Recommended
A few years ago, I heard a lot about Vangelis’ Grill, recommended by a couple of good friends. There was me thinking it was just another kebab shop? I had to find out what all the fuss was about, so I popped along to meet Vangelis and try one of his Gyros, and I soon realised why this place is so good … in fact, this guy is on another level, and it’s become one of my favourite places to get a good Gyros in Cyprus …
Experience
Born in Kavala, Macedonia, Greece, Vangelis moved to Cyprus in 2006 after a little stint in Rhodes from 1994 to 1997, where he mastered the art of making Crepes! But, like most Greek men, Vangelis said, “I learned a lot about cooking authentic cuisine from my mum, and when I first arrived here, I worked at Yianna Grill House, opposite your old office in Paralimni. Then I learned how to cook Gyros in Protaras and worked at both of Georgie’s Restaurants in Ayia Napa for 9 years, and then went on to rent Georgie’s Paralimni shop for another 2 years”.
Follow Your Dreams
Vangelis continued, “My dream was always to have my own authentically Greek Gyros & Souvlaki takeaway restaurant and with the help of my family and a few good friends, I bought the old Mr. Jacket in Paralimni in 2020” … I asked him why he didn’t find a name for it. He said, “because everybody knows me from my previous jobs”, I thought ‘that’s fair enough’ …
Gyros & Souvlaki
This is where Vangelis excels, specialising in over 20 choices of kebabs. Gyros here is a choice of 4 meats, pork, chicken from Greece, beef and lamb from the UK, each cut into thin slices, layered and seasoned, and set onto those big skewers ready to be imported. Vangelis said, “I spend a little extra, but I get the very best” … I asked ‘Do you then add a little more seasoning’ and he replied, “There’s really no need; our priority is quality food. Everything is cooked to order, so you might have to wait 15 to 20 minutes” … To be honest, the Beef Gyro was probably the best I’ve ever tasted … For their Full Menu, see the gallery below.
Saucy
I must mention they’ve got around 15 to 20 different toppings and sauces, so they are bound to have one of your favourites. I played it safe and went for the tzatziki, but I had a little taste of the Greek-style Tirokafteri, made with a spicy fetta cheese, a family recipe from his old uncle in Greece. You must try the Hungarian, or maybe the Garlic Mayonnaise, although I must say the Golden BBQ Sauce imported from Greece looked so delicious I tried it on my most recent visit, and I was right …
Signature Dishes
There’s so many nice choices on the menu and he’s often adding new dishes that aren’t on the menu yet, but I think next time I’m really hungry I’m going to have to try their unique ‘Pitta tou Pappou’, or ‘Grandad’s Pitta’ in English, it’s sort of a Gyros club sandwich, two layers of Greek pitta with your choice of up to 4 meats and salads and sauces … Mmm!
Menu
They do lots of other things from the Grill, too: jumbo pork chops up to 700 grams, and sausages include Pork, Sheftalia, Loukaniko, and Bastourma. I must say, the 300-gram Beef Burger stuffed with feta and tomato is just delicious! So too, the deep-fried mozzarella sticks and the onion rings taste as good as they look … and the Platters for 1 look tempting but you’d better go hungry coz they’re probably enough for 2!
Veggies & Fasting
Naturally, in Cyprus, we have to make sure we provide for those who are religiously fasting, so you’ll also find a nice selection here. Everything from Prawns and baby calamari on charcoal, to Falafel Tortilla, a houmous salad, and veggie sticks, that are like a burger but souvlaki shape.
Going Back
All in all, my first visit to try his food and have a chat was enlightening, to say the least, and the portions and prices are brilliant … I mentioned it’s on another level, even the pork is ‘Halal’ aka Clean Cut … and I’ve now eaten here on many occasions and get a home delivery even more.
Surprises
One thing that I’ve never seen elsewhere was the Aperitif ‘Tsilili’ from Greece … It was so nice I picked up a bottle to take home with me, and at 40% Volume, be warned it’s got a big kick. Naturally, they sell selected wines from Greece, and Beers from Greece and Cyprus with Alpha on draught … all-in-all this has become one of my favourite Gyros Grill in Cyprus … This guy really is ‘on another level’ !!!
Options
It’s a Takeaway and Delivery Restaurant, but there’s a few tables if you want to sit down to eat there, and enjoy Vangelis’ hospitality, and btw, you can also order from Foody and Wolt, and larger orders for parties or offices are very welcome …
Expanding
Following their success in Paralimni, Vangelis is opening his second shop in Protaras. On my most recent visit, I met Zissis, Vangelis’ old friend from Greece. Zissis told me, “I gained my chef diploma in Greece, and then worked around the islands for 15 years … I moved here 8 years ago and worked with Vangelis for a few years before working in a cafe. Recently, Vangelis found out I wanted to settle down with my own business and asked me to join him to open the new shop in Protaras, with added benefits, and I couldn’t resist, and the latest news is we’re opening on 1st May”
Directions
Paralimni
You’ll find Vangelis’ Gyradiko & Grill at 35, 1st April Avenue, Paralimni, 5280 … it’s immediately on the pedestrian crossing near Stephanis Electrical and next to Giovanis MOT Station … Click on the Google Map icon below …
GPS: 35.04285, 33.97795
Open All Year
Daily: 11 am ’til 11 pm
More …
Protaras
Their new shop is at 318, Leoforos Protaras to Cape Greko, Protaras 5296, opposite Malmia Pub and next to Kiosk Zizzi … Click on the Google map icon below …
GPS: 35.018953, 34.043883
Open Long Summer Season
1st May ’til November
Daily: 12 Noon ’til Late
More …
An Absolutely Excellent Find!
