Nicosians tend to complain that the capital isn’t properly equipped with restaurants bearing a winning combination of brilliant food, fabulous atmosphere, inviting music and hearty cocktails. Unfortunately they are right but with one exception: Domus, a spot favoured by those of all ages.
The experience begins even outside the restaurant. Located in old Nicosia, Domus is housed in a beautifully renovated old house with an old wooden staircase leading to the restaurant area above. To the right of the entrance lies the bar lounge, a dimly lit area of white leather couches, barely-there curtains, two bars and low tables. Here, 25 to 35-year-olds enjoy a range of drinks from wines to cocktails, while listening to chill-out music and international hits, much later in the evening. Domus has a very modern style, which rivals a hip and trendy New York hotspot yet because it is located in the old part of Nicosia manages to remain relaxed.
This could also be one of the many reasons it has won a Time Out award for best bar/restaurant and is nominated for one more this year especially when you consider that the real magic, and main reason for the award, happens upstairs. In an area where 60 to 70 people can be seated, high top tables with comfortable stools are positioned so you can see what’s going on elsewhere in the room. Décor is one of Domus’ major characteristics and it is evident that a lot of thought has gone into creating a sexy yet inviting atmosphere made possible by the strategically positioned lighting, which some may find minimal; myself and my partner thought it cosy.
As there are two of us and we made a late booking for a Friday night (we called on Thursday), we are seated on a small high top table (there are couch-cradled tables on either side of the restaurant) and warmly welcomed by the hostess, who couldn’t be more attentive. The wine list arrives with the menu and we are greeted by an astonishing range of dishes inspired mainly by Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. There’s a fish section, a meat one, pasta, salads and starters and of course, desserts. I decide on the pasta with prawns while my partner opts for the tenderloin steak. For starters we’ll be trying the rocket salad although on previous visits we’ve gone gaga for the salmon or beef carpaccio and the Moroccan salmon is to die for.
Beautifully prepared with a hint of high-end presentation (incredibly small portions that surprisingly turn out to be more than enough), the main dishes are simply gorgeous to look at. The tenderloin steak, along with other meat dishes such as the brazed lamb shanks, is served with potatoes, sometimes mash other times fried. They come in individual pots served on the plate along with vegetables and rice, if requested. The food is prepared by a Cypriot chef, who obviously has taken a liking to serving typical dishes with a brilliant and tasty twist. The meat is tender and fresh, the fish too; the prawns are perhaps the biggest and freshest I’ve seen served with pasta. We accompany the meal with a local wine, Petritis Kyperounta.
While we were more than satisfied and fulfilled with our choices, we simply couldn’t say no to a chocolate soufflé, a specialty at Domus. It is indeed divine. Crème Brule is also a popular dessert due to its exquisite twist of fresh vanilla.
Domus has a tantalizing effect on the taste buds and senses, making what could have been a regular experience into something so much more. The fact that I could move from one part of a Friday night out into the next without hopping into the car is perhaps also among the reasons this is a place you must visit.
VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Brazed lamb shanks
WHERE 5, Korae Street, Nicosia
CONTACT: 22-433722 for reservations, which are recommended especially on Fridays and Saturdays. During the winter, Domus is closed on Sundays.
PRICE: For two including wine and dessert €100
