What's On Cyprus

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!"

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.

truly international, there's bound to be something you'll like ...

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"

When I asked George why they called it Dionysus he said; "because he is the God of the Vine, Grape Harvest & Winemaking, but mostly because he is also the God of Fun, and the idea of the restaurant was inspired by wine, fun and theatre, and most of all enjoyment! Then we found the house, it was the perfect venue to set the ambiance we wanted"!

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!

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.

It's a family run hotel apartments, more like a mini resort ...

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 ...

I caught up with Nikos who also owns Blazing Saddles Pub next door, who told me "I opened the Indian Restaurant in 2013 because there wasn't an authentic one in the area.  Then one year later my customers persuaded me that there wasn't a decent Chinese either", and chop-chop it happened!  ... And then, quite recently Nikos again listened to his customers' wishes, and added Thai & Sushi, so as you're in Cyprus, now you might as well 'Meze' it up, Asian style!