wooden creation with a very minimalist look and with its various rums spread across the shelves. The seating area is made up of simple wooden chairs and tables close together while there is also plenty of space to stand.

As you may have guessed by the name, the bar specialises in rum drinks, with some of the finest quality rum in town. There is a real attention to detail when it comes to the preparation of the drinks and the bar staff are keen to offer their suggestions.

The menu is rum-dominated, with 15 out of the 20 or so cocktails prepared with one of its various rums. However there are also some good gin, vodka and whiskey options to choose from.

There is an extremely warm atmosphere with soft music playing over the top which adds to the ambience, and enough space to cater for its growing popularity.
On some occasions, there are live music events which provide a unique feeling to Larnaca’s nightlife. In particular, jazz and swing nights which seem to fit perfectly with the general theme of the bar. Weekends can often be very busy so it is worth going slightly earlier than usual to get a spot.

Rum Tree
Where: Leoforos Athinon, Plateia Evropi, Larnaca
When: 7pm-12pm
Contact: www.facebook.com/BarRumTree

It’s always a pleasure to find a new ethnic enterprise in our capital, we have so few. It is a chilly Wednesday night and we enter the shiny interior of the cleanest, brightest, Chinese restaurant, I have ever seen. No paper lamps, flying dragons or pagodas here. We are shown to a neat table in the centre of the premises. Menus and wine lists appear delivered by a waiter who is clearly not oriental, nor are any of the other service staff. Are there any Chinese on the premises? Yes indeed; there are six of them beavering away in the kitchens. The companion and I agree that we will cover as much of the menu as appetites allow. The obligatory basket of prawn crackers arrive with our drinks. The card is extensive and requires careful study; it is divided into soups, starters, salads, and the various meat and marine dishes, including 26 twenty six chicken and duck preparations.

We select a hot sour soup for me and a crab and sweet corn for the companion. The hot sour is perfect for a winter’s night, traditionally containing up to 20 different ingredients, which in northern China will include a good measure of pig’s blood to give it that rich colouring. A very generous portion is served and meets all requirements: hot, spicy, rich in contents and not too much MSG. However, the crab and corn is a disappointment, the companion detects the presence of the awful crabsticks drawn from the depth of the bowl in all its shiny disguise. Crabsticks, have little or nothing to do with crabs. Originating in Japan and marketed as Kanikama and Surini, it is processed white fish – usually pollock – bound with starch and sometimes albumen then coloured with carmine – a cochineal product – flavoured with artificial crab essence and moulded to appear like crableg meat. Damn. She was looking forward to the taste of real crab. But not to be.

We ordered the Szechuan spare ribs from the starter list and eight of the little devils were consumed with pleasure. There are 88 main courses to choose from including an array of Thai dishes, as well as noodles and rice in their various forms. The companion fancies the aromatic Peking duck with the usual attendants and I select sizzling beef; I like the delivery ceremony, when the waiter carries the sizzling hot iron plate through the tables. Unfortunately, the companion is having a bad night. The steamer containing the pancakes is not steaming, in fact it is cold. The duck is dry, there is no sign of scallions, only sliced cucumber, but the sauce is alright, so is the egg fried rice. My beef is excellent; tender, spicy and surrounded by crispy vegetables in a rich brown sauce. We had decided to share our dishes so the companion abandoned her duck and tried the beef, but not too much.

At this stage the restaurant is full, mostly with women diners, all 93 covers are taken. We decline a sweet. The proprietors of the Imperial are no strangers to Chinese cuisine, they have been serving the natives of Paphos and their visitors for 16 years. Victoras, the owner of the Engomi operation, states they have two establishments in Paphos and opened the Nicosia branch seven months ago. We were unlucky it seems for we are surrounded by happy, contented troughers that appear week on week for their oriental delights.

Imperial has a thriving take-away service, and being positioned at the foot of the largest student accommodation in the capital, they should have no worries for the future. Maybe we hit an off-night in the kitchen, who knows.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Oriental cuisine
WHERE 14 Porfiriou Dikaiou, Engomi (next to Starbucks), Nicosia
WHEN Open Monday to Sunday – lunches only Friday to Sunday. Booking essential.
CONTACT 22 313960, 96 247425
PRICE Not cheap

Frames Nicosia Espresso and Cocktails, is yet another new, all day lounge bar that’s recently opened in the capital, a movement that seems to define Nicosia’s burgeoning nightlife scene.

Opened mid December, Frames is open nearly 24/7. It struck me as an odd place but it has been very popular since its launch, especially among university students. It’s a large space which seats approximately 100 indoors and 60 out. The physical space has an unusual layout, the ceilings are incredibly high and the bar, which takes up a huge amount of space, is an interesting boomerang shape. The bar is very pretty indeed, lined with stools and with large mirrors behind highlighting an impressive array of alcohol.

With 18 varieties of single malt whiskey, 20 types of beer, 43 labels of red, white and rosé international wines and Champagnes there’s absolutely no shortage of choice. The signature cocktails are designed by the specialist barman (a member of the International Bartender Association) and are both very reasonably priced and well designed.

Frames is an easy going space with a splendid supply of alcohol. The cocktail menu may not dazzle with crazy and original ingredients, still, the cocktails are well made and tasty. Their Grey Goose Vodka based Sweet Amelie, despite being very sweet (and not my typical choice of drink) is moorish; perfect for the hotter months. Full of fruity flavours, it’s light on alcohol, creamy and washes down well. For a more serious cocktail, then their Old Boys is the man for the job, served in whisky glass, the citrus smelling J&B Whiskey, Drambuie, orange and mint curacao packs a punch to both nostrils and taste buds.

