Dinner at Noesis - my experience:
First restaurant in Cyprus I went to which offers a valet service. So convenient that was. It instantly insinuates that care and thought have been put in. It makes you feel safe - safe that you’ll be taken care of.
We were a group of Seven. Seven pretty hungry people who more often than not have a tendency to order more than their bellies allow. And drink - drink more than their…well they just like drinking.
Therefore I believe this review offers a complete and strong case of the restaurant as we have pretty much ordered the entire menu and lots of drinks.
Drinks:
Not a fan in general to going into detail per cocktails etc. Nevertheless my basil smash, my Caribbean sour, my margarita and my spicy margarita were refreshing, delicious and entertaining. Probably that’s why “my” has been repeated a few times.
Food:
Since we’ve order way too many dishes, I will only focus to the ones which I’d go back for.
Ntakos: Surprisingly tasteful. I still remember that first bite of the baby tomato with the ntakos. It was a burst of flavor that puts a smile on your face and confirmed my thoughts per the valet service.
Xtipiti (alteration of tirokauteri): Yep, salty cheesy, spicy, earthly. The addition of pinecones blended perfectly.
Taramas: Tasty, natural and very silky.
The accompanying bread thank God was quite light preventing us from getting stuffed prematurely. So we’d carefree enjoy the xtipiti and tarama. Another smile.
Calamari fritti: Hands down best calamari fritti I’ve had. Arrived steaming hot bht not hot enough to have your tongue burnt. Fresh as it gets and sated to perfection. The accompanying sauce was superb. Silky and limey.
Slow cooked pork: Another a smile. A blend of slow cooked pork, heavenly truffle froth and cauliflower chips. Never had those before but hats off to the Chef. Light like feathers, crisp like chips.
Risotto with prawns and crab: Not a fun of risottos and all that but ** me that was bloody delicious. After a bite from the pot its served in, I was only hoping somehow, somewhere inside me I’d have space to accommodate the whole of it. Please do yourself a favour and order it. It feeds the soul.
Pacheri (pasta) with beef ragu: Best dish of the night and not even close. Woke up this morning, craving it. Honestly, it was Godly. There are those rare times when you have a dish that stays with you - the taste that withstands the effect of time. Do yourself a favour and order it - you deserve it.
Ribeye steak: The final boss. Steak is the main pillar if served at a restaurant meaning that if it’s average, the predeceasing dishes suddenly become average and everything around you. I may say the ribeye not only was a strong pillar but catapulted the whole experience. Thinly sliced, tasteful, easy to the mouth, delicious - I promise it is digested as soon as it goes in - don’t ask how - I don’t know nor do I care to find out.
Desserts:
Noesis Cheesake: A dessert full of surprises. I won’t spoil it for you but please spoil yourselves.
Service: Superb. Friendly without compromising professionalism. All the dishes recommended to us by the waitress made it on the list. In general, quick, responsive and attentive. What more would you ask for?
Ambience/Vibe: You are in a Mediterranean island and Noesis ensures you’re constantly reminded of it. A sea view to kill for and in combination with the minimalistic design (including building materials of choice) you feel Aegeanistic (I made this word up, ** you).
Conclusion:
Would I go back? Yes Would I drive from Nicosia to Larnaca to dine here? Yes
If single and want to impress your date? Take them to...
Read moreAs a local Cypriot I've visited many restaurants around Cyprus, aiming to enjoy the good ones and critique the not-so-good ones. Considering aspects like food quality/quantity, price, customer service, restaurant location, and atmosphere, I'll begin my review.
My favorite spot is Larnaka, especially along the stretch from Phinikoudes to Makenzy. The atmosphere is incredible, with the seaside setting, peaceful walks, and a safe environment. You could easily spend your entire day strolling around, enjoying the restaurants, coffee shops, and more. The restaurant I visited is located just off the main street of Phinikoudes, right behind the castle, about a 6-7 minute walk from the castle to the Makenzy area.
This restaurant immediately catches the eye with its beautiful atmosphere. Every time I passed by during my walks, I couldn't help but notice it. It exudes elegance, with people enjoying drinks and meals in various seating areas. There's outdoor seating with a bar for the summer, and two indoor options, one being the main building and the other enclosed with transparent PVC.
One evening, while walking with a friend, we decided to dine there. The woman at the entrance was friendly and found us a nice spot in the PVC room, offering a view of the main road and the sea. However, our experience took a turn when it came to customer service. We waited about 10 minutes at our initial table (we asked to change) and another 20 minutes at the second table before someone took our order. Although we didn't complain, this delay was noticeable.
When we finally received the menu, we were surprised by the limited selection of main dishes and their high prices. Main courses started at 24 euros, with only 3-4 options available. This, coupled with the small variety, made it seem overpriced. Even my food-savvy friend agreed. It took us around 15 minutes to decide. Additionally, the menu had a link for viewing dishes online, a modern touch, but I prefer a printed catalog for a relaxed dining experience.
As a photographer, I couldn't help but notice the photos of the dishes on their website weren't professionally done, which was disappointing considering the high prices. Eventually, we ordered a side dish of rice with mushrooms and a main dish of pork with potatoes, agreeing to share each plate. The portion of rice was small for its price, and while the main dish wasn't bad, it could've been better for its price.
Furthermore, because of the PVC doors, we could easily feel the cold passing from them, and although there were gas heaters, the experience was not so nice. Another thing we noticed was that the wooden dining tables were unexpectedly sticky even after cleaning.
Regarding service, we requested extra bread, which never arrived, despite reminders. This inconsistency in service is a common issue in many restaurants in Cyprus, often due to foreign waitstaff who may struggle with language barriers. While I respect the restaurant's effort to provide parking service, the overall experience didn't justify the high prices. There are plenty of other places with better value and service in similar locations.
In conclusion, while the restaurant offers a pleasant ambiance, Big selection of wines, its prices and service don't align with what an average diner might expect. There are better options available in terms of affordability, service quality,...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of visiting Noeses Restaurant in Larnaca and I would like to share my enthusiastic review. From start to finish, my experience there was exceptional. In particular, I want to highlight the attentive service provided by Andreas.
Andreas displayed a high level of professionalism and hospitality right from the beginning. He warmly greeted me and escorted me to my table. Throughout my entire visit, he was consistently present and attentive. He patiently explained the menu and provided helpful recommendations on various dishes.
His knowledge of the food and wine pairing was impressive. He was able to confidently answer my questions and ensured that I felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout the evening. Andreas was always there to make sure my glass was never empty and that I had everything I needed.
The level of attention he gave to each guest was admirable. He effortlessly managed all the tables, ensuring that no one was neglected. His friendly and professional demeanor significantly contributed to making my visit to Noeses Restaurant a truly memorable experience.
As for the food, I was delighted by the quality and taste. The diverse selection of dishes catered to every palate. The ingredients were fresh and the preparation was top-notch. It was evident that Noeses Restaurant prioritizes quality in their cuisine.
The atmosphere of the restaurant was also appealing. The ambiance was elegant and inviting without being stuffy. The decor was tastefully designed, contributing to a cozy mood. Noeses Restaurant provides a pleasant setting to enjoy great food and have a good time.
Overall, my visit to Noeses Restaurant in Larnaca was a truly satisfying experience, thanks to the excellent service provided by Andreas and the outstanding cuisine. I highly recommend this restaurant and I myself will certainly be returning soon to indulge in more...
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