Fine dining, caf? style
Dino Art Caf?
Situated in the lanes of the Limassol castle neighbourhood, Dino Art Caf? has created quite a buzz since opening a couple of years ago, and after one visit it’s easy to see why. It is a clever concept that works: caf? comfort, an impressive menu and an exhibition space all housed in a fully renovated historic building – what else could one ask for? Ah yes, they also have a deli corner, designer coffee and loose-leaf teas in fancy tin boxes for the take-home treat. And the service is excellent.
Warm, stylish and ambient, it’s easy to be taken with this place within moments of entering. There’s art happening on the walls, great jazzy music playing, that lively burble of a happy, busy caf? filling the rooms and the staff are smiling and attentive. The d?cor incorporates features of the original building – like an exposed stone arch and high, beamed ceilings – complementing them with warm, mute beiges and purples and stylish, comfortable seating. Notably though, it is not over-styled, a mistake so many caf?s make. Dino Art Caf? maintains just enough quirkiness in the detail to make it an original and interesting space; take for example the framed childhood photos of Dino himself and his friends that fill one of the entrance walls, creating a sense of familiarity and history.
As soon as you are seated at Dino’s, a waiter will pour you a complimentary glass of water before presenting you with the menu. The colourful, multi-culti menu offers an array of choices, from gourmet appetisers, sushi and assorted platters to imaginative salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. The food is complemented by an extensive beverage list including fresh juices, smoothies, beers, spirits and cocktails as well as a wine list that features good glug from all the fun places, such as Chile, France and South Africa.
After careful consideration we opted for the Duck Pate served with apricot and orange marmalade and crisp garden salad leaves, and the Japanese Wakami Salad of seaweed, ginger, wasabi, soy sauce and raw tuna. The presentation was simple and attractive, letting the food speak for itself. The high quality ingredients and carefully matched flavour combinations were a hit in both dishes. Sipping my Sapporo and nimbly working through my salad with my elegant black chopsticks – my utensils of choice – I was already very content.
For the main course, I stayed with the theme and chose Japanese Noodles with King Prawns, while my partner kept to the classic line, opting for Spaghetti Carbonara. We were presented with generous portions, again simply presented and yes, very tasty. High quality ingredients and masterful preparation made the pasta favourite a fine dish. Meanwhile my big bowl offered delicate, almost sweet flavours, with fresh, crunchy veggies and big juicy prawns complementing the thick noodles, leaving me stuffed full of comforting goodness.
Finally the desserts at Dino’s are not to be missed. We spooned our way through a round of Death by Chocolate – sinful, but who can resist? And while I’ve sampled my fair share of warm chocolate fudge cake and homemade ice cream, this one rests in a quiet class of its own. For something a little different, look out for Cinnnamon Poached Pears in Red Wine, Glyko Mastichas or another of the house specialties, White Chocolate Cheesecake with a chocolate-chip cookie base.
So for a fine meal in a creative caf? setting, or a scrumptious afternoon cake and designer coffee treat, Dino’s Art Caf? is highly recommended – not only because you’ll be treated well and the food is delicious, but also because it is a place that adds something new to the island’s eating out landscape.
VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALITY Gourmet international
WHERE 62-66 Irinis Street (Castle area), Limassol
CONTACT 25 762030 (reservations for dinner recommended)
PRICE Appetisers from €5.95, Salads from €10.94, Main dishes from €10.42 and Desserts from €5.13
