Simple good food

Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I was a student again. You know, out most nights, happy with a few beers and a burger, not too many responsibilities, at least compared to ‘real’ adulthood.

Then again, I also think student life is too chaotic to be enjoyed for longer than necessary. But there is one place in Nicosia that makes me feel like a student again for a few hours: great pub food, amazing vibes, huge booze selection… and as cheap as it gets nowadays! I’m talking about Baristro.

Nestled in Aglandjia, not too far from the university – ah, now I get it – Baristro has become quite an institution in the capital.

It has quietly but surely evolved from a casual student hangout to an all-round, respected establishment, full of life and pep.

Of course, this being a restaurant review, I will need to tell you about the food. The choice is surprisingly ample for a place that is more bar than restaurant. And what is even more surprising is its quality!

Being somewhat of an habitué of the place, I recommend the Baristro burger, with bacon, a fried egg, aged cheddar and caramelised onions, served in a black bun; the truffle mayo smash burger, with glazed mushrooms and gooey mozzarella; the Hangover pancakes – yes, Baristro does breakfast – topped with maple syrup, scrambled eggs and lountza; and the shakshuka, a Middle Eastern staple dish with poached eggs, tomatoes and peppers, served with toasted bread.

I know, none of the above dishes are revolutionary, nor, to be frank excessively well presented.

They are, however, honest, well executed and balanced, as well as affordable, a rare quality nowadays.

Impossible not to also mention the drinks. In a scene dominated by ridiculously high prices for tiny glasses of liquid relief, Baristro stands out.

The Bimbo, with Tanqueray gin, red square syrup and triple sec; the Mesmerised, with Amaretto liqueur, Commandaria wine, almond syrup and lime; as well as the First, Bombay Sapphire gin, cucumber and guava syrup and passion fruit puree, are all priced at €7, which I’m sure all readers would agree is a good deal!

Added bonus, you can also order from the nearby Pasta Strada, perhaps the best takeaway place in Nicosia, at least in my humble opinion.

A meal at Baristro will not change lives, that’s a fact. But simple good food, a live band and a few good drinks are almost always more than enough to enjoy a good night out!

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Pub food

WHERE B17 109B, Aglandjia, Nicosia

WHEN Daily 6pm-2am

CONTACT 22 340460

HOW MUCH starters and platters €6-10, main courses from €8-10, drinks €6-8