AVRA authentic cypriot kitchen — Restaurant in Ayia Napa

This experience was AMAZING from start to finish (Spyros, if you're reading this, you should know who I am because I kept saying everything was amazing!) We were greeted very nicely, Spyros picked up on all the "yalla's" that my mom and I were saying because we're Lebanese and want to try a traditional Cypriot meal. We had two other waiters serve us as well and there were both lovely. Spyros offered us a fresh squid appetizer which wasn't on the menu, it was heavenly. He went above & beyond to make our experience truly exceptional, he was so sociable and warm and simply a people person who knows how to make you feel seen and one-of-a-kind.

We ordered the mix seafood platter which came with perfectly seasoned fries, a salad, two dips and pita bread. The seafood platter was so generous, every single thing tasted divine. The calami pieces were HUGE. The octopus perfectly grilled. The shrimp huge and juicy. Mussels didn't have that odd fishy smell. It was delicious. We also ordered the house white wine which paired perfectly with the seafood. Spyros then offered us TWO MORE complimentary glasses. He then insisted to show us the dessert offerings, so he brought the plates over to us and we chose the baklava / cheesecake hybrid with a vanilla ice cream scoop. HEAVENLY.

We reminded him that it was Mother's Day that day and I brought my mom to Cyprus to celebrate. So the waiters came over and sang us Happy Birthday/Mother's Day which was adorable. This entire experience made us feel so alive and was a perfect example of the Cypriot culture, warmth...

WORST SERVICE IN CYPRUS First thing: worst experience in a restaurant in Cyprus. We made a call asking to eat at 10 p.m. trusting what was written on the various review sites, the staff replied that at 10 p.m. we would lose too much time and recommended three different spots: 8 p.m., 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. without specifying kitchen closing times as done for example by other places where we were treated really well. We show up at 11:18 p.m. and upon entering the restaurant we are shown an empty table saying "that was your table, now it is no longer for you because it is late. Good night." Asking for an explanation the very loud answer was only "I am 60 years old and you are children, go away." And now I respond in points to what the manager wrote:

1. we arrived at 11:18 pm with a reservation at 11 pm, so it is not 30 minutes late;
2. the tones of the staff were from the start high for no reason at all
3. understanding from the beginning the bad faith of the staff and manager, we took videos of the entire conversation where you can see that the only one who was altered or intoxicated was the staff manager who kept ranting even reaching physical contact. You should remove the words "kitchen" from your logo and replace it with "rudeness, impropriety and arrogance." PS we were racially abused, I saved this for last because it is...

I have had the pleasure of dining at AVRA Authentic Cypriot Kitchen not once, but twice, and each visit was a remarkable culinary journey. On my first visit, I had the pleasure of savoring the beef cheeks, and I was blown away by the tenderness and depth of flavor in every mouthful. The slow-cooked meat was incredibly succulent, and the accompanying spices and herbs elevated the dish to a whole new level. It was a true testament to the skill and expertise of the chefs at AVRA.

On my second visit, I decided to try something different and opted for the ravioli. Let me tell you, it was a decision I did not regret. The handmade pasta was cooked to perfection, and the filling of creamy cheese and aromatic herbs was a delightful surprise. Each bite was a burst of flavors that danced harmoniously on my palate. The dish was beautifully presented, showcasing the attention to detail that AVRA puts into every aspect of their menu.

Whether it's the mouthwatering beef cheeks or the delectable ravioli, AVRA Authentic Cypriot Kitchen has consistently delivered memorable dining experiences for me. The quality of the ingredients, the skillful execution of each dish, and the warm and attentive service make AVRA a standout gem in the culinary scene. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough for anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable...