Hospitality
I’ve known Jimmy for almost 30 years, one of the pioneers in Napa, he opened his dream Traditional Cypriot Restaurant 17 years ago and naturally it’s obvious they got right from the start …
Back & Forth
Jimmy from North London is a British Born Cypriot aka BBC, just like me, whose family moved back to Cyprus when he was 2 and they were actually here when the invasion started in 1974, forcing their move back to the UK.
Dreams come true
Jimmy’s dream was always to return to his roots, just like me, and to open a traditional restaurant, as he grew up in the hospitality industry in London, so boasts well over 30 years experience. As always I asked him why ‘Apple’ … he said; it’s the heart and soul, like Adam and Eve” … I must say, the temptation to try his Meze is irresistible!
Authentic
It’s as traditional as you can get, right down to the Cypriot donkey welcoming you under the arched entrance, adorned with vines leading into a traditional Cypriot home. Out front a lovely covered terrace where you can relax and watch the world go by enjoying authentic Cypriot cuisine to a background of modern Greek music, inside it’s taverna style with traditional artefacts everywhere.
Family Restaurant
It’s a favoured family restaurant with a safe Kids Play Area down the side with only one way in and out with lots of soft toys, rocking horse and a bouncy castle and big screen TV showing kids cartoons. The kids also have their own menu including things like a mini-sirloin steak and mini chicken or pork kebabs to mention but a few but Jimmy will downsize most of their selections for the kids or granny.
Friends
Their Head Chef has been with Jimmy since he opened, creating the menu together. Jimmy told me “we wanted to cater for everyone and just as importantly to make a connection with our customers”, Jimmy laughed and continued “I often get invited to sit with our repeat clients because they become friends from their first visit”
Their Speciality
Jimmy continued; “most people come for our traditional Cypriot Meat or Fish Meze, but here we do things a bit different”. Hospitality to the extreme, Jimmy just keeps bringing out dishes, starting with dips, salads and hot pitta bread followed by some favourites, including stuffed peppers, egg plant, koftedes, kebabs, chops and loads more, all at your pace, because Jimmy will always check if you’re ready for the next course of dishes.
Mix it Up
I love the way they extend their hospitality to allow you to mix it up and add a little grilled meat to your fish meze or a little seafood to your meat meze and they also have a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes with a promise there’s no cross cooking here!
Special Offers
These are their excellent value for money Set Menus, all under €15 … Six Menus to chose from each course with a choice of 3 dishes, oh and btw the portions are more than generous so make sure you go hungry!
Traditional
They of course serve Cypriot specialities like Moussaka and Lamb Kleftico, all delicious, and the Stiffado, better if it was yesterdays, so they marinate it for a least a day and their homemade dolmades, his yiayia’s recipe are just to die for!
Flambé
They also serve tender Black Angus Steaks from Argentina and if you say Tony from What’s On said; Jimmy will bring out the Flambé Trolley to cook your steak to your liking in front of you and trust me you’ll be in for a delight!
Seafood Platters
They love their fresh fish and sell lots of it, so choose fresh whole calamari, octopus, sea bass, sea bream, salmon and one or two freshly caught surprises! … and btw the Seafood Platters are a must for two and great value for money!
Afters
There’s a selection of desserts, my favourite the Crepe Suzettes or the Home Made Apple pie with ice-creammmm!
Behind the Bar
You’ll find all your favourite drinks, served by the shot or by the bottle including a fine selection of wines from Cyprus, Italy and France. They also mix a wicked cocktail or two and just wait til you see the Kids Cocktail Glasses … Just Brilliant!
Nice Touch
I just love the complementary Liqueur served at the end of your meal in a lovely tiny Guinness Glass! … Check out their Facebook Reviews here.
Parties
If there’s a group of you looking for somewhere to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or wedding party Jimmy will do everything he can to make your event a special one … and if you mention What’s On and you’ll be in for some nice surprises!
Cosy
This restaurant is quite small, so not too busy, it’s cosy, romantic, I just love the Wishing Well and paintings on the wall by ‘Terentis’ a famous local artist and it’s convenient, starting with it’s half way down Nissi Avenue surrounded by some of the top hotels in the area … And Jimmy makes it ‘Home from Home’ and tbh, I just love the ambience in here! … Check out their TripAdvisor reviews here
Open Long Summer Season
Daily: 12 Noon ’til 11 pm
Free Wifi
Directions
You’ll find Apple Restaurant 82, Nissi Avenue, Ayia Napa … it’s immediately opposite The Sun Wing Village and Nissi Blue Hotels … See Google Map below …
GPS: 34.989752, 33.975930
Home from Home Cyprus Style!
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