In warmer days, the entire glass front wall will open up to create a huge outdoor seating area, where in typical Nicosia style, people can enjoy watching cars whizzing by. The rest of the inside bar area squeezes in several high tables and chairs. The atmosphere overall is chatty. Despite the music being predominantly Deep house, one can hear people nattering away above it; the music stays pleasantly in the background. At the end of the bar area, another huge glass division separates the drinking area (where you can eat too) from the main café style eatery.

Weekdays sees more of the neighbouring students pop in to chillax, however Wednesdays and weekends attract different clientele of varying ages dressed to impress. Reservations are a must on weekends and event nights.

Thursday nights play mainstream mixed Greek and English tunes. Their special events have an entrance fee after 10.30pm. They also offer 15% discount to students presenting a Frame’s card. The resident DJ plays all kinds of house on Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays and upcoming events can be found on their Facebook page.

Frames
Where: 14 Porfyriou Dikaiou, Egkomi, Nicosia
When: Monday – Sunday 8.30am – 02.00
How much: Cocktails €7-10.00
Contact: 22 515535, facebook.com/espressoandcocktails/

The Piale Pasha road between Phinikoudes and Mackenzy Beach which, being sandwiched between Larnaca’s two busiest areas, continues to be a hotbed for reliable restaurants and taverns of various styles.

Given the location, literally just a stone’s throw away from the sea and a prime fishing location, the overwhelming majority of establishments in the area tend to be fish taverns, so this time I opted to try a restaurant with slightly more variation.

Portokali restaurant is just at the start of the newly-renovated stretch of road and has always been popular among residents of the town but was slightly underrated in comparison to its neighbours.

Walking in, there is a contrasting warmth in the décor to its rather bland outer façade. There are traditional old oak chairs and tables, as well as a fireplace which makes for a calm atmosphere. We are instantly met with a waiter who guides us to our table and provides the menus.

The options are vast: there is anything from kleftiko to fish dishes plus a wide variety of pastas and meze so it is hard to pin down exactly this restaurant’s style.
We went for some traditional dips to begin with as well as garlic mushrooms and grilled peppers. There was abundant flavour in the mushrooms which were clearly fresh though the garlic seemed to be slightly more raw than it should have been.

For main, I was intrigued to try the Cannelloni Fiorentina, which are cannelloni stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, lots of spinach and topped with tomato sauce. It was a fine dish, seemingly made from scratch and not too rich, an interesting addition to a menu at what could be perceived as a typical Cypriot restaurant.

Others opted for the more common souvlaki as well as fish dishes like calamari and sea bream and were not disappointed at all.

There is a decent selection of local wines too, and we ordered a carafe of Ayios Onoufrios which served us well.

The overall service was good. The manners of the staff were very good, attentive to any additional things we may have asked for but also not too intrusive to come past our table every few minutes to ask if everything was ok.

Portokali may not be the most extravagant of places but it ticks the most important boxes. All the food is homemade, the service is good and the prices represent value for money.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Meze
WHERE Portokali, Piale Pasha 98, Larnaca
PRICE Pasta dishes €6-8, fish €9-13, souvlaki €5
CONTACT 24 665660

It has been tricky to visit Paphos old town in recent months but as much of the upgrading work is now completed a trip to Kava café has become far easier.
With superb panoramic views of the town and the sea, Kava has established itself as a favourite with locals and visitors over the last decade or so.
Situated in an old renovated building, it’s found in the heart of the old town in the area of the market.

The road in front of the venue is currently dug up and closed to traffic and pedestrians, but drivers may park in the car park below the ‘market lift’. It’s then a short walk up the steps and across makeshift paving stones laid across the unsurfaced dirt road. (Alternatively, find your way by foot from the recently finished Makarios Avenue.)

This slight inconvenience is worth it as the spot is impressive and prices are reasonable. A lofty interior has a small mezzanine level stuffed with books and below a sizeable area provides welcome relief from weather extremes, but the main pull of Kava is the outdoor, sea-facing terrace.

This is the place to sit, either alone or with friends, to soak up life outdoors and savour a relaxing drink, a snack or a meal. It’s a good place to take a break from shopping, enjoy a refreshment while out walking, or to watch a stunning sunset during the summer months.

Serving food and drinks all day, Kava is open for breakfast from 8am (a ‘real’ English breakfast, as it’s described is very popular- Cypriot dishes are served too), during the winter months the cafe closes around 5pm. However, in warmer months it’s open until late.

This café is very popular with locals (always a good sign) as well as expat residents and holidaymakers, so expect a mixed crowd. Tables and chairs are what you’d expect in a cafe, and are comfortable. The service is prompt and polite.

Alcoholic beverages, coffees and teas and soft drinks are served all day and if you’re in need of warming up, the hot chocolate really hits the spot, and accompanied by a small brandy is a real winter warmer.

During the summer, there is usually a welcome breeze and plenty of shade is provided by large umbrellas.
A stalwart of the old town market, Kava is worth a visit, even if it means negotiating the tiresome road works.

Kava Café
Where: 8 Agoras Street, Main Municipality Market, Paphos
Contact: 26 923001

Located in the heart of Limassol’s old town, despite it’s dark exterior, The Noodle House is not difficult to spot – it’s a huge place and the interior lights will definitely make you look twice.

