What's On Cyprus

amazing value for money and it really was delicious ... I'm going back

It's a picturesque setting, with the restaurant literally on the riverbank, overlooking the fishing shelter, on the estuary of the Liopetri River aka 'Potamos', with stunning views stretching all the way to Cape Greko.  Inside, traditional, comfortable seating, fresh fish fridges, old photos on walls, and outside on the terrace with decking, where their two fishing boats are docked, seating for around 150 diners, lined with umbrellas for a little shade, and with the sea just a few metres away. you couldn't find a more perfect setting to eat fish!  btw, Haris and Margaritas' grandfather Nicolas opened this delightful beachside location in Potamos 50 years ago, so all the local fishermen could enjoy their days' catch, and btw, they still do.

The setting is as good as on the beach, it's a traditional village house with alcoves and arches edging the shaded patio out front, overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea.  The ambience is relaxed outside and continues inside, with comfy lounge style sofas and 4 huge TV screens to watch all the live sports, there's a pool room with plenty of seating and two lovely open fires to keep your toes warm in the winter.

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 ...

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.

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"

I am delighted to introduce you to The Lordos Group of Hotels as I've worked closely with their 3 hotels and indeed the Lordos family since 1993.  They are without a doubt one of Cyprus' leading companies and their 3 hotels certainly excel when it comes to location, comfort, and hospitality.  Each hotel with its own specific features, each hotel unique in its own way, all ideally situated in perfect locations, pretty much, right on the beach!

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"

Behind all those hedges, you'll find a really cool covered garden area with a smaller uncovered area.  Inside it's all wood and benches, comfy chairs, sidelights and candles, artifacts all over the walls and ceiling, it's set on two more floors, which separate off into bars, lounges and little cubby holes, each with at least one TV screen and there's even a separate Pool and Games Room and an awesome kitchen that doesn't close 'til midnight ...

... 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!