Extraordinary Chef
Nestled on the wonderful Kalamies Beach in Pernera, this spacious, award-winning, family-run restaurant opens for lunch and dinner. This truly is a first-class eaterie, continuing to provide traditional, freshly cooked Cypriot cuisine, by one of Cyprus’ unique chefs, served with pure Cypriot hospitality for fifty years this year. To be honest, there are restaurants in Cyprus that serve fish, and then there are restaurants that define what seaside dining is really all about!
Awards
Over a delicious coffee, and my little chat with Antonis and head Chef and partner Maria, it became blatantly obvious why this restaurant has won the ‘Best Fish Restaurant’ in the ‘Time Out’ and ‘Check In Cyprus’ Eating Out Awards three times in the past decade … I’d say it’s because Maria has this uncanny knack to recognise flavours that complement each other … Seriously, this lady is on another level !!! … To be honest, it’s going to be hard not to make this sound like a menu, but …
On the Beach
The restaurant is beautifully designed, on three tiers, all-white wood, tables and chairs, palm trees, poles and ropes, with spacious indoor dining. Outside, covered and uncovered terraces that drop right onto the beach boardwalk. Its setting is on the golden curve of Kalamies Beach, aka Golden Coast Bay, with fishing boats rocking gently in the marina and the tiny white chapel of Agios Nikolaos watching over the coastline. Kalamies Restaurant has spent nearly half a century perfecting the art of seafood hospitality. It’s breezy by day and romantic by night with candlelit decks and verandas for a little extra romance … Naturally, you can even just chill out on the decking with an exotic cocktail and watch the world go by …
No Meze?
I asked Maria to tell me more about the menu, Maria said, “We don’t serve fish meze here, because we’ve created so many fish and seafood dishes, we prefer you to make your own meze” … There’s a fabulous selection of cold and hot starters … my favourites on the cold page include all of Maria’s homemade dips, just that little bit different from other places, especially the taramas … the smoked eggplant spread, unforgettable, and the freshly cut salads are made with locally farmed vegetables and ingredients, my favourite the Couscous Salad with over 10 fresh ingrediants!
On the Hot Side …
Maria makes a traditional, delicious Fish Soup, the Halloumi Loukoumades, just a brilliant idea! The prawn Saganaki is adorable, but my favourites are the unique Prawns in Kataifi Pastry with honey orange sauce … hmm, or maybe the Baby Kalamari, just irresistible! … But you really must try the Grilled Octopus or The Feta Cheese cooked in the oven, and you might as well add a plate of flambe’ garlic prawns, any excuse to lick your fingers as well as your lips!
Raw
When it comes to trends, Maria leads the way … and while Kalamies is rooted deeply in tradition, the restaurant has evolved beautifully with modern tastes. Proud of her Raw Bar, she explained, “When it comes to fresh fish and seafood, it’s best enjoyed raw” … I’ve tried many of her favourites, the Tuna Melon in Italian Ponzu a taste bud sensation, so too the Seabass Ceviche with citrus fruits, ginger, chilli and fresh coriander, unforgettable!
Sushi
Over recent years, at Kalamies, sushi and premium raw seafood selections have become part of the experience, adding a contemporary edge to the menu. Sushi-grade tuna, salmon sashimi and elegant seafood platters now sit comfortably alongside traditional Cypriot recipes, giving diners the best of both worlds: authentic island cuisine with an international flair, then add a sprinkle of Maria’s magic! … It’s this balance that makes Kalamies such a special eatery!
Fresh Fish
Specialising in fresh fish and fresh seafood, delivered by local fishermen fresh every day … At the moment, the menu is 13 pages with an extensive selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes, including fresh locally caught fish and Live Oysters from France & Greece, or Live Canadian Lobster personally selected from the fish tanks, served by the kilo. I can highly recommend the fresh Steamed Mussels, which they travel from all over Cyprus for, and of course, the tantalising Lobster Thermidor and the Stuffed Kalamari with feta cheese is to die for, … oh, and another of Maria’s unique recipes is the Fresh Mussels with Linguini.
Steak & More
It’s not just the seafood that attracts me to this restaurant, or the stunning view, but, their Black Angus Fillet Steak from Argentina and Australia, and Ribeye Steaks from Australia, cooked to perfection exactly how you like it and topped with your favourite sauce, maybe a tad expensive, but as Maria says “we only buy the best”, and to be honest, they’re really hard to beat!. The Surf & Turf is too much for one, so share and add a mixed veggie grill and char-grilled halloumi. Maria mentioned that one of their best sellers is the Cauliflower Steak, next on my to-try list!
Cypriot Specialities
Naturally, being a local family-run taverna, you’ll also find traditional Cypriot recipes, because as Maria says, “They remind me of my mum’s cooking”. Enjoy traditional lamb Kleftico cooked in sealed ovens for at least 5 hours, homemade Moussaka, Koubabia, aka stuffed vine leaves, Soutzoukia, several awesome vegetarian dishes, delicious little snacks and a separate Children’s Menu … Oh, btw, the Sheftalies are mind-boggling!
Pasta
Maria also mentioned that their pastas are a locals’ favourite! I’ve been known to choose the Black Squid Ink Linguini Prawns on a few occasions. So too the Lobster and Crab Tortelloni … But Maria continued, “Our best seller is the Kritharato Prawn, Creamy Prawn Orzo is totally unique … I suppose I’m going to have to go back twice!
Afters
To be honest, I rarely have room for dessert, but I must tell you about her delicious Walnut Cake, with a nice cappuccino and probably one of Maria’s most famous creations, ‘Kunefe’, a cheesy pastry with kataifi and vanilla ice cream … seriously, if you only go here to try this, you’ll definitely be going back … Another thing I noted was the allergen notices on each dish on the menu, nice touich!
Weddings & Parties
Antonis added that they welcome small weddings or private parties, up to about 20 people, and will provide extreme Cypriot hospitality to help make your day. In fact, the excellent attentive service here is one of the reasons this place is a must-visit! … Here’s a quick Look Around Kalamies
Conclusion
With half a century providing traditional Cypriot hospitality, an extraordinary menu, unique dishes, with a fabulous view, and the opportunity to watch the colours change, as dusk falls and the stars come out … Mmmm! … Highly recommended! Yet despite all the acclaim, it still retains the warmth of a family business. Perhaps that is the true secret … Booking is recommended, oh, and if you mention Tony at What’s On Cyprus! You might get a nice surprise 😉 … And finally, somehow, after all these years, it always tastes like summer here!
Open Long Summer Season
March ’til October
Daily 11:30 am ’til 11 pm …
Take Away Service Available
All Credit Cards Accepted
Free Wifi
TripAdvisor Reviews
Directions
You’ll find them at 40, Ellinon Street, Pernera, Paralimni, 5295 … it’s on the promenade walkway, about 300 meters from The Golden Coast Harbour, with ample off-street car parking … For directions, click on the Google Map icon below …
GPS: 35.035514, 34.038670
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