Stunning
I recently popped in to do a catch-up with George at this extraordinary eaterie which I initially found totally by accident a few years ago coz it’s slightly off the beaten track. At first, Dionysus Mansion looks like a normal old townhouse, lots of mature trees in the front garden, but what you’ll find inside is a stunning fully renovated historical building, an exceptional eatery, with an absolutely delightful backyard and gardens, right in the centre of Limassol …
Unique
The theme here is ‘Fun & Gourmet’, it’s a place to enjoy fine food, in a fun atmosphere, honouring Cypriot cuisine but in a totally unique fashion! oh, and they’re a multi-award-winning Cypriot and Greek Restaurant … It Sort of speaks for itself! … and inevitably they just seem to be getting better and better!
Three Friends
The proprietors are well known on the island; firstly Yiannis Antoniades, who started the world-famous Guaba Beach Bar in Limassol and an expert on music, events and nightlife. Then there’s George Zacharoglou, once restaurant manager at the luxurious Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort, who adds his experience in the restaurant industry, and joining the team from the opening day, renowned head chef Dimitris Haidemenos in the kitchen, creating these totally unique menus for lunch or dinner, all at affordable prices, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my favourites finds, and so, I just had to find out more …
New Ideas
I was invited by George for a nibble at lunchtime so I grabbed the chance to grab a chat, btw, the cappuccino was delicious … George explained; “we all share the love of good food and wine, and we’re all well-travelled, which led us to open such a game-changing establishment in the Cyprus food scene” … He continued; “We wanted to create a place where locals can be proud of Cypriot and Greek food, but experience them on a new level. The entire concept of ‘Fun & Gourmet’ is built on the idea that a meal can be indulgent and enjoyable, both fashionable and fun”!
Fun & Gourmet
When I asked George why they called it Dionysus he said; “because he is the God of the Vine, Grape Harvest & Winemaking, but mostly because he is also the God of Fun, and the idea of the restaurant was inspired by wine, fun and theatre, and most of all enjoyment! Then we found the house, it was the perfect venue to set the ambience we wanted”!
Inside
As you walk up the steps, through the big old green doors into a conservatory, come lobby, with lots of windows and comfy seating, leading into the main room, you could see the attention to detail of the design, and the décor was pleasant to the eye and btw, the place gets decorated appropriately for seasonal events and they’re planning lots more hanging plants and green everywhere.
On Show
I love the huge windows, looking into the kitchen so you can watch their chefs create … there’s lots of tables, high and low, with comfy chairs or stools aptly complimenting and over to the far right the bar and lounge area, wooden ceiling beams and a gorgeous backlit bar adorning just about every drink you could think of and a DJ Box, confirmed for top DJ Events.
Linked
It’s five rooms that link together, to the left is the main room, long and comfortable, high ceiling, ally style, finishing with a gorgeous Georgian style bay window overlooking the front gardens … but, the three swings, are just brilliant!!! Through an arch, the Buffet Room, a display of fresh cut, chilled salads and compliments, served, of course, buffet style, delicious at lunchtime. Opposite, another more private room, with a really cosy ambience.
In the Gardens
Out back, is the Piece de resistance, and what sets this place out above the others. An absolutely gorgeous, spacious backyard and gardens, lots of tables and comfy seating, with mature trees and plants and flowers everywhere and really chilled lighting! There’s a really cool bar and catering posts, and naturally, it’s a favourite with the regulars and visitors alike, this place especially comes into its element from April to November! … Don’t worry they’ve got those tall gas heaters for those chilly out-of-season evenings.
Behind the Bar
If you’re waiting for a table, or after dinner, the lounge bar serves all your favourite drinks, draught and bottled beers, maybe an Ouzo, Zivania or a glass of fine wine, or why not just open a bottle … boasting a cava of over 120 labels mainly focusing on Cypriot and Greek wines, and George in fact, was awarded best sommelier of Cyprus back in 2007 so ‘wine’ has a special place here … oh and, btw, their moto is “Life’s too short to drink bad wine”, and so they won’t save the cork 😉
Into the Spirit
The spirits are also a very special selection of 10 different Rums, even more Gins, Vodka, Whisky, Single Malts, Brandies, and liquors, but after coffee, I was persuaded to try the Dionysus Gin & Tonic, highly recommended, much as the cocktails included the Fun & Gourmet Mojito and The Godfather from Athens which both sound a must on my next visit!
Unique Menu
Looking through the menu I realised immediately what they meant about a ‘Fun & Gourmet’ character … every dish is homemade, wherever possible supporting local business and selecting only the finest fresh meat, btw, one of the partners owns a lamb farm, plus fresh veg and virgin olive oil, nothing is pre-cooked so it might take a while, and they want you to enjoy it with the same love as a family dinner, so I knew it was going to be hard to choose something … Here’s a link to their Menu … but here’s a few I fancy next time …
First things First
The feta cheese wrapped in kataifi crust served with tomato marmalade sounded tempting; the Risotto apparently a top seller, but I went for ‘Neoklis Farm Grilled Halloumi Cheese’ served with green asparagus and fresh mint, just delicious.
Slow Cooked
These guys certainly know how to cook meat, the slow-cooked Pissouri Farm Leg of Lamb, marinated in orange and rosemary served with ‘Sotira’ origin ‘Kolokasi’ puree, just sounded too good to miss, and I wasn’t wrong! Next time I think I’ll go for the Rooster Ballotine, or maybe the Tuna Steak
Desserts
I wish I’d left more room for dessert because the Mille-feuille with traditional Cypriot cheese ‘Anari’ made by a local farm just for them, and crispy lays of sesame and honey sounds absolutely delicious, but the homemade Paklava just had to accompany another coffee and a Commandaria to finish off … absolutely wonderful!
Events
The guys hold regular events, DJ nights, seasonal events, and things like Wine Tasting Nights, in cooperation with famous local wineries, complementing each dish with a selected white, rose or red wine, it’s an evening of fun, wine and gourmet, oh, and at a fixed price … brilliant! … Look out for their 7 Celebrations to celebrate 7 years in business, and they let me into a little secret, perhaps there’s a new project happening soon ???
Parties
This first-class crew love to host your parties, for 50 or up to 100 guests in the summer, with the gardens coming into their element, happy to listen to ideas and more than happy to throw in a few more, and the atmosphere is unbeatable … perfect for weddings, birthdays, christenings, corporate events and anniversaries and any excuse parties … and btw it’s extremely good value for money!
Open all year
Daily: 12.30 pm ‘til 12 Midnight
Kitchen closes at 11 pm
Delivery: 12.30 pm til 11 pm
Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out their Google Reviews
Directions
You’ll find Dionysus Mansion at No: 5, 16 Iouniou 1943 Street, Limassol, it’s next to the Limassol District Post Office and on the corner of Victor Hugo Street … See the Google map below …
GPS: 34.679190, 33.039400
Gourmet style in a fun atmosphere!
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