Family Traditions
I’ve been eating at Ropas since the year they opened in 1991, which was my first season working here … It’s one of my favourite places to go if I fancy truly authentic Cypriot Meze. Costas and his wife Nikki have of course become very good friends and I have to say this guy oozes traditional Cypriot hospitality. So too, Nikki and son Stelios out front and daughter Flora helping Nikki in the kitchen, tbh this family team are really hard to beat!
Spacious
The restaurant is huge, holding up to 250 people including around 100 in the gardens out back. Its traditionally decorated, green and white gingham table cloths and cafe style chairs, old photos, artefacts and old whiskey barrels everywhere. I have to mention that Costas, previously a chef at Nissi Beach Hotel, goes shopping himself to buy their products and ingredients, to make sure that he gets the best and the freshest, saying; “I won’t trust to get my products delivered’.
Meat Meze
Let’s start with the Meat Meze, it’s seasonal, so it will change throughout the year. You’ll get about 23 to 25 dishes, normally starting with two salads, Village and Roccella with freshly made homemade dips, Tarama, Tzatziki, Olives, Pickles and my fav their Tahini, served with warm, freshly baked homemade bread, just delicious! … Check out their trip advisor Reviews here and their company Video
Seasonal
Naturally, I can’t mention all of the dishes, but that’s followed by one of their specialities, their world-famous ‘Boullez’, aka baby kolokassi or sweet potato, cooked to perfection as many of their dishes are, Costas told me “We’re using our Yia Yia’s recipes, and the locals travel for miles just for these!” … Often as not, served with grilled halloumi, lountza, a local cured ham, and a mix of vegetables, in January to March that’ll include my absolute favourite freshly picked wild asparagus with an egg cracked on top! Mmm!
Bits & Pieces
Next, you’ll probably get served Cypriot meatballs aka Koftedes, Koubebia aka stuffed vine leaves and his wild mushrooms with honey, all are just to die for! Accompanied by Cheese Balls, made with Feta and grilled Cypriot sausages, Spicy Barstouma and Loukaniko, made with a hint of red wine.
Wait for it
Then even though by now I’m stuffed, out comes the meat dishes, chicken and pork souvlaki, cooked to perfection over real charcoal, Sheftalia, indigenous to Cyprus and Ftanna, aka Belly Pork, nice and crispy … in the summer you’ll get Lamb Kleftiko and in the winter Rabbit Stifado … oh and, stifado style broad beans and a plate of hand cut chips … and trust me, if that don’t fill you up, nothing will !!!
Fish Meze
A seafood lover’s dream, starts much the same as the meat meze, with salads and dips and Boulez. Moving on, you’ll get three types of Kalimari, baby, rings and whole fresh kalimari and octopus. Accompanied by Fish Balls, mussels, and shrimp cooked in a wonderful Ouzo sauce. Then out comes the fresh local fish which could include; shallow fried Whitebait, Tsipoura and Sea Bass or Sea Bream … Again served with chips and all the dips!
Make your own
Now it should be noted their meze is filling so do make sure you go hungry and all of the above are available to order separately so here you can create your own meze if you’re not too hungry or if you prefer to mix up a bit of surf and turf!
Cypriot Kitchen
Head Chef Nikki is also very famous for her traditional Cypriot dishes like Makaronia tou Fourno aka Pistachio, Moussaka, Affelia, cubes of pork cooked in white wine and coriander seed, often served with your meze and my favourite, their Beef Stiffado, the best if it’s yesterdays, or at least 2 or even 3 days old Mmmm!
On the grill
Nikki cooks a mean steak, over real charcoal, using selected Irish Beef cuts, grilled to your liking and served if preferred with your favourite sauce, Diane, Pepper or A ‘la crème with locally grown grilled or steamed vegetables and a choice of the worlds best Cyprus potatoes … btw if you prefer fillet of pork, just wait ’til you taste it here, I highly recommend it!
Desserts
Normally following your dinner, Cotas serves a fruit platter of seasonal fruits but if you ask anyone about their Galaktoboureko they’ll probably say its absolutely amazing and tbh, it’s everyone’s favourite, so make sure you save a bit of room for that … oh and, I almost forgot their Loukoumades aka mini doughnuts are just as delicious.
Behind the Bar
You’re pretty much guaranteed to find your favourite drink … It’s authentically Cypriot there too, as many locals drink scotch and usually order by the bottle, half bottle or quarter bottle … but naturally they’ll happily serve just one shot. They also stock, local and imported beers, ciders, Champaign, soft drinks, milkshakes and coffee.
Events & Parties
It’s an excellent choice to hold your birthday party, wedding or christening party or special event, Lady’s Day, Mother’s Day and often on a Sunday you’ll find at least one party taking place. Costas, his wife Nikki, and the team will make absolutely sure it’s a day you’ll never forget. They’ll cook a buffet style to your preference, or off the menu, and if you mention What’s On you’ll find some very special surprises. If there’s a group of 10 or more of you Costas said he’ll be happy to sort out your transport to the restaurant.
Live Music
Every Friday night you can enjoy your meal with a little live music by an excellent local playing your favourite Greek classics, a mix of Rembetika and Laika from 9 pm til 12 midnight and often as not someone will end up getting up for a dance. From October ’til March it’s inside next to an open fire on the chilly evenings, but from April ’til September is out back in the courtyard and really not to be missed!
Open All Year
Daily: 6 pm ’til 11 pm
All credit cards accepted
Free Wifi
Directions
You’ll find Ropas Tavern at 63, Nicos Psaras Road, Paralimni 5280 … it’s aka the old Stadium Road, running adjacent to the old stadium, with ample off-street parking … Click on the Google map below …
GPS: 35.032029, 33.982423
Famous for over 30 Years!
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