Mantri

Arch. Kyprianou Ave 27, Strovolos, 22252282, LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Mon-Sat 19.00-22.30
If you had visited Mantri tavern before, or if you know it from the old days you should immediately erase your existing opinion from your mind. Replace that experience with a new visit to Mantri because surely it deserves it. With a recently changed owner and chef, Mantri tavern in Strovolos is now a classic tavern with an all-round Cypriot “meze”.
I liked the fact that it is in a neighborhood rather than in the centre of the city, firstly because it is near my parents’ house, and secondly because I feel it makes it more of a “local” restaurant (as a concept, and not because it’s close to me).
The fact that it is in an old house makes it even warmer, while the light wood décor gives it a “Cypriot” look. Although we sat inside, I feel that the highlight will be the patio in the summer, which will give it a totally different vibe. I also liked the Greek music in the background… something that created a “feel-good” sensation.
The food is well-sized “meze”. Apart from the usual suspects (Cypriot salad, “tahini”, tzatziki dips and yoghurt) which were good, I found the Cypriot macaroni with grated “halloumi” up to standard, and the same applies to the fried spinach with eggs. The fried tomato with eggs was also tasty, a dish we were told is often replaced with other “cooked” dishes like orzo with meat, rocket with eggs or zucchini with eggs. The pork “souvlaki” was surprisingly tender, a dish that I preferred to the fried “halloumi” and sausage, while the highlight for me had to be the chicken “souvlaki”. Mind you, I am not a fan of chicken at all, but in this case it was surprisingly flavoursome and juicy, something you rarely get with chicken kebab. Finally the pork in wine sauce with a light sour taste of wine did not disappoint.
All in all for 15euros each (without alcohol), we were quite satisfied and definitely full without feeling that we gave in to any exaggerations. Mantri is generally what I call an “easy-going” tavern, a place where one can go any day of the week and enjoy a traditional no-fuss “meze”.