Mezostrati

Evagorou 31, Megaro Irini, 22662727, LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Mon-Sat 12:00-15:00, 19:00-23:00
Food: [rating:2.5] 2.5/5
Service: [rating:3] 3/5
Ambiance: [rating:3] 3/5
This cute taverna in a small pedestrian alley, (as the name suggests) operates as a “magirio” during the day offering daily dishes and as a taverna at night. It is unfair to say that it was not good, and an exaggeration to say it was exceptional but we left Mezostrati rather satisfied even if a bit neutral towards it.
Even though the décor is quite standard (classic Cypriot and traditional style), it is still very nice with the highlight being its location and the fact that it has tables outside on the pedestrian alley. There is nothing like eating outside with no cars passing by.
When the waiter came to tell us what their menu was I was slightly disappointed, not because I mind eating the standard “meze” (on the contrary!), but because I was hoping to find a twist or at least more variety of local dishes. We ordered the usual suspects. The salad, tahini and grilled mushroom were very good and so was the sausage. The fried eggs with zucchini were my least favourite as I thought the zucchini were cut in larger pieces than usual giving the dish a rather sweet taste. The highlight for me was the kebab (both pork and chicken) that were excellent and the lamb chops that were very good: soft and tender in the inside with a perfectly crunchy layer of fat.
For dessert we were offered “anaropitta” (traditional pie with the local “anari” cheese) that I absolutely love. . The waiter said it is a must-try but although  it was quite good it was not (in my opinion) anything to write home about (without this meaning that we didn’t eat all three portions of it!).
I would return to enjoy a meal “al fresco” and to eat kebab and lamb chops in the lovely alley. Even though the food and the location are good, and the staff are friendly it doesn’t have that little something that makes it differ, especially for 25€ each. We would definitely be happy to see more additions in the menu.