Eclectic Cuisine, Superb Service, Top Entertainment!

The restaurant 'Stou Kir Yianni' is unique and differs a lot from others . 

I am here for 2 nights staying at one of the suites. *Check my review! 

The name of the complex –Restaurant and Guest house, has become synonymous with the village. 

Try uttering the word ‘Omodos’ to a Cypriot and I bet you will hear ‘Stou Kir Yianni’….this is what I mean!

 

Being an extremely demanding traveler with readers and businesses following my work I am always out for the very best. 

In the capacity of a Food Critic I spent time here with the team, tried several dishes, talked with the owners. The food, the hospitality, the professional service left me speechless! 

 OMODOS: The village stands out in beauty and is easily accessible from Limassol -39kms. It should definitely be counted in your list of ‘must visit’ spots. It preserves its quaint narrow streets and old stone houses .


 
 
RESTAURANT:

It is part of the old family mansion-house that has been turned into the most popular restaurant in Omodos…and not only! I bet it is the best in the round area.

The restoration was made in such masterful and clever way that the building has been transformed into the most sensual and absolutely fascinating interior.

The height difference of the three principal spaces are paved in cobbled-stone, while walls are discreetly painted, and in some spots there is an underfloor lighting. 

The things hanging on, or from the walls and the rest of the decorative elements add to its character. Old and new musical instruments, lamps and colourful incensory pots, shelves with miniature decoration and pottery, -all these create the most inviting ambience you ever dreamed of.  


I am sure words would fail me if I tried to extend on describing the interior . You definitely have to visit to see for yourselves.
 
 
SERVICE: And what a service indeed! Besides the team who are professional and very attentive, guests enjoy a truly personal ‘Stavros’ service! He is the owner but at the same time the ‘star’ in every way. Stavros works non-stop, he is very communicative, high- spirited, dynamic and definitely a perfectionist. 
 
 
Only a personal, family-run business such as this, can provide meals of this quality with an owner who is on hand all the time, alert to ensure that his guests enjoy the highest quality of standards. I have NEVER come across a businessman with such respect for guests and at the same time passion for work.

 
Stavros has successfully managed to combine old world Cyprus charm with cutting edge modernity, and all these were created to allow him to serve the tastiest food ever tried!


 
 CUISINE: Cypriot, Greek and Middle East Cuisine. Behind the traditional cuisine and the innovative dishes, are the Master Chef Mrs. Eftychia (Stavro’s Mother) and the Chef Galin Kolev as well as Margarita Todorova .

 
Familiar elements are used and yet you will be "confronted" by intriguing new creations and flavours that have been placed there attentively. 


Personally, I spent time in the kitchen watching them at work. 

 
A significant factor in a restaurant is cleanliness. Here, although the kitchen is not big at all, the benches are always kept cleaned, shiny and in order even with the restaurant full.
 
I give credit to Gabriel, Kosmas, Yiorgos and Georgia, -the rest of this incredible team. Guys you are great!


 
   

MENU: A selection of traditional dishes are out daily for brunch or lunch, -Snacks, Kleftiko, Fish, Pastas and Mixed Grilled. The menu includes Vegetarian dishes too.


 FAMILY PRODUCE: Part of the excellent taste comes from the fresh family produce, -vegetables, the virgin olive oil and the home-made sauces . 


 
Whatever is served is well presented and of top quality. This is partly the reason for the restaurant’s popularity as people know well how to judge a good dish and it is surely the reason for the repeated visits and stays.

  
DINING: Check their Facebook account for last minute offers and be sure to pre-book.

 
MEZZE: It is original here and includes 16 mouthwatering classic Cypriot dishes. With the mezze you have the opportunity to try almost everything.



 
SOUPS: I tried both ‘Trahana’ and the Pumpkin and I loved both. The first is most popular to Cypriots, but definitely the latter is worth trying too. It has a soft velvety texture and a flavoursome taste. Hummus, Falafel and Tzatziki, the oven-cooked Eggplant salad…all super yummy!

 
The caramelized ‘halloumi cheese’ with sesame and honey stands out.


And as the meze dishes are brought to the table one by one, at the background there is always music depending on the day or the event . 

Stavros has taken particular care for the amusement part too, his choices are the best and people coming here really have fun. 

 
The singers, the bands and artists that perform live are well known throughout Cyprus.

The repertoire is extended and for Cypriots one such dinner outing here, is similar to a night out at Bouzoukia in Athens!


 
MUSIC NIGHTS: 

I dined both nights with Greek music that made a great atmosphere. 

 
The first night we who happened to be dining at the restaurant enjoyed Michali Pourgourides’ guitar melodies and singing, and on Friday night another popular band performed live, with an extended repertoire, excellent performing and quality music.
 
The atmosphere was magic and everyone seemed to be participating in this ‘great party’. 

The majority were Cypriots coming from Limassol, Paphos and the round area with a few staying overnight . 

Tourists seemed delighted, as for the owner like always, he was there for everyone, going around the tables chatting or sending complimentary drinks to friends....and not only!

 

The Mezze keeps coming and the Grilled local Sausage is juicy with a superb taste.

Stew is yummy too, and several others. The dishes are non-stop but the very best come towards the end so be prepared to save some space in your stomach for what follows.


You will definitely scream out a ‘Wow!’ when you are brought the Grilled Crackling which is cooked to perfection, exceptionally, crispy outside and with every bite you notice how juicy and flavoursome it is. 


The homemade commadaria sauce that is served with gives it this unique taste… .a dish for gods! The hint of spice and lovely presentation makes it irresistible.

Next to follow, -the Grilled Meat platter. 

You have to see to believe! A special artistic wooden base exclusively designed for the restaurant. 


The skewer of chicken breast on a stick and pork shish kebab with perfectly baked potatoes are the last delicious culinary notes.



 
DESSERT: 


Of course there is a variety of desserts and fruit depending on the season and day, but by the time you finish with all the mezze and wine, I doubt if you can have the dessert which is brought at the end of this delectable banquet.

 

 
BEVERAGE: 

The family produces wine from their own vineyards ‘varelisio’ and it is the perfect choice as it comes natural with no preservatives and is in great demand . You can have it in a carafe.
 
The home’s brand wine is available and can also be purchased from the restaurant.

Personally I tried all three ‘Argestis’ wines. 

 

The white dry is Xinisteri-Semillon, the Rose is a Lefkada-Shirax with crisp fruity flavour, and the Red dry, Maratheftiko- Merlot with its wonderful aromas of cedar, with rich texture of plum and spice, -notes that add to its complexity. 

 
There are 3 more, the “Delfis” and very soon their ‘Commandaria’ will also be available in the market.


 
COMMANDARIA: 

Out here, 'Stou Kir Yianni' this dessert wine is produced from sun-dried grapes of a rare ancient indigenous grape variety Xynisteri. 


It represents an ancient wine style documented in Cyprus back to 800BC and has the distinction of being the world’s oldest named wine still in production, with the name Commandaria dating back to the crusades in the 12th century .  

It offers luscious taste of powerful bouquet, dried fruit, spices and oak wood.

 
It is ideal as an aperitif, an after dinner drink.



 
IN ALL: The restaurant but also the rooms never stop welcoming guests. So, if you are after quality and wish to have a true Cypriot gourmet experience, this is the place to be. For the best Cypriot Hospitality, Great Value, Quality Food, Excellent Service and Top Notch Entertainment seek nowhere else. I came here as a guest and left behind friends. Thank you guys for the excellent hospitality. You managed to make my stay one to remember!