Prologue
Perched along the scenic seafront promenade of Pernera Beach in Protaras, Di Capilla Seaside Stories blends stunning Mediterranean views with a memorable Mediterranean dining experience. Celebrated for its warm hospitality and coastal ambience, this restaurant has become one of the area’s most recommended spots for both visitors and locals alike.
Once Upon a Time
I’ve known the infamous consultant chef Louis Papageorgiou since he opened Di Capilla Seaside Stories in 2005. It was my absolute pleasure to interview him, without a doubt one of Cyprus’ finest chefs, this guy is seriously on another level. These days, he’s writing a new chapter, purely by accident, in 2010 he met and partnered up with Savvas, a master of hospitality, whom I’ve known since his Napa days in 1993 … and together they started a new story …
Chapter One
I’ve always believed that hospitality is theatre, and at Di Capilla Seaside Stories, the stage is set by the sea. From the moment you step off the boardwalk, you can feel it. The cool Mediterranean breeze, the rhythm of the waves, the quiet confidence of a venue that understands its identity. This isn’t just another seaside restaurant; it’s an experience curated with intention, by pioneers!
Mesmerise
Protaras has long been one of Cyprus’ most captivating coastal destinations, but Di Capilla adds something more refined to the narrative. It captures that rare balance between effortless elegance and heartfelt warmth. The crew are ‘hospitality to the extreme’, the design is understated yet sophisticated, allowing the stunning view to do what it does best … mesmerise.
The Vision
The menu, impeccably created by master chef Louis Papageorgiou, tells its own story: As Louis puts it, “I put my soul on the plate of my customer, fresh seafood, beautifully presented, Mediterranean flavours elevated, not complicated”. You really have to admire their clarity of vision. Louis continued, “Every plate feels considered, honest, purposeful … In hospitality, when you know who you are, everything just flows”.
Taste of the Sea & Beyond
The menu’s theme collates fresh, locally sourced, mostly natural and organic ingredients, conjured together by this majician with a Mediterranean and international flair. My initial thoughts were quickly confirmed; here, it’s definitely quality over quantity. In my 33 years in Cyprus, I’ve met and interviewed many chefs, and I put this guy well up there at the top of the list. I call these passionate chefs ‘Arostos’, which means ‘Sick’ for their art.
Signature Dishes
Diners can enjoy a range of dishes, from seafood specialities and chargrilled favourites to refreshing fresh cut salads, homemade bread, and vibrant desserts. Signature dishes often praised in reviews include stunning seafood plates, homemade moussaka with layers of creamy béchamel, free-range chicken souvlaki, and homemade halloumi, olive oil, tzatziki, taramas blended with special raw fish eggs and my favourite tahini dips … and naturally the Black Angus Steaks cooked to perfection with a selection of sauces are even harder to resist!
Seriously Good
But seriously, the Lamb Shanks, marinated in Louis’ signature Commandaria Sauce, then slow-cooked in the oven for around 18 hours, are just irresistible!!!
Extra Little Touches
Louis is a perfectionist, he told me, “I arrive at 5 am every morning to make our bread, to be served with your meal. My dough is aged for 3 days in the deep cool fridge, I even take out a lump of the sourdough ready to start the next bake before baking this morning’s loaves in the speciality bread oven” … Now do you get why I call him, ‘Arostos’?
Food Stories Boutique
Louis also boasts one of the area’s largest Olive Campuses with over 1000 trees, of 3 varieties from Italy, Spain and Cyprus. On my recent visit, I had the pleasure of being shown around his land, and all I can say is, I was very impressed. I love his little boutique corner of the restaurant where he sells his Homemade Halloumi, Olives, Olive Paste, Olive Oil, Marinated Smoked Salmon, Oregano, Smoked Salt and even Strawberry Jam, homemade with fresh strawberries from Dherynia … oh, and while you’re there, do grab a bottle of delicious lemon squash.
Sunset Compliments
Much as I love a morning cappuccino, brunch and lunch here, do try to get there at least once, just before the sun begins to set, when Di Capilla transforms, as the golden hues over the water create a cinematic backdrop that no interior designer could replicate. Conversations soften, glasses clink, and memories are made. It’s not loud luxury, it’s confident luxury … click here for their full Menu
A Must
I have to make a couple of suggestions … My choice for starters has to be the Avacado Prawns with Marie Rose saucet, the Sea Bass Fillet, will leave you licking your lips, the legendary Pork Chops are quite unique, the Chicken with wholegrain mustard is just a taste bud explosion, the Seafood Linguine is tantalising and of course, the lamb shanks, omg!
Sweet Memories
It’s also a must to try one of their creative Seaside Sweet Stories … Louis is proud of his homemade Gelato in 9 flavours that are absolutely delightful. He told me, “I have a passion for this culinary art, using only the finest ingredients, like Bourbon Vanilla and Varona Chocolate from Italy, with no expense spared, because we only use the best of the best!”
Behind the Bar
On Draught youll find, Keo, Carlesberg, Leon and my fav Stella Artois … in bottles, even more Stella Artois, Heineken, Guinness, Strongbow, Somersby and Smirnoff Ice … And a few choices from the Local Craft Beer from Octo Microbrewery … Lots of freshly brewed hot or cold coffee, the cappuccino is delicious … 5 vodkas, 6 Gins, 9 whiskey’s, and of course Ouzo and Zivania … well, I have to say they are so well stocked you’re bound to find your favourite tipple!
Atmosphere & Experience
Di Capilla stands out for its unbeatable seaside setting. Inside, it’s casual yet smart design, with comfy outdoor seating along the coastal walkway, that allows guests to soak in sea breezes and panoramic views while enjoying their meal. The restaurant’s relaxed yet lively atmosphere, complete with regular live music, makes it ideal for everything from leisurely lunches to romantic dinners.
Complete
It feels like home from home with little family-friendly touches, such as delicious Sunday Lunch, and an enclosed children’s play area, which are often highlighted as a bonus by their visitors, making it a great choice for groups and holidaymakers … Check out their Google reviews.
Events
The restaurant boasts a dedicated area of wooden decking out front, especially for birthday parties, hen nights, engagement parties, or wedding receptions and anniversaries, literally a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea.
Hospitality Extreme
It was my absolute pleasure to interview this master of cuisine. For me, places like this remind us why our hospitality industry really matters. Louis told me, “I have a local customer from Switzerland who came to eat on our opening day and is still coming back”. It’s not just about quality food or décor, or the secure kids’ play area at the back, it’s about emotions, atmosphere … Storytelling!
Moments
I love meeting fascinating people, and Louis can certainly tell a story. Ask him about his 4 times on the podium during his Rally Car days in the Acropolis WRC Rally … oh, and btw, Louis is a consultant chef, with a more than impressive CV and over 40 years experience, and in fact a member of the board of directors of The Cyprus Chef’s Association, the ‘Chef’s Club’ of Athens, and ‘Slow Food’ of Italy, adding a nice final touch to our interview, he said, “At Di Capilla Seaside Stories, we’re not chasing trends; we’re creating moments!”
Open All Year
Summer
Daily: 9 am ’til 11 pm
Winter
Daily: 8am ’til 5 pm
Directions
You’ll find Di Capilla Seaside Stories at Paraliakos Pezodromos Pernera-Protara 5296 … it’s on the promenade walkway in between Pernera and Protaras, overlooking the decking and Poseidon’s Statue, just a few minutes’ walk from the left of Protaras Beach … Click on the Google Map icon below …
GPS: 35.026097, 34.049634
At Di Capilla Seaside Stories
Moments are Everything!
More …
