Cyprus Restaurant Tips by greekcypriot Top 5 Page for this destination

PEGASUS Restaurant -Coffee shop: The Best Trout -Cosy Grounds, Amazing Cuisine!

I was visiting Platres a few weeks ago and I had both dinner the first evening and lunch with friends the next day before driving off for Larnaca.

I can assure that the quality of the food here is excellent, and the service is unbeatable.

The Cypriot “meze” -meaning a variety of dishes, costs 17 euro for one person but you are brought more than 15 different dishes including coffee, dessert and fruit. They were exceptionally tasty and honestly it was too much. We simply could not eat everything. Each time the new dish would come it was a new surprise. You can ask for separate dishes of course if you don’t prefer the meze but we were curious to try the many different dishes.

Mousaka and “Koupepia” –staffed vine leafs cost 10 and Stifado “Stew” is at 12 euros, however all three dishes are accompanied by potatoes or rice plus Salad.

The grilled Trout I had the previous evening was beyond compare, sprinkled with oil and garlic and accompanied with potatoes and salad for only 13 euros. I can say it is the best trout I had ever had for years.

The carafe of wine (1 kilo) costs 10 euro and a glass of wine 3.
Beer (Keo or Calsberg) the big bottle costs 3 euro and 2 the smaller one.

The Restaurant functions also as a Cafeteria. Here one can find homemade Crepes (4.50) and Waffles (chocolate/strawberry or banana served with ice cream for 6 euro.
I found both my dinner and lunch with friends the next day simply amazing! There are number of dishes cooked on the instant.

The restaurant is centrally located and you cannot miss it. Coming from Kato Platres (lower) to Pano Platres (upper) it is exactly at the big bend that takes you to the centre of upper Platres. The restaurant is nicely decorated in colours matching with the surroundings. I can’t wait to visit Platres again and surely I will drop by for lunch and dinner here again.
There is always a good reason to return to Pegasus again, as Platres is one of my favourite destinations with unbelievable beauty around, -only 39 Kms from Limassol and just 9 Kms from Troodos.

I highly recommend Pegasus!

Address: Pano Platres

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: +357 99 296363 or 25 421744

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://semiramishotelcyprus.com/links.html

'I Oraia Hellas" Vouni , Limassol District: Authentic Cypriot/Greek cuisine, Cozy Atmosphere

I recently spent 2 days in the picturesque little village of Vouni which is nestled in the foothills of Troodos in the heart of the wine region. I came across ‘Oraia Hellas’ as I was going down the main road. I noticed the sign with the name of the restaurant. It was kind of artistic with blue and white colours and this drew my attention. I wanted so much to get inside. The sign was hanging outside the couple’s beautiful old two storey restored country house and the main entrance of the restaurant is from the side narrow road. The entrance door leads to a few steps that take you to an amazingly beautiful little garden. Fedra is Cypriot and Yianni is Greek so the combination of food here is a mixture of local and Cypriot Mediterranean cuisine. During weekends it is packed with tourists and locals and there are many who come from as far as Limassol to taste their cuisine.
I advise that you make a booking if you plan coming to the restaurant on a weekday.

Everything I tasted was delicious and in affordable price. If you ask for the Greek meze or pikilia you will have the opportunity to taste several dishes. Wine is of excellent quality because the restaurant is in the wine region so Yianni has arranged for the best. Try Fedra’s (koupepia) staffed vine leaves, or Kolokytho-anthous which she makes and they are beyond compare! Don’t leave without asking for ‘Kleftiko’.

If it is summer guests can sit in the enclosed little garden which is full of colour with all sorts of flowers, bindweed and vine plants so beautifully decorated by Fedra who is also an artist. She makes bracelets and decorative little pieces of art with stone and wood and some of the pieces are at the restaurant for sale.

The interior of the restaurant is decorated with artistic talent and good taste. The couple is very warm and I found here the combination of Greek/Cypriot hospitality and when I told them that I am leaving the next morning they invited me over to have breakfast with them. I still remember these amazing breakfast moments we shared the three of us early that morning outside their little garden. How can I forget the morning mountain breeze mingled with the aroma of our hot grounded black coffee, the honey spread on the homemade bread, the smell of jasmine, wild roses and honeysuckle. I will always cherish this warm hospitality. I know I have two good friends out there and I long to return and see them again on a coming trip.

Address: Vouni Village, Limassol District

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: +357 2594 4328

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Lithos BarGrill Restaurant, Oroklini, Larnaca: Amazing Cuisine, Oasis for Sport Enthusiasts

I visited Lithos Bar and Grill recently while I was in Larnaca.
On a previous trip some months back it was under construction and it is fully renovated now. We came here to dine with friends.
It is indeed beautiful with the new look, spacious and what impressed me were the 8 big screens on the walls. It is the dream place and paradise for sport enthusiasts.

Besides the screens there is also a projector for different events that take place during weekends. There are different theme nights that make it very popular in the round area. I have seen people coming here when these events take place from other cities. I consider it one of the best places for entertainment in the Larnaca district.
It is popular mostly with British who will travel to Oroklini for miles to participate in the events, watch a sport that they like or come here with their families for a drink.

