What's On Cyprus

An eatery of the highest esteem, I love the crazy paved terrace, shaded by tall mature trees, that twinkle delightfully as the sun sets, the crazy colourful tables and chairs, almost kindergarden'ish, little alcoves of comfy seating, hammocks set up high in the trees, whilst down a tier, skirting the rocks, a pathway leading to the almost private beach on the left, that'll have mellow music and waiter service and there's plenty of sunbeds, all with a view to die for, a sea of serenity at Sirena Bay ...

... we have created a menu, traditional but not, it’s totally unique, partly influenced by her yiayia, a fusion of Greek, Cypriot and Spanish cuisine, but she assured me none of the dishes you’ll find anywhere else, because they are the creation of their imagination, using always fresh produce, everything is cooked to order, nothing is prepared and always around her flavours and essences of Cyprus, that she uses to compliment every dish … oh, and if she had her way, she would change the menu every day” … So do look out for their daily specials and make sure you leave room for dessert!

Fāinā told me "We originally opened a French restaurant in Makarios Avenue, introducing Lebanese cuisine after 2 years, but when we moved our restaurant here we switched to a Lebanese Restaurant with just a few French dishes as our customers were mostly locals.  These days its a more varied international mix as more and more tourists have discovered us.  As the years past, we found more and more of our customers were asking us to cook French cuisine for them".  She laughed and said "ha! but many restaurants cook Frogs Legs, but none can cook them like ours!  And, then she added; just wait til you try our Duck!"

I really enjoy my job, even more so when I find something a little different and was thrilled when Valentina and Yiannis invited me to meet them at their Traditional Romanian Restaurant in Paphos … They asked me if I'd like to try one of Yiannis' Soups for lunch, and I said "just a little please" and they served me Meat Ball Soup with some warm pitta and green chili peppers on the side … I just have to say; "I wish I hadn't said 'just a little' … it really was delicious!"

It was the name that first caught my attention, brilliant I thought! ... Then, this wonderful idea, equally brilliant!, a Boardgaming Cafe, nestled in the vibrant city of Larnaca, and I just had to get together with David, owner of 'Shakes and Lattes' to find out more ...

Standing proud at the top of Hero's Square, right in the heart of Limassol, a place where people gather, in days of old a mix of Greek and Turkish Cypriots, apparently once a red light district, now a mix of popular stylish bar's and eateries, and as the decline of cinema in the 80's inspired the new Rialto Theatre, that launched in 1999 and helped to develop the area into a hive of activities, cultural or not! 

... These days he's got a crew of 30, most working as part of the family for years, and 'well oiled' is an understatement ... serving the best Cod and Haddock, and a nice bit of Plaice, imported from UK, Norway, Germany and France, deep fried in Lambros' crispy batter or breadcrumbs and served, of course, with chips made with Cyprus potatoes, pure heaven! ... opps, don't forget the mushy peas or maybe gravy, or curry sauce to dip your chips into and a few pickled onions and maybe a wally ... omg, old habits die hard oh, and almost forgot a good cuppa and a slice ... perfect!

I popped into meet Stelios and Eleni, inside its clean cut, minimalistic, Italian designer style, with wooden flooring, comfortable seating for around 25 people inside and a few tables outside for Al' Fresco dining … Stelios told me "we wanted to make it feel like Home from Home" … I loved the really cool photos chosen by Eleni, especially the one saying "Eat the Spaghetti to Forget your Regretti", brilliant"!

Times have changed as far as the fascia goes, but for the past 28 years, the service is still exemplary and the cuisine is as traditional as it gets.  It's a family-run restaurant, from Luigi's warm welcome to the homemade Cypriot specialties using mum's secret recipes and the lovely touch of complimentary seasonal fruit, grown in dad's orchard, that they'll bring to your table for afters.

This is, without doubt, one of Paphos' finest eateries ... It's a traditional Irish Bar, so authentic all the furniture was crafted in Ireland an imported over, lots of dark warm wood, benches and stools, cottage cabinets and red brick. There's plenty of room inside, a nice covered smoking room and a lovely breezy sun terrace out front with comfortable seating, and the pub grub just a tad above the rest ... it's just like you've walked into a bar in Dublin, only a bit warmer!