Cypriot

The resort is in the ever-popular coastal area of Pernera, in Protaras.  This long-established family-run destination has become far more than just a restaurant.  It’s a complete holiday experience, blending authentic Cypriot hospitality, beachfront dining, stylish villas and apartments, and one of the most relaxing pool bar settings in the area, all intermingled into one and 'Open to the Public', with a small charge for sunbeds and umbrellas on the spacious lush green lawn!

Over a delicious coffee, and my little chat with 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 ... Probably because Maria has this uncanny knack to recognise flavours that complement each other ... Seriously, this lady is on another level !!!

Over a gorgeous cappuccino I asked Vaida, why she created 'The Loop'? … She explained; "I'm originally from Lithuania, but lived in Holland for many many years and fell in love and married Nicos a Cypriot and finally moved to Cyprus just 8 years ago" … Vaida continued, "I noticed there was a distinct lack of places to get good fresh food, not just vegetarian and vegan but specialising in healthy eats and healthy diets".

This is where they excel, specialising in over 20 different 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 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 said "there's really no need", tbh, the beef Gyro was probably the best I've ever tasted ...

This is where they excel, specialising in over 20 different 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 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 said "there's really no need", tbh, the beef Gyro was probably the best I've ever tasted ...

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 ...

Situated just to the right of Ayia Napa Harbour, a little more serene, relax with a drink out front in a modern chilled ambiance, or under the huge covered terrace or out back, overlooking the med ... it really is a perfect place to enjoy fresh premium seafood delights and there's a huge pristine lawn and a playground area for the kids with swings, trampolines, tunnels, slides, and things ... Check out their promo Video here ...

As I walked in for the first time, I was well impressed with the simple blackboards adorning the walls up the stairs leading to the bar on the first floor.  Inside, it's all dark wood and industrial style metal ... cool signs everywhere, I couldn't resist getting a couple of shots, how do you like your whiskey?  The bar is open on three sides, so lovely cool breezes with really cool views over the heart of Napa, Marios laughed as he said, "it's packed in here for the festive parades"!

I was thrilled to finally get a chance to catch up with Zannetos at Fig Tree Bay Zefkas George & Son Restaurant, and I was amazed to learn that the history of Fig Tree Bay actually started here ... This beach, of course, has always been popular with the locals way before tourism really existed. Situated on the far west of Famagusta Bay, where the locals went to get away from it all, in the days when there was absolutely nothing here but sand and a few footprints ... Click here for a reaal cool insight to this landmark on Fig Tree Bay, Protaras ... with a Map & More ...

As you all know, I love to tell you about my favourite finds, and in my hunt to discover the best beachside bars and eateries in Cyprus, this one is without a doubt one of my favourites, and I was more than pleasantly surprised when I found out that it's strongly linked to Paragka Beach Bar on Trinity Bay in Ayia Triada Bay, Pernera