The owners are amazing and I happen to know this place since 2006. It has a fantastic atmosphere and the bar offers a good selection of spirits, beers and local wines. I highly recommend the cuisine of the restaurant and I have eaten here several times. It serves local and international cuisine. Spaghetti Bolognese costs 6.90, Greek salad costs 6 euro, Rib costs 12, “Stifado” is at 9.50, Vine leaves (koupepia) cost 9 euro.
Half a pint of draft Carlsburg beer costs 2.60.
Lithos is open daily from 11.00 a.m till late at night.

Address: 17, Anexartisias Str. Oroklini, Larnaca

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Very close to the church of Oroklini, 5 kms from Larnaca

Other Contact: lithosbar@yahoo.com

Phone: +357 96396521

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Steakhouse

The Yu Shan Chinese Restaurant: An Elegant Atmosphere, a Gem in Larnaca

I would love to come at the Yu Shan Chinese Restaurant again and again.
I believe it is a gem in the city of Larnaca and it is found opposite the old Stadium.

It opens daily and during the weekends for lunch starting at 13:00 to 15:00.
For dinner it is open at 18:00 to 23:00 with a rich variety of different kinds of Chinese dishes. You will find a variety of soups, different starters, duck, noodles and vegetables.
Its elegant atmosphere and the exquisite Chinese cuisine impressed me. The staff treats the customers with exceptional professionalism and they seem to know well how to satisfy all guests.
I would certainly return to this restaurant and try other dishes as well.

Sea food is excellent and the prawns with garlic and ginger here will cost you 10.50 euro. Sea buss in Barbecue sauce costs 11.00 euro.
A mixed appetizer costs 5.60. Of course there are many more to choose from.

The restaurant has a Take Away service in case you wish to order and enjoy the dish at your place.

I strongly recommend it for an unforgettable outing in Larnaca.

Address: Stadium 120, Larnaca

Comparison: about average

Directions: Opposite the Old Stadium in Larnaca.

Phone: 24 657 044

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum

Website: http://www.yushanrestaurant.com

Tavern C & P Takeaway: Avoid this Restaurant Completely!

While in Lefkara I decided to have some Cypriot Kebabs so I asked to be shown where to go for the best kebab and sheftalia in the village.

I was urged to come to this restaurant and I was completely disappointed by the ignorance of the owner.
I was brought burnt sheftalia on the outside and inside the meat was still red. It was not possible to eat it. He was sitting watching a film with a friend of his about 6 metres from where I was, - I was the only customer that moment, and I told him that the meat needs some more time on the grill because it is pink inside. The answer I got was that this is the colour of meat when cooked and he ingnored me for some 5 minutes.

Suddenly after some time from the place where he was he asked me if I wanted him to put the sheftalia on the grill again.
I was so angry because he did not bother to come and check. If I had them put a second time on the grill they would have been burnt completely as they were already black on the outside.(See photo)

So, I suggest that you pick another place to eat and avoid completely this one.
I still cannot understand how such a person with such irresponsibility can run a business!!

Comparison: about average

Phone: +357 24342750

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 1

Theme: Autogrill/Rest Stop

Lysia Restaurant: Cypriot Cuisine!

I have come to this restaurant several times in the past.
The last time was 3 years back.
At the beginning the owner used to serve the customers himself and he tried his best to give the best impression.
Now this does not exist any more!!

This time I am here I want to check if there is still interest in the customers.
He does not show up at all. Instead there are two foreign girls who serve the customers as he is busy with the company of one or two male friends talking loudly at the other side of the room.
So, it is a disappointment for me because this Cypriot Restaurant has lost this Authenticity of the Cypriot hospitality now.

I have to admit though that the dish I picked was tasty and I enjoyed it.
The Restaurant has Cypriot dishes.
Ofto Kleftiko (lamb the casserole) costs 11 euro, a glass of wine 3.50, a salad costs 1.75, and souvla arni (lamb on the spit) 13 euro.

I recommend it to people who want to taste the Cypriot cuisine because the food at least is tasty….., but for me it has lost that personal touch and authenticity of the Cypriot restaurant.

Address: Amochostou 4, Dekelia Road, Larnaca

Comparison: about average

Phone: +357 24 644 588

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

The Village Restaurant: Cypriot Authentic Cuisine

“The Village Restaurant” in Platres is a very nice restaurant.
I was amazed with the delicious cuisine of Agi and he was telling me that he is cooking everything by himself. Nobody else helps in the kitchen. He is very passionate with his cooking which he learned from his Mother he said.

One can find mostly Traditional Cypriot cuisine here and from what I found out from the little chat I had with other people, everyone likes it here. Prices are affordable and portions quite big.
The Restaurant is very popular with not only locals, but also tourists who visit Platres. There are coaches that make a stop for lunch daily here. The view from the outside veranda is panoramic.

