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If you fancy dining in the heart of the glitzy CoralBay area, then you won't go far wrong at Andria Restaurant. As soon as you arrive at the newly refurbished restaurant, you know you are dining at an establishment with a long pedigree in Cypriot hospitality. The smart and swanky Andria sits on the original site
of the Nicolaides’ family vinyard and is now expertly run by hard-working son Marios.
Friendly staff showed us to our spacious table in the restaurant's large non-smoking section. Incredibly roomy and fantastically comfortable, dining in privacy is key at Andria Restaurant. Appealing to both regular diners and for special occasions and wedding functions, Andria Restaurant combines an atmosphere of intimacy and space at the same time. It's clear to see Marios has paid great attention to the décor's detail with its topiary bedecked exterior, crisp cream and maroon colour scheme and stylish, modern cutlery. Cool and air-conditioned, the glasses are spotlessly clean and best of all, the seats and table height are perfect for comfortable eating.
The menu sets one at ease too. Marios has made sure every taste is catered for with an international choice of salads, pasta dishes, vegetarian cuisine, fish, duck and some local dishes all cooked from fresh. Best of all is the 'steak' menu with its brilliant choice of beef and veal steaks at great prices starting at around €18. Local expats wax lyrical over the new Black Angus Beef steak from America and many could be seen savouring the large juicy steaks which have become one of Andria's most popular dishes. Locally caught fresh fish is also featured with star sea food attraction 'Lobster Thermador' at around a very reasonable €30. The vast wine list includes wines from Australia, Chile, France and Italy and a few exclusives, such as the Saint Emilion, Amarone Classico and Chateau Talbot. If you are out celebrating, Andria Restaurant has a great selection of champagne including Moet & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot. House cocktails are also available.
With some advice from Marios, we decided on roast vegetables mixed with pesto on cous cous and the fresh sea bass with spinach and carrot layers. A chevre cheese and sun-dried tomato salad and a portion of onion rings provided lovely side dishes.
Whilst waiting for dinner, Marios told us the romantic Andria history. Handed down from grandparents to grand children, the restaurant sits on the original site of the family's large vinyard. For many years it was known and loved as a traditional Cypriot taverna and today grandsons Marios and his brother have transformed it into a slick cosmopolitan style eatery moving with the times in today's Europe. But, the Cypriot hospitality has not been lost.
Little touches made our dining experience extra pleasant. The fluted butter that came with the bread was mixed with herbs and garlic and it's clear a lot of care goes into the presentation of Andria dishes. We noticed how well presented other diners’ meals looked and were not disappointed with ours. Using the freshest available ingredients, all dishes and sauces are prepared from fresh.
The vegetarian dish was displayed in an appetising array of colours with the pesto adding the perfect flavour to the fresh, roasted vegetables. The poached seabass tasted very fresh and juicy with the combination of spinach and carrot providing crunch and layers to the delicate soft fish and light creamy sauce. A crispy side salad complemented the main course and naughty but nice onion rings tasted as good as they looked.
To use Andria’s catchphrase –‘There is always something new cooking’. Marios told us that he tries to introduce exciting new dishes from time to time to keep his regulars satisfied in addition to the well-loved classics his customers know and love. There's a good children's menu and Andria Restaurant is kid friendly, providing high chairs too.
We were spoiled for choice for dessert. Staples such as tiramisu, crème Brule and fresh, seasonal fruits no doubt, keep many customers happy. We were tempted by the Coral Bay Crepe. The light pancake was filled with creamy praline and almonds, giving it a local touch. We also couldn’t say no to the Coconut Cake made daily by Marios’ mother for Andria Restaurant. Moist and delicately sweet, it was easy to imagine it coming out of a traditional mama's kitchen. See – we told you that underneath the European look, the Cypriot touch was still there!
Wheel Chair-friendly. Smoking and Non-smoking sections.
High chairs. Air Conditioning.
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Andria Restaurant, 8575 CoralBay, Paphos,Cyprus |
copyright © lintv 2008 contact webmaster lintv
copyright © lintv 2008 contact webmaster lintv
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