A TASTE OF ITALIA IN CYPRES
On my recent holiday to Cyprus with my husband, we stayed at The Louis Imperial Beach Hotel which is located on Poseidonos Avenue. We thought this was good location as; to the front of the hotel (which was set back from the road) there was a good choice of restaurants and bars. Some of these were on the same road and some were along side streets. There were lots to choose from within a small area hence there was no need to have to walk a great distance. I don’t mind a walk but in the heat of a Cyprus summer a short stroll is preferable.
Although we thought the standard of food at our hotel was very good we still enjoyed several meals outside of here.
On one particular evening, we were leisurely strolling along Poseidonos Avenue, looking at the menus displayed outside the various restaurants; there was a lot to choose from. Did we wish to have Italian food, French, Indian, Thai, African or Chinese? …The list went on. We thought that some of the restaurants were just a little on the expensive side for what they were offering, although none would have broken the bank. We just had to decide on somewhere which provided a good menu which would suit both of us. But this isn’t always easy, especially because I don’t eat meat. And I think my husband is too fussy, although he refutes this. He says he doesn’t like Italian food that much, although I love it! But I think he makes up his mind much too quickly sometimes. I believe Italian food has something for everyone-or almost everyone, at least. But I let him decide.
After about ten minutes or so we crossed the road and walked up a side street and soon came across the Rimini Italian Restaurant . This restaurant is actually on Danaes Street near to The Theophano hotel.
As we looked at the menu outside a young lady (or should I say signorina, as this was an Italian restaurant?) appeared by our side and spoke about the menu and discounts we could have. We weren’t too bothered about discounts as these are easy to get in this competitive are of Cyprus but the menu seemed to have good choice for both of us; my husband said he would like to dine here even if it was Italian!
ABOUT THE RIMINI
I asked the friendly manager about this restaurant and his nationality as I wondered where the Italian bit came from. He said it was a family concern and he was actually Cypriot, although, of course, he wasn’t the chef. Some of the waiting staff was family and the manager’s wife was also working behind the bar. Everyone was friendly here and seemed very pleased to hear the well justified praise of their establishment.
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THEMSELVES
http://www.restaurantsinpafos.com/rimini_restaurant.html
Rimini is an authentic Italian restaurant which can offer "more than just pizza". We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a fresh, delicious meal and feel good afterwards… just like they do every day alRimini is an authentic Italian restaurant which can offer "more than just pizza". We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a fresh, delicious meal and feel good afterwards… just like they do every day along the Italian Mediterranean.
ong the Italian Mediterranean.With a selection of the very best Italian recipes and with the addition of grilled dishes, fresh fish, authentic beef steaks, fresh pastas, fresh salads, traditional dishes and an extensive wine list, we ensure the highest quality, freshness and consistency to taste at all times.
OUR EVENING
Once inside we were given the drinks menu and decided to share a bottle of red wine. We were unsure as to which one and were dithering between two when the manager appeared and said he suggested the more expensive (it was only a Euro or so in the difference) and he would discount it.) The wine chosen was called Plakota and was a Cypriot, full-bodied red . The wine was priced at 14.95 Euro but it was discounted by a few Euro for us.We were seated inside the restaurant although we were close to the terraced area which is on the street, and from here we could see the world (or a small part of it) go by. It was interesting to see so many people meandering past and often stopping to chat with the manager. He seemed to know all of Paphos and indeed, appeared to be pleased to see everyone too.Our table was lovely-it was a table which would be large enough for four so there was plenty of space on the table for all dishes and drinks.
Looking around I thought the restaurant had a wonderful ambience to it. One table was made up of a wedding party and guests at other tables seemed to consist of those of varied ages and nationalities.
This restaurant looked smart with its nicely dressed tables of gleaming cutlery, blue and white linen, and not a paper napkin in sight! Candles shimmered on tables casting a lovely, romantic glow. I would say the restaurant in the evening had an intimate feel to it. Children are welcomed but it definitely felt, ‘grown-up.’
MENU
The menu was extensive consisting mainly of Italian dishes although there were some alternatives such as battered fish and chips, which always seems to go down well with many nationalities. We looked at the menu and the extra ‘special’ menu which was presented to us where a three course meal could be chosen for the price of just 13.50 Euros.We really weren’t too worried about the cost of this meal; after all, we hadn’t spent that much on our holiday so far, as the all-inclusive at our hotel was so good there wasn’t much need but we found that the choices we would like were, in fact, included on the ‘special’ menu. We ordered from that.As we were reading the menu warm rolls were placed on the table with a platter of spreads. These were: pesto, black olive pate and garlic butter. Now, I like olives but my husband doesn’t but we both thought these dips were delicious and he actually was surprised to find that the olive pate was his favourite. I thought it tasted gorgeous.
STARTERS
I decided on Funghi con aglio which is mushrooms in a garlic and wine sauce and my husband chose Funghi Ripieni which is breaded garlic mushrooms served with a feta cheese dip and a cream cheese dip.
When my starter arrived I was a little surprised as it was served in what looked like a large soup bowl.
