Amathus Hotel Amathuntos Ave, 25832000, LEMESOS (LIMASSOL)
April-November, dinner only, call for information
Food: [rating:4] 4/5
Service: [rating:4] 4/5
Ambiance: [rating:3.5] 3.5/5
I have included Limanaki in the list of the most anticipated openings of this summer. Firstly, it is owned by Amathus, a hotel known for its good food. Secondly, it is right on the beach in one of the most fantastic locations in Limassol…good food by the beach is always welcome. I am not going to lie. Although the food was very good I was a bit disappointed by the change in the vibe of the place.
When I think about the old Limanaki what comes to my mind is a quiet, romantic and elegant taverna on the beach, where one can dine with the music of the breaking waves. I don’t want to say that the renovation is bad, because it’s not. On the contrary. Firstly it is done by one of the most renounced Cypriot architects. Secondly it has clearly been done using the best quality materials with attention to detail using a lot of light coloured wood, high funky, assymetric tends and large comfortable chairs. The trees and plants that surround it give an exotic vibe. There is something wrong with it only if you had known it before the renovation. It has simply lost the feeling of dining somewhere secluded, private and yet, Cypriot.
The food I thought was truly good. I liked the fact that the menu did not simply consist of grilled and fried fish but it had the option of more creative Cypriot and Greek dishes. Those included sea-urchin salad, octopus in vinegar with lentil dip (fava), crab cakes and of course, seafood pasta.
We went for a large «sfirida» (white grouper) so unfortunately we didn’t have a lot of space for starters. Our cuttlefish salad with celery, cucumber and a “tahini” dressing was truly excellent, full of flavour with local ingredients and a great addition to our standard fish taverna meal. The octopus in «fava» dip was equally good with a rather light taste of lentil dip that went well with the sour octopus. Our main course, the large grouper, was grilled to perfection with a lemon and oil dressing. It was accompanied with a selection of beautifully presented potatoes and grilled vegetables.
The bottom line is that, although I prefer it the way it was, the food is really good and a nice addition to the restaurant selection of Limassol. Whether or not you are a couple, a group of friends, a family or a group of colleagues it is worth a visit.
http://www.amathus-hotels.com/limassol/facilities/restaurants-bars
