Pargas 9, LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Mon-Sun 11:30-18:00
Larnacos 33 (Pallouriotissa), Keryneias 96 (Plati), Stavrou 46 (Strovolos), 70001017
Mon-Sun 11:30-23:00
Food: [rating:3] 3/5
Service: [rating:3.5] 3.5/5
Ambiance: [rating:3] 3/5
When I first saw GREAT, the (at the time) new casual but sort of “modernised” restaurant in the centre of Nicosia serving traditional food, I admit, I had underestimated it. Not because the food was bad, but because I thought who would go to a modern version of a “magirio” instead of going to the actual “magirio”? It was only recently that I got the whole GREAT concept, which goes far beyond a casual and quick restaurant for workers around the area.
First of all, apart from an eat-in restaurant, there are 3 more branches for take-away and delivery (only). In addition to delivering all around Nicosia, they also have a fast take-away option. The fact that they are open all-day on Sunday is a big plus since Sunday night dinner is often a problem as almost everything is closed.
Secondly, the concept is not simply, a more modern version of a “magirio”, but there is a whole pro-healthy eating idea behind it. Nothing is fried, even though their food often tastes as good as fried food, (who are we kidding? Fried food does tastes nice), they always use extra virgin olive oil and most of the dishes are prepared in a super modern and clean space outside their branches, to make it easier to keep a good standard.
Now the food: I have so far tried a few dishes and they were all up to standard, especially if one takes into consideration the prices which were quite low. The spinach rice (“spanakorizo”) was very good without being very salty or mushy, and it really tasted freshly cooked. The best thing about it is that it cost merely 2.95€…in fact cheaper than my parking ticket across the street! The lentils with “kritharaki” and tomato was a good idea, diverting away from the standard lentils dish. The peas with tomato and potatoes were also very tasty and came in a relatively large portion for only 2.95€ as well. What I also liked is that they always have an option of grilled meat and vegetables for a healthy meal, but also pasticcio or mousakka for a more traditional meal.
What I came to realize now is that, I don’t have to substitute it with my regular “magirio” lunches. GREAT does not, in fact, have to compete with them because it is a totally different concept: a value for money place offering a large variety of dishes (healthy, “rich”, traditional or vegetarian), all delivered any time on any day of the week at your door step.
For online ordering, delivery and more details you can visit www.great.com.cy
