Bar review: Plaza Café, Larnaca

With the days getting shorter and the weather getting cooler, this period of the year is when the people of Larnaca ditch the coffee spots on Makenzy beach in favour of the cozier, more festive-feeling Phinikoudes promenade.

Sitting directly opposite the long stretch which Larnaca is best known for lies a café that has been around for some time but has somewhat fallen down the pecking order since the opening of several chain coffee shops, as well as other areas not far away growing in popularity.

Plaza Café has a vast seating area outside, but sheltered and with outdoor heaters to cope with the cold as the winter kicks into gear. It is equipped with several flat screen TVs which beam out all of the big sporting events, as well as a projector screens which each take up two of the walls.

The majority of the seating arrangements are made up of comfortable, brightly-coloured sofas while more orthodox wooden tables and chairs open the top half of the café. There is also a small indoor seating area which could preferable to those who want a more private area to chat.

Though most of the customers are the everyday coffee-sippers, Plaza is more than just a café in that sense. There is a vast food menu which serves up the common snacks like burgers, a good selection of sandwiches and pastas as well as much more. Smoothies, fresh juices and milkshakes are also on offer as too is a fair selection of beers. I would not recommend cocktails though, as they are not made with any particular care.

Plaza attracts people of all ages, from youngsters playing cards to families enjoying a meal. There is generally a pleasant atmosphere, not like some others nearby which feel like a university cafeteria.

Those who enjoy a bit of shisha may also be keen to try this place out as they offer plenty of flavours and, while it may not be up there with the very best quality in the world, it is decent for the €10 price tag and there are few other places in the area that do it altogether.

Plaza Café
Where: Athinon Ave, Phinikoudes, Larnaca
When: 8.30am-2am daily
Contact: 24 658575

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