Don’t be intimidated by its modern, classy and chic appearance. The prices are actually affordable and the quantity of the portions are definitely filling.
With an open kitchen, the decor looks mainly western plus a few details that remind you of the Asian nature of this restaurant.

Before getting into the food itself though, the quirky way of ordering stood out. The notion of a menu that resembles a book has been thrown out and has instead been replaced by a sheet of paper with meals easily broken down in groups such as appetizers, wok noodle soups, noodles, specials and sides. It’s not a wide selection of options but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

A customer ticks the boxes of the items they’d like to order and hey presto, hand in your form.

There is also a section of sushi to choose from, a respectable wine list and cocktails at decent prices.

We started off with prawn crackers for appetizers that were served with sauce on the side. They were your typical, run of the mill prawn crackers served in a large white bowl.

Up next came the sushi – we ordered California Rolls and they came on a cute little plate. The texture was perfect and it was absolutely delicious. Our main course was Shanghai beef noodles and Yakitori prawns – a blend of teriyaki and soy sauce. Mouthwatering.

As mentioned before, the food was piping hot but that didn’t stop us from digging in. It felt like there was no end to the quantity of noodles no matter how much I kept eating. The sauce was tasty, the meat well cooked and the noodles were fantastic. What can I say, the perfect blend.

This was my first time trying Yakitori, which was served in sauce with some vegetables and I was thoroughly impressed. The prawns had a great texture to them and the flavours were explosive. Only keep in mind that if you’re hungry, you might want to get a bowl of rice on the side – to share though, the serving is huge.

Staff were extremely warm, polite and friendly – kudos to them because apart from the in house customers they were also taking orders for delivery. The chefs can’t have it easy but it doesn’t show in the quality of the food they serve or in the waiters’ manners. Everyone without fault was attentive, re-filling our water, asking if we needed anything and offering to help with inevitable struggles one might face at a new restaurant – what exactly is this dish? And how does one work this food ordering sheet?

Although we were pretty full something on the dessert menu caught our eye and we couldn’t resist – fried ice cream. Say what? That’s right. This was vanilla ice cream, wrapped in kateifi and cashew nuts and deep fried.

The calories were probably more impressive than the flavours – at least for me – but it was an interesting mix of the warm exterior of the kateifi and the cold ice cream inside. Although a fan of cashews, perhaps they didn’t blend great with the ice cream – a more conventional approach would have been pistachios I guess. But definitely worth trying for the experience.

The portion was large enough to share. There are also other delights to try such as lava cake, mango pudding and a whole page of options.

Overall, a pleasant place suitable for business and casual meeting.

The Noodle House also offers special lunch menus priced at €10 and fasting options in the run up to Easter.
VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Noodles
WHERE The Noodle House, Ayiou Andreou Street, Limassol
CONTACT 25 820282
PRICE per person between €10 and €25

Greece holds many food memories for me, tiny cheese pies with honey from Crete, terrific tomato fritters from Santorini, a whole sea bream fried in garlic sauce from Rhodes. Sadly the Greece I enjoyed when younger has suffered over recent years so when I heard a genuine Cretan tavern had opened in Paphos and was dedicated to bringing the flavours of that beautiful region to town, initially I went as an act of solidarity, expecting little from the rather drab entrance way.

Cretan born owner and chef Yannis Doulgerakis explained that he calls his establishment an Ouzeri, which for the unenlightened means a tavern which sells Ouzo as well as mezedes, and Yannis also insists that everything served on his plates has to be from the freshest and most authentic ingredients, boosted by the weekly delivery of Cretan herbs and cheese, plus Cretan olive oil from some of the island’s 35 million olive trees.

If you come to Crete Kadiko to eat you will be able to experience what is a distillation of thousands of years of culture and lifestyle; it’s a very rustic, essentially domestic, culinary tradition with special virtues all of its own, and the starter served certainly set the standard for the rest of our meal. Dakos (Ntakos) is a form of Greek bruschetta but based on barley rusks (paximadi) and these rusks are first soaked in water or olive oil to soften them, then they are topped with grated fresh tomato and mizithra, which is the creamy sheep or goats milk cheese, then drizzled with Cretan virgin olive oil and dusted with salt, oregano and pepper.

This dish alone will have me returning as it was a true delight.

A Cretan salad followed, and again the flavours just zinged around your mouth, which was also regularly rinsed by quaffing from tankards of quite decent home-made wine. Diners can opt to go for a Cretan or a Mediterranean mezze or just pick a selection of dishes from the menu, but it would seem a waste to not dive into the delights of fava meatballs, tomatoes stuffed with tuna, Cretan sausages along with pork, or lamb, or the delights of Apki, a sausage meatball with soft and semi hard cheese served with potatoes and salad.

Vegetarians are certainly well served with plates of steaming fresh spinach or a tasty beetroot salad with garlic, yogurt and roast nuts. There is also a selection of seafood, with octopus and stuffed squid and shrimp saganaki, even a sea urchin salad, which had to be a first for me. Back to the olive oil and Yannis, like so many other chefs, says that a good tavern/ouzeri/restaurant must use top quality olive oil and the rest of the cooking comes second. And believe me, the oil used here is the sort of stuff you want to dab behind your ears such was its subtlety and depth of flavour.

