Topical
I recently popped in for a coffee with the gorgeous Ioanna just to do a catch-up. I’ve been eating here since the day they opened back in 1993, coincidently the year we moved here. I must say, since their recent renovations the place looks absolutely fabulous, still authentic, more comfortable, and cozier and the extra little bit of front garden terrace is really cool, adding more tables, more al ‘fresco style, perfect for Napa, and naturally the service is still exemplary, so too the jugs of Frozen Strawberry Margaritas!
All Year
They opened back in March this year, with plans to stay open all year from now on, more for all their regular locals than our tourists. Sadly, they decided to take one last winter break, and I don’t blame them as this is one of the busiest restaurants in Cyprus and they all work so hard for 8 months. Don’t worry, they’ll be back in 2024, offering you the best of traditional Mexican Hospitality Cypriot Style! … Check out my recent Live Video
Events
Toward the end of September, Ioanna invited me to a wonderful event, an evening of Latin Dance, much to all their customers’ delight. It was planned to continue these events through the winter with live Greek music, and popular local and international singers, so Ioanna said “It will become a regular thing in 2024, and booking will be highly recommended, just follow us on your fav social media below”.
Cyprus’ Finest!
It’s just a short walk up from Ayia Napa’s square and without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Cyprus!, just ask anyone! oh, and I should warn you, it’s seriously addictive!!! Established over 30 years this eatery quickly gained its reputation as one of the finest eateries in Cyprus and every year they seem to get better. They do absolutely everything with such style and finesse and with an excellent crew, most of them have been there for years, a few since they opened, so a more well-oiled team is hard to find. Then there’s the authentic music and traditional Mexican décor, oh, and sombreros and cacti everywhere!
Multi Award Winning
The restaurant is multi-award winning, adding Travellers Choice from Trip Advisor for the past two years in succession … making them one of the world’s top Mexican Restaurants, and tbh, they deserve every accolade they get!
In the Kitchen
Let’s start by saying one of my best friends and one of Cyprus’ finest chefs ‘Demetris Germanos‘ aka Jimmy, heads up an awesome team that’s really hard to beat, you should see them in full flow. I’ve known Jimmy for over 30 years and often talked to him about cooking and watched him conjure up as authentic a menu as you’ll find this side of Mexico City … I once asked Jimmy why they are so good, and he said, “We cook everything fresh to order, using the finest products from local farmers and my team of chefs have been together for years!”
The Menu
I highly recommend you ‘eat in’ here, the selection is absolutely massive and there’s everything you’d expect from a top Mexican restaurant, so do check out their Facebook page or Instagram for their menu, or their new website, for the full menu … and check out their Fb Reviews here.
Starters
My favourite Entradas have to include a Jug of their world-famous Strawberry Margarita, or two 😉 … accompanied by the Loaded Potato Skins with sour cream and guacamole, or we often add Nachos Supremos served with cheese and a choice of chicken, beef or vegetables, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream oh, and some spicy Mexican Chicken Wings to share! … Mind you, the Ensaladas are tantalizing, to say the least, so to the latest addition to the menu, the Taquitos Chicken … oh, and btw, I’ve learned to save some space, coz the desserts are OMG!!!
Mains
You might as well start with another jug of margarita, I warned you they were Moorish … My favourites include; the Chimichangas, the Burritos, ‘the best I’ve ever tasted’ so too the Enchiladas, toped with Ranchera sauce and cheese. Other choices include The Poblana; strips of chicken fillet cooked in their own signature cream sauce and we always add a plate of Tacos Bandido.
Fajitas
Actually, the Fajitas are just amazing here, choose chicken, beef, or pork served with floured tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and caramelised onions … I love the way they get served still sizzling on the big wooden platters … hmm, might as well go for a Supremos Fajitas coz that’s a mixture of all of the above … or for fish lovers, the Mixed Seafood Fajita are to die for! … so big, they’re to share, of course!
On the Grill
Head chef Jimmy is a local lad, so grilling meat is in the blood … the beef burgers are delicious but just wait ’til you try the huge T-Bone Steak, grilled to perfection, or the world-famous Bandido, Pork Baby Back Ribs cooked in Mexican spices and a secret BBQ sauce, they’ll leave you licking your fingers as well as your lips … Guaranteed! … This year’s addition to the grill was Chuletas De Cordero, their signature Lamb Chops grilled to perfection and so hard to resist!
