Melanda

Avdimou beach, 99565336, LEMESOS (LIMASSOL)
Mon-Sun lunch & dinner
Food: [rating:2.5] 2.5/5
Service: [rating:3.5] 3.5/5
Ambiance: [rating:3.5] 3.5/5
I was looking for a restaurant that serves good food, has a nice ambiance, is preferably by the beach and away from the city (but not too far away since I travel with a newborn these days). I assure you that finding it was not an easy task at all. I admit that living in Limassol makes things somewhat easier, especially since there are areas like Pissouri and Avdimou which are nearby, but not part of the city itself. I would not say Melanda restaurant in Avdimou ticks all the boxes but that it depends what is most important for you. At the time I desperately wanted to sit by the water even if it meant risking a good meal. And so I did.
Dining by the beautiful, blue waters, on a deserted beach on one of the first sunny Sundays of spring is certainly something that makes you feel Cypriot and Proud. This unbelievable scenery makes one forget a;l the problems that our country is facing and merely see the true beauty of Cyprus.
In fact it was so pretty that I ignored the calamari that tasted like it was of the frozen type. I also ignored the fact that the seabass wasn’t that fresh and focused on the fact that the grilled octopus was tasty. I also focused on the fact that I could enjoy a village salad with “tahini” while enjoying such a view. Mr Proud Cypriot surprisingly ordered “kleftiko” (slow cooked lamb), and said that it was quite ok and that he enjoyed it.
I liked the fact that it is a family owned restaurant with very friendly service and despite the fact that it wasn’t the epitome of a gourmet experience, we enjoyed it. The long menu of meat and fish (even though kind of strange), makes it easier to find something simple to eat. The bottom line is, go for the beach, go for the fantastic ambiance of the surroundings and go to relax. Don’t go to enjoy a fantastic meal (even though if you keep it simple with a salad, dips and grilled meat or octopus it’s ok), and don’t go for the restaurant décor!