In the bowl were mushrooms covered in a creamy garlic sauce. Well, it was absolutely delicious and probably one of the nicest starters I’ve tasted but perhaps just a little too much on the rich side for me. I should have realised this but then it WAS delicious, and different, so I am glad that I tried it. I just think it made me feel too full for the main course.
My husband’s starter was a good choice. The cheese dips were gorgeous and the dish was very tasty without being as rich as my starter. He thoroughly enjoyed it. I too had a taste and agreed it was very good.
I noticed the soups were priced at 5.95 Euros and all starters, hot and cold, cost less than nine Euro.
MAIN COURSE
For the main course I chose a vegetarian lasagne whilst the other half went for fish and chips.
When the lasagne was served it looked lovely with its cheese topping bubbling away. I would say this was the best vegetable lasagne I had tasted. Underneath its top layer it was bursting with a good variety of vegetables, all perfectly cooked, of courgettes, tomatoes, peppers etc. The trouble was though, that almost as soon as I had started to eat it I felt too full. I think this was because it was such a hot night and I often get like this on my holidays-I feel as if I’ve eaten enough very quickly so really get to the stage when even if the food is very good I only want to pick at it. Probably the starter with bread would have been enough. I felt awful when the manager came up to enquire whether everything was alright and he asked me what was wrong with the food. I explained that I wasn’t very hungry but he looked at me with raised brow; I’m sure he thought I didn’t like the lasagne and truly-I DID!
The vegetable lasagne was served in its own individual deep dish with a separate plate with a portion of side salad; this was a delicious salad but, again, I couldn’t do it justice, although my husband helped a little.
The battered cod and chips were served with grilled buttered vegetables and home-made tartare sauce. It looked wonderful. My husband managed to eat all of his meal and said that he thoroughly enjoyed it. I could tell that he did.
There was a very varied choice of main meals including, pizzas, pastas, steaks, fish and salads. A few dishes were priced at around nineteen to twenty Euros but most seemed to be about half of this.
DESSERTS
As I couldn’t possibly manage a dessert I was offered, instead, tea or coffee. I decided on coffee and this was served with a jug of cream and Demerara sugar.
Himself decided to bravely struggle through a dessert. I did encourage him to try the ice cream on my behalf purely for the sake of my research; he isn’t really a dessert sort of person. But the vanilla and coffee ice cream (which was served in a tall ice cream sundae type glass) was to his liking and he especially liked the fresh fruit serve on the top. I had a very tiny spoonful and had to agree with his verdict.
CHILDREN'S MENU
A children menu was available with meals such as pasta, pizza, chicken nuggets, burger, fish fingers and scampi all priced at 5.
91 Euro
.
VEGETARIAN
There wasn’t a separate section for vegetarian diners and there was no need because there was a good choice of meat-free food both on the main menu and the ‘specials.’ The great choice of meatless pastas sounded wonderful as well as pizza choices.
I could have eaten here several times without having to choose the same meat fee meal.
SERVICE
“Don’t Panic, Panikos is here!”
This was on a board hanging on a wall. We discovered that Panikos was the manager/owner. Well, he seemed to have a calming influence and his restaurant was certainly well run.
Service was extremely good from start to finish with wine being poured for us and staff always discreetly looking out to see if we needed anything.
Food was delivered to our table in a good amount of time although the restaurant wouldn’t have been at its busiest as it was quite late by now and many diners had left. However, from the excellent service that we received I cannot imagine it could ever be bad.
When we had finished our meal a complimentary drink was brought to our table of a lemon/brandy liqueur.
PRICES
We thought for the food chosen, its quality and the overall dining experience that the price we paid was very reasonable. I believe that a comparable meal in England would have cost far more.
Our meal with wine came to around forty Euros which we thought was great value for a meal of this quality.
TOILETS
Toilet facilities as well as everywhere else, looked clean and well maintained.
DISABLED ACCESS
The restaurant can be accessed from the side but the main entrance is to the front and this is level with the street so poses no problem for those having mobility difficulties. Inside the restaurant everything is on one level.
LOCATION
Close to Poseidon (Poseidonos) Avenue and not too far from bar street in Paphos. The restaurant is near to The Theophano Hotel and close to many others such as The Louis Imperial Beach and the The Athena Royal.
Address : 6 Danaes Str.
8042 Kato Paphos - Cyprus
Tel: 26 964117, 99 579 027, 99 624 977
e-mail: rimini.duomo@cytanet.com.cy
OVERALL
I must say that this restaurant would make it very easy to over indulge . If I go back to this area of Paphos, which I hope to do, I would definitely dine here again, probably several times as there was much so on the menu I would love to sample.
Although I enjoy dining in restaurants in the actual harbour area, sitting by the sea, I have now realised that better value definitely seems to be obtained a little away from that area and I have found the food, generally to be better too, when a little inland.
Inside the restaurant is a well-stocked bar serving an extensive range of beers, spirits, both local and international wines, Champagne and sparkling wines.
Overall, a lovely dining experience.
RIMINI RISTORANTE ITALIANO- A TASTE OF ITALIA IN CYPRES 