Seafood
If you fancy a little seafood the fresh Tuna when in season, just melts in your mouth and the Mixed Seafood Fajitas, are a taste bud explosion, but Camarones Calientes are king prawns, stuffed with cheese and jalapenos rolled in bacon served with rice and refined beans, worth going back for every time … trust me, it’s really hard to choose … because this year they added their signature ‘Salmon and Avocado Wrap’ to the menu!
Desserts
I warned you to leave some room for dessert or you’ll just have to pop in for afternoon wine or fresh ground coffee with a naughty treat 😉 The selection of wines and coffees is a complement to the setting. The homemade Tiramisu is just omg!, the Lava Cake, Death by Chocolate, Mmmm, The Chocolate Chip Paradise is just fabulous, and not forgetting the Chimichanga Banana that’s everyone’s fav!
After’s
Having said that, one of my favourites for dessert has to be the Bandido Ice Cream with a Mexican Ice Coffee and a shot of Tequila?, which btw they serve the best Tequila you’ll find anywhere! … And the Churros just delicious. It’s a traditional Mexican dessert, fried sticks, in sugar and cinnamon, with a selection of toppings! Just irresistible!
Behind the Bar
If the delicious food and the world’s best Lemon or Strawberry Margaritas, served by the glass or jug, aren’t enough to keep you going back. They’ve got a well-stocked bar with all your favourite tipples, plus Mexican Beers like Sol, Desperado, XX, and Corona. You must try their signature cocktails, my faves are the Tiki Bandidos, the Pink Sunset and the Monkey Business, to mention but a few.
Viva Mexico
Naturally, they serve lots of Tequilas including Coza Querou, Omega, Milagros, and Nascal, that’s the one with the worm in it! Hmm … Fast becoming a favourite is the Horgaritas on the Rocks, it’s really lemony … Oh, and do try on the Sombreros, maybe sitting on the two donkeys out front, makes a great selfie shot to send to your friends to make them all jealous!
Parties
They’ve always got special events happening here, especially on Mexican National Day, on 16th September, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Assumption Day on 15th of August, Halloween, and Christmas Day. It’s a great place for Kid’s Parties with a separate kids menu and trust me, they’ll have a good time! In fact, it’s always someone’s birthday, anniversary, hen, or stag night here, which guarantees an awesome display from the crew, who’ll pass you sombreros, guns, and balloons, then they’ll sing you Happy Birthday, and usually everyone joins in. Last time I was there, there were 4 birthday parties … just brilliant!
Events
I love the ambiance in this place, with my very good friend Tasso out front making sure you’re all happy. You can dine in; catering for couples who just want a quiet meal, families, work parties, and special events. There’s even big screen TV’s so you can keep in touch with live sports events and the atmosphere totally unique and tbh you’ll probably have to go back, coz you’ll always see someone get served something you didn’t choose, that you wished you’d had!
Original & Unique
There really is no place like this … it was original from day 1, just like their unique recipes or sauces that Jimmy has sworn me to secrecy. To be honest, I can’t recommend this place enough. It really is a must-try! … Just check out their reviews on Trip Advisor … oh, and they have vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Take Away & Delivery
Naturally, they provide a Takeaway service and Delivery by Wolt & Bolt, Covering Ayia Napa, Paralimni, Protaras, Sotira, Dherynia, Liopetri, and Xylophagou Areas … All Credit Cards are accepted and the crew speaks, Greek, English, German, Bulgarian, oh and of course Mexican 😉
Give Away
Look out for their regular ‘Give Away’ contests where you can win a Voucher for your table! and btw, if you need a taxi, they’ll be happy to call one for you.
Free Margaritas
This is a lovely touch … Show them this article on your phone and they’ll give you a free Strawberry Margarita! Now, that’s a lovely way to start your evening meal! But be warned, you’ll probably order a jug to follow!
Open long summer season
March ’til May: 5.30 pm ’til 10.30 pm
June ’til August: 5.30 pm ’til 11.00 pm
September ’til November: 5.30 ’til 10.30
Sunday 12.30 ’til 11.00 pm
Reservations: Tel: 23723258
Directions
You’ll find them at 2, Ari Veloucioti, in the centre of Ayia Napa, just a short walk from the Square, near Titanic Bar, and up the slope, but be warned many of their clients are regulars and they travel from all over the country to eat here. So we highly recommend you reserve a table or expect a wait … ‘No probs’! I hear you shout, it’s worth waiting for the best margaritas in town … Yum! … Click on the Google Map icon below …
GPS: 34.990540, 33.999180
Voted Cyprus’ No.1 Mexican Restaurant
Viva La Mexico!