Chef obviously has a passion for his homeland’s cheeses and we tried Graviera, which is loose rendition of the word Gruyere, a hard cheese with a lovely afterbite and Myzitra, which is made from ewe’s milk and tastes a bit like an expensive French chevre frais. I could go on and rave about the chicken livers in savoro sauce or the Sfakiani Pita with fennel known as Marathopita but words cannot do true justice to this country’s food. I can only say there is nothing showy about how the ingredients are brought together, yet there are oceans of traditional techniques at work on every dish so only at the end of the meal will you recognise how well you have been fed and how tasty each and every morsel was.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Cretan food
WHERE Crete Kadiko, next door to the old E&S store on Apostolou Pavlou, Paphos
CONTACT 26 954114, 99 494115
PRICE from €3.50 for starters and €7 for mains (cash only)

Located in the heart of the old town, Il Castello is marked by its easy, low-key and relaxed vibe. It’s nothing fancy so you don’t have to dress up.

The most impressive thing about the drinks here has to be the portions – they’re huge. The Sangria was delicious with plenty of fresh fruit which had me wondering whether this was a fruit salad served in the drink – but in a good way. Sweet, tangy and fruity, I absolutely loved it and happily drank away, trying to pace myself. A great way to unwind.

The pina colada was as equally generous and was wonderfully sweet with a pungent and distinct coconut flavour that marks this popular cocktail. The texture was a bit thicker than what I’m used to and I was only disappointed when I got to the bottom of it. It should’ve taken a while to finish but it was really good and I couldn’t really help myself from knocking it back pretty quick – like I said, it’s a chilled place which means no judging.

The presentation of both drinks was standard and that’s absolutely fine. After all, if the taste is good and the portion is huge what else do you want.
A lot has to be said for the staff who are incredibly enthusiastic despite how packed it can be. They’re keen to give honest opinions and advice in a vibe that is more homey, with the waiters being friends with some of the regulars.

The food, if you’re hungry, is delicious and the portions are huge (seems to be a recurring theme) which you could share if you’re not starving.

For non-smokers, now that it’s winter time, do note that wherever you sit, there will be smokers around you.

Overall, not a bad place that attracts students and adults up for a chilled night, a game of cards or to catch a football game.

Il Castello
Where: Irenis 23, Ayios Andreas, Limassol
Contact: 25 356222
When: Daily from 9am

What a relief: a restaurant that pleases. My friend, Johan the Belgian gourmet, suggested this establishment – powered by one of the most sought after and enigmatic chefs on the island – and said it would provide what most diners seek, a culinary adventure that satisfied and represented value for money. I would suggest that Options qualifies on both fronts.

We arrived early on a Wednesday night and were able to park opposite the restaurant in a huge free car-park. It has the usual in&out arrangement, with more covers outside than in, and we chose to sit in the very comfortable interior that has counters at both ends of the room, one displaying the confectioneries and the other a cocktail bar with high stools. There was a provision for customers that wanted a coffee and pastry or savoury, and the central area was reserved for the serious diner. Iota, our waitress, provided the menu that came on four cards printed in English and Greek and reflects the fact that Options opens seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are salads, sandwiches, platters, coffee in all forms, as well as a good selection of the best of Cypriot and Greek wines supported by those from continental Europe and the New World. We have a weakness for the neglected wines of the Pays D’OC and chose the Bachellery Chardonnay – good value.

There is distinct sense that the proprietors are determined to ensure their customers eat healthily: with much mention of wilted spinach, lentils, chickpea puree, sumac and quinoa. One of the menus is headed ‘to share’. It started with a tartare of smoked salmon and sea bass garnished with tobiko and pickled ginger served on a bed of light wasabi sauce: that’s my kind of a starter. In the centre of the card was a slow cooked lamb shank served on a bed of aubergine puree dressed with fresh thyme. This was my choice only to be told that they had sold out. Damn. My attention wandered down the card to Pluma Iberico; neck of pork served with chorizo sauce and forked mashed chickpeas; this means they aren’t pureed, but slightly crunchy, the way we like them.

The offers on this card are all seriously tempting: there is a dish of Orzo (teardrop shaped pasta) cooked in Madras curry butter sauce garnished with seared prawns – the best way to eat them – fresh mussels and baby squid. The companion chose the grilled octopus served with fava santorini and caramelised shallots… I love shallots, so few kitchens use them. I settled for the Pluma Iberica. We split these between us which meant there was no chance of cooling. Our main choices were taken from a card offering Penne with leeks and prawns; grilled baby calamari, Orzo with wild mushrooms, Paella, Ravioli filled with prawns, and noodles with seafood and Teriyaki sauce. The companion settled for the ravioli and I selected the baby squid.

Not one of the dishes disappointed. I would go so far as to state it was one of the best culinary evenings in recent years. My dish arrived on a bed of yellow lentils with the wilted spinach, which means it was just shown the heat, the calamari were represented by the scoured heads, and the companion’s ravioli was one of the best meals we have had in Cyprus; the flavour was outrageous. Everything on the card and on display was made on the premises. I couldn’t manage a sweet, but the companion, in the interest of the readership, sampled an iced mango pastry; delicious.

Maria, the proprietor, revealed that they had only been open since December, and chose the spot because of the parking facility – how wise. The ambience is first rate, the service impeccable, and I am struggling to find fault; perhaps the lentils could have been a little crunchier. Oh, and the establishment is cognisant of the requirements of the fasting period.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY International cuisine
WHERE Options, 6, Yiannou Kranidioti, Nicosia
CONTACT 22 322566. Booking essential.
PRICE Not cheap

For such a small part of town, it really does defy logic just how many establishments not only exist but flourish in the Laiki Yitonia of Larnaca.

