In the Heart
Nestled right in the heart of Ayia Napa, next to the monastery, belonging to The Napa Plaza Hotel, is one of my favourite eateries in Cyprus. Cafe Central aka Central Cafe, stands out as a vibrant oasis for both locals and tourists alike.
All Day
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner or just coffee, cocktails and drinks. This cozy and stylish cafe has earned an irrefutable reputation for its Diverse Menu, inviting atmosphere, and lively entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable dining and social experience.
3 Decades
I first worked with this hotel back in 1993 and it’s still one of my favourite Hotels in Napa. These days it’s a 4-Star hotel, somewhere nice and central on Napa’s main strip. The cafe is still one of my favourite places to just sit with a morning coffee or afternoon G&T and watch the world go by. So I recently grabbed the chance to do a catch up with the gorgeous Alexandra, Sales Manager of Napa Plaza Hotel, and its three fabulous outlets, all recently totally renovated.
Location Location
We met in Cafe Central, and over a delicious cappuccino I asked Alexandra to tell me more, starting with why my cappuccino was so good? She smiled and said, “We selected Robusta coffee beans, from southern and central Africa, because it’s an international multi-award winning coffee, with a woody, spicy, slightly bitter taste, that we preferred over Arabica”
Diverse Menus
It’s a locals’ favourite, partly because of the menus, not to mention the generous portions and first-class hospitality. There’s separate menus for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, all brilliantly masterminded by Executive Chef ‘Maria’ who expertly runs 5 kitchens for the hotel and its outlets with exceptional results … Some of my favourites on the main menu include …
Appetizers
Do try the Halloumi Sticks, deep fried and served with a grape compote. The Macho Nachos topped with Cheddar Cheese, tomato sauce, and Jalapeno peppers served with guacamole and sour cream. Tops have to be the Sweet Potato Puffs, crunchy sweet potato puffs mixed with halloumi and mint served with apple tomato jam
Salads & Sandwiches
Tops just has to be their Signature Salad, Blanched tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, peppers, feta cheese mouse, capers, and black olive dust … or the Chicken Tempura Salad, Selecte greens, carrots, mango, and crispy Tempura chicken with teriyaki sesame sauce … although I always find it hard to resist the Pulled Pork Bao Buns
Burgers
All the burgers are homemade … There’s 7 to choose from, the Central Burger and Mexican burger are my favourites, and the Black Angus Burger, cooked perfectly to your liking and topped with Cheddar cheese, tomato, and lettuce, is always hard to resist … add extras like bacon, egg or cheese or all of them 😉
Pastas
They make pasta so good, they’ve got an Italian as one of their outlets, the Linguine Carbanora is everyone’s favourite but mine just has to be the Shrimp Orozotto, it’s one of my comfort foods, topped with fresh parmesan cheese of course.
Seafood
The Citrus Salmon, caramelized in citrus juice is tantalizing, to say the least, and the grilled Tuna Steak marinated in soy sauce and spring onion a tastebud explosion but I just adore the deep fried Calamari in lime tartar sauce, Mmm!
Mains
The Chicken Central is the top seller, it’s succulent chicken fillet strips sauteed in butter with mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, white wine and cream sauce, served with rice and vegetables … Equally so The Signature Pork Chop, French cut 2-bone pork chop, glazed with smokey bbq sauce served with roasted potatoes and verde dipping sauce, just finger licking good …
Extras
There’s a fabulous selection of side dishes including rice, salad, french fries, potato wedges, roasted baby Cyprus potatoes, grilled or sauteed vegetables or royal quinoa … Here’s a look at their Vegan Menu
Afters
If you think all of that is unbeatable you’d be right but just wait til you see the Dessert Menu. I often pop in just for coffee and something naughty …
Drinks & Cocktails Menu
Their World Recognised, multi-international award-winning mixologist has created a selection of signature cocktails that will suit all tastes … using only the finest imported spirits and fresh local ingredients… so you’re in for a lovely surprise … Here’s a quick peek at their Cocktail Menu …
Shared with Friends
I have to say this is one of my favourite places to relax with a cocktail watching the world go by, whilst sharing some exotic Shisha Flavours with my friends. Prepared by experts, through top quality pipes chilled to your liking … My favourites; The Blackberry Mint, The Orange Spice and The Exotic …
In Conclusion
Central Cafe is not just a place to dine; it’s an experience! With its central location, diverse menu, and tantalizing cocktails, this cafe has become a beloved fixture in the local scene, and it gets very busy. Whether you’re a traveller seeking a taste of Mediterranean hospitality or a local looking for a cozy escape, Central Cafe welcomes all to indulge in the pleasures of excellent food, great company, and memorable moments … and a quick tip, it gets busy on weekends so it’s best to go in the week or make sure you book in advance!
Open All Year
Summer: 9 am ’til 2 am
Winter: 9 am ’til Midnight
Credit Cards Accepted
Free Wifi
Directions
You’ll find Cafe Central at 12, Arch Bishop Makarios III Road, 5330 Ayia Napa, It’s just down from the square and Ayia Napa monastery, or about 100 metres up from the traffic lights to Nissi Avenue with ample on and off-street parking … Click on the Google Map icon below …
GPS: 34.988104, 34.000133
