Moustakallis Tavern — Restaurant in Polis Chrysochous

Moustakallis Tavern: A Culinary Journey Through Polis History

Excellent family restaurant and the food was amazing. I would highly recommend them. 👍

In the charming town of Polis, where history whispers through sun-drenched streets, Moustakallis Tavern stands as a culinary beacon—a place where tradition, flavor, and warm hospitality converge.

A Legacy of Resilience

Papa Moustakallis, a figure woven into Polis’s fabric, toiled in the Limni Mine, refining copper during the late '70s. His hands, calloused from labor, also wielded a butcher’s knife, balancing the books. It’s this blend of sweat, determination, and love for food that infuses every dish at Moustakallis.

A Feast for the Senses

As you step into the tavern, the aroma of freshly prepared delicacies envelops you. The menu, a harmonious fusion of Cypriot and European influences, celebrates local produce—crisp fruits, vibrant vegetables, succulent poultry, and tender meats. But the star of the show? Lamb Kleftico, slow-cooked for over six hours in a clay oven, its flavors dancing between earth and fire.

Three Dining Realms

Moustakallis caters to all, whether you seek quiet corners, open spaces, or family gatherings. The wooden tables bear witness to countless conversations, laughter, and shared memories. Here, you’re not just a guest; you’re part of the family.

A Sunlit Courtyard

Outside, the sun bathes the courtyard in golden hues. As you sip wine or ouzo, the breeze carries tales of ancient traders, sea voyages, and whispered secrets. The stones underfoot have absorbed laughter, tears, and the passage of time.

A Culinary Pilgrimage

The menu beckons—a symphony of flavors. Will it be meze platters, brimming with olives, halloumi, and tzatziki? Or perhaps seafood, fresh from the azure embrace of the Mediterranean? Pair your meal with a Cypriot wine, and let your taste buds explore.

A Warm Welcome

“YOU ARE ALL WELCOME!” echoes through Moustakallis. Call ahead, reserve a table, and step into Polis history. The walls, adorned with photographs and memories, tell stories of resilience, love, and shared...

As guests who have been coming to Polis twice a year for over 10 years and have eaten at Moustakallis almost every time, I have a hard time with this rating. We feel mistreated and discriminated. I want to write that in detail because that shouldn't happen in any restaurant.

Andreas greeted us warmly and took our order. Having just arrived we weren't very hungry so we ordered a Village salad for starters and a Moussaka both to share. Then nothing happened except the drinks were served. After more than 20 minutes (the restaurant was quite empty) the Moussaka came. We asked for the salad (starter) which had been forgotten. The Moussaka disappeared and was brought back after the salad. It tasted (as always) very good and we enthusiastically told the waiter. At the next table, the obligatory oranges were brought with plates and knifes. At another table next to us several rounds of Schnapps were donated to the guests. Nothing happened at our table and so we asked for the bill. The waiter came with 2 oranges in hand, put them on the table: "to go". We have never experienced that before: Nowhere. My husband would have appreciated a Schnapps (which he always got). I don't drink alcohol and always got a little juice. Nothing today. We paid and felt treated badly and unlovingly. Our guess: This restaurant doesn't like guests sharing a dish. Apparently we had consumed too little. We - as seniors - would consider that to be discrimination. We left the place very disappointed and frustrated and are not sure if we would recommend it to our guests anymore.

Maybe a suggestion for Andreas: How do you deal with older guests who cannot or do not want to eat large portions without letting them feel like we felt! Shouldn't they be treated as friendly and warm as we experienced ourself in former...

I am kindly writing at the moment however couldn't find something positive and especially about the food that was bad. We ordered kleftiko, ok that is not kleftiko just an oven baked lamp, served with rice (definetly the worst I ever had at a restaurant, proofs can be found at the photos) fried potatoes and ready made sause like bisto or something and frozen veggies. It was edible but that doesn't mean I could eat it. We also order the mixed grill, same side options. I am not even sure If food was cooked on charcoal and not in the oven, pan, and then at something else just to take the brown lines on the meat. Also our glasses were extremely dirty all four of them from waiters dirty hands and one of them had food stains too. I have to mention that the three women at the next table ate nothing of their food and they asked for the bill several times. The service was ok not perfect. Tourists this is not a place to try traditional dishes. Not recommended at all. I am happy to see your answer below! I have to mention that I come from a family of professional cooks and also my husband is a chef. Yes the taste is subjective and I have my personal opinion however the quality and some cooking rules are objective. P.s. You owe a business and as a professional the ironic comments on customer reviews are not the way to treat your customers and neither part of a proper customer retention...