Only a few years ago, there were but a handful of bars and cafés in the narrow streets nestled towards the end of the Phinikoudes promenade but now almost every inch of it is filled with a new bar.

Stories is one of the more recent additions to the neighbourhood, and has earned a solid reputation in a short space of time.

Dependable, attractive and cozy, the small bar standing on the corner of the street is, more often than not, filled to the rafters on a Friday or Saturday night, and also does well in the week with after-work visitors.

The décor provides a warm ambience, with light stone bricks on the interior walls, low yet colourful lighting and a simple seating arrangement.

Music plays in the background, not softly but nor too intensely to the point where you cannot have a normal conversation without shouting.

There is also a line of benches and chairs outside and, while it still may be a bit chilly, the outdoor heaters ensure that you won’t be any less comfortable. In fact, many prefer the outdoor area.

On the drinks menu, they have a fair selection of bottled beers, an impressive number of wines and some fine cocktails. Prices are also more reasonable than in similar establishments around town.

It was rare to see this particular beer on tap, so I opted for the Erdinger, a rich blonde German beer. It is a smooth and creamy beverage, and one that seems to divide opinion among beer lovers but nevertheless makes for an interesting change among a list of common lagers.

If you are a fan of live music, Stories plays host to local talent on various nights of the week, which has been a massive hit each time they have done so. Their social media pages keep fans up to date of who will be performing on what day, and it is recommended that reservations are made in advance due to their popularity.

Wisely, Stories offers a more original edge to the part of the town that had previously been flooded with rock bars, while not going to the other extreme in terms of its décor or its prices.

Stories
Where: kleanthi Kalogera, Larnaca
Contact: 24 400307

Tesla’s Pigeon Cocktail Bar and Kitchen is a spanking new bar in the centre of town that is very pretty, simple and effective. Working with naked wood, brushed brick, creams, browns, reverberating tunes of blues funk and scrumptious homemade cocktails, inventor Nikola Tesla (the inspiration behind the bar) would have been proud of this space.

It is spacious, well thought out and cosy. To my amusement, subtle attention to details invites you in directly off the street. Hanging outside the bar are three signs engaging passersby with quirky questions; curiosity will get the better of you, and before you can say ‘alternating current what?’ you will find yourself inside, greeted by a row of plants bubbling with a secret fountain.

Love has been poured into the bar’s nooks and crannies, the new owners have even built an arcade that boast 600 games! This is available for all to enjoy in the open plan upstairs area where there is also a pool table, comfy individual lounge chairs and visual access to the downstairs and outside part of the bar. There is a large outdoor seated smoking area to the front.

There is also a space to dance, which is encouraged. On entering, the earthy aroma of fresh, unvarnished wood teases the senses and gives a sense of an uber chilled atmosphere. The high tables and chairs are set apart from each other so both large and small groups can enjoy their own personal space without impinging on each other.

Metal futurist lamp shades hang halfway down from the high ceiling emitting a copper hue while the walls harbour Tesla designs and concepts.

There are two main bar areas inside which also offer bar seating and a fusion of familiar and original tapas are on offer. The music is old blues/funk mixed with electric played nice and loud to get you in the mood. The weekends will see live DJs playing more lyrical deep house and commercial while March 17 will celebrate St Patrick’s Day with Irish whisky signature drinks.

Tesla’s Pigeon is ultimately a cocktail bar with 15 signature drinks and all the classics but they also offer 20 different labels of red, white, rose, prosecco and champagnes, including a bottle of organic wine. The cocktails have been created by the owners, who have mixed drinks for years; passion; experimentation and flavour are key. Their signature Tesla’s Pigeon is a must and is almost an experience in itself. Made with homemade plum marmalade, Campari, Martini Rosso and a mini bottle of prosecco protruding from it, it’s a delight. The idea behind it is that as one starts drinking one can taste the bitter flavours of the Campari and as the liquid level decreases, the upside down bottle of prosecco empties, not only affecting the colour of the drink but also sweetening the flavor – fun and original!

Tesla’s Pigeon Cocktail Bar and Kitchen
Where: Diagorou 10, Nicosia
When: Tuesday to Saturday 18.30 – 01.30
How much: Cocktails €6-10.50, wines €24-145.
Contact: 97 743061, www.facebook.com/teslaspigeonbar

Finding reliable food, good service and a pleasant atmosphere does not necessarily mean picking a fancy restaurant and paying over the odds anymore in Larnaca, with a select few establishments showing that attention to detail and doing the basics right can result in long-term success.

If you live in Larnaca, you have either walked past this small café and not have even noticed it, or you are an avid fan who visits just about every week. Situated on the corner of the big outdoor car park near Laiki Geitonia, To Kafe Tis Chrysanthis is a quaint little spot whose popularity continues to soar.

With inches between the road and the front door, we made our way into the cozy café which could be confused for the set of a 1970s sitcom. The indoor seating area has a very retro vibe – a number of simple wooden chairs and tables are scattered around the small space, some nice art on the interior walls as well as a different motivational quote to give your day a boost.

There is also a narrow outdoor part sandwiched between its own exterior wall and that of the neighbouring shop, ideal with spring just around the corner, but not on the day of our visit.

