Athinas (next to Orfeas restaurant), LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Mon-Sun 18:00-2:00
Food: [rating:3] 3/5
Service: [rating:3.5] 3.5/5
Ambiance: [rating:4] 4/5
I think we can all agree that despite the financial crisis there has been a bar/restaurant opening boom in both, Limassol and Nicosia. I am not really complaining as our options increase but I would have preferred to have a larger diversification between each bar. There has been a bit of a tendency for these bars to copy each other.
What I liked about 8×3 apart from its name (which is the building number- 24) is the fact that, even though the vintage vibe is still there feels a bit different than the rustic/used furniture factor that seems to be in fashion lately. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this beautiful little bar, something I haven’t felt in some time (although the fact that I had zero expectations probably did play a role as well).
The décor is from the 70’s with a lot of colour and a lot of mix ‘n’ match features. It reminded me of a more elegant Vinyl bar if you have been. There is a long bar right in the centre which is fantastic for a drink or nibbles and there are also small tables for drinks and a light dinner or sofas and armchairs for a larger group. What stuck in my mind is the fantastic lighting which created a very mysterious and charming atmosphere which was the result of the funky blue and turquoise colour effects behind 
the bar, the dim pendant lights on top of the long bar and the vintage wall lights lighting the ceiling. Another thing feature that I liked was the cool portrait pictures on the walls which were a contradiction to the 70’s décor.
Despite the fact that it is mostly a bar there is a short food menu, with -finally- everything except the platters, costing less than 10€! Admittedly, the price is justified since most of the food is simple (salads, pizzas, bruschettas), but it is still appreciated. The portions were quite fair for one person but I thought the selection of dishes was more appropriate for sharing, something which in fact I quite like epecially at a bar. Our 7.60€ Italian salad with mozzarella, prosciutto and pesto was simple but flavoursome, with a light taste of pesto prepared with fresh ingredients. It proved exactly what I have always been thinking: it is evident that we are not very good in innovative recipes so we should stop trying to impress our clients and stick with the simple stuff. This was also proven through the second dish that we had which was a 6.90€ home-made pizza. The peperroni pizza was served on a wooden cutting board, with a very thin crust and a generous portion of melted mozzarel
la and peperroni and I admit that it was quite good. The crust was a bit chewy at times but this is something which can be easily improved. Just as my proud Cypriot friend and I agreed that we could probably have shared another pizza or a bruschetta but decided not to be greedy, the kind owner generously offered us two desserts on the house. The chocolate semi freddo was ok though not particularly memorable as it tasted like plain chocolate ice cream. However, the second one which seemed to be a millefeuille with strawberries and a caramelised crunchy biscuit was truly excellent and quite light in taste (evident from the speed in which the proud Cypriot friend ate it).
Drinks-wise there is a small but appropriate wine list with a few Cypriot and a Greek Lazarides wine. There was also beer at 3-4€ and the usual spirits.
It might not be an “all-night-party and dance-your-heart-out” bar, but it is definitely a “drink and enjoy one’s company in a very funky, pleasant and stylish atmosphere” kind of place.
