Limassol venue deserves its popularity

Many of the fine establishments reviewed in these pages are the result of single visits, often with the specific intention of trying something new. However, there are also cases where the restaurant being reviewed is a staple, a long-standing business that has cemented itself in a city’s culinary scene. 5 Eucalyptoi, referring to the eucalyptus trees planted in the area, is one such restaurant.

It has grown a great deal from its humbler beginnings, when the overall decor was much more spartan and working class. It underwent a welcome renovation in recent years, which has updated everything with a more polished, but still working-class look. Rest assured, however, the food is and still is of a high quality. I understand that many people, particularly those from countries with much adventurous cuisines, may think if you’ve been to one Cypriot tavern you’ve been to them all. While there may be some truth in that, good food is good food.

If you read about the restaurant’s location, you’d be a little baffled as to why it’s so successful. It’s situated on a busy avenue, right next to one of its many traffic lights. And yet people still flock to it. It is packed practically every night and advanced reservation is highly advised. It’s almost as if the traffic adds to the ambience during the summer months, when the majority of customers sit outside. Perhaps it fades to the background behind the Greek folk tunes coming from the speakers or the chatter of the many, many people eating and talking. It’ll be up to you to decide.

The food? Anyone living live in Cyprus will be familiar with what’s on offer: souvlakia, kleftiko (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), zucchini with eggs, halloumi, sausages, snails, lamb chops, and all the other dishes that make the usual assortment of meze items (€24 per person, two people minimum).

It’ll take forever to go through every single dish but everything is on point. Highly recommend visiting on one of the days the kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb and potatoes) is on offer, as it’s delectable and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The pork souvlaki is also well made (not overly cooked or dry) as are the lamb chops. As I have found out, the restaurant avoids frozen meat and produce, and the owners restock throughout the week. It shows in the dishes.

One last point, while many Cypriot taverns force customers to order the meze, 5 Eucalyptoi allows you to make custom orders and pick individual dishes from the menu. Small thing, but again, very welcome.

The phrase ‘first impressions matter’ is common, but lasting impressions can be just as, if not more, important. While the former sets the tone, the latter shapes what many people remember the most. So, after your meal, the restaurant treats everyone to a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with sour cherry preserve. It’s a simple but very satisfying dessert, with the light sweetness of the ice cream matching perfectly with tartness of the cherries on top.

Finally, I should mention that the staff are courteous, helpful, and happy to banter with customers. That being said, the place gets busy, so don’t be coy or silent when seeking their attention, they’ll understand.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY: Cyprus cuisine

WHERE: 5 Eucalyptoi, Nikou Pattichi, Limassol

WHEN: Monday closed, Tuesday-Saturday 7:15pm-12am, Sunday 11:45am-3:45pm

CONTACT: 25 336954

HOW MUCH: €24 for meze, €1.50-17.50 for grilled items, €4.50-€10 hot appetizers