Fewer and fewer places in town lay importance on a homely touch and good customer service but for this family-run café, it comes naturally. There is a wonderful atmosphere at the café, created by both the staff and the customers, helped by the very comfortable surroundings.

We were greeted with a smile by the owner, who handed us each menus. Though a small café, the menu has more options, and interesting ones, than most restaurants, catering to a variety of different preferences.

In one of those situations where everything seems appealing and you feel like ordering everything you lay your eyes upon, time was beginning to tick so I eventually settled for the homemade veggie burger, topped with grilled mushrooms, lettuce and tomatoes (€4.95). It was a sizeable burger, rich in flavour and, equally important, great texture with fresh toppings that complemented each other perfectly.

My side order of fries (€2.50) were great too; freshly cut, thick and prepared there and then rather than the usual frozen chips found at most restaurants.

My friend went for a jacket potato, with which come your selection of three toppings, with grilled veg, mushrooms and baked beans which also came with a generous side salad (€5.95). Though I am not a big fan of jacket potatoes myself, the fluffiness of the dish was impressive and they did not go easy on the fillings.

Not knowing that there would be enough salad for both of us in our meals, we also got a fresh rocket salad to share, with sundried tomatoes, avocado, honey mustard dressing and walnuts (€5.50).

The service was fast and to the point, and seeing as the restaurant is run by Chrysanthi herself, along with her mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, who prepare most of the dishes themselves, it is apparent why the attention to detail is so on point – they really care about what they are selling.

The homemade theme follows when it comes to cakes too, and even those on the strictest of diets will have trouble turning down a slice of oreo or lemon cheesecake. In the end, my cravings caved in for a slice of carrot cake, and I did not regret it. A fluffy, sweet, rich but not sickly cake which was the perfect end to a good meal.

If you like a relaxed environment, warm service and wholesome food a then there is very little chance that you will leave Kafe tis Chrysanthis without a smile on your face.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPEICALTY Home cooked comfort food
WHERE: 1 Ifaistiou, Larnaca
PRICE: €12-15 – main, dessert, drink
CONTACT: 24 256262

Ananas 8Bit Coffee is a name that kept cropping up in conversations with friends and I’m informed that is how most people hear about it.

Set down a street in Paphos old town, an unassuming frontage ensures anonymity and it can be hard to find on a first visit.

Found behind a window sprouting a veil of greenery, this is a tardis of a venue; don’t be fooled by its modest exterior, stepping inside is like entering an entirely different world.

The interior is surprisingly spacious but manages to offer simultaneous comfort and cosiness. There is ample space between tables and furniture is eclectic and comfortable.

With the added bonus of being next to a car park, this uncomplicated venue is the epitome of simplicity and offers a small menu of excellent quality.

The aroma of coffee is enticing and traditional Cyprus pastries are made fresh by the owner’s mother, using his grandmother’s recipe, on a daily basis.

The artisan coffee served is probably one of the best in Cyprus and discussed at many tables as each sip is savoured with relish. If you like coffee, you will love theirs.

The menu offers all sort of coffee and tea, including herbal choices, and soft drinks. Local and imported beer and wine are also served.

People interested or involved with the arts seem to gravitate towards this venue and the owner Charalambous, candidly admits that it’s not for everyone. The welcome here is warm and friendly and the prices extremely reasonable.

All sorts of patrons frequent this space and on my visit conversation overheard was mostly convivial, while others enjoyed the experience with little conversation, soaking up the atmosphere which has a very positive vibe.

This may be a simple venue, but don’t be fooled, much care and thought has been invested here and everything is executed with attention to detail. Offering the best and ensuring high quality is a mission.

The name is intriguing, make of it what you will and that’s the idea, according to the owner. Ananas is pineapple in Greek and a number of other languages and as a ‘strange fruit’, this apparently was an ‘obvious’ choice.

This venue is open every day from around 9.30am – 10.30pm and sometimes hosts jazz and blues gigs, cinema screenings, and other artistic events. Information about upcoming events can be found at Ananas 8Bit Coffee’s Facebook page.

This is an original venue and where everything is executed with flair. A visit here is a genuine experience; I will be returning in the near future.

Ananas 8Bit Coffee
Where: Athinas 35A-35B, Paphos (next to the home of literature and arts)
Contact: 26 600126
When: Daily 9.30am-10.30pm
Espresso from 1.90
Snacks 1.80
Local beer 2.50

Open all week 9.30am- 10pm

With the winter coming to an end a location such as Cleopatra Lebanese restaurant in Limassol becomes an ideal choice for dining in Limassol.

Cleopatra is located in the heart Limassol, yet the exact location is a tad obscure; it does take some effort to find it within the Enaerios area. Yet, once you find it you will be an immediate repeat customer.The décor is unique in its own way, with splashes of gold that seek to establish and enforce its Lebanese ambience. But the furnishings remain understated and fairly simple. The restaurant is not bawdy or overdone, it is just the right amount; the authenticity comes to them quite naturally.

But the main star here is the food and there is so much variety that you simply could not try it all in one sitting. The ideal thing to order at Cleopatra is the meze (as long as you are a minimum of two people). The basic meze for two people consists of a selection of Lebanese dips, a traditional Lebanese salad, and of course the falafel, kebbe and other pastries, which work as a perfect introduction to the main attraction of the mixed grill.

