I am to meet Toulla today –a new TravelPod member.

She has come across my Guides several months back and ever since she follows me on the net . She is my guest today to share lunch with me, at a nice Italian Restaurant called "Artima Bistro".

She claims that my Guides and writing travel her. She is Cypriot but she used to live in the United States for many years.

Below I give a brief review of the Restaurant.



Excellent cuisine, Big portions, Value for money!



Through the many years of traveling and after visiting more than 37 countries I have learnt to appreciate good food. I have become a travel enthusiast and a good restaurant critic with much taste and experience. I believe, with experience comes confidence. I feel like a critic every time I visit a restaurant and it is like being a consumer advocate. The more the meal costs, the higher will be the expectations . For me eating out is so much more than what is served on your plate….it is the experience as a whole.



Artima Bistro belongs to the Carob Mill family and is located within the heart of the Old City of Limassol. Each of the family restaurants is unique and different in character and cuisine and their name is a guarantee for high standards and customer service. Some years back I visited 2 other chain restaurants of the family which are in the round area of the Medieval Castle which are worth to consider for the excellent cuisine. “Karatello” -Cypriot cuisine, and “Draught Microbrewery” a bar/grill.

On a coming trip to Cyprus I plan to visit “Istoriko” I have heard good comments about it from friends. This specific one is located in the Old City of Limassol –a traditional house dated back to 1820. (Cypriot Cuisine exclusively for dining).



As for the “Artima” I guess its popularity started with the visit of several VIPs –a few to mention was the Queen of Spain, Michelle Platini and Olympia Doukakis .

My friends speak highly of the new Chef Valentino but I wanted to check this out myself.



Its central location and excellent food makes it very popular not only with tourists but with local repeaters for years now. I believe reservations are a must especially during weekends. It offers the choice of eating outside on the patio as well, opposite the Medieval Castle near the old port.



The restaurant itself is a traditional Cypriot building yet the inside offers a delightful contrast. It blends traditional stone and steel beams with modern facilities and accessories and it is amazing how its contemporary interior has a touch of elegance.



The menu is based on the Italian/Mediterranean cuisine with ample of food choices . It covers everything from Pasta and Chicken to amazing Seafood dishes.



To start off we had an amazing pumpkin soup, rich in colour and taste. We had the Octopus Carpaccio next. Wow! Not simply delicious but irresistible. A nice presentation - thinly sliced, accompanied by puree fava beans. I was surprised seeing the portion that big and it only costs 9.80 euros. If you come here for seafood certainly count this in.



There is a wide variety of international and local wines to accompany any meal choice and I had the sommelier recommend a few.

I accompanied my seafood starter with an “Agioritiko” rose wine for 6 euros the glass. Cool as it was, it had a refreshing taste -a fruity aroma dominated by flavours of cherry and gooseberry.

My friend had the “Seared Foie Gras” –another amazing starter -a combination of colours and flavour . The peach puree topped with cottage cheese and caramelized pears combined well to bring out the taste of liver duck.

The sommelier suggested “Notios” Red 2009 to accompany this dish. The glass is at 5 Euros, the bottle costs 17. Dark red-violet coloured, had a fruity taste and a discreet fragrance of wood. In reality, the starters themselves look delightful, let alone as starters.

I had the amazing oven baked Sea Bass for main course, served with spinach, grape coulis and risotto. It was cooked to perfection and had a nice topping.

If you come here you should by all means try even for once the Stuffed Lamp and Roasted Fillet of pork….it is heavenly! Lamp is staffed with halloumi cheese, a herb crust top, accompanied by creamy mint sauce. The delicious pork scaloppini was stuffed with dry fruit, cottage cheese and pistachio nuts. Count this in…it is a must!

A glass of “Thalassitis 2011” perfectly accompanies dessert. -A bone-dry wine with delicate honeysuckle aroma and a crisp mineral finish. (6.50 -24 the bottle).

Our delectable lunch finished with some tempting desserts. The ones we had cost 7 euros. The Chocolate Sufle and the Banofee Pie. I found them both exceptional but I cannot say which one is better. You should try both!

If somebody told you that this is an amazing restaurant with food that gets your mouth watering he is absolutely right.

 Staff? Professionals –very attentive sometimes more than the usual. Food? I would say –dreamy. Price? Affordable –huge portions. Totally worth it? Definitely!!!

I find the new menu and wine list interesting with Valentino the new Chef setting impressive standards. I am sure locals keep coming back for the good food, fine quality ingredients, the unparalleled service and value for money.

Highly recommended for a family outing, a friendly gathering or a special occasion.