A few years ago I would never want to go to Mackenzie Larnaca to eat. Why? Because it was too touristy with old school tavernas which everything was deep fried or of poor quality. In the past couple of years the area has risen to its potential with a few new places that make it worth traveling from Nicosia to eat. Almar is one of them. Been here 6-7 times since it opened and in my opinion at the moment it’s a really good option if you don’t want the traditional kind of a fish tavern. Salads were really good with fresh greens, dips were also really good. The soup was tasty and well seasoned with nice fish broth and croutons; would have preferred a bit more fish pieces. The only disappointment was the sea bass ceviche which (at least the piece that I ate) wasn’t sliced properly and was too thick and too chewy; the sauce was also a bit overpowering. The salmon carpaccio was ok, not out of this world but ok. The grilled sea bass was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The grilled veggies were also cooked and seasoned well. Fries were proper fries and perfectly cooked and seasoned. The prawns were of good quality and cooked well even though would have preferred a size bigger and wouldn’t mind fewer pieces.The tuna was cooked perfectly and a really good plate all together. The octopus was cooked great and the fava side was amazing. The calamari was cooked superbly and well seasoned. The cuttlefish was also well cooked and fresh. The pasta was my favorite; really good plate, well seasoned, cooked well and a really good portion. I would also recommend a fine tuning on the desserts as they don’t compare to the level of the mains and starters and that’s why we didn’t order any this time. Overall would definitely revisit; excellent service even at peak hours, good menu options, fresh ingredients and...
Read moreMichelin Squid.
No, not Michelin star squid. More squid that tastes like chewing an old worn out tyre.
We began our meal with them bringing out complementary bread and olives. This olive were probably the highlight of the meal, but would have been nice to have had more than one each between the two of us.
Then came our main meal. Being by the sea, and this speciality seafood bar, we were excited to try the seafood platter. Mussels, prawns, calamari. What could go wrong?
One thing to say in defence of this restaurant was their consistency. I assume the rubber texture they used as a reference point to know when the squid was perfectly overcooked was the same reference point they used for the other seafood dishes.
Having complained about the dish there and then, they kindly agreed to bring us out some more calamari and fresh sea bass. The sea bass itself was quite tasty, so if you read this review and somehow still manage to convince yourself to try this place out, I'd recommend going for sea bass.
The new calamari though was the same old story. Rubbery.
One thing to note was the numerous cute cats walking around the restaurant floor. We tried to feed them a couple of the bits of calamari, however even they turned their nose up at this.
If you're thinking that this may have been just a poor day in the kitchen for an unfortunate chef, think again. Upon paying, we were told in no uncertain terms that this was how the seafood should be cooked. We were also informed that there are no fresh squids/calamari on the island nation of Cyprus, and that they were all frozen.
If you do want some good frozen food, we recommend going to the Hagen daaz, a short 3...
Read moreWhen it comes to seafood dining in Larnaca, AlMar Fish Restaurants in Mackenzie stands out as a top destination. As a seafood aficionado, it has become one of my favorite spots in the city, never failing to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
From the moment you step through the doors, you're greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. The food here is nothing short of exquisite, consistently exceeding expectations with each visit. Whether you're craving the succulent grilled octopus or the freshness of their oysters, every dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality.
One cannot overlook the delightful aroma and taste of their homemade bread, which perfectly complements the seafood fare. It's evident that the team at AlMare Fish takes pride in their craft, ensuring that every aspect of the dining experience is executed flawlessly.
In addition to the delectable cuisine, the service here is impeccable, further enhancing the overall dining pleasure. It's no wonder that this restaurant has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
If you find yourself in Larnaca, don't miss the opportunity to savor the culinary delights offered at Al Mate Fish Restaurants.
Bravo to the entire team for consistently delivering excellence on...
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