Restaurant review: Ta Pinakia, Paphos
Source: Cyprus Mail
Meze with a Greek touch
On a ridiculously cold, wet, and wintery night in Paphos, it was hard to summon any enthusiasm to leave the warmth of home and go out to eat. However, the look of the interior, with an open fire and some very enticing dishes, at a relatively new restaurant called Ta Pinakia made it slightly easier. While the restaurant is located in probably one of the busiest places in Paphos (opposite the old police station on Kennedy Square), it is very easy to miss due to its position on the first floor.
After climbing the steps, we sat at a window with a direct view of the square and traffic lights, which was strangely enjoyable to watch. For the summer, they have an extensive terrace with views that provide a unique elevated experience right in the middle of central Paphos.
The central ethos of the restaurant is given away by the name Ta Pinakia, which is Ancient Greek for small plates. In contrast to Cypriot cuisine, the menu is influenced by its Greek owner and offers something a little bit different, carrying through to the meze where there is no halloumi or sheftalia in sight. The good news with the meze is that there are three variations – meat, fish or vegan. Despite being tempted by the vegan menu, we settled on the traditional meat option.
The meat meze is €30 per head for the standard minimum of two people. The wine list was beautifully presented and looked almost like a mini novel. There was a great variety of Cypriot wines, but sadly, only one available by the glass. The server recommended a Greek wine by the glass, Boutari, which was unexpectedly wonderful if a little on the cold side for a red wine. I never mind this in the summer, but I hate chilly red wine on a freezing night. However, with the room’s warmth, it quickly rose to room temperature and was followed by another glass. We should have ordered a bottle!
As the meze began, it is worth mentioning that we were absolutely ravenous, and it helps when you order a meze to be hungry! A breadboard arrived with a warm wholemeal, sesame loaf, and two small side spreads. The stylish presentation of the first dish was echoed throughout the meal with a continuation of various boho bowls and pans. Much thought had been put into the look of each dish. The bread was outstanding, together with an olive paste with yoghurt and another unusual dip of tomatoes, beetroot and walnuts. The typical Greek salad arrived with a generous portion of feta and many capers.
Whether a Cypriot or Greek meze, I always love this part of the meal, and it was about to get even better with the arrival of their cheese in filo with honey and some supremely creamy zucchini fritters beautifully presented on a circle of bell pepper sauce. At this stage, the owner brought two versions of an aubergine dish that were not part of the meze. They are trialing new dishes for possible lunchtime opening and wanted opinions. One version had the aubergine topped with caramelised onions and the other with a bechamel sauce. The onion dish was better for us.
After this, it was onto the meat dishes of the meze. Two pans of meat arrived with small pieces of pan-fried pork and an unusual take on lemon chicken with peppers. Both were well cooked and generous in size, and we were unable to do them justice. French fries were served on the side. To conclude the savoury part of the meze, the last dish included pork souvlaki and an unusual kebab stuffed with cheese and bell pepper sauce, which was very different and tasty.
The dessert was homemade milk pie, which, whilst it did not sound very appetising, was surprisingly enjoyable. We differed in our opinion on this, with my dining partner comparing it to Pannacotta, but I thought it was more like a Crème Caramel.
A little piece of paradise in the heart of Paphos and a place to take guests when they visit the island – a great addition to the ever-expanding mecca of restaurants in the Old Town.
VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Greek
WHERE Ta Pinakia, Kennedy Square, Paphos
WHEN Tuesday to Sunday 5-10pm
CONTACT 26 818818 – Reservations recommended.
HOW MUCH Meat Meze €30, Vegan Meze €30, Fish Meze €38, Moussaka €18.50, Dips from €6.50, Salads from €11.50, Small plates from €11.50
The original article: belongs to Cyprus Mail .