Mousaka costs 10 euro, Kalamari (squid) 8.50, Steak port chop 7.50, Koupepia –stuffed vine leaves 9 euro. A beer will cost you 2.50 euro and a carafe of wine 75ml costs 7.50 euro.
I found the prices reasonable, and the quality the best, and this is the reason I recommend it.

Address: Pano Platres

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: +357 99 663 772

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Any Traditional Cypriot Restaurant: Cypriot dishes- Know what exactly they are!

Glossary
I thought to give you the name of some Cypriot dishes and explain what each one represents so that you know exactly what it is when you are at a Cypriot restaurant.
You can of course photo copy and have it with you on the trip.

Afelia: it is pork cooked in red wine crushed coriander seeds
Arni: it is lamb
Avgolemono: egg and lemon soup
Bourekia: small puff pastries with meat, or cheese and cream with a cheese filling.
Daktyla: almong finger pastries
Elioti: olive bread or pie
Elies tsakistes: cracked green olives with coriander seeds, lemon and crushed garlic.
Fangri: sea bream
Fasolia: haricot beans cooked in a casserole
Feta: salty white cheese usually crumbled on village salads.
Flaounes: Cypriot Easter cakes made with cheese and spices
Glyko: preserved fruits in syrup
Halloumi: firm goats or ewes milk cheese, often served grilled.
Hirino: pork
Horiatiki salata: village salad of white cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, capers, olives, onion, etc.
Houmous: dip from soaked, crushed chick peas
Kalamari: squid
Kapari: pickled caper
Karaoli yahni: snails in tomato sauce
Keftedes: meat balls
Kleftiko ofto: lamb or goat wrapped in foil with herbs and baked in a sealed oven
Kolokotes: pastries stuffed with red pumpkin, raisins and pourgouri
Kotopoulo: chicken
Koupepia or dolmades: stuffed vine leaves
Koupes: cigar shaped wheat cases with meat filling
Loukoumades: doughnuts in syrup
Loukanika: Cyprus sausages
Loukoumia: Wedding shortbread
Lountza: smoked and marinated loin of pork
Marida: whitebait
Moungra: pickled cauliflower
Moussakas: a pie made from layers of minced beef, spices and vegetables with cheese topping
Octopodi krasato: octopus in red wine
Pitta: flat envelope of unleavened bread
Pourgouri pilafi: pilaf of cracked wheat
Psari: fish
Ravioli: pastry stuffed with halloumi and mint
Rizi: wheat and lamb pilaf, served at weddings.
Sheftalia: minced pork and herb rissole
Souvla: large chunks of lamb cooked on a spit
Souvlakia: kebabs
Stifado: rich beef and onion stew
Tahini: sesame seed paste, served as a dip
Taramosalata: dip made from smoked cods roe
Trahanas: soup from cracked wheat and yoghurt
Tzantziki/or Talatouri: yoghurt, cucumber and mint dip
Vodino: beef
Yemista: baked stuffed vegetables with rice and minced beef
Zalatina: brawn

Comparison: about average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Maria's Restaurant in Vavatsinia: “Traditional Cypriot Cuisine and Good Service!”

We had lunch at “Maria’s Restaurant in Vavatsinia in February, and I was surprised with the huge portions. None of us could eat the whole dish and we asked Maria to pack the rest for home.

Wonderful surroundings out in the nature with lush vegetation and singing of birds all over. If it would have been summer it would be a paradise!

The restaurant serves Traditional Cypriot cuisine and I have only good words to say for the service and the quality of what we had been served.
I can strongly recommend it, although I know that this spot out here near Vavatsinia is already very popular to Cypriots and not only.

Address: Vavatsinia 7712, Larnaca

Comparison: about average

Phone: 24 342640

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

Tavern and Bar Agros Village: Rude Manners!

I was brought to this Tavern and Bar Restaurant in the village of Agros by a friend of mine. We came here from a nearby village since all the other taverns were closed.

The interior décor of the café-restaurant is nice and cozy, a pleasant atmosphere with a big selection of wines on one of the walls just behind where we were sitting. The TV set was a bit loud but we asked the man and turned the volume down.
We did not want to eat much that evening, and we ordered a portion of grilled mushrooms for me, one portion of lamp chops for my friend, a green salad, and a bottle of red wine.

Everything fine up to the moment when the food is brought to us. I understood that it could not be such a huge portion for one person and I asked my friend how many portions of lamp chops had I ordered. He answered ….just one, so we ask the owner to tell us if the dish was for two or one person.
He sounded so rude and got angry with us because since we were two he said he thought that we would want 2 portions. We reply that we just want one so he can take it back. He got furious, and in a very rude manner he tells us to eat as much as we wish and he will not count more than one portion.
The whole atmosphere changed immediately and we got so upset. We did not want to sit a single minute out there, but we left as soon as we finished our dinner.
Very rude …a churl! Don’t eat what you are brought if you are not sure what you are going to pay. This can surely be a trick. We paid 30 euros but we refused to have the extra lamp chops! I would recommend the restaurant only if all other restaurants are closed.

Address: The village of Agros

Comparison: about average

Phone: 25 521558, 99793801

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 1

Theme: Local