One of the most popular places on a Friday night in the capital is Occhio, situated near the main clubbing area in Engomi. Mostly frequented by the business elite and anyone else who wants to be seen, Occhio offers a wide range of drinks but also an extensive food menu. No menu nowadays would be complete without plenty of sushi to choose from and Occhio doesn’t disappoint, offering a special €10 all you can eat sushi menu on Thursdays.
Going on a Friday or Saturday night usually requires a reservation if you’re going with a crowd of friends but if you’re going alone or with just a couple of friends you can normally find space at the bar if you get there early enough.
The surroundings are typically stylish and modern with glass walls and ceiling meaning you are given the impression of being outside. As is the case with most bar/clubs in Nicosia like Zoo, Hustle and Aperetivo, the atmosphere tends to be mostly subdued until you approach closing time. I haven’t quite determined if this is because the places get so packed that you are unable to move or dance or if it has to do with levels of intoxication increasing as closing hour approaches.
The music played at the weekends is your usual mix of modern house beats mixed with some hip-hop and of course the crowd pleasing Greek classics. The question I have is, Are these people attracted by the music with DJs using the same tried and tested method since I began clubbing 15 or so years ago or do they just enjoy being out, drinking and being seen? The volume of the music also means that conversation is limited to anyone standing next to you or hand gestures with those standing further away. Fortunately for most, conversation doesn’t appear to be top of the agenda, striking a pose being the priority.
Bars and clubs of Occhio’s ilk do not tend to have a ‘sell-by-date’ in Nicosia as long as they keep to their same tried and trusted methods. Over-packing of clubs in the capital seems to be a pre-requisite for successful night-spots and again Occhio doesn’t let you down although I’m not sure what health and safety officials would have to say if they showed up late on a weekend.
Occhio
Where: 23, Alkeou Street 2404 Engomi, Nicosia
Dress Code: Smart Casual – Formal
Age limit: 25+
Reservations: Tel: 22 255111
Peruse the menu before you go @ www.occhio.com.cy
