Piatsa Gourounaki

Onasagorou 76, 70007670, LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Mon-Sun 12:00-23:00
Food: [rating:3.5] 3.5/5
Service: [rating:3.5] 3.5/5
Ambiance: [rating:3.5] 3.5/5
Looking at the Cypriot trends over the last years no-one can argue against the fact that:
– we like to follow the latest international tendencies (although often with a delay);
– we also like to follow each other’s tendencies, meaning that if a successful place opens 10 copies of it will undoubtedly follow; and
– there are also some places that create local trends, adapted to the Cypriot needs and standards. Clearly these are the ones that are here to stay, the ones that, no matter how many copies of them arise, they have nothing to be afraid of.
If you thought Piatsa Gourounaki belongs to the third category, you have guessed correctly.
I am not saying that it is the epitomy of innovation and creativity. It’just something that fills in a gap in the market. The fact that it’s a cool, casual and cheap place with good food and somewhat different makes it easy for this little place to attract attention. The location is good as it is in between Phaneromeni and Onasagorou street in the old city of Nicosia. The restaurant itself is quite small but large enough to fit more than 10 tables inside and quite a few high tables outside. The décor is simple and relaxed but it still makes you feel that you are going out for dinner, rather than looking like a simple kebab take-out place with zero ambience. I had imagined that it would be packed with teenagers and youngsters but I couldn’t be more wrong as the crowd is diversified and of all ages. And finally my favourite, they don’t take reservations so queue up people!
The food is somewhere between Greek kalamaki, Cypriot “souvlaki” and Turkish kebab with good value for money. The highlight (and the best sellers I would imagine), are the platters to share. The meat platter with Turkish kebab, sausage, “souvlaki”, bacon and fries for 15.50eur was something more than the average plain kebab as the variety in both flavour and meat was good. It is worth mentioning that there is also a chicken platter for 15.50eur and a veggie platter for 12.50. Another highlight is the fact that the dips and side dishes that include Lebanese tabouleh, Greek graviera cheese, and olives with sundried tomatoes cost from 1-3 euros, while the fresh salads including a very good Greek ”choriatiki” salad are between 2-4 euros.
To sum up, Piatsa Gourounaki is an easy-going, friendly and buzzing little place that reminds me of an Atheninan “stekki” (local hangout). Go for the high value for money, the accessibility of the place and the lively and cool ambiance.