The perfect spot for a summer evening

Arranging dinner in summer is always a little game of back and forth. Somewhere air conditioned? Somewhere by the sea? In the end, the decision was obvious. We wanted the breeze, the sound of the waves, and a place we all knew would give us a good evening. Affectionately known as ‘The Margarita bar’, Royal Ris on Larnaca’s Finikoudes has been around for years. And it always seems to deliver.

On arrival, I went straight for the cherry margarita, a favourite of mine, while my partner kept it classic with the original. And just like that, the evening began.

The setting is casual, colourful and easy. Bright chairs, bright tables, people in everything from smart evening clothes to flip-flops and T-shirts. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, the kind of place that instantly feels like summer.

The menu came and is split into two halves. One side reads like a grill house, the other is dedicated to Mexican food: burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, nachos, fajitas. There were also plenty of vegetarian options.

I hadn’t had proper Mexican food in a while, and looking through the choices I found myself wanting everything. The descriptions were tempting, full of melted cheese and seasoned fillings. For a moment, I thought about the burrito, but then my partner spotted something I had completely missed: the combo platter. A little bit of everything. We looked at each other and laughed. Decision made. One platter for two, sorted.

Our friends ordered the spinach and feta quesadilla and a vegetable burrito with feta. Drinks were refreshed while we waited. My cherry margarita was just as I remembered it, sweet and dangerously drinkable, the rim coated with sugar rather than salt. The margarita menu alone is impressive; strawberry, mango, passion fruit, lemon, green apple. I wanted to try them all but I restrained myself.

The platter arrived and as expected, it was generous. Burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas and nachos all piled up and covered with melting cheese. My hand went straight for a nacho. They weren’t the best I’ve had, but the cheese was good quality and carried them through. The burrito was next, well-seasoned with a nice texture and that extra lift from the melted cheese. The tacos surprised me. The shells were soft, not crispy, but that actually worked. I didn’t miss the mess of crunchy tacos breaking apart in my hands, and the fillings stayed where they were supposed to.

I’d thought the beef quesadillas would be my favourite, but while the flavour was fine, the texture of the mince didn’t win me over. My friend was struggling to finish their spinach and feta quesadilla and insisted I try it. I’m glad it did. It turned out to be the dish of the night for me. Rich, cheesy, with the spinach giving it a depth I wasn’t expecting. I’d happily order that again as my main.

Between the flowing drinks, the easy conversation and the atmosphere around us, the evening rolled on without us noticing the time. Royal Ris has that effect. It’s not just the food or the cocktails, but the setting as a whole. Sitting by the sea with friends, colourful tables full of food and laughter carrying across the promenade, it all blends together into the kind of summer night you don’t want to end.

By the time we finally got up to leave, we were all full, happy and already talking about when we’d be back. For me, it’s one of the top spots to be in the summer, and I know it won’t be long before I’m back again, cherry margarita in hand.

VITAL STATISTICS

WHERE Royal Ris, Atheneon 26 (Finikoudes), Larnaca

SPECIALTY Mexican and international

WHEN Monday-Sunday 18:30 – 02:00 (kitchen until 23:00)

CONTACT 99 278281

HOW MUCH Platter for two €26. Feta and spinach quesadilla €13, vegetable burritos, €12