Seven Decades
I was thrilled to finally get a chance to grab a coffee with Zannetos for a catch up and I was amazed to learn the history of Fig Tree Bay started here … This beach, of course, has always been popular with the locals way before tourism really existed, situated on the far west of Famagusta Bay, where the locals went to get away from it all, in the days when there was absolutely nothing here but sea, sand and a few footprints …
The Early Days
Over a delicious cappuccino, I asked Zannetos how it all started. He said, “It was my grandfather Zanettos, who at the time owned a cafe in Paralimni, and used to pop down to the beach with the centuries-old Fig Tree on the shore to relax and have a swim. One day, way back in 1953, after lots of his friends persuaded him, he started selling drinks on the beach to his friends, many of whom were local fishermen.”
In the Shade
Zannetos continued, “Then in time, my grandfather, following increasing requests from his friends and locals, added sandwiches and snacks to the drinks menu”. It wasn’t long before he’d built himself a little shack to add a little shade to improve the ambiance for his clients. Slowly, slowly, he started selling more food that he prepared himself at home, all cooked on a charcoal BBQ grill.
Traditional
Naturally, in true Cypriot tradition, every lunch time, he’d light the charcoals and BBQ the fresh fish and seafood that his fishermen friends would bring from their morning’s catch. Naturally, he then added things like: pork chops seasoned with his own secret recipe of around 20 ingredients, a little chicken, homemade sheftalies, grilled mushrooms and of course, souvlaki, and over 70 years later, they are all still on the menu!
Family
It’s a family business, and in 1961 grandfather Zannetos passed, leaving his two young sons, George & Antonis, responsible for the business. The two brothers were very young to run the restaurant, so it took them a few years to manage the place properly. George got married to Sophoulla in 1965 and had 3 kids, Zannetos, Marios and Antonia. Sophoulla, with her magical recipes, took over in the kitchen and, believe it or not, still manages it today.
New Beginning
The old restaurant was demolished in 2004, mainly because of some new European regulations. In 2005, it was the year when the 3rd generation of this awesome family stepped up to the mark. The charismatic Zannetos, welcoming the customers, Pieris, his brother-in-law, managing the kiosk, and George, the father, now director of the bar, and topping it off, as I mentioned, mother Sophoulla running the kitchen.’
Watersports
I just have to mention the youngest brother, Marios, who decided to let his big brothers provide your nibbles and refreshments and opened the Watersports at Fig Tree Bay, providing services like parasailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, pedal boats, renting boats, a few wild rides and more.
Beach Side
Of course, the restaurant is now a landmark, it’s pretty much on the beach, looking up with the sea behind you, it’s the one on the right, looking very casual, with a beautiful grass lawn out front. There’s a small covered area inside, but it’s mostly outside seating, a massive crazy paved terrace, spaciously seating around 300 people, with lots of umbrellas, and tent sails providing plenty of shade.
Out Front
The charismatic Zannetos heads up an absolutely fantastic crew who literally ooze hospitality to the extreme. Well oiled is an understatement, and using the latest technology to take your orders, that helps get them to the kitchen and the chefs quicker, and so it’s very rare you’ll have to wait long for your order to arrive at your table! … Seriously, check out their Facebook and TripAdvisor Reviews …
In the Kitchen
The hospitality extends behind the scenes, where the passion of this family is to serve everything with love. Zannetos laughed as he said, “Even your beer tastes better when it’s served with love”. The recipes are mostly Zannetos’ mum’s, who got them from her mum, so expect to find a fabulous selection of authentic International cuisine on an extensive menu, and btw, the current menu was designed by my very good friend Manford from Germany …
Veggies & Vegan
Of course, the menu includes a fabulous selection for their vegetarian clients and those fasting or looking for Gluten Free options, and there’s a separate guide for those allergen-concerned clients and on that note, the Children have their own menu too …
Favourites
When I asked Zannetos to tell me about the menu, he said, “everything is cooked fresh, for example, my mum cooks only one or two trays of Moussaka a day, so that it’s always served fresh” … To be honest, it’s so hard to choose a favourite here, from a fabulous full English breakfast served from 8.30 ’til 11.30 am
Irrisistable
I absolutely adore their Pork Chops, Zannetos told me, “it’s my dads’ recipe, seasoned with about 20 different ingredients … Our burgers are homemade with prime cut beef, and many of our customers favourites are a traditional kebab or something in Pitta bread”, on the note, just wait til you try the Homemade Sheftalies. But I must say ‘The Baby Kalimari is to die for, and the Grilled Octopus, Sea Bream or Sea Bass are just the best … oh, and ask the waiters if there’s any surprises on the specials menu today.
Afters
I asked Zannetos about desserts, he said, “We chose the finest Ice cream from Italy, our Rice Pudding is a secret recipe, and the homemade Mahalapi is sooo good, they come from Nicosia just for that. Oh, and the Homemade Apple Pie is served just how you like it, with cream or ice cream”.
Behind the Bar
Dad George makes sure there’s always a very well stocked bar, so you’re bound to find all your favourite tipples … Whether it’s one of about 7 prime Gins, Vodka, Whiskey or Rum, Beers or Ciders … There’s even Non Alcoholic and Gluten Free Choices … But when on this exotic beach you might as well try one of their fabulous cocktails … one of my favourites is their ‘Frozen Fig Tree Fantasy’, a blend of Coconut, Amaretto, Baileys, Blue Curacao, Ice cream and milk …
Take Away
To the left of the restaurant, there’s a separate TakeAway Kiosk where you can order food and drinks to take away to the beach … and to the right, a pool table and kids’ playing area to keep you occupied while you wait for your takeaway … Oh and, don’t forget to check out the gifts and souvenirs shop next door …
Technology
To add to the latest automated ordering system, which gets your request to the chef quicker, they also have a mobile charging station so you can recharge your phone or laptop, brilliant!
Open Long Summer Season
April ’til November
Daily: 8 am ’til 7 pm
Kitchen: 8.30 ’til at 6 pm
Kataklysmos: 8 am ’til Late
Directions
You’ll find them on Fig Tree Bay, with ample free off-street parking, turn left off the main strip at either of the last two roundabouts and stroll down to the coastal paths. With the sea behind you, it’s the restaurant to the right … Click on the Google Map icon below …
Everything’s Served with Love!
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