Some names of the dips might be unfamiliar but the taste is great. If you are on the hunt for authentic dips, with the flavour matching what you would find in

Lebanon, then look no further. What I did find that was new were the humus be snubar and the humus be lahme – which is humus with pine nuts and humus with lamb respectively. Although it is not something I have seen before, perhaps it should be as the flavours worked incredibly well together.

With all these meze offerings, you are also brought Lebanese salads, with the fatoush – mixed vegetables, fried Arab pitta and pomegranate molasses – being a personal favourite.

Moving on to the falafels they are just about the tastiest falafels to be found in Limassol. Always fresh, they are a great addition to a tasty meal. Along with the kebbe, made ground lamb, in wheat balls cooked to perfection, they make a perfect opening to the main course.

We have now arrived to the mixed grill portion of the meze, which provides kafta, and lahme mishouiet, both made with lamb and the latter a specialty to the restaurant, and the shish taouk. The kafta is charcoal grilled minced lamb, and the shish taouk is charcoal grilled marinated chicken breast. All options are absolutely incredible, and taste beyond that ound elsewhere. The meat portions are huge and one of the reasons you simply shouldn’t resist this restaurant.

What makes this meal even better, is the great service the restaurant has to offer. All waiters are friendly, polite and professional. Our food arrived promptly and with a smile. If after all this you find yourself still in need of something more, the mouthwatering deserts are a must.

All in all, the restaurant is a dining option that has to be experienced. Compared to other similar restaurants, Cleopatra is not only the best but also the most affordable option. But do call to book as it gets busy during the weekend.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY: Lebanese
WHERE: Christiana Court, Shop 2&3, John F. Kennedy,, Limassol
CONTACT: 25 586711
COST: Around €30 to €35 (including meal, desert, and drinks)

Quirky and with an outstanding sense of character, Ilektrika Idi (which means electrical items in Greek) is centrally located and the ideal place for a relaxing drink.

Deeming itself a ‘kafeneio’, it does not really chime with what you might think a coffee shop is. The term carries connotations of a laid-back, chilled atmosphere, where the cares of the world just breeze by while you enjoy a relaxing drink and maybe a snack under the warm shades of the wonderful spring sun. The ‘kafeneio’ concept is not new – what is new is the way we now see them. They are the new fad of socialising and are taking the scene by storm as they marry drinking with non-alcoholic options too.

Located in Saripolou square, Ilektrika Idi is smack bang in the middle of everything. And although the area gets busy at times as this outlet is right on the edge, you to tend to get away from all the hustle and bustle.

My favourite time to visit is for that much needed after work boost; just as the sun begins to set and the streets start coming alive. It’s the best time to kick back and enjoy. Enjoy what exactly? My personal favourite is an aperol spritz, the perfect aperitif to destress with. Served with ice – a must as it should refresh as much as delight – the presentation is simple yet more than enough. I love places that make an effort to serve drinks in an interesting way. With a great wine list – with some great Greek and Cypriot wines that should be tried – it tries to keep everyone happy. There are also the conventional selections of beer and cider, but also some interesting imports that you don’t find everywhere, like a Hetrog Jan or the Alska cider, which is another great kickback drink.

What should not be missed is complementing your drink with one of their quirky snack selections and interesting sandwich pairings. Or with just their simply delectable deserts.

So this Sunday, my suggestion is dress in your most comfortable garb and enjoy the beauty of this city from the new ‘kafeneio’ fad of Ilektrika Idi, But do get there early, as it does get busy.

Ilektrika Idi
Where: Chatziloizi Michaildi 3-25, Limassol
Contact: 25 763503

For both golfers and those who, like me, believe golf is just a good walk ruined, Minthis Hills Golf Club has the expertise and talent to be up there as a venue where good food is taken just as seriously as those who wander around the course clad in pink trousers and diamond motif jumpers.

The expertise comes in the form of Executive Chef Marios Karayiannis, a man trained at the Paris-based Alain Ducasse Culinary school who then worked with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, who thoroughly delighted my taste buds by offering a plate of the very best risotto – a miraculous combination of chicken stock, rice, onions, butter, parmesan guanciale, morels, wild mustard seeds, and purest virgin olive oil – I have tasted in a long time.

I was among a group of journalists invited to spend a morning eating and drinking – we were greeted with coffee and exceedingly tasty homemade pastries and after a brief outline of plans for the resort, it was back to the club house where chef prepared his risotto before our eyes and twitching nostrils. After two helpings of this delicious testament to poshed up rice, I sat back and enjoyed the view over the greens before it was time for lunch!

We all selected our mains from the menu but the starters were already laid out, and these included very Moorish, wafer-thin slices of octopus served with olives, tomatoes, red onion and lemon; vegetable stuffed vine leaves with a red onion and yogurt mint dip; and a rather delicious falafel salad. We could also have requested a decidedly different platter of crunchy halloumi served with cherry tomatoes or a selection of either vegetable, pork or seafood dumplings served in a Dim Sum steamer.

For mains most of the group plumped for pasta, or more specifically ravioli with halloumi, walnuts and almonds served with mint pesto sauce. One chap went for the slow roasted marinated lamb shank, and was rendered happily speechless for at least 20 minutes as he ‘dug in’. I tucked into oven baked sea bass with fennel, baby carrots and new potatoes with a saffron and aioli sauce, and again it was a case of simple excellence.

