Elia Backyard Restaurant — Restaurant in Larnaca

4 stars is not really fair, it’s more like 4.5, let me tell you why not 5: We were sitting next to a wall and it was crawling with ants. The ground too tbh. I believe if you take a seat in the middle of the yard or inside, it will be ok. I got the octopus and when it came to the table, fava purée was cold, so it was plated way before the actual octopus. Maybe the staff could be a little more attentive, more than once we were trying to catch their attention but it seemed like they were looking right through us, and it’s not like it was that busy of an evening.

The place is very much worth visiting though. The prices are quite good, the food was tasty, the atmosphere is absolutely lovely, the yard is so-so cozy. The red sauce that came with the bread was soo good, went well with the rest of the food too (idk if you are supposed to do that, but it just made everything better). I personally adored the zucchini balls, smth about the spices, it’s a little different than in other places, but I loved it. My friend allocated an honorable mention to the tonka ice cream, came back just for it another time. Generally, I feel like the menu had a good variety of options, so I see the majority of people finding smth to their taste. The staff were friendly, we had a nice time. In conclusion, it is really worth visiting, just make sure you don’t sit next to a wall outside and don’t...

We had the best food here in our holiday! The ambience was super cosy and we arrived just before the dinner crowd hit at around 8pm so we managed to luckily get a table. If you intend to come during the busy dinner period, I would highly recommend making a reservation.

We weren't too hungry so we only got a main dish each. I ordered the lamb shank with the aubergine puree while my partner ordered the pork filet with sweet potato mash. Both meats were cooked to perfection - soft, tender, juicy. The lamb was falling off the bone. Really nice twist with the aubergine puree that complemented the lamb very well and is lighter than a regular potato puree. The pork was very well seasoned and the natural sweetness of the sweet potato puree opened up the flavours of the pork.

The red wine selection was also super delicious. My partner and I each had a different glass and both were superb and went well with the food.

It is a bit on the expensive side though, and when the house is full, the waiters aren't so attentive. We had to ask for our bill...

I visited the restaurant for the first time when it first opened in 2021 and I have, at this point, become a frequent client.

The friendly atmosphere keeps pulling one back to keep revisiting the restaurant, while the change of the menu every 6 months keeps one pleasantly surprised and gastronomically curious. In the current menu (Summer 2023) may I suggest the Duck Fillet or one of the permanent dishes, the Lamb Shank.

The permanent service staff is at the least professional, with extensive knowledge of their dishes and their wines, but most importantly they are extremely friendly. One has the feeling of returning back home when entering as one is welcomed with a smile.

The decoration of the restaurant can be perfectly described as the coziness of the traditional with a modern twist. One can feel comfortable during the hot months of the summer and cozy during the winter with an air conditioned inside, while one can feel romantic with the low lighting at the backyard.

One of the hidden gems of Larnaca and definitely a place...