Cold Water
Maistrali was always one of my favourite beachside eateries’, situated on what I call Napa’s North Beach, but officially known as ‘Kryou Nerou’ Beach, which means ‘Cold Water’. Neatly nestled between The Grecian Sands Hotel and the Alion Beach Hotel, the setting overlooking the beach, just 50 metres from the sea, stretching all the way to the twinkling lights of Napa by night, the views, priceless!
4 Decades
The restaurant has been in the family for well over 30 years, launched by a very good friend, aka the old man of watersports, Andreas Zintillis, now renovated and relaunched by daughter Stafanie and her hubby Andreas, whom I’ve also known for years …
Panoramic
Andreas’ interior design expertise is evident, as the result of the recent renovation has made the place brighter, and breezy, very clean, huge square empty windows offering panoramic views of the med while you dine, much as his modern minimalistic flair is unmistakable, even the wicker light shades hang unfinished style …
On the Terrace
Outside a lower terrace, and another a tad higher, gorgeous spacious renovated wooden tables, cafe style seats, made to match wooden doors, that concertina up, opening the raised inside dining area for those wintery nights, I’d say it’s quite unique along this coastline!
Coffee Time
Over a delicious Cappuccino made with 100% Arabica coffee, a south American blend of Brazilian and Columbian coffee beans which I have to say was delicious, I chatted to Andreas and Stephanie, who told me it was their dream come true to open a beachside restaurant. They wanted it to be different, something unique and I think they are very close.
Fusion
Andreas and Stephanie have years’ of experience in hospitality are continuing in their studies. To create their extensive menu they reserved the experience of a top consultant chef with no expense spared. The result is undoubtedly a Mediterranean fusion, leaning towards a fresh fish tavern, with several unique fusion recipe’s that will make it so difficult for you to choose when you first dine here. I’ve eaten here three times and I still have many choices on my tick list.
Appetizers
I rarely have starters but the Chicken Tandoori Tempura sounded so good I nearly asked them to big it up for my main course. Having said that, The Seafood Pouches of mixed seafood served on a bed of guacamole and micro leaves was tempting but the fresh oysters are so hard to resist.
Salads
The salads are are made fresh to order … The Passion Salad sounds lovely, it’s baby spinach, fresh strawberries, mango, goat cheese coated in pistachio and caramelized walnuts, drizzled with passion fruit dressing mmm! And, The Seafood Salad, looked amazing, and why not as you’re so close to the sea.
Burgers & Wraps
The burgers are made with top cuts of Angus beef, and I couldn’t resist a Jack Daniels burger one lunchtime, more than a compliment to the hand cut, skin on, Cyprus potatoes served in a little metal bucked and accompanied by a choice of sauces. If you like your Wraps the Bresaola Wrap or the Veggie Wrap sounded appetizing to say the least.
Pastas & Platters
Other dishes that caught my eye were the Salmon Pazzeroti Pasta, and the Seafood pasta. The Pork Fillet, and the hunters choice has to be the Wild Forest Duck Breast, served in a sauce of wild berries, wild mushrooms, wild spinach and wild rocca, and tastes as wild as it sounds, a definite on my next visit! Hmm or if you’re into sharing try one of their Platters, meat, seafood or tropical fruit.
Tomahawk Steak
On my first visit I couldn’t resist the Chicken Mojito and then I saw The Tomahawk Steak and thought that’s my next choice here. Andreas goes out every day to buy the best cuts on the market, usually Irish or American beef. Mmm, Medium rare please! … oh I almost forgot, Andreas tempted me to try the Greek Taco Octopus one day and it just melted in my mouth.
Afters
All their desserts are home made, some are freshly made to order I tried the unique Baba, a Mediterranean homemade sweet served with masticha ice-cream and pistachio nuts … but I also tasted the Apple Tart, and I wanted more!
Behind the Bar
There’s such a great choice from a couple of draught larger to speciality bottled beers, selected wines from Cyprus, Italy, Greece and France, and they serve little aviation bottles too, excellent value for money.
Just the Spirit
Behind the bar a lovely selection of 9 Whiskey’s, 6 Vodkas, Rums, and our choice a nice Gin, one of 10, this visit it was a Brockman’s, very moreish I have to say, hic!
Signature Cocktails
Naturally they serve all the classic cocktails but every lounge bar should have their signature cocktails, and here there’s a choice of 8 … So far I tried the ‘Catch me if you can’ a blend of Brockmans Gin, pear, watermelon, fresh lime and strawberry soda. Next time i think ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ or an ‘Extravagant’, Rum, pomegranate, apricot liqueur and fresh lime juice.
All in All
I love what they’ve done to this place from the décor to the menu, to the relaxed ambience and attenuative service, with sea views to die for, by day or by night! I’ve definitely put them on one of my top places to eat, drink and relax, even if it’s just for a coffee or a cocktail.
Open long summer season
March ’til December
Kitchen, Daily: 12 noon ’til 11 pm
Drinks only, later
Directions
You’ll find Maistrali at 42, Kryou Nerou Road, Ayia Napa … It’s right next to Grecian Sands Hotel and Alion Beach Hotel, with ample car parking, free if you dine here … See Google map icon below … All credit cards accepted …
GPS: 34.984562, 34.012750
A Mediterranean Fusion of Seafood and Sea Views!
More …