This is certainly high end contemporary Mediterranean bistro food and although not cheap it is a case of getting what you pay for and that is excellence all the way and this includes great waiting staff. Of course there are burgers on the menu but these are a million miles away from anything resembling fast food – take for example one of the three on offer, the club burger which presents itself as a homemade juicy patty topped with gorgonzola cheese, sautéed onions, mushrooms, fried egg, pancetta, lettuce and tomato in a sesame brioche.

Minthis Hills is certainly a place for foodies Oh and it’s also seemingly great for golfers!

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Bistro food
WHERE Minthis Hills Golf Club, Tsada, Paphos
WHEN 8am-6pm
PRICE Starters from €9, mains from €11
CONTACT 26 842200, 26 642776, www.minthishills.com

Despite being a small town, one of Larnaca’s best features is its wide variety of styles when it comes to bars and cafés, from beachside to backstreets, cozy to spacious, peaceful to frenetic.

Da Vinci Café is one of those that sits outside the box – situated opposite the magnificent St Lazarus church, this quaint little bar is the ideal place to relax and watch the world go by with a wonderful view of buildings and the bustling town.

It serves just about anything you could ask for from an establishment of such a small size – hot beverages, as well as a wide selection of cold drinks including fresh juices and an assortment of alcoholic drinks too. Small snacks such as pizza and sandwiches are on the menu but even with the full meals like the traditional

English breakfast and souvlaki, portions are bigger than those of most restaurants.

The interior is very simple with classic wooden chairs and tables that exactly serve the purpose of having a break from your day to take in a small snack or drink.

There is also outdoor seating with slightly more comfortable furniture, which is ideal for this time of the year.

With it being such a small establishment, it is one of those places that you will quickly feel at home, with the staff recognising you after a couple of visits. The service is very fast and personal, in what is a very relaxed environment.

The café is a much-loved spot for the many tourists who visit the St Lazarus church, and is an obvious pit stop. However, although it seems like an exclusively touristy place due to its international nature, the establishment has become a hit with locals.

Whether you are after a bite to eat or just keen for a coffee with friends, Da Vinci Café does not fall short in any of the important categories. It may not be the best known or most fashionable place in town but it will pleasantly surprise those who have walked past it without ever having tried it.

Da Vinci café
Where: St Lazarus Square, Larnaca
Contact: 24 664660

What happens when the capital’s favourite ‘Fish and Chip’ shop – and of course a great deal more –vanishes with neither a ‘by your leave’, nor any other explanation. The answer is, go find the other one. It was not possible that an enterprise as popular and successful as the establishment in Themistoklis Dervis could disappear without trace. And this proved the case.

Ocean Basket now sits cosily at the top of Onasagorou junction with Pasikratous at the entrance to the main tourist area of Laiki Yitonia. What a clever move. Surrounded by the army of burger, beer and souvla outlets – every one of them a clone of the other – Ocean Basket offers the culinary alternative: food from the sea.

We booked a lunchtime table and when we arrived the place was already in full swing. Located in the best spot for people watching, we were offered the choice of two window side tables, well spaced and decorated. The staff were quick and attentive.

Ocean Basket is a South African franchise started by the larger than life Fats Lazarides in 1995, at the start of the Rainbow revolution. It now extends to numerous countries and prides itself on the freshness and quality of its seafood.

The Nicosia outlet is a slick operation; the manager, Fardin, ensures no-one gets left out. There is no time wasting. Our table is served by Mary, who provides the menus, wine list and a basket of bread with butter. The card contained the usual starters but includes mussels, pickled calamari, garlic and cheese prawns and scampi with tzatziki. Salads are offered with seared tuna or salmon. Ocean Basket has fully embraced the Cypriot taste for the Japanese lunch: Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura. These are served in the usual form or in rolls and on platters. Be aware that the platters are huge; the staff will advise and adjust according to appetite. Prawns are a main feature of the ‘Basket’s’ armoury. They are majestic: prince, queen and king. The diner may choose to eat as few as six or gorge on a plate of 24.
On the fishy side one may select hake, sole, cod, bream, bass and salmon, and like all the other dishes, may be grilled or fried. The menu suggests combinations of prawns, mussels, fish and calamari. All dishes can be supplemented with any others. The staff are very accommodating. Don’t like mussels? No problem, try calamari.

We chose a port platter to share with a plate of mussels in lemon garlic sauce to start. The platter came with a substantial salad, various dips and a large plate of chips – hand-cut, not re-heated; a sin practised by far too many establishments. The mussels were a little too well done for my taste, but the sauce was delicious. The platter was a real challenge: the prawns, served ‘butterfly’ style, strip very easily from the shell – this is all finger work. The calamari is so tender, you could spread it. We asked for the fish – hake – to be fried, even though the dish specified grilled. However, it proved too much for the elderly palate, we took some home. The companion suggested that with such a substantial dish it should be served over a plate warmer, because it is certainly cooling by the end. But no request bothers the staff; ‘ a finger bowl, please; more lemons, more napkins’. The sweets on offer range from Italian kisses, to Alaskan coconut – didn’t know they grew them.

The wine list contains the excellent Tall Horse brand; excellent value.

The restaurant provides a Sushi delivery service and is open seven days a week, 12-00 to 10-00pm. There are enough covers to satisfy a battalion. This was a most surprising and enjoyable luncheon venture, and we would recommend it to all busy diners.

Vital Statistics.
SPECIALTY Sea Food
WHERE Ocean basket, Junction Onasagorou and Pasikratou, Nicosia, inside the walls
CONTACT 22-676070
PRICE Reasonable