Topical
Highly recommending this traditional restaurant is really easy! We recently popped in with the family to do a catch-up with Artimaki and Angela … Greeted with a smile, as always, over the counter I saw owner Artemaki, who had noticed us taking our seats and instantly moulded out the dough, threw it into the air and put our 50cm pitta bread in the pizza oven to cook fresh. That’s how they greet all their guests, served with a few dips for starters … they looked ready, and as always happy to serve, tbh, I don’t think I know a happier guy when he’s cooking!
On another Level
So, if you’re looking for a traditional Cypriot kitchen, serving authentic Cypriot cuisine, look no further … let me explain; I met these guys when they first opened in 2017, and btw, it was an awesome find then, but now, they are way up there in my list of my favourite eateries in Cyprus! ‘To Nissiotiko’ is aptly on the top road in Protaras and what I really like about this tavern is ‘Artemaki’ the owner, who is on another level, trust me! … just wait ’til you try his cuisine!
A family thing
This wonderful Cypriot Tavern is the dream of Artemaki and his lovely wife Angela. They initially worked in hospitality in the Paphos area for many years and decided to move to Larnaca 23 years ago, then 18 years ago they decided to buy a snack bar, slowly turning it into a very successful restaurant in Larnaca.
Relocated
In 2017 they relocated to Protaras, they even brought the tables, chairs and the kitchen sink with them, one at a time, and built this wonderful restaurant themselves trying to replicate a traditional village tavern to compliment their authentic village kitchen … They called it ‘To Niisiotiko’ which closely translated means ‘Island Style’ … Perfect!
Village Style
Serving traditional Cypriot cuisine, or as Artemaki says ”pure horthiaytiko” or ‘village-style’ in English. The food is always made fresh, mostly cooked over real charcoal, so it’ll take at least 20 minutes to be served, but let me just say; it’s worth every minute! and don’t worry the pitta bread, dips and salads will wet your apatite …
Cypriot Style
The Pork and Chicken Souvla aka spit roast takes about 1.5 Hours whilst the Lamb Kleftico takes over 6 hours in the traditional sealed log-fired oven, so these days it’s best to order the day before to be sure … perfection comes to mind, or as we say in Cyprus; ‘Arrostos’, which loosely translated means a ‘he’s sick for his passion’ or in this case, a perfectionist in the kitchen!
Brunch
They don’t serve breakfast coz you can’t serve it with wine 😉 … so, when in Cyprus, go Cypriot style, starting with some ice-cold watermelon, served with thin halloumi cheese slices. And, who can say ‘No’ to Brunch Artemaki style? … oh, and served with a nice cuppa if you wanna keep it British, lol … of course he’ll also whisk you up a lovely fluffy omelette, or a baked potato, so even though they don’t serve breakfast, you can get up a bit later and you’re going to love their brunch!!!
Pasta & Pizza
They serve a variety of pasta dishes but my fav has to be the Carbonara, just how I like it. They also now serve freshly made Pizza to order, covered in your fav toppings, with extra cheese? and served sizzling hot from the traditional stone Pizza Oven! Click here if you like Pizza
On the Menu
If you fancy Meat Meze, but with a twist, trust me and ask Artemaki to do his own thing … so, leave it to him, it’ll be the best seasonal Meze you’ll ever taste … btw, if you opt for the Lamb Chops, you won’t regret it, they use only baby lamb chops, so tasty you are guaranteed to be licking your lips and asking for more. My very first, shared, mixed grill was what sold me on this place, I just had to go and find out more, I’ve now lost count how many times I’ve been back for more! 😉 … Click here to see their full Menu
Personal Touch
When it comes to meat dishes ‘Artemaki’ buys whole pork, calf, and lamb and cuts and prepares them for his variety of dishes as and when he needs them, and for each particular dish, so your Souvlaki will be guaranteed to be fresh, delicious and btw, not full of fat, oh, and seasoned at exactly the right time!
Traditional
My other half loves the beef ‘Stifado’, the Koupepia, aka ‘Stuffed Vine-leaves’ are just like YiaYia’s and his ‘Moussaka’ sooo tasty. One of my faves here is the Cypriot style ‘Mixed Grill’, it’s finger-licking good btw! … Mum, ‘Ayten’, a yiayia travelled from Melbourne in Oz, to join the team, I watched as she made the Koupepia for the restaurant and, just let me say, they’re just as good as my yia yia’s!
Fish
If Fish is your dish, try the ‘Fresh Tsipoura’ or maybe the ‘Octopus’, but my favourite will always be the ‘Fresh Calamari’, although I’ve been known to go there for his yummy Cod & Chips, not as mad as that sounds when you taste them!
Fish Meze
Of course, we Cypriots love our fish Mediterranean style, so a ‘Seasonal Fish Meze’ for two is pure heaven for fish lovers. Again, let Artemaki create your spread from his seasonal catch, but it’ll probably include; fresh whole grilled calamari and calamari rings, octopus, mussels, king prawns, fresh tsipoura, red mullet, whitebait and sardines … and the occasional nice surprise, but always with salad and dips, Artemaki’s Pitta bread and some bits and pieces served Angela style!
Desserts
All homemade, all delicious, but just wait til you try the ‘Sweet Bread Ekmek’ which is made with Anari and syrup and served with ice cream, it’s just to die for!
Wine on Draught
I loved the addition of the ‘Draught Wine’ machine, cooling your wine to the perfect temperature and served by the glass or you might as well ask for a carafe 😉 … Dry, medium or rose and of course, a lovely red … chilled, if you prefer?
More Wines
Alternatively, they have a great selection of wines including Cypriot award-winning Koralli and Strena wines from Paphos regions … oh, btw you’ll have to have a shot of Zivania at the end of your meal … it’s a Cypriot thing 😉
Cocktails
They mix a wicked cocktail too, so after your meal, why not sit back and relax Cypriot style, with one of their delicious cocktails … oh, and probably a few more surprises!!!
Special Offers
When ordered the day before.
Souvla & Kleftico
The delicious Souvla is large chunks of pork or chicken, slowly spit-roasted over real charcoal … The Kleftiko is on-the-bone lamb, slow-cooked in traditional sealed clay ovens, for over 6 hours, until the meat just falls off the bone and btw Artemaki secretly seasons this dish to perfection … oh, and check out their ideas and prices for small wedding parties or, better still, ‘any excuse’ parties!
Groups
If there’s 10 or more of you, expect to find some really cool prices on their Meze … reducing from €25 for one person to only €15 per person … Wow!
Take Away
They also do takeaway so you can enjoy their wonderful cuisine at home, the beach, or anywhere you fancy, oh and, when you get a moment check out their Trip Advisor reviews … Click here for the Menu
Open All Year
11 am ’til 11 pm ‘ish
Directions
You’ll find them at 2, Dionnysos Street, Protaras … on the corner, of Cavo Greko Avenue, the main road from Protaras to Paralimni, about 100 metres from the traffic lights, just in front of Flokka Hotel Apartments, and opposite The Moody Cow Bar … Click the Google map icon below …
GPS: 35.018304, 34.044997
It’s just that little bit different!
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