Think of Cypriot cuisine and you might automatically think of traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlakia served the same way it has been for centuries. But foodies looking for a more modern experience will find the island also has venues and menus that wouldn't be out of place in London's trendiest quarters.
Last week we came across Omikron Brunch at 25 Martiou, alongside the B6 in Paphos. It's opposite Cytanet's Cytashop and not far from the town hall if you know the city.
Away from the crowded tourist hotspot of the harbour prices are reasonable given the size and quality of the food and drinks and as a welcome bonus you don't have to run the intimidating gamut of "welcomers" who lurk outside many of the seafront cafes, restaurants and bars.
During our visit to Omikron Brunch on a weekday morning the clientele seemed to be mainly Cypriot millennials and people in suits, possibly from the nearby town hall, court and district government offices.
Food choices range from granola with fresh fruit, Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon bagel, ham and cheese croissants and other brunch faves to paninis, and salads which looks almost too pretty to eat.
One suited and booted guy at a nearby table was tucking into what we surmised was "The Perfect Need" which was a slice of multigrain flax bread avocado guacamole, cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, halloumi, poached eggs, maple syrup with a garnish of micro leaves and sweet chilli flakes. It was an enormous plate of food and I reckon it would keep you going all day - a bargain for under 10 euros.
If we hadn't been planning lunch out I reckon my husband would have gone for The Ultimate, the venue's take on a full English breakfast. The Ultimate (€8.50) features two fried or poached eggs, bacon, sausages, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and baked beans served with multigrain bread. You might get a full English cheaper in the harbour but I bet it wouldn't include such good quality ingredients.
Led astray by my eldest son I ordered homemade American-style pancakes with bacon and maple Cyprus (€6.70) which turned out to be a mouth watering stack of large pancakes layered with probably the best bacon I've ever eaten, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a generous cube of butter.
Choosing a drink proved difficult, only because if the vast choice available, including dairy free options. Tempted as I was by a soy flat white, I could not resist the strawberry lemonade. This turned out to be an excellent decision as you could taste the fresh strawberries used to create this refreshing treat.
There are also hot and cold coffees on offer along with beers, wine, gin, ciders, fruit juices, milk shakes, smoothies and more.
Omikron Brunch makes good use of the light and airy space with different sections making it perfect for big groups, intimate meet-ups, informal meetings and family meals. Despite the name it's open until 10pm 7 days a week. It opens at 7am on weekdays and 8am at the weekend.
Think scaffold shelves, quirky art, mismatched lighting and vintage-esque knick-knacks, and a strong but relaxed hipster vibe and you have an idea of what to expect.
This picture doesn't really do it justice - taken from our table next to the window in a back room it doesn't show the main part of the venue but gives you an idea of how clean, modern and stylish it is.
Service is attentive without being intrusive with the staff using tablets to take your order. It's a great destination whatever the weather, all year round especially if you are sick of chips.
We will definitely be adding it to our list of favourite places to eat and drink in Cyprus.
Disclaimer: We paid for all our food and beverages and I was not rewarded in any way for publishing this post. Prices and opening times were correct as of February 2020.
Last week we came across Omikron Brunch at 25 Martiou, alongside the B6 in Paphos. It's opposite Cytanet's Cytashop and not far from the town hall if you know the city.
Away from the crowded tourist hotspot of the harbour prices are reasonable given the size and quality of the food and drinks and as a welcome bonus you don't have to run the intimidating gamut of "welcomers" who lurk outside many of the seafront cafes, restaurants and bars.
During our visit to Omikron Brunch on a weekday morning the clientele seemed to be mainly Cypriot millennials and people in suits, possibly from the nearby town hall, court and district government offices.
Food choices range from granola with fresh fruit, Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon bagel, ham and cheese croissants and other brunch faves to paninis, and salads which looks almost too pretty to eat.
One suited and booted guy at a nearby table was tucking into what we surmised was "The Perfect Need" which was a slice of multigrain flax bread avocado guacamole, cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, halloumi, poached eggs, maple syrup with a garnish of micro leaves and sweet chilli flakes. It was an enormous plate of food and I reckon it would keep you going all day - a bargain for under 10 euros.
If we hadn't been planning lunch out I reckon my husband would have gone for The Ultimate, the venue's take on a full English breakfast. The Ultimate (€8.50) features two fried or poached eggs, bacon, sausages, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and baked beans served with multigrain bread. You might get a full English cheaper in the harbour but I bet it wouldn't include such good quality ingredients.
Led astray by my eldest son I ordered homemade American-style pancakes with bacon and maple Cyprus (€6.70) which turned out to be a mouth watering stack of large pancakes layered with probably the best bacon I've ever eaten, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a generous cube of butter.
Choosing a drink proved difficult, only because if the vast choice available, including dairy free options. Tempted as I was by a soy flat white, I could not resist the strawberry lemonade. This turned out to be an excellent decision as you could taste the fresh strawberries used to create this refreshing treat.
There are also hot and cold coffees on offer along with beers, wine, gin, ciders, fruit juices, milk shakes, smoothies and more.
Omikron Brunch makes good use of the light and airy space with different sections making it perfect for big groups, intimate meet-ups, informal meetings and family meals. Despite the name it's open until 10pm 7 days a week. It opens at 7am on weekdays and 8am at the weekend.
Think scaffold shelves, quirky art, mismatched lighting and vintage-esque knick-knacks, and a strong but relaxed hipster vibe and you have an idea of what to expect.
This picture doesn't really do it justice - taken from our table next to the window in a back room it doesn't show the main part of the venue but gives you an idea of how clean, modern and stylish it is.
Interior Omikron Brunch, Paphos. Pic Credit:Jacob Willmore |
Service is attentive without being intrusive with the staff using tablets to take your order. It's a great destination whatever the weather, all year round especially if you are sick of chips.
We will definitely be adding it to our list of favourite places to eat and drink in Cyprus.
Disclaimer: We paid for all our food and beverages and I was not rewarded in any way for publishing this post. Prices and opening times were correct as of February 2020.