International

... the kitchen serves a Full English Breakfast or just Scrambled Eggs on Toast, Homemade Burgers, Homemade Pizzas, Pukka Pies, Fluffy Omelettes, Salads, Grills with delicious Chicken breast, Huge Pork Chops and even your favourite Toasties.  There's something for everyone including a separate Children's Menu ... and if you like to share try one of their delicious Meat Platters for two ...

I asked manager George how it all started? ... George said; "In 2018 it was just sand, in 2019 it was a canteen-style Kiosk.  We leveled it to the ground, removing rocks, bamboo bushes, and Acacia trees, and Paragka was rebuilt in 2021"  The whole idea was totally and inspirationally designed by George, now it's a sophisticated Beach Hut with its idyllic location, inviting a relaxed ambiance, accompanied by delectable cuisine, Paragka Beach Restaurant has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Over a delicious Illy coffee, I asked Charbel how it all started; he said, "In the past, I was an HR Operations Manager in the F&B Sector ... Then we found this place, and between 2016 to 2021, we took Rise of the past, and Re-Branded it ... it was during the pandemic where I got the idea to take it to a new level and we had the time make some improvements, the idea was to 'Elevate your Hotel Experience' ... it's not just about the decoration it's about culture and spirit"

This is one restaurant you have to put into the 'exquisite' category ... it's right in the heart of Ayia Napa’s bustling tourist centre, and without a doubt, one of Cyprus' premium eateries with a team that has become an institution in Napa.  In fact, Sage Fusion has been impressing me with their culinary flair for over 20 years.  The fusion is French, Italian, Mexican, and Asian, with a strong emphasis on quality, fulfilled with passion, that you'll notice from the moment you arrive and are greeted by their charming Maître ’D ...

To Steki tou Boss, in the heart of Paralimni is an authentic Cypriot Taverna, offering that 'Home from Home' feeling! Inside the décor, in one part designer influenced bespoke wooden tables and chairs made really comfy, patchwork high stools up at the bar, blended with cafe-style seating, lots of wood, village artefacts everywhere, plants and really cool lighting. The menu is a tick list of what's in the kitchen so you create your own meze, 3 of those, 2 of these, none of them etc ... just brilliant .... Highly recommended ... Click on the article for a Map and More ...

Hidden Gem I love finding these little places that are a little bit different ... Safira Coffee House is exactly that! ... Nestled on the main road, almost on the zebra crossing from Likio School, Safira stands out as a retreat of comfort and tranquility, for locals and visitors alike.  This little hidden gem has quickly gained a reputation for its warm ambiance, exceptional service, and, of course, its delightful selection of coffees and snacks to dine in, takeaway, or get home delivery.

It's all sort of lean-to-Tikki-style shack on the beach, all wood and lots of bamboo ... out front the aroma of freshly watered lush green grass lawns, a beach volleyball court, and outdoor seaview massage booths.  A gorgeous spacious veranda, covered with bamboo, creates delightful shaded patterns to enjoy your stay, with stunning sea views over Pernera Bay.  I love stuff like; Speis' handmade crisps shelf and the colourful signage on the wooden rails that run down the side of the cafe ... It's a really cool beachside cafe ...

All Day & Night The bar is open from 9 am to 2 am, so you can pop in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, gorgeous coffees in the afternoon with a naughty slice of cake, maybe a romantic dinner for two, or just evening drinks and a catch up with friends, whichever you choose, this is an awesome place to go.  They provide a great menu from their hearty breakfasts to amazing platters or grilled main meals to delicious homemade desserts.

I've watched this pub grow since it opened in 1988.  It's all dark wood, tables, comfy seats and benches.  The whole place is covered in artefacts, flags, posters, blackboards and hundreds of photos added over the years.  I'm sure I'm in a few, ha!, in fact, I probably took a few of them too.  It's a GastroPub with a cool mix of an international clientele, and of course, the locals in the area, even our nationals who swarm down to the East Coast for a swim on a weekend, and something to eat, and all add to the ever-increasing repeat custom and inevitably, I'd have to say; it's one of the most successful pubs in Cyprus! ... Tbh, the weekends are soooo busy I prefer to go Monday til Thursday, I get more attention ;)

We talked about the perfect setting at the far left of Protaras Bay, Spiros said; "We wanted to create somewhere really special, a relaxing ambiance, comfy seating, cozy, little more private areas, and a really good sound system and very cool lighting ... the location was perfect, replacing a landmark of old with somewhere a little more modern, somewhere to enjoy a refreshing drink, a delicious coffee, and really good cuisine, presented with passion".