Eliά Backyard Greek Restaurant, Larnaca
Stephanos said; "We got together often, looking for the best place where we could open an authentic Greek Restaurant. We could have done it in Thessaloniki, but there's lots of Greek Restaurants there, so it was a calculated decision and we chose Larnaca because it reminded us most of Thessaloniki and then of course the weather here in Cyprus had something to do with it"
‘Chez Fāina – Fayrous’, Mediterranean Brasserie, Larnaca
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!"
Casa Mespilea Bistro & Guest House, Old Town, Paphos
... 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!
Harvest Status Cafe Wine Bar & Cava Robustos, Paralimni
This impeccable Wine Bar & Cafe, serves the finer things in life, just about the best coffee you'll taste anywhere in Cyprus. Complementing your selection of over 300 different quality wines with signature Fruit, Meat or Cheese Platters, introducing you to imported cheeses from all over the world, maybe with a little marmalade, hmm, trust me, you won't find this selection anywhere else, oh, and freshly baked bread and breadsticks and btw, you really must try the new Charguterie, French-based Mixed Meat Platters plus of course everyone's favourite, the freshly made Sushi and some spontaneous finger foods encompassing the trend towards the healthy living options.
Hugga by the Sea Lounge Bar Restaurant, Livadia, Larnaca
It's classy, chic and unique, it's spacious, the designer obviously minimalistic with a touch of finesse. Outside there's a large terrace, partly covered, with comfy bench sofas and seats, huge umbrellas, dropping down to lush gardens, with mature trees creating the shade, overlooking the sea, with gorgeous architectural lighting by night ... inside its all stone pillars and wood with classy finishing, stylish lighting, high ceilings, cool touches and condiments to compliment, all creating an ambience that puts them up high in my favourite eaterie rankings.
Yiannis’ Romanian Cuisine, Paphos
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!"
Rialto Theatre, Limassol
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!
Sonny’s Restaurant, Paphos
Coming outta Shepherds Bush in London, Chris with over 30 years experience and catering in his blood, followed his father's footsteps and in 2012 he finally sealed the deal to buy the old Banana Cabaret Bar in Kissonerga, better known for its sauciness than its sauces 😉 He named it 'Sonny's, after his son, so I suppose it was inevitable Sonny would join his dad sooner or later, together they make an unbeatable team! ... And tbh, you'll probably need to book to make sure you find a table!
Serena Bay Beach Bar & Restaurant, Pernera
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 ...
3 New Games in at Shakes and Lattes
I popped in to catch up with the lovely Maria and David at Shakes & Lattes Board gamming Café in Larnaca ... They've just had three new games in ... One called 'Warriors of Krynn' the latest in War Game editions by Dragonlance released 2023 ... it's a cooperative game of adventure and strategy where you play heroes battling against the terrifying Dragon Army ...