Paphos People February Newsletter

Paphos People Restaurant Reviews - Laona Tavern by BigDutch

This delightful little place near the market in central Paphos town appears to be something of a well kept secret.

I've seen no promotion on it for the years I've been in Paphos but there is it, middle of February (the middle of the off tourist season) and every table was filled on a Saturday lunchtime. This traditional taverna is really quite small, enough to fit three tables across and maybe 6 or 7 deep, with the kitchen at one end, entrance at the other, the fittings/furnishings are classic village style, so the chairs are those the Cypriots are so keen on!

My fellow diners and I were quickly seated (we had wisely reserved a table in advance) and a round of drinks was promptly served. A crispy fresh village salad with plenty of feta cheese was served with some sliced fresh bread. The menu here caters for all sorts of tastes serving salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas etc however the owner suggested this menu was for the tourists so pointed us towards the specials board containing the in-season/local meals and slowly described it line-by-line, my mouth was watering well before he finished!

I went with the Afelia which was juicy and therefore excellent but I can imagine too much fat for some, served with rice and boiled vegetables. Others in the party had chicken served with potatoes and rice which tasted great but meat a little dry and perhaps elsewhere the portion would have been bigger, halibut topped with herbs (a bit like a moroccan tagine) served on a bed of spinach and potatoes and very tasty but could have been warmer, very tender & succulent sliced beef fillet in red wine with potatoes & rice was fantastic, lovely lambs liver with rice and potatoes. To finish up a fresh fruit platter and sugary syrup soaked sponge cake whose name escapes me was delivered and devoured by all!

Owner Chris & the other staff were very attentive and quick to clear empty plates from the crowded table but at times I felt we were being rushed, but in such a busy place I guess the team running the place have to be well drilled to make sure everything runs smoothly. The staff even humoured any attempts to speak in Greek which compared to places where the staff don't/can't/won't speak Greek was an unexpected nice touch.

So a small group having a great lunch with a few drinks and coffees came in at a little under EUR15 per person, which is excellent value for money in my book.

Chris & Koulla
Laona Taverna
Tel : 26937121

Rating : 8/10

Click here for more Laona Tavern reviews on Paphos Eating

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