Bar review: Symbols, Nicosia

By Cosntantinos Psillides

The old town of Nicosia is probably going through its best phase right now commercially speaking. Cafes, bars and restaurants are popping all over the place, breathing new life to the once largely abandoned part of the capital.

One of the newest additions (opened for business late December 2013) is Symbols, located on Asklipios street within walking distance of the Phaneromeni municipality parking.

A bar and grill lounge, Symbols promises a relaxed atmosphere for its clientele. Wood is the main element of the decoration, combined with discreet lighting and the sandstone the building is made of.

The décor is completed with a variety of antiques, testament to the building’s rich history which is intertwined with the history of the city.

The building was initially the first ever cabaret that opened in Nicosia, during a time when cabarets were respected establishments, offering food, drinks and a show. During the Second World War it was used as storage and was completely abandoned until recently, when it was bought by the current owners.

Symbols boasts a large variety of grilled cuisine, along with their more light dishes. The grilled chicken burger is one of their best choices, matched only by the soups offered.
The bar’s chill out music is never loud, giving the customers a chance to converse and not having to shout to be heard. Another element that works in their favour is the space.
Symbols is quite a spacious bar, coming in stark contrast with the usual old Nicosia bar scene, which can give the claustrophobic a reason to panic.

The bar also has a number of big screen TVs, making it ideal for a night out with friends to watch football or any other live sporting event.

Symbols
Where: Asclepios, Nicosia
Contact: 97-890290