You would hardly know that the place exists if it wasn’t for the sound of traditional Greek music drifting through the narrow cobbled lanes of Laiki Yitonia in old Nicosia. Follow the captivating sound, push open the heavy wooden door, and you’ve suddenly entered a space that sets itself apart from the usual venues that the capital has come to be associated with of late.
Neither is it trying to appear ultra modern and trendy, nor does it seem to be calling out to a hip young crowd that most new places seem to want to attract. Going by the name of Zygos Live, this is a restaurant, bar and music venue that boasts timeless charm.
The venue is housed within a beautiful old listed building that dates back to 1895 and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve entered some Greek black and white movie set with a band playing by a big white piano as customers cheer to their health and nibble on a whole range of tasty delights.
A rather intimate affair, one of the two owners, named Sophie, sings to her heart’s content along with a pianist and accordion player who narrate old and new more traditional style songs. With live music on Wednesday through to Saturday, the weekends often see people getting up to dance as the night goes on.
The owners of the charming place also mix and mingle among the crowd, making sure that every whim is catered for. In fact, the owners admit they opened up shop last May to have fun with the crowd and do something they really love in a warm and hospitable atmosphere with quality music.
Attracting a real mix of people, age doesn’t seem to matter in this place as a group of young women in their thirties waving their arms in the air sit near a middle-aged crowd who seem be enjoying a few shots. Wine tends to be the most popular at this cultured venue, with a great selection of Greek and Cypriot reds and whites on offer.
Giving crowds a feel of the Greek islands, the whitewashed and brick interior complements the green and white wicker and wooden furniture. The atmosphere is certainly warm and romantic, as the cosy interior space brightened up with little lanterns gives way to a wonderful outdoor courtyard.
As for the menu, it’s an eclectic mix of traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a range of meze platters on offer. The good news is that customers who just fancy a little nibble along with their drink can choose just a few dishes that most appeal as they make the most of a gem of a place that sets itself apart from the rest.
Zygos Live
Playing live Greek traditional music Wednesday through to Saturday from 9pm. 5 Ashilou St, Laiki Gitonia, Nicosia. Tel: 22-262691/ 96-894044. email